The document discusses the significance of Hajj as the fifth pillar of Islam, emphasizing its role in spiritual purification and unity among Muslims. It also outlines preparations for the pilgrimage, the spiritual benefits of the rituals, and the re-opening of the Markaz Al Ihsaan for the academic year with free educational offerings. Additionally, there are community events and a cooking competition related to the observance of Hajj.

1. And hold fast, all together, by the rope
which Allah (stretches out for you),
Institute of Islamic Theology and be not separated among yourselves.
(3:103)
THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE MARKAZ AL IHSAAN Dhul Hijjah 1431 / November 2010 Issue 4 / 2010
EDITORIAL CALLIGRAPHY CENTRE HAJJ
By Maulana Dr. Waffie Mohammed “And proclaim to mankind the Pilgrimage.
They will come to You on foot and on every
Hajj is an annual reminder to believers to lean camel, they will come from every deep
follow the “Sunnah” of Hazrat Ibraheem; and distant mountain highway.” (22:27)
i.e. by being ever ready to willingly sacri- Hajj, the much anticipated once in a lifetime
fice every material thing for the sake of spiritual joinery to the Holy Land is here!
Allah. Allah tells us about this in the fol- Prospective pilgrims are buzzing with prepa-
lowing verse of the Holy Qur’an. He rations for this sacred obligation to Allah, by
says: ensuring provisions for family left behind,
So We have taught thee (O Muhammad), clearing out all debts, becoming physically
the inspired Message: Follow the ways of and spiritually ready. One must bear in mind
The Text ‘Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem’ is translated that it’s not a vacation but the grand meeting
Abraham; the true in faith.(16:123) to ‘In the Name of Allah, The Beneficent, the Merciful’. of man’s most intense and sustained remem-
Calligraphy, like Navigation and Astronomy, were areas brance of his Lord.
To give to Allah is a business that will in which Muslims contributed to human development—
never fail; as the profits will continue to all elements reflected in this piece. Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and is binding on
grow, until we will have so much to our us, if one has the means to respond to this
call. Hajj goes back many centuries. It’s
Credit on the Day of Judgement, that we NEWS about a true and sincere believer, who de-
will be happy to abide in the Eternal Gar- spite the fact that he was surrounded by
den of Bliss. School re-opens strong forces of disbelief and worshipping of
Markaz Al Ihsaan reopened on Saturday 18th idols, he proclaimed his strong faith in the
It is indeed a great blessing and favour of September, 2010 for the new academic year unity of the One True God. This he did with
the Lord, that He permits so many thou- 2010 / 2011. All texts being used and tuition self-sacrifice, devotion, obedience and sub-
sands of people from all around the continues to be offered free of charge. mission to Allah. This was Prophet Ibrahim
world to visit His Holy House every year, (as), whom together with his son, Ishmael
and to lose their identities on one hand; Monthly Lecture Series (as), reconstructed the First House of Wor-
and to join in the feeling of “universal ship, which is the Ka’aba. Muslims from all
The Markaz Al Ihsaan continues its series of over the world, from then to now, follow and
Islamic Brotherhood” on the other. monthly lectures. This has been done in collabo- repeat what he did centuries ago, including
ration with various Mosques across Trinidad and wearing the same two pieces of unsown gar-
We pray to Allah to bless all those who Tobago. Information on upcoming lectures &
ments (for men). Allah says “Let them com-
are fortunate to accept the invitation this events and other resources can be found on our plete the prescribed duties (Manasik of Hajj)
year, to visit His House. website www.markazalihsaan.org for them and perform their vows and circum-
ambulate the Ancient House”. (22:29)
Bar-B-Que Sale
Performance of Hajj The Markaz Al Ihsaan is having a ‘take away’ Hajj, however, is an act of worship just like
Salaah and Sawm. Muslims from all over the
bar-b-que sale on Saturday 11th December
Nabi (saw) has declared: ‘He who world gather in Makkah in the last month of
2010. Contribution $30.00. All proceeds goes
the Islamic calendar and worship Allah. Hajj
owns so much wealth and a con- towards the operational fund of the institute. For
is a special exercise that lasts for several
veyance (or can pay for such a fa- ticket purchase / inquires please contact 653-
days. This is an occasion that brings Muslims
cility), whereby he may reach Bai- 3546 or 359-3211.
of all countries, colors and races to one place.
tullah, and still does not perform This is a unique opportunity of worshipping
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the Hajj, then it is irrelevant Allah collectively in a large gathering at one
Follow us on facebook for our latest publications, place. During Hajj, the pilgrim enjoys the
whether he dies a Jew or Christian.
discourses and updates. distinguished privilege of offering his/her Sa-
Allah announces in the Quraan that
laah at Masjid al Haram (ie. The Grand
pilgrimage to the house (Baitullah) Mosque surrounding the precincts of the
The Markaz wishes all our bothers and sisters
is a duty owed to Allah by those who are performing the Hajj this year a Hajj Ka’aba), towards which he has been facing
who are able to undertake it’. Mabrur. May Allah take you to the holy land and for Salaat from anywhere in the world. As he
return you to your homes safely, insha Allah. puts on his clothing (ihram) for the perform-
(Mishkaat) ance of Hajj, he undergoes the exercise of
cleansing his morals, giving up temptation of
the flesh, developing patience and tolerance,
all for the sake of Allah, hearken to the call.

2. Also, Hajj serves the purpose of cleansing PAKORAS Markaz Al Ihsaan
the heart of the love of worldly wealth, be-
cause the pilgrim spends generously and Vegetable Fritters Presents an
offer sacrifices for the sake of Allah in the Essay Writing Competition
hope of His approval. Hajj therefore, fulfils Pakoras are served as a snack
the objective of establishing a close rela- Themed
tionship with Allah and in so doing; it helps You will need:
to purify oneself and to develop spiritually Hajj:
1½ Cups Chick pea flour
at the same time, providing it is done with A foundation Principle of Islam
the sincere intention for the sake of Allah. 1 Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Coriander ———————————————————--
In the performance of the Hajj, apart from 1 Tsp Cayenne or chilli pepper Competition is open to all Muslims.
giving up sins, worldly desires and pride,
¾ 1Cup Water
the pilgrim must adopt an attitude of humil- Essay should be between 1000 - 1200
ity, for in the eyes of Allah, all human be- 1 Medium cauliflower broken into words.
ings are physically equal, with the only flowerets
difference in superiority, is one’s taqwa ½ Carrot (grated) Categories:
(God-consciousness). Also, many benefits 1 Celery stalk (grated) 11-13 yrs 14-18 yrs Over 18 yrs
can be derived as the pilgrim reflects and 2 Pimentos Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and
ponder at the various rituals, such as, Sufficient oil for deep frying 3rd winners of each category.
when he assembles at the plains of Arafat,
as a beggar in the Divine Presence of his Deadline for submission is the 30th No-
Method
Lord, one cannot help but think of the as- vember 2010.
sembly on the Day of Judgement. As he • Sift the flour, salt, coriander and cayenne
spends the night at Muzdalifah in the open Entries should be dropped of at
into a bowl.
air, he gives up the vain desires of the flesh Markaz office, Hermitage Masjid or
• Gradually pour enough of the water to Edoos Welding and Industrial Supplies
and cravings of the heart. As he performs make a smooth pouring batter, stirring con-
the tawaaf, it must be done with humility Ltd.
stantly with a wooden spoon.
and dedication, as he enjoys the beauty of Entries must contain:
the First House of worship…the Ka’aba. • Set aside for 30 minutes.
Allah says “Undoubtedly, the first house of entrant’s name address DOB
• Add the cauliflower flowerets to the batter
worship ever to be built for mankind is the contact number email address
and turn and toss to coat well.
one at Makkah”. (3:96) As he performs Winners will be announced on 11th
• Fill a deep-frying pan with one third full with
Sa’ee between Safa and Mafwa, he must December 2010.
try to realize the wisdom and meaning of
oil and heat until it reaches 360F or until a
his efforts. In the slaughter at Mina, he small cube of stale bread dropped into the For further information and a com-
must reflect and sacrifice his selfish desires oil turns golden brown in 50 seconds. plete listing of all rules please visit:
to always serve Allah and help others. • Carefully lower the flowerets a few at a http://markazalihsaan.org/
Also, as he throws pebbles at the Jamarah, time into the oil and fry for 3 to 4 minutes or competition
he must also cast out the evil desires that until the crisp and golden brown.
reside in him. or contact
• Remove from oil and drain on a paper
As the pilgrim is conscious of all his actions towel. Imam Shuffy Mohammed - 324-7799
during Hajj and does it with sincerity for the Markaz Al Ihsaan office - 653-3546
sake of Allah, through Allah’s Grace and
Mercy his sins will be forgiven and can
return to his home sinless as a newborn. Childre n’ s Corn er
The Prophet (pbuh) said “The reward of a
pious Hajj is nothing but Paradise”. May
Answer the questions:-
Allah make it easy for all the pilgrims and
may He grant them all Hajj Mabrur!
structing the Holy Kaba 1. Which Prophet reconstructed the Holy Kaba with the help of his son?
Ibraheem (as) stood on while recon- 2. What is the Day of Sacrifice called?
3. What does Tawaaf mean?
10. The station that contains the stone that
9. Wuqoof
8. Zam Zam 4. Where at the Ka’aba does the pilgrim start and end the Tawaaf.
5. Is Hajj a pillar of Islam or an article of faith?
7. As-Safa and Al-Marwa
6. Prophet Muhammad (saw)
5. A pillar of Islam 6. Which Prophet got rid of all the idols that was kept in and around the Holy
4. At the Black Stone Kaba?
7. What are the names of the two mountains that Hajar ran between?
times.
3. Walking around the Ka’aba 7
2. Eid ul Adha. 8. What is the name of the water well situated in Makkah called?
9. What is standing on the Plains of Arafat called?
1. Prophet Ibraheem (as).
Answers: 10. What is the Maqam Ibrahim?
Markaz al Ihsaan, 27 Royal Road, San Fernando, Trinidad, W.I.
Telephone: 1 (868) 653-3546/652-4924 ; Fax: 1 (868) 657-2082; website: www.markazalihsaan.org; email: info@markazalihsaan.org