Umm Abdillah, Radio Islam Programming, 2016.04.25 | 17 Rajab 1437 AH

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It is that time of the year when many Muslims have the good fortune of visiting the holy lands. Spending Ramadan in precincts of the haramain sharifayn brings rewards that multiply with personal sincerity. It also paves the way to accepted duas. It is a pure blessing from Almighty Allah if one gets to be counted as present in the sacred cities of Makkah al-Mukarramah and al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, especially in Ramadan.

What about those who can’t go to the sacred lands, and may never? What can they take as solace? Umm Abdillah explores.

The virtue of Umrah in Ramadan

It has been narrated that when the Prophet (S) returned after performing Hajj, he asked Umm Sinaan Al-Ansaariyyah why she hadn’t joined the Hajj. She replied to our beloved Nabi (S), that her husband had only two camels. He went on pilgrimage on one of them, and the second was used for the irrigation of their land and ensured their livelihood, therefore she could not have joined him.

Our beloved Prophet (S) on noting her loyalty and dutifulness said to her:

‘An Umrah (minor pilgrimage) in Ramadan is akin to Hajj with me [in terms of reward].’ [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

According to another narration, Nabi (S) told her: “When Ramadan comes, perform Umrah as [the reward for] it then is equivalent to Hajj.”

Dua acceptance is not contained to only one place

Ibn’ Abbas (r) reported that once the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, looked at the Ka’bah and said:

“How great you are and how great is your sanctity! Yet, the believer has a greater sanctity to Allah than you. Verily, Allah sanctified you once, and sanctified the believer thrice: His life is sacred, his wealth is wealth is sacred, and to not assume evil about him is his right.” [Source: Shu’ab al-Imān]

Numerous Sahabah have also reported that when Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) looked at the Ka’bah he would say:

“Allah has granted you honour, nobility and respect — but the believer is more honourable than you.” (Ibn Majah and Tabarani)

It is obvious from the numerous times of the day and the places where duas are reportedly accepted, that ultimately we have to find Allah – not in a specific building like the Ka’bah – but inside our own selves, and inside each other.

“Make du’a to Allah and invoke Him in a state that you are certain that your du’a will be responded to. And know that Allah does not respond to a du’a that originates from a negligent, inattentive heart.” [Hadith]

According to this narration from Nabi (S), a Muslim is instructed to make du’a with an attentive heart. The place or time or area is not restricted.

Our beloved Nabi (S) made us aware via these brisk words that a Muslim should always know, and should be fully aware of what she is saying, and should always believe in his or her heart that their du’a will be responded to by Allah, wherever they may be.

Therefore, while there is so much blessing infused in prayer, worship and dua in the holy lands, acceptance of such is not contained to makaan and zamaan. Allah is everywhere!

For those who are going

1. Study & learn about Makkatul Mukarramah and Madinatul Munawwara and about Umrah.

2. Keep only with good company.

3. Know the rules of Ihram.

4. Guard your tongue:

The Prophet ﷺ said, “Do you know who the bankrupt person is?

The truly bankrupt person is the one who will come on the day of Judgment with his (good deeds from his) prayers, fasting and charity, (but) because he abused others, slandered and defamed others, unlawfully devoured the wealth of others, shed the blood of others and beat others; his good deeds would be credited to the account of those (whom he wronged). If his good deeds fall short to clear the account, their sins would be entered in his account and he would be thrown in the (Hell) Fire”. (Muslim)

5. Be patient:

The Prophet (S) said: “The strong person is not the one who overcomes people by his strength, but the strong one is the one who controls himself while angry.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Lastly, make dua for yourself, for others, for the entire Ummah. You are blessed with being in such a holy and sanctified place. Take advantage of a beautiful spiritual opportunity, stay away from eating doubtful food, useless conversation, and make lots of dua.

Umm Abdillah is part of development and strategy at Radio Islam’s Programming department. Catch her on air hosting The Reminders Programme on Wednesdays between 10-11am and Between the Cracks at 8.25am on Tuesdays. She can be contacted at zanah@radioislamlive.com or @zanah_za on Twitter.