Latest news with #Abraham
Time of India
8 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
The Significance of Hajj
Maulana Wahiduddin Khan The foundation of Hajj was laid by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Prophet Ismail (Ishmael). As part of this divine mission, they constructed the Kaaba. Referring to this, the Quran states: 'The first House to be built for mankind was the one at Makkah. It is a blessed place; a source of guidance for the whole world.' (3:96) Here, the term "source of guidance" signifies a source of divine enlightenment. According to a saying of the Prophet of Islam, when a believer returns home after performing Hajj, he is like he was on the day his mother gave birth to him (Sahih al-Bukhari). In other words, the person returns from Hajj as a newborn—pure and free from all sins. This reference to a newborn symbolizes the natural state of purity: free from hatred, malice, and resentment, marked by a calm and smiling face. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo This saying can be better understood in the light of another teaching of the Prophet, according to which every person is born upon nature, but then becomes conditioned by the environment in which they live (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 1385). Reflecting on these words of the Prophet, it becomes clear that if one performs Hajj in its true spirit, one returns to one's original pure nature. This return to purity is not a miraculous occurrence; it is an intellectual process that requires conscious effort and personal engagement. It is known as de-conditioning. Through Hajj, a worshipper becomes aware of how everyone, without exception, is shaped by their environment. Therefore, there is a need to consciously remove this conditioning and return to the natural, God-given state. Hajj facilitates this process—it serves as a transformative course that helps undo the environmental conditioning and restores one's original nature. However, only those who perform Hajj with sincerity and understanding of its spirit can truly benefit from it. For someone who performs only the rituals of Hajj without internal awareness, the pilgrimage becomes little more than a kind of outing. The Prophet explained to his Companions that the various rites of Hajj symbolically represent the different phases of the life of Prophet Abraham. His entire life was devoted to a divine mission, and every believer is expected to adopt this pattern in their personal life. For instance, ihram—the simple attire of two unstitched pieces of cloth—symbolizes humility and simplicity. The ritual of tawaf, in which pilgrims circle the Kaaba seven times, signifies dedicating oneself to a purposeful life. Tawaf is followed by saee, which involves brisk walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah near the Kaaba. This act encourages one to direct personal effort and struggle toward attaining nearness to God. The sacrifice of an animal during the pilgrimage represents a pledge to live a life of sacrifice. The stoning of the devil (ramy al-jamarat) symbolizes the rejection of satanic influences. Finally, pilgrims enter the plains of Arafat chanting 'Labbayk! Labbayk!' ('O God, here I come!'). This chant is meant to remind the individual of the Day of Resurrection when all human beings will stand before God for accountability. The Prophet of Islam performed Hajj towards the end of his life. On this occasion, all of his Companions gathered in the plain of Arafat, about 20 kilometers east of Makkah. There, while mounted on his camel, the Prophet delivered a sermon famously known as the Khutbah Hajjatul Wida—The Sermon of the Farewell Pilgrimage. On this historic moment, the Prophet addressed not only his contemporaries but future generations of Muslims. The essence of this sermon is captured in the repeated words: 'Beware! do not commit oppression. Beware! do not commit oppression.' The purpose of this message was to close every door that leads to oppression—whether caused by pride, rebellion, or any other factor. This same principle is echoed in the Quran in relation to Hajj, as seen in the following verse: 'The pilgrimage is in the appointed months. Whoever intends to perform it during them must abstain from indecent speech (rafath), from all wicked conduct (fisq), and from quarrelling (jidal) while on the pilgrimage. Whatever good you may do, God is aware of it. Make provision for yourselves—but surely, the best of all provision is God-consciousness. Always be mindful of Me, you that are endowed with understanding.' (Quran 2:197) Hajj is the greater pilgrimage, while Umrah is the lesser one. Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, unlike Hajj which takes place only once annually. Islam does not require Muslims to repeatedly perform Hajj or Umrah. Instead, believers are commanded to perform Hajj or Umrah once in their lifetime, and thereafter to live in accordance with the profound lessons gained during the pilgrimage. They are also urged to commit themselves to sharing these insights with the rest of humanity. Authored by: Maulana Wahiduddin Khan Why Arjun Was Chosen: The Untold Secret of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 3
Fox News
2 days ago
- General
- Fox News
Biblical formula for choosing spouse offers lessons that modern dating overlooks
Maybe this is the most important question we will receive from our children and grandchildren: "How do I know that he (or she) is the one?" The Bible – our great guidebook – has the answer. In Genesis 24, Abraham sends his servant Eliezer to find a wife for his son Isaac. His only instruction? Go to Haran, the place where Abraham once "made souls." (See the video at the top of this article.) It was a culture open to God. That's trait No. 1. Look for a spouse in a good place. Eliezer arrives and sees Rebecca. She's "very fair to look upon" — that's trait No. 2. Then he watches her draw water not just for him, but for all his camels — an exhausting and generous act. That's trait No. 3: generosity. On the basis of these three — and only three — characteristics, Eliezer decides: She's the one. Rebecca, in turn, is told only two things about Isaac. "The Torah gives us an instructive sequence: 'Isaac married her. She became his wife. And he loved her.'" He's wealthy, which means he can provide. And he loves God, which means he has a strong set of values. She agrees to marry him. Then the Torah gives us an instructive sequence: "Isaac married her. She became his wife. And he loved her." As Isaac and Rebecca had the best marriage in the Bible, their formula for marital happiness is worthy of our reflection. Identify a few essential traits. Get married. Become a spouse through continual acts of giving. Then love will follow and continually grow. "We don't give to those we love; we love those to whom we give." The Hebrew language supports this. The root of ahava — love — is hav, meaning "to give." Those of us who have enjoyed or even just observed long, happy and loving relationships know why: We don't give to those we love; we love those to whom we give. We don't "fall in love." We cultivate it. Modern culture says the opposite. Waiting until age 30 to marry and have children, for example, increases infertility risks, both for women and men, to varying extents. Casual dating often leads to casual sex, which is so unsatisfying that we are now in what sociologists call a "sexual recession," in which young men prefer video games (particularly new releases) to sex. Repeated rejection causes long-term emotional wear that the body recognizes as physical pain. In the model cited earlier, people "test" compatibility for years. A 2016 Barna study found that 84% of couples who live together before marriage do so to check for compatibility. And yet, according to the Institute for Family Studies, the No. 1 reason for divorce? "Basic incompatibility." When it comes to advising our children and grandchildren about a happy marriage, the Bible offers the now-proven formula. Throw out the 100-item checklists. For more Lifestyle articles, visit It doesn't matter if the young woman prefers warm-weather vacations over cold-weather vacations. It doesn't matter if the young man's friends are funny. If the couple has a foundation for love, which can be found in two or three core characteristics, they might think about getting those church bells ready to ring — as they are set for a wonderful marriage. Mark Gerson's new book is "God Was Right: How Modern Social Science Proves the Torah Is True," published by BenBella Books and distributed by Simon & Schuster (June 2025). This article is part of a series featured exclusively by Fox News Digital.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Saudi Arabia confirms Hajj 2025. When does it start? More on spiritual journey for Muslims
The final month of the Islamic calendar, Dhul Hijjah, has begun. Some Muslims will prepare to make their way to Saudi Arabia to perform an obligatory spiritual journey called Hajj, or pilgrimage. The month of Dhul Hijjah began the night of May 28 with the sighting of the waxing crescent moon. So, what is Hajj? When does it start? When is Eid al-Adha? Here is what to know. The period of Hajj is to begin on the eighth day of Dhul Hijjah and end on the thirteenth day, lasting five to six days. According to Al-Jazeera, observatories from Saudi Arabia have determined Hajj will start on June 4. Hajj, or pilgrimage, is one of the basic foundations of Muslim beliefs and is one of the five pillars of Islam, according to Islamic Relief. It takes place at holy sites in and around Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The five pillars of Islam include: Profession of faith (Shahadah) Prayer (Salah) Charity (Zakat) Fasting (Sawm) Pilgrimage (Hajj) The history of Hajj dates back thousands of years to the Prophet Abraham, who built the Kaa'ba. Later, Prophet Muhammad began the pilgrimage in 628 CE during the month of Dhul Hijjah. The Kaa'ba, known as the 'Baitullah' or the House of God, is ultimately a mosque — Muslims do not worship it. It was built by Prophet Abraham and his son Prophet Ishmael. It was later used by polytheistic Pagan Arabs until the founding of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad made it a holy site, initiating the Islamic duty of pilgrimage. Now, as Muslims observe their five daily obligatory prayers, they specifically pray in the direction of the Kaa'ba in any part of the world. Hajj is obligatory and is required to be done once in a lifetime, but only for adult Muslims with the financial capacity to travel and who are healthy enough to perform it, both physically and emotionally. Muslims also have the option to go more than once if they have the means. Approximately 2–3 million Muslims participate in Hajj every year. Anyone performing Hajj is called a pilgrim. Hajj takes place at holy sites in and around Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Hajj is a special, spiritual time for pilgrims; many have spent their lives waiting for this time to come. Some may have spent years saving money to finally attend Hajj, or are waiting for a permit from Saudi authorities. To perform Hajj correctly, pilgrims must follow step-by-step rules to fulfill this journey, according to Islamic Relief. This includes maintaining a state of intention — to please God and fulfill the religious duty — and entering a state of Ihram, or spiritual state, to perform Hajj. To maintain a state of Ihram, pilgrims must refrain from wrongdoings and be mindful of their words and actions. Pilgrims must refrain from smoking, engaging in sexual relations, swearing, shaving hair, and cutting nails. Ihram includes wearing the proper clothing for Hajj. Men wear a two-piece white cloth wrapped around the waist and over the shoulder, and women observe the rules of hijab, which require a head covering (hijab) and loose clothing that covers the body from head to toe. Footwear must be in the form of sandals. Because Hajj brings unity to the Muslim community, rich and poor, all pilgrims must dress simply without any stitching on the garments. Though Ihram is simple, it must be followed and adhered to. So, what happens when pilgrims enter Mecca to begin their pilgrimage? It begins with Tawaf, which is walking around the Kaa'ba counterclockwise seven times. Then, pilgrims will perform S'ai, which is walking or running between the hills of Safa and Marwah, which reenacts the struggle of Prophet Abraham's wife, Hagar, searching for water for her son, Ishmael. Both of these actions take place in Mecca's Grand Mosque, known as Masjid al-Haram. Hajj is a long journey comprising 17 steps. A more detailed description of these steps can be found on Islamic Relief's website, which is verified by Islamic scholars. Eid al-Adha, the second major holiday for Muslims, translates to "Festival of Sacrifice." The day commemorates the Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, for God. But God stopped him and sent him a ram to sacrifice instead. Eid al-Adha will take place during Hajj. It is expected to begin on the night of June 5 and will be celebrated worldwide on June 6. On this day, Muslims will attend a community prayer in the morning, often in a mosque or Islamic center, donate to those in need, and celebrate with friends and family, eating and enjoying each other's company. Pilgrims attending Hajj will offer Qurbani, which is the sacrifice of a permitted animal, to reflect Prophet Abraham sacrificing a ram sent to him by God after his willingness to sacrifice his son. Goats, cows, lambs and camels are some of the animals permitted to be sacrificed. It is mandatory for a portion of the meat to be donated to the needy. Not only does performing Hajj fulfill one of five religious duties, but it also demonstrates the struggles Prophet Abraham and his family went through in Mecca and serves as a reminder to Muslims of Prophet Abraham's devotion to God. The completion of Hajj wipes away a Muslim's sins, builds spirituality, demonstrates submission to God and brings unity to those in attendance. Hajj, the major pilgrimage, can only be done between the eighth and 13th days of Dhul Hijjah and is to be completed in five to six days. However, there is a minor pilgrimage called Umrah, which can usually be completed in a day. Umrah is not obligatory but is highly encouraged for those who have the financial capacity and are in good health. It has fewer steps than Hajj and can be done at any time of the year. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Has Saudi Arabia confirmed Hajj 2025? More on holy Islamic pilgrimage
Middle East Eye
3 days ago
- Middle East Eye
How do Muslims perform Hajj?
Hajj is an annual Muslim pilgrimage that takes place in Saudi Arabia. It is a religious obligation on all Muslims who are healthy, financially able, of sound mind and of age to perform this pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. It is one of the largest gatherings of humans in the world with more than two million people expected to take part this year from around 188 countries. Hajj season for 2025 will likely fall between 4 and 9 June. The pilgrimage rituals take place over a period of several days and culminates in Eid al-Adha, a day of celebration enjoyed by Muslims around the globe whether or not they took part in the Hajj itself. Eid al-Adha falls on Sunday 11 August in 2019. One of the philosophies of the Hajj is that of spirituality and unity. All Muslims perform the same rites and are encouraged to share in a spirit of equality. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters All pilgrims are to remain in a state of purity and simplicity during the Hajj as much as possible. This includes wearing simple clothes, which for men includes two pieces of white unsewn cloth. Women are not restricted to a specific colour but are also encouraged to wear non-elaborate clothing. Mina Having arrived in Mecca, on day one pilgrims leave the city and head to an area called Mina where they spend the day in prayer. Here over 100,000 tents have been set up as temporary shelter and accommodation for the pilgrims in what looks like a huge tent city. An aerial view of some of the pilgrim tents in Mina (AFP) Arafat On the Day of Arafat, pilgrims spend the entire day on, or near, a hill known as Mount Arafat - the Mount of Mercy. This is considered to be a great day of forgiveness and the day is spent repenting for past sins. Muslims believe that if you spend this day in a state of true repentance, all past sins will be forgiven. Muslims around the world who cannot physically take part in the Hajj also spend this day engaged in prayer, fasting and supplication. Pilgrims converge on the Mount of Arafat (AFP) Muzdalifa Pilgrims spend a night in an area called Muzdalifa, which is part way between Arafat and Mina. Pilgrims spend their time here in prayer and also gather pebbles to be used in a ritual the next day called the Jamarat. Pilgrims in Muzdalifa gather small pebbles to be used in a ritual the following day (AFP) Jamarat The Jamarat is a ritual and symbolic stoning of the devil. Three pillars - small, medium and large - are stoned by pilgrims with the pebbles they collected on their route from Muzdalifa the night before. The story associated with the stoning of the devil relates to the devil's attempt to dissuade Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) from obeying Allah's commands. Jamarat is the ritual and symbolic stoning of the devil in which pilgrims throw pebbles at three walls (AFP) In past years, so many people gathered to take part in this ritual that people were crushed and trampled. That has led to the Saudi authorities attempting to modernise the walkways and access points to the area to make it safer for pilgrims. Pilgrims on their way to perform the Jamarat ritual (AFP) Eid Pilgrims return to Mina for the first day of Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of the Sacrifice. This is the second of the two annual Islamic holidays. Muslims throughout the world celebrate Eid on this day. In remembrance of the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to make any sacrifice commanded of him by God, Muslims on this day sacrifice an animal - usually a sheep - and distribute a portion of that meat to the poor. On this day pilgrims also cut their hair. While men may shave their heads or cut their hair short, women are only required to cut a lock of hair. Vendors sell balloons to children as Indonesian Muslims gather to take part in special Eid prayers (AFP/Sonny Tumelaka) Farewell tawaf Pilgrims return to Mecca for the final tawaf - circling of the Kaaba. The Kaaba is an ancient stone structure in Mecca towards which all Muslims around the world face to pray five times a day. Muslims believe that the Kaaba was the first place of worship built on Earth and that it was originally built by the Prophet Adam, the first man created by God. Pilgrims walk around, or circumambulate, it seven times in a counter-clockwise direction. The Kaaba is an ancient stone structure in Mecca which pilgrims circumambulate (AFP) Although not a part of the Hajj itself, many people round off the pilgrimage with a visit to Medina and the site of the grave of the Prophet Muhammad since, for most, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
What and when is Hajj? An illustrated guide, answers to 10 common questions
An estimated 1.8 million Muslims are preparing to embark on the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca which begins on June 4. The Hajj is the largest annual gathering of Muslims from all over the world and a once-in-a-lifetime journey for many. In this visual explainer, we cover 10 frequently asked questions about the Hajj, providing insights into its significance, rituals and preparations. The Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and it is the fifth and final pillar of Islam, along with declaration of faith (shahada), five daily prayers, obligatory charity (zakat), and fasting during the month of Ramadan. The word comes from the Arabic root 'h-j-j', which means 'intending a journey' or 'to set out for a definitive purpose'. It is obligatory once in a lifetime for all adult Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey. The Hajj is performed between the 8th and 12th (or 13th) of Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar. The timing falls roughly 70 days after the end of Ramadan, though this can vary slightly depending on the lunar cycle. In 2025, the Hajj will take place from June 4 to June 9, but many start arriving in the days and weeks ahead to prepare for the journey. Because the Islamic calendar follows a lunar cycle, with months lasting 29 or 30 days, the Hajj shifts 10 to 12 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. Notably, this year marks the last time for the next 16 years that the Hajj will fall during Mecca's peak summer heat. Muslims believe that the Hajj is a direct commandment from Allah (God), as outlined in the Muslim holy book, the Quran. It was affirmed during Prophet Muhammad's 'farewell pilgrimage' in 632 AD, in the 10th year of the Islamic calendar. Islamic tradition holds that the Kaaba, a stone structure draped in black silk at the centre of Mecca's Grand Mosque where many Hajj rituals take place, was built by Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) and his son Ishmael (Ismaeel) under God's command. This marks the origins of the Hajj, which was instituted as a divine ritual for the first time. The journey is a spiritual one, and it is considered to allow Muslims to seek forgiveness, purify their souls and demonstrate their submission to God. The word Hajj is mentioned 12 times across the Quran, including one chapter named after it. Hajj also serves as a reminder of the Day of Judgement, and by performing it, Muslims follow the example of Prophet Abraham and his family, whose actions are commemorated during the pilgrimage rituals. Ultimately, it is a way to fulfil a key religious obligation and strengthen one's faith. The Hajj lasts five to six days, depending on how it is performed. It begins on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, a day known as Tarwiyah, when many pilgrims travel to Mina, a desert valley located about 8 kilometres (5 miles) from Mecca, where they spend the night in preparation for the next day's rituals. It ends with Tashreeq days, where pilgrims return to Mina for the symbolic stoning of the Devil at a site called Jamarat, after which they perform final rituals to symbolise the end of the Hajj. Some may leave on the 12th if they complete their rites early, while others stay until the 13th. While the Hajj is a compulsory pilgrimage for all able-bodied Muslims once in their life, Umrah is a recommended smaller and simpler pilgrimage that Muslims can perform any time throughout the year. The graphic below shows some of the key differences between the Hajj and Umrah: Muslims perform many rites and rituals during the days of the Hajj, which can be explained in the following steps. Ihram – Entering the state of Ihram is both a physical and spiritual condition, involving the niyah or intention to perform the Hajj, wearing specific garments (two unstitched clothes for men and modest attire for women), and adhering to prescribed conduct. This ritual must occur before entering Mecca, either in the pilgrim's home country or at one of the designated locations on Mecca's outskirts. Arrival Tawaf – After entering Mecca in Ihram, many pilgrims perform an initial Tawaf by circling the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. This symbolises unity in the worship of the One God. Pilgrims can then perform the sa'i, a ritual of walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, located within the Masjid al-Haram. Mina – Pilgrims proceed to Mina, located about 8km (5 miles) east of the Kaaba, where they will spend the night in prayer and reflection. Mina is famously known as the 'city of tents' due to the vast expanse of white tents to house the millions of pilgrims. Day of Arafah – On the second day of the Hajj, pilgrims arrive early at the plains of Arafah, about 15km (9 miles) from Mina. They spend the afternoon in wuquf (standing) from midday to sunset, praying and repenting. Arafah is the most important ritual of Hajj. Muslims worldwide are encouraged to fast on this day. Muzdalifah – After sunset, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah, some 9km (5.5 miles) away, where they pray Maghrib and Isha prayers before collecting pebbles for the next day's ritual. There they spend the night under the open sky. On this day, Muslims from around the world celebrate the first day of Eid al-Adha, or the celebration of the sacrifice. Rami al-Jamarah al-Kubra (stoning the largest pillar) – Pilgrims return to Mina where they throw seven pebbles at the largest of three stone pillars. This ritual represents the stoning of the devil which symbolises rejection of Satan's temptations. Qurbani (animal sacrifice) – Pilgrims, or agents on their behalf, offer an animal sacrifice in remembrance of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Halq or Taqsir (shaving or trimming hair) – Men shave or trim their heads and women cut a small portion of hair. This symbolises spiritual renewal. Tawaf al-Ifadah (main Tawaf) – Pilgrims return to Mecca to perform Tawaf followed by Sa'i. Mina – Pilgrims return to Mina and perform Rami (stoning) of all three stone pillars each day. Mina – Pilgrims who remain for an extra day repeat the stoning ritual at all three pillars. Farewell Tawaf Before leaving Mecca, pilgrims perform a final Tawaf around the Kaaba, known as the Tawaf al-Wada or a 'farewell tawaf,' signifying a spiritual farewell to the holy sanctuary. There are three types of Hajj to facilitate the pilgrimage for Muslims from different locations and abilities: Hajj al-Tamattu (the 'eased' Hajj) – Hajj al-Tamattu is the most common type of Hajj, particularly for international pilgrims or those living outside Mecca. In this form of Hajj, pilgrims first perform Umrah, exit the state of Ihram, and then re-enter Ihram to perform Hajj. For those performing Hajj al-Tamattu, sacrificing an animal is obligatory, unless one is unable to afford it, in which case fasting is required instead. Hajj al-Qiran (The 'combined' Hajj) – In Hajj al-Qiran, pilgrims combine Umrah and Hajj, similar to Tamattu, but without exiting the state of Ihram. Pilgrims remain in Ihram throughout both rites. Sacrificing an animal is also required for those who can afford it. Hajj al-Ifrad (Hajj alone) – Hajj al-Ifrad is intended for pilgrims who perform Hajj alone, without combining it with Umrah. This form is usually performed by residents of Mecca. This form of Hajj does not require the sacrifice of an animal, though it can be performed voluntarily. The etiquette of the Hajj bans several actions that are otherwise permitted in Islam, including sexual relations (and anything leading to it, like embracing or kissing), cursing, arguing, hunting, shaving or cutting hair and nails, using perfume, arranging or conducting a marriage, wearing stitched clothes (for men), covering the head (for men), and covering the face (for women). If a pilgrim unintentionally or unknowingly does something prohibited during the Hajj, there are usually specific actions and steps to rectify their situation. This often involves repentance, as well as making up for the mistake by offering charity or an animal sacrifice. Packing for the Hajj requires careful planning to ensure you have everything you need without overloading. The graphic below provides a practical checklist of things one should pack before embarking on the journey. Muslims mark the end of the Hajj with Eid al-Adha, celebrated on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah and lasting up to three days in many countries. The day begins with a special prayer shortly after sunrise, as Muslims gather in mosques or open areas wearing their finest clothes. The rest of the day is spent sharing meals, exchanging gifts, and visiting family and friends. The greeting 'Eid Mubarak', meaning 'Blessed Eid,' is commonly exchanged. Eid al-Adha also involves the ritual of animal sacrifice, known as Qurbani. Muslims who are able to do so sacrifice a sheep, goat, cow or camel, and the meat is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for those in need.
