Rajab, The Leader Of Many Blessed Months Ahead

Rajab, the seventh month in the Islamic calender, is undeniably the key to the opening of many months ahead of goodness and blessings.

When Prophet Muhammad sollallaahu 'alaihi wasallam sighted the first crescent of a new moon of Rajab, he used to pray to ALLAH Subhaanahu Wa Ta'alaa in the following words: 

   اللّهمّ بارك لنا في رجب و شعبان وبلّعنا رمضان

Allaahumma baarik lanaa fee Rajaba wa Sya'baana wa ballighnaa Romadhaana.

"O ALLAH, make the months of Rajab and Sya'ban blessed for us, and let us reach the month of Romadhan (prolonging our lives up to Romadhan, so that we may benefit from its merits and blessings)."

It is preferable to supplicate to HIM for longevity to enable performance of good deeds.
Leaving goodness before we stepped into the next world is bound to be legacy that we will leave for our next generation.

Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. said,
"Rajab is the month of ALLAH, Sya'ban is My month, and Romadhan is the month of My ummah (community)."   

Rajab is the month of cultivation, Sya'ban the month of irrigating fields, and Romadhan is the month of reaping and harvesting.

Rajab, the month of ALLAH S.W.T., is the first of the many sacred months that follow, with all nobilities and virtues.
Let us refrain ourselves from negativity of living, specially in this month of ALLAH S.W.T.

The month is also a prelude to the month of Romadhan, which follows after the intervening month of Sya'ban.
Rajab is "to be respect".
One of the four sacred months in Islam in which battles are prohibited.
The pre-Islamic Arabs also considered warfare strictly forbidden during the four holy months, Muharram, Rejab, Dzul Qa'idah and Dzul Hijjah.
The view that has been confirmed in Islam.

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Some believe that Prophet Ibrahim 'alaihis salaam returned to HIM on the 18th of Rajab.
Saidina 'Ali bin Abi Talib was born on the 13th.
And, 28 Rajab 1342 A.H. (3 March 1924), Mustafa Kemal Ataturk abolished the Ottoman Caliphate.

But come 27 Rajab, Isra' Mi'raj is remembered all over the world for

 سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَى بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلاً مِّنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الأَقْصَى الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ 

لِنُرِيَهُ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ البَصِيرُ

"Glory be to GOD Who made HIS Servant to go by night from the Sacred mosque (Mecca) to the Farthest Mosque (Jerusalem) of which We have Blessed the Precincts, so that We may show to Him some of Our Signs; surely HE is the Hearing, the Seeing."

Al-Qur'an - Surah Al-Isra': 1

Such a journey is beyond the scope of imagination.

Hence the opening of the Surah, ALLAH S.W.T. glorifies HIMSELF "Glory" to HIM who is beyond laws and systems as HE is the Creator of all systems.

HE is not restricted by the laws of this universe.

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Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. was lying in the hijr (of the Inviolable [no sin is permitted within its precincts] Mosque of Makkah) when Angel Jibril 'alaihis salam came to cut open His chest.
His heart was removed and cleansed with Zamzam water, filled with faith and wisdom, before the organ was put back in its place.

The Prophet s.a.w. was then led outside where a white creature, Buraq was waiting.

(There is a pillar in Masjidil Haram with different art motif from the rest - it was said that it's an indication that, that 's the pillar where the Buraq was tied. Hoping the pillar is still around).
The creature then brought Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. to Masjidil Aqsa in Baitul Maqdis from which most of the Prophets hail.
There he found all of the Prophets gathered there, and they prayed in congregation behind Him.

Narrated Abu Huraira:
On the night when ALLAH's Apostle was taken on the Mi'raj, 

two cups, one containing wine and the other milk, were presented to Him at Jerusalem. 

He looked at it and took the cup of milk. 

Angel Jibrail a.s. said, 

"Praise be to ALLAH Who guided You to Al-Fitrah, the correct  path

if You had taken (the cup of) wine, 

Your nation would have gone astray."

No other Prophets was ever carried by the winged creature Buraq, except Muhammad s.a.w.

The Prophet s.a.w. then made His second ascension reaching the sky of this world, Samaaud Dunya, and the wings of angels carried Him up to the seventh heaven.

Then the wings of Angel Jibril a.s. from the seventh heaven, to near the Lote-Tree or Sidratul Muntaha.

The ninth level is where he heard the sound of the Angels' pens writing people's actions and the tenth level was at HIS Throne, and ALLAH S.W.T. Knows Best.

Muhammad s.a.w. then went to meet ALLAH S.W.T. 

Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. saw The LORD with his very own eyes, 
"ra'a rabbahu bi ‘ainii ra'sihi."

The Prophet s.a.w., with his physical body in defiance of the physical laws of the universe came all the way to the Unseen, The Divine Throne, The ‘Arasy, up to qab kawthaini, the distance of two bow lengths.

The Creator took Muhammad s.a.w. there and revealed HIMSELF to Muhammad, HIS creation, in the manner HE Wished, with no interference of the Angel Jibril a.s. who was seen by the Prophet s.a.w. many times. 

"ALLAH revealed to HIS Servant what HE revealed.

The Prophet's heart in no way falsified what it saw. 

Will you then dispute with Him about what He saw?

And He saw HIM again another time. 

At the Lote-tree of the utmost boundary.

At the Garden of Abode 

Behold the lote-tree was shrouded with what shrouds

His sight did not swerve or go wrong. 
Indeed He saw the Greatest Signs of His LORD
Have you seen Latta and ‘Uzza (two pagan idols)
And the third one Manat (another idol)

Surah An-Najm (The Star) 53:10-20 

Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. stopped in ten different stations:
The last of seven heavens, Jannatul Ma'wa and the eighth at Sidratul Muntaha.

GOD grants miracles or Mu'jizat to all Prophets and the miracles often go beyond the laws of physics and beyond the constraints of human realities.
Some view it as something improbable, their GOD's made human minds unable to find rationality behind happenings beyond the common laws of nature.
Anything beyond the comprehension of these physical GOD's made minds is totally rejected.

Prophet Ibrahim 'alaihis salaam, the forefather of Prophets, was granted spiritual vision to see the miracle workings of HIS Creation, the universe.
GOD showed Ibrahim a.s. wonders of the universe from the earth with his spiritual vision.

His baseera, the 'eyes' of his heart went beyond the laws of the physical universe.
There is a spiritual dimension in the physical universe, beyond the laws of the physical universe.
Ibrahim a.s. knew the reality of the universe as GOD had shown it to him.

HE showed Prophet Ibrahim a.s. the truth, and he is conveying the heavenly message.
Now, the heavenly kingdom is opened to Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. on His miraculous events happened on the Night of the Night Journey and Ascension.   

Isra' and Mi'raj took place both in body and spirit, beyond comprehension of ordinary minds.
GOD made Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. to move in spiritual dimensions with his physical body in complete freedom from the physical laws.
He s.a.w. was brought to a point where there is no place and no time, no ‘where' and no ‘when' with Himself present in body and soul.

GOD gave this universe to all humanity, but HE showed the last Prophet s.a.w. related to HIMSELF. 

Does man not consider that We created him from a [mere] sperm-drop - then at once he is a clear adversary? 

And he presents for Us an example and forgets his [own] creation. He says, "Who will give life to bones while they are disintegrated?"

Say, "HE will give them life who produced them the first time; and HE is, of all creation, Knowing." 

[It is] HE who made for you from the green tree, fire, and then from it you ignite. 

Is not HE who Created the heavens and the earth Able to Create the likes of them? Yes, [it is so]; and He is the Knowing Creator. 

His Command is only when HE intends a thing that HE Says to it, "Be," and it is. 

So exalted is HE in Whose Hand is the realm of All Things, and to HIM you will be returned. 

 Al-Qur'an Surah Yaasin: 77-83

The Haj - InsyaALLAH, Mabrur

Haj -  the annual Pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia - the world's largest annual Pilgrimage.

Fulfilling one of the five "Pillars" of Islam, it's the central religious' duties of the believer - The Duty that must be carried out at least once in the lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so - as long as the pilgrim possesses the means.
The Pilgrimage begins from the 8th to 12th day of Dzulhijjah, the 12th and last month of the Islamic calendar, the lunar calendar - Eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar used in most parts of the world.
The Gregorian date of the Haj changes yearly.

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The Haj is a demonstration of the solidarity of the worldwide Muslims, and their submission to GOD.
Pilgrims join processions of millions of people, who simultaneously converge to Mecca for the week of the Haj, and perform a series of rituals: Each person walks counter-clockwise seven times about the Ka'abah, the cube-shaped building which is the Kiblah, Muslim's direction of prayers.
Walks or runs back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah, drinks from the Zamzam Well, goes to the plains of Mount 'Arafah, and throws stones in a ritual Stoning of the Devil.
The pilgrims then cut some of their hair, or for some males, their heads shaved, perform a ritual of animal sacrifice, and celebrate 'Iidil Adha - Performing animal sacrifices, symbolising GOD's Mercy on Ibrahim a.s. and replacing His Son with a ram.

Centralised butcher houses sacrifice for each pilgrim, a single sheep, the meat then packaged and given to charity and shipped to the poor, around the world.
At the same time as the sacrifices occur in Mecca, Muslims worldwide perform similar sacrifices, in a four day global festival 'Iidul Adha.

Haj - A journey of a lifetime in the life of a Muslim - Pilgrimage to Mecca is an ultimate journey to GOD.
The Holy Qur'an lay the emphasis on the importance of Haj - once in a lifetime, irrespective of ethnic group, colour, social status or culture - A Ritual that is designed to promote the bonds of Islamic fraternity by showing that everyone is equal in the eyes of ALLAH Subhaanahu Wa Ta'aala.
The Pilgrimage makes a Muslim realise the importance of life on earth, and therefore, do away with all social status, wealth and pride.

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According to the Holy Qur'an, it was Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) 'alaihis salam who, together with Isma'il  (Ishmael) 'alaihis salam, built the Ka'abah, "The House of GOD," the focal point toward which Muslims turn to, in the five times a day and night, worshipping HIM.
It was Ibrahim a.s., too, around 2000 BC, - known as Khalilullah, "The Friend of GOD" - who established the rituals of the Haj.

It recall events or practices in His life and that of  Siti Hajar (Hagar) radhiallaahu 'anha and Their Son Isma'il.
It is believed that the Prophet Ibrahim a.s. was ordered by ALLAH s.w.t. to leave His Wife Siti Hajar r.a. and His infant Son Ismail alone in the desert.
While He was away, the Child crying of thirst, and Siti Hajar r.a. frantically ran back and forth seven times searching for water for Her Son.
The Baby cried and hit the ground with His foot - Or the Angel scraped His foot or the tip of His wing along the ground (whichever is believed) - And source of Zamzam water miraculously sprang forth.

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In the Holy Qur'an, the chapter "The Pilgrimage" speaks of the DIVINE command to perform the Haj and prophesies the permanence of this institution:

And when We assigned for Abraham the place of the House, saying "Do not associate anything with ME, 
and purify MY House for those who go around It and for those who stand and bow and prostrate themselves in worship. 
And proclaim the Pilgrimage among humankind: They will come to you on foot and on every camel made lean. 
By traveling deep, distant ravines.

Indeed, The First House (of worship) established for mankind was that at Makkah - blessed and a guidance for the worlds. - (Quran - 3:96)  

Ka'abah, Baitullah, or the House of GOD, is one of GOD's sign on earth. 

In it are clear signs (such as) the standing place of Abraham.
And whoever enters it shall be safe. And (due) to ALLAH from the people is a Pilgrimage to the House - for whoever can make their way there.

The ritual of Pilgrimage that stretched back thousands of years to the Prophet Ibrahim a.s., brings together Muslims of all races and languages for one of life's most moving spiritual experiences.

The haj, based on a pilgrimage, was ancient practise, even in the time of 7th century Prophet Muhammad sollallaahu 'alaihi wasallam.

Then, each year, tribes from all around the Arabian peninsula would converge on Mecca, as part of the pilgrimage.
The exact faith and religion of each tribe was never a great importance, then.

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The Haj is associated with the life of Islamic Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. began when He s.a.w., received the DIVINE call, ordained by GOD, continued the original observances of Abrahamic Haj after restoring the Rituals to their original purity which was muddied with pagan practices.

Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. Himself instructed the believers in the rituals of the Haj - by His own practice, or by approving the practices of His Companions. 

Although This added some complexity to the Rituals, but It also provided increased flexibility in carrying Them out, much to the benefit of pilgrims ever since.
It is lawful, for instance, to have some variation in the order in which the several Rites are carried out, because the Prophet s.a.w. Himself is recorded as having approved such actions.
Thus, the rites of the Haj are elaborate, numerous and varied.

'GOD, from such a distant land I have come to YOU... 
Grant me shelter under YOUR Throne.'

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For 14 centuries, millions of Muslims, men and women, have made the Pilgrimage to Mecca, the birthplace of Islam.
A pilgrim undertaking the journey, they follow in the footsteps of millions before them.
For souls that have strayed, seek HIM for comfort once again.
Hearts, that have hardened, melt them before HIM.
And eyes which had lost its vision, sparkle them with HIS radiance. 
Redress all wrongs, pay all debts, prepare for good conduct throughout the Haj.
Be kind, be considerate, render help in the way we can, is the key to Haj being accepted.

People asked, "What makes Haj mabrur, Messenger of ALLAH?"

He s.a.w. said "Providing food to people and spreading the greeting of salaam." 

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Haj is a comprehensive act of worship, involving finance and physical exertion - Both for HIS sake.
Come prepared, never be ignorant, confused, frustrated or angry during the holy Journey.
Prepare - physically and spiritually - for this sacred Journey!
Lest It's only a vacation that leaves no lasting impression.        

Haj is not a vacation - “Going to the Haj” is submitting to GOD's command.
All the excitement about the luxurious hotels and sophisticated lifestyle will narrow down to just two pieces of cloth, responding to ALLAH s.w.t.’s invitation, chanting:  

“Labbaik, Allaahhumma Labbaik”
crying to the CREATOR, needing and hoping for HIS Mercy.

One should utilise his time to the maximum in 'ibadah and praising ALLAH s.w.t. during the Journey and in all the Holy Places.

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During the Haj, ihram, a white seamless garment made up of two pieces of cloth or towel worn by men, with the top thrown over the shoulder or draped over the body, the bottom covers the body from waist to ankle. The pilgrim wears a pair of sandals, with exposed toes.
Male pilgrim does not cover the head - at all times.

A symbol of purity and of the renunciation of evil and mundane matters, it also indicates the equality of all human beings in GOD's 'eyes'.

This garb was worn by both Ibrahim a.s. and Muhammad s.a.w., too

Women are simply required to maintain their normal modest dress, which does not cover the hands or face. Women generally wear a simple white dress and with their heads covered but not veiled.

In Ihram is also the name given to the special state in which pilgrim lives whilst on the Pilgrimage.
Ihram is also symbolic for holy virtue and pardon from all past sins.
The ihram, meant to show equality of all pilgrims in the eyes of GOD, - no difference between black and white, blue blooded or the normal red blooded human beings.

Once wearing the white apparel ihram, the pilgrim enters into a state of purity that prohibits shaving, clipping of nails, wearing perfume, wearing of any jewellery, marrying or performing any ugly acts of swearing and quarrelling.
Pilgrim needs to have a love for ALLAH's creations - Prohibited from committing violence to all living creatures, no uprooting or damaging plants, and no killing of animals: Insects too.

The donning of the ihram is accompanied by the primary invocation of the Haj, the Talbiyah:

Here I am, O GOD, at YOUR Command! 
Here I am at YOUR Command! YOU are without associate; 
Here I am at YOUR Command! 
YOU are Praise and Grace and Dominion! YOU are without associate.  

The thunderous, melodious chants of the Talbiyah ring out not only in Mecca, but at other nearby sacred Locations connected with the Haj too.

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As the pilgrims throng spread through Mina, an uninhabited place east of the city, on the eight day, the pilgrims generally spend their time meditating and praying, as the Prophet s.a.w. did on His Pilgrimage.

On the ninth day, pilgrims leave Mina for Mount 'Arafah, the central rite of the Haj - Haj is invalid if pilgrims do not spend the afternoon on 'Arafah.
There, pilgrims spend the afternoon within a defined area of 'Arafah until after sunset.

No specific rituals or prayers are required during the stay at 'Arafah, although many pilgrims spend time praying, and thinking about the course of their lives.
As pilgrims congregate at 'Arafah, the gathering bring to the mind of the Judgment Day. Some pilgrims in contemplative vigil and pray and recite the Holy Qur'an, near the hill of Jabar Rahmah (The Hill of Forgiveness, Mount Arafah) from where the Prophet s.a.w. delivered his unforgettable Farewell Sermon, enunciating far-reaching religious, economic, social and political reforms.
On the sacred spot of 'Arafah, pilgrims feel the presence and closeness of the Merciful GOD. 

These are emotionally charged hours, which the pilgrims spend in worship and supplication.
Many shed tears, poignant in its intensity, of that great concourse of humanity as GOD's forgiveness is seek. Many tears streaming down, others raised their faces to the night sky that had witnessed this repeating episodes since the past centuries - the shining eyes, the passionate appeals, the pitiful hands outstretched in prayer, a strong wave of spiritual exaltation, an act of complete surrender to HIS Supremacy.
The ultimate closeness one can achieve while living in this world. Haj holds a prominent position among all Muslim acts of worship - It is the supreme act of Worship.  

The hopeful pilgrims prepare to leave 'Arafah with feeling of reborn, pure and with new leaf turned.
The spirit of the religion is, submission to GOD's will, will always lead.

'GOD, from such a distant land I have come to YOU... 
Grant me shelter under YOUR Throne.' 

As pilgrims of diverse races worldwide, return to their countries and lands, they carry with them cherished memories of Ibrahim a.s., Isma'il a.s., Siti Hajar r.a. and Muhammad s.a.w., memories of Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'ie, Wukuf and Ziarah, and memories of Mecca, Zamzam, Arafah, Muzdalifah, Mina and Madinah.

They will always remember that universal concourse, where poor and rich, black and white, young and old, met on equal ground.
They return with a better understanding of the conditions of their brothers in Islam - Thus is born a spirit of caring for others and human understanding that will last throughout a lifetime.

The pilgrims return with a sense of serenity - Serenity for having shed sins on that 'Arafah plain, and being thus relieved of such a heavy burden.
The experience at 'Arafah, where GOD is felt the closest, at the place where the Prophet s.a.w. delivered His sermon during His first and last Pilgrimage.
They have fulfilled GOD's ancient injunction to humankind to undertake the Pilgrimage.

The pilgrims, radiance with hope and joy, for above all, they return with prayer set deep in the heart.
Haj is not just the importance of the rites of Pilgrimage, it is the spirit in which the Haj is performed.

Complete the Haj and 'Umrah for ALLAH!!! 
Whoever submitted oneself wholeheartedly, body and soul, for this act of 'Ibadah, then as The Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. said,

"... there is no reward for Haj mabrur, except Paradise."

May it please GOD, the Haj acceptable, and may what the Prophet s.a.w. said - be true of one's own individual Journey.
It is not merely going to and returning from Mecca, but returning from Mecca with faith in GOD strengthened and rekindled. 

For the disbelievers, indeed, ALLAH s.w.t. is free from all worldly needs...