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Not Performing The Hajj When Able to

Allah, the Most High, says, {Pilgrimage thereto is a duty, men owe to Allah those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of his creatures.} (Al-Umran: 97)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever can afford this journey to the sacred House, by provision and transportation, and he does not make the pilgrimage, there is no blame if he dies as a Jew or a Christian. This is because Allah says, “Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah -those who can afford the journey.” (Reported by At- Tirmidhi)

‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “I have considered sending men to these cities to see who has not made the pilgrimage, and collect the non-Muslim poll tax (Jizya) from everyone possessing the means who has not performed it. They are not Muslims.”

Ibn ‘ Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “Whoever does not make pilgrimage or pay Zakat will ask to be returned to life when dying.” Someone said, “No one asks to be returned except the unbelievers.” He said, “Allah, the Almighty, says, {And spend something (in charity) out of the substance which we have bestowed on you, before death should come to any of you and he should say: O my Lord! Why didst thou no give me respite for a little while, I should then have given (largely) in charity, and I should have been one of the doers of good.} (Al-Munafiqun: 10)
i.e., I should have made a pilgrimage.

Allah Most High says, {But to no soul will God grant respite when the time appointed for it has come.}
It was asked, “In what amount is Zakat obligatory?” He answered; “Two hundred Dirhams and the equivalent amount if it is gold.” Someone asked, “What about pilgrimage?” He said, “Provision and transportation.” Sa’id Ibn Jubair said, “If I have a wealthy neighbor who died without making a pilgrimage, I would never pray over him.”

Hajj, Pilgrimage, Rituals In Details

On Arrival
1. Ihram at Meeqat for those who have not put on Ihram earlier.
2. (i) Two Rakats Nafil and Niyah (Declaration of Intention) and Talbiyah must be performed for Hajj and Umrah combined (Qiran) or
ii)Two Rakats Nafil and Niyah and Talbiyah must be performed for Umrah only (Tamattu) or
iii) Two Rakat Nafil and Niyah and Talbiyah must be performed for Hajj only (Ifraad).
3. Tawaf Qudoom in Makkah (Arrival Tawaf).
4. Two Rakats Nafil /Drink Zamzam.
5. Sai’e
i) For Qiran, maintain Ihram until Hajj.
ii) For Tamathu, one can come out of the Ihram.

Hajj: The Greater Pilgrimage

Hadrat ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhuma reported that the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam stated, “‘O People! Allah has made Hajj incumbent upon you.’ Hadrat Aqra’ ibn Habis stood up and inquired, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Is it incumbent each year?’ The Messenger of Allah said, ‘If I say ‘yes,’ then it would be made obligatory and incumbent upon you each year, and if it were to be made incumbent each year, you would not be able to fulfill this religious duty. Thus, Hajj is only once in a lifetime, and those who exceed this (do it more than once), then the (extra) is nafl (optional).’” [Mishkat, Kitab al-Manasik, Page 221]

From this, we understand that the Holy Prophet has full power, control, and authority over Shari’ah and Sacred Islamic Laws. If the Messenger of Allah desired, he could have made Hajj obligatory and incumbent each year. For a detailed treatise on this topic, please read Muniyyat al-Labib Anna al-Tashri’a biyad al-Habib (1311AH ) by Imam Ahmed Rida Khan.

Hadrat ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhuma reported that the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam said, “He who intends to perform hajj should hasten to do so.” [Sunan Darimi, Vol. 2, Page 27]

Hadrat ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam said, “Make the Hajj and the Umrah follow each other closely, (wear the Ihram for Qiran, in which the intention of Hajj and ‘Umrah is done, or perform both the Hajj and ‘Umrah consecutively), for they remove poverty and sins as a furnace removes impurities from iron, gold, and silver; and Hajj, which is accepted, its reward is Paradise.” [Sunan Tirmidhi, Abwab al-Hajj, Vol. 1, Page 167]

Going To Hajj? Your Health Kit

Hajj is a lifetime journey for which the faithful hearts are longing. Indeed, it is a great favor Almighty Allah has bestowed upon His servants so that they can draw closer to Him and have their sins forgiven. As the performance of Hajj requires physical, psychological, and financial ability, all the would-be pilgrims need to be aware of all the health aspects of Hajj.

What is the best age for performing Hajj? What are the health aspects necessary to bear in mind during this season? What is the best nutrition that would aid our bodies during the Hajj rituals? How to avoid dehydration and other health problems outdoors?

To tackle this important topic, Dr. Amira Ayad, a pharmacist, nutrition specialist, and natural health consultant, provides answers to all these questions.

Should we be concerned about an outbreak of a SARS-like virus during the current Hajj season?
Fear and panic are the number one enemies of your immune system. It is highly important not to panic or worry. Stress and worry are proven to undermine our immunity greatly. Enjoy the moment and cherish your spiritual journey with a deep belief that “Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.” And upon Allah let the believers rely.” (At-Taubah 9:51). This, of course, does not mean neglecting to take our precautions and follow the worldly means for prophylaxis and/or healing. For more on those, please refer to question 3 below.

And, remember, as long as you are fit, the viruses won’t stand a chance, in shaa Allah, so start taking care of your health early on before departure. Eat healthy, exercise, and get enough sleep and rest. And follow the prevention methods to the best of your ability.

The Gifts Of Hajj Are Available To All

The linguistic meaning of Hajj is seeking or intending. Thus, the people of Allah are constantly performing Hajj because they are constantly seeking Allah. Just as their whole year is Ramadan, likewise their entire year is Hajj. Just as those performing Hajj respond to the call of Allah by saying ‘labbayk’, they are swift to respond to the call of Allah. They take themselves to account and leave that which is disliked and dubious in all their states and actions. They reject the desires of their lower selves, and they are the furthest from that which is prohibited. They constantly receive new blessings from their Lord, so they constantly renew their ihram. Day and night, they make tawaf around the House of their Lord, the One to Whom they turn themselves with absolute sincerity until nothing remains in them which is directed to other than Allah.

The bounty of Allah is available at all times of the day and night. This is why Allah swears by the morning light (duha) and by the night that He has not forsaken His Beloved (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), nor is He displeased with him.

If the Hajj has not been made possible for you, join with those making Hajj and share in their reward: by spending your wealth for the sake of Allah on your relatives, on the needy, by turning to Allah with your whole being. Make numerous your footsteps to good places, especially at the time of Fajr, and you will receive glad tidings from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace): “Give glad tidings of complete light on the Day of Judgment to those who walk constantly to the mosque in the darkness.” [Narrated by Abu Daud]

Those whose light is complete will no doubt be in his company (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) “…on the day when Allah will not humble the Prophet and the believers along with him; their light will be running ahead of them and on their right…” [Al-Tahrim, 66:8]

Ask to be present with them, and thank Allah for allowing our spirits to be with them. So many hearts in the far East or the far West receive the gifts of Arafat and Mina because of their truthfulness with Allah.

Actions that carry the reward of Hajj
Nothing, of course, can equal actually performing the Hajj and worshipping Allah in those blessed places. However, since Allah knows that many people long to make Hajj every year but are unable to do so, out of His generosit,y He made the reward for certain actions similar to the reward of a supererogatory Hajj.

1. Remembering Allah from Fajr until Ishraq: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “Whoever prays Subh (Fajr) in congregation and then sits in the place where he prayed, remembering Allah until the sun rises and then prays two rakats has the reward of a complete Hajj and Umrah.” He repeated ‘complete’ three times. [Narrated by al-Tirmidhi]

2. Attending a gathering of knowledge: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “The one who goes out to the mosque wanting only to learn good or teach it has the reward of a complete Hajj.” [Narrated by al-Tabarani]

3. Going to the mosque for the congregational prayer: The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “Whoever performs ablution in his house and then goes out to perform the obligatory prayer in the mosque has a reward similar to the reward of a Hajj pilgrim. Whoever goes out to perform the mid-morning prayer (Duha) has a reward similar to the reward of the one performing Umrah.” [Narrated by Abu Daud]

4. Reciting dhikr after the five daily prayers: Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that a group of destitute people came to the Prophet, SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam (may Alah exalt his mention), and said, “O Messenger of Allah, the wealthy people will have higher grades and will have permanent enjoyment in high levels in Paradise. They pray like us and fast as we do, but they have more money by which they perform the Hajj, Umrah, participate in Jihad and give in charity.” The Prophet, SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam (may Allah exalt his mention), replied: “Shall I not tell you something upon which if you acted you would catch up with those who have surpassed you? Nobody would surpass you, and you would be better than the people amongst whom you live, except those who would do the same. Say ‘Subhan Allah’, ‘alHamdu Lillah’ and ‘Allahu Akbar’ thirty-three times each after every (compulsory) prayer.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]

5. Reciting Durud upon the beloved Prophet: The Leader of the God-wary [Imam al-Muttaqain] SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam affirmed, “Perform your Fardh (obligatory) Hajj pilgrimage. Undoubtedly, its reward is greater than participating in twenty Gazwah and reciting one Durood upon me, equals that (in reward).” [Firdaus-bim  aur al-Khitab, Vol. 2, Page 607, Hadith 2484]

6. Performing ‘itikaf’ for ten days in the month of Ramadan: Imam Bayhaqi has reported on the authority of Hadrat Imam Hussain that the Messenger of Allah has stated, “whosoever performs itikaf for ten days in the month of Ramadan, it is as though he has performed two Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) and two Hajj (greater pilgrimage).” [Narrated by Bayhaqi]

7. Performing the Friday Prayer: Sayyiduna Sa’id bin al-Musayyib said performing the Friday Prayer is more beloved to me than a supererogatory Hajj.”

8. Performing the Eid Prayer: Ibn Rajab (may Allah have mercy upon him) narrated that the Companion Sayyiduna Mikhnaf ibn Sulaym (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “The reward for attending Eid Al-Fitr prayer is equal to the reward of performing Umrah and the reward for attending Eid Al-Ad’ha Prayer is equal to that of performing Hajj.”

9. Fulfilling the needs of your brother or sister: Sayyiduna Hasan al-Basri said: “Going to fulfil the need of your brother is better for you than performing Hajj after Hajj.”

10. Being good to your parents: The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) commanded one of the Companions to be good to his mother. If you do so, he said: “You are a Hajj pilgrim, a person performing Umrah and someone striving for the sake of Allah (mujahid).”

11. Abandoning sins and prohibitions: Some of our righteous predecessors said, giving up a misdeed that Allah the Exalted abhors is dearer to me than performing Hajj 500 times.”

12. Performing obligatory actions: The slave can only draw near to Allah by performing supererogatory actions after first having performed that which is obligatory. This includes purifying one’s heart from forbidden attributes and guarding one’s tongue and limbs from committing forbidden actions. All of this is much harder on the lower self than many supererogatory acts of worship.

Finally, there is no action more beloved to Allah on the Day of Eid than making a sacrifice. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) told his beloved daughter Sayyida Fatima al-Zahrah that she would be forgiven for her previous wrongdoings with the first drop of blood to be shed from the sacrificed animal. She asked if this reward was specifically for the household of the Prophet, and he replied: “For us and for all the Muslims.”

Practical And Spiritual Advice For Those Going To Hajj

Alhamdulillah, we are upon that time of year once more when those who have been chosen by Allah to visit His blessed house and perform Hajj are preparing to leave by reading up on how to perform Hajj in the correct manner. Though this is good and necessary, I would like to propose some points regarding extra actions you can do to magnify your reward by the will of Allah, as well as to share with you some advice that is not commonly given.

1) From the moment you enter the state of iḥram, the best dhikr you could make is the Talbiyah,

لبيكاللهم لبيك،لبيك لا شريكلك لبيك، إنالحمدوالنعمة لكوالملك لاشريك لك

Some scholars have said that during this time, this dhikr is even better than reciting the Quran. You stop saying it when you begin umrah. You start again when you enter the state of iḥram for Hajj, and you stop once more when you throw the stones (jamarat) on the day of Eid.

It is narrated that when the saḥabah entered the state of iḥram, by the time they had traveled to الروحاء (one day’s travel from Madinah), they had lost their voices from the constant saying of the Talbiyah.[1] When saying the Talbiyah, be conscious that what you are saying is literally affirming your answer to Allah’s call so have this in the back of your mind whenever you are performing the Talbiyah so that you are constantly affirming your intention to carry out this great act of worship. What an honor it is and what a great matter you are embarking upon.

2) When you are on the plains of Arafah, sit down to conserve your energy, just as the Prophet (sall Allahu alayhi wasallam) sat on his camel, [2] and make plenty of dua, not stopping except to drink water, until the sun has set. These few hours are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so do not let them pass easily. If you ever get stuck on what to say, then constantly repeat the best dua a person can make on the best occasion for them to make a dua (at Arafah), which is to say لااله الا اللهوحده لا شريكله له الملكوله الحمد وهوعلى كل شيقدير.

Be conscious that at this very moment, Allah is showing off to the Angels telling them “Look at my slaves”.[3] He is pleased with you at this very moment so seize this moment to ask Him what you desire, and do not waste this opportunity or your time. Making dua on the plains of  Arafah is one of the greatest actions you can do in your entire life, [4] so stay away from the people and find a secluded spot or a place where no one you know is around you so there is nothing to distract you from seizing this moment.

–  When you sleep in muzdalifah, wear a face mask. Depending on where you are, it may be very dusty, which will prevent you from sleeping properly (to get energy for the most eventful day) as well as probably make you feel ill.

–  Contrary to what we are commonly told, you CAN slaughter the sacrificial animal yourself. After throwing the stones at the jamarat, follow the signs leading to the slaughterhouse (under 1hr walk). When you get near it, you will begin to see farms with animals. Pass these and go to the slaughterhouses, where you will not see any animals, just long (not tall) buildings with a booth at the front of each. Here you pay, receive a ticket and are able to enter to witness or carry out the slaughter yourself.

– Have you ever considered sacrificing a camel instead? It is the Sunnah that you sacrifice a camel, as that is the biggest and best sacrificial animal and is what the Prophet (sall Allahu alayhi wasallam) sacrificed. A few years ago this was not possible due to a disease spread within camels, but this may not be the case now.

– Have you ever considered sacrificing more than one animal? The Prophet (sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam) sacrificed 100 camels during his Hajj.[5] He knew that to sacrifice an animal is a part of Ḥajj and a form of glorification of Allah, and therefore sacrificed the best and the most he could. If you can afford it, sacrifice more than one animal, up to as many as you can afford. If you are reading this before you’ve set off, then take extra cash with you for this. Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so glorify Allah and sacrifice the best you can give. The pious people would never haggle when buying a sacrificial animal, nor allow anyone to carry the sacrificial animal for them because they wanted to glorify Allah and show Him that they were exerting their best effort for His sake regardless of the cost. Their only concern was the reward.

– Get a data pack and save your location in Mina in Google Maps. You will constantly be leaving it for either Arafah or the Jamarat, so this will help you return easily without getting lost. Google Maps will also help if you decide to go to the slaughterhouse as you may not be able to return via the same route, and you will also need it on your return from tawaf al-ifadah.

– It is the Sunnah that after you throw the first two sets of stones at the jamarat on the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah that you make dua. The dua that the Prophet(sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam) made was equivalent to a person reciting Surah al-Baqarah i.e. about 1 hour.[6] The throwing of the stones is the only ritual act of Hajj made during these days so spend the extra time making dua because this opportunity only comes once in a lifetime (for most of us). Try to, at least once, make dua the length that the Prophet (sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam) used to make it and remember; dhikr of Allah is dua and you could therefore also repeat:

لااله الا اللهوحده لا شريكله له الملكوله الحمد وهوعلى كل شيقدير

– Glorify Allah and spend your time humbled before Him for choosing you to complete Hajj. When the Prophet (sall Allahualayhi wa sallam) entered Makkah as a victor, he entered with his head lowered out of humility before Allah.

– From the purposes of Hajj are to have Taqwa of Allah and to glorify Him.[7] With this in mind, do not become overwhelmed by logistics whilst neglecting the purpose of Hajj. Remember, you will not find the pleasure of Allah where you want, but rather where He wants, so even if you find yourself stuck in major congestion, or are delayed, or are prevented from making Sunnah acts such as kissing the black stone, it is all fine, as long as you are focusing on the purposes of Hajj which include glorifying Allah and having Taqwa.

– Never say, “Hajj cost me such and such”, rather glorify Allah, and be happy with what you have spent without showing any signs of displeasure. Imagine you are buying forgiveness of your sins, [8] with that money, and then ask yourself if it is not worth it.

I ask Allah to allow you to perform Hajj as He pleases, to accept it from you, and to allow us all to return to His house to perform Umrah and Hajj numerous times. Ameen.

Notes:
[1] Reported by Anas and Aisha (Radi Allahu anhuma) in al-Sunan al-Bayhaqi
[2] According to the famous hadith of Jabir in Sahih Muslim
[3] Reported by Abu Hurayrah (Radi Allahu anhu) recorded by Ahmed, Ibn Hibban andal-Hakim
[4] The Prophet (sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best dua is the one made on the day of Arafah.” Recorded in Tirmidhi and the Muwatta of Imam Malik
[5] Hadith of Jabir, as mentioned above
[7] Al-Quran 2:203 and 22:32
[8] Bukhari and Muslim

The Day Of Arafah: The Day That Allah Completed His Favor Upon Us

A day preferred over all other days; a day in which sins are forgiven and supplications are answered; a day in which Allah descends from His throne and says to the angels:‘What do these people desire and seek?’

It is befitting therefore that we, as Muslims, know about this day and appreciate its virtue.

Corresponding to 9th Dhul Hijjah, wherein our brothers and sisters who have departed to perform Hajj stand together, Arafah remains the core and essence of Hajj. This day Allah descends to the nearest heaven, and He is proud of His slaves on the earth and says to those in heaven:“Look at My servants. They have come from far and near, with hair disheveled and faces covered with dust, to seek My mercy…”

Virtues
1. Allah perfected His religion on this day and completed his favor upon us.
“This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion”(Quran 05:03)

Umar(may Allah be pleased to him) said regarding the above ayah, ‘We know the day and place in which [this verse] was revealed to the Prophet(salAllaahu alayhi wa sallam). It was when he was standing in Arafah on a Friday.’

2. Allah took an oath on this day. He said:{By the witnessing day, and by the witnessed day}(Quran 85:03)
Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet(sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “The witnessed days are the Day of Arafah.”

It is known that Allah would only take an oath by something of great importance.

3. It is the best day and the most beloved day to Allah in the year.

Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allaah(sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “And there is no day better in the sight of Allah than the Day of `Arafah…”.

4. Allah frees more people from the hellfire.
Muslim and others have reported from Aisha that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Allah frees more people from the Hellfire on the Day of ‘Arafah than on any other day, and Allah draws closer this day and proudly says to the angels, ‘What do these people want and seek?’”

5. It is a day held dear to ALL the prophets before us.
The Messenger of Allaah(sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best supplication is that of the Day of ‘Arafah, and the best thing that I and other Prophets before me said, is: ‘La ilaaha ill Allahu,wahdahu la shareeka lahu. Lahul mulk wa lahul hamd wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shayin qadeer.'”

For those not performing Hajj
To attain the reward of this blessed day, and thereby follow the example of the Prophets who came before, one should:

1. Fast the day of Arafah
Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (salAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Fasting the day of Arafah expiates the sins of two years: the past one and the coming one.”

One should therefore fast on this day, and encourage friends and family to fast so that our sins may be forgiven, and we may be favored amongst the righteous servants of Allah.

2. Supplicate to Allah
The prophet(sal Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The best of supplications is the supplication on the Day of Arafah”

3. Make remembrance of Allah -praising and glorifying him.
Ibn Umar states:‘we were with the Prophet on the Day of Arafah. Some of us would glorify Allah (by saying Allah Akbar) whilst others would praise Allah (by sayingLaa ilaaha illa Allaah).

Through the above, the benefits, blessings, and favors of the pilgrim are shared and Allah draws near; His Generosity and Kindness overflowing, as He boasts to His angels:

“He says, My slaves have come to me so lovingly,
and indeed I am, to them, most Kind and Merciful,
Bear witness, I have forgiven their sins,
blessed them and granted them their hopes.”

[Ibn Al-Qayyim Al Jawziyyah]