All praises be to Allah, who reminds us that “the one who observes the sanctity of the symbols of Allah, (then) such things emanate from the piety of the hearts”[1]. Peace and blessings be upon his messenger Muhammad ﷺwhosaid “Indeed Allah had sanctified Makkah the day He created the heavens and the earth; hence it is sanctified by Allah until the Day of Judgement”[2]. And blessings be upon his companions who followed suit. Everything comes from Allah and to him we shall return. The pilgrimage to the house of Allah is a duty upon every Muslim.  The Haramayn Sharifayn are sanctified by Allah ta’aala, hence these places demand from us love and respect. Remember Allah, and he will remember you in the hereafter. Oh Allah, make Al-Madinah beloved to us just as Makkah is beloved. 

Shaykh Saleem Dhorat encourages in this treat size book the correct etiquettes towards the Haramayn sharif in a brief but comprehensive manner.  The title of the book is loyal to its content, as the foreword says: 

‘This booklet is a compilation of the heartfelt sentiments of one who has been moved by the negligence of many who travel to the Haramayn. A compilation to contemplate and practice upon, it compresses three editorials encouraging the reverence and etiquettes of the Haramayn and also highlighting some important errors and inappropriate conduct people have become accustomed to.’[3]

Shaykh Saleem Dhorat has been imparting the knowledge of Hajj for several years. He has persistently mentioned the important advices for those visiting the Haramayn. As mentioned in the foreword this book is a ‘compilation of the heartfelt sentiments of one who has been moved by the negligence of many who travel to the Haramayn.’ [4]The book breaks down the neglectful actions committed within the Haramayn and why they should be avoided. This book ensures to enlighten readers, covering all necessary aspects to uphold etiquettes within the Haramayn. The book is well put together as it incorporates the words of Rasulullah ﷺin liberation to the Haramayn. Thereafter, it discusses the how the journey to the Haramayn is simply a journey of a lover. The book outlines one key issue of photography and videography in the Haramayn and how it detaches one from Allah (swt). There is also an addition of verses from the Quranas references and Hadith concluding each necessary point. 

Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat was born in1962, trained as a traditional scholar. He displayed great signs of piety and zeal for knowledge from a very tender age. Shaykh Saleem (rah) arrived in England in 1973 at the age of 11 along with his mother and siblings. Shaykh Saleem’s father Hafiz Ibraheeem Dhorat rahmatullahi alayhwho was an Imam in Leicester, was also renowned for his servitude to the community.In 1980, Shaykh Saleem Dhorat enrolled to study Islamic Theology at Darul Uloom Al Arabiyah Al Islamiyah based in Bury, Lancashire. After completing his studies, Shaykh Saleem Dhorat remained at the Darul Uloom for a further five years as a lecturer. He taught many books from the Dars e Nizami such as: Mirqaat, Hidaayah, Riyaadus Saliheen and many more. 

In 1991 Shaykh Saleem Dhorat founded the Islamic Dawah Academy. The main aim was to educate and help the youth understand the teachings of Islam. The academy initially began from his home, and later progressed over the years to have thousands of online visitors and a mass provider for religious guidance, courses, community services and da’wah amongst non-Muslims, youth activities and publications. The academy holds regular talk and tours for visiting luminaries from around the world and it is recognised for it’s monthly magazine, Riyadul Jannah.May Allah accept all of his efforts and grant him a lofty status in Jannah. Ameen. 

Halima Bint Muhammad Abdul Hannan 

25th Muharram 1441 

Wednesday 25th September 2019 

[1]Surah Al-Hajj: 32

[2]Sahih al-Bukhari/4313

[3]Foreword: pp.4-5

[4]Ibid