Sonay Ki Wadi, Itaat-e-Rasool, Hajj Farziat
TAG: Hajj
What Are The ‘Five Pillars’ Of Islam?
They are the framework of Muslim life:
- faith
- prayer
- concern for the needy
- self-purification
- pilgrimage to Makkah [for those who are able]
Faith
There is no god worthy of worship except God and Muhammad is His messenger. This declaration of faith is called the Shahada, a simple formula that all the faithful pronounce. In Arabic, the first part is la ilaha illa’Llah – ‘there is no god except God’; ilaha [god] can refer to anything which we may be tempted to put in place of God — wealth, power, and the like. Then comes illa’Llah: ‘except God’, the Source of all Creation. The second part of the Shahada is Muhammadun Rasulullah: ‘Muhammad is the messenger of God.’ A message of guidance has come through a man like ourselves.
Prayer
A translation of the Call to Prayer is:
God is most great. God is most great.
God is most great. God is most great.
I testify that there is no god except God.
I testify that there is no god except God.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
Come to prayer! Come to prayer!
Come to success [in this life and the Hereafter]! Come to success!
God is most great. God is most great.
There is no god except God.
Salat is the name for the obligatory prayers which are performed five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshipper and God. There is no hierarchical authority in Islam, and no priests, so the prayers are led by a learned person who knows the Qur’an, chosen by the congregation. These five prayers contain verses from the Qur’an and are said in Arabic, the language of the Revelation, but personal supplication can be offered in one’s own language.
Prayers are said at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and nightfall, and thus determine the rhythm of the entire day. Although it is preferable to worship together in a mosque, a Muslim may pray almost anywhere, such as in fields, offices, factories, and universities. Visitors to the Muslim world are struck by the centrality of prayers in daily life.
The ‘Zakat’
One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The word zakat means both ‘purification’ and ‘growth’. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need, and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth.
Each Muslim calculates his or her own zakat individually. For most purposes, this involves the payment each year of two and a half percent of one’s capital.
A pious person may also give as much as he or she pleases as sadaqa, and does so preferably in secret. Although this word can be translated as ‘voluntary charity’ it has a wider meaning. The Prophet [PBUH] said: ‘Even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is charity.’ The Prophet [PBUH] said: ‘Charity is a necessity for every Muslim.’ He was asked: ‘What if a person has nothing?’ The Prophet [PBUH] replied: ‘He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity.’ The Companions asked: ‘What if he is not able to work?’ The Prophet [PBUH] said: ‘He should urge others to do good.’ The Companions said, ‘What if he lacks that also?’ The Prophet [PBUH] said: ‘He should check himself from doing evil. That is also charity.’
The Fast
Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from first light until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations. Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are pregnant or nursing are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year. If they are physically unable to do this, they must feed a needy person for every day missed. Children begin to fast [and to observe the prayer] from puberty, although many start earlier.
Although the fast is most beneficial to health, it is regarded principally as a method of self-purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry as well as growth in one’s spiritual life.
Pilgrimage (Hajj)
The annual pilgrimage to Makkah — the Hajj — is an obligation only for those who are physically and financially able to perform it. Nevertheless, about two million people go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe providing a unique opportunity for those of different nations to meet one another. Although Makkah is always filled with visitors, the annual Hajj begins in the twelfth month of the Islamic year [which is lunar, not solar, so that Hajj and Ramadan fall sometimes in summer, sometimes in winter]. Pilgrims wear special clothes: simple garments which strip away distinctions of class and culture so that all stand equal before God.
The rites of the Hajj, which are of Abrahamic origin, include circling the Ka’aba seven times, and going seven times between the mountains of Safa and Marwa as did Hagar during her search for water. Then the pilgrims stand together on the wide plain of Arafat and join in prayers for God’s forgiveness, in what is often thought of as a preview of the Last Judgment.
In previous centuries the Hajj was an arduous undertaking. Today, however, Saudi Arabia provides millions of people with water, modern transport, and the most up-to-date health facilities.
The close of the Hajj is marked by a festival, the Eid al-Adha, which is celebrated with prayers and the exchange of gifts in Muslim communities everywhere. This, and the Eid al-Fitr, a feast day commemorating the end of Ramadan, are the main festivals of the Muslim calendar.
Takbeer e Tashreeq: Virtues, Description, And Time
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “There are no days greater in the sight of Allah
and in which righteous deeds are more beloved by Him than these ten days, so during this time recite a great deal
of Tahleel (“La ilaaha ill-Allah”), Takbeer and Tahmeed.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani
The virtue of Takbeer
The first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah are venerated days. Allah swore by them in His Book, and swearing by a thing is indicative of its importance and great benefit.
Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “By the dawn; By the ten nights (i.e. the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah)” [al-Fajr 89:1]
Ibn -Abbaas, Ibn al-Zubayr, Mujaahid, and others among the earlier and later generations said: This refers to the ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah. Ibn Katheer said: This is the correct view. Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 8/413
Good deeds during these days are beloved by Allah because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” They said, “O Messenger of Allah, not even jihad for the sake of Allah?”
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight, giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 969; al-Tirmidhi, 757.
This version was narrated by al-Tirmidhi and classed as Saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 605.
One of the righteous deeds during these days is to remember Allah by reciting Takbeer (saying “Allahu akbar”) and tahleel (saying “Laa ilaaha ill-Allah”), because of the following evidence.
1 – Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“That they may witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e. reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade), and mention the Name of Allah on appointed days” [al-Hajj 22:28]
“The appointed days” are the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah.
2 – Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And remember Allah during the appointed Days” [al-Baqarah 2:203]
These are the days of al-Tashreeq, i.e. the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhu’l-Hijjah.
3 – The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“The days of Tashreeq are the days of eating, drinking, and remembering Allah.” Narrated by Muslim, 1141.
Description of the Takbeer
The scholars differed concerning the form of the Takbeer.
1 – The first view is that it is:
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allah, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa lillaahi’l-hamd
(Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, and to Allah be praise).
2 – The second view is that it is:
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, Allahu Akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa lillaahi’l-hamd
(Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, and to Allah be praise).
3 – The third view is that it is:
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, Allahu Akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allah, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa lillaahi’l-hamd
(Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, and to Allah be praise).
The matter is broad in scope because there is no text narrated from the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wassalam) which specifies a particular form of the Takbeer.
The time of the Takbeer
The Takbeer is divided into two categories:
1 – Takbeer at any time.
This is Takbeer that is not limited to a specific time, and it is Sunnah to say it all the time, morning and evening, before prayer and after prayer, at all times.
2 – Takbeer at certain times.
This is Takbeer which is limited to the time immediately after prayer. It is Sunnah to recite Takbeer at any time during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah and all the days of Tashreeq, starting from the beginning of the month of Dhu’l-Hijjah
(i.e., from sunset on the last day of Dhu’l-Qa’dah) until the end of the days of al-Tashreeq, which is when the sun sets on the thirteenth day of Dhu’l-Hijjah).
With regard to certain times, it starts from Fajr on the day of ‘Arafah and lasts until the sun sets on the last day of the days of Tashreeq, in addition to the Takbeer that may be recited at any time.
So when a person says the tasleem at the end of the obligatory prayer, he should pray for forgiveness (by saying Astaghfir-Allah) three times, and say, “Allahumma anta al-salaam wa minka al-salaam, tabaarakta yaa dhaa’l-jalaali wa’l-ikraam (“O Allah, You are al-Salaam [the One Who is free from all defects and deficiencies], and from You is all peace, blessed are You, O possessor of majesty and honor)”,
then start the Takbeer.
This is for those who are not on Hajj. The pilgrims should start the Takbeer recited after prayer from Zuhr on the Day of Sacrifice (the 10th of Dhu’l-Hijjah). And Allah knows best.
See Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn Baaz (may Allah have mercy on him),
13/17; al-Sharh al-Mumti’
by Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 5/220-224.
Prophets Ibrahim And Ismail Exemplify Sacrifice
Hajj and Eid Al-Adha take us back in history to the time of a 97-year-old (approximately) man being asked to take the life of a 13-year-old (approximately) boy. Who is that man? And who is that boy? And who is the one who is making this command? If we know who the three points in this equation are, we would have a better perspective on life and on what life is all about.
The man who was asked at 97 years of age to take away the life of a 13-year-old boy is none other than Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), the father of prophets and messengers. And the 13-year-old boy whose life Prophet Ibrahim was asked to take away is none other than his own son. But when the boy reached the age when he was able to run and play around his father, Ibrahim went to him and said, “My darling son, I saw in my dream that I was sacrificing you.” We all know that the dreams of prophets and messengers are forms of revelation from Allah Almighty. So it was the truth.
Now, who was the one who gave that command? It was none other than Allah. The One Who created life had asked Ibrahim to take away the life of his son. And we know that His decree was that Ismail’s life would not be taken away, but it was a lesson for humanity to understand what life is all about.
Allah wanted Ibrahim to teach humanity a lesson. Thus we have to understand this lesson and reflect upon it. There are two things that Allah Almighty made beautiful in this life. These two things are mentioned in the Qur’an more than once: “Wealth and children are the ornaments of the life of this world ….” (18:46)
That is it! Wealth and children make life beautiful. Look what happened! Allah Almighty chose one individual to sacrifice one of these two things, and He did not ask any other human being to do the same. One individual became an Ummah. Why? Because Ibrahim passed the test of a whole Ummah. He was asked to sacrifice one of the two things that are ornaments of life, and all of us have been asked to sacrifice the second. So because of that, he indeed, is an Ummah in the same way that we are an Ummah. He truly deserves that title: “Verily, Ibrahim (Abraham) was an Ummah, obedient to Allah, Hanif…” (16:120)
This is the spirit of Eid Al-Adha. We have to sacrifice, brothers and sisters, when we are called upon to sacrifice what we really like to keep: “By no means shall you attain Al-Birr (piety and righteousness, here it means Allah’s reward, i.e. Paradise) unless you spend (in Allah’s cause) of that which you love; and whatever of good you spend, Allah knows it well.” (3:92)
If you have a lot of money and you take a thousand dollars and give it, this would not be birr. Birr is to have two dollars and to give one of the dollars away although you need the two dollars and would like to keep them for essentials.
This is a sacrifice. Sacrifice is to do something that is difficult to do. This is sacrifice. It is not a sacrifice to do an easy thing and then to claim at the surface as if you did a lot. No, only Allah Almighty knows what sacrifice is all about.
Is There A Hajj Akbar?
1. Is there a Hajj Akbar?
If Arafat is on a Friday, then many describe it as Hajj Akbar (Big Hajj). There is no big or small Hajj. There is only one Hajj. Every year is Hajj Akbar. The 10th day of Dhul Hijja is described in The Qur’an as Yaum-ul-Hajjil-Akbar.
2. Is it a requirement to enter Masjid Al Haram from the Baab as-Salaam entrance?
There is no such requirement. You can enter from any of the many gates.
3. Can I smoke when I’m in Ihraam?
No. Try to give up this habit for the good of your health and the well-being of your family. Many chain smokers have returned from the Hajj as non-smokers for good. Alhamdulillah.
4. When I stone the jamr’at, is it necessary to hit the target?
It is acceptable if the stone falls into the circle without hitting the target.
5. Can I perform the Hajj every year?
There is no rule prohibiting anyone from performing the Hajj more than once.
If you plan to perform it yearly, you are obviously financially well endowed. You should consider the following. One, there are other things you can do in the way of Allah. Consider contributing your Hajj trip funds to uplift downtrodden Muslims. Two, with nearly 2 1/2 million people converging in The Sacred Land, the Saudi authorities have understandably imposed quotas. Have a heart for those waiting in line to perform the Hajj for the first time. Allow a reasonable time gap before going to perform the Hajj again.
6. Is it a must for a wife to seek her husband’s permission to perform the obligatory Hajj?
Yes. A husband is strongly advised not to object as his wife is seeking permission to perform a duty commanded by The Almighty. Obedience to the command of The Almighty supersedes everything else, including a husband’s objection.
Contemplations On Hajj
You are set to depart to accomplish a great obligation. Make this journey to Allah’s House as Allah wants. Think of the next journey that is surely coming, the one that leads to the meeting of Allah, the Highest. This raises questions like What did I prepare for that Day? Am I following Allah’s Commands? Am I a follower of the Sunnah? Allah says: “And invoke not any other ilaah (god) along with Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but He, everything will perish save His Face, His is the Decision, and to Him (all) shall be returned.” [Soorah al-Qasas (28): 88]
When you equip yourself with enough provision to reach the sacred land of Makkah – remember your journey to Allah and the Hereafter where you will require the provision of your good deeds to reach your desired goal. Before you are death and grave, accounting and scales and al-Siraat followed by either Paradise or Hell. The blessed one will be he whom Allah saves, therefore follow the Command of Allah “and whatever good you do, (be sure) Allah knows it. And take a provision (with you) for the Journey, but the best provision is at-Taqwa.” [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 197]
Putting on the two garments of Ihram should remind you of the moment of shrouding when your body will be wrapped and put in a grave. This prompts you to give up disobedience and sins, just as you abandoned your expensive clothes and dressed in two clean, white garments. Clean and purify your heart from all stains of sins and disobedience.
When you stand in meeqat, remember that there is still another meeqat that is sure to come soon. It is the meeqat (appointed meeting) on the Day of Resurrection: “Say (O Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam): Verily, those of old, and those of later times. All will surely be gathered together for an appointed Meeting of a known Day.” [(57): 49-50]
Upon entering Makkah remember you are in a secure sanctuary: “Have We not established for them a secure sanctuary (Makkah), to which are brought fruits of all kinds, a provision from Ourselves, but most of the men know not.” [Soorah (28): 57]
Remember the sanctuary on the Day of Resurrection, which none can achieve except those who truly believe in Allah and avoid all kinds of Shirk because “It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and worship none but Him Alone) and confuse not their Belief with Zulm (wrong, i.e. by worshiping others besides Allah), for them (only) there is security and they are guided.” [al-An’aam 6:81]
“If you were to join gods with Allah, truly fruitless will be your deeds.” [Soorah az-Zumar (39): 65] So, commit yourself to repentance, having a good opinion of Allah, hoping that Allah will grant you security from His Punishment.
When you enter al-Masjid al-Haraam, from one of the gates, now you see what you hoped to see for a long time. Thank Allah for making this possible and hope that He will grant you the greatest reward of seeing His Majestic Face on the Day of Reckoning. This thankfulness is not just to say ‘Al-Hamdulillah’, but also to obey His Commands during the Hajj and all your life through.
Kissing the Black Stone should install in your love for the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam), remember the saying of Umar (radhi allahu anhu), “I know that you are a mere stone that can neither harm nor do any good. If I had not seen the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) kissing you, I would have never kissed you.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee (1520) and others]
You start your Tawaaf; know that Tawaaf is a great time for magnifying Allah. Remember Him and busy yourself in Du’aa. Reflect upon the time when the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) was prevented from doing the same what you are performing!! Then think how Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) cleansed the House of Allah from every symbol signifying worship to others besides Allah. All idols were demolished! Ask Allah to make you steadfast on the correct belief and Path of the Salaf and make you die on the Deen al-Hanifiyyah.
Drink the water of Zam-Zam and supplicate to Allah and Glorify Him. Remember the blessing of Allah, which He has bestowed upon mankind in the form of this blessed water.
When you are in the Sa’ee (running between al-Safa’ and al-Marwa), contemplate on Hajrah, the mother of Isma’eel alaihis-salaam, when she asked her husband, Ibraheem alaihis-salaam: “Did Allah order you to do this (meaning leave me and my baby in the deserted area of Makkah)? When he (Ibraheem alaihis-salaam) replied in the affirmative, her strong belief, trust, and reliance on Allah was seen when she responded to him saying: “Then He (Allah) will not neglect us!!” This great statement of Haajar exemplifies the robust endurance, perseverance, and trust a Muslim should have in Allah. Here in the deserted Makkah was Hajrah with full conviction in Allah and there on the mountains was Ibraheem alaihis-salaam invoking Allah: “O our Rabb! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley with no cultivation, by Your Sacred House, in order, O our Rabb that they may offer prayers perfectly, so fill some hearts among men with love towards them, and (O Allah) provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks.” [Soorah Ibraheem (14): 37] Allah answered the Du’aa of Ibraheem alaihis-salaam and valued the firm belief of Hajar – Men and fruit came to Makkah from different places and their son grew up to be a Prophet of Allah.
The Sa’ee and the struggle of Hajrah convey the lessons of Patience in adversity, and that man should turn to Allah, Who alone is the source of help. When a man remembers the struggle and patience of this woman, it makes it easier for him to bear his own problems.
Standing in Arafat (Wuqoof) and the crowd should remind you of the Day of Resurrection when all men from first to the last will stand in front of their Lord, barefooted, naked, and uncircumcised for fifty thousand years. Humble yourself to Allah and manifest your worship to Him alone. Determine to abandon all sins, rush to perform good deeds, and free yourself of all pride and arrogance.
Gather pebbles and when you are about to embark on stoning the jamaraat, remember the Hadeeth of Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam): “When you cast the small pebbles (i.e. at the jamaraat), it will be a light for you on the Day of Judgment.” [(Saheeh) by Shaikh al-Albanee in Silsilah al-Ahaadeeth as-Saheehah vol: 6, no: 2515] This stoning at the Jamaraat is a manifestation of Uboodiyyah because even if a man does not understand the complete reason and wisdom behind the stoning, he follows the Command of Allah in submission.
Before you perform the sacrifice, purify your intention because: “It is neither their meat nor their blood which reaches Allah, but it is your devotion that reaches Him.” [Soorah al-Hajj (22): 37] When you slaughter your Hady (sacrifice), remember the event when a father (Ibraheem (alaihi as-salaam) submitted to the Command of Allah and willingly agreed to sacrifice his only son (Isma’eel alaihis-salaam) who had grown and become a help for his old age. This teaches us to respond to the Command of Allah, just as Isma’eel did: “O my father! Do that which you are commanded Insha’Allah you will find me from the Saabireen (the patient ones).” [Soorah as-Saffat (37): 102]
After the completion of your Hajj, do not think that the remembrance of Allah has ended, carefully read what Allah says: “So when you have accomplished your Manaasik (i.e. the rites of Hajj) remember Allah as you remember your forefathers or with a far more remembrance.” [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 200]
Virtues Of Umrah Performed In Ramadan
Ibn ‘Abbas may Allah be pleased with him narrated, “When the Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention) returned after performing Hajj (major pilgrimage), he asked Umm Sinaan Al-Ansaariyyah, ‘Why did you not perform Hajj?’ She replied, ‘The father of so-and-so [i.e., her husband] had two camels and he went on pilgrimage on one of them, and the second is used for the irrigation of our land.’ The Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention)said [to her]: ‘An ‘Umrah (minor pilgrimage) in Ramadan is akin to Hajj with me [in terms of reward].’” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim] According to another narration, he told her: “When Ramadan comes, do ‘Umrah as [the reward for] it then is equivalent to Hajj.”
Likewise, it was reported by Umm Ma‘qil may Allah be pleased with her that the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam (may Allah exalt his mention ), said to her, “Perform ‘Umrah in Ramadan, as it is equal to Hajj.”[Abu Daawood] Similar Hadeeths were also narrated on the authority of Jaabir, Anas, Abu Hurayrah, and Wahb ibn Khanbash may Allah be pleased with them all.
Ibn Battaal may Allah have mercy upon him commented on the aforementioned Hadeeths, saying: The sentence that ‘Umrah “then is equivalent to Hajj”, proves that the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam (may Allah exalt his mention), was actually encouraging her to perform a voluntary Hajj, as the whole Ummah (Muslim nation) has unanimously agreed that the ‘Umrah can never be a substitute for the obligatory Hajj. Moreover, what he, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam (may Allah exalt his mention), meant is that they are like each other in reward, but virtues cannot truly be perceived through analogy, and Allah The Almighty bestows His Bounty upon whom He Wills.
Benefits and rulings [derived from these Hadeeths]:
1- The mercy and bounty bestowed by Allah The Almighty upon His slaves are great, as He granted them huge rewards in return for small good deeds; so, we praise Him abundantly for that.
2- The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam (may Allah exalt his mention), was keen on ensuring the welfare of his Ummah and would ask after those under his rule. Just as he was the sincerest confidant to all people, any slave whom Allah The Almighty puts in charge of subjects should treat them leniently, advise them, check on their conditions, and serve their worldly and religious benefits.
3- ‘Umrah done during the month of Ramadan cannot be a substitute for the obligatory Hajj, i.e., they are equal in reward, but the former does not replace the latter as a fulfillment of the obligation that is unanimously agreed upon by the scholars.
4- The reward of good deeds increases in proportion to the virtue of the time they are performed, as well as one’s heartfelt devotion and dedication.
5- This Hadeeth is similar to the narration that says, “The Chapter Al-Ikhlaas (Purification) equals one-third of the Quran”; it indicates that it is equivalent in terms of the reward of recitation, not that reciting it could, or should, substitute actually reciting [that much or] the whole of the Quran.
6- The ‘Umrah here is considered equal to the Hajj in reward when it is performed during the month of Ramadan, which is a great season for good deeds. Hence, whoever performs it then, enjoys the virtue of the place [i.e., the Sacred Mosque in Makkah] and time [i.e., Ramadan]; this is also the case with one who performs Hajj, as he is also in the same holy place and in a blessed time [i.e., months of Hajj].
In addition, doing ‘Umrah in the month of Ramadan is more difficult. That is because one may be fasting while performing it or break his fast due to the traveling involved, and then have to make up for it. This is not the case when one performs ‘Umrah during any other month. The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam (may Allah exalt his mention), said to ‘Aa‘ishah may Allah be pleased with her once, when he ordered her to perform ‘Umrah, “It [i.e., its reward] is according to your effort”, or, as per another narration, “according to your expenditure.”[Muslim]
7- This great reward is granted to whoever performs the ‘Umrah during the month of Ramadan, even if he [or she] returns immediately thereafter and does not prolong his [or her] stay in Makkah.
8- These Hadeeths do not mean that it is recommended for one to perform ‘Umrah many times in the month of Ramadan or in a single day of it. This practice, which has become common today, differs from the Sunnah and traditions of the honorable Companions may Allah be pleased with them as it was not reported that any of them used to perform many ‘Umrahs during the same journey to Makkah.
9- Whoever performs ‘Umrah in Ramadan and intends to stay at the Holy Mosque during the whole month or its last ten nights, should guard himself against committing any prohibition, because evil deeds are more sacrilegious in Makkah than in any other place, not to mention, during the month of Ramadan.
10- Whoever takes his family to stay at the Holy Mosque during the month of Ramadan, should take care that they, too, do not fall into committing any forbidden act; otherwise, he may return with sins that exceed the reward he came to earn, due to his negligence towards his wife and children.
11- If one entered the state of Ihraam (ritual consecration) with the intention of performing ‘Umrah and reached Makkah while fasting, he has the choice of either breaking his fast to be able to do it immediately or waiting to do it until after sunset.
Errors During Umrah
Recently in Makkah, an old lady came for Umrah wearing the Ihram of men, the two white pieces of cloth. A few women at the Haram (the Grand Mosque in Makkah) helped her cover her head and change her clothes. Millions of people come for Umrah and Haj from around the world, but many, like the lady above, are unaware of its Islamic rulings and rites.
Here are some common errors adapted from the above resource:
Meeqat point
Some pilgrims bypass the designated Meeqat point of lhram on their route without either being in the state of Ihram or entering into Ihram there, proceeding until they reach Jeddah or some other place at which they enter Ihram.
This is against the command of Allah’s Messenger (peace be on him). Every pilgrim should enter into Ihram at the designated Meeqat point in his route. If one did not pass through one of the five Meeqat points, he should enter into Ihram at a point that is nearest to it.
If someone bypassed, he must either go back to the Meeqat point in his route and enter into Ihram, or he must give an expiation by sacrificing a sheep in Makkah and feeding all its meat to the poor.
Tawaf
Starting the Tawaf at some point other than the site of the Black Stone, while it is obligatory to begin Tawaf from the Black Stone.
Doing one’s Tawaf inside the Hijr of lsma’il. The Hijr of Isma’il is a part of the Ka’bah which would then be left out of Tawaf. Such a Tawaf is invalid.
Doing Ramal (taking quick short steps) during all seven circuits while Ramal is to be done only during the first three of the “Tawaf of Arrival” (Tawaf Al-Qudum).
Struggling vehemently to kiss the Black Stone in this process and hitting or pushing people. Such acts, which are injurious to Muslims, are not permissible.
Touching the four corners of the Ka’bah or its walls. The Prophet (peace be upon him) did not touch any part of Ka’bah except the Black Stone and the Yemeni Corner.
Specifying supplications reserved for each circuit. The Prophet (peace be on him) did not specify any supplications except to say “Allahu Akbar” when he reached the Black Stone and, at the end of each circuit between the Yamani Corner and the Black Stone, he said: “Rabbana, atina’ fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasana wa qina adhaban-nar.”
(Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and save us from the punishment of the Fire.)
Raising voices above the voices of others; while following or leading a group during Tawaf and creating confusion among other worshippers.
Scuffling and wrestling to pray at the Station of lbrahim. This is contrary to the sunnah, besides causing harm to other pilgrims. It is sufficient to pray the two Raka’ah after completing Tawaf anywhere within the Sacred Mosque.
Sa’ee
When climbing upon Safa and Marwah, some pilgrims face the Ka’bah and raise their hands towards it while saying “Allahu Akbar”. The Prophet (peace be upon him) did not do so.
Here you may glorify and magnify Allah in any words you wish while facing the direction of the Ka’bah. It is preferable, however, to say what the Prophet (peace be on him) recited at Safa and Marwah.
Restrictions Of Ihram
The muhrim (one in ihram) is forbidden to do certain things because of having entered the state of Ihram.
The forbidden things are:
1) Shaving the hair of the head, because Allah says: “… And do not shave your heads until the Hady (animal, i.e. a sheep, a cow, or a camel) reaches the place of sacrifice…” (2:196)
Scholars have added that besides shaving the head, shaving any hair on the body as well as trimming or cutting one’s nails is also prohibited.
2) Using perfume after entering ihram, whether on one’s clothing or body, or in one’s food, or when washing the dead body (muhrim) or in any way whatsoever. The evidence for this being forbidden in ihram is the Hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him), who said concerning a man whose camel trampled him to death, “Wash him with water and lotus leaves and shroud him in his two garments, but do not cover his head or perfume him with hanoot.” Hanoot is a mixture of perfumes that is usually applied to the dead body.
3) Sexual intercourse, because Allah says: “… So whosoever intends to perform Haj therein (by assuming Ihram), then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Haj…” (2:197)
4) Touching one’s wife with desire because this comes under the general meaning of the phrase, “he should not have sexual relations (with his wife),” and because it is not permissible for the muhrim to get married or to propose marriage – so it is more likely that it is also not permissible for him to touch his wife with desire.
5) Killing game (hunting), because Allah says: “O you who believe! Kill not game while you are in a state of Ihram [for Haj or Umrah (pilgrimage)]…” (5:95)
Cutting down trees is not haram for the muhrim, except for those trees within the amyal, i.e., the boundaries of the sanctuary. Cutting these trees is forbidden whether one is in ihram or not. Hence, it is permissible to cut down trees in Arafah even if one is in ihram, because the prohibition on cutting down trees is connected to the Haram (within the sanctuary), not ihram.
6) A prohibition applies exclusively to men is wearing shirts, hooded robes, trousers, turbans, and leather slippers, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about what the muhrim should wear. He answered, “He should not wear a shirt, hooded robe (burnous), trousers, a turban, or leather slippers.” But he (peace be upon him) made an exception for one who cannot find an izar (lower garment or waist wrapper). Such a person may wear trousers, and one who cannot find sandals may wear leather slippers.
A common perception is that wearing sewn garments means wearing clothes that have stitching in them, but that is not the case. What the scholars meant by that is wearing clothes that are tailored to fit the body or part of it, such as shirts and trousers. Hence, if a person wears a rida (upper garment) or izar (lower garment) with patches on it, that is permissible, but if he wears a woven shirt with no stitching, that is haram.
7) One of the prohibitions of ihram that applies only to women is the niqab, which refers to a veil that covers the face and leaves the eyes uncovered because the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade that. A similar prohibition applies to the burqa. When a woman enters ihram, she should not wear a niqab or burqa.
With regard to the one who does any of these forbidden things out of forgetfulness or ignorance or because he or she is forced to do so, no expiation is due on them because Allah says: “And there is no sin on you concerning that in which you made a mistake, except in regard to what your hearts deliberately intend. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (33:5)
Concerning killing game or hunting, Allah says: “O you who believe! Kill not game while you are in a state of Ihram [for Haj or Umrah (pilgrimage)], and whosoever of you kills it intentionally, the penalty is an offering, brought to the Ka’bah, of an eatable animal ( i.e. sheep, goat, cow) equivalent to the one he killed…” (5:95)
O People! Verily Allah has Prescribed Upon You Hajj So Perform Hajj
Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) revealed in the Qur’an:- “And proclaim the Hajj among mankind. They will come to thee on foot and (mounted) on every camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways”(Source – Quran ~Surah Al-Hajj~ Ayah #28).
When Ibrahim (Alaihis salaam) completed the structure of the Kabah, Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) commanded him to call the people to Hajj. Ibrahim (Alaihis salaam) pleaded…”O, Allah! How shall my voice reach all of those people?” Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) told him that his duty was only to give the call….. and it was up to Allah to make it reach the people. Ibrahim (Alaihis salaam) then climbed Mount Arafat and called out in his loudest voice… “O, People! Verily Allah has prescribed upon you Hajj, so perform Hajj.”
‘Amr ibn Al-‘Aas narrates:- “When Islam entered my heart, I went to the Messenger of Allah and said:- ‘Give me your hand so that I may pledge allegiance to you.’ The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) spread his hand, but I withdrew mine. He (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:- ‘What is wrong ‘Amr?’ I said, ‘I want to make a condition.’ ‘And what is that?’ he (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said. I said, ‘That Allah will forgive me.’ Then the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, ‘Did you not know that Islam wipes out what came before it, and that Hijrah wipes out what came before it and that Hajj wipes out what came before it!”
(Source:-Sahih Muslim).
Hajj is the fifth pillar upon which Islam stands. Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) made it compulsory …. for every able Muslim male and female to perform it, at least once in a lifetime.
Allah (Subhanuhu Wa-Ta’ala) revealed: Hajj thereto is a duty mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the journey, but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures”.
(Source:- ‘Quran’ ~Surah Ali Imran, Ayah # 97).
Performance of the Hajj washes away all sins. Abu Hurairah narrates:- I heard the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) say… “Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any Rafath (obscenity) or Fusooq (transgression),
he returns (free from sin) as the day his mother bore him”.
( Source ~Sahih Bukhari).
Hajj is one of the greatest deeds one can accomplish in his or her lifetime.
Abu Hurairah narrates:- The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was asked… “What deed is the best?” He (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said… “Iman in Allah and His Messenger.” “Then what?” “Jihad for the sake of Allah.” “Then what?” “Hajj Mabroor”!!!
{a Hajj accepted by Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) }
Abu Sha’thaa’ said:- “I contemplated the good deeds that a person does. I found that salaah, as well as fasting, are a jihad of the body. And that sadaqah is a jihad of someone’s wealth. But Hajj is a jihad of both body and wealth.”
Hajj is the greatest Jihad. Aishah (Radiallahu anha) asked the Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)… “We find that jihad is the best deed, shouldn’t we (women) do jihad?” The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied… “Rather the best jihad is a Hajj Mabroor!” Aishah (R.A.) later said… “I’ll never cease performing Hajj after I heard that from Rasul Allah”
(Agreed Upon).
The dua of the one in Hajj shall be accepted. The Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “The soldier in the path of Allah and the one who performs Hajj and the one who performs ‘Umra, all are the delegation of Allah!
He (Subhanuhu wa-ta’ala) called them and they answered. And they asked Him, and He shall grant them (what they ask for)!”
(Source:-Authentic hadith, narrated by Ibn Majah and Ibn Hibban).
In the Islamic history books, it was narrated that on the day of Arafat, a man from Turkmenistan stood on the plains of Arafat in Hajj. To his left, all he could see were Muslims crying and praying to Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala). To his right, all he could see were Muslims crying and praying to Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala). Because of his native tongue, he could not imitate the lengthy prayers of the others. At this realization, everything blurred in front of him. His face reddened, and his eyes poured tears as he raised his hands, “O Allah! Grant me everything that they are asking for! Grant me everything that they are asking for!” And Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) accepted his dua!!!
There is not a single day that the sun has come up on more beloved to Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) than the Day of Arafat. The Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:- “There is no day on which Allah frees more of His slaves from Fire than the Day of Arafat, and He verily draws near, then boasts of them before the angels, saying:- ‘What do they seek?’
(Source:-Sahih Muslim).
And in another hadith:- “Verily Allah boasts of the people of Arafat before the people of Heaven (angels) saying: ‘Look to my servants who have come to Me disheveled and dusty.'”
Abdullah ibn Al-Mubaarak narrates:- I went to Sufyaan ibn al-Uyaynah as the day of Arafat was setting. He sat on his knees, his hands raised to the Heavens, and tears moistened his cheeks and beard. He turned and looked at me, so I asked him, “Amongst the people who have gathered here for Hajj, who is in the worst state?” Sufyaan ibn al-Uyaynah said… “He who thinks that Allah will not forgive him.”
A Mabroor Hajj is one in which Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) is not disobeyed during or after. Others have said that a Hajj Mabroor is one that is accepted, and the sign of its acceptance is that a person will go back in a better state than when he came, and that he will discontinue the sins that were between him and Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala).
when Ibn Umar was on his deathbed and his son reminded him of all the good deeds that he did with the Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and the companions. He told him,:- “Quiet! Don’t you know whom Allah accepts from… Verily Allah only accepts from the God-Fearing
(Al-Muttaqoon).”
Indeed, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:- “And there is no reward for an accepted Hajj- except …*Jannah*
Tears in my Eyes!
‘Insha Allah’!
‘ Son of Adam! You are nothing but a number of days, whenever each day passes then part of you has Gone.
{Al-Hasan Al-Basree}