Our social:

TAG: Hajj

Three Types Of Hajj

Hajj Al-Qiran – At a Meeqat, in the months of Hajj, one enters into Ihram for Hajj and Umrah at the same time, not coming out of the state of Ihram until the Day of Sacrifice (10th Dhul Hijjah). Alternatively, one may enter into Ihram for Umrah and before beginning the Tawaf, the intention of Ihram for Hajj may be made. The Sa`ee may be done after the Tawaf of Umrah or left to be done after Tawaf Al-Ifadah. One performing this type of Hajj is called a Qarin.

Hajj Al-Ifrad – At a Meeqat, in the months of Hajj, one enters into Ihram for Hajj alone. Like the Qarin he remains in the state of Ihram until the 10th Dhul Hijjah. It is not obligatory for him to sacrifice an animal. No Umrah is required.

Hajj At-Tamattu’ – Many Scholars consider this the best type of Hajj, as it is what the Prophet (peace be upon him) urged his Companions to do. One performing this type of Hajj is called a Muttamatti. This involves performing Umrah first during any of the months of Hajj (Shawwal, Dhul Qada, and the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah), removing the Ihram clothes after Umrah, and then reassumes the Ihram state for Hajj on the eighth day of Dhul Hijjah of the same year.

Note: For those who choose to do At-Tamattu’ or Al-Qiran, a mandatory sacrifice is required from them during the days of Eid. Those who live in Makkah are exempted from this requirement.

Easy Actions For Which Rewards Are Multiplied

Primary reference: “Al-Amal al-Mudaaafah” (Dar al-Watan, Riyadh)
By Sulaymaan ibn Saalih al-Kharaashi

“So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord.” [18:110]

How great will be the regret of those who waste this opportunity?

1. Preserving the ties of kinship: ” Whoever wishes that his provision be increased and his age lengthened, let him maintain the ties of kinship.” [al-Bukhari and Muslim]

2. Performing many prayers in the two noble Harams (in Makkah and Madinah): “Prayer in this masjid of mine is superior to a thousand prayers elsewhere, except for Masjid al-Haram, and prayer in Masjid al-Haram is superior to one hundred thousand prayers elsewhere.” [Ahmad and ibn Majah]

3. Performing prayers in congregation. “Prayer in congregation is superior to praying individually twenty-seven times.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

4. Praying `Isha and Fajr in the congregation: “He who prays Isha’ in Jama’ah [congregation] is as if he has prayed for half the night. As to him who (also) prays Fajr in congregation, it is as if he has prayed all night.” [narrated by Malik and the wording is that of a Muslim who also reported it]

5. Performing voluntary prayers at home. “Superiority of a man’s prayer in his home over his prayer when people see him is like the superiority of an obligatory prayer over a voluntary one.” [al-Bayhaqi, classed as Saheeh by al-Albani]

“The most superior prayer of a person is in his home, except for obligatory prayers.” [al-Bukhari and Muslim]

6. Observing some manners of the day of Jumu`ah. “Whoever ghassala (washes his head, and it is said: has intercourse with his wife so that it be a means to lower the gaze from the haram that day) on the day of Jumuah, then comes in the earliest time and before the first khutbah, walks and doesn’t ride, stays near the Imam, listens and does not speak – for each step [he makes] he has actions of one year, the reward of fasting and standing in prayer in it.” [Ahl as-Sunan]

7. Salat ul-Ishraq. “Whoever prays al-ghadaa (i.e. al fajr) in congregation, then sits remembering Allah until sunrise, then prays two units of prayer, has a complete reward of Hajj and Umrah [The Prophet, sallallahualayhi wa sallam, repeated ‘complete’ three times for emphasizing].” [at-Tirmidhi, classed as Saheeh by al-Albani]

How To Perform Tawaf

One must begin Tawaf of the Ka’bah (circumambulation) with one’s right shoulder uncovered, (for men only) and the Ka’bah on one’s left side, while facing the Black Stone, which you should kiss, if possible, touch with one’s hand, or point in its direction. In this regard, we cite what Sheikh Sayyed Sabiq states in his well-known book Fiqh As-Sunnah: One must begin Tawaf (circumambulation) with one’s right shoulder uncovered, (for men only) and the Ka’bah on one’s left side, while facing the Black Stone, which you should kiss, if possible, or touch with your hand, or point in its direction, saying, Bismillah wallahau akbar Allahumma imanan bika wa tasdiqan bikitabika wa wafa’an bi ahdika wa ittiba’an li sunnati nabbiyyika sallalahu alaihi wa sallam (In the Name of Allah. Allah is the Greatest. O Allah! [I begin this Tawaf] believing in You, affirming the truth of Your Book, fulfilling my covenant with You, and following the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him).”

It is encouraged to jog slowly through the first three rounds around the Ka’bah. One should walk quickly, keeping close to the Ka’bah as much as possible, while taking short steps.

During the next four rounds, one should walk at a normal pace. If one is unable to jog or get close to Ka’bah, because of the area being overcrowded, one may perform one’s Tawaf in any way possible.

Touching the Yemeni corner (Ar-Ruknu Al-Yamani) is encouraged, and so is kissing or touching the Black Stone in each of the seven rounds of Tawaf, if possible.

Remembering Allah and supplicating to Him as much as possible is also encouraged. For this purpose, one may choose any supplication that one feels comfortable with, without restricting oneself to any particular supplications or repeating what others may be saying. There are no set supplications prescribed for this purpose.

The supplications that some people consider to be prescribed for various rounds of Tawaf are not authentic. There are no such supplications reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him).

One should pray for oneself, for one’s family, and for the Muslims for anything that is good in this life or in the Hereafter.

Birr (Piety) Towards Parents After Death

Death brings an end to one’s ability to perform good deeds and it is a long journey that requires enough provisions and only three qualities can make this journey easier. Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “When a man dies all his good deeds end, except for three cases; the charity of continuous blessings, beneficial knowledge that he left behind, and a righteous child who prays for him.” [Saheeh Muslim (vol. 3, p.867, no. 4005)]

Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) explained how a child can benefit his parents after their death. Narrated Abu Usayd Malik ibn Rabiah as-Saidi: “While we were with the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam), a man of Banu Salmah came to him and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, is there any kindness left that I can do to my parents after their death?’ He replied: “Yes, there are four qualities to perform:-
 
1. Pray (to Allah to grant them mercy) and invoke (Him) to forgive them,
2. Fulfill their promises (or will),
3. Be generous to their friends,
4. Keep relations with the kindred, which you are kindred through your parents. This is what remains of the kindness that you could perform towards them after they die.” [Sunan of Abu-Dawood (5123)]
Note: The last wishes (wasiyah or will) expressed by the person should be fulfilled so long as they are in accordance with the Sharee’ah.

Performing Hajj on behalf of the Dead:
Another form of worship known from the Sunnah that can be performed on behalf of the dead is Hajj (Pilgrimage). Hajj can only be performed on behalf of the dead after completing one’s obligation of performing Hajj. It was narrated from Ibn Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) heard a man saying “Labbayka ‘an Shubrumah (At your service, O Allah, on behalf of Shubrumah).” The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) asked: “Who is Shubrumah?” He said, “A relative of mine.” The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said, “Have you ever done Hajj before?” He replied: “No.” Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) ordered him, “Do this Hajj for yourself, then do Hajj on behalf of Shubrumah.” [Abu Dawood (1811). The hadeeth is classed as Saheeh by Shaikh al-Albanee in Irwaa’ al-Ghaleel (4/171)]

Hajj And Tawheed

Allah, the Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an, “And whoever respects the signs of Allah, this surely is (the outcome) of the piety of hearts.” (22:32)

Respecting the signs of Allah means inculcating Tawheed in each and every act of worship in its full magnitude, so that one may gain Taqwa. It is now the blessed season of Hajj, when people travel long distances to perform this noble task. Therefore it is up to the person that this act becomes an act of worship and not just a tiring journey, with no spiritual benefits. This act must coincide with the divine saying of our God “The pilgrimage is (performed in) the well-known months; so whoever determines the performance of the pilgrimage therein, there shall be no intercourse nor fornication nor quarreling amongst one another; and whatever good you do, Allah knows it; and make provision, for surely the provision is the guarding of oneself, and be careful (of your duty) to Me, O men of understanding.” (2:197)

One must undertake this journey to gain the tremendous reward mentioned in the following Hadith..

“He who came to this House (the Ka’bah) (with the intention in performing Hajj) without speaking or committing indecencies, would return (free from sin) as on the day his mother bore him.”  (Muslim, 2/3129)

This is the one chance for a person to display before Allah, his humility in the utmost sense in words, action and appearance. This is the main purpose of his creation. Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful says in the Qu’ran : “And I have not created the jinn and the men except that they should worship Me.” (51:56) Here worship means showing humility or being humble.

Before commencing the journey one must do some brain-storming. Like one must ask themselves, what are the internal per-requisites one must instill before saying, “ Here I come O! Allah”? Is our Hajj in accordance to the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him)? Does it fulfill the demands of Tawheed? What is the connection of ‘Laailaha Illallah’ and the Talbiya which one repeats over and over again in Hajj?

When Death Came Knocking

It was early in the morning at four,
When death knocked upon a bedroom door.

Who is there? The sleeping one cried.
I am Malkul Maut (Angel Of Death), let me inside.

At once, the man began to shiver,
As one sweating in deadly fever,

He shouted to his sleeping wife,
Do not let him take away my life.

Please go away, O Angel of Death!
Leave me alone, I am not ready yet.

My parents and family on me depends,
Give me a chance, O please prepense!

The angel knocked again and again,
Friend! I will take your life without pain,

This your soul Allah requires,
I come not with my own desires.

Bewildered, the man began to cry,
O Angel I am so afraid to die,

I will give you gold and be your slave,
Do not send me to the unlit grave.

Let me in, O Friend! The Angel said,
Open the door; get up from your bed,

If you do not allow me in,
I will walk through it, like a Jinn.

The man held a gun in his hand,
Ready to defy the Angels’ stand.

Hajj A Model For Life

The blessed days of Hajj are approaching, and Muslim pilgrims are traveling to the holy sites. The memories and spirituality of Hajj are really moving. Pilgrims cannot help but have tears in their eyes while observing this magnificent gathering that is heading to the House of Allah in total submission and devotion. The pilgrims supplicate humbly, asking Allah to wipe off their sins, accept their Hajj, and grant them happiness in this world and the hereafter.

But should all of these awe-inspiring feelings be restricted to a few days of Hajj? I always think of Hajj as a journey intended to guide us on how to lead our larger journey of life. It is the model after which Muslims should pattern their lives. This connection between Hajj and life is very important; after all, both of them are journeys that need special preparation and should have special goals.

Take, for example, the first steps pilgrims take in preparation for their Hajj journey. They pay off their debts and bathe themselves. The lesson here is that our lives should be based on purity and cleanliness. How beautiful life would be if each and every one of us tried to adhere to this principle? If only everyone tried to steer clear of anything that may taint their beliefs or blemish their relations with Allah. Of course, it may happen that Muslims commit a sin or succumb to Satan’s whispers, but once such a thing occurs, they hasten to “clean” and “wash” their spirits. Just as they wear pure and clean clothes for their Hajj journeys, they are keen to meet Allah after the journey of life with a pure and clean heart.

“Labbayk, Allahumma, labbayk. Here I am, O Allah, at Your service.” This eternal call, chanted by millions of pilgrims every year, gives us further inspiration. The pilgrims respond to Allah’s call with pleasure, paying no heed to the trouble they may undergo; they come to Him declaring in words and in deeds their submission to His commands, their unconditional obedience to His orders, their love of what He loves, and paying their honor to what He honors. This is the spirit that Muslims should keep throughout their entire lives. Labbayk, Allahumma, labbayk. This is not merely a ritual phrase to be uttered in Hajj and then forgotten afterward, rather, it is a motto for every Muslim, a way of life.

After hours, even longer days, and months of travel, pilgrims reach Makkah and cool their eyes with the sight of the holy sites. Throughout their observances of Hajj, in their movements from place to place, and from rite to rite, Muslims recall great scenes of sacrifice by their great forbears, such as Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his family, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his noble companions. These glorious scenes inspire us and motivate us to face the challenges of life with a bold heart as well as to rise up to our responsibility of working and sacrificing in defense of our religion and for the advancement of our Ummah.

Hajj Tips For Pilgrims

  • Always have drinking water as you may become dehydrated.
  • Use your time wisely – be busy with Dhikr, Du’a, and recitation of the Qur’an.
  • Wear comfortable, ‘broken-in’ footwear, that does not conceal fingers or ankles.
  • Be very careful to stay within the specific boundaries during the days of Hajj, especially in Arafat – overstepping them may affect the correctness of your Hajj.
  • If you wear spectacles, secure them with a spectacle cord.
  • Take some rest on the night of Muzdalifah because the following day is full of activity and requires energy.
  • Observe landmarks when going out so you can find your way back.
  • Arrange a meeting place with your group in case you get lost.
  • Keep the phone number of your hotel/flat and the group leader with you whenever you go out.
  • Don’t go out alone on the days of Hajj as it is very easy to get lost.
  • Always inform someone in the group when you go out and when you are expected to return.
  • Have some cash with you when you go out, in case you get lost.
  • Bathrooms are aplenty at Hajj sites, select one which is clean.

Hajj – The Real Blessings

What are the blessings of Hajj? One may describe them in great detail. But, in the Qur’an, where Allah instructs Prophet Ibrahim to invite people to come to Hajj, so: “That they may witness things that are of benefit to them…” (22: 28)

Hence, the real blessings of Hajj can only be experienced by those who actually perform it. Imam Abu Hanifah, it is narrated, was unsure which act of worship was more excellent among the various ones laid down by Islam. But once he had performed Hajj, he had no hesitation in declaring that Hajj was the most excellent of all.

I shall now try to give you, briefly, some idea of its blessings.

The Journey
We usually think of journeys as of two kinds: those made for business and those made for pleasure. In both cases, it is to fulfill your worldly desires and benefit yourselves that you leave your homes, separate from families, and spend money — all is done for your own sake. No question arises of sacrifice for any higher, sublime purpose.

But the journey that is the Hajj is quite different in nature. This is not meant for any personal end. It is undertaken solely for Allah and the fulfillment of the duty prescribed by Allah. Nobody can be prepared to undertake this journey until and unless he has love of Allah in his heart, as well as fear of Him, and is convinced that Allah wants him to do what he is doing. That you are willing to bear the hardships arising from separation from your family, to incur great expenses on a journey that will bring no material rewards, and to suffer any loss of business or job, all are signs of certain inner qualities: that you love and fear Allah more than anything, that you have a strong sense of duty to Him, that you are willing to respond to His summons and ready to sacrifice your material comforts in His cause.