Islam

Hajj - The Absolute Surrender

Nafeela MUKTHAR

Every Muslim in his daily prayers, five times a day, pleads to Allah thus: "Oh God, shower thy blessings upon Muhammed (P.B.U.) and the followers of Muhammad (S.A.W.) as Thou didst shower thy blessings upon Ibrahim (Abraham) and the followers of Ibrahim. Behold, Thou art Praiseworthy, Glorious."

Why do the Muslims entreat to Allah to bless Ibrahim? We have to go back into history to understand why millions of physically fit, financially stable men and women clamour to reach the sanctuary of the Ka'ba - the House of God; built for the worship of One God by Ibrahim. The Ka'ba existed long before the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (S.A.W.). The significance lies in the very fact that Muhammad (S.A.W.) did not claim himself as the founder of Islam. For, long before him Ibrahim, Moses, Jesus and all other prophets had been proclaiming the worship of One God, till it was perfected by Muhammad (S.A.W.) Allah proclaims in the Quran; chapter 3 verse 96, "Verily the first House of worship appointed for mankind was that at Bekka (Mecca), full of blessing and a guidance for mankind."

When Hagar and her baby son Ismail were left in the scorching, sandy desert with only a bag of dates and a water filled skin which didn't last long, Hagar cried bitterly and implored, "Oh Lord of Mercy, have Mercy on us." Hagar was astonished. Behold! A fountain of water gushed over the sandy dunes! Mother's and child's thirst was quenched. Hagar heaped some earth round the spring and made a well. This eternal spring well-known as the Zam Zam well will flow, may be, till eternity. Ibrahim visited his wife and child till Ismail grew up to childhood. Prophet Ibrahim was commanded in a dream, by Allah to build a place of worship close to the well of Zam Zam. Ibrahim and his son amidst hardship and immense trials built the House of God. As they completed the temple built for the worship of One God, Ibrahim turned his face towards heaven and exclaimed earnestly, "Oh God, I am here at thy service. I surrender myself. Labbayke, Allahumma Labbayke."

This cube-like magnificent structure has been the goal of longing for millions of people for so many centuries. This Ka'ba or Qibla, is towards which countless pilgrims, after severing themselves from all worldly comforts, yearn to go. Amidst harsh weather conditions Prophet Ibrahim built this revered, simple structure with such love and faith for the worship of one God - the Rabbil Alameen. So Allah in His great mercy rewarded the great prophet by calling it Baithullah - His own house. Then Allah commanded Ibrahim thus, "And proclaim to mankind the Hajj. They will come to you on foot and every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant mountain highway" (Q: 22:27). "Here I am, Oh Allah, here I am. Verily all praise and all blessings are Thine and Thy sovereignty." This chanting by the pilgrims reverberates round the majestic Ka'ba. This is a response to the Call of Abraham commanded by Allah almost 5000 or more years ago. Historian Sir William Muir says of this time immemorial pilgrimage, "So extensive a homage must have had its beginning in an extremely remote age."

During the month of Hajj millions from every corner of the globe throng the sacred city of Mecca, to reach their goal - the Ka'ba. Yes, man leaves his much loved children, spouse, wealth and home embarks on an arduous journey to meet his Lord. For centuries man has been gravitating to this holy centre of worship. In the dazzling courtyard of the Haram, stands in all its majesty, the awe-inspiring Ka'ba - the ultimate goal!

The Ka'ba, the centre of the Islamic movement from remote times has been a direction of prayer for the entire Islamic world. It is a symbol of unity, an object of reverence and NOT an object of worship. On reaching the Holy City the pilgrim rushes to the Ka'ba, his whole being vibrating his love and intense devotion to the Lord of the Worlds. The near and dear ones left behind fade away, his soul tingles by the electricity of the Divine Presence. The atmosphere around the Ka'ba is filled with piety and sanctity. He has no fear for when seeking His pleasure he is the guest of God - Almighty.

The congregation of teeming millions from all corners of the globe in all humility, glorifying, weeping, calling out loudly, searching frantically for His Presence is one of the most soul inspiring experience in a man or woman's life! Shorn of all ostentation, clad in two unsown pieces of white cloth, that represents the shroud of the final journey to the Hereafter, surrenders himself to the One God. This simple attire of every pilgrim, be he from a rich country or a poor nation, reminds us that there should be no feelings of strangeness, no difference between races, but all are equal before God and man. The mass of humanity makes circuits or performs Tawaf round the Ka'ba seven times. They start the circumbulation, from the left, keeping the Ka'ba close to his heart! His souls yearns for the Divine Presence when he kisses the Black Stone called Hajarul Aswad. It is the corner stone which Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail placed and later the Prophet Muhammad helped to place when the Ka'ba was rebuilt.

The kissing of the monumental stone and the other rituals were the subject of wrong interpretations by many non-Muslims writers. It must be kept in mind, even the pre-Islamic tribes never worshipped the Ka'ba, but only the idols placed in it. Muslims worship NONE but Allah; the Ka'ba only symbolizes a unifying centre of direction towards which every Muslim turns to. Consider what the prominent historian Stanley Lane Poole says:" He (Muhammad), well knew the consolidating effect of forming a centre of direction to which his followers should gather, and hence he reassured the sanctity of the Black Stone. He ordained that everywhere, throughout the world, the Muslims should pray looking towards the Ka'ba and he enjoined them to make the pilgrimage thither."

It is obligatory on all Muslims who can afford the journey and are physically able, to perform Hajj at least once in a lifetime. Responsibilities to one's family or business are no excuse for exemption. One who really loves and has "takwa" in his heart will with pleasure and haste answer His summons. Doesn't Allah insist in the Quran; "Pilgrimage to the House (Ka'ba) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah". (Q: 3,97)

According to mystics the kissing of the Black Stone represents registration for the Great Interview in the black pages of the stone. This Ka'ba in the sacred mosque, The Masjidul Haram, is the meeting spot on earth where prayers never cease. On completing the seven circuits the pilgrim prays two 'rakats' behind the station of Ibrahim called the Makamum Ibrahim (Q: 2,125)

On completing the prayer, he drinks some water from the well of Zam Zam - the eternally flowing spring. Isn't it a miracle that this well in the courtyard of the Ka'ba never goes dry and has sustained the millions that visited the city every year for the last 5,000 years or so!

The pilgrim then proceeds to the mount Safa and descends to Mount Marwa, repeating the runs seven times. Finishing this he turns towards the Kaba lifts his hands and recites earnestly, "There is no deity save Allah".

According to Hadeeth and history, when Adam and Eve or Hawwa were expelled from the Gardens, Adam was said to have descended on to the Arabian plain; as Adam was Safiallah - the friend of Allah, the mount is known as Safa. Al Marwah gets its name from the root word 'Imra'- the woman, as Hawwa had descended on it. These rituals including the throwing of pebbles, to keep away the devil from temptation may look childish to the onlooker. Yes, it is the proof of absolute submission; without seeking any reasons, for the pleasure of Allah's love and guidance alone he submits to the Divine Command. These rituals are really meritorious, but the greatest piety is faith and self-surrender to God. In the Quran Allah questions: "Do you consider the providing of drinking water to the pilgrims and the maintenance of Al Masjidul Haram as equal to the worth of those who believe in Allah and the Last Day."

Allah also says in the Quran 2:177, "It is not righteousness to turn your faces towards east or west but its righteousness to believe in God and the Last Day." Thus we realise that behind these rituals there lies the supreme object of submission and remembrance of Allah and His Majesty.

At the completion of the supplications and acts of worship the pilgrim goes to the place called Mina on the day of 'Tarwiyah' (satisfying thirst), so called, because the pilgrims happen to give their riding camels water to drink. Here too the pilgrims listen to sermons, pray and seek Allah's pardon, favour and mercy.

On the ninth day all proceed to the vast desert plain of 'Arafat'. Here they pour out their hearts with the sole intention of feeling Allah's presence. This great assembly of humanity, clad in simple identical attire, irrespective of their worldly status unite as one great Brotherhood pleading for mercy, seeking Allah's guidance and acceptance of their Hajj. They come from East, West and the far off Poles. Here the distance becomes so remote.

There is no room for nationalism, no hereditary nobility, no class divisions but only true democracy and an opportunity for spiritual and social nourishment. This uniqueness in sharing the bond of faith is so overwhelming! It transcends all barriers of differences; divergences are annihilated too. As it implies, the pilgrimage is man's temporary suspension of worldly activities and his realisation of himself as a naked soul in the Presence of his Creator. It is for this reason I understand that Prophet Muhammad said: "Physical pilgrimage is a prelude to a spiritual pilgrimage towards God."

It is a pity, knowing all virtues of this supreme act, those who are bestowed with the required assets and health to perform Hajj do not hastily fulfill this obligation. By delaying they make themselves liable to much sorrow and poverty in later life. May Allah grant us all the desire to fulfill this supreme obligation towards Allah.

The apex of this pilgrimage, the fulfillment is at Arafat - the sacred plain. 'Arafat' means 'to know' in the Arabic language. Know what? He goes to plead on this vast courtyard under the blazing sun. After much contemplation and remorse has man come to know of himself? Has he realised that his happiness and peace is linked with the knowledge of God? Doesn't Allah say in the Quran, "We will show them our signs in the world and in themselves, that the Truth may be manifest to them."

Or is it because Adam and Eve after wandering for years came to know each other in this sandy desert? Allah knows best!

What an impressive mass of humanity pleading for His mercy in answer to His call. There can never be a League of Nations than the pious sea of humanity that comes annually. The spirit of equality and fraternity reaches its climax here. Has history got any parallel? This plain is close to the Jabal-ur-Rahman. It was from this mount that the Prophet S.A.W. addressed the vast assembly of nations during his farewell pilgrimage where he emphasised, "All men are children of Adam and Adam was from dust."

What a declaration of democracy! With faith brimming in his heart deciding to do a good Muslim, he remains at 'muzdalifa collects the necessary pebbles and prays and prays. You tremble at the highest manifestation of spiritual nourishment. It may be that the Prophet told Hazrat Ayesha that for women Haj and Umrah, where there is no fighting is the Jihad. Exhausted and cleansed the pilgrim performs the farewell pilgrimage where a sense of peace pervades his soul, then the pilgrims comes to the last of the pilgrimage where he is reminded of Prophet Abraham who didn't hesitate to sacrifice his beloved son for the Love of Allah. When sacrificing his animal, man must sacrifice all his baser instincts too and come forth as a man reborn. So we realise that Hajj is an experience, a lesson on how to prepare ourselves for a righteous life and for the Journey of Bliss in the Hereafter.

According to Hadith, the Prophet had said, "An accepted pilgrimage has got no reward except Paradise." May Allah grant every one of us an opportunity to perform Hajj the way He expects us to do.

Guidance and Instructions for Hajj pilgrims

M. ZULKIFLI NAZIM

Many people have written many things about this 5th Pillar of Islam - 'The performance of Hajj'. It is my sincere intention, in this article, to apprise you of the most important and profound meaning and understanding of each and every action in Hajj, commencing from the moment you take a shower before the donning of the 'Ihram' - the unsewn two pieces of cloth for males and the normal dress of females until you perform the Tawaful Ifaadhah - The testimony and farewell Tawaaf.

When you are taking a shower before donning the 'Ihram' you should have the intention of cleansing yourself from your wrongs, faults misdeeds and sins and your crimes and guilt.

Otherwise your taking a shower has not cleansed yourself at all.

When the appointed time and place came to change into 'Ihram' you should have the intention of stripping off the cloth (dress) of sins, wrongdoing, offensive attitudes and guilt and your disobedience and insubordination and put on the cloth of obedience, compliance, submission, surrender, submissiveness, allegiance, fidelity, fealty, loyalty, devotion and piety.

When you are stripping off your sewn clothes, you should have the intention of stripping and divesting yourself of self-praise and pride, hypocrisy, double-dealing, duplicity and your suspicions, doubt and uncertainty.

So, at the time of cleanliness and purgation and the wearing of 'Ihram' to be in a state of ritual consecration of a Pilgrim to perform Hajj you should have the intention of purifying yourself craving for the light of forgiveness from Allah with sincerity.

When you are wearing your 'Ihram' to be in a state of ritual consecration, you should have the intention of avoiding all that Allah has made 'Haraam', all that Allah has prohibited and all that which is inferior to Allah.

When you decided to go for the Hajj pilgrimage was it your intention to fulfill all your legal obligations for the sake of Allah?

If not, Neither have your cleansed yourself, nor have you worn your 'Ihram' and neither have you fulfilled your intention for the performance of Hajj.

Then when you enter the 'Meeqath' you keep your intention for 'Ziyarah' (the visit).

When you prayed your two 'Raka'aths' you should feel that you are close to Allah when you are performing your duty of prayer and that you are indulging in the highest form of worship.

When you enter the ''Haram Shareef' and when you behold the Majesty of the Ka'bah, you should perform your 'Salaah' (Prayer).

When you enter the ''Haram Shareef' you should have the intention that you will make it 'Haraam' for yourself to slander and back bite and speak ill of all the believers and all those who come under the Millat of Islam and humanity in general.

When you enter Makkah, you ingrain in your heart that your goal is Allah.

If not, That means , you have not entered the ''Haram Shareef', nor seen the Ka'bah nor have you performed your 'Salaah' (Prayer).

When you left the house, you should have a feeling to endeavour, and to toil for the excellence of the 'Arkaan' (Basic Elements) of Hajj. When at the time of you leaving the house and when you are on the move, you feel you should have the feeling that you are running towards Allah, Deserting everything worldly, and fleeing towards him and you realize that Allah is the one who is aware of everything hidden every secret thought.

If not, Neither have you left the house, nor did you have a feeling or the commitment for the commandment of Hajj and neither did you flee away from all that is worldly.

When you touch the black stone (or even on seeing the black stone), stayed at Maqaam Ibrahim and have prayed your two 'Raka'aths'.

O What a call If The entry into the 'Haram Shareef' does not give you the feeling of entering the brink of giving up the world, its adornments and its beauty! If When the 'Hajjr Aswad' (The Black Stone) was touched we do not have the feeling that we may probably be given the blessing of the feeling of the presence of Allah Ta'aala.

Your stay at the Maqam Ibrahim should have the intention of staying there in complete obedience, compliance, submissiveness, surrender, allegiance, devotion and piety., and to break all connection with your sinful past and wrongdoings.

When at the time you are keeping your 'Niyyath' (Intention) for the two 'Raka'aths' prayer at Maqam Ibrahim you should raise your voice in defiance of Shaithan

If not, Neither have you embraced the black stone, nor have you stayed at Maqam Ibrahim and neither have you performed your two Raka'aths Salaath.

You approach the well of 'Zam-Zam' and take of its drink it should be your intention to be straightforward, honourable in your submissions devotion and loyalty and be honest in seeking forgiveness and terminate your sins, wrongdoing forthwith. If not, Neither you approach the well with sincere intention and nor have you consumed the holy waters of 'Zam-Zam'.

When you perform your 'Sa'ee' (Labouring) between 'Safa' and 'Marwa' the running and walking, you should have in your heart fear of Allah and hope of the Hereafter when you are performing these actions. If not, then you have neither performed your 'Sa'ee' (Labouring), walked or even hesitated between 'Safa' and 'Marwa'.

When you go to 'Mina' you should have the intention that all mankind will be safe from your tongue, your heart and hand - If not, Then you have not entered 'Mina'. When you stop at the Plains of 'Arafaath' and you climb the Jabalur Rahmah and familiarize yourself with the valley of 'Namirah' and the summons from Allah Suhanahu wa tha'aalaa felt that you are near and that you are disposed and inclined towards the mountains and planes of Arafah.

When at the time of your stay at 'Arafah' you should have the feeling that it was from the knowledge of Allah and for the enjoining of good and acquiring knowledge and that you are in the grip of Allah and pleading from Him that you would discover your innerself, innermost thought and feelings.

When you are climbing the Mountain of 'Jabalur Rahmah', you beseech Allah to confer his Abundant Blessings on every Believer - male and female and agree to take up the responsibility in respect of every male and female as well as all of his creations.

When you are in the valley of 'Namirah' you keep your intention to the effect that whatever that has to be ordered that you will order and whatever that has to be restrained, prevented and deterred that you will restrain and prevent it.

If not - Then you have not tarried at Arafah; you have not climbed the Jabalur Rahmah, neither have you acquainted yourself with the 'Namirah', neither you feel any inclination, nor have you stayed in the valley of 'Namirah'.

While you are passing along, you pray two 'Raka'aths' before you proceeded and your walk to Muzdalifah and collecting of stones (Hissa) and you visit the Mash'aril 'Haraam'.

When you pray two 'Raka'aths' with the intention of giving thanks to Allah (Salaathu Shukr) on the 10th eve, you should take lightly the difficulties you encountered without complaint and find easy whatever you are doing is easy.

When you are moving with the people of the world, you should not feel that you are being not straight, that you should not be unjust to those on your left and your right, that you should not be unjust to the truth of Dheen ul Islam and that you will not use your tongue for unjust purposes and you will not be unjust to your neighbours.

When you are at Muzdalifah and you are picking up stones, you should have the intention that you will never ever indulge in any sin and all forms ignorance and that you will be courageous, resolute, steadfast and firm in your knowledge and all your actions.

When you are in 'Mash'aril Haram' you should have the intention that you will inform, notify and forewarn the people of 'Thaqwa' and the fear of Allah Almighty, and to abide in good character, good attitude and good behaviour.

Otherwise - Neither have you moved with the people, no prayed, nor did you go to Muzdalifah, neither did you pickup stones and neither did you visit Mash'aril 'Haraam'.

Then You will be staying in 'Mina' and stoning the Jamrath and then Shaving your head/clipping your hair, and sacrificed your Hadi (animal) and prayed at Masjidul Khaif, returned to Makkah and you performed your Thawaaful Ifaadhah.

When you are at 'Mina' and are stoning the Jamarath and you had reached your culmination of fulfillment of your wishes, you praise Allah and thank Him for having given you the opportunity for having fulfilled your 'Hajjath' (desires and objectives).

When you are stoning the Jamarath you should have in your heart the intention that Shaithan is your enemy. And that you will be disobedient to all the demands of your baser-self. When you are shaving your head and/or clipping your hair you should have the intention that you are cleansing yourself of all impurity, uncleanliness, dirt, filth, squalor, contamination and pollution.

And you take up the responsibility on yourself that you are the children of Adam, that you will absolve and cleanse yourself from, any misdeed, sin and crime the same way the father and mother of mankind cleansed themselves.

When you are in the Masjidul Khaif, you fear the wrath of Allah for all the misdeeds and sins you should have committed at the same time you feel that you can return to the Mercy of Allah.

When at the time you are involved in the symbolic slaughtering of the Hadi - the sacrificial animal, you should have the feeling that you will be cutting away your greediness, your avidity, lust, your animal self in the hope that you will never refrain from the truth and that you will grip the rope of Allah the rope of truth, piety, godliness, devoutness.

And you follow the 'sunnah' of Ibrahim A.S. Where he was ready to sacrifice his own son without hesitation and the result, the fruit of his actions was a sweet smelling, fragrant heart, where his desire was that the same benefit be reaped by those who come later and they will be closer to Allah as his Representative on earth..

Your return to Makkah, and your performance of the Tawaful Ifaadhah (Your Tawaaf of testimony). Your Unburdening yourself in the hope of the Blessings of Allah, and your return in obedience, your feeling of the sincere intimacy with Allah, and your performance of the obligatory duties - Do they make you feel that you are now closer to Allah?

If not, Then, neither have you tarried in 'Mina', nor have you stoned the Jumar, neither have you shaved your head/clipped your hair, nor performed your sacrifice. Your feelings have not been sincere, you have not prayed at Masjid-al-Khaif.

Neither have you performed the Thawaaful Ifaadhah and Nor are you closer to Allah.

Insha Allah, try to perform your Hajj as instructed above so that your will feel that your Hajj will be Hajj that could be classed as Hajjul Mabroor - An accepted, blessed, proper, a valid and sound Hajj.