Fiqh, - Hajj at home

Every day when I go to pick up my kids at our local Islamic school, I
walk past a large photo image of the Ka'bah, surrounded by swarming
white-clothed pilgrims desperate to have their hearts cleansed and
prayers answered by the All-Mighty Allah. I remember when my oldest
daughter was two, she used to point to the picture and say "Ka'bah" in
cute baby language.
She knew what it was, and I felt some pride as a parent that I was off
to the right start raising a good little Muslimah. Year after year,
our children could tell us, yes, Hajj is one of the five pillars of
Islam. But, what does it mean to them? Can it mean anything more than
just a word? As millions of devoted Muslims take to the air, sea and
land, heading to the Holiest sites, what can we as parents do to make
the beauty and purity of Hajj come to life in our homes? Is it
possible for our children to make a connection with this miraculous
annual planetary event?
Living Hajj character at home
If this sounds like something you would like to do, here are some
ideas. Just before Hajj begins, rent or buy one of those videos on
Hajj and sit down as a family and watch it. Watching Hajj will awaken
an emotional response inside everyone, seeing all of those Muslims
together, praying in unison. Your hearts will yearn to be there,
sharing in this incredible pillar of Islam.
Allah Says )what means(:"…And take provisions, but indeed, the best
provision is fear of Allah. And fear Me, O you of
understanding."]Quran 2:197[
Isn't it amazing that the best provision Allah asks pilgrims to take
on Hajj is right conduct? He Almighty didn't' Say "sincere prayer" or
"give the most charity" or "read the entire Quran" or "perform it
perfectly". He Almighty said "right conduct" to those that are wise.
This verse reaffirms many other Prophetic narrations and Quranic
verses that emphasize the importance of character in the life of a
Muslim. For it is within our characters that the sincerity of our
words and intentions comes to life. If we can sit and memorize Quran
for hours and then fail to smile at our neighbor, where is Islam in
our lives? We know our character ultimately defines our faith. So, why
not, during the Hajj, together as a family sit down and pledge to try
to have the character of a pilgrim? Agree not to argue, raise voices
or lose patience. Each day, sit together and discuss character. Let
each person try to identify in him or herself in what way their
character needs improvement )because of course we all have room to
improve(.
For example, the oldest sibling might recognize she is kind of bossy
and unkind to her younger sister. A mother might admit she shouts too
much when her children aren't listening. A father might realize that
he more easily criticizes than compliments. Then, talk about the
character of the Prophet, sallAllahu alayhi wa sallam, especially how
he, sallAllahu alayhi wa sallam, responded in difficult situations.
The Hajj environment truly tests one's patience, with hours of waiting
in the heat, unimaginable crowds of people pressing each other on in a
sea of human bodies. As you discuss, keep in mind this bottom line on
character:
Each person chooses his/her character. No one "makes" a person do or
say anything; like, "Hamza made me angry!" when in fact, a person has
a choice to become angry or not when faced with antagonizing behavior.
Or, "if you didn't fail that test I wouldn't have to shout at you".
Again the logic is lacking. We cannot put the blame of our poor
character choices onto the actions or words of others. This is what
Muslim character is all about. This is why Allah called such people
wise. The Prophet's, sallAllahu alayhi wa sallam, wisdom in these
manners is unparalleled. When people spat on him, he, sallAllahu
alayhi wa sallam, prayed for their salvation. When people insulted
him, he, sallAllahu alayhi wa sallam, kept quiet. It is these actions
that have enabled his, sallAllahu alayhi wa sallam, message to ring
true in the ears of humanity 1400 years after Islam came to be.
Beautiful, shining, humble character. Nothing on Earth can compare. A
Muslim with such character is like a beacon of hope in a world
infected with hate, killing, greed and materialism. The opportunity
Hajj gives us as parents is to focus on our character, and to work
together as a family to improve ourselves.
Forgiveness
Another hope of all pilgrims is to leave Hajj purified and without
sin. Yet, asking Allah's forgiveness is something we can't live
without every day of our lives. Consciously or not, we as humans are
fallible, and require Allah's mercy to have even the slightest hope to
enter Paradise. Like pilgrims, spend a part of each day during Hajj
sitting together as a family and asking for Allah's forgiveness. Ask
aloud for specific things, for your children to hear your faults, so
they realize you are also a slave of Allah. They will learn from this
humility, and turn it on themselves, Allah willing.
Keep up with the pilgrims
Another way to stay connected to the pilgrims is to do a day-by-day
commentary. Each day, follow along on the Hajj journey and discuss the
significance of each part of the pilgrimage. Tracing through the steps
can be meaningful to children, and certainly helps them to have a
better understanding about Hajj and what goes on there. For younger
ones, you can actually set up a make believe Hajj landscape in your
home, and go through the movements together. Take a large men's work
shirt, and dress yourself and children as pilgrims and go on "Hajj".
For older children, deeper discussions about the underlying
significance of Hajj and each act of it are more appropriate. For the
teenagers, have a Hajj gathering for their friends. Prepare an entire
evening about the Hajj, which can include asking them to act it out.
Use Hajj to breakdown divisions within our own communities
Arabs, Converts, Africans, Americans ...how many ways do we group and
segregate our communities? I can honestly say I sadly have witnessed
real anger and bitter, burning emotions fueled by cultural divisions
between Muslims. I heard them straight from the mouths of my students
and witnessed in my classroom the ugly head of racism veer up and
roar. At first I thought the kids were joking, but it was serious
business—the Arabs vs. the Desis. Without encouragement from parents
and peers, these children would not have yet had the life experience
to feel such deep and dividing emotion. Hajj represents one of the
most precious facets of Islam—humans are equal in the eyes of Allah
except for ways only seen by Him. Use this unifying theme of Hajj to
build a sense of brotherhood )and sisterhood( in the hearts of your
children. Talk about skin color, nationalities, and languages as mere
signs of creation. Teach them the beauty of diversity and the rainbow
of humanity that shines brilliantly nowhere else on Earth as it does
on Hajj.

Fiqh, - The principles of Ghusl)taking bath(

A brief summary of the principles of Ghuslis as follows:
First,A Muslim should make his/her intention for purification, then
wash the privateparts. Then make Wudhoo' )ablution( like the Wudhoo'
done for prayer, then pour water on hisright side, then the left side.
Then water should be poured on his head,covering the entire body with
water. It is also reported in the Sunnah )narrations of the Prophet
Muhammad( that washing the feet should be delayed until the end of the
Ghusl.
It is reported onthe authority of Aa'ishahwho said that theMessenger
of Allaahwhen performingGhusl from Janaabah )ritual impurity(, used to
wash his hands, then wash his private parts with hisleft hand. After
that he performed Wudhoo' like that for prayer. Next, he took
somewater and ran his fingers in the roots of his hair until he used
three handfulsof water on his head. He would then go on pouring water
on the rest of his bodyand wash his legs. ]Muslim[
1. The person taking a bath should first of all wash both hands up to
the wrists, and then wash the private parts. The hands and private
parts should be washed irrespective of whether there is any impurity
on them or not. Both these have to be washed under all conditions.
Thereafter, any impurity found on the rest of the body should be
washed. Then make Wudhoo'. If one is sitting on a stool or stone while
bathing, then the feet should also be washed when making Wudhoo'. But
if one is sitting in a place where the water accumulates and he will
have to wash the feet again after completing the Ghusl, then the
entire Wudhoo' should be made but the feet should not be washed.
After performing Wudhoo', pour water on the head three times.
Thereafter pour water over the right and left shoulders three times
each in such a way that water reaches the entire body. Thereafter move
from this place and go to a clean spot and wash the feet. If the feet
were washed when making Wudhoo' there will be no need to wash them
again.
2. Whilst pouring water over the body the first time, rub the body
well so that water reaches everywhere properly and no place remains
dry.
3. The above method of Ghusl is according to the Sunnah. Some of the
items explained above are Fardh )obligatory( without which Ghusl will
not be complete and the person will remain impure. Some other items
are Sunnah )recommended but not obligatory(. Observing them entails
reward, and by not carrying them out, Ghusl will still be complete.
The Fardh acts are only three:
)a( To gargle the mouth in such a way that water reaches everywhere.
)b( To wash the nose up to the soft bone.
)c( To pour water over the entire body.
4. While bathing, one should not face the Qiblah )direction of the
Ka'bah(. Too much water should not be used, nor should so little be
used that one is unable to wash thoroughly. The bath should be taken
at such a place that no one can see the bather. One should not talk
while bathing; he should cover himself up first and then wash the
feet.
5. If the bathing place is secluded where no one can see, then it is
permissible to bathe naked, irrespective of whether one is standing or
sitting and irrespective of whether the roof is covered or not.
However, it is better to sit and bathe because there is more modesty
in this. To expose the body from the navel to the knees before anyone
is a sin. Many women bath completely naked in the presence of other
women. This is a very evil and shameful act.
6. Even if an area equal to a hair's breadth is left dry, Ghusl will
not be complete. In the same way, if one forgets to gargle the mouth
or wash the nose, Ghusl will not be complete.
7. If a woman pours water on her head three times, that will be
sufficient and she does not need to undo the braids. This is based on
the Hadeeth )narration( ofUmm Salamah. It is narrated that she asked
the Prophet: "I am a woman with braided hair; should I undo it when
doing Ghusl for Janaabah?" Heanswered:"No, rather it will be
sufficient for you to pour three handfuls of water on your head, then
pour water over yourself and you will be purified."]Muslim[.Unless the
Ghusl is after the menses, then she has to undo the braids and wash
her hair thoroughly.

Fiqh, - Giving gifts in Islam

Gift-giving is one of the good manners that maintains and strengthens
relations between the giver and the recipient. It is one of the acts
that Prophet Muhammadrecommended us-Muslims- to do.
Al-Bukhaarinarrated that 'Aa'ishahsaid: "The Messenger of Allaahused
to accept gifts and reward people for giving them."
The phrase: "Reward people for giving them," means giving the giver
)at a later time( something of equal value at least in return.
This Hadeeth )narration( indicates that accepting gifts and giving
something of equal value )or more( to the giver is the way of the
Prophet.
The Prophetenjoined responding in kind to favours, as he said in an
authentic narration:"Whoever does you a favour, respond in kind, and
if you cannot find the means of doing so, then keep praying for him
until you think that you have responded in kind."]Abu Daawood[
"Whoever does you a favour," means, whoever treats you kindly in word
or deed or by gifting you.
"Respond in kind," means to treat him kindly just as he has treated you kindly.
"If you cannot find the means of doing so" means if you do not have the money.
"Until you think that you have responded in kind" means, repeatedly
supplicate for him until you think that you have rewarded him his due.
One of the Du'aa' forms that one can say is 'Jazaaka Allaahu khayran'
)may Allaah reward you with good(. At-Tirmithinarrated that Usaamah
Ibn Zaydsaid: The Messenger of Allaahsaid: "Whoever has a favour done
for him and says 'Jazaak Allaahu khayran' has done his utmost to thank
him." ]At-Tirmithi[
"Done his utmost to thank him," means that he has done his utmost to
express his gratitude, because he has acknowledged his shortcomings
and that he is unable to reward and thank him enough, so he refers the
matter to Allaah, to reward him in the best manner. It is said that:
"If you are unable to give him back in kind, then speak at length
thanking him and supplicating for him." ]Tuhfat Al-Ahwathi[
The Permanent Committee )a supreme Islamic judicial authority inSaudi
Arabia, was asked a similar question( and replied as follows:
"There is nothing wrong with accepting it )an amount of money as a
gift(, without you )the recipient( longing for that, and you can
respond in kind if you are able to with an appropriate gift, or you
can supplicate for him, because the Prophetsaid: "Whoever does you a
favour, respond in kind … )the above-mentioned Hadeeth(." ]Fataawa
Al-Lajnah Al-Daa'imah[
Difference between charity and gift-giving
Charity is given to the poor and the needy to meet their needs, and is
done with the intention of seeking the Pleasure of Allaah. Its
intention is not limited to a specific person; rather it is given to
any poor or needy one.
On the other hand, a gift is not necessarily given to a poor person,
rather it may be given to rich or poor; the intention is to show
friendship and to honour the recipient.
Both of them – charity and gift-giving – are righteous deeds for which
a person will be rewarded )and please his Lord(, but which is better?
Ibn Taymiyahstated that Sadaqah )charity( is that which is given for
the sake of Allaah as an act of worship, without intending to give it
to a specific person and without seeking anything in return, rather it
is given for charitable causes, such as to the needy. A gift is given
with the intention of honouring a specific person, either because the
recipient is your friend whom you love, or because you want something
in return.
Hence, the Prophetused to accept gifts and reward people for them, so
that no one could remind him of their favours, but he did not accept
the "refuse" of people that they gave to purify themselves of sins,
namely charity. He did not accept charity for this and other reasons.
Once this is understood, then charity is better, but there is a sense
in which a gift is better than charity, such as giving a gift to the
Messenger of Allaahduring his lifetime out of love for him. Also,
gifts which a person gives to a relative in order to uphold the ties
of kinship or to a brother in Islam may be better than charity.
Based on this, giving to one of your relatives may be better than
giving charity, because it is more befitting to uphold the ties of
kinship. The same may apply if you give a gift to a friend of yours,
because that will strengthen the bonds of love between you. The
Prophetsaid:"Exchange gifts, as that will lead to increasing your love
to one another."]Al-Bukhaari[
What the Hadeeth means is that giving gifts may generate and increase love.
To sum up, gifting vs. giving charity is dependent on the situation
but, in principle, spending in charity takes precedence.

Dought & clear, - He forgot and said Allaahu akbar instead of Sami’aAllaahu liman hamidah.

A man said Allaahu akbar instead of Sami'a Allaahu liman hamidah when
standing up after bowing. What should he do?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Saying Sami'a Allaahu liman hamidah, for both the imam and the one who
is praying alone, is one of the obligatory parts of prayer, according
to the correct opinion, as was stated in the answer to question no.
43574.
The one who forgets to say that and does not say anything, or says
Allaahu akbar instead of that, and remembers whilst he is still
praying, should do the two prostrations of forgetfulness before saying
the salaam.
The basic principle is that the one who forgets an obligatory part of
prayer or says a prescribed phrase – such as Allaahu akbar – in the
wrong place, should do the prostration of forgetfulness.
It says inDaleel al-Taalib: The prostration of forgetfulness is
required if one adds a bow or prostration or standing or sitting, even
if it is as long as the sitting between the two prostrations, or he
says the salaam before completing the prayer, or he makes a mistake in
recitation that alters the meaning, or he omits an obligatory part.
And Allaah knows best.