I can ensure you that Islam is beautiful way of life which us humans make bad. But there is always room for improvement. You will see what i mean ;)
You might need to click WHERE IT SAYS NOTES underneath the pictures to read what it's about. and not forgetting, you can pop in a question anytime my lovelies :)
much love-xx
![Each year in the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims around the world begin observing activities associated with the annual Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca. Hajj is one of the “five pillars” of the Islamic faith. Hajj activities take place during six days (8th-13th) of the Islamic lunar month of Dhul-Hijjah. Pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those Muslims who have the physical and financial ability to undertake the journey. It is also a form of worship that involves the entire being: body, mind and soul.
What does the Qur’an say about Hajj?
In the Qur’an, God says: “Thus We settled Abraham at the site of the House (the Ka’aba) [saying]: ‘Do not associate anything with Me, and purify My house for those who walk around it, and those who stand there (praying), and those who bow down on their knees in worship. Proclaim the pilgrimage among mankind: they will come to you on foot and on every lean (beast of burden); Let them come from every deep ravine, to bear witness to the advantages they have, and to mention God’s name on appointed days…” Chapter 22, verses 26-28
What do Muslims believe they gain from Hajj?
The main benefit of Hajj for many people is the sense of purification, repentance and spiritual renewal it instills. The rituals of the Hajj entail great wisdom and excellent lessons, the most important of which is a manifestation of humility to God The Almighty. This is because the pilgrim leaves a life of luxury and adornment to wear the clothes of Ihraam (two pieces of unsewn white cloth), declaring his dire need for his Lord. In this journey, he frees himself from the worldly life and its occupations that divert him from God The Almighty to win by this the forgiveness and mercy of God The Almighty.
In Hajj, all differences and distinctions vanish i.e. the differences of wealth and poverty, race and color, and the differences of tongues and languages. The gathering unifies all humans, making it full of goodness, blessings, mutual consultation, advice and cooperation in righteousness and support. During the Hajj, people cooperate in righteousness and piety, advise each other to adhere to the truth and patience and take care of the interests of the Ummah. The sublime aim behind such a great conference and gathering is to link worldly goals to heavenly ones. Hajj leads to precious memories which instill in souls the spirit of endless and complete servitude and submission to the commands of God The Almighty.
Why does Hajj begin on a different day each year?
Because Dhul-Hijjah is a lunar month, it begins about eleven days earlier each year.
Why do Muslims sacrifice a lamb or other animal during the festival of Eid ul-Adha?
The sacrifice commemorates the Prophet Abraham’s readiness to sacrifice his son, identified in Islam as Ishmael, at God’s request. This is not a blood offering. In the Quran God states: “Neither their meat nor their blood ever reaches God, but heedfulness on your part does reach Him.” (Chapter 22, verse 37) The meat is distributed to relatives and to the needy.
Is Hajj an obligation on all Muslims?
Yes, but only for those who are physically and financially able to make the trip.
What are the most visually striking aspects of Hajj?
All pilgrims must do tawaf, or circling the Ka’aba. This obligation creates a stunning scene as thousands of people circle the building at all times of the day and night. Also, the standing at Arafah on the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah presents a scene in which several million people all dressed alike and with the same intention to worship God, gather on a barren plain.](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ltyaegofzO1qcqog6o1_r2_500.png)
”Whoever treads on a path in search of Islamic knowledge, Allah will ease the way to Paradise for him. The Angels will lower their wings, pleased with this seeker of knowledge, and everyone in the heavens and on earth will ask forgiveness for the knowledgeable person, even the fish in the deepest of waters will ask for his forgiveness.” [Sahih Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah and at-Tirmidhi (2835)]
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Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessing of Allâh be upon him) asked: “Do you know who is bankrupt.”
They replied: “The bankrupt person is one who has no silver coin and no provision.”
He (peace and blessing of Allâh be upon him) said: “In fact, the bankrupt person from among my people is the one who comes to the Day of Resurrection with prayers, fasts, and charity to his credit, but he had…
• spoken ill of someone,
• slandered someone else,
• misappropriated someone’s money,
• shed someone’s blood, and
• assaulted someone else.
Thereupon his good deeds will be given over to this one and to that one. If his good deeds run out before his account is complete, then some of their evil deeds will be taken and cast upon him. Then he will be cast into the Fire.”
[Sahîh Muslim (2581)]
Once a Jew said to me, “O the chief of believers! There is a verse in your Holy Book Which is read by all of you (Muslims), and had it been revealed to us, we would have taken that day (on which it was revealed as a day of celebration.”
`Umar bin Al-Khattab asked, “Which is that verse?” The Jew
replied, “This day I have perfected your religion For you, completed My favor upon you, And have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” (5:3)
`Umar replied, “No doubt, we know when and where this
verse was revealed to the Prophet. It was Friday and the Prophet was standing at `Arafat (i.e. the Day of Hajj)”
