The month of Thul Hijjah and specifically its first ten days marks the start of the days of Hajj – the 5th pillar of Islam incumbent on all Muslims who meet the criterion as laid down by Shari’ah.

Crowning these ten days is the 9th day of Thul Hijjah, known as the day of ‘Arafah.

For pilgrims performing Hajj, standing in ‘Arafah is the core rite of the Hajj pilgrimage. For Muslims not on Hajj, it is one of the most spiritually potent and virtuous days of the entire year – especially for fasting, seeking repentance, and making du’a (supplication).

In any act of devotion where there is du’ā (supplication), the requisites of Divine Acceptance of these du’ās cannot be overlooked or ignored. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) provided several guidelines regarding the acceptance of du’ā and reasons for rejection, focusing on the attitude of the person making the du’ā and the lawfulness of their livelihood. The core teaching is that Allah answers every du’ā, but it can be sabotaged by impatience, forbidden consumption or wrong intentions.

Amongst these is the consumption of forbidden food, drink and use of prohibited clothing. The Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned a man on a long journey, disheveled and covered in dust, raising his hands to the sky saying, “O Lord, O Lord!” but his food is unlawful, his drink is unlawful, his clothing is unlawful, and he is nourished by the unlawful, so how can his du’ās be answered?

SANHA by the Grace of Almighty Allah, now in its 30 years of service, is dedicated to ensuring that what you eat and what you use is Halaal.

We take this opportunity to wish all Hujaaj a Hajj that is maqbool and mabroor, and a safe passage from the Holy lands back home, Āmeen.

REMEMBER THERE IS NO HAJJ WITHOUT ‘ARAFAH AND THERE IS NO DU’Ā WITHOUT HALAAL CONSUMPTION.