MS UMRAH GROUP EMBARKS ON SACRED PILGRIMAGE
MS UMRAH GROUP 2023 EMBARKS ON SACRED PILGRIMAGE
The ceremony enlightened by the esteemed scholar Maulana Salahuddin Saifi Naqshbandi
MS sponsored second consecutive Umrah Trip in a row for dedicated Teachers
In a resplendent display of unity and devotion, the MS Umrah Group 2023 has embarked on a transformative 15-day pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah Al Munawarrah. This sacred journey, steeped in excitement and anticipation, commenced with a heartwarming send-off ceremony at the MS Corporate office in Hyderabad.
The group, comprising 25 teachers and their spouses/Mehram (Total 50) selected during the 2023 Teachers’ Day Event through a draw, is being generously sponsored by the MS Education Academy for the second consecutive year. The profound significance of this gesture underscores the organization’s commitment to fostering spiritual well-being among its staff.
Amidst an atmosphere brimming with emotion, pilgrims received their passports and essential travel documents, tangible artifacts symbolizing the sacred odyssey awaiting them. The ceremony reached its zenith with an enlightening address by the esteemed scholar Hazrat Maulana Salahuddin Saifi Naqshbandi. His words, infused with spiritual wisdom and guidance, reverberated through the hearts of the pilgrims, setting the tone for their sacred journey with purpose and devotion.
Adorned with symbols of pilgrimage, a caravan of buses, led by Chairman Mohammed Lateef Khan and Managing Director Anwar Ahmed, wound its way from the MS Corporate office to the Hyderabad International Airport. This symbolic procession mirrored the steadfast leadership and unwavering support provided by the organization, creating an indelible memory for all present. As staff members, colleagues, and relatives bid farewell, the air resonated with prayers, well-wishes, and a shared sense of unity among the departing pilgrims.
Upon touching down at Jeddah International Airport, the MS Umrah Group 2023 was warmly welcomed by Senior Director Dr. Moazzam Hussain and the revered Maulana Mohammed Abdul Rahim Ba Naeem, Vice President of the Majlis-e-Ilmiyah (Telangana and Andhra Pradesh). This reception marked the commencement of the next leg of their spiritual journey, infusing the pilgrims with renewed enthusiasm.
Looking ahead, the MS Umrah Group 2023 eagerly anticipates the forthcoming 15-day Umrah pilgrimage to Makkah, followed by a soul-stirring sojourn to the sacred city of Madinah Al Munawarrah. Immersed in the spiritual and cultural richness of these holy cities, the pilgrims are guided by the teachings of their faith and the camaraderie of fellow seekers.
In a display of collective unity, the Hyderabad contingent joined hands with their counterparts from Mumbai and New Delhi upon arriving in Jeddah, further enriching the shared experience of this profound spiritual journey. As the MS Umrah Group 2023 ventures forth, the echoes of prayers and well-wishes linger, creating an ethereal tapestry of devotion and shared purpose that transcends borders and unites hearts.
Significance of fasting on the Day of ‘Arafat
Significance of fasting on the Day of ‘Arafat
‘Arafat – a hillside and plain, also called the Jabl-e-Arafat is located about 12.5 miles from Makkah. It is of great significance to all Muslims across the globe. The 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah is regarded as the day of Arafah and is of great prominence due to multitude reasons, the prime being, the belief that on this very day at Mount Arafat our beloved Prophet Muhammed (peace and blessings be upon him), delivered his famous last sermon. The Day of Arafat falls on the second day of observance of pilgrimage to Hajj.
After the dawn of this blessed Day, millions of pilgrims set out for ‘Arafat’ from Mina. The Muslims who are not on the pilgrimage regard this blessed day to reconnect with Allah by fasting and repentance. The whole day of ‘Arafat’ from dawn till dusk has to be devoted for supplications, tilawath, prayers and seeking Allah’s forgiveness. This day is full of blessings and forgiveness in abundance from Allah.
It comes to our knowledge from a Hadith, wherein, Abu Qatadah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked about fasting on the day of ‘Arafat (9th of Dhul-Hijjah), whereupon he said: “It expiates the sins of the preceding year and the coming year”. —Sahih Muslim 6:2603.
The supplication to be recited on this day at ‘Arafat’ is:
Laa ilaaha ill – allahu, wahdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer.
Translation: There is none worthy of worship besides Allah alone, He has no partner, to Him alone belongs supreme authority and praise, and He has power over everything. — At-Tirmidhi: 5:504
The Muslims those who are not on the pilgrimage emphasize on reciting Tasbeeh-e-Tashriq:
Allahu akbar Allahu akbar Laa ilaaha ill – allahu wallahu akbar Allahu akbar wa lillahil hamd.
Translation: Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, there is no God but Allah. And Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest and to Allah belongs all praise.
In one another saying the Prophet’s wife Hafsah, May Allah be pleased with her, said:
“Four things the Messenger of Allah never neglected. Observing fast on the day of ‘Ashura, ‘Arafat, three days every month, and offering Fajr Sunnah prayers early in the morning.” —Muslim.
This hadith states to us that fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah is Sunnah, and so it adds up to the significance of its importance. Another hadith states that our (deen) religion of Islam was perfected and completed on this very Day of ‘Arafat.
According to Islamic tradition, Reported by Tariq bin Shibab: some Jews said, “Had this verse been revealed to us, we should have taken that day as ‘Eid (festival)”.
Umar (ra) said, “What verse?”
They said: “This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your religion”. [Quran 5.3]
‘Umar (ra) said, “I know the place where it was revealed; it was revealed while Allah’s Apostle was staying at ‘Arafat”. [Sahih Bukhari 5:59:689].
Henceforth, this article was intended to enlighten the significance of fasting on the day of ‘Arafat and devoted supplication for purging of sins. May Allah give us the ability to fast on this day, elevate our faith; accept our prayers, and also give every muslim the tawfeeq to perform Hajj in the forthcoming years. Ameen.
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