Al-Hajj Wa Al-'Umrah
(A concourse of Body and Soul, Time and Place)
Mohammed S. Uddin
Part IV
The Spirit and Rites of Hajj
The Spirit of Hajj
Ka'bah is Allah's House. It is Allah Who decrees who can visit His House. Hajj is an invitation from AllahSWT, and the pilgrim is the guest and Allah is the Supreme Host. Every year there are millions of applicants for Hajj, but only a small group of those makes the Hajj (1-2 million a year).
Hajj is a unique form of worship: it is physically dynamic, and spiritually motivating; it brings all other pillars viz. Prayer, Sadaqa, fasting (for non-pilgrim) under the same shade, for a common goal of achieving Taqwa. It is a spiritual journey, a journey in body and mind, a journey going back in time and place.
The Rites of Hajj and their Spiritual Significance
Intention and Ihram:
Sincere Intention, solely for the sake of worship of Allah.
Ihram, for man it is two pieces of unsewn cloths, used as upper and lower garments. For woman, it must be simple wear that covers the body from head to toe, except the face and hand. Ihram is usually put on in Miqat. The foot wear: no foot wear during Tawaf, otherwise it should be sandals without stitches.
Significance of Ihram: The significance of dressing oneself in two pieces of cloths (for man), and simple body cover (for woman), lie in the fact that they mimic the shroud used in wrapping the bodied after death. Ihram is thus a physical barrier that reflects a separation of the material from the spiritual world.
Ihram is worn after full cleanliness like cutting nails, shaving private parts, shaving head or shortening hair, followed by bodily purification and Wudu, perfuming the body and making two Raka' of sunnah prayer. The whole process of preparation reminds us the inevitability of death and preparation for burial.
The uniformity of Ihram, makes all Hajjis look alike, eliminating any worldly differences, and teaches equality in birth (born naked) and death (shrouded in just two pieces of cloths).
Once in Ihram, the Hajji must strictly avoid the prohibitions:
"The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known (lunar year) months. So, whosoever intends to perform Hajj therein (by assuming Ihram), then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during Hajj". (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:197)
On leaving the Miqat, one must recite Talbyiah and concentrate on the meaning of Talbyiah for spiritual purification (Talbyiah is a part of the vow). As we recite Talbiya: "Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaik La Sharika Laka Labbaik. Innal Hamda Wan-Ni'mata Laka Wal Mulk, La Sharika Laka", we declare our presence and readiness for Allah's service with wealth and life, we denounce Shirk (polytheism), praise Him and announce His Sovereignty.
As one approaches the sacred Precinct of Masjid-al-Haram, and see the Holy Ka'bah, he must stop and stand still and say Allahu Akbar three times, followed by La Ilaha Illa-Allah three times, then raise hands and recite salat and salaam on the Messenger of Allah, and then make any Du'a.
The very first glimpse of the Sacred House of Ka'bah, puts us in awe, fills our heart with sense of fulfillment and reverence, and our eyes with tears of joy. It is hard to take the eyes away from its sight:
Tawaf
History of Tawaf: Some reports teach that it was in Makkah that our father AdamAS longed to go back to paradise and be in the presence of Allah. To console his loneliness, Allah commanded him to do Tawaf around the space of the current Ka'bah. And Adam did, and felt whole again.
Other texts teach that NuhAS, IbrahimAS, and many Prophets before them, all did Tawaf around Allah's sacred House. Their spiritual energy and legacy fill the air. In making Tawaf, the pilgrims walk in the footsteps of all the Prophets, and in the footsteps of RasulullahSAAW and his noble companions.
In reaching the Masjid-al-Haram, the Hajji makes two Raka'a, and start making Tawaf. He starts at the line marked by the "green light" (starting in the southeast corner), and after raising right hand pointing to the corner, and declaring "Allahu Akbar". It takes seven laps in counterclockwise direction. The pilgrims should be in Ihram, and make tawaf, keeping the right shoulder bare (for man). Ihram is not necessary for others, intending to make tawaf.
In doing Tawaf, we simulate the Tawaf of the angels around the Baitul Ma'mur, Allah's House in seventh Heaven, where seventy thousand angels make Tawaf every day, and never return (something to reflect about the endless number of angels). In making Tawaf, we spiritually connect ourselves with the angels around Al-Bait Al-Ma'mur:
"And by the Bait-ul-Ma'mur (the house over the heavens parable to the Ka'bah at Makkah, continuously visited by the angels)" (Surah At-Tur, 52:4)
Tawaf is an Ibada, therefore it must be done in the state of physical purity: "Then, they must remove their dirt, and fulfill their vows, and make tawaf of the Ancient House." (Surah Al-Hajj, 22:29)
The structure of Ka'bah should also remind us of the joint efforts of the Prophets IbrahimAS and Isma'ilAS, in raising the foundation and wall of the House:
"And (remember) when Ibrahim and (his son) Isma'il were raising the foundation of the House (the Ka'bah at Makkah), (saying), "Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us. Verily! You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knower." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:127).
This is the legacy of Ibrahim and Isma'il, symbolical of hard work and devotion, and prayer for acceptance of their service. Any good effort must be followed by supplication for acceptance: "Supplication is the essence of worship." [Anas bin Malik, Jami At-Tirmidhi 3371 Book 48 Hadith 2)
Tawaf or circumambulation is a rotation; that conforms to the universal low of rotation, a model of Allah's universal plan of obedience and worship. In physical world, objects rotate around a central mass of gravitational attraction (electron in an atom, or celestial bodies), while in Tawaf, we are spiritually attracted by the House, and submit to the Divine Rule:
"The sun and the moon run on their fixed courses (exactly), calculated with measured out stages for each. And the herbs (or stars) and the trees prostrate themselves (to Allah)." (Surah Ar-Rahman, 55:5-6)
Maqam-e-Ibrahim:
Maqam is where IbrahimAS stood to raise the bricks to the wall of the Ka'bah, assisted by his son, Isma'ilAS. It stands next to Ka'bah, and is included in Tawaf: "In it (the Ka'bah) are manifest signs (for example), the Maqam (place) of Ibrahim…" (Surah Al-Imran, 3:97)
Today, the sacred stone is preserved within a golden cage, few feet away from the wall of Ka'bah, to open the prayer area as well as to facilitate the Tawaf:
After finishing Tawaf, the pilgrim makes two Raka'a in the space around the Maqam: "And (remember) when We made the House (the Ka'bah) a place of resort for mankind and a place of safety. And take you (people) the Maqam (the place) of Ibrahim as a place of prayer…" Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:125)
The well of Zamzam:
The well of Zamzam is about thirty-eight cubits from Ka'bah. The mouth of Zamzam stands where Isma'il was laid by his mother, lady Hagar, when she went to look for help. Zamzam water is now supplied throughout in the mosque.
The Well of Zamzam was the symbolical reward to lady Hagar for her dependency on AllahSWT, and for making the effort to save a life. She never lost hope in Allah, in her heart she knew Allah will not forsake her. It was a Divine gift, the water of which quenched the thirst and abated the hunger of both the mother and son, and served as source of water for the generations afterwards, and presently for millions of Muslims throughout the world. The lesson is one who depends on Allah, Allah never forsakes him. One who puts trust in Allah, Allah feeds him from means beyond his perception:
"…And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is Allah for him…" (Surah At Talaq, 65:3)
The well is 35 meter deep and taps ground water from Wadi Alluvium, and it is 4000 years old. Zam-zam water is unique. Although the source of it is the rain water that is soaked through the sandy soil of Arabian desert, it brings with it many minerals and biological components that are good for health. It is alkaline in pH (compatible with blood alkalinity at pH 7.4), abundant in bicarbonate, calcium and magnesium and fluoride. It is free from biotics (germs, Dr. Yahya Koshak). It has anti-oxygen and anti-oncogenic (cancer) property. It stimulates cell health (German scientist Dr. Knut Pfeiffer)
Drinking Zam-zam water is sunnah. It is refreshing, nourishing, and cures minor ailments. The prophetSAAW said: "Zamzam water is the best water on the face of the earth. In it is food for nourishment and healing for illness." [Narrated Ibn Abbas, Grade: Hasan according to Al-Albani]. It cures illness when it is drunk with full sincerity and trust.
JibrilAS used Zam-zam water to cleanse the heart of the ProphetSAAw: once as a child while he was playing with other children, and then in the night of Al-Isra wa Al-Mi'raj.
ProphetSAAW drank Zamzam water standing, to indicate it is permissible to drink standing. [Sunan An-Nasa'I 2965]. The supplication for drinking Zam-zam water is: "Allahumma inni asaluka Rizqan wasi'ah, 'ilman nafi'a, wa Shifa min kulli da'i": "I beseech Thee, O Allah! Bestow on me generous sustenance, beneficial knowledge, and cure from all ailments."
Sa'ye:
The Run of Sa'ye, is the distance between the two hills, As-Safa and Al-Marwa. Sa'ye starts at As-Safwa, and after seven lapses, ends at Al-Marwa. The Hujjaj fast walk and jog between these two mile-stones. Today, the mounts have been modified to make them easy to climb for people of all ages. It has also been turned into two levels, to accommodate people making the run. Sa'ye is a fundamental rite of Hajj. As-Safa and Al-Marwa symbolize Allah's designated Signs.
"Verily! As-Safa and Al-Marwa are the Symbols of Allah. So, it is not a sin on him who performs Hajj or 'Umrah of the House (the Ka'bah in Makkah) to perform the going (tawaf) between them. And whoever does good voluntarily, then verily, Allah is All-Recognizer, All-Knower." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:158)
The runs between the two mounts are in commemoration of the runs of lady Hagar. It depicts the desperation of a lonely mother looking for help to save the life of her infant child, her desperate effort, hope, and complete dependence on Allah.
The 8th Day of Dhul-Hijja, and the First Day of Hajj:
It is also called the day of Tarwiyah. It is spent in Mina. It is the day of mental and emotional preparation for the great journey to Arafah, the next day. It is the first day of Hajj.
The 9th Day of Dhul-Hijja, and the Second Day of Hajj:
In the morning of the 9th day, the pilgrims proceed to the valley of Al-'Arafah to spend the day there, until after sunset. It is the second day of Hajj. For the pilgrims, it is an extremely important day, because without observing this day in "Arafah, the Hajj is invalid. The Holy ProphetSAAW said: "Al-Hajj 'Arafah," meaning "'Arafah is the Hajj" (Ahmad). There is no Hajj without the visit to 'Arafah and observing the day in its proper place and time.
The Arabic word 'Arafah' means to recognize. It is called Al-'Arafah, possibly because, this is the place where Adam and Hawwa met on earth after being ordered to come down from Paradise. It is also called the Hill of Mercy, because AllahSWT, out of His Mercy, accepted their supplication for forgiveness.
This is the mount from where the ProphetSAAW delivered his historical last sermon, and received the testimony of the people that he had delivered the Message of Tauhid to the people. AllahSWT acknowledged his service by revealing: "This day, I have perfected your Religion for you, and I have completed My Blessing up on you, and I have chosen Islam as your religion." (Surah Al-Maida, 5:3)
The Day of Arafah is the designated day of worship: prayer, recitation of Qur'an, and remembrance of Allah through Tahlil, Tahmid and Takbir. The Zuhr Prayer is delayed and "Asr Prayer is prayed earlier. Both prayers are shortened and prayed with separate Iqama.
It is the day of height of worship. Starting somewhat before noon until sunset, Pilgrims gather to the Plain of 'Arafâh and take their stand (wuqûf) of faith before God, face Qibla, and supplicate with outstretched arms and palms facing up, entreating His mercy and forgiveness.
'Arafat is the cleansing station outside the haram where we stand and seek forgiveness for all sins that we've committed in our lives. We beg and implore Allah to forgive us, accept our journey to His House and the Masjid al-Haram and all the Manasiks of Hajj.
Fasting on the Day of Arafa:
It is not permissible for pilgrims to fast on the Day of Arafa: "Abu Huraira said that God's messenger prohibited fasting on the day of 'Arafa at 'Arafa." [Mishkat al-Masabih, 2062, Book 7, Hadith 105]
However, it is highly recommende for non-Hajjis, to fast on the Day of 'Arafah:
"I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: 'Whoever fasts the Day of 'Arafah, his sins of the previous and following year will be forgiven.'" [Qatada bin Nu'man, Sunan Ibn Majah 1731, Book 7, Hadith 94]
Mujdalifa:
Mujdalifa is a valley between Arafat and Mina. It is a flat open area between mina and Arafat, in the province of Makkah. At one end it has the Valley of Muhassar, and at the other end, lays the Mountains of Ma'zamayn:
The Hujjaj leave 'Arafah after sunset for Mujdalifa, pray Maghrib and Isha, together, but with separate Adhan and Iqamas (Isha being shortened to two Rakas). They spend the night of 10th of Dhul-Hijja or greater part of it in Mujdalifa. Time in Mujdalifa is spent in worship, rest and sleep. When Fajr is due, they pray Fajr, and proceed towards the Sacred Monument, Mash'aril Haram, and repeat "La Ilaha Illa-Allah, Allahu Akbar, and supplicate as he wishes:
"It is no crime in you, if you seek the bounty of your Lord (during pilgrimage). Then when you pour down from mount Arafat, celebrate the praises of Allah at the sacred Monument and celebrate His praises, as He has directed you, even though, before this, you went astray." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:198)
The pilgrim leaves Mujdalifa at the dawn, and goes to Mina. Before proceeding for Mina, the pilgrims collect the pebbles for throwing during Ramy, in Mina.
The 10th day of Dhul Hijja in Mina and Jamarat:
This is the 3rd day of Hajj. The pilgrims return to Mina from Mujdalifa. The valley of Mina (Muna) is about three miles from Makkah. It is the valley where IbrahimAS intended to sacrifice Isma'il.
It is also the valley where the pillars are erected for throwing stones. There are three pillars: Kubra (Jamarat-al-Aqaba), Wusta, and Sugra, respectively representing the "Was-was" or whispering of Saitan to Ibrahim, Hagar, and Isma'il. The whispering was against sacrificing Isma'il for the sake of AllahSWT.
Immediately after coming to Mina, pilgrim proceeds to throw stone at the Jamarat-al-Aqaba (the biggest pillar), then makes the sacrifice, (or designates someone to do it on their behalf), then cuts hair/shaves head, and takes off the Ihram, celebrates the Eid, then proceeds for Tawaful Ifada.
Tawaful Ifada is wajib, and it must be done between the morning of the 10th and before the sunset of the 12th of Dhul-Hujja.
Days of Tashriq
The 11th, 12th, and 13th of the month are called the days of Tashriq. These days are spent in Mina to complete Ramy (throwing of stone), for relaxation, and for celebration through prayer, sharing food, and exchange of knowledge through khawatir and lectures. Usually, the Hujjaj live in tents in Mina.
The Hujjaj can leave anyone of these days, but staying in Mina is encouraged. Before leaving, the Hajji must make the final Tawaf. In between, during the days of Tashriq, the Hujjaj are encouraged to make additional Tawaf:
"And remember Allah during the appointed Days. But whosoever hasten to leave in two days, there is no sin on him, and whosoever stays on, there is no sin on him, if his aim is to do good and obey Allah, and no that you will surely be gathered unto Him." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:203)
The Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf- al-Wada) is an obligatory part of Hajj, except for local residents and menstruating women. After the Farewell Tawaf, the pilgrim should be getting ready to leave the Holy city of Makkah
Hajj Mabrur
An accepted Hajj is called Hajj Mabrur. For Hajj Mabrur, there are strict guidelines in the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Holy ProphetSAAW:
· Staying away from relationship, bad language, and quarrel. Take the best of provisions, and the provision of provision is Taqwa". (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:197)
The Holy ProphetSAAW said: "Whoever perform Hajj and does not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commits sin, nor dispute unjustly (during Hajj), then he returns from Hajj as pure and free from sins as on the day on which his mother gave birth to him." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim, Ryad-us-Saliheen, Hadith number 1274, narrated Abu Hurairah]
· Be a "Mukhbith" (humble): believe in Monotheism, total submission to Allah's Command, love for Allah so that when the word "Allah" is mentioned, the heart fills up with love and fear, show patient perseverance over any afflictions, keep up regular prayer, and spend in charity:
"…And your Ilah (God) is One Ilah (Allah), so you must submit to Him Alone (in Islam). And (O MuhammadSAAW, give glad tidings to the Mukhbitun (humble), whose hearts are filled with fear when Allah is mentioned, and As-Sabirun (one who patiently bear whatever may befall), who perform As-Salat, and who spend (in Allah's cause) out of what We have provided them. (Surah Al-Hajj, 22:34-35)
· Honor the Sacred Rites of AllahSWT: "And let them complete their prescribed duties (Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'ye, stay at Arafat, Muzdalifa, and Mina, Ramy of Jamarat, Slaughtering of Hady, etc., and whoever honor the sacred things of Allah, then that is better for him with his Lord. The cattle are lawful to you, except those mentioned to you…" (Surah Al-Hajj, 22:29-30)
· Honor the designated Symbols, the Sha'air: the stations of Hajj, and the animals of sacrifice: "And the Budn (cow, oxen or camal), We have made them for you, as among the Symbols of Allah, wherein you have much good…" (Surah Al-Hajj, 22:36)
· Be a "Muhsin" who does Ihsan (excellent deeds): "It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him. Thus, We have made them subject to you that you may magnify Allah for His Guidance to you. And give glad tidings to the Muhsinun." (Surah Al-Hajj, 22:37)
The Holy ProphetSAAW said:
"Al-'Umratu ilal-'Umrati kaffaratul-lima binahuma, wal-Hajjul Mabrur laisa lahu jazaau illal-Jannah": "One 'Umrah to the next 'Umrah, is an expiation of sins (minor) (committed) in between, and the reward for the Hajjul Mabrur is nothing but Jannah (Paradise)." [Sahih Al-Bukhari 1773, Book 26, Hadith 1, Narrated Abu HurairahRA]
Of all the best deeds, Hajj Mabrur comes after Tauhid and jihad* [Al Bukhari and Muslim, Ryad-us-Saliheen, Hadith number 1273, Narrated Abu Hurairah]
*The best Jihad for women is Hajj Mabrur [Al Bukhari, Riyad-us-Saliheen, Hadith number 1276, narrated AishahRA]
"Hajjun Mabrur, Sa'yan mashkur, Wa Zamba maghfur."
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