Hajj, - Virtues of Udhiyyah – Sacrifice

*."Sacrificing (animals) has been ordained on every Ummah so that the
Name of Allah is mentioned on these particular animals which Allah has
bestowed on them…" (Surah An'aam)
*."We have made the sacrifice of camels and cows among the salient
features of (the Deen) of Allah. There is benefit in it for you."
(Surah Hajj)
*."Neither the flesh (of the sacrificed animals) nor their blood reach
Allah. But, it is your taqwa (piety and sincerity of heart) which
reaches Him. Convey glad tidings to the sincere ones." (Surah Hajj)
*."Perform Salaat for your Rabb and sacrifice (animals)." (Surah Kauthar)
*."Truly my prayer, my sacrifice, My life and death, are all for
Allâh; the Rabb of the Worlds."
*.Hadhrat Ayesha (radiallahu anha) narrates that Rasulullah
(Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "During the days of Qurbaani there
is no deed of man more loved by Allah Ta'ala than sacrificing of
animals. On the Day of Qiyaamah the sacrificed animal will arise with
its horns, hair and hoofs. Allah Ta'ala accepts the sacrificed animal
before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore, render the Qurbaani
wholeheartedly and happily." ( Ibn Majah, Tirmizi, Hakim)
*.Hadhrat Zaid bin Arqam (radiallahu anhu) narrates that the Sahaabah
enquired from Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) about the
Qurbaani practice. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "It
is the way of your father, Ibraheem (alayhis salaam)." The Sahabah
asked: "What will we acquire by it?" Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alayhi
Wasallam) replied: "A good deed (is recorded for you) in return for
every hair (on its body)." The Sahaabah asked: "0 Rasulullah! If there
is wool on the body?" Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "A
good deed in return for every strand (of wool on its body)." (Hakim,
Ibn Majah)
*.Hadhrat Ali (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu
alayhi wasallam) said to Faatimah (radiallahu anha): "0 Faatimah! Get
up and be present at your Qurbaani (when it is about to be
slaughtered). All your sins are forgiven as the first drop of its
blood reaches the earth. Rememberthat on the Day of Qurbaani its flesh
and blood will be brought and after increasing it by seventy times, it
will be placed in your Scale of good deeds." Its flesh and blood will
be brought and after increasing it by seventy times, it will be placed
in your Scale of good deeds." Hadhrat Abu Saeed (radiallahu anhu)
asked: "0 Rasulullah! Is this reward exclusive for the Family of
Muhammad? Truly, they deserve such great thawaab-or is this thawaab
for all Muslims as well?" Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam)
said: "For the Family of Muhammad as well as for all Muslims in
general." (Isbahaani)
*.Hadhrat Husain Ibn Ali (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah
(sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "The Qurbaani rendered
wholeheartedly, happily and with sincerity of intention will on the
Day of Qiyaamah be a shield against Jahannum for the sacrificer."
(Tibrani)
*.Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah
(sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "He who is by the means but does
not render the Qurbaani, should not come to our place of Eid Salaah."
(Targheeb)
*.Hadhrat Abu Talha (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah
(sallallahu alayhi wasallam) sacrificed one sheep for himself and one
sheep on behalf of his Ummah. In this regard Rasulullah (sallallahu
alayhi wasallam) said: "This Qurbaani is for the one in my Ummah who
believes in me and who acknowledges me." (Musali, Kabiri, Ausat)
*.Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah
(sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "Fatten your animals (of
sacrifice-feed them well), for they will be your mounts on the Siraat
(the Bridge over Jahannum)." (Kanzul Ummaal)
*.There is nothing dearer to Allah during the days of Qurbani than the
sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of
Judgement with its horns, hair, and hooves (to be weighed). Allah
accepts the sacrifice before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore
sacrifice with an open and happy heart. (Tirmizi, Ibne Majah)
*.Hadhrat Husain bin Ali(radhiyallahu anhu) reported that
Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said that: " Whosoever
sacrifices with sincerity and for virtue, will enjoy this sacrifice as
the cause of safety from Jahannam." (Tabraani)
*.Hadhrat Abdullah bin Abbas(radhiyallahu anhu) reported that
Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said that: " The best
expenditure on the Day of Eid-ul-Adha is to spend one's money in
sacrifice." (Tabraani, Isbahaani)
*.Hadhrat Ayesha(radhiyallahu anha) reported that
Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said that: " For every hair
of sacrifice, one virtue is recorded." (Tirmizi)

Hajj, - Virtues of Zam Zam Water

The water of Zam-Zam has countless of virtues and it is extremely pure
and clean. It is the most blessed and purest of all waters on earth.
Allama Taahir Karwi, writes in this regard:
1.The inception of this well was owing to Hadhrat Ismaeel (alaihimus
salaam) and his mother Hadhrat Haajira (R.A).
2.Its coming into existence was owing to the intervention of Hadhrat
Jibraeel (alaihis salaam).
3.Its position is upon the most blessed place on earth, i.e. near the
Kaaba Shareef and within the Haram.
4.This well is surrounded by three such sacred places, viz. Hajre
Aswad, Safa and Marwah which grants it virtue (over all other wells).'
5.This is such blessed water, from which Prophets, Pious and
Allaah-fearing people have drank.
6.This such a pure water, with which, Hadhrat Jibraeel (alaihis
salaam) bathed the pure heart of Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam).
7.This water also has this virtue that Rahmatul lil ' Aalameen,
MuhammadMustafa (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), twice rinsed his blessed
mouth in the bucket of its well, thereby granting it the virtue of
having the effect of his Mubarak mouth.
8.The world over, this is such a blessed water, that it has been
praised by the most Truthful of all the truthful people (sallallahu
alaihi wasallam).
9.
Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) requested this water from
MakkahMukarramah, whilst he was stationed in MadinahMunawwarah.
Narrations, Incidents and Ahaadith on Zam- Zam
1.
It is reported from Hadhrat Jaabir (radhiayallahu anhu) that
Rasullullah(sallallahu alaihi wasallarn) said: "That person who has
completed seven Tawaafs of the Kaaba Shareef, then he performs 2
Rakaats Salaat behind the Maqaam-e-Ebrahim, and he has a drink of the
water of Zam-Zam, all his sins will be forgiven." (Tafseer Waahidi]
2.
Nabi Kareem (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: "The water of Zam- Zam
has a cure for all ailments. " [Dailami]
3.
Hadhrat Abdullaah lbn Abbaas (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that
Nabi(sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: "The water of Zam-Zam is the
best water on the surface of the earth."
4.
Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: "The stomach of a
believer is satiated with the water of Zam-Zam, and the stomach of a
Munaafiq is not satiated." It is as though this is a sign of
hypocrisy.
5.
Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: "For whatever object
Zam-Zam is drunk, that object will definitely be fulfilled. If one
drinks it with the purpose of being cured, then Allaah Ta'ala will
grant cure for the drinker, or if one drinks it for his thirst to be
removed then Allaah Ta'ala will remove his thirst. Because it is the
well of Jibraeel (alaihi salaam), and with it Allaah Ta'ala quenched
the thirst of Hadhrat Ismaeel (alaihi salaam).
6.
Once Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) came to the well of
Zam-Zam. A bucket was taken out for him. Rasullullah (sallallahu
alaihi wasallam) drank from it, and he rinsed his mouth therein. It is
reported in another narration that Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)
washed his blessed face therein and rinsed his mouth. It is reported
that Hadhrat Abbaas (radhiayallahu anhu) took out the bucket for Nabi
(sallallahu alaihi wasallam).
7.
It is reported from Hadhrat Abdullaah Ibn Abbaas(radhiyallaahu anhu)
that Rasulullah(sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: "Fever is from the
fire of Jahannam, hence cool it off with the water of Zam-Zam. "
8.
Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: "Gazing upon five things
is also an lbaadat,- The Qur'aan Majeed, Kaaba Shareef, one's parents,
the face of an Aalim and Zam-Zam. To look upon Zam-Zam, one's sins are
forgiven."
9.
Hadhrat Ali (radhiayallahu anhu) reports that amongst all the cities,
two cities are the best. Makkah Mukarramah, and that city, wherein
Hadhrat Aadam (alaihis salaam) came down. Two cities are the worst;
'Ahqaaf' and 'Hazre Maut'. The best well is that of Zam-Zam and the
worst is 'Barhowt', wherein the bodies of the Kuffaar were thrown.
10.
It is reported from Ibn Jareej that the best water on earth is the
water of Zam-Zam, and the worst water is the water of the well of
Barhowt, which is situated in the valley of Hazre Maut.
11.
It is reported frorn Hadhrat Abdullaah Ibn Abbaas (radhiyallahu anhu):
"Perform Salaat in the place of the chosen ones and drink from the
drink of the pious." He was asked; "What is the Prayer- place of the
chosen ones?" He replied: "Below the Mezaab-e- Rahmat(below the water
out-let in the Harem)." He was asked about the drink of the pious, to
which he replied;'The water of Zam-Zam."
12.
Abdul Aziz bin Rawaad says that there was once a pious shepherd, who
drank from Zam-Zam whenever thirst overcame him. He would derive
therefrom the taste, pleasure and effects of milk. When he took from
the water of Zam-Zam for wudhu for Salaat, then he would get the
effects of water.
13.
Sheikh-ul-islaam Siraajud Deen Balqini (rahmatullahi alaih) mentions
that the water of Zam-Zam is even more virtuous than the water of
Kauther, because the blessed heart of Nabi (sallallahu alaihi
wasallam) was washed in this water, and it is not possible that Nabi
(sallallahu alaihi wasallam) heart be washed except with the best of
waters.
14.
It is reported in one narration that the person in whose stomach
enters the water of Zam-Zam, will never enter jahannum, because the
Fire and Zam-Zam can never be in one and the same place.
15.
It is reported from Hadhrat Abdullaah Bin Umar (radhiyallahu anhu)
that the water in the well of Zam-Zam which comes from the direction
of Hajre Aswad is actually a spring from Jannat.
16.
Sayyidinah Abu Zarr Ghifaari (radhiyallahu anhu) reports the incident
of his acceptance of Islaam, when he came to Makkah, thus: "When I
heard of the announcementof Nabuwwat of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi
wasallam), then I went to Makkah, and enquired about him(sallallahu
alaihi wasallam). The people attacked me, with the result I fell down
unconscious. When I regained consciousness, I ran to the Kaaba Shareef
and hid behind the Ghilaaf. At times during the night I saw Nabi
(sallallahu alaihi wasallam) making Tawaaf of the Kaaba, and I even
made Salaam to him. Once, Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) asked me
when I had come here. I replied that it has been thirty days since my
arriving there. He asked me who was supplying me with food; I replied
that besides the water of Zam-Zam, I had no other source of
nourishment. Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) replied that surely
this was blessed and it was the best food of all foods."
17.
Hadhrat Rabaah reports from Hadhrat Aswad: "He mentions that once such
a stage passed him while in Makkah that for three days he had no food.
He spent his time at the well of Zam-Zam, drinking therefrom. He says
that he derived the pleasure and effects of milk from this water "
18.
Mufti Abu Bakr Umar Ma'roof Shaneeni, who was frorn amongst the top
Ulama of Yemen, states that a person was afflicted with a serious
illness. His illness took a bad turn. He went to a doctor, who turned
hirn away due to the very serious nature of the illness, and said that
this person had no rnore than three days to live. When the patient
heard this, it was as tough the earth beneath him had opened up. He
turned away thoroughly dejected. Allaah Ta'ala placed this thought in
his mind that why should he not drink from the water of Zam-Zam,
because Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said that it was a water
which had Shifaa (cure). With this intention he left Yemen and arrived
in Makkah. He drank Zam-Zam water to his fill. He felt that something
was breaking in his stomach. Immediately he left the Haram and went to
relieve himself. He had a bout of diarrhea. He went and drank Zam-Zam
water for a second time and again had a bout of diarrhea. He stayed
for a few days in Makkah. After Allaah Ta'ala had granted him cure, he
returned to his home country and presented himself before the doctor.
The doctor was surprised and asked him if he was the very same person
who had the certain disease. He replied in the affirmative. The doctor
asked him what medicine he had used. He indicated that he had been
cured through the Barkat of the water of Zam- Zam.
19.
In the same way a blind person drank from the water of Zam-Zam and put
some on his eyes. Allaah Ta'ala granted his sight.
20.
Allama Zahni states in 'Tabqaat' that when Sheikh Khatieb Saghdaadi
went for Haj, then he drank thrice from the well of Zam-Zam, and he
asked Allaah Ta'ala for three of his needs. Allaah Ta'ala fulfilled
all three of his needs through the Barkat of Zam-Zam.
21.
Allama Taajudeen Subki (rahmatullahi alaih) writes in 'Tabqaat':
"Allama Muhammad Bin Ishaq Bin Khuzaima was asked: 'Where did you
attain such heights in knowledge?' he replied that Nabi (sallallahu
alaihi wasallam) said that for whatever purpose the water of Zam-Zam
is drunk, that will be fulfilled. Hence, he says, he drank it with the
du'aa of acquiring knowledge, and Allaah Ta'ala fulfilled his desire.
"
22.
Sheikhul lslaam Ibn Hajar (rahmatullahi alaih) states that when he was
still a student of Hadith when he drank Zam-Zam and made du'aa that
Allaah Ta'ala make him an excellent Haafiz of Hadith like Allama
Zahri. He says that 20 years later he made Hajj, and he felt that
Allaah Ta'ala had granted him progress in his knowledge. He says that
he made a du'aa then, that Allaah Ta'ala grant him higher stages in
rank. He said that he had hope Allah Ta'ala will surely fulfill that
duaa.

Hajj, - Virtues of Performing Hajj

Hazrat Abu Huraira(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that
Rasullullah(Sallallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) said: "Whoever performs Hajj
for the sake of pleasing Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor
commits any evil deed, shall remain from it as free from sin as the
day on which his mother gave birth to him.'
Hazrat Abu Huraira(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that
Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) said: "Verily there shall be
no reward for a righteous pilgrimage except Jannah"
Hazrat Ayesha(radhiyallahu anha) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu
alaiyhi wassallam) said: "There is no day in which Allah sets free
more souls from the fire of hell than on the day of Arafaat. And on
that day Allah draws near to the earth and by way of exhibiting His
pride remarks to the Angels: "What is the desire of these servants of
mine."
"Hazrat Talhaa(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(Salallahu
Alaihi Wassallam) said: "Apart from the day of the battle of
Badrthere is no day on which the Shaytaan is seen more humiliated,
more rejected. More depressed and more infuriated, than on the day of
Arafaat, and indeed all that is only because of beholding the
abundance of descending mercy (on that day) and Allah's forgiveness of
the great sins of the servants". (Mishkaat)
Hazrat Ibn Shimaastah(radhiyallahu anhu) reports we were present
around Hazrat Amr Ibn al-Aas(radhiyallahu anhu) before he passed away.
He cried for a long time and then related the story of his embracing
Islam. He said: "When Allah caused Islam to enter my heart, I came to
Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) and said: 'O messengerof
Allah, put forth your hand that I may swear allegiance. 'When
Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) stretched forth his hand, I
withheld mine. Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) inquired:
"What troubles you 'O Amr?" I said: I went to make a condition that
Allah shall forgive my previous sins". Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi
wassallam) replied: 'O Amr, do you then not know that Islam washes
away all sins committed in disbelief, and that the Hijrat (migration)
washes away all sins committed before Hajj?"
Hazrat Sahl bins Sa'ad(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that
Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said: "When a Muslimshouts
Labbaik, then verily every stone, tree and all the ground to his right
and to his left recites the same, and this continues till that cry
reaches the end of the earth".
Hazrat Abu Moosa(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that
Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: "The Hajji shall
intercede on behalf of four hundred families or he said four hundred
people from his family, and verily does he return from Hajj (sinless)
as on the day his mother gave birth to him."
Hazrat Ibn Umar(radhiyallahu anhu) report that Rasullullah(sallallahu
alaiyhi wassallam) said: "When you meet a Hajji (on his way home) then
greet him, shake hands with him and ask him to beg forgiveness of
Allah on your behalf before he enters his home, for his prayer for
forgiveness is accepted since he is forgiven by Allah for his sins."
Hazrat Buraidah (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that
Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: "The expenses incurred
during Hajj is like that incurred in Jihaad; rewarded seven hundred
times."
Hazrat Jaabir(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu
alaiyhi wassallam) said: "A Hajji never becomes poor and destitute."
Hazrat Aayesha (radhiyallahu anha) reports that she once sought
permission from Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) to go for
Jihaad. Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) replied: "You Jihaad
is Hajj."
Hazrat Ibn Abbaas(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that
Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: "Whoever desires to
perform Hajj, should hasten towards performing it."
Hazrat Abu Hurairah(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that
Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said: "Whoever sets forth in a
journey to perform Hajj and passes away on route, for him shall be
written the reward of a Haaji until the day of Qiyaamah; and whoever
sets forth to perform Umrah and passes away on route, for him shall be
written the reward of a Mu'tamir until Qiyaamah; and whoever sets
forth on a journey to fight in the way of Allah and passes away on
route, for him shall be written the reward of a Mujaahid until the day
of Qiyaamah."
Hazrat Ibn Abbaas(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that a Sahabiyah (a
Muslim lady who saw Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) once said
to Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam): "O Rasullullah(Salallahu
Alaihi Wassallam), the obligation of Hajj has come at a time now when
my father is a very old and weakly man. He is unable to remain seated
on a camel (or horse). Can I then proceed to perform Hajj on his
behalf?"
Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) replied: "Yes, you can."
Another Sahabi(radhiyallahu anhu) also came with a similar request: "O
Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam), my sister made vow that she
would perform Hajj. Now she has passed away. What should we do?"
Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) replied: "Should she have
passed away while she owed someone something, would you have settled
that debt?"
The man replied: "Yes indeed."
Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) said: "This is a debt due
to Allah. Settle it." (Mishkaat)
Hazrat Jaabir(radhiyallahu anhu) reports: "Verily Allah causes three
people to enter into Paradise through one Hajj; The deceased, (on
whose behalf this Hajj is being performed) the Haaji performing it and
he (the heir or others) who makes possible its performance (by
financial aid)."

Fathwa, - Watching Health Videos

Question:
Is it permissible to watch exercise videos where people are not fully
covered (as almost ALL exercise videos seem to be) for the purpose of
improving physical health?
Answer:
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
Watching videos is not integral to improving one�s physical health.
Rather, physical exercise is the means, and knowledge of it can be
reasonably sought through printed materials. Thus, it would not be
permitted to watch videos showing people who are improperly dressed.
And Allah alone gives success.