Hajj or Pilgrimage means a special visit to a special place during a specific time. It is the fourth pillar of Islam which is performed in the month of Dhul Hijjah over a period of five days, from the 8th to the 13th. Although it is a physical ritual act of worship which becomes compulsory upon a believer when he/she has the necessary means and provisions to undertake the journey, muslims believe that in reality it is the response to a call which was made by the great prophet and friend of Allah, Hazrat Ibrahm (A.S). This fact is clearly borne out by the teachings of the Holy Quraan which states that Allah commanded Ibrahim (A.S) in the following words, "And proclaim the pilgrimage among men, they will come to you on foot and on every camel lean, on journeys, through deep and distant mountain highways." (22:27)

According to authentic traditions, it is narrated that after Ibrahim (A.S) and his son had completed the construction of the Holy K’aba upon the order of Allah, he (Ibrahim) received the above command. Upon this, Ibrahim (A.S) submitted to Allah, “How can I make my voice reach out to mankind?” (It is important to know that at the time of receiving the command there were only a few people on the soils of Makka). As such, Ibrahim realized that it was very difficult for him to reach out to mankind through his proclamation of the order of Hajj) In reply to Ibrahim (A.S), Allah said, “Call and I would cause it to reach.” And so, Ibrahim (A.S) called out to mankind in the following words, “O Mankind! Your Lord has taken a house (as His house), so make pilgrimage to it.” The mountains were humbled by this so much so that the statement reached the deep recesses of the earth. It was made to be heard by all mankind even to those who were still in the wombs of their mothers and backs of their fathers. Everything heard it and answered with the words “Here I am O Allah, here I am.” These are the very same words recited by pilgrims on Hajj. (Tafseer Ibn Katheer Vol. 3 Pg 216 – Arabic)


COMPULSION OF HAJJ

Indeed Hajj or pilgrimage is one of the pillars of Islam. The Holy Prophet (SA) said: “Islam is built on five pillars – testimony that there is no one worthy of worship besides Allah and that Muhammad (SA) is His servant and messenger; establishing of Salaah; paying of Zakaah; fasting in Ramadaan and Hajj (pilgrimage) to the Sacred House (the Ka’bah).” (Bukhari and Muslim)

The observance of these pillars involves the utilization of many gifts which Allah has blessed us with. When we perform Salaah or fast, the favors of health and body are utilized. Likewise when we pay our Zakaah the favor of wealth is utilized. However the Hajj or pilgrimage involves the gifts of health and body as well as wealth. A person must be physically able and healthy as well as financially capable to undertake the sacred journey.

Many Muslims have recognized the status of Salaah and fasting in Islam and  have tried to fulfill their rights which involve a person’s physical effort. However with respect to those pillars which involve departing with the gift of wealth and property, such as Zakaah and Hajj, they are not approached with the same enthusiasm. This neglect has become widespread among the weary and unweary Muslims. We must realize that wealth is from Allah and we should show gratitude to Him by fulfilling the due rights of that which He has given to us. If we fail to show gratitude it may be that Allah may take us to account for our wealth and we may incur His wrath on the Day of Judgement.

The importance of fulfilling the rites of Hajj has been emphasized in the Holy Quraan and Sunnah. Allah says in the Quraan, “Allah has a right on the people who are able to reach the House (Ka’bah) that they must perform Hajj. Those who disobey (this command should be aware that) Allah is All- Sufficient and is not in need of (anyone in the) world.” (3:97)

The above verse highlights two important points – the command of Hajj and the warning for the neglectful who possess the ability to perform it.

According to Ali (RA) the Prophet (SA) announced Hajj to be an imperative duty by the revelation of this verse. (Tirmidhi)

In another tradition it is mentioned: “O people! Hajj has been enjoined on you as a duty, so perform Hajj.” (Muslim)

The Jurists in Islam have mentioned that Hajj becomes compulsory once in a lifetime upon a free Muslim, male or female, who has reached the age of puberty (baaligh) and is sane, provided such a person owns wealth, which is free from debts and his necessities of life. Such wealth must also provide for his transport and maintenance to go to Arafah and Makkah and to return home, as well as to provide for the maintenance of those under his care.

The Jurists have mentioned that the ability to undertake the journey also means that one should be healthy and physically able, being free from any disability such as paralysis, blindness, etc. which may prevent the observance of the rites of Hajj. Likewise there must not be any life threatening factors along the way to the Hajj. It is also a condition for women that they must be accompanied by an adult male Mahram – i.e. her husband or any other male with whom she is permanently forbidden to marry such as her father, her brother, her uncle etc.

When the above-mentioned conditions are met then the meaning of the Ayah is explicitly clear that Hajj has to be performed. The time when this compulsion would be considered will be during the months of Hajj, namely Shawwaal, Dhul Qa’dah and the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Some jurists have allowed the delaying of the performance of the Hajj to some time in the future as long as it is observed in one’s lifetime. They have all however agreed that to perform it as early as possible is best since there is no assurance that one may live until the next year. If the Hajj becomes compulsory upon a Muslim but it was delayed to a future time and the person dies before the observance of it he or she may be accountable before Allah for failure to fulfil a compulsory duty. The Prophet (SA) has advised as follows, “The person who makes up his mind for Hajj (when it becomes compulsory upon him) should carry out his intention soon; it may be that he falls ill, or his camel (means of transport) is lost, or he faces some other problem.” (Ibn Majah)

The Ayah of Quraan (3:97) mentioned above also gives a stern warning for disobedience. It says, “…. Those who disobey (this command should be aware that) Allah is All- Sufficient and is not in need of (anyone in) the worlds.” (3:97)

It should be noted that the phrase ‘those who disobey’, can also be translated to mean ‘those who disbelieve’. The scholars have mentioned that the act of not performing the Hajj when all the conditions are in place, as well as to be unmindful, showing no care and concern for the Hajj, or not even to have the intention for its performance even in the future, is an attitude likened to that of the unbelievers. Allah informs that such blatant disobedience and slighting His divine orders does not harm Him in the least since He is All- Sufficient and is not in need of any one. Rather it is the servants who stand in need of Allah for every thing such that they would ultimately become the losers for defying the laws of Allah.

Many Ahadith show the seriousness of such disobedience when it has become compulsory. Abu Umamah (RA) reports that Rasuulullaah (SA) said: “Whosoever fails to perform Hajj while not being prevented from it by a definite and valid necessity, or by oppression from an unjust ruler, or by severe illness and he passes away, then in such a state he has a choice to die as a Christian.” (Darami)

In another Hadith narrated by Ali (RA) he said that Rasuulullaah (SA) said, “Whoever possesses the provision (for the journey) and means of transport to carry him to the House of Allah but yet he does not perform the Hajj, then there is no difference in him dying as a Jew or a Christian.” (Tirmidhi)

The Scholars of Islam, among who are the four renowned Imams of Jurisprudence, have explained that the person would be considered a great sinner for disobedience of a compulsory order in the Shariah so long as he does not deny the incumbency of Hajj. If however one denies that Hajj is a compulsory act then he would enter into Kufr – disbelief. Muslims should therefore take precaution in their Deen and observe the orders of Allah without hesitation.


VIRTUES AND LESSONS OF HAJJ

When this great act of worship is performed seeking only the pleasure of Allah the observer is promised great rewards as have been mentioned in the following Ahadith.

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that Rasuulullah (SA) said, “Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah and therein utters no word of evil nor commits an evil deed, shall return from it as free from sin as the day on which his mother gave birth to him.” (Bukhaari and Muslim)

In another Hadith also reported by Abu Hurairah (RA)  he said that Rasuulullah (SA) said, “Verily there will be no reward for a righteous (accepted) Hajj except Jannah.” (Bukhaari and Muslim)

Ayesha (RA) relates that the Messenger of Allah (SA) said, “There is no day in which Allah sets free more souls from the fire of Hell than on the day of Arafah. And on that day Allah draws near the sky of the earth  by way of an exhibition of His pride.” (Muslim)

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Prophet (SA) was asked: ‘Which action is best?’ He replied, “Faith (Imaan) in Allah and His Messenger.” He was then questioned: ‘What is next?’ He said, “Jihad in the way of Allah.” He was again questioned: ‘What is next?’ He said, “An accepted pilgrimage.” (Bukhaari and Muslim)

These Ahadith show that the Hajj which is done sincerely for Allah brings about great rewards and benefits. The benefits are not only for the Hereafter but even in this world they can be reaped.

The one observing the Hajj is trained in high levels of spirituality. It builds the foundation for absolute and complete submission to the Divine command. The pilgrim casts aside his own comforts, luxuries, safety and amenities of life and undertakes a journey bearing discomforts, risks and a simplistic lifestyle. Attention is also drawn away from the relations of family, relatives and friends towards fostering relationship of love and servitude to Allah and His Messenger (SA). These sacrifices will only be undertaken to achieve the pleasure of Allah and to be close to Him. Thus when he completes the Hajj he returns like an innocent baby, free of sins and with a greater spiritual awareness.

Hajj also demonstrates the greatest act of religious brotherhood. Muslims from all different backgrounds, countries and lifestyles gather together in a unified way only to obey the order of Allah and to acquire His pleasure.  In this universal assemblage of brethren in faith there is uniformity and equality of faith. All the pilgrims proclaim in one voice ‘Lab-baik Allaahumma Lab-baik .. We are present, O our Lord, We are present .. . All  males are clad in two pieces of clothing giving all the same humble appearance. A king cannot be distinguished from a beggar, nor the wealthy from the poor, nor the masters from the slaves, nor the ministers from their subjects, etc. The color of the skin or the texture of the hair or the stature of a person does not matter and will not be differentiated. All stand before Allah as Muslims surrendering to His command. It is the perfect demonstration of brotherhood that can ever be seen.

Hajj also gives the pilgrims a glimpse off the Hereafter when every one would be before Allah on the Day of Judgement waiting for the accounting. Just as on the Day of Judgement when no one can move from their place except with accountability and with the word of Allah the pilgrims  must also gather at certain places like  Arafah, Mudhdalifah,  Mina, at the Jamraat and the Haram Shareef and must not do an act before its given time and rite according to the Shariah. It also depicts that just as the pilgrims stand in their simple attire devoid of any worldly attachments, likewise on the Day of Judgement the people would only be standing with their deeds, the currency of the Hereafter.

Hajj also recreates the scene of Ibrahim (AS) and his honored wife and child. Such a great act of sacrifice by Ibrahim, Hajirah and Ismail (AS) and their unequivocal submission to the will of Allah was not marked by the building of a monument but rather by  rehearsing and reliving a similitude of their acts so that their sacrifice can be a lesson for us. This also teaches us that that Islam is not an isolated or new religion but it is the completion of a way of life which began with the Prophet Adam (AS) and continued by Prophet Ibrahim and then completed by the last Messenger, Muhammad (SA).

Together with the compulsory Hajj, the pilgrims would also have the opportunity to perform the lesser Hajj or Umrah which has great rewards on its own. In one narration by Abu Hurairah, he said that the Messenger of Allah said: “One Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and another Umrah ..” (Bukhaari and Muslim)

Besides these rewards and benefits mentioned above, every Muslim has the opportunity to do as much extra Ibaadah as he or she desires, like Dua, Quraan, Dhikr, Tawaaf, etc. Muslims should not overlook this great act of Ibaadah to Allah because of the inclinations to material acquisitions and possessions. The inclination of all believers should be towards the good of the Hereafter and towards those acts which would bring the mercy of Allah.


A GLIMPSE INTO THE LIFE OF THE FRIEND OF ALLAH – IBRAHIM (AS)

All praise is due to Allah who has elevated and chosen some above others. Salutations be upon the seal of the prophets, Muhammad (SA) who has taught us the way of life of pure monotheism as was practiced by the previous messengers and prophets, and with whom religion (Deen) became completed.

Among the great personalities who have walked the surface of the earth, Ibrahim (AS) has made a distinct mark as the father of all the nations. Allah chose him and elevated him as being among the great prophets (Ulul ‘adhmi minar rusul) and he has also distinguished him as being His Khaleel – the friend of Allah.

The religion of Ibrahim (AS) was one of pure monotheism (Towheed) and it was the same principle of the oneness of Allah which all the prophets have preached throughout the years. Our prophet (SA) was even instructed to follow his way of life.  Allah says in the Quraan:  “Say O Muhammad! (SA), Allah has spoken the truth so follow the path (Millat) of Ibrahim (AS).”(3: 95)

Again Allah says: “Verily the foremost of people (in their claim) to Ibrahim (AS) are those who follow him and this prophet (SA) and those who have believed (Muslims).” (3:68)

Allah has even rebuked those who deviate from the straight path lived by Ibrahim (AS). The Quraan says: “And who turns away from the religion of Ibrahim (AS) except him who fools himself. Truly, We chose him in this world and verily, in the Hereafter he will be among the righteous.” (2:130)

Muslims should therefore study and know the life and example of this great prophet of Allah since many of the rituals of our religion, Islam, owe its origin from the life and sacrifices of Ibrahim (AS) and his family. Allah exhorts towards this in the Holy Quraan: “Certainly there is for you a beautiful example in Ibrahim (AS) and those who believed with him.” (60:4)

Taking a glimpse into his life we would see that from early childhood Ibrahim (AS) recognized his creator, Allah, and submitted only to His will. Allah says: “And indeed We bestowed aforetime on Ibrahim his (portion of) guidance, and We were well-acquainted with him.” (21:51)

He was born into a family that was steeped into idol worship and his father was even an idol maker. His community used to worship idols and the stars. Ibrahim (AS) recognized that the creator of the sky and whatever is in it of the stars, the moon and the sun, etc., as well as the creator of earth and whatever is in it of the trees the stones, etc., deserved to be worshiped instead of His creation. Ibrahim (AS) therefore exhorted and warned his father and his community incessantly of the dreadful consequences of worshipping besides Allah. He taught them a lesson when they had gone for their festival by destroying their idols except the biggest of them. The people were furious when they returned and confronted him. Ibrahim (AS) directed them to the biggest of the idols and they acknowledged, for a short while, that the idols couldn’t speak or defend themselves. Ibrahim (AS) then said: “Do you then worship besides Allah, that which can neither profit you nor harm you?” (21:66) They then decided to rid themselves of him by burning him in a huge unprecedented fire after having gathered wood for many days.

When it was lit the flames seemed to climb the sky and the heat was unbearable for them so they made a catapult and flung him into it. Inspite of the impending danger, Ibrahim (AS) had full faith in Allah and even rejected the requests of the angels to help him. With immaculate trust and perfect confidence in the protection of Allah he uttered: “Allah is enough for us and an excellent Protector He is (for us).” Allah then commanded the fire, “O fire! Be you coolness and safety for Ibrahim (AS).” (21:69) Allah made the fire comfortable and safe for his Khaleel (friend) so much so that he remarked that it was one of the most peaceful times of his life in this world. Ibrahim (AS) was then driven out from his community. He sacrificed the love of his parents and the comfort of his community and home by choosing to submit to the obedience of Allah rather than complying with polytheism.

Ibrahim (AS) persisted in the preaching of Towheed (oneness) of Allah which even took him to the palace of the tyrant king, Nimrud. The Quraan recalls this incident. “Have you not considered the one who had an argument with Ibrahim (AS), about his Lord, because Allah had given him kingdom? When Ibrahim (AS) said, ‘My Lord is He Who gave life, and causes death,’ he replied, ‘I give life and cause death.’ Ibrahim (AS) said, ‘Surely Allah brings the sun from the east, so you bring it from the west.’ Thereupon he, who disbelieved was confounded. And Allah guides not the evildoing people.” (2:258)

When Ibrahim left his people, only his wife, Sarah, and his nephew, Lut, believed. He traveled to Syria and then to Egypt but the king of Egypt plotted an immoral plan with Sarah. They both prayed in real earnest to Allah and Allah protected both of them and they were given Hajirah (AS) as a gift. Upon return to Syria, Lut went to the towns of Sadum (Sodom) to preach to the people and Ibrahim, Sarah and Hajirah inhabited the lands of Syria/Palestine for several years. He prayed to Allah for righteous children but since Sarah was barren and they were both old she gave Hajirah as a wife to Ibrahim (AS).

Allah blessed Hajirah (AS) and gave her a son whose name was Isma’il (AS). When Isma’il (AS) was still a nursing infant, Ibrahim was commanded by Allah to take the mother and child to a distant land in a valley of Hijaz now called Makkah.  He left them there at the spot of the Zam Zam well with some water and dates and began to leave.  Hajirah (AS) called out to him but he did not reply. She called out again asking if it was the command of Allah and he indicated that it was. She then submitted that Allah would take care of them.

Ibrahim who was granted a child at this old age of eighty-six, now had to leave this child in a barren valley in obedience to the command of Allah. He prayed: “Our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a barren valley by Your Holy House, Our Lord! That they may perform the prayer; so make the hearts of some of the people to yearn towards them, and provide them with sustenance that they will be thankful.” (14:37)

After a short while all the water and food became exhausted and frantically Hajirah began running between the mounts Safaa and Marwa in search of water or for any help from any one. Allah miraculously caused the well of Zam Zam to flow and caused the people of Jurhum to inhabit Makkah, thus the fulfillment of the dua of Ibrahim (AS).

This act of running between Safaa and Marwa has become an essential part of the Hajj and Umrah rites of Muslims after the performance of Tawaaf and is an act which continues each day in every year in commemoration of the act of running between Safaa and Marwa done by Hajirah (AS). Likewise it is recommended that the one performing Hajj should drink the water of the well of Zam Zam after performing Tawaaf.

During thiis time, Ibrahim (AS) visited Makkah occasionally to meet his wife, Hajirah (AS) and his son, Isma’il (AS). On one such visit, when Isma’il (AS) had reached the age of early childhood, Ibrahim (AS) informed him of a command which he had received from Allah.  About this the Quraan says: “He (Ibrahim) said, My son, I have seen in a dream that I shall sacrifice you, so consider what you think! (Ishmael said) O my father, do as you are commanded. If Allah wills, you will find me of the patient ones.” (37:102)

This was indeed a great sacrifice for Ibrahim (AS). After many years of supplication to Allah for a child, he was granted a child whom he later had to leave with his mother in a barren valley, and when the child had grown into a tender age he was then commanded to sacrifice him. Shaitaan even attempted to lure them into disobedience but was pelted on three separate occasions.

The Quraan then continues: “Then when they both had submitted and he had placed him on his brow, We called out to him; ‘O Ibrahim (AS)! You have indeed fulfilled the vision.’ Surely this was a manifest test. And We ransomed him with a mighty sacrifice (i.e. with a white ram sheep with horns).” (37: 103-107)

Certainly this is the deepest expression of obedience and submission that can exist- the love of a parent for a child, a progeny, and a generation as compared to the love of Allah. Thus Ibrahim (AS) and his family chose the love of Allah above the love for their own flesh and blood, above their own desires, above the outcome of logic. In turn, Allah chose them and made them an exemplary family to all times and nations. Allah loved that act of unconditional obedience and sacrifice to such an extent that it is among the rituals of the Hajj and Muslims throughout the world who possess the means must make an animal sacrifice in commemoration of the great sacrifice of Ibrahim (AS). Likewise the pelting of the three Jamraat at Mina has become symbolic to the pelting of the Shaitaan and is also included among the rites of Hajj.

In a subsequent visit, Ibrahim (AS) together with Isma’il (AS) were both commanded by Allah to raise the foundations of the Ka’bah which was already laid by Adam (AS) and was ruined by the great flood. Ishmael (AS) would bring stones and Ibrahim (AS) would set them in place. When the wall became a bit high for him to work from the ground level he used to stand on a stone. This stone was conjoined to the wall of the Ka’bah from ancient times to the era of Hazrat Umar (RA). He moved it a little away from the Ka’bah, to where it is presently located, so that those who circumambulate and those who pray at the station of Ibrahim would not disturb each other. Allah has also instructed: “And take to yourselves the station of Ibrahim (Maqaam e Ibrahim) as a Musallaah (a place of prayer).” (2:125) This is a recommended practice after the performance of Tawaaf.

When Ibrahim (AS) was about one hundred years of age Allah gave him the glad tidings of Ishaaq from his wife Sarah (AS). Allah blessed Ibrahim (AS) through Ishaaq (AS) that the prophets of Bani Israel also came from his lineage as well as the construction of second sacred mosque, Masjidul Aqsa.

Allah continued to test Ibrahim (AS) and he continued to succeed in them. Allah mentions in the Holy Quraan: “And (recall) when his Lord tried Ibrahim with certain commands, and he fulfilled them. Allah said, ‘Surely I am going to make you a leader for mankind.” (2:124)

According to Ibn Abass (RA) Ibrahim (AS) was tried with ten matters, five concerns the head area and the other five concerns the rest of the body. These are as follows: Clipping the moustache; rinsing the mouth; using miswak; rinsing the nostrils with water; parting the hair; clipping the nails; shaving the pubes; circumcision; plucking the hair from the armpits; and the performance of istinja (cleansing the private parts after fulfilling the call of nature). According to other commentaries of Quraan, Ibrahim (AS) was tried with the rites of Hajj which he also fulfilled. The prophet (SA) has indicated that among the ten fitrah (natural tendencies) which Ibrahim has been tested with some have become wajib for this Ummah and some are sunnah. This again illustrates that the religion of Islam and that of the Millat (way of life) of Ibrahim (AS) is very similar.

The entire life of prophet Ibrahim (AS) was upon obedience, submission and sacrifice for the sake of Allah. Thus Allah took him as his Khaleel (friend). Allah declares in the Quraan: “And who is better in religion than he who submits his will entirely to Allah while being good and following the creed of Ibrahim (AS), an upright man in faith? And Allah chose Ibrahim (AS) as his Khaleel (friend).”  (4:125)

Some other special favors and excellences given to Ibrahim are as follows.

In the Mi'raj (ascension) of the Prophet (SA) to the heavens he met Ibrahim (AS) on the seventh heaven leaning against the Baitul Ma’mur (the Ka’bah of the angels). (Muslim)

Ibrahim (AS) would be the first to put on a garment on the Day of Qiyamah when people would be gathered naked and uncircumcised. (Bukhari, Ahmad)

Ibrahim (AS) is the most meritorious of the Messengers after the Prophet Muhammad (SA). Once someone called the Prophet (SA) ‘O, the best of creatures!’ he responded (by way of humbleness and respect for his father Ibrahim) that such an address was for Ibrahim (AS). (Ahmad) He (SA) used to say as well by way of humility, “Do not elevate me in merit over the Prophets.”

Prophet Ibrahim had a striking resemblance to our Prophet (SA). Ibn Abass relates that the Prophet (SA) said: “So far as Ibrahim’s (resemblance) is concerned, you may see your companion (the prophet (SA)..)” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Muslims have been instructed to invoke blessings and salutations on Ibrahim (AS) in their regular Salaah by reciting the Darud. (Bukhari and Muslim) Salaah is the highest form of Ibaadah and even in it the name of Ibrahim (AS) is mentioned through the Darud. Even out of Salaah the Darud e Ibrahim is frequently recited as a regular form of Dhikr and Darud.

Allah has also distinguished Ibrahim (AS) by naming a Surah after his name – that is Surah no. 14, Surah Ibrahim. Allah has promised to preserve the Quraan and likewise the name of Ibrahim would also be preserved and remembered along with it.

A Hadith of Abu Hurairah (RA) mentions that in Paradise there is a palace in which there is no crevice and no defect whatsoever. Allah has prepared it for His friend, Ibrahim (AS). (Tabrani, Bazar)

Respected readers, besides the many lessons we learn from the events in the life of Ibrahim (AS), we learn that through resolute and willful obedience and submission to the orders of Allah one can really become close to Him and to His unequivocal pleasure. It also teaches us that together with our own spiritual achievements we must not neglect our family. We must bear the responsibility of those under our care to educate and train them in the obedience of Allah. When this is done our practice of Deen becomes even easier. We should also be willing to sacrifice for the cause of Islam in whatever way it is required from us. This would indeed be following in the footstep of our beloved prophet (SA) and that of our father, prophet Ibrahim (AS). May Allah send peace and blessings on all of His messengers and prophets. (Aameen)


SIGNIFICANT PLACES OF HAJJ

The performance of Hajj in Islam is an act of great virtue and merit. Not only is it recognized as a fundamental rite in Islam but the places in which it is performed have in themselves great virtues attached to them.

The main places that a pilgrim visits during the Hajj are Makkah, Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafah. Listed below are some of the virtues of such places and sites therein.

MAKKAH

Makkah Mukarramah is located west of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Allah has selected this city to be the location of His Holy House (the Ka’bah). Rasulullah (S.A) was born in Makkah and it is from here he made his announcement of prophethood. Rasulullah (S.A) said “Besides Makkah Muazzamah there is no other city on the face of the earth where Allah multiplies a virtue by 100,000 times.

THE KA'BAH

The Ka’ba is also known as Baitul Haraam (the Sacred House) and Baitul Ateeq (the Ancient House). It was the first House established for the worship of Allah. The Quraan states: “Indeed the first House designated for man (in the worship of Allah) was the one at Bakkah (Makkah) which is blessed and a guidance for the universe.” (3:96)