While on our Journey to Hajj – we dont only leave our children behind but we also leave behind aunty Goodness, Thandi and aunty Precious. Did you know that Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa salaam used to help out with household chores? This is a unique opportunity for all males to assist their wives, mothers, sisters and daughters when on Hajj! Make intention for reviving a Sunnah – rewards multiplied by 50 000 in Madina and 100 000 in Makkah! Here’s how males can help: – Make your bed daily (dont wait for cleaners)– Rinse out your mug after having tea in your room– Take empty water bottles to the masjid and fill zamzam water– Offer to buy basic grocery necessities (it wont harm to offer to take females shopping)– Keep your hotel room neat (socks in laundry bag, kurta to be hung up in the cupboard, wet towels should be hung up etc)Most importantly..If you opt to do washing in your room, wash your own clothes. Spread the Goodness with these Precious reminders! Discussion on @journeytohajj Instagram
The 1:99 Rule
For every 1 bag of luggage you take – you need to pack 99 bags of sabr. When your wife is running lateFa Sabrun Jameel When your husband forgot to buy that 1 item you asked him forFa Sabrun Jameel When your travel agent slips up with your special requestFa Sabrun Jameel When the hotel you stayed at isn’t what you expected it to beFa Sabrun Jameel When the 5 minutes procedure at the airport to have your passport stamped takes 3 hoursFa Sabrun Jameel Patience is having something to do in the mean time Occupy yourself with zikr, Quraan tilawah (on your phone also), listen to a lecture on Hajj (from your phone – take earphones with you) Things wont go according to YOUR plan but will go according to Allahs Master Plan Discussion on @journeytohajj Instagram
Nafl Salaahs
VERY BENEFICIAL NAFL SALAATS: 1) Tahiyyatul Wudhu;• After Wudhu.• 2 Rakaats.Benefit: Entitled to enter Jannat. 2) Tahiyyatul Masjid;• Upon entering Masjid & before sitting down.• 2 Rakaats.Benefit: To honour ALLAH Ta’ala. 3) Ishraaq;• Performed 15 minutes after sunrise.• 2 or 4 Rakaats.Benefit: Thawaab of one Hajj & Umrah. 4) Salaatul Chaasht;• Some part of day (± 10:00am) has passed until Zawaal.• 2; 4; 6; 8; 10 or 12 Rakaats.Benefit: Counted among the devotees. 5) Awwabeen Salaat;• After Maghrib Salaat.• Minimum 6 and Maximum 20 Rakaats.Benefit: Sins forgiven even as much as the foam on the ocean. 6) Salaatul Taubah;• When the need arises.• 2 Rakaats.Benefit: If certainly truthful and sincere ALLAH Ta’ala forgives. 7) Salaatul Istikhaarah;•may be read at any permissable time• 2 Rakaats.Benefit: asking for the best decision from ALLAH Salaatul Hajaat;• In time of need.• 2 Rakaats.Benefit: When one is in need or in difficulty. 9) Saffar Salaat;• Performed at home before setting out on a journey.• 2 Rakaats.Benefit: A person has not left anything better at home then these 2 Rakaats. 10) Salaatul Tasbeeh; • Any permitted time.• 4 Rakaats.Benefit: A precious gift and valuable present and ALLAH Ta’ala forgives all minor, major, intentional, unintentional and hidden sins. 11) Tahajjud Salaat;• After Esha, latter part of night.• Minimum of 2 Rakaats and Maximum of 12 Rakaats.Benefit: Glorify ALLAH Ta’ala. Discussion on @journeytohajj Instagram
Traveling between Makka & Aziziya
The best easiest & cheapest way to travel between Makkah & Azizia is as follows: Take a taxi from.the main road to Makkah, ask the taxi to take you to the Tauhid nafaq or the zam zam nafaq, this will bring you straight to the tunnells under the haram.The Tauhid nafaq will bring you to a tunnel under the haram, come up the escalator and ypu will comeout on the marble area just in front of the Dar Al Tauhid hotel, (STORAGE LOCKER 5 ON THE HARAM MARBLE)The same would apply to the zam zam nafaq but would bring you out on front of the clock tower (STORAGE LOCKER 1 ON THE HARAM MARBLE)To return to azizia, go back down the escalators in front of Dar al Tauhid or the Zam Zam towers and the taxis will be lined up there, tell the taxi you would like to go to Azizia Shimalia, (maybe use nooris supermarket/ zain as a landmark)N.B DURING SALAH TIMES THESE ROADS MAYBE CLOSED AND YOU WILL HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE TUNNELS TO OPEN AGAIN IF YOU TAKE A TAXI FROM ANYWHERE ELSE IT WILL COST MORE AND TAKE EVEN LONGER TIME WISE , THE NAFAQS IS A DIRECT ROAD BETWEEN AZIZIA AND MAKKAH Use only taxis (usually white car with اجره wriiten on the door), do not use private unbranded taxis or Uber as they not allowed past one of the tunnels, and you will have to work quite a distance to get to the Haram Discussion on @journeytohajj Instagram
Advice for Arafaat
What is Arafah like ? As you await the dawn of the Day of Arafah, you won’t be able to sleep. You are too excited and nervous. As the sun’s rays start to light the sky you somehow sense that the whole universe, seen and unseen, is united in glorifying the oneness of God. Then you are off to Arafah with prayers on your lips. On arriving at Arafah you will be pleasantly surprised at the trees at the plains on Arafah. Have your prepared list of dua’s ready. It is bittersweet sitting on Arafah and calling out the names of loved one in duaa. We had everyone write down what they wanted us to ask for in a journal,which we only opened on Arafah. Have your Quran with you and a programme of ibadah for the day. You will have only time on your hands on Arafah. Rest in the morning but use the full day of Arafah for worship—not just the time after Asr (late afternoon prayer). We have all seen photos of Arafah where hujaaj stand on top of Jabal Rahmah, the mountain of mercy, the place where Almighty forgave Nabi Adam AS and Houwwa AS, the place where Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam gave his farewell speech. We all assume this is where we will stand on the day of Arafah. Not all of us are that fortunate. My beloved hujaaj many of us stand at Wuquf on the plains of Arafah, not on Jabal Rahmah. If you desire to be on Jabal Rahmah you will have to walk on your own to the mountain area which is about 45minutes of walking from your camp area. You will be walking on your own as your hajj operator cannot accompany every hujaaj that day to the mountain nor can they assist you in climbing it, it would be impossible for them given the masses. Only attempt this if you are fit, healthy and strong on the day. For those able to take on the walk it is worth every step of the struggle to get there. Your tent on Arafah has a carpet, shade and some water coolers. Please remember me and my family at this time when your hands are outstretched begging the Almighty’s forgiveness, at that moment I beg you to ask for ours too. When you will prostrate in sujood, it will feel as if you are prostrating at the foot of the Arsh of Allah. SubhanAllah. For many the face of hajj is standing on the hilltop of Arafah, for me the face of hajj also became my elderly hajj mother sitting in her wheelchair dependant on someone else to take her to the bathroom, to change the direction of her wheelchair so she could pray, to bring her water or just ask if she needed anything. To me the face of hajj was when we stood on Arafah and that cool breeze started blowing as if blowing our sins away. To me the face of Arafah was us hujaaj sitting / standing on Arafat, exhausted at 9pm, waiting for our busses, but such contentment in our hearts. Hajj has many faces my dear Guests of Allah. As hujaaj we arrive on Arafah in our clean ihram with tarnished hearts, but when we leave Arafah, we leave dirty, dishevelled, exhausted yet with a clean heart, scented with the purity of Allah’s forgiveness. Your heart will be pure, content and beating only for Allah! Posted as received Discussion on @journeytohajj Instagram
Order Food
Madinah: Spicii Food Madinah +966580395128 Moulana Mohammed Patel Madinah +27827863170 Has a restuarant and delivers Omar’s foods Madinah +27580577604 Aliyah Madinah +966557028132 For food and laundry Pick up and drop off from hotel Excellent service Chicken and kebab recommended Al Madaf Movenpick Butter chicken recommended SA food in Madinah +966540286517 SR30 per portion Movenpick Coffee break Pizzas recommended Al baik restaurant Maryam Nakhooda in Madinah +966505312691 Some options include: Steaks chips, Roast chicken chips, sheek kabaab chips, Kari kichery with aloo fry, dhal rice with chicken or mutton, pastas, Butter chicken, Jill frezi chicken, curry with rice, Akny, biryani etc The olive and chilli Madinah (food made fresh so may take long – consider ordering in advance) Haram gate 25 Free delivery on orders over SR35 (gets busy hajj time may not do deliveries or take long) Pizza and toasted steak was recommended +966580395128 Matam Amal Takeaway Madinah +966549554786 Madinah A lady cooks fresh homemade meal such as daal gosht, biryani, korma, fish, mix sebzi, choley ka salen etc. It’s 15 sr per lunch box/person but good quantity. You can order a day before, whatever you desire for. You get hot food delivered at your hotel doorstep in Madina. Farzana 053 322 3104 Makkah: Salma Gangat Makkah +966569144080 Al tazaj in hyatt Towers also has a pizza and pasta place Makkah In Ibrahim al Khalil Street between the Millenium Hotel (old Hilton Hotel) there is a new building with restaurants with different Food types. On the side of the Millenium Hotel there are takeaway shops that are not too expensive. On the right side of Ibrahim al Khalil Street (going downhill) there is an Al Farooj franchise that sells chicken and beef burgers, chicken (similar to Al Baik), fish, shrimps, juices and fruit salad. Prices are reasonable. Last year I paid SR6 for a large beef burger with chips, cheese, egg and salads. There are also a few lanes and thoroughfares where there are Indian and Pakistani restaurants, where I have bought good, inexpensive food, boeber, A1-type braised sweet Vermicelli, samoosas and daltjies. Aziziah: Amigos pizza Aziziah – they deliver Turkish restaurant called Istanbul in Aziziah-the chicken skewers n rice is very tasty Redaan restaurant in Aziziah The meat is locally sourced and it is a very good place to eat**Compiled May 2019/Ramadaan 1440** The above people/restuarants on this list have been recommended by others who have completed Hajj/Umrah recently. I am not aware of the halal status as there has been some controversy regarding the slaughtering of the meat recently. It is best to find out for yourself or if you have any doubt then it is best to stay away. Allah knows best Faatima Nakhooda Vanker.
Tips for shortening Haidh/Menses
Please consult your dr/gynae first ✨Get Plenty of WaterDrinking a lot of water everyday will help shorten your period. Large amounts of water will also reduce bloating and cramps during menstruation. How much to drink daily can be a bit confusing. Here’s a little weight based formula to help you to figure out how much water you should be drinking daily. Take your current weight and divide by two.Take that number and drink that many ounces of water a day.So if you weigh 130 pounds you should drink 65 ounces of water a day. If you exercise for under an hour an extra glass or two of water should do the trick of replenishing fluids lost though sweating, but if you are exercising for over 60 minutes you will need more. ✨In addition to proper hydration, you should also avoid carbonated drinks and too much caffeine because they can increase cramps during menstruation. ✨Raspberry TeaSome women swear by a daily dose of dark raspberry tea as a delightful way to shorten their menstrual period, combat heavy menstrual bleeding, and relieve painful menstrual cramps. Red raspberry leaves are most often consumed in the form of a tea. This tea is an amazing uterine toner due to the presence of an alkaloid that allows the uterus to contract more powerfully and effectively during labor. Less contractions, less straining, and less effort from the muscles, so there’s less cramping. The alkaloids also aid in toning the uterus after birth as it returns back to its usual size. decreases profuse menstrual flow helps relieve cramping during menstrual cycles supports the adrenal glands during menopause Not only is this tea a good uterine tonic, it’s also high in zinc which is known for shortening labor, strengthening connective tissue, preventing nipple cracks, bonding, avoiding post partum depression and preventing inconsolable crying in babies. Red raspberry leaves also contain an easily assimilated form of calcium and magnesium which is necessary in controlling nerve response to pain. Some good sources of calcium include kale, collard greens, broccoli and Greek yogurt. ✨ChasteberryChasteberry, also known as Vitex agnus-castus or “the women’s herb,” is a native of the Mediterranean region. This fruit and seed are used as medicine, and it controls a woman’s levels of prolactin, one of the hormones that triggers menstruation. Since the time of Hippocrates, it has been used for many period and fertility-related issues including controlling, menstrual cycle irregularities, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and bleeding. Chasteberry can be found in tea form and should be taken 3 times a day for best results. Other herbs such as chasteberry, that affect your menstrual cycle are yarrow and ginger that can reduce the duration of your period to three days. ✨Indulge in Dark ChocolateIf you’re craving chocolate it’s OK — give in! Having a piece of dark chocolate (with 60% or higher cacao bean) every day during your period will help soothe cravings. Plus, dark chocolate has helpful antioxidants and is linked to boosting serotonin, which can help improve your mood. ExerciseWomen who are physically fit tend to experience shorter and lighter periods. Women who are quite sporty with less body fat may receive shorter periods. Overweight women may experience longer and heavier periods, because menstrual cycle length and the amount of liquid that comes out are partly determined by your weight.Women who are overweight and have a higher amount of fat in their body that can often cause more difficult and painful, longer and heavier periods. For this reason, it is important to perform a regular exercise routine, even during menstruation, as it will help increase blood circulation in the body to help reduce menstrual cramps and shorten your period. If anyone using Progesterone cream, continue using it on the “*OFF*” Days will not bring on a period.It only works if you on it for a good few months. @healthaholics_ Discussion on @journeytohajj Instagram
Hajj while pregnant
Submitted by @burqarae From the time the first hajj list was released.. I have had several calls and messages from ladies asking for advice.. word went around that I was heavily pregnant during hajj last year There were ladies who were so confused as to whether they should go ahead or postpone.. places needed to be booked and so perhaps they felt that I could give them their answer.. I am not in a position to tell anyone if they should or should not go.. as I am not a doctor & I feel that the first thing anyone needs to do is consult with their gynae. It was my 3rd child.. and I had no history of pre term labour.. or complications.. or pressure( this is dangerous if you are flying especially in the latter part of your pregnancy) My doctor believed that I was fit enough to embark on the journey and whilst I trusted his decision.. I also read istikhara. Each person is different.. each persons experience will be different. I heard of pregnant ladies fainting.. being hospitalized etc during hajj.. But at the same time even non pregnant ladies and even many men as well needed drips due to dehydration..Alhamdulillah I had the most beautiful journey. I think that your whole mindset plays a big part in this.. I was very determined to do it.. and accepted that yes it will be a challenge as I will be physically restricted to some degree. I also did not want to leave 3 kids behind the next year even though their grandparents would have lovingly seen to them alhamd. Last year there were just 4 other pregnant ladies with me.. who I knew off.. there could have been many more as the number of people who have contacted me this year was quite surprising. We see write ups on hajj and advices been given all over but last year when I was in this situation.. I could not find any that gave advices for those who are pregnant. If you have Already made the decision to go.. here are some of the questions I have been asked & some tips on what helped me through: rom the day I decided to go for Hajj.. knowing that I will be really far in my pregnancy.. I started to read the Dua for unseen help. This dua was read continuously throughout my journey till I returned home. This Dua and strong Yaqeen helped me in many situations along the way Lots of people said to me…how did you travel by plane so far In your pregnancy.. did the airlines allow you.. and so on.. I was 8 months during the 5 days and on return.. I heard of airlines stopping ladies on their local flights.. I was worried.. but i had a letter from my gynae & never needed it. Both going.. and returning.. in fact I felt that the airports officials.. air hostesses etc were all more curtious towards me. First to check in.. first on the bus.. even whilst I walked from our hotel to the Mina camp.. officials right through were so caring Alhamd.. Allah opens up doors for you. How did I manage with the heat. Honestly.. You are not the only one feeling hot.. everyone around you is feeling exactly like you. Temperatures were extreme but this is just part of the sacrifices during hajj and you will be rewarded for your patience. How did I manage with the toilets. This is the biggest worry for most.. Again.. hajj sacrifices.. yes toilets get filthy.. and so on. From my experience last year.. the low pan toilets were much cleaner than the high pan toilets. being so far in my pregnancy I could not use the low pan for obvious reasons. If you won’t be as far as I was then that’s a better option for you…but hey.. I managed. Carry all the stuff advised for you on the lists of things for the 5 days ( elastic or elasticated pants, door hook, rubber gloves) How did I make Tawaaf in the crowd.I did not make many tawaafs during my stay in Makkah. it was just Umrah.. 2 other days.. and then the 2 tawaafs during hajj. For Tawaafuz Ziyaarah, we took a wheelchair with us. I walked half and was pushed half. Tawaaful Widaa I was advised to use the electric cars on the top level- I was already almost 31weeks by then Walking Hajj: Although you will choose to take the bus to Arafat and Muzdalifah.. there is still alot of walking involved during the 5 days. i walked from our hotel in azizia to the camp.. then walks to the jamarat. TTW Special services hotel in azizia is the closest to the Mina camps than any other of the groups. I used a pregnancy belt to support my belly and back which helped me alot On my arrival in Makkah I bought a chair from Bin Dawood which also helped me to take breaks during the walk and to perform salaah in the camp. Sleeping situation : So I’m not sure how non special service mattresses were but in special service the thickness of the mattress was good and very comfortable. For Muzdalifah.. whilst others purchased the flat mats.. I went for something thicker as well. Also from Bin Dawood. Stay Hydrated throughout the journey: I use to mix rehydrate sachets with zam zam water .. the small bottles. This helped greatly Madina Rawdah Mubarak: PLEASE AVOID CROWDS. Stay away from the big groups. I was fortunate here in that a gaurd saw my pregnant stomach and took me into the wheelchair line. I did not have to wait.. she just made a space for me on the green carpet alhamdulillah. So rather show them that you are pregnant if it’s not noticeable as this will be safer for you and baby I think this covers every aspect but if there’s anything you need to know please msg @burqarae I hope this helps all
Niqab/Purdah while in Ihram
The blow are from muftionline.co.za – kindly consult your local aalim for further info [As received] Kindly note, that this is not my Fatwa, its just what i gathered through my research. Please note that this is according to the Hanafi Madhhab. I checked a few kitaabs namely: Fatawa Darul Uloom Zakariyya (Mufti Radha’ul Haq D.B) – mentions regarding the Sahabiyaat hanging their cloths over their faces from their heads so it doesnt touch all the time as mentioned in many ahaadeeth. This is what the sahaabiyaat used to do (in today’s times it would equal the cap parda). Nonetheless, some ahaadeeth mention that sometimes when many men were around they used to wear their pardas and as soon as they were gone, they used to remove. So Basically Mufti Sahib says, Try using the cap method, but if you cant then wearing parda is fine as long as its not for a full day (not 12 hours). And when you get to the camp you can remove. Dham will only come when worn for a full day. Ahsanul Fatawa (Mufti Rashid R.A of Pakistan) : very brief fatwa wherein he says, If worn for a full hour, then approx Fitrah amount of Sadaqah is necessary. Muftisaab also said, we have to look at situations, if there is fear of fitnah, its fine to wear and give some sadaqah later. Fatawa Mahmoodiyah (Mufti Mahmoodul Hasan Gangohi R.A): mentions not to wear the parda because of Ahaadeeth mentioning not to wear. Muftisaab mentions very sternly that like men go through difficulty wearing the 2 pieces of cloth, likewise for us to wear the cap method. And Muftisaab mentions that this difficulty is beloved to Allah. 💓 As can be seen, there’s different opinions, each is correct and according to the times of the Mufti. We should consult our Muftis that we follow and ask which is the best path to tread. Hajj is about a little difficulty, but its reward is equally great. And Allah knows best Discussion on @journeytohajj Instagram
Toothpaste while in Ihraam
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. It is Makrooh (severely disliked) to brush one’s teeth using toothpaste whilst in Ihraam. Hence, one must try his best to avoid its use. If one does use it, then he should make Istighfaar. No Sadaqah or Dum will be necessitated.[1] And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best Nabeel Valli Student Darul IftaaLusaka, Zambia Checked and Approved by,Mufti Ebrahim Desai. www.daruliftaa.net [1] Fatawa Raheemiyyah, Vol 7, Pg. 104 ( Daar al-Ishaa’at) Mu’allim al-Hujjaaj, Pg, 268, (Idaarah al-Qur’aan) Source: http://askimam.org/public/question_detail/30789 Discussion on @journeytohajj Instagram