The Month of ZulHajjah
The Prophet testified to that. He said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days.
Hajj is performed in this month.
The first ten days of ZulHajjah are extremely sacred and good deeds are most beloved to Allah in these ten days
Alhamdulillaah……the blessed days are here one more time!
The glorious days when rewards are multiplied many times, and sins are forgiven much more…
the days in which Allaah gives us yet another chance to worship Him, to ask for forgiveness and correct our faults and make up for our shortcomings….
the blessed days that the Sahabah waited for…
the beautiful days in which they strived long and hard in worship, until they could do no more….
What are these magnificent days?
These blessed days are the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.
Just like the last ten nights of Ramadaan are the best ten nights out of the whole year, the Ulama tell us that out of the 365 days of the year, these first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are the best days of the year and the most beloved to Allaah as they combine acts of worship in a way unlike any other times.
The Prophet testified to that. He said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days.” The people asked, “Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah?” He said, “Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah, 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.” (Bukhaari)
Subhaan Allaah wal-Hamdulillaah!
What a blessing!
The question is…..what do I do on these magnificent days and how can I make the most of this perfect, golden, golden opportunity to earn rewards and Jannah?
Obviously, Hajj is one of the best deeds that one can do during these ten days. However for those of us who were not invited to His House this year, there are still many, many good deeds that one can do and earn the Pleasure of Allaah.
Some of these are:
1) Fast all nine days and especially fast the Day of ‘Arafah
The Prophet said: “Anyone who fasts for one day for Allah’s pleasure, Allah will keep his face away from the (Hell) fire for (a distance covered by a journey of) seventy years.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
Just imagine…..if you fast these nine days (fasting on Eid is haraam), how far your distance will be from hell!
The Prophet used to fast on the ninth day of Dhu’l-Hijjah and he said: “Fasting the Day of ‘Arafah (ninth Dhul-hijjah) is an expiation for (all the sins of) the previous year and an expiation for (all the sins of) the coming year.” (Muslim)
2) Do a LOT of Dhikr and Takbeer
The Prophet said: “There are no days on which good deeds are greater or more beloved to Allaah than on these ten days, so recite much Tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah), Takbeer (saying Allaahu akbar) and Tahmeed (saying al-hamdu Lillaah).” (Ahmad -Saheeh)
Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, reciting Takbeer, and the people would recite Takbeer when they heard them. (Bukhaari)
Takbeer at this time is a Sunnah that has mostly been forgotten, especially during the first few days. So say it in the masjid, in your home, on the street and every place where it is permitted to remember Allaah. Revive the Sunnah that have been virtually forgotten and earn great rewards for doing so.
The Prophet said: “Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward.” (Tirmidhi- a hasan hadeeth)
Obviously, men should recite these phrases out loud, and women should recite them quietly.
3)Stand in Night Prayers:
Remember the virtues of spending the night in prayer, and its sweetness in Ramadan?! Why not revive this beautiful act of worship during these nights as well?!
Remember, how in the last third of every night, Allah Almighty calls out to us, His servants:
Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to his invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me, so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him? (Bukhaari, Muslim)
Why do we miss this golden opportunity?
So, seize the chance NOW and expose yourself to His Divine Generosity and Mercy, ask Him to forgive you and guide you and set things aright. He will surely listen.
4) Make Sincere Repentance.
One of the best and most important things to do during these ten days is to repent sincerely to Allaah and to give up all kinds of disobedience and sin right away because we do not know when we will die, and also because one evil deed leads to another.
But what does ‘repentance’ exactly mean?
It means that you come back to Allaah and give up all the deeds, open and secret, that He dislikes…. that you regret whatever you did in the past, giving it up immediately and be determined never ever, to return to it, and resolve to adhere firmly to the Truth by doing whatever Allaah loves.
“But as for him who repented, believed and did righteous deeds, then he will be among those who are successful.” [al-Qasas 28:67]
5) Come back to the Qur’aan
It is time now to dust off your copy of the Qur’aan and return to its refuge.Make it a daily habit, using these 10 days the beginning of a strong and beautiful relationship with it. Read it with meaning, understand it, and then implement it and change your lives for the better, as much as you can.
Remember that reading one letter of the Qur’aan earns you 10 rewards.
In this way, reading Surat Al-Fatihah,which doesn’t take more than two minutes will give you more than one thousand rewards!
This is on ordinary days, so what about these magnificent days! Certainly the reward will be far greater, Insha Allaah.
6) Generally increase in doing ALL good deeds
We should strive in doing more good deeds in general, because good deeds are beloved by Allaah and will bring us closer to Him. So if we are not able to go to Hajj this year, we should occupy ourselves during these blessed days by worshipping Allaah, praying extra prayers, reading Qur’aan, remembering Allaah, sending Salaams on the Prophet , making dua, giving charity, honoring our parents, upholding ties of kinship, enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, and other good deeds and acts of worship.
“So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it; And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it.”[al-Zalzalah 99:7-8]
7) Get the reward of Hajj wherever you are:
You may be unable to do Hajj this year, and you may feel sad because you are deprived of the great reward of Hajj. But you can achieve a similar reward in whatever place you may be.
The Prophet said: “Whoever prays Fajr Prayer in congregation, and then sits and remembers Allah until the sun rises, then (after a while) prays two rak’as, he will gain a reward equal to that of making perfect Hajj and Umrah.” [He repeated the word "perfect" thrice.] (At-Tirmidhi)
Isn’t that easy, Alhamdulillah?
8) Slaughter an animal and distribute the meat
Ibn Umar said: The Prophet lived in Madeenah for 10 years and every year he slaughtered an animal.” (Ahmad-Saheeh by al-Albaani)
9) Attend Eid prayers
But remember that Eid prayer is a form of worship and we shouldn’t be doing things that are unIslaamic (especially) during these times, such as listening to music, women going out for prayer without proper Hijaab, mixing of men and women, etc.
10) Thank Allaah
One of the biggest forms of worshipping Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala is to thank Him, deeply, sincerely and continuously. After all, it is He who gave you every single thing that is in you, on you or around you. In fact, you wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for the Mercy of your Creator. So thank Him for ALL that He gave you, the Islaam that He gave you, the very life He gave you. And thank Him for the chance that He gives you in these ten days, to ask for forgiveness and guidance.
Alhamdulillah, there is much to be gained in these days. So make the most of this perfect opportunity offered by these invaluable and irreplaceable ten days.
Hasten to do good deeds and appreciate this blessing and make the most of it, striving hard in worship .
“And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty (death).” [al-Hijr 15:99]
The Prophet said, “No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhal Hajja).” Then some companions of the Prophet said, “Not even Jihad?” He replied, “Not even Jihad”, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allah’s sake) and does not return with any of those things.”(Bukhari 15: 86)
9th ZulHajja is a very sacred day. When asked about the fast of 9th ZulHajjah (Yaum e Arafah) Rasool Allah saw said: “It expiates the sins of the preceding year and the coming year” (Muslim 6: 2603)
The second Muslim festival Eid ul Adha falls on the 10th of ZulHajjah.
An animal sacrifice in memory of the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (as) is offered on 10th ZulHajjah.
Importance of Sacrifice:
Sacrifice has not been made obligatory by Allah Tala, however it has the status of being Obligatory Sunnah ( Sunnat e Wjiba). Through this act, pleasure of Allah is obtained and also results in atonement of sins!
Sacrifice has been commanded to the people in all the revealed laws (Shariat) since the time of Prophet Adam (as) to Prophet Muhammad (saw).
Allah Tala mentioned this sunnah in beautiful words in Surah Safaat:
And he (Ibrhaim as) said (after his rescue from the fire): “Verily, I am going to my Lord. He will guide me!” “My Lord! Grant me (offspring) from the righteous.” So We gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing boy. And, when he (his son) was old enough to walk with him, he said: “O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you (offer you in sacrifice to Allâh), so look what you think!” He said: “O my father! Do that which you are commanded, Inshâ’ Allâh (if Allâh will), you shall find me amongst the patient ones.
Then, when they had both submitted themselves (to the Will of Allâh), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead; And We called out to him: “O Abraham! You have fulfilled the dream” Verily! Thus do We reward the Muhsinûn (good-doers). Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial and We ransomed him with a great sacrifice and We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among generations (to come) in later times. Salâmun (peace) be upon Ibrâhim!”
After seeing the dream, Ibrahim (as) transcended all logic and sacrificed his most beloved possession, his own son, for the sake of Allah.
Wisdom of Sacrifice
Sacrifice is the symbol of full obedience and total submission to Allah
Ibrahim’s (as) obedience, loyalty and sacrifice greatly earned the pleasure of Allah Subhana Watala and he was declared as a Muhsin and Khalil Allah (Friend of Allah) and his name and his sacrifice is remembered till this day. Five times a day, Muslims send their blessings on Ibrahim (as) along with Muhammad (saw)
Allah Tala expects the same obedience and sacrifice from His slaves. In front of the command of Allah, there should be no excuses.
In remembrance of this sacrifice of Ibrahim (as), Muslims all over the world make a commitment that Oh Lord of the Worlds; We are your obedient slaves. Everything we possess belongs to you. If you command us, we will sacrifice our lives for the sake of Islam.
Thus sunnat of Sacrifice offered every year is actually the expression of a salve’s love for his Creator. The word Qurbani is derived from the word “Qurb”- nearness. Sacrifice is thus a form of worship through which love and nearness of Allah can be attained.
Allah Tala says in Surah Anam 162:
“Say (O Prophet Muhammad saw) Indeed my prayer, my sacrifice, my life and my death are all for the sake of Allah”
While sacrificing, if this state and if these feelings of love and total obedience to Allah are not there, then merely shedding the blood of animals and distributing meat are all activities without any spirit.
Allah Tala does not need blood of animals nor meat from animals. All that He requires from His slaves is the Taqwa, obedience and the feelings of self sacrifice for their Lord.
Allah Tala says in Surah Hajj:
“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allâh, but it is piety from you that reaches Him”
Thus the real spirit of sacrifice is that a man should leave his bad habits, stop following his wishes and desires and stop following traditions. Man should leave and sacrifice all those things in this world which stop him from attaining nearness to Allah.
"Say your prayers before prayers are said for you"
Showing posts with label By The Sacred HouseProphet Ibrahim;. Show all posts
Showing posts with label By The Sacred HouseProphet Ibrahim;. Show all posts
Saturday, 28 November 2009
Saturday, 7 November 2009
The Prophet Ibrahim builds the Kaaba and performs Hajj
The pilgrimage attracts about 3 million people from 160 countries annually and begins this year on Nov. 25,
As with the sawm (fasting), exceptions are made for those who are physically or financially unable to fulfill this obligation, and one is actually commanded not to make the hajj if to do so would cause hardship for his or her family. However, those unable to go themselves may fulfill their obligation by sending someone in their stead.
The hajj is commanded in the Qur'an - "And pilgrimage to the House is a duty unto God for mankind, for him who can find the way thither" (3:97) - and its rites were established by Muhammad, but Muslim tradition dates it back to Adam and Abraham, who were instructed by angels in the performance of the rites. The hajj was one of the last public acts of worship performed by Muhammad before his death.
"Hajj" means literally "to set out for a place". For a Muslim, that place is the Holy City of Makkah.
brahim abandons Haajar and Ishmael
The Holy Qur'an tells us that the Prophet Ibrahim was given the task of leading mankind.
And remember that Ibrahim
Was tried by His Lord
With certain Commands
Which he fulfilled:
He said: "I will make thee
An Imam to the Nations."
Prophet Ibrahim was ordered to go Makkah. When he reached Makkah, he was commanded by Allah to abandon his second wife, Haajar, and his first-born son Ishmael in this barren, rocky, uninhabited valley.
O our Lord! I have made
Some of my offspring to dwell
In a valley without cultivation,
By The Sacred House;
In order, O our Lord, that they
May establish regular Prayer:
So fill the hearts of some
Among men with love towards them,
And feed them with Fruits
So that they may give thanks.
S 14.37
The Prophet Ibrahim builds the Kaaba and performs Hajj .
The rites of the Hajj were laid down by Allah to mark historic events in the life of Prophet Ibrahim, which show his absolute and total submission to the will of Allah. Allah commanded the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), on one of his visits to see Haajar and Ishmael, to build the House of God (the Holy Kaaba). With the help of his son Ishmael, Ibrahim built the House of God on the ground where the Kaaba stands to this day.
The Archangel Gabriel brought from Paradise a stone, known as the Black Stone (Al-Hajar Al-Aswad), which was set into one corner of the Kaaba.
Behold! We gave the site
To Ibrahim, of the (Sacred) House,
(Saying): "Associate not anything
(In worship) with Me;
And sanctify My House
For those who compass it round
Or stand up
Or bow, or prostrate themselves
(Therein in prayer).
"And proclaim the Pilgrimage
Among men: they will come
To thee 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 benefits (provided ) for them,
And celebrate the name
Of God, through the Days
Appointed, over the cattle
Which He has provided for them
(For sacrifice): then eat ye
Thereof and feed the distressed
Ones in want.
"Then let them complete
The rites prescribed
For them, perform their vows,
And (again) circumambulate
The Ancient House."
Surah Al Hajj 22: 26 - 29
Soon Haajar's meager provisions of dates and water were exhausted and both mother and child became thirsty. Seeing the suffering of her son, Haajar became desperate to find water. She ran to the hill of Safa but found nothing. She then ran to the hill of Marwah. But again she was disappointed. Seven times she ran between the two hills. Suddenly, close to where Ishmael lay, water sprang from the earth by the command of Allah. This source of water was to become known as the well of Zamzam.
The first House (of worship)
Appointed for men was that at Bakka (Makkah)
Full of blessing
And of guidance
For all kinds of beings.
S.3: 96
The starting point for the circumambulation of the Holy Kaaba is where Ibrahim, by the command of Allah, placed the Black Stone in the eastern corner of the Kaaba.
In order to complete the upper part of the walls of the Kaaba, Ibrahim stood upon a large stone block which he moved along when each section was completed. When the Kaaba was finished, the large stone block was left outside the Kaaba, close to the eastern wall of the sanctuary. It became known as the Maqam Ibrahim (the station of Ibrahim).
As constructed by Ibrahim and his son, the Kaaba was a roofless, rectangular building, with two doors at ground level for access and with a semi-circular back wall.
Each year, Ibrahim returned to Makkah to perform the Hajj.
The Prophet Ibrahim builds the Kaaba and performs Hajj
After Ibrahim
The Hajj is a pilgrimage to Mecca (Makkah). It is currently the largest annual pilgrimage in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a moral obligation that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so. The Hajj is a demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people, and their submission to Allah (God). The pilgrimage occurs from the 7th to 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. Because the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar used in the Western world, the Gregorian date of the Hajj changes from year to year. In 2007, the Hajj was from December 17–21; in 2008 from December 6–10, and in 2009 will be November 25–29. Ihram is the name given to the special state in which Muslims live whilst on the pilgrimage.
Preparation for Hajj or 'Umrah
If a Muslim has decided to go for Hajj or 'Umrah, it is recommended that he should record all of his debts and have them witnessed so that in case he dies during the journey, they can be paid from his inheritance. He should sincerely repent for all of his sins in compliance with Allah's command: Repent, all of you, to Allah, O Believers, that perhaps you may be successful. (24:31) It should be noted that sincere repentance involves three principles. First, remorse and sadness should be felt for the sins committed in the past. Secondly, one must stop committing such crimes against oneself and Allah. And, thirdly, a firm intention to not return to such sins in the future must be undertaken. If any of these principles are deleted, repentance becomes an unacceptable, meaningless ritual in which the one repenting is deluded into believing that he can fool Allah. If one who intends Hajj has in his possession the property or wealth of others which he has illegally obtained, he should return such properties before setting out. The wealth which is to be used for 'Umrah or Hajj should come from Halaal (permissible) sources, because the Prophet said: Verily, Allah is Good and only accepts the good. In Islam, the ends do not justify the means. The use of Haraam (forbidden) methods to make Hajj means will destroy the Hajj and make it devoid of any blessings. Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet said: If a man sets out with filthy earnings, places his foot in the stirrup (of his riding animal) and calls out: Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk (I hear your call and am coming. Oh Allah, I hear your call) - a caller will call from the heavens, You do not hear the call and you will not be pleased. Your provisions are Haraam and your earnings are Haraam and your Hajj is not blessed nor accepted. One who intends to perform Hajj or 'Umrah should make sure that his or her intention is for Allah's pleasure and not for any material or worldly gain, like trade, showing off, fame and so on. One should also choose the company of the righteous in making Hajj, for the company of the unrighteous or negligent has caused the ruin of many a Hajj. It is necessary that one who intends Hajj or 'Umrah learn as much about these rites as he or she can before setting out, in order to avoid unnecessary confusion and acts which could ruin these rites.
Types of Hajj
The way in which the pilgrimage to Makkah can be performed and the regulations governing its rites vary according to where the pilgrim lives or whether one intends to make 'Umrah along with Hajj or whether one wants to offer an animal sacrifice or not. These variations have been traditionally grouped into three categories and referred to as the three types of Hajj: Hajj Ifraad, Hajj Qiraan and Hajj Tamattu'. Any one of these three methods, if performed according to their regulations without doing any actions which invalidate them, fulfill the compulsory Islamic requirement of Hajj once in a lifetime. The three permissible kinds of Hajj with the rules and regulations governing each of them are as follows:
Hajj Ifraad (Isolated Hajj)
This refers to Hajj performed by itself without 'Umrah and the pilgrim performing this type of Hajj is called a Mufrid. Such a pilgrim is required to enter the state of Ihraam with the intention of doing Hajj only.
Regulations concerning Ifraad
1. Although the Mufrid may offer an animal sacrifice if he wants to, he is under no obligation to do so.
2. If a pilgrim who has made intentions of Hajj Ifraad, performs 'Umrah during the months of Hajj (Shawwaal, Dhul-Qa'dah and Dhul-Hijjah) prior to the beginning of the Hajj rites proper (the eighth of Dhul-Hijjah), he is no longer considered Mufrid. He must now shift to one of the other two types of Hajj combine 'Umrah along with them and their regulations must instead be followed.
3. ..On arrival in Makkah the Mufrid is required to make Tawaaf (circling) of the Ka'bah known as Tawaaf al-Qudoom (the arrival circuit).
4. ..This is the only type of Hajj allowed for those living within the boundaries from which Ihraam is put on. These boundaries are known as Meeqaat.
Hajj Qiraan (Accompanied Hajj)
This is Hajj combined with 'Umrah without coming out of Ihraam, and the pilgrim performing this type of Hajj is known as a Qaarin. The Qaarin should enter the state of Ihraam with the intention of performing 'Umrah and Hajj together.
Regulations concerning Qiraan.
1. For Hajj Qiraan, the 'Umrah has to be done within the months of Hajj (Shawwaal, Dhul-Qa'dah and the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah) and completed before beginning the rites of Hajj.
2. The Qaarin should clip his hair after 'Umrah instead of shaving it.
3. The Qaarin is not allowed to come out of the Ihraam no matter how long the period between his 'Umrah and Hajj may be.
4. The Tawaaf made for 'Umrah takes the place of Tawaaf al-Qudoom.
5. The Qaarin must sacrifice the animal which he brought along with him from the boundaries known as the Meeqaat.
6. Hajj Qiraan can only be performed by those living outside the Meeqaat. The proof for that is Allah's statement: This concession is only for those whose homes are not near the sacred mosque. (2:196)
Hajj Tamattu' (Enjoyable Hajj)
'Umrah is also combined with Hajj under this type; however, a new Ihraam is made for the Hajj. The pilgrim performing this type of Hajj is known as a Mutamatti'. The name Tamattu was chosen because the Mutamatti' is allowed to come out of Ihraam after the completion of his 'Umrah, and enjoy all the pleasures, which were allowable prior to Ihraam, including sex.
Regulations Concerning Tamattu'
1. The 'Umrah has to be within the months of Hajj and must be completed before beginning the rites of Hajj.
2. The Mutamatti' should clip his hair instead of shaving it to come out of his state of Ihraam.
3. After completing 'Umrah, the pilgrim making Hajj Tamattu' must come out of his or her state of Ihraam.
4. After coming out of the Ihraam of 'Umrah, the Mutamatti' is allowed to do everything that was permitted before going into the state of Ihraam.
5. The Mutamatti' is obliged to offer an animal sacrifice, but if he is unable to do so, he is required to fast for ten days according to Allah's statement: But if someone can not afford a sacrifice, he can fast three days during Hajj and seven days after returning home. That is ten days in all. (2:196)
6. The Tawaaf made for 'Umrah takes the place of the arrival Tawaaf (Tawaaf al-Qudoom).
7. Hajj Tamattu', like Qiraan, is only to be done by those living outside the Meeqaat.
Meeqaat
A Meeqaat is a fixed place beyond which it is not permissible for a pilgrim (of Hajj or 'Umrah) to proceed towards Makkah without making Ihraam (putting on the garments and making the intention). There are five such Meeqaats surrounding Makkah.
(a) Dhul Hulayfah - This Meeqaat is now known as Aabaar 'Alee (the wells of 'Alee) and it is situated about a mile and a half outside of Madeenah. It is for the people coming from the direction of Madeenah and its vicinity from the north and it is also the farthest Meeqaat from Makkah (approx. 750 km.).
(b) Dhaatu 'Irq - This is the designated Meeqaat for the people coming from the direction of Iraq. It is about 42 miles from Makkah.
(c) Al-Juhfah - Today Al-Juhfah is an abandoned village north west of Makkah near the town of Raabigh on the Makkah - Madeenah road. Consequently, people coming from Syria and its direction begin their Ihraam for Hajj and 'Umrah from Raabigh.
(d) Qarn al-Manaazil - This Meeqaat is now called as-Sayl and it was set for the people of Najd and the East. It is situated just outside of Taaif.
(e) Yalamlam - Yalamlam is the Meeqaat designated for people coming from Yemen and its direction (south). It is about 30 miles south of Makkah. These Meeqaats have all been fixed by statements of the Prophet(SAW) which are recorded in Hadeeth collected by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim. They were set by the Prophet (SAW) for people living in particular areas outside of their boundaries, however, a pilgrim may use any Meeqaat he or she wishes. For those living within the boundaries of the Haram, their Meeqaat for Hajj is their houses. But, if they intend to perform 'Umrah, they have to go outside the boundaries of the Haram in order to enter the state of Ihraam.
A pilgrim intending Hajj or 'Umrah who reaches these Meeqaats or extensions of them by land, by air, or by sea, must enter the state of Ihraam. The Prophet saw said, They (the Meeqaats) are for whoever comes to them intending Hajj or 'Umrah, other than those living within them. Hence, it is better for those coming by air to bathe before riding the plane, unless there is an in-transit stop on the way where this can be done. When the Meeqaat is neared, the garments of Ihraam should then be put on and the intention made. However, the clothes for Ihraam may also be put on from one's house and the intention made later when the Meeqaat is neared or crossed. It should be noted that Jeddah is not a Meeqaat, and thus Ihraam can not be made from there by those coming into the country in planes, ships or cars. One should put on Ihraam on the plane or before boarding the plane. If one made Ihraam from Jeddah, he is required to go back outside of the nearest Meeqaat and make Ihraam again or else he will have to sacrifice an animal in Makkah to make up for the mistake.
As for businessmen or others not intending Hajj or 'Umrah, Ihraam is not necessary for travelling in and out of the Haram area. This is confirmed by the fact that when the Prophet and his followers entered Makkah in the 8th year as conquerors, no one wore Ihraam. As for those living within the Meeqaats, they make their Ihraam for Hajj from their houses, but they are required to go out of the Haram if they intend to make 'Umrah, based on the Prophet's command to 'Aa'eshah's brother, Abdur Rahmaan, to take her out of the Haram boundaries and let her make Ihraam from there. (People commonly go to Tan'eem, which is where 'Aa'eshah(R.A) went, but anywhere outside of the boundaries of the Haram is sufficient.) Her 'Umrah at this point after Hajj was due to her inability to do so before Hajj because of menstruation. It should be noted that neither the Prophet nor his companions made 'Umrah after Hajj, as is the popular practice among people now.
There are three types of ihram and they are as follows:
Tamattu`: At or before reaching the miqat (the place where one must enter ihram), the person enters into ihram for `Umrah only. He performs `Umrah first, then goes out of ihram until 8 Dhul- Hijjah, when he or she enters into ihram again for Hajj. This is the most common type for people from outside of Saudi Arabia.
Qiran: The person enters into ihram for both `Umrah and Hajj, and does not go out of ihram until the Day of Sacrifice (`Eid Al-Adha) at Mina. In this type of Hajj, the pilgrim has to stick to the restrictions of ihram for a longer period of time.
Ifrad: The person enters into ihram only for the Hajj and takes it off only on the Day of Sacrifice.
If a person puts on ihram with the intention of performing whatever Allah has prescribed for him without specifying any of the three kinds due to lack of knowledge, his ihram is considered to be lawful and valid.
Scholars have said: "If such a person utters Talbiyah like others with the intention of performing the rituals (of Hajj), but says nothing verbally, nor forms an intention in his heart, nor specifies whether it is tamattu', ifrad, or qiran Hajj that he intends, his pilgrimage would still be valid, and he will be reckoned to have made one of the three kinds of Hajj.
Du'aas (Prayers) of Travel
When one begins the journey by being seated in his or her means of transportation (whether animal, car, airplane, boat, etc.), it is recommended that Allah's name be mentioned. The Prophet had advised that any affair not begun with Allah's name is deficient (of its full blessings)
The traveler should then say Allahu Akbar (Allah is the greatest) three times, followed by the following Qur'anic Du'aa which the Prophet said on journeys:
Subhaanalladhee sakhkhara lanaa haadhaa wa maa kunnaa lahoo muqrineen wa innaa ilaa rabbinaa lamunqaliboon.
Glory be to the One who subdued this (vehicle) for us, for we were unable to subdue it. And verily we will return to our Lord. (43:13-14)
Upon completion of the previous du'aa the traveler is also recommended to add the following Prophetic Du'aa for travelling:
Allahumma inni as'aluka fee safari haadhaa al-birra wat-taq-waa wa minal-'amal maa tardaa.
O Allah! Verily, I ask of You in this journey of mine righteousness and piety, and the type of conduct which will please you).
Allahumma hawwin alaynaa safaranaa haadhaa watwi 'annaa bu'dah
Oh Allah! Make this journey of ours easy for us and make its distance short
Allahumma antas-Saahibu fis-safar wal-khaleefatu fil-ahl
O Allah! You are the most important travel companion and representative for the household.
Allahumma innee a'oodhu bika min wa'thaa as-safar wa ka'aabatil- mandhar wa sooil-munqalab fil-maali wal-ahl.
Oh Allah! Verily, I seek refuge in you from the hardship of the journey and depressing sights and bad fate in my wealth and family.
The traveler for Hajj or 'Umrah should also occupy his mind and faculties of speech with righteous thoughts, words, and deeds. He should be careful to make all of his Salaahs in Jamaa'ah (congregation) and to do righteous deeds for his travel companions as well as all whom he meets. He should also avoid loose or lewd congregations, Haraam conversations
The Holy Prophet of Islam (S.A.W.) stated: Everyone who wants the world and the hereafter should perform hajj rituals.
The prophet of God (S.A.W.) looked at the strings of camels taking Hajis to the pilgrimage of God's House and said: They don't take steps unless it is taken as a good deed, they don't take steps unless it vanishes a sin of them. And when they finish their ceremony of Hajj, they will be told: "You have made a building, don't destroy it. Your sins are forgiven. From now on, do good deeds."
Imam Hussain ibn Ali (R.A) says: Shake hands with Hajis and the people whom have performed the Hajj rituals and Umrah and salute them before they make sin.
As with the sawm (fasting), exceptions are made for those who are physically or financially unable to fulfill this obligation, and one is actually commanded not to make the hajj if to do so would cause hardship for his or her family. However, those unable to go themselves may fulfill their obligation by sending someone in their stead.
The hajj is commanded in the Qur'an - "And pilgrimage to the House is a duty unto God for mankind, for him who can find the way thither" (3:97) - and its rites were established by Muhammad, but Muslim tradition dates it back to Adam and Abraham, who were instructed by angels in the performance of the rites. The hajj was one of the last public acts of worship performed by Muhammad before his death.
"Hajj" means literally "to set out for a place". For a Muslim, that place is the Holy City of Makkah.
brahim abandons Haajar and Ishmael
The Holy Qur'an tells us that the Prophet Ibrahim was given the task of leading mankind.
And remember that Ibrahim
Was tried by His Lord
With certain Commands
Which he fulfilled:
He said: "I will make thee
An Imam to the Nations."
Prophet Ibrahim was ordered to go Makkah. When he reached Makkah, he was commanded by Allah to abandon his second wife, Haajar, and his first-born son Ishmael in this barren, rocky, uninhabited valley.
O our Lord! I have made
Some of my offspring to dwell
In a valley without cultivation,
By The Sacred House;
In order, O our Lord, that they
May establish regular Prayer:
So fill the hearts of some
Among men with love towards them,
And feed them with Fruits
So that they may give thanks.
S 14.37
The Prophet Ibrahim builds the Kaaba and performs Hajj .
The rites of the Hajj were laid down by Allah to mark historic events in the life of Prophet Ibrahim, which show his absolute and total submission to the will of Allah. Allah commanded the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), on one of his visits to see Haajar and Ishmael, to build the House of God (the Holy Kaaba). With the help of his son Ishmael, Ibrahim built the House of God on the ground where the Kaaba stands to this day.
The Archangel Gabriel brought from Paradise a stone, known as the Black Stone (Al-Hajar Al-Aswad), which was set into one corner of the Kaaba.
Behold! We gave the site
To Ibrahim, of the (Sacred) House,
(Saying): "Associate not anything
(In worship) with Me;
And sanctify My House
For those who compass it round
Or stand up
Or bow, or prostrate themselves
(Therein in prayer).
"And proclaim the Pilgrimage
Among men: they will come
To thee 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 benefits (provided ) for them,
And celebrate the name
Of God, through the Days
Appointed, over the cattle
Which He has provided for them
(For sacrifice): then eat ye
Thereof and feed the distressed
Ones in want.
"Then let them complete
The rites prescribed
For them, perform their vows,
And (again) circumambulate
The Ancient House."
Surah Al Hajj 22: 26 - 29
Soon Haajar's meager provisions of dates and water were exhausted and both mother and child became thirsty. Seeing the suffering of her son, Haajar became desperate to find water. She ran to the hill of Safa but found nothing. She then ran to the hill of Marwah. But again she was disappointed. Seven times she ran between the two hills. Suddenly, close to where Ishmael lay, water sprang from the earth by the command of Allah. This source of water was to become known as the well of Zamzam.
The first House (of worship)
Appointed for men was that at Bakka (Makkah)
Full of blessing
And of guidance
For all kinds of beings.
S.3: 96
The starting point for the circumambulation of the Holy Kaaba is where Ibrahim, by the command of Allah, placed the Black Stone in the eastern corner of the Kaaba.
In order to complete the upper part of the walls of the Kaaba, Ibrahim stood upon a large stone block which he moved along when each section was completed. When the Kaaba was finished, the large stone block was left outside the Kaaba, close to the eastern wall of the sanctuary. It became known as the Maqam Ibrahim (the station of Ibrahim).
As constructed by Ibrahim and his son, the Kaaba was a roofless, rectangular building, with two doors at ground level for access and with a semi-circular back wall.
Each year, Ibrahim returned to Makkah to perform the Hajj.
The Prophet Ibrahim builds the Kaaba and performs Hajj
After Ibrahim
The Hajj is a pilgrimage to Mecca (Makkah). It is currently the largest annual pilgrimage in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a moral obligation that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so. The Hajj is a demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people, and their submission to Allah (God). The pilgrimage occurs from the 7th to 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. Because the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar used in the Western world, the Gregorian date of the Hajj changes from year to year. In 2007, the Hajj was from December 17–21; in 2008 from December 6–10, and in 2009 will be November 25–29. Ihram is the name given to the special state in which Muslims live whilst on the pilgrimage.
Preparation for Hajj or 'Umrah
If a Muslim has decided to go for Hajj or 'Umrah, it is recommended that he should record all of his debts and have them witnessed so that in case he dies during the journey, they can be paid from his inheritance. He should sincerely repent for all of his sins in compliance with Allah's command: Repent, all of you, to Allah, O Believers, that perhaps you may be successful. (24:31) It should be noted that sincere repentance involves three principles. First, remorse and sadness should be felt for the sins committed in the past. Secondly, one must stop committing such crimes against oneself and Allah. And, thirdly, a firm intention to not return to such sins in the future must be undertaken. If any of these principles are deleted, repentance becomes an unacceptable, meaningless ritual in which the one repenting is deluded into believing that he can fool Allah. If one who intends Hajj has in his possession the property or wealth of others which he has illegally obtained, he should return such properties before setting out. The wealth which is to be used for 'Umrah or Hajj should come from Halaal (permissible) sources, because the Prophet said: Verily, Allah is Good and only accepts the good. In Islam, the ends do not justify the means. The use of Haraam (forbidden) methods to make Hajj means will destroy the Hajj and make it devoid of any blessings. Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet said: If a man sets out with filthy earnings, places his foot in the stirrup (of his riding animal) and calls out: Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk (I hear your call and am coming. Oh Allah, I hear your call) - a caller will call from the heavens, You do not hear the call and you will not be pleased. Your provisions are Haraam and your earnings are Haraam and your Hajj is not blessed nor accepted. One who intends to perform Hajj or 'Umrah should make sure that his or her intention is for Allah's pleasure and not for any material or worldly gain, like trade, showing off, fame and so on. One should also choose the company of the righteous in making Hajj, for the company of the unrighteous or negligent has caused the ruin of many a Hajj. It is necessary that one who intends Hajj or 'Umrah learn as much about these rites as he or she can before setting out, in order to avoid unnecessary confusion and acts which could ruin these rites.
Types of Hajj
The way in which the pilgrimage to Makkah can be performed and the regulations governing its rites vary according to where the pilgrim lives or whether one intends to make 'Umrah along with Hajj or whether one wants to offer an animal sacrifice or not. These variations have been traditionally grouped into three categories and referred to as the three types of Hajj: Hajj Ifraad, Hajj Qiraan and Hajj Tamattu'. Any one of these three methods, if performed according to their regulations without doing any actions which invalidate them, fulfill the compulsory Islamic requirement of Hajj once in a lifetime. The three permissible kinds of Hajj with the rules and regulations governing each of them are as follows:
Hajj Ifraad (Isolated Hajj)
This refers to Hajj performed by itself without 'Umrah and the pilgrim performing this type of Hajj is called a Mufrid. Such a pilgrim is required to enter the state of Ihraam with the intention of doing Hajj only.
Regulations concerning Ifraad
1. Although the Mufrid may offer an animal sacrifice if he wants to, he is under no obligation to do so.
2. If a pilgrim who has made intentions of Hajj Ifraad, performs 'Umrah during the months of Hajj (Shawwaal, Dhul-Qa'dah and Dhul-Hijjah) prior to the beginning of the Hajj rites proper (the eighth of Dhul-Hijjah), he is no longer considered Mufrid. He must now shift to one of the other two types of Hajj combine 'Umrah along with them and their regulations must instead be followed.
3. ..On arrival in Makkah the Mufrid is required to make Tawaaf (circling) of the Ka'bah known as Tawaaf al-Qudoom (the arrival circuit).
4. ..This is the only type of Hajj allowed for those living within the boundaries from which Ihraam is put on. These boundaries are known as Meeqaat.
Hajj Qiraan (Accompanied Hajj)
This is Hajj combined with 'Umrah without coming out of Ihraam, and the pilgrim performing this type of Hajj is known as a Qaarin. The Qaarin should enter the state of Ihraam with the intention of performing 'Umrah and Hajj together.
Regulations concerning Qiraan.
1. For Hajj Qiraan, the 'Umrah has to be done within the months of Hajj (Shawwaal, Dhul-Qa'dah and the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah) and completed before beginning the rites of Hajj.
2. The Qaarin should clip his hair after 'Umrah instead of shaving it.
3. The Qaarin is not allowed to come out of the Ihraam no matter how long the period between his 'Umrah and Hajj may be.
4. The Tawaaf made for 'Umrah takes the place of Tawaaf al-Qudoom.
5. The Qaarin must sacrifice the animal which he brought along with him from the boundaries known as the Meeqaat.
6. Hajj Qiraan can only be performed by those living outside the Meeqaat. The proof for that is Allah's statement: This concession is only for those whose homes are not near the sacred mosque. (2:196)
Hajj Tamattu' (Enjoyable Hajj)
'Umrah is also combined with Hajj under this type; however, a new Ihraam is made for the Hajj. The pilgrim performing this type of Hajj is known as a Mutamatti'. The name Tamattu was chosen because the Mutamatti' is allowed to come out of Ihraam after the completion of his 'Umrah, and enjoy all the pleasures, which were allowable prior to Ihraam, including sex.
Regulations Concerning Tamattu'
1. The 'Umrah has to be within the months of Hajj and must be completed before beginning the rites of Hajj.
2. The Mutamatti' should clip his hair instead of shaving it to come out of his state of Ihraam.
3. After completing 'Umrah, the pilgrim making Hajj Tamattu' must come out of his or her state of Ihraam.
4. After coming out of the Ihraam of 'Umrah, the Mutamatti' is allowed to do everything that was permitted before going into the state of Ihraam.
5. The Mutamatti' is obliged to offer an animal sacrifice, but if he is unable to do so, he is required to fast for ten days according to Allah's statement: But if someone can not afford a sacrifice, he can fast three days during Hajj and seven days after returning home. That is ten days in all. (2:196)
6. The Tawaaf made for 'Umrah takes the place of the arrival Tawaaf (Tawaaf al-Qudoom).
7. Hajj Tamattu', like Qiraan, is only to be done by those living outside the Meeqaat.
Meeqaat
A Meeqaat is a fixed place beyond which it is not permissible for a pilgrim (of Hajj or 'Umrah) to proceed towards Makkah without making Ihraam (putting on the garments and making the intention). There are five such Meeqaats surrounding Makkah.
(a) Dhul Hulayfah - This Meeqaat is now known as Aabaar 'Alee (the wells of 'Alee) and it is situated about a mile and a half outside of Madeenah. It is for the people coming from the direction of Madeenah and its vicinity from the north and it is also the farthest Meeqaat from Makkah (approx. 750 km.).
(b) Dhaatu 'Irq - This is the designated Meeqaat for the people coming from the direction of Iraq. It is about 42 miles from Makkah.
(c) Al-Juhfah - Today Al-Juhfah is an abandoned village north west of Makkah near the town of Raabigh on the Makkah - Madeenah road. Consequently, people coming from Syria and its direction begin their Ihraam for Hajj and 'Umrah from Raabigh.
(d) Qarn al-Manaazil - This Meeqaat is now called as-Sayl and it was set for the people of Najd and the East. It is situated just outside of Taaif.
(e) Yalamlam - Yalamlam is the Meeqaat designated for people coming from Yemen and its direction (south). It is about 30 miles south of Makkah. These Meeqaats have all been fixed by statements of the Prophet(SAW) which are recorded in Hadeeth collected by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim. They were set by the Prophet (SAW) for people living in particular areas outside of their boundaries, however, a pilgrim may use any Meeqaat he or she wishes. For those living within the boundaries of the Haram, their Meeqaat for Hajj is their houses. But, if they intend to perform 'Umrah, they have to go outside the boundaries of the Haram in order to enter the state of Ihraam.
A pilgrim intending Hajj or 'Umrah who reaches these Meeqaats or extensions of them by land, by air, or by sea, must enter the state of Ihraam. The Prophet saw said, They (the Meeqaats) are for whoever comes to them intending Hajj or 'Umrah, other than those living within them. Hence, it is better for those coming by air to bathe before riding the plane, unless there is an in-transit stop on the way where this can be done. When the Meeqaat is neared, the garments of Ihraam should then be put on and the intention made. However, the clothes for Ihraam may also be put on from one's house and the intention made later when the Meeqaat is neared or crossed. It should be noted that Jeddah is not a Meeqaat, and thus Ihraam can not be made from there by those coming into the country in planes, ships or cars. One should put on Ihraam on the plane or before boarding the plane. If one made Ihraam from Jeddah, he is required to go back outside of the nearest Meeqaat and make Ihraam again or else he will have to sacrifice an animal in Makkah to make up for the mistake.
As for businessmen or others not intending Hajj or 'Umrah, Ihraam is not necessary for travelling in and out of the Haram area. This is confirmed by the fact that when the Prophet and his followers entered Makkah in the 8th year as conquerors, no one wore Ihraam. As for those living within the Meeqaats, they make their Ihraam for Hajj from their houses, but they are required to go out of the Haram if they intend to make 'Umrah, based on the Prophet's command to 'Aa'eshah's brother, Abdur Rahmaan, to take her out of the Haram boundaries and let her make Ihraam from there. (People commonly go to Tan'eem, which is where 'Aa'eshah(R.A) went, but anywhere outside of the boundaries of the Haram is sufficient.) Her 'Umrah at this point after Hajj was due to her inability to do so before Hajj because of menstruation. It should be noted that neither the Prophet nor his companions made 'Umrah after Hajj, as is the popular practice among people now.
There are three types of ihram and they are as follows:
Tamattu`: At or before reaching the miqat (the place where one must enter ihram), the person enters into ihram for `Umrah only. He performs `Umrah first, then goes out of ihram until 8 Dhul- Hijjah, when he or she enters into ihram again for Hajj. This is the most common type for people from outside of Saudi Arabia.
Qiran: The person enters into ihram for both `Umrah and Hajj, and does not go out of ihram until the Day of Sacrifice (`Eid Al-Adha) at Mina. In this type of Hajj, the pilgrim has to stick to the restrictions of ihram for a longer period of time.
Ifrad: The person enters into ihram only for the Hajj and takes it off only on the Day of Sacrifice.
If a person puts on ihram with the intention of performing whatever Allah has prescribed for him without specifying any of the three kinds due to lack of knowledge, his ihram is considered to be lawful and valid.
Scholars have said: "If such a person utters Talbiyah like others with the intention of performing the rituals (of Hajj), but says nothing verbally, nor forms an intention in his heart, nor specifies whether it is tamattu', ifrad, or qiran Hajj that he intends, his pilgrimage would still be valid, and he will be reckoned to have made one of the three kinds of Hajj.
Du'aas (Prayers) of Travel
When one begins the journey by being seated in his or her means of transportation (whether animal, car, airplane, boat, etc.), it is recommended that Allah's name be mentioned. The Prophet had advised that any affair not begun with Allah's name is deficient (of its full blessings)
The traveler should then say Allahu Akbar (Allah is the greatest) three times, followed by the following Qur'anic Du'aa which the Prophet said on journeys:
Subhaanalladhee sakhkhara lanaa haadhaa wa maa kunnaa lahoo muqrineen wa innaa ilaa rabbinaa lamunqaliboon.
Glory be to the One who subdued this (vehicle) for us, for we were unable to subdue it. And verily we will return to our Lord. (43:13-14)
Upon completion of the previous du'aa the traveler is also recommended to add the following Prophetic Du'aa for travelling:
Allahumma inni as'aluka fee safari haadhaa al-birra wat-taq-waa wa minal-'amal maa tardaa.
O Allah! Verily, I ask of You in this journey of mine righteousness and piety, and the type of conduct which will please you).
Allahumma hawwin alaynaa safaranaa haadhaa watwi 'annaa bu'dah
Oh Allah! Make this journey of ours easy for us and make its distance short
Allahumma antas-Saahibu fis-safar wal-khaleefatu fil-ahl
O Allah! You are the most important travel companion and representative for the household.
Allahumma innee a'oodhu bika min wa'thaa as-safar wa ka'aabatil- mandhar wa sooil-munqalab fil-maali wal-ahl.
Oh Allah! Verily, I seek refuge in you from the hardship of the journey and depressing sights and bad fate in my wealth and family.
The traveler for Hajj or 'Umrah should also occupy his mind and faculties of speech with righteous thoughts, words, and deeds. He should be careful to make all of his Salaahs in Jamaa'ah (congregation) and to do righteous deeds for his travel companions as well as all whom he meets. He should also avoid loose or lewd congregations, Haraam conversations
The Holy Prophet of Islam (S.A.W.) stated: Everyone who wants the world and the hereafter should perform hajj rituals.
The prophet of God (S.A.W.) looked at the strings of camels taking Hajis to the pilgrimage of God's House and said: They don't take steps unless it is taken as a good deed, they don't take steps unless it vanishes a sin of them. And when they finish their ceremony of Hajj, they will be told: "You have made a building, don't destroy it. Your sins are forgiven. From now on, do good deeds."
Imam Hussain ibn Ali (R.A) says: Shake hands with Hajis and the people whom have performed the Hajj rituals and Umrah and salute them before they make sin.
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