Undoubtedly, no deed is actually equivalent to the divine and sacred ritual of Hajj nor will any such deed give your heart the same level of spiritual contentment as Hajj. But Allah is indeed the Most Merciful and Most Generous.
Here are a few effortless actions you can perform so that you catch up with the lucky pilgrims in Makkah:
1. Invoke Allah from Fajr to Ishraaq
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “Whoever prays (Fajr) in congregation and then sits in the place where he prayed remembering Allah until the sun rises and then prays two rakats has the reward of a complete Hajj and `Umrah.” He emphasized “complete” three times.
2. Gaining knowledge.
The Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “The one who goes out to the mosque wanting only to learn good or teach it has the reward of a complete Hajj.”
3. Praying in Congregation.
The Prophet (SAW) said: “Has Allah not rendered for you the ‘Isha’ prayer in congregation equal to Hajj, and the Fajr prayer in congregation equal to ‘Umrah?” [Muslim]
4. Attending the Friday Prayer.
Sa`id bin al-Musayyib said performing the Friday Prayer is “more beloved to Me than a nafl Hajj.”
5. Performing the Eid Prayer.
One of the Companions said: “Going out to pray Eid al-Fitr is equal to performing `Umrah and going out to pray Eid al-Adha is equal to performing Hajj.”
6. Executing the needs of a Fellow Muslim.
Hasan al-Basri said: “Going to fulfill the need of your brother is better for you than performing Hajj after Hajj.”
7. Obedience to Parents.
The Prophet (SAW) commanded one of the Companions to be good to his mother. If you do so, he said: “You are like a Hajj pilgrim, a person performing `Umrah and someone striving for the sake of Allah (mujahid).”
8. Dhikr
One of the companions of the Messenger (SAW) has been reported: “He who recites Subhanallah 100 times in the morning and another 100 times in the evening is like one who performed Hajj 100 times!”
9. Firmly Restraining from Forbidden Acts
Some of the Pious predecessors said: “To abstain from an iota of wrong is better than five hundred (Nafl) Hajj”
10. Any act of Good during the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah.
May Allah give us the sound ability to perform all these good deeds and the actual Hajj many times In Shaa Allah.
With an influx of bloggers, artists and entrepreneurs, social media platforms have grown from small trendy apps to bustling marketing hubs, in the course of a few short years. But style bloggers have surely secured the coveted seats of the Most Followed People in Jeddah. Their aesthetically stunning #ootd posts have grabbed serious momentum and have drastically impacted our fashion scene, making the industry more accessible than ever before. We have compiled the ultimate list (in no particular order) of the best fashion bloggers based in Jeddah so you can be up to date with the latest trends and events with just a tap.
Ghalia Mahmoudi (aka Vogueoverdosed) is a marketing graduate from Dar Al Hekma University and a Saudi fashion blogger that passionately writes about local and international style trends. Her visually remarkable Instagram feed has blessed us all with her charming feminine style and her admiration for the most beautiful flowers and lush greenery that only she seems to find in Jeddah!
Marriam Mosalli is a true role model for Saudi woman as the founder of Niche Arabia and a fashion blogger. She has garnered both local and international acclaim for her unendorsed, unapologetic and uncensored thoughts. Her Instagram and Insta stories are no less entertaining with her hilarious posts and captions of everything from fashion, political and social trends.
There aren’t many male stylists in Jeddah but Faisal Al-Ghazzawi is trying to shake Saudi men’s fashion with his unique outfits. His style caters to everyone, from classic to vibrant to sporty looks. He‘s also a certified men’s image and photo-shoot stylist with a Instagram feed that inspires more than 24k people.
Lama Alakeel is a Saudi aspirational fashion designer that has graduated from Dar El Hekma University. With a whopping following of more than 300k, follow Lama not only for her impressive
outfits and beauty tips but also for her travelling adventures, including a recent trip to Europe with Italy and Spain!
This modest fashion consultant and personal shopper has been featured in both Vogue Italia and Harper Bazaar’s Best Dressed lists. She showcases a range of the latest trends in abayas and jalabiyas with her eye-catching, vibrant and chic style.
Certified fashion stylist, image consultant, personal shopper and a graduate from LCF (London College of Fashion) are just a few credentials Noha Sindi can add to her CV! She also hosts workshops for young teenagers and children about basic colors and body shapes to improve their confidence. Follow her for her fun and quirky outfits!
With her short, spiky hair and funky outfits, Rafal Saria’s eccentric personality radiates in her picturesque Instagram feed. Apart from being interested in fashion, make-up and lifestyle, she also posts inspirational quotes to lighten up your day!
Fashion designer and style expert, Aram Kabbani graduated from Dar Al Hekma University with a bachelor degree in Graphic Design. She is now a fashion powerhouse by working as a private stylist to some of the region’s most prestigious people, including Princess Ameerah Al-Taweel. Follow her for enchanting photo-shoots, event coverage and her rad outfits!
Bayan Lingjawi is a Saudi vlogger and lifestyle influencer. She has graduated from American Unviversity of Dubai with a degree in Business Management. As a result, she is based in both the cities of Dubai and Jeddah. Although most of her captivating posts capture her impeccable style sense and makeup, she also covers socialite events and travel destinations.
One of the most underrated bloggers is Maryam Raja. This Pakistani born fashion, beauty & style blogger was raised in Makkah. She grew up watching Fashion TV & reading all about designers, models, photographers, everyone in the field of fashion, and was eager to be a part of it. Due to the lack of opportunities in Saudi at the time, she created her own platform to pursue her varied interests & share them with fellow fashionistas and the world.
Not performing Hajj this year? Don’t want to miss out on the countless blessings of Hajj? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered. Here are some things you can do!
1. Fast
You may have heard your elders fast on all ten days of Dhul Hajj especially the day of Arafat. According to a hadith, fasting on the Day of Arafat will wipe your sins from the previous and upcoming year.
Imagine doing this every year, and forgiveness will be granted to you for your entire life! Sounds like a deal!
2. Dhikr and Takbeer
It is incredibly important to make the most of these days, so do a LOT of Dhikr. Dhikr is a devotional act in which short prayers glorifying Allah (SWT) are repeatedly recited quietly in the mind or aloud. This is an act of worship that you can perform at any time of the day, whether you’re crossing the street or simply relaxing at home. The specifically esteemed verses you must repeat, per say the Sunnah is “SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahil Adheem” (Glory be to Allah and all praise is due to Him). Or Tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah), Takbeer (saying Allahu akbar) and Tahmeed (saying al-hamdu Lillaah).
3. Tahajjud
Reminiscing Ramadan? Here is your golden opportunity to revive the spirit of staying up late to complete your prayers and ask Allah to forgive you. The last third of the night is particularly a lucrative time for worship.
4. Dua
It cannot be stressed upon enough; Dua is a fundamental aspect of worship as it defines our relationship with our Creator. Dua is an act of supplication. It is our calling to God; it is starting a conversation with Allah (SWT), the All Knowing, and the All Powerful.Wrest this chance to seek forgiveness, leave any disobedience and adhere to do the deeds that Allah loves.
5. Quran in Depth
Reciting even one letter of the Quran grants you 10 good deeds on an ordinary day. So imagine how many rewards you can accumulate during this whole spiritual period! Strive to make picking up the Quran a priority every day. Read it with meaning, reflect on it, understand it, and then implement it in your daily life.
In addition, you can also listen to lectures of Tafseer. A Tafseer on Quranic passages explains the content and provides insight on the places, times and the backstory of a particular verse. Often scholars also give their views and opinions of scholars on the Surah .There is a myriad of videos available on YouTube, even short, two-minute videos, that you can find helpful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ee03TxZIlDM – Here is a fun and creative tafseer on Surah Al-Kafiroun by Nouman Ali Khan. You can even share this with your kids as the video also has illustrations to go along with the lesson!
6. Becoming the Best Versions of Yourselves
It’s a simple formula really; try your utmost best to perform more good deeds during these magnificent days. Whether it is sending Salaams on the Prophet, giving charity, honoring our parents, upholding ties of kinship or enjoining what is good and forbid what is evil. Volunteering is also a good option.
7. Learn and Share
Expand the horizons of your knowledge in Islam by learning about Hajj yourself. If you’re not a bookworm, watch some tutorial videos on Youtube or read some blogs to get some personal perspective.
Alternatively, this is also the perfect time to talk to the younger ones or non – Muslims about principles of Hajj and its significance. Prepare a brief lecture to acquaint people with Muslim traditions and faith at your local community center or a school. The reward will be enormous for sure, as teaching is a great way to retain the information.
8. Participate in Eid Ul Adha Festivities
During Hajj, Muslims also commemorate the predicaments of the Prophet Abraham by slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, goat or camel. They then distribute the meat to the needy, their friends and family.
Another integral tradition is to attend the Eid prayers. One of the Companions said: “… Going out to pray Eid al-Adha is equal to performing Hajj.”
In conclusion, make use of these majestic days as you should of the regular ones.
I’ve always had a complicated relationship with cats. See, my mother is not only petrified of feline creatures but also allergic, so for a long time I instinctively kept my distance from them.
However, with the new age of innumerous cat videos, I couldn’t resist straying (pun intended) from my inherit path of shrieking deliriously whenever I see a real life Garfield. I am sure many can relate to my tragedy. Whether you have family members that are allergic or have landlords who don’t allow pets. I have found the purrfect solution to get your inhibited cat craze fulfilled – cat cafes. A cat café is a theme café in which these enthralling trolls can be played with, in a form of “supervised indoor pet rental”. The café staff is typically human.
Therefore, in honor of International Cat Day and the fact that I can’t bring a furry friend home without being ostracized by mom, I have compiled a countdown list of the most unique cat cafes around the world. So get your bags ready!
7. Blue Cat Café – Austin ,Texas (USA)
What a funky fun place!
6. `Neko No Niwa – Singapore
This café provides a yoga service with cats!
5. Temari Na Ouchi – Tokyo, Japan
This cat café is a fairytale theme!
4. Café Neko – Vienna, Austria
This was Europe’s first cat café.
3. Les Cafes des Chats – Paris, France
They serve organic and healthy foods.
2. Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium – London, England
This kitten haven offers afternoon and high tea.
1. Everywhere – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
If you’re not in the mood of travelling abroad, the next best thing is to buy some coffee and treats from your local (or international) café, and then just go sit outside! They are plenty of stray cats traipsing around the streets of Jeddah, so take advantage of the free charge and fresh air. You can even take one of the munchkins home, after you’ve sterilized them of course.
Destination Jeddah
Destination Riyadh
Destination Sharqiya
Destination Listing
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