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Tuesday 6 December 2016
Thursday 24 November 2016
Tips for Hajj & Umrah
When you travel for the
holy land of Mecca & Madina is great journey that is not only far off but
is also a journey that reminds us of after life and our duties to the people
behind us.
According to Islam you
should clear all your liabilities and pay off all your dues before the
spiritual journey. You are also bound by Islam to write a Will before you
leave.
Download a Sample of
Islamic will for you and print it.
Following is a check
list of items to be carried for the pilgrimage you may need more things it is
always better to prepare the list so at last moment you do not forget any items
which you might need.
- Ahram
- Towel
- An Umbrella
- Pair of Sleepers
- Tooth Brush, Tooth Paste mouth wash if necessary
- Shampoo & Soap
- Few packs of biscuits and other dry food items
- Packet of tissues and Toilet Tissue Roll
- Alarm Clock
- Basic Medicines Disprin, Ponstan, Strepsils, Cough
Syrup, Immodium
- Face and hands washing soap, Detergent of cloth washing
Soap
- One or 2 Cups and glasses
- Few pairs of socks
- Nail Cutter
- Scissors
- A small Knife for cutting fruits (Keep this in your big
luggage not in hand Luggage)
- Camera and Sufficient batteries take extra batteries
(Keep this in your big luggage not in hand Luggage)
- A prayer mat if needed.
- One or two Extra Travel Bags this is for when you go to
some place for a longer period or for bringing gifts on way bak.
- Some Extra Packed Juices of soft drinks they are
available but its better to have one or two in your bag as well.
- Face cream or cold cream or Patroleum Jelly Its very
hot but due to Air-conditioning its also very dry.
- A Travel Iron
- Tea Bags and Water Heater for making tea
Some of the other things
you need to make sure you know.
- Attend the hajj seminars and workshops conducted by
your Hajj tour company (tour-operator)
- Make sure you have all the travel documents necessary
before you leave for Hajj These Items are
- Your Passport
- Your Identity Card
- Your Airline Ticket
- Hotel Vouchers
- Transport Vouchers or tickets
- Although most airlines flying out from Jeddah allow
hajj passengers to carry zam zam water on board in addition to the maximum
weight allowance it is better to find out when you arrive at airport when
you arrive about carrying zam zam
- Allow some flexibility in your departure schedule as it
may not be possible for you to depart on scheduled dates due to some
unforeseen circumstances particularly for women if the have to delay
tawaf of hajj (tawaf-ziyarah) due to menstrual cycle
- For women they may want to should consult with their
doctor and take proper medications to delay or differ the menstruation
cycle during the Hajj or Umrah
- All the flights to Jeddah airport cross the miqat
before they land in Jeddah therefore you must be in the state of Ihram
when landing in Jeddah airport
- If you are traveling direct to Jeddah, you will assume
Ihram before you board the plane other wise you enter Ihram at any transit
stop enroute to Jeddah. Your group leader will advise you about
it. You will have lots of help from your fellow hajjis, or your
group leader who accompany�s your group.
Some of the other things
you need to make sure you know.
- Develop an understanding, the respect and love for the
prophet Muhammad (s) and his mission for mankind
- Develop humility and the highest degree of patience.
- Dont shout Do not liter at airports or spill water in
Toilets or try to impose to other that you are VIP In Allah�s house everyone is VIP.
Some of these old humble poor people around you may be a lot closer to
Allah than your royal highness.
- So become a kinder, gentler person at during hajj and
umrah and try to keep the same spirit forever.
- Once you are there, do not yell, do not be overly
demanding or rude with your Hajj group leader or staff performing
- Always Say Please and wait for your turn
- Reduce your expectations regardless of what you may
have paid for your hajj package and of what you were promised for this
journey. Even if you felt cheated and if you did not complain and
remain patient Allah surely will compensate you insha Allah
- This journey is may be different from any other journey
you may have ever taken. Tour operators and their associates
however, may try to fulfill their promises, but may not able to do so
because situations will arise in which they have no control over
- Once inside Saudi Arabia, expect delays from the
airport to your hotel and do not look or feel frustrated, angry and take
it out on your group leader. He has no control over the local
entrants no matter what you paid.
- Perform 2 rakats of Salaat-al-Tawbah (repentance of the
past bad deeds). Be conscious of doing good deeds always. Understand
tawheed and behaviour in it.
- Follow the sunnah of the Prophet Muhummad (P.B.U.H)
- Be regular in five daily prayers while you are on this
journey and also when you return
- Read Quran with meaning to understand and practice
sincerely
- People from all over the world and different
backgrounds will be there. Do not engage in meaningless arguments and
quarrels. Give others preference over yourselves. Seek
forgiveness immediately should you hurt or offend anyone.
- If you wish to express your dissatisfaction write a
detailed letter to your tour operator and make suggestions on how to
improve services.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOUR HOME
- Plan to do hajj with the intention of obeying Allah �s command while avoiding riya
- Pray two rakahs salah and seek help from Allah and pray
for a safe journey. Ask Allah for His help and protection from the
harm of evil. At the departure gate, take taqwa with you and leave
behind your heartfelt duas� for your family so that they may remain in Allah�s protection
- Check all your travel documents (i.e. passport, airline
tickets and all relevant coupons, verify with airline yourself)
- Make extra copies of your passport, visa, tickets and
the traveler�s
cheques. Take one set with you and place it in a separate location
along with a couple of identification photos. Leave an extra set of
documents at home.
- Take only one good bag/suitcase
- Take one with wheels so that you can pull it. Tie
some good rope firmly b/c in some cases, the baggage may fall and burst
open scattering the contents
- Make a few personalized identification tags or marks
that you can spot from a distance
- Your carry on bag should contain survival items for 2
to 3 days, just in case your main bag gets lost
- When loading and unloading to and from bus or taxi, be
sure to check your baggage. Make sure that what you pack belongs to
you
- If you break away from the group, you are on your own,
don�t
put the blame on your tour operator for leaving you behind
- Get to know your travel companies and your group leader
before hand, in order to understand the schedule and one anthers
expectations
- Learn Arabic: at least a few words and phrases will be
helpful. Most of the locals understand some English and other
eastern languages rather well
MONEY MATTERS
- Traveller�s cheques are not recomended as they hard to cash since
you won�t
be carrying your passport, which will be taken from you just before
boarding in Jeddah or at madinah airport. You will receive your
passport upon your return at Jeddah airport for the flight back to your
home country
-
Carry
US Dollars or Pounds or Euros larger bills of 100 or 50 dollar bills or
pounds. You can exchange Dollars every where in Saudi Arabia into Riyals
- Do not carry all your money with you; place your money
at different locations on yourself. This is a precautionary measure.
- Take approximately 1000.00 dollars per adult for
miscellaneous expanses or emergency needs. This amount is in
addition to all other hajj related expenses
REFUNDS
- Should be obtained at the airport before returning home
or any unused travel coupons attached to your passport
Special Note: In case your tour operator has arranged for
private buses for transportation during the entire trip, you should be refunded
for all your transport vouchers attached in your passport before you leave
Jeddah Airport. Ask your tour operator about it. Nobody can cash it
for any reason or pretence except you.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME FOR
THE AIRPORT
- Call the airport beforehand to find out the status of
your departure flight.
- Be on time at the airport as instructed by your group
leader. If you miss your flight, you are responsible for costs incurred
- Leave your home early enough to arrive to the airport
on time for your flight. Consider the weather, road conditions, and traffic
laws
- Check all your travel documents once again before you
leave your home
DURING THE FLIGHT
- Use the washroom as soon as you feel the need. Do not
wait too long
- If you are in Ihram, do not use cologne/perfume
products available on the flight
- When you come out of the washroom, make sure you leave
it very clean, with no water on the floor, or used tissues in the sink or
wash basins
JEDDAH AIRPORT � HAJJ
TERMINAL
- Upon arrival, your group will be received the staff of
ministry of Hajj. They will help you process the travel documents
- You will be waiting in the arrival halls until your
turn comes. These halls have no facilities except washrooms, wudu
areas and drinking water. It is going to be approximately a 4-6 hour wait,
depending on the date and time of arrival. Eat the snacks you have packed
in your carry-on.
AFTER CUSTOMS
- Your baggage is your responsibility. Work on a baggage
supervision plan with your group. Stay together.
- Next � you will show your passport for the removal of the
Hajj fee. Cashiers cheques, and bus travel vouchers will be stapled to
your passport. Before you move on, check these items and your passport for
accuracy
- Your group will then move into the waiting area
platforms, opposite of the terminal halls. There will be restaurants,
banks, ministry offices, prayer areas and airport malls where you can buy
hajj related items. By this time, you may be exhausted and hungry
- Always keep your passport in your possession. Go to the
bank (cubicles) and convert your money into Saudi Riyals. Eat and rest,
sitting watching your luggage. You may shop for your needs in these
malls.
- Your group leader will collect passports to make arrangements
for the bus to Makkah or Medina according to your travel itinerary
- When the bus arrives at the platform, enter your bus
and sit in your seat. Luggage will be handled by the airport porter
and loaded into the bus.
- All your passports are with the bus driver.
- Before the bus leaves the terminal platform, a
passenger count will be taken by cross referencing with the passports by
Ministry staff or driver and your group leader
- According to your travel itinerary, the bus will travel
to Medina or Makkah. Upon arrival, before entering the city, you will pass
through a reception centre, where your passports will be registered in the
data centre and your Muallim�s office. If you leave your bus to go to the
washroom or any other reason, make sure you note your bus number and isle
number so you may return to your respective bus
- When you enter Medina, the bus goes to the Muallim�s office where your passports
will be deposited and receipts will be given to your group leader. Every
Hajji will receive a wrist-band and the Muallim�s address card.
- Next, your bus will go to your hotel for accommodations
according to your Hajj package.
YOUR ACTIVITIES IN MAKKAH
- Once you have unloaded your luggage, assigned your
rooms, rested and refreshed, you are ready to do Umrah.
- Your group leader or accompanied religious scholar will
brief you on how to perform Umrah. You will then be lead to the Masjid
Al-Haram.
- When you get to the 1st sight of the Ka�aba, Stop, and make takbir and
recite dua
- Complete a one tawaaf of Umra with Idtibah and Ramal
and Sa�ee
- Men will cut their hair at a barbershop near the doors
of Marwah while the ladies will be waiting near the door of Marwah
- After that, you will go to your hotel rooms and help in
cutting the ladies�
hair (approx. 1 inch of hair in length)
- After this, come out of Ihram, take shower and change
into regular clothes. At this point, your Umrah is complete
- From now until the 8th of Dhul Hijjah,
you are free to do any activity
- During your stay in Makkah:
- Attend 5 daily prayers in Haram �Ka�aba
- Do as many nafil tawaaf as possible
- Do extra Umrah�s if you wish
- Consult your religious scholar at all times for
any/all religious matters
- According to your itinerary, if your are visiting
Medina before Hajj, follow the instructions of the group leader about
packing luggage for traveling and departure to Medina either by Saudi Air
or by bus
VISIT TO MEDINA
- After arriving to your hotel room, freshen up, eat some
food if hungry and leave for Masjid-e-Nabawi.
- In the masjid, pray 2 rak�ah Tahayyah-tul-Masjid and recite durood on the Prophet
(saw).
- Walking with humility & respect, join the existing
line, walking towards the grave site (rowdka) which will be on your left
side. As you come closer, facing the screen, say a sincere Salaam to
the Prophet Muhammad (saw) �As Salaam Alaikum ya Rasulullah�
- Do not raise your hands in front of the grave site for
a du�aa
- Avoid all forms of shirk (4:48)
- Next, move onwards to your right and say your salam to
Hadrat Abu Bakr (R) and then to Hadrat Umar (R)
- Next to the marked pillars area called Riyaz-ul-Jannah
and prays at least 2 nawafil and without hurting or disturbing anyone.
Pray and make your dua�a here, sincerely for this is a high place of
acceptance. This is part of Jannah as it is narrated in a hadith
- Spend as much time as possible in this masjid to do
Salah, durood-e-Ibrahim, dhikr of Allah (swt) and study the Quran.
Additionally, you may offer salaam (if possible after every salah) and
durood.
- Your group leader will arrange a guided tour of the
historical and religious sites in and around Medina that include a visit
to Masjid Quba
START OF HAJJ
- Pack your small carry-on bag, provisions for 5 days and
nights. You will be staying in crowded dusty camps. Mentally prepare
yourself for such an experience for which you have traveled so far to get
mercy and blessings from Allah (swt)
8th OF DHUL HIJJA � HAJJ STARTS TODAY
- If you are in Makkah, take a shower and put on Ihram
and make the intention for Hajj and say Talbiya as you did for Umrah,
observing the restrictions of Ihraam.
- Those coming from Mina, enter the state of Ihraam in
Medina or Dul Hulaifa making intention for Hajj. Say Talbiya and start
observing Ihram restrictions.
- All hujjaj in ihram from Medina, Makkah or from
anywhere proceed to Mina arriving before noon on 8th of
Dhul HIjjah. You will stay over night in Mina.
- During your stay in Mina, do Ibaadat � avoiding all worldly
conversations
- Be helpful to the needy
9th OF DHUL HIJJA � DAY OF ARAFAH
- After Fajr prayer, proceed to the tents in within the
boundary of Arafat with your group
- Remember to stay with your group at all times
- Remember that you came all the way here for today�s event � i.e. The day of Hajj you
will stay here from noon to sunset during which you pray Zuhr, Asr
shortened and combined with one adhan and two aqama
- Some pilgrims may do these prayers at their respective
times. Do not get into arguments. Follow your imam.
- After Zuhr and Asr prayers, eat lunch get some rest and
start waqoof Arafat.
- Today is the climax of Hajj for the Hujjaj. It is the
day you came here for physicality and spirituality. You must do some
taubaa and istigfar, reciting words of Tawheed. This the day of the
largest gathering of all Hujjaj, when everyone is and should be begging from
the one and same Master his Majesty, Allah (swt)
- All will stand in the same location, with the same
address, uttering the same words, asking for the same requests and
following the protocol He invited to come there and to ask questions. You
must produce Khuzoo, Kushroo, Taqwa and Rija�a (hope) - expect only good from Allah (swt) regardless
of how meager but must be sincere).
- He answers all prayers. Today is the best day for
acceptance of your dua�a
- The biggest loser amongst us is one who does not ask for
nor has Rija�a
(hope)
- Observe the waqoof from late afternoon to sun down.
Remember to pray for your parents, family, relatives, friends and those
who helped and assisted you to prepare for this important journey
LEAVE ARAFAT FOR MUZDALIFAH
- Follow the group leaders instructions
- Upon arrival in Muzdalifah, after sunset, first pray
Maghrib and Isha Salah. Combined and shortened.
- Combine 49-70 pebbles to throw at Jamarat on 10, 11, 12
& 13th.
- Stay in Muzdalifah. Pray Fajr early at the starting time
and engage in dua until day break
- After sun rise, leave for Mina tents with your group
10th OF DHUL HIJJAH
- This is the day of Sacrifice
- First, go to Jamarat site with your group, throw stones
at the last Jamarat only and return to the tent.
- If you have purchased Qurbani vouchers, assume Qurbani
is done. Shave your head.
- Discard Ihram, take shower and come out of Ihram. Put
on regular clothes.
- After that, go to Makkah, with your group leader.
Perform tawaf of Hajj followed by Sa�ee and return to Mina and spend one night in Mina.
On 11th, 12th throw
pebbles on the three Jamarat � 7 pebbles each, any time after zuhr salaat
until late evening.
If you are in a hurry,
you can return to Makkah on the evening of the 12th day.
Otherwise, stay until
the 13th. Leave Mina after throwing pebbles after Zuhr salat.
When you have returned to Makkah, perform a farewell tawaf before returning to
your country.
If you have not yet
visited Medina, this is the time to go to Medina after farewell tawaf.
Your hajj trip has come
to an end. May Allah accept your Hajj.
Tuesday 15 November 2016
This White Part On Your Nail Tells ALot About Your Health. Here’s What It Means
This white half moon on your nails is actually an important
indicator of your health. Carefully look at your nails and see if you have
that white part. If no, you probably need to work a lot more on your health.
We’ll come to that part in a bit but let’s first just understand what that
means.
This small white area
that starts at your nail beds is called ‘Lunula’ which is a latin word
for little moon.
And to your surprise, it’s more than just a design and
tells a lot about your state of health. The condition of your lunula is a
great indicator of your health.
Here are certain things about lunula that are a must know for every person if you wish to be healthy throughout your life.
When your health deteriorates, the lunula starts to
disappear. It may also indicate indigestion resulting from a slow
metabolism etc. As your health begin to get normal, lunula takes its
original shape.
While
on the other hand, a white lunula indicates a more energetic and vibrant
personality. In other words, this also means a person is active in his day
to day activities.
Medical experts say that if you 8-10 milky white lunulas, this means that you have a strong health and your body is highly energetic.
Your health and immunity are at risk if there are fewer white lunulas.
To put things into perspective, Whiter the lunula, the
stronger the health.
If
lunulas are only present on thumbs, you are physically weak and can easily fall
prey to diseases.
Lunulas are often associated with systemic disorders which include issues with glands, depression, iron & vitamin B-12 deficiency etc. Keep a check with your doc in case you observe any of these things.
Saturday 12 November 2016
Malaysia Penang
History | Attractions | Getting Around | Recommended Tours Penang needs little introduction to many visitors to Malaysia, having long been known as one of Southeast Asia's finest destinations. Penang's outstanding beaches and exotic sights have made it one of the most popular destinations in the region. As fabulous as its beaches are, some of Penang's deeper mysteries should also be experienced. According to local folklore, the Snake Temple, dedicated to a Buddhist healer-priest, was inhabited by snakes who crawled out of the jungle on the night of the temple's completion. The snakes are still there today. The Kek Lok Si temple, at Air Itam, is reputed to be the most beautiful and largest temple complex in Southeast Asia. Its seven-story pagoda, over 90 feet high, is a harmonious blend of Chinese, Thai, and Burmese architecture and craftsmanship. Other worthwhile stops are the delightful Penang Bird Park, the romantic peak of Penang Hill, Fort Cornwallis, the site of Light's first landing, and the Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve (crisscrossed with beautiful trails leading to isolated beaches). A trek through the reserve's interior reveals rare flora, monkeys chattering in the trees, sea eagles surveying their prey, and maybe a glimpse of a Hawksbill turtle heading for the sea. Some hotels organize early morning treks through the forest. |
Malaysia Terengganu
Attractions
Terengganu is the land of the lilting Gamelan and the mesmerising "Ulek Mayang" dance--living testimony to the state's centuries-old guardianship of Malaysia's cultural heritage. It is a quiet state, with many small villages, quiet roads, and secluded islands and beaches. The clear waters and teeming marine life of Terengganu have made it an increasingly popular destination for divers.
LOCATION
Terengganu is one of the three east coast states on Peninsular Malaysia. It has a land area of 12,995 square kilometres and 225 kilometres of picturesque coastline. Kuala Terengganu, its capital, stands on the bank of the Terengganu river.. |
Malaysia kelantan
Attractions
|
Malaysia Selangor
History | Attractions | Parks and Gardens
LOCATION
All roads away from Kuala Lumpur lead to the state of Selangor, Malaysia's most populated and prosperous state. Selangor surrounds the burgeoning capital with green suburban arms and industrial tracks, but as the city is left behind, a different, older and more natural order quickly unfolds.
To the west is the Klang Valley, whose tin mines were inextricably linked to the history and development of modern Malaysia. It was here that much of Malaysia's Civil War was played out. Continuing past the city of Klang, one eventually comes to Port Klang, where sampans come and go. Both to the north and south, Selangor is dominated by fishing villages on the coast and the Kampung inland. Heading east from KL, it is not the ocean but hills and forests that dominate. This is the beginning of the lush Malaysian heartland, and the spiritual connection to the landscape first takes hold at the extraordinary Batu Caves. Even further inland are the Genting Highlands, one of Malaysia's finest hill stations.
Any direction one takes in Selangor eventually leads to some sight that is deeply connected to Malaysia's development; a tin mine, an oil-palm or rubber plantation - for this reason, the state is often called "the heart of modern Malaysia."
LOCATION
Selangor, with an area of approximately 8,000 sq. km, extends along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia at the northern outlet of the Straits of Malacca. Its advantageous geographic position and rich natural resources have made Selangor the most prosperous state in Malaysia. Today it has the distinction of being the most populated state in Malaysia, with about 3.75 million inhabitants. A large proportion of Selangor's population lives around the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, though the balance is now shifting towards its new capital, Shah Alam.
malaysia sabah
Attractions For many visitors, the primary attractions of Sabah are its outstanding national parks, which include Kinabalu National Park, the Crocker Range Park, and the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary. Others come to enjoy the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and the diver's paradise of Pulau Sipadan. However, Sabah possesses a number of other attractions as well, all of which are worth exploring. LOCATION
Located at the northeast corner of Borneo, Sabah was known in ancient times as the "Land Below The Wind" because it lies below the typhoon belt. Sabah's terrain is rugged, with Mt. Kinabalu, at 4,101 metres, dominating the surrounding landscape. It has a wide diversity of flora and fauna, as well as one of the world's largest rainforests. Sabah's people comprise 31 different indigenous groups, including the Kadazans, Muruts, Bajaus, Kedayans, Sulu, Bisaya, Rumanau, Minokok, and Rungus.
International access to Malaysia'a eastern gateway is through Sabah's capital, Kota Kinabalu, which receives flights from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Kuching, Singapore, Hong Kong, Manila, Brunei, Jakarta, Seoul, and Taipei. Domestic travel in this vast state is via daily flights between Labuan, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, and Tawau, though large areas are still inaccessible. A rail network stretches from Kota Kinabalu to Tenom, and buses, taxis, and boats are also available.
|
Perak
Like Kelantan and Pahang, Perak is a state that is defined by
the course of its namesake river. Perak's population is about two million.
Until the nineteenth century, Perak's people were concentrated along the Perak
River, and the chief city was riverside Kuala Kangsar. However, the discovery
of wondrously rich tin deposits in surrounding valleys lead to the
establishment of and transfer of the capital to Taiping and, later, Ipoh. The
tin mines around Ipoh are reputedly the richest in the world, and it is no
surprise that the city has expanded steadily from the time the mines were
discovered in the nineteenth century. Today, Ipoh is one of Malaysia's larger
cities, with a population of about half a million people.
LOCATION
Perak covers an area of
21,000 square kilometers, making it the second largest state in Peninsular
Malaysia (Pahang is larger). The state is situated along Malaysia's western
coast at the northern approach to the Strait of Malacca. It extends deep into
the peninsula, with its eastern border marked by mountains of the Main Range.
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