HAJJ: PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOUSE OF GOD BY MUJAHIDALI A R SHERIFF
10 November 2009 22:16
"Verily, the first house set for mankind is at Bakkah (Makkah), blessed, and a guidance to the worlds. In it are clear signs, the place where Ibrahim stood up (to pray), and whoever enters it is safe, and pilgrimage to the house is incumbent upon mankind (purely) for Allah, (it is) for those who can afford to go there. And whoever disbelieves, then verily, Allah (the self-subsisting) is independent of the worlds". (3: 96 & 97)
It is clear from the above verse that performance of Hajj is obligatory upon all Muslims. Any Muslim who has attained Buloogh (puberty) and is Mustatee' (capable/having means) must perform Hajj and it is obligatory only once during life-time. In fact Hajj is one of the basic principles of Islam, its performance is one of its essentials, and its non-performance is a major sin. Furthermore, anyone who denies its obligatory nature commits Kufr (disbelief/blasphemy).
Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (as) has said, “By the words ‘whoever disbelieves’ is meant the one who does not perform it”. (Gunahaane Kabeera)
Imam al-Kadhim (as) has said, “Indeed the Almighty Allah has made Hajj incumbent on those who are capable. That is if they do not perform Hajj in the year of capability the omitted Hajj will become incumbent on them every year till the end of their lives”. (Gunahaane Kabeera)
THE HOLY KA'BAH: THE FIRST HOUSE
Aqa Mahdi Puya has stated a very interesting thing regarding the Holy Ka'bah. He says:
The great antiquity of this house is undisputed. It had been throughout the ages, even before Abraham, the object of the greatest veneration.
It is reported on the authority of the Ahlul-Bayt (as) that the valley of Makkah was the first part of the earth which emerged above the surface of the water and cooled down when the heavens and the earth (an integrated mass) were split by Allah's command (for detail explanation of this refer commentary of verses 30 and 31 of Surah al-Ambiya by S V Mir Ahmad Ali) in support of which there are a number of geological evidences. Many a non-Muslim scholar agrees that this holy place, dedicated to the worship of the Lord of the lords, was not only known to the people of Semitic origin but also to the ancient inhabitants of India according to the references available in pre-Sanskrit literature.
"O our Lord! I have settled some of my offspring in a barren valley near Your sacred house, in order, O our Lord, that they may establish prayer, therefore make the hearts of some of the people yearn towards them, and provide them with fruits, so that they may give thanks". (14:37)
This verse which in fact is a supplication of Prophet Ibrahim (as) which he made when he brought his wife Hajar and his son Ismail (as) to Makkah at a time when it was only a barren valley, confirms the antiquity of the Holy Ka'bah.
PROPHET IBRAHIM (AS) AND THE HOLY KA'BAH
Prophet Ibrahim (as) was instructed to renew the foundations of Holy Ka'bah, purify it and establish it as a place of worship of the Almighty Allah.
"And (remember) when We made the house a resort for mankind and a sanctuary (saying): 'Take as your place of prayer where Ibrahim stood (to pray)'. And We covenanted with Ibrahim and Ismail (saying): 'Purify My house for those who circumambulate and those who abide in it for devotion, and those who bow down and those who prostrate (in prayer)". (2:125)
If we study the two verses (2:125 and 3:97), we will not fail to observe that in both, Allah (SWT) has mentioned about the place where Prophet Ibrahim (as) stood for prayer. This by itself shows the lofty and elevated position of this great prophet in the sight of Allah (SWT). S V Mir Ahmad Ali writes: The standing place of Ibrahim has been made the permanent religious centre of all monotheists, because of his faith (belief in the unity of Allah) was perfect, an ideal for every believer.
Ibrahim (as)-an upright Monotheist:
"Say (O Muhammad)! Allah has spoken the truth, so follow the creed of Ibrahim, the upright, and he was not of the polytheists". (3:95)
Ibrahim (as)-his prayer for protection of faith:
"Our Lord! Make us both submissive to You, and of our progeny (make) a group submissive (only) to You, and show us the ways of our devotion, and turn to us (mercifully), verily, You and You (alone), are the oft-turning, the merciful". (2:128)
Ibrahim (as)-guiding his children to One God:
"And the same did Ibrahim enjoin his sons, and (so) did Ya'qub, saying: 'O my sons! Verily Allah has chosen the religion (Islam) for you, therefore you must not die save as Muslims' ". (2:132)
Ibrahim (as)'s prayer for Makkah's security from filth of Kufr:
"And (remember) when Ibrahim said: 'My Lord! Make this city (a place) of security..." (2:126)
"...And whoever enters it is safe..." (3:97)
S V Mir Ahmad Ali states: It is a sacred sanctuary. Whoso enters it is safe from the clutches of the disbelievers. It is a historical fact that all invaders who attacked this holy precinct were destroyed.
It could also mean that whoso focuses towards this holy house with his mind and spirit, shall not be influenced by the disbelievers and will always remain steadfast in his belief in the concept of Tawheed i.e. Oneness of God.
HAJJ – THE GREAT ISLAMIC CONFERENCE
"And proclaim among people the Pilgrimage, they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel coming from every remote path. That they may witness advantages for them and mention the name of Allah during the stated days over what He has given them of the cattle quadrupeds, then eat of them and feed the distressed one, the needy". (22: 27 & 28)
Hajj is a great Islamic conference. It is an ideal demonstration of faith in which diverse groups of every race, class and nationality join together at a given time and in a specific place. They repeatedly recite a single call, and proclaim the same slogan. They gather for one purpose and that is to declare their servitude and loyalty to Allah (SWT) alone, freeing themselves from any trace of polytheism and ignorance, in a deeply effective, collective way, which fills the soul with feelings of faith and uniterism.
As the Holy Quran proclaims, and the Prophetic traditions bespeak, Hajj is not only worship and a way of getting closer to Allah (SWT), but it is a way of granting the pilgrim social, educational, economic and political benefits. Combined together, these bounties are conducive to improvement within an Islamic society, increase its awareness, rectify the problems and activate its movements.
During Hajj, Muslims witness the most excellent example of equality, submissiveness and human brotherhood. This is accomplished by removing the outer difference and donning the dress of unity, the ihraam. The result is that all feel a oneness among the human race, brotherhood and equality.
While performing Hajj, Muslims feel a oneness with the earth and the people. It invalidates all the artificial boundaries established by human, regional, national and racial superiority complexes and egoism. Travelling across thousands of miles, they penetrate all barriers, and rise above all man-made hurdles, in order to respond to Islam's call of faith.
During Hajj, Muslims meet each other in a magnificent communion. They relate to each other's domestic and regional affairs. They consult each other concerning their life and religion. They exchange experiences, opinions and good habits. They become acquainted with each other's problems. They learn of each other's viewpoints. This interchanging of ideas increases their awareness, knowledge grows, and the impetus to reform is invigorated. As a result, plans are proposed, projects designed, educational, political, social and economic centres are established. The Muslims support each other, as if they are one body and one soul.
Since Hajj is a large and impressive human gathering, it attracts millions of Muslims from different countries. It also stimulates an economic movement which is beneficial to the world of Islam.
During Hajj, the pilgrim imbibes ethical and educational lessons which reduce his faults. He acquires patience through hardship. He becomes humble, generous and tender. He renounces lying, backbiting, animosity and pride. He learns from his journey through mixing with others. Within him, positive social tendencies grow and morals are refined.
(The Hajj as Worship and Education)
Hisham bin al-hakam once asked Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (as), "Why does Allah order His servants to perform Hajj and circumambulate around the Ka'bah?" Imam (as) replied, "Allah has created His servants and instructed them how to obey Him through the performance of religious duties. He has made (Hajj) a gathering in which people from the east and the west participate and become acquainted with one another. Every single one of them benefits from the experiences of others who come from different places. Memories of the Messenger of Allah and his life will never be forgotten....." (Al-Hur al-Amili)
Ayatullah Naser Makarem in his Tafseer states:
After completing the ‘Umrah, pilgrims are free until the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah. During this period, it is a good opportunity for self-building, and to meet and get to know fellow Muslims from around the globe.
Four (4) fundamental aspects of Hajj:
The Ethical Aspect: The most important philosophy of Hajj is that it is designed to transform one’s inner character and Akhlaaq. A pilgrim therefore, must endeavour to look inwards and improve himself/herself.
The Political Aspect: The essence of worship is to direct oneself to the Creator, and the essence of politics is to direct oneself to His creation. These two are closely intertwined in Hajj. Show unity and solidarity with fellow Muslims, Break down the barriers created by race & geographical boundaries, Stand shoulder to shoulder for worship, And share news and concerns with each other for the betterment of Ummah
The Cultural Aspect: The close proximity enjoyed by the Muslims can be the most effective way of partaking of each other’s culture and sharing ideas, especially because there are representatives of every nation of Muslims present during Hajj. It is an opportunity for Muslim intellectuals to hold meetings to exchange views while they are in Makkah
The Economical Aspect: Establishing and strengthening business and economical links. This is not against the spirit of Hajj, on the contrary it is of its important philosophies and considered as the essence of worship. (Tafseer-e-Namoona)
HAJJ – THE GROUND FOR SELF-BUILDING
“The pilgrimage is in the well known months, so whoever determines the performance of Hajj therein, there shall be no RAFATH, nor FUSOOQ, nor JIDAAL in Hajj..” (2:197)
Rafath: Intimate physical contact between man and woman, and anything that leads to it.
Fusooq: Literally means coming out of a date from its skin. It implies to come out of obedience into disobedience. Reference to speaking lies, using foul & abusive language and includes every kind of sin & transgression.
Jidaal: Quarrelling & swearing, arousing anger, and even swearing of oaths (Laa Wallah/Bala Wallah).
S V Mir Ahmad Ali in his Tafseer explains:
Shawwal, Dhilqad and Dhilhajj are the well known months. One can start the pilgrimage in these months but the principle performance of Hajj has been prescribed in the month of Dhilhajj. During these days the pilgrim enters the state of purity in which he is entirely absorbed with Allah. Taqwa is the best provision, because by resigning oneself to Allah and abstaining from all that which connects with worldly matters, devotion to Allah becomes total. Everything which pertains to 'Rafath' (sexual intercourse), Fasaq (fornication), and 'Jidaal' (quarrelling with one another) are forbidden.
"Take provision" means to plan and carry sufficient provisions for the journey so as not to be a burden on others...........Making provision may also mean making provision for the journey of life with piety and righteousness. Surely the best provision is 'Taqwa'-guarding against evil or safeguarding with full awareness of divine laws. If the men of understanding desire increase in provision, here and in the hereafter, then they should know the boundaries and fortify them.
The intention of the pilgrims to the House of God should not be simply to perform the Hajj rites. They must make good use of the opportunity to reform themselves for better and to acquire close proximity to Allah (SWT). For this, they must prepare themselves physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually before they proceed for Hajj and during Hajj they should abstain from all worldly matters and other things which can distract them from reaching their ultimate goal.
The following are the instructions and guidance of Imam Ja’far ibn Muhammad al-Sadiq (as) to the Hujjaj:
“When you make the intention of performing Hajj, empty your heart for the sake of Allah, the Glorified, of any pre-occupation which makes you unmindful of Him. Entrust all your affairs to the Creator and rely on Him in all that you do and do not. Submit yourself to the divine fate, decision and destiny. Say farewell to the world, the comfort, and the people.
Repay what you owe others. Do not rely on your provision, means of transportation, friends, physical power, youth, and wealth, for Allah may turn all of them as your enemies so that you realize that there is no power or option but with Allah without whose help no one can succeed.
Then prepare for Hajj like one who has no hope of returning home. Behave well with the co-travellers. Observe prayer timings and the traditions of the Holy Prophet (saww), perform what is your duty on courtesy, patience, tolerance, gratitude, compassion, generosity, and self-sacrifice all the time.
Then purify yourself with the water of repentance, put on the garment of truthfulness, sincerity, humbleness and modesty.
Get rid of whatever keeps you away from Allah's remembrance and obedience to Him.
Say 'Labbayk' to Allah with pure, flawless, and chaste heart while you have laid hold on the firmest handle.
Circumambulate the throne with your heart among the angels in the same way as you circumambulate the House with other Muslims.
Perform 'Harwala' (fast pace), that is escape from carnal desires with all your power and strength.
Come out of your ignorance and wrongdoings when leaving Makkah for Mina and never desire what is not lawful for you or not worthy of.
Confess your wrongdoings in Arafaat, renew your covenant with Allah, the Exalted, on His Oneness and approach Him.
Fear Him in Muzdalifah and make your soul ascend to heaven by climbing up the mountain.
Cut the throat of carnal desires and greed by offering animal sacrifice.
Throw away lust, miserliness, meanness and all blameworthy acts through 'Ramyil-Jamaraat' (stoning the pillars).
Do away with the internal and external flaws when shaving your head.
Enter the sanctuary of Allah, the Exalted, by ridding yourself of all desires when entering the sacred precinct.
Visit the house in order to honour its Owner and to know His glory and magnanimity.
Caress the Black Stone while you are content with what He has given you and you have become humble before His greatness.
Say farewell to everything save Allah in the last circumambulation.
Purify your soul and prepare for meeting Allah by staying in Safa. Be fair minded and dissolve yourself in Allah's Attributes when you are in Marwa.
Be firm on and faithful to the pledge you have given to Allah by which you have performed your Hajj until the Day of Judgement.
Be it known to you that what the reason Allah has made Hajj obligatory and has allocated it to Himself by saying, "and pilgrimage to the House is incumbent upon men for the sake of Allah, upon everyone who is able to undertake the journey to it" (3:97) and the Holy Prophet (saw) has devised its rites in this way, is to remind us of death, grave, being raised to life, and the Day of Judgement.” (Misbaah al-Sharia'h)
We pray and wish all the Hujjaj (Pilgrims to the House of God) a safe journey. May Allah (SWT) accept their act of worship, forgive their sins and bless them with a new life which is purely in His cause –ilaahi Aameen.
Wallahu Waliyyut Tawfeeque
Sheikh Mujahidali A R Sheriff
