1st Ramadan 1439: Highlights from the Haramain

From Sheikh Mahmud's beautiful debut in Masjid Al Nabawi to Sheikh Budayr emotional Dua, here the highlights from the Haramain on 1st Ramadan.


Masjid Al Haram, Makkah:

A Beautiful commencement of Ramadan was signaled by the Adhan of Sheikh Muhammad Basaad. Sheikh Abdul Rehman Al Sudais was expected to lead but to everyone's 'little surprise' Sheikh Juhany led the Maghrib Salah.

Sheikh Saleh Al Talib expectantly led Isha Salah and Sheikh Bandar Baleelah  started of the Taraweeh with his beautiful Recitation. A Live recording clip is attached below:

After Sheikh Baleelah's turn everyone waited paitiantly for Sheikh Sudais's magical recitation and his Dua but to everyone's suprise (Big one here), Sheikh Abdullah Awad Al Juhany started to lead the Taraweeh. A source suggested that Sheikh Sudais was unwell 

Sheikh Juhany's soothing Recitation ended with a beautiful Dua. A Live recording of his recitation and Dua is below:

  

Masjid Al Nabawi, Madinah:

A Beautiful debut by Sheikh Mahmud Khalil Al Qari was attended by almost all Imams of Masjid Al Nabawi, his debut video and live recording is attached below:

Sheikh Budayr's emotional Recitation teared up everyone and he ended the Taraweeh with an emotional Dua:

Ramadan 2018: Crescent not Sighted, First Ramadan on 17th May

The Ramadan Crescent was not sighted on the evening of 15th May, hence 1st Ramadan 1439 will begin on 17th May 2018.

Taraweeh Prayers will begin in the Haramain after Isha Salah tomorrow

Supreme Courts calls on Residents to seek Ramadan Crescent on 15 May 2018

The Supreme Court of the Kingdom of  Saudi Arabia has called upon Citizens and Residents to look for the Ramadan Crescent on the evening of 29 Shaban 1439 corresponding to 15th May 2018 and report any sighting to the nearest court.

It is however believed by astronomers that the crescent will not be visible on the evening of 15th May and hence 1st Ramadan 1439 will be on 17 May 2018

(Analysis by www.moonsighting.com , stating the Ramadan crescent has no chances of being visible on 15 May in most parts of the world)



Many Countries including the Sultanate of Oman has issued statements regarding that  Ramadan 1439 will begin officially on 17 May 2018.

Appointments made in the Haramain for Ramadan 2018

Every year some new temporary Muadhins and Imams are appointed in the Two Holy Mosques to ease up the schedule of the existing staff.

This year one Imam and four Muadhins are appointed in Masjid Al Haram, Makkah and four Imams in Masjid Al Nabawi, Madinah.


Masjid Al Haram, Makkah:

Sheikh Yasir Al Dossary has been appointed for 4th consecutive time for leading Taraweeh in Masjid Al Haram. Sheikh Ba'Uthman was expected to be appointed aswell but he was not due to ill health

 The General Presidency has also appointed four temporary Muadhins to assist regular Muadhins for the month of Ramadan

Sheikh Ibrahim Al Madani
Sheikh Abdullah Ba’Afif
Sheikh Tarki Al Husni
Sheikh Muhammad Al Umari


Masjid Al Nabawi, Madinah:

Three Temporary Imams have been appointed in Masjid Al Nabawi, Madinah for leading Taraweeh

Sheikh Mahmud Al Qari (Debut)

Sheikh Khalid Al Muhanna

Sheikh Ahmed Al Hudaify

This bring the total number of seven Imams leading Taraweeh in both Masjid Al Haram and Masjid Al Nabawi, InshaAllah

 

(Photos Courtesy of Haramain Archieves (https://www.facebook.com/HaramainArchives/)

Sheikh Saud Al Shuraim

Sheikh Saud Al Shuraim was born in the city of Riyadh in the year 1966. He memorized the Quran by the end of his High School. He did Masters from Imam Muhammad bin Saud University in Riyadh in 1992. He then did his doctorate (PHD) from Umm Al Qurra University in Makkah.

In 1992 he was appointed as Imam to Lead Taraweeh Prayers in Masjid Al Haram and since he has been leading permanently.

He became a professor in Comparative Religion at Umm Al Qurra University in 2009

In one of the Arabic Interviews he was asked about "what is the secret behind your success?". He answered that his Mother's prayer and the support of his wife was the reason for his continuous
success.

Recitation by Sheikh Shuraim:

Last Updated:15th April 2018

Isra and Miraj (The Night Journey)

Isra and Mi'raj were the Night Journeys believed to be undertaken by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on 27th Rajab (before Migration).

Isra:

The First Part of the Journey is known as Isra, during which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) traveled from Masjid Al Haram, Makkah to Masjid Al Aqsa, Jerusalem.

The Quran speaks of this journey in Surah Al Isra:

"Glory to Him Who carried His servant by night from Masjid Al Haram to Masjid Al Aqsa, whose precincts We have blessed, to show him of Our wonders! He it is Who is All-Hearing, All-Seeing" (17:1)

Various Traditions narrate the details of the journey: The Archangel Jibrael (AS) descended to Prophet (PBUH) who was asleep in the Hateem (structure by the Kabah). It is believed that Jibrael (AS) opened the chest of The Prophet and washed his heart in a bowl of wisdom, knowledge and faith. 

The Prophet (PBUH) the traveled to Masjid Al Aqsa on Buraaq in the same night in a split of a second. This Part of Journey is known as Isra.

Miraj:

The second part of the night journey is known as M'iraj. Various Traditions relate that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ascended the Heavens on Buraaq (Heavenly horse) and that is where Allah ordained the five daily prayers to the Prophet (PBUH) by speaking to Him directly.

It is believed that after returning to Masjid Al Aqsa, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) led all the Prophets (AS) in Salah. 

Significance:

The Night of Isra and Miraj hold a very significance in a Muslim's life. It teaches us Muslims the immense Love that Allah has for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) which in turn increases the love for  the Prophet by the Muslims. This Night also marks the beginning of the five obligatory prayers.

Muslims today celebrate this night in different ways, in the Middle East Muslims spend the day the remembering the Night, telling stories to children. Imams speak and explain the Night to believers . However in South and East Asia people stay awake making supplications and performing voluntary Prayers and fast the 27th of Rajab.

Last Updated: 11th April 2018

Istisqa Salah (Rain Seeking Prayers) to be led in the Haramain

On the Directives of The Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Istisqa Salah (Rain Sekking Prayers) will be led all over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 18th December 2017

Sheikh Abdul Rehman Al Sudais and Sheikh Abdul Bari Al Thubaity are expected to lead and deliver the Istisqa Salah and Khutbah in Masjid Al Haram and Masjid Al Nabawi respectively.

Istisqa Salah originates from the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS), there many narrations of Him leading Salah during the times of drought.

Istisqa Salah consists of  Two Rakahs with 6 takbirs in each Rakahs (7 in first including starting Takbir), it is Sunnah to read Surah Aala and Surah Ghaushiya in the Salah. After the Salah the Imam delivers a short Sermon, after which it is Sunnah to Invert the Cloak or Shemagh and then make Dua