Hajj, Pilgrimage

Proclaim to mankind the Hajj!!

By: Mohammad Jahangir Alam

 

                The Hajj (Arabic: حج) is a pilgrimage to Makkah. The pilgrimage occurs from the 8th to 12th day of Dhul hajjah, the 12th month of the Lunar Calendar. It is the largest annual pilgrimage in the world. It is the fifth pillar of Islam, an obligation that must be carried out at least once in a lifetime by every able-bodied  Muslim who can afford to do so. It is a demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people, and their submission to Allah. Allah, the Most High said in Holy Qur’an: “And proclaim to mankind the Hajj (Pilgrimage).” (Al-Hajj 22:27)

                Allah (SWA) also mentioned in His Book: “And Hajj (Pilgrimage) to the House (Ka’bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision  and residence); and whoever disbelieves (i.e. denies Hajj), then verily Allah is free and independent from the entire universe.” (Al-Imran 3:97)

                The Prophet (SAW) said: “Umrah is an expiation for the time between it and the previous Umrah, and an accepted Hajj has no less a reward than Paradise.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari) 

                There are three types of Hajj: (1) Qiraan (2) Ifraad  (3) Tamattu.

                Many islamic scholars consider Tamattu is the best type of Hajj for the one who didn’t bring a sacrificial animal with him/her. Prophet (SAW) also urged his companions to do so. One who is performing this type of Hajj is called Mutamatti.

                Conditions that make Hajj Fardh (Obligatory): (1) To be a Muslim (2) To be mentally fit (3) To be physically fit (4) Adulthood (5) Freedom (6)Financial ability  (7) Mahram (for female).

                Prohibition during the state of Ihraam : (1) Male must not wear sewn garments, underwear, gloves or socks.Their heads and faces must not be covered at any time. (2) To comb or groom the hair. (3) Clipping the nails. (4)Trim, shave or clip the hair of the body. (5) Quarelling and also using vulgar languages. (6) Using perfume, scent and fragnant soap, oil and toothpaste, etc. (7) Killing lice, removing it from the body. (8) Hunting of wildlife, chasing game or aiding a hunter in any way. (9) Intercourse with spouse and any actions that precede it like kissing.

                Things are permitted during the state of Ihraam: (1) To take a bath. (2) killing of wild dogs, crows, scorpions, flies, bugs, mosquitoes, cockroaches and wild animal that are harmful. (3) To rub the body gently but make sure no hair falls off the body. (4) To use a miswaak. (5) Unscented oil, soap, toothpaste, etc. (6) Eat flavored food. (7) To slaughter cattle, poultry, sheep and goats.

                The Rukns (pillars) of Hajj : (1)Assume Ihraam. (2) Standing on ‘Arafat. (3) Tawaaf Al-Ifaadah. (4) Sa’ee (walk between As-Safaa & Al-Marwah). [Remember: intentionally or unintentionally missing any of these pillars invalidates ones Hajj].

                The summarization of  5 days of Hajj At-Tamattu are described below:

1st Day (8th Dhul Hajjah), day of Tarwiyyah : (1) Assume Ihraam (2) Begins reciting Talbiyyah. (3) Go to Mina. (4) Pray 5 Salaat, start with Zohr {shortened but not joined}. (5) Stay at Mina until sunrise of 9th .

2nd Day (9th Dhul Hajjah), Day of  ‘Arafah: (1) After sunrise go to Arafat. (2) Join and shorten Zohr & ‘Asr at the time of Zohr. (3) Make much du’aa untill sunset. (4) Leave after sunset for Muzdalifa. (5) Pray Maghrib and Eshaa in Muzdalifa & spend night there. (6) Collect 70+ pebbles.

3rd Day (10th Dhul Hajjah), Day of Sacrifice: (1) Pray Fajr early as possible then go to Mina before sunrise. (2) Throw only 7 pebbles at Big Jamarah, saying :Allahu Akber each time. (3) Do Sacrifice (Kurbani). (4) Male pilgrims may either shorten the hair or completely shave it off. Female pilgrims cut their hair at the end about the length of a fingertip.

4th Day (11th Dhul Hajjah), Day of Tashreeq: (1) In afternoon throw 21 pebbles, 7 pebbles each at Small, Medium & Big Jamaraat. (2) Stay in Mina for night.

5th Day (12th Dhul Hajjah), Day of Tashreeq: (1) In afternoon throw 21 pebbles, 7 pebbles each at Small, Medium & Big Jamaraat. (2) Stay in Mina for night or leave before sunset.

                Remember, must perform the Farewell Tawaaf prior to leaving Makkah. This completes the Rites (Manaasik) of Hajj At-Tamattu. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Hajj wipes out whatever sins came before it.” (Sahih Muslim)

                May Allah (SWA) grant all an accepted Hajj (Hajj-E-Mabroor), the reward of which is nothing but Paradise. Ameen.

 

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