Hajj, which is the largest pilgrimage in the world, is a demonstration of the solidarity of Muslim people and a submission to Allah. It represents one of the five pillars of Islam and is a religious duty that every able-bodied Muslim must carry out at least once in their lifetime.

This year’s Hajj—an event that is likely to attract close to 2.5 million worshippers—will be live on the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Information’s YouTube channel. The broadcast doesn’t start until Saturday, November 5, but the channel already contains many related videos.

Google is working with the Saudi Ministry again after the two partnered to broadcast Islamic prayers from the Holy Mosque in Mecca live during Ramadan for the first time earlier this year. The plan for is another example of the positive communication benefits of today’s technology and it seems likely that more similar events will be covered on YouTube going forward, bringing them to larger global audiences.

The live broadcast will also be available to some television viewers after Google Saudi Arabia partnered with Saudi Telecom Company (STC) to bring YouTube to Interactive Television, or Invision, customers who can access the service through their TV set.

Source: The Next Web - YouTube to broadcast Islamic ritual of Hajj live for the first time

From Radical Middle Way – Luton is one of the most diverse cities in the United Kingdom, with people coming from and representing diverse cultures, religions, languages and experiences. It is important to acknowledge and see the strength of this diversity. This special programme brought together two of contemporary Islam’s prominent scholars, Habib Umar bin Hafiz and Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad, providing a rare opportunity not only for young people but also all those who work in the frontlines of community relations to explore and get clarity on the faith’s teachings on a variety of challenging contemporary issues, particularly the challenges of living, working and making a better community together.

View the videos, listen to the audio files, scan the QR codes here - http://radicalmiddleway.co.uk/blog/rmw-blogger/the-mercy-of-diversity

Permissibility of Celebrating the Mawlid from Nazim Baksh on Vimeo.

In March-April 2010, Sidi Nazim Baksh accompanied Dr. Umar Faruq ‘Abd-Allah, scholar in residence at the Chicago based Nawawi Foundation, to Trinidad, Barbados and Guyana. They were guests of the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG). CIOG organized visits to the Berbice region of Guyana. Dr. Umar visited the Bushlot, Adelphi, Farm and No. 78 Masjids. Everywhere he went people asked about the permissibility of celebrating the Mawlid of the Beloved Messenger of Allah. This is the answer Dr. Umar gave at No. 78 Masjid.

United For Change – Our Families, Our Foundation – Imam Zaid Shakir from MQube on Vimeo.

http://www.UnitedForChange.com

Exclusive first showing of Imam Zaid’s video invitation to the 2nd annual United for Change event: Our Families, Our Foundation. This year the event will be held in Montreal, Canada, oui oui. Yes, this bi-lingual event will be held in French and English. Magnifique!

Full details here: Our Families, Our Foundation

Full HD video here: http://1.mqu.be/IZSufc (Please click on Share & Like)

Now is the time to help those in need. You can help us fight hunger by joining us during our online concert.

Register now to reserve your attendance of the FeedMe Fast Concert broadcast. http://www.feedmefast.org/

The FeedMe Fast Concert is an online hunger relief event  that will include songs, spoken word poetry, and inspiring talks to raise funds to help those in need.

Here is a video of Shaykh Faraz Rabbani introducing the FeedMe Fast Concert – http://1.mqu.be/FMFCSFR (video also embedded below)

We have 3 broadcast dates scheduled:

* July 7, 2010
* July 14, 2010
* July 21, 2010

Registration is FREE!

Confirmed artists:
- Native Deen
- Nader Khan
- Baraka Blue

Confirmed speakers:
- Imam Zaid Shakir
- Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
- Preacher Moss
- Mustafa Davis
- Imam Abdul Latif Finch

Invited artists:
- Yusuf Islam
- Zain Bikha
- Khaleel Muhammad
- Ghuydar Bashmaf
- Hamza Robertson
- Sofia Baig
- Halal Meat
- Jafar Alam

Invited speakers:
- Shaykh Afeefuddin Al-Jailani
- Ustadh Usama Canon

Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/feedme_fast
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/FeedMeFastConcert
YouTube – http://www.youtube.com/user/feedmefastconcert

On April 4, 2010, this world lost a spiritual leader, Habib Abdul Qadir Al-Saggaf. We cannot express our loss and sorrow. Instead, here is a biography of the Habib. Below, you will find a eulogy from Sidi Yahya Rhodus, courtesy of Seekers Guidance.

al-Qutb al-Habib Abdul Qadir Ibn Ahmad al-Saggaf

The spiritual Emperor of the People of the House and progeny of Alawi (may peace be upon Him) Abdul Qadir al-Saggaf, the son of Ahmad al-Saggaf (may Allah exalt His family), the living Pole of the AhlulBayt is the unsung Shaykh of al-Habib Umar bin Hafidh. He presently resides in Jeddah, where he has lived for many years.

Unlike his contemporaries, such as al-Habib Mashhur al-Haddad (may Allah show him mercy), Abdul Qadir al-Saggaf was less transient and thus received Shuyukh from all over the world; the Masters and Honourables of the family of Hashim in order they may acquire just a fragment of his light and wisdom. He is known not for innovations or controversies, but strictly for his unrivalled station amongst the People of the House and Trustees of Allah. It would be very unfortunate for a scholar to be unaware of Abdul Qadir al-Saggaf, which is not disobedience, but purely a lack of connection with such a profound human being.

There is not much to mention concerning this individual if we were to speak in earthly terms which does not seperate him from any other of the highest and most elite Islamic scholars; and in adherence to the example of the Messenger of Allah (May infinite blessings be sent to him and his family), the divulgences of the higher realm must be treated with care and prudence. Although it is very difficult to remain within those boundaries as the legends that navigate around the name of Abdul Qadir al-Saggaf involve the tendency to break the limits of reason. It would be wise instead to quote al-Habib Umar bin Hafidh, who epitomised his Guide’s rank, when famously in a gathering, he stood and pointed at the noble descendent and firmly declared “By Allah! There is no man in the universe like him! By Allah! There is no man in the universe like him!”

It is no secret that the station of Abdul Qadir al-Saggaf comes through his nearness to the Prophet Muhammad (May Allah bring us nearness to the final messenger in order we may honour him), dedicating his life to the example of the Messenger (Peace and infinite blessings be upon him) and gaining connection with his ancestor, the Emissary of God. However, carrying the preserved and unhampered lineage of al-Sayyid Abdur Rahman al-Saggaf (May Allah extol him) and al-Faqih al-Muqaddam (Peace be upon Him), it is obvious that his birth right was complemented with incomparable honour, that we are not worthy to question.

A pillar which signifies ones nearness to Allah is humility, and Abdul Qadir al-Saggaf never fell short of this quality. He is renowned for his efforts to make people feel at ease, never feeling comfortable if the people around him were uncomfortable. He respected people, and thus he was respected, he asked for prayer and made sure his guests felt welcome – even his students. A major element of his honour is derived from his subservient nature and immense shame before Allah. May Allah exalt the people of humility.

In the mid 90′s, al-Qutb Abdul Qadir al-Saggaf was known to be very frail, with nearly half his body on the verge of paralysis. His current state is described only as…annihilated. His next of kin describe him as “gone…”, he does not speak anymore, and spent the latter part of the 90′s in a state of weeping and sleepless nights. There is no vocal transmissions from the Sheikh anymore, only his unworldly presence. al-Qutb al-Habib Abdul Qadir is undoubtedly, a charismatic authority in every shape and form, in every realm, in every dimension. May Allah give us the strength to convey his honour well in’sha’Allah.

Source:

http://users1.nofeehost.com/saqqaf/ Thanks to Kidragon

Shaykh Yahya Rhodus expresses his condolences on the death of the spiritual luminary and renown scholar, Habib Abd al-Qadir bin Ahmad al-Saqqaf who passed away earlier this week. He shares a brief biography of Habib Abd al-Qadir and gives key insights from his life.

On the Passing of Habib Abd al-Qadir bin Ahmad al-Saqqaf – Shaykh Yahya Rhodus from SeekersGuidance on Vimeo.

Source:

On the Passing of Habib Abd al-Qadir bin Ahmad al-Saqqaf – Shaykh Yahya Rhodus

Facebook links:

• Habib Abdul Qadir Al-Saqqaf Facebook Page
• Habib Abdul Qadir Al-saggaf Group
• Tariqah ‘Alawiyyah
• The Habaib / Ba Alawi Tariqa

This class will be conducted on a weekly basis, insha Allah, on Sundays at 11 AM – 12 PM Makkah time (GMT+3). To ask questions during or after lessons, please read more at Shaykh Abdul Karim Yahya’s blog - Red Sulfur and the Greatest Elixir

You can also download the video (MP4 format) or the audio MP3 from Habib Umar’s website.

Shaykh Abdulkarim Yahya’s profile on Facebook

Shaykh Abdulkarim Yahya – SunniPath instructor profile

Tariqah ‘Alawiyyah group on Facebook

Here is Imam Zaid’s personal ‘Eid al Adha 2009 message. Recorded with Flipshare.

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf – The Heart of the Qur’an: Reflections from Surah Ya-Sin, Al Madinah Institute Nov. 2009