The Obligation of Hajj (Pilgrimage) and its Excellence
Allah, the Exalted, says:“And Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka’bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e., denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allah], then Allah stands not in need of any of the Alamin (mankind, jiin and all that exists).” (
Surat al-Imran, 3:97) Ibn ‘Umar (R.A.) reported: The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said, “(The superstructure of) Islam is based on Five (pillars), [1] testifying the fact that La ilaha illalah wa anna Muhammad-ar-Rasuk-ullah [there is no true God except Allah, and Muhammad (S.A.W.) is the Messenger of Allah], [2] establishing As-Salat (the prayers), [3] paying Zakat (poor due), [4] the pilgrimage to the House (of Allah (Kabah)], and [5] the Saum (fasting) during the month of Ramadan.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
The Five Significant Qualities of Faith in Islam
‘Abd Allah Ibn ‘Umar (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:
“The Iman (Faith) of any ‘Abd (person) will not be complete until he acquires five qualities:
1 – Trust in Allah
2 – Entrustment to Allah
3 – Submission to Allah’s orders
4 – Acceptance of Allah’s decrees
5 – Perseverance in face of Allah’s trial.
Moreover, whoever loves for the sake of Allah, hates for the sake of Allah, gives for the sake of Allah and withholds for the sake of Allah, that person’s faith is complete.”
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- Sermon No. 6 courtesy of “Sermons of the Prophet Muhammad [SAW]” by Abu Nasr Muhammad ibn Wad’an Published by: Goodword Books Pvt. Ltd. (www.goodwordbooks.com)
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Living the Single Life
LONG before I read this article, I realized that patience is indeed a great virtue and that is the reason why I’ve been happy and none too concerned with my life as well as appreciate it as it is, alhamdullilah. The article below is a great reminder for all of us who are trying to rush life. Allah ALWAYS has something in store for everyone, you just have to be patient and willing to accept his beautiful surprises 
This is one of the best articles I have ever read and I hope it brings you some solace and reminder.
By Fatima Asmal
(www.sisters-magazine.com)
During my first trip to Makkah, as a 24-year-old, I met an inspirational mother of one, who eleven years after giving birth to her first child, desperately wanted another baby.
Three years after going through a divorce, I too, was desperate – to get married again.
When I told this sister about the feelings of disillusionment and loneliness I was experiencing, she told me how she was addressing her need during her time in this blessed city, and advised me to do the same. She told me that in every step she took during her pilgrimage, she would fervently make du’aa to Allah, asking Him to Bless her with another child. She said she did this during tawaaf, between Safaa and Marwa, everywhere she went, she reminded herself to make this du’aa, and she suggested that I implore Allah in a similar manner.
I left the sister’s hotel room, with a spring in my step, on a similar mission.
