Al-Hajj Wal 'Umrah
(A Concourse Body, Mind and Soul)
Mohammed Siraj Uddin
إِنَّ أَوَّلَ بَيْتٍ وُضِعَ لِلنَّاسِ لَلَّذِي بِبَكَّةَ مُبَارَكًا وَهُدًى لِلْعَالَمِينَ {96}
فِيهِ آيَاتٌ بَيِّنَاتٌ مَقَامُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ ۖ وَمَنْ دَخَلَهُ كَانَ آمِنًا ۗ وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ
الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا ۚ وَمَنْ كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ عَنِ الْعَالَمِينَ {97}
"Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and a guidance for Al-'Alamin (mankind and jinn). In it are manifest signs (for example); the Maqam (place) of Ibrahim; whosoever enters it, he attains security. And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka'bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses, and whoever disbelieves (i. e. Hajj), then Allah stands not in need of any of the 'Alamin." (Surah Al-'Imran, 3:96-97)
Preface
Father of mankind, AdamAS was created in Paradise, was sent down to earth to complete his mission as the Khalifah. We, as his progeny, are assigned to continue the mission of preaching Tauhid and inherit the earth. Knowing our nature and fallibility, AllahSWT has opened the perpetual door for forgiveness, and out of His greatest love and Mercy, has opened many doors for His slaves to achieve salvation and enter Paradise:
"Allah calls to the Home of Peace (i. e. Paradise by accepting Allah's Religion of Islamic Monotheism, and by doing righteous deeds, and abstaining from polytheism), and guides whom He wills to the Straight Path." (Surah Yunus, 10:25)
The Holy ProphetSAAW said:
If any one of you performs ablution, and does it well, and when he finishes the ablution, he utters the words: "I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah, He has no associate, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His Servant and His Messenger", all the eight doors of Paradise will be opened for him; he may enter (through) any of them. [Sahah, Sunan Abi Dawud, Book 1, Hadith 169]
Paradise has eight doors: Tauhid is the key to all the gates. Then, there is specific door for prayer (Bab As-Salat, 2:227), door for fasting (the Ryyan, Bukhari 1763), door for Zakat and charity, door for Jihad, and door for Kadhimin, and door for Al-Iman, door for Dhikr (13:23-24), and door for Hajj:
"Verily, those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, their Lord will guide them through their Faith; under them will flow rivers in the Garden of Delight (Paradise)." (Surah Yunus, 10:9)
Prayer is the venue for standing in humility and ask for forgiveness, and enter paradise through the gate of Prayer, Fasting offers the opportunity to achieve Taqwa, and enter the Paradise through the special gate, Ryyaan, reserved for fasting people, Zakat is due on wealth and net savings, to purify wealth and farther clean living, Hajj is to attain Taqwa and commemorate the Udhiyah, the legacy of father IbrahimAS, and Jihad, to spread the Religion of Allah and restraint our Soul.
Hajj has a very special place in the life of a believer. It is an intense form of worship that demands certain physical fitness, financial affordability, and emotional stability. It is obligatory only once in a life time, for those who have the means to afford the journey. It calls up on the Hujjaj to mend their conduct, and behave according to the standard enjoined upon by Qur'an and Sunna, both in public and personal life. It is the summit of all worships.
As a pillar, Hajj is closely related to Shahada: while Shahada is the declaration of Tauhid (Unity of Allah), Hajj depicts the history and practice of that Principle. The inner theme of Hajj is to declare our readiness to the service of AllahSWT, denounce polytheism, and to cherish the love of AllahSWT above the love of the material world.
Historically, the subject of preaching of all the Prophets, starting with AdamAS, has been Tauhid, and the object has been to guide mankind to Tauhid. Hajj depicts the real time trials on behalf of great Messengers and personalities like IbrahimAS, Isma'ilAS, and Lady Hagar, and the last Prophet and Messenger, MuhammadSAAW in achieving that goal. It took important segments of their lives to develop the Manasiks (rites) of Hajj, under Divine Guidance:
"Our Lord! And make us submissive unto You, and our offspring a nation submissive unto You, and show us our Manasik (Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'y, stay at 'Arafat, Muzdalifa and Mina, Rami, slaughtering of Hady etc.), and accept our repentance. Truly, You are the One, Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:128)
Since the time of AdamAS, the Sacred House of Ka'bah (as the First House), has been the center of worship, and a sanctuary of peace and security. As an ancient tradition of mankind, all the children of AbrahimAS from both sides of his lineage, made pilgrimage to Makkah (Ibn Kathir).
Over thousands of years of practice since IbrahimAS, the principle of Islamic Monotheism slowly veered towards polytheism (shirk), and the Manasiks were adulterated and replaced by pagan traditions: In pre-Islamic time, the pagan Arabs erected statues (Lat, Uzza, Manat, and Hubol) for the purpose of worship: "Have you seen Lat, and 'Uzza, and another, the Third (goddess), Manat?" (Surah Al Najm, 53:19-20).
They replaced the solemn etiquettes of Tawaf with vulgar behavior, and used to go naked round the Ka'bah, dancing, whistling and clapping their hands: "Their prayer at the House (of Allah) is nothing but whistling and clapping of hands…" (Surah Al Anfal, 8:35)
Finally, it was the inflexible efforts and sacrifice of Prophet MuhammadSAAW to renew the call of Tauhid, and complete its message, initiated by AdamAS, the father of mankind, and IbrahimAS, the father of believers. It was the supplication of IbrahimAS that the ProphetSAAW was sent to preach and teach mankind, and purify them, and protect them from the spiritual degradation of polytheism:
"Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own, who shall recite unto them Your Verses and instruct them in the Book (this Qur'an), and Al-Hikmah (full knowledge of the Islamic laws and jurisprudence or wisdom or Prophethood), and purify them. Verily! You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:129)
And the Divine Response to Ibrahim's supplication was:
"Similarly (to complete My Blessings on you), We have sent among you a Messenger (MuhammadSAAW) of your own, reciting Our Verses (the Qur'an) purifying you, and teaching you the Book (the Qur'an) and the Hikmah (that is Sunnah, Islamic Laws and Fiqh—Jurisprudence), and teaching you that which you used not to know." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:151)
The pillar of Hajj is an embodiment of many rites (Manasiks), which are a reminder of the sacrifices needed to establish them. Each rite of Hajj depicts a physical and a deep spiritual conviction. In performing the rites of Hajj, one goes back in time and place, and connects himself to these blessed historical personalities, walks the path they walked, and nurtures his soul.
This spiritual journey starts with the very intention of making Hajj, wearing the Ihram, and reciting the Talbiyah. In doing so, he not only leaves the material world behind, establishes equality of mankind in life and death (two pieces of Ihram simulate the shroud), declares the Tauhid, and denounces polytheism. Thus, Hajj, although an individual journey, it depicts a segment of a historical journey that started with IbrahimAS, transcends the interval on either side of his family, and finally renewed by the last Prophet MuhammadSAAW, the descendant of Isma'ilAS.
When a Hajji (pilgrim) undertakes this journey, he physically visits Ka'bah, the House of AllahSWT, the closest place to AllahSWT on the face of the earth. In doing so, he indeed travels back in time to physically simulate the established rites, and spiritually he connects himself with the great personalities who established these rites.
Part I
Introduction to Hajj/'Umrah
Literal meaning of Hajj is Pilgrimage, which means to make a journey to a holy place. In Islam, Hajj means journey to visit Ka'bah in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, in the month of Dhul-Hijjah, for the purpose of worship of AllahSWT, and perform special rites commanded by Him:
Ka'bah is the replication of Baitul Ma'mur, the House of Allah in the highest heaven. It is directly under the Throne of Allah. Bait-al-Ma'mur is the House where the angels make Tawaf in the soiritual world, and Ka'bah is for human to make tawaf in the physical world. Therefore, in the material world, Ka'bah is the closest place to AllahSWT. For the purpose of warship, it is the First House built on earth:
"The First House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (old name of Makkah), full of blessing, and a guidance for Al-'Alamin (mankind and jinn). In it are manifest signs, (for example), Maqam (place) of Ibrahim; whosoever enters it, he attains security.
And Hajj to the House (Ka'bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for one's conveyance, provision and residence), and whoever disbelieves (denies Hajj, then he is a disbeliever of Allah)…" (Surah Al-'Imran, 3:96-97)
Hajj, A Pillar of Islam:
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, held in the month of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the lunar year. Hajj and 'Umrah are obligations on every Muslim (of age), who can afford the journey, to perform them:
"And complete the Hajj and 'Umrah in the service of Allah… for Hajj, if anyone undertakes that duty therein, let there be no indecency… " (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:196-197)
The Holy ProphetSAAW said:
"Islam is founded on five pillars: First of all is the Tauhid; declaration of Unity of Allah, and that MuhammadSAAW is the Messenger of Allah, establishing prayer, paying Zakat (poor due), going on Pilgrimage to the House of Allah (in Makkah), and observing the Fast of Ramadan." [Abdullah bin 'Umar, Sahih Muslim, Book1, Hadith 22, Sunan An-Nasa'I 5001, Book 47, Hadith 17]
"O people! Allah has made it obligatory for you to make Hajj (the pilgrimage). And as such you should perform it…" [Abu Hurayrah, Sahih Muslim 1337, Book 15, Hadith 461]
A lesser form of Hajj is called 'Umrah, which can be performed any time of the year, or combined with Hajj, but it is recommended to perform 'Umrah before or after Hajj. The Holy ProphetSAAW said:
"An 'Umrah in the month of Ramadan, is equivalent to a Hajj, or equal to the pilgrimage performed in my company." [Ibn Abbas, Bukhari and Muslim, Riyad-Us-Saliheen, The Book of Hajj]
The Season of Hajj:
Hajj is performed in the month of Dhul-Hijjah, the twelfth month of lunar year:
The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known (lunar) months (i. e. the 10th, the 11th months, and the first ten days of the 12th of the Islamic calendar). So, whosoever intends to perform Hajj therein (by assuming Ihram), then he should not have sexual relations, nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj. And whatever good you do (be sure) Allah knows it. And take a provision for the journey (with you), but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness). So, fear Me, o men of understanding. (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:197)
The month of Shawwal, Dhul-Qa'dah, and Dhul-Hijjah (up to the tenth day) are set apart for the rites of Hajj. That is to say, the first rite may begin as early as the beginning of Shawwal, with a definite approach to Makkah: (before the days of advance transportation) people from long distance had to start the journey before the Hajj season began; having performed 'Umrah, they stayed on, to perform the formal Hajj.
The chief rites of Hajj are concentrated on the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, and specially on the 8th, 9th, and 10th day: 8th day is the day of assembly (in Ihram) in the valley of Mina, 9th is the day of 'Arafah, and 10th is the day of Ramy (Jamarat), and Udhyia (sacrifice):
"…and remember the Name of Allah on appointed days (10th through 13th), over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice), [at the time of their slaughtering by saying: (Bismillah, Wallahu-Akbar, Allahumma Minka wa Ilika)]. Then eat thereof and feed therewith the poor having a hard time. Then let them complete their prescribed duties (Manasik of Hajj), and perform their vows, and circumambulate the Ancient House (the Ka'bah at Makkah)." (Surah Al-Hajj, 22:28-29)
The 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, the days after sacrifice, are called the days of Tashriq, the extended days, for further worship and praise of AllahSWT, business, education, and conferences. Staying in Mina for these days are optional, the Hujjaj can leave on the second or third day:
"And remember Allah during the appointed Days {by saying Allahu Akbar much and while slaughtering the Hady (the animal), and during the Ramy (of Jamarat). But whosoever hastes 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 (fear Allah), and know that you will surely be gathered unto Him." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:203)
However, if there is a need to complete the slaughtering, and/or fasting (three days) [as Fidyah (ransom) for being ill (to complete the Manasik), or having to have the scalp shaved (before completing the obligatory rites), because of scalp/hair disease], one may extend his stay until the end of Tashriq:
"…and when you are in peaceful conditions (again), if anyone wishes to continue the 'Umrah on to Hajj, he must make an offering such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford it, he should fast three days during the Hajj, and seven days on his return…" (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:196)
Purpose of Hajj:
The primary purpose of Hajj is to proclaim Tauhid (Monotheism) and denounce polytheism: "Behold! We gave the site to Ibrahim, of the Sacred House, saying: "Associate not anything (in worship) with Me; sanctify My House…" (Surah Al-Hajj, 22:26),
And the purpose is expressed in Talbiya: "Labbaika Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaika La-Shirikalaka, Labbaik. Innal Hamda wan-ni'mata laka Wal Mulk, La Sharika Laka.
Tauhid is encompassing of "Believing in Allah and worshipping Him Alone", but "the worship of Him Alone" must be categorically established by denouncing any association with Him, and confirming that it is Allah Alone Who is the Object of worship.
The spiritual purpose of Hajj is to attain Taqwa. Hajj is much more than physical preparation and undertaking the journey along with the required provisions. In fact, the best of provisions in addition to material provision, is the spiritual provision of Taqwa: "The Love and Fear of Allah" in the heart, manifested through our total submission in following His Command and Manasiks, in not violating the Symbols, and in pleasing Him through our actions and behavior:
"…And whatever good you do, (be sure) Allah knows it. And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best of provisions is the right conduct (Taqwa). So, fear Me, O you, who are wise." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:197)
Thus, Hajj is a worship that teaches us to mend our overall conduct by avoiding sexual relationship, bad languages, and quarreling, and admonitions, and to have Taqwa, depicted in "fear and love of Allah". Qur'an emphasizes Taqwa as the best of all provisions, and admonishes mankind to make Taqwa as the goal of all worship: "O mankind! Worship your Lord (Allah), Who created you and those who were before you, so that you become Al-Muttaqun (the pious)". (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:21)
Command of Hajj:
Command for Hajj came in two stages:
The first command came to IbrahimAS when he was guided to Makkah (Bacca), and shown the site of the Ancient House, and commanded to denounce polytheism, and sanctify the House for those who compass it round, or stand up, or bow, or prostrate themselves (in prayer). He was asked to proclaim Hajj among people, and was assured that people will come on foot or on camels from distant places:
"And proclaim pilgrimage among mankind: they will come to you on foot and (mounted) on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways, that they may witness the benefit provided for them…" (Surah Al-Hajj, 22:27-28)
When IbrahimAS was commanded to make the proclamation for Hajj, he asked: "O Lord! How can I convey this to people, when my voice will not reach them?" It was said: "Call them and We will convey it."
It is said that when he made the call, the mountains lowered themselves, so that his voice will reach all corners of the earth, and those who were still in their mother's womb, and in their father's loin, would hear the call. The response came from everyone in the cities, deserts, and countryside, those whom AllahSWT has decreed, will make the pilgrimage, till the Day of Resurrection. They will come declaring Tauhid and denouncing polytheism: "O Allah! (We are) at Your service, O Allah! (We are) at Your service." [Ibn Abbas, Mujahid, Ikrimiah, Sa'id Ibn Jubayr, At-Tabarani,18:605-607)
Since the time of IbrahimAS, Hajj has been celebrated by mankind on fixed days in the prescribed month of the year. Thus, yearly pilgrimage had become an ancient tradition. According to Ibn Kathir, Ibrahim's progeny from both his sons (Isma'il and Isaac)AS regularly made Hajj. And this tradition still continues, because, even outside the season of Hajj, people visit the Sacred Precinct round the year for 'Umrah, safety and security, and for the purpose of trade.
In the second stage, the Command for mandatory Hajj (as pillar of Islam) was revealed in A.H. 9 (CE 631). It was proclaimed the same year in the Pilgrimage gathering in Makkah. That year, Abu BakrRA had already left Medina, to lead the pilgrimage on behalf of the ProphetSAAW.
When the Command was revealed, the ProphetSAAW sent AliRA with the message to catch up with Abu Bakr, and the pilgrimage, and to proclaim that Hajj has become mandatory (as a pillar of Islam). When Ali reached Abu Bakr, he (AliRA), with permission of Abu BakrRA, read the Injunction to the Pilgrims (that from that year on, Hajj is mandatory, and it is a pillar of Islam). The day happened to be the 10th of Dhul-Hijja. It is called the great day of Dhu-Hijjah, because the great days of pilgrimage are the 9th day (the day of Arafa) or the 10th day (the day of Sacrifice) of Dhul-Hijja:
"And a declaration from Allah and His Messenger, to the people on the greatest day (the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah) ---that Allah is free from (all) obligations to the Mushrikun, and so is His Messenger…" (Surah At-Taubah, 9:3)
The Holy ProphetSAAW made his first Hajj the following year, A.H. 10 (632 CE). It is called Al-Hajj Al-Wida, the Farewell Pilgrimage. It was the day of 'Arafah, he delivered the last Sermon:
"Verily your blood, your property are as sacred and inviolable as the sacredness of this day of yours, in this month of yours, in this town of yours. Behold! Everything pertaining to the Days of Ignorance is under my feet completely abolished. Abolished are also the blood-revenges of the Days of Ignorance. The first claim of ours on blood-revenge which I abolish is that of the son of Rabi'a b. al-Harith, who was nursed among the tribe of Sa'd and killed by Hudhail. And the usury of the pre-Islamic period is abolished, and the first of our usury I abolish is that of 'Abbas b. 'Abd al-Muttalib, for it is all abolished. Fear Allah concerning women! Verily you have taken them on the security of Allah, and intercourse with them has been made lawful unto you by words of Allah. You too have right over them, and that they should not allow anyone to sit on your bed whom you do not like. But if they do that, you can chastise them but not severely. Their rights upon you are that you should provide them with food and clothing in a fitting manner. I have left among you the Book of Allah, and if you hold fast to it, you would never go astray. And you would be asked about me (on the Day of Resurrection), (now tell me) what would you say? They (the audience) said: We will bear witness that you have conveyed (the message), discharged (the ministry of Prophethood) and given wise (sincere) counsel. He (the narrator) said: He (the Holy Prophet) then raised his forefinger towards the sky and pointing it at the people (said): "O Allah, be witness. O Allah, be witness," saying it thrice." [Sahih Muslim Book 15, Hadith 159].
The proof of Divine Testimony was revealed to the ProphetSAAW, while he was coming down from mount Arafat to the plain of Arafat. The revelation was that the Religion of Islam was perfected, Divine Blessings (on the believers), have been completed, and He has chosen Islam as the Religion of the Muslim Ummah [Umar bin Khattab, recorded in Bukhari, Muslim, At-Tirmidhi, and An-Nasa'i]:
"This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed my favor upon you, and chosen for you Islam as your religion." (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:3)
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