Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful Peace be upon you, Once in a lifetime, Hajj and `Umrah are decreed for those who can afford it (Quran 3:97). The Hajj Pilgrimage must be observed during the four Sacred Months - Zul-Hijjah, Muharram, Safar, & Rabi` I (12th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd months) (Quran 2:197; 9:2, 36). Like all other duties in Islam, Hajj has been distorted. Most Muslims observe Hajj only during a few days in Zul-Hijjah, and they consider Rajab, Zul-Qi'dah, Zul-Hijjah, and Muharram (7th, 11th, 12th, 1st months) to be the Sacred Months. This is a distortion that is strongly condemned (Quran 9:37). As a consequence of this Satanic distortion, over 700 people were killed and hundreds injured in a stampede yesterday (the latest in a long series of disasters due to overcrowding over the years). The Four Months of Hajj (Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, Safar, & Rabi I) [Quran 2:197] Hajj shall be observed in the specified months.* Whoever sets out to observe Hajj shall refrain from sexual intercourse, misconduct, and arguments throughout Hajj. Whatever good you do, GOD is fully aware thereof. As you prepare your provisions for the journey, the best provision is righteousness. You shall observe Me, O you who possess intelligence. *2:197 Hajj can be observed any time during the Sacred Months: Zul-Hijjah, Muharram, Safar, and Rabi I. Local governments restrict Hajj to a few days for their own convenience. See 9:37 The only way out of disasters during the Hajj pilgrimage is for the "Muslim leadership" to realize that God's laws are always best. May God guide the people to observe His laws and commandments and to abandon the unjust laws of the "Muslim scholars" whose advice is contrary to God's teachings. References: Religious Duties: A Gift From God, http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix15.html#pilgrimage Abraham: Original Messenger of Islam, http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix9.html Accustomed to Tragedy in Hajj! http://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/1998/apr/page4.html Peace.