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Introduction of the author: I have had
the honor of knowing Dr Talib ul Haq for many years and consider his
association as a blessing from Allaah
 for me.
Whatever I
write about him in this very brief introduction, he will be the first to
acknowledge also that it is all from the Divine Favor of our Almighty
Creator and the grace of His
beloved Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa
 .
The depth of knowledge of the Holy Qur-aan that has been gifted to him
is profound. The love he has been bestowed with for the beloved of
Allaah
Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa
the only Divinely appointed interpreter of the Holy Qur-aan and the one
who taught us all how to put it into practice through his Sunnah, is
probably the most moving force in his life. He is also one of those very
few highly fortunate individuals who are invited by the Owner of the
holy Ka’bah Shareef and His beloved Muhammad Mustafa
to have
preformed and continues to perform the Hajj repeatedly and consecutively
every year for many years.
This advice
from him which we are reproducing I consider vital and timely for all of
us who intend to perform the auspicious duty of Hajj of the House of
Allaah
.
For millions of us, performance of Hajj is once in our lifetime only. As
such it is so important that we get it right (which is to perform it
strictly in accordance with the Sunnah of the beloved of Allaah Hadrat
Muhammad Mustafa
).
It should be obvious to us all who will read Dr Talib ul Haq’s advice
the deviations and innovations are dangerous for our Aakhirah. May
Allaah Ta’aalaa give us Taqwa and through that the courage to withstand
all pressures to deviate and attain Hajj Mabroor, InshaAllaah Ta’aalaa.
Aameen.
Muhammad Akhtar
'Ali, 'Ufia Anh,
Ameer of Daar-ul-Ehsaan USA
Performance of HAJJ "Mabroor"
Surah (Al-A'raaf), 7-3: “Follow what has been sent down
unto you from your Rabb and do not follow any ‘auliya’ (patrons)
besides ALLAAH, little do you pay heed”.
BE SUCCESSFUL; FOLLOW THE WAY RASOOL ALLAAH
performed his Hajj, that is HIS SUNNAH.
The purpose of this writing is to identify and describe the deviations
that have crept into the way/manner in which the Hajj is being performed
now a days; the way and manner in which the Rasool Allaah
performed his Hajj and how the deviations found their way in.
ONE WAY IS TO CALL WHAT HE
SAID
TO BE HIS
SUNNAH, THE FACT IS WHAT HE
SAID
IS CALLED HADEETH. WHAT HE
DID
IS SUNNAH. PLEASE KEEP THIS IN MIND.
(1) THE NECESSITY OF FOLLOWING (ittebaa') the Rasool Allaah
.
In every raka’at of their Salaat Muslims pray to Allaah
to guide
them on the established path (Sirat ul Mustaqeem) as they recite Surah
Fatehah. The reality is Allaah
has
already ordained this for anyone who is sincerely willing to and tries
his/her best to follow/walk in the footsteps (ittebaa') of HIS Rasool
.
Because in many, many aayaahs of Qur-aan Allaah
states and testifies Himself that the Rasool Allaah
is
on the established path and says and does ONLY what is revealed to him
from his Rabb.
Some of these aayaahs are quoted here to show the necessity of following
in the footsteps of the Rasool Allaah
in
all things, to be successful. And there are no exceptions to this.
Surah (Ya Seen), 36:3, 36:4 and 36:15 “Verily, you indeed are one of
my messengers on the established path (Sirat ul Mustaqeem) By what is
being bestowed upon you”.
Surah (An–Najm), 53:3: “Nor does he speak/say of (his own) desire.
Surah (An–Najm) 53:4: (that which he conveys to you) is but revelation (Wahi)
with which he is inspired”.
Surah (Al–A’raaf), 7:203: “. . . Say, I but follow (ittebaa') what is
revealed (Wahi) to me from my Rabb. This Qur-aan is nothing but (clear)
evidence from your Rabb, and a guidance and a mercy (Rahmah) for the
people who believe.
Surah (Yunus), 10:15: "Say, it is not for me to change it (The Qur-aan –
Allaah’s message) on my own accord, I only follow (ittebaa') that which
is revealed (Wahi) to me. Verily, I fear the torment of an awesome day".
Surah (Al-Qasas), 28:49: “… Say, bring/produce then another guidance
from Allaah
than
these two (Qur-aan, Tora) that I may follow it, if you are truthful . .
."
Surah (Al-Anbiya), 21:45: “Say, I warn (nazr) you only by the
revelation (Wahi) but the deaf will not listen to the warning when they
hear it”.
Surah (Al-Ahzab), 33:21: “Indeed, in the Rasool of Allaah
you
have the best example to follow him (ittebaa') who hopes for (meeting
with) Allaah and the last day, and remembers Allaah much”.
In the light of the above FACTS / TRUTHS Muslims are enjoined –
Surah (Al-Nisa), 4:80: “He who obeys (Taa’a) the Rasool
, has
indeed obeyed Allaah
”.
Surah (Al-Imraan), 3:31: “Say, if you (really) love Allaah then follow
(ittebaa') me, Allaah
will
love you and forgive you your sins. And HE is oft forgiving and
merciful”.
AND THE HADEETH: Any act ('aml) not (performed) in my ittebaa'
(in my footsteps) IS NOT acceptable to Allaah
.
In this regard it also has to be remembered that Muslims have by
reciting the Shahaadah in Salaat or otherwise made and make covenant
with Allaah
– “we
hear and we obey”.
(2)- COVENANT MADE WITH ALLAAH
:
Surah (Al-Maidah), 5:7: “And remember Allaah’s Great Favor (Na’ma)
to you and His covenant with which HE bound you
when you said ‘we
hear we obey’. Be just, which is close to your testimony (taqwa).
And testify to the Truth of Allaah (by fulfilling your pledge)”.
Surah (Al-Baqarah), 2:285: “…. The Rasool
believes in what has been sent down to him from his Rabb and so do the
believers and they say we hear and we obey, (Ta’a) and seek
Your
forgiveness, our Rabb, to You is our return”.
And Allaah (SWT) reminds the believers about this –
Surah (Al-Maidah), 5:1: “O, you who believe! Fulfill (your) pledge(s)”.
HADEETH: None of you can claim to be a believer
unless one subordinates one’s wishes to the way I have brought.
In view of the above it would be shocking that any Muslim would think of
performing his/her Hajj in a way / manner different from the way the
Rasool Allaah
performed his Hajj which he was taught by Allaah
as
before him Hadrat Ibrahim
was taught when after finishing the reconstruction of Ka'bah with his
son Hadrat Ismael
per order of Allaah
,
prayed to Allaah
to
teach him/them the “manasik” of Hajj – how to perform the Hajj.
Surah (Al-Baqarah), 2:128: “Our Rabb make us submit unto You and rasied
from our
offspring a nation submitting unto You, and show us our “manasik” and
accept our repentance. Truly, You are the one Who accepts repentance,
the most merciful”.
Surah (Al-Baqarah), 2:129: “Our Rabb! Send amongst them (the progeny of
Ismael) a Rasool who shall recite to them Your Aayaahs and instruct them
to the Book and al-hikmah and purify them. Verily, You are the Almighty
(Al 'Azeez), the All Wise (Al Hakeem)”.
(This "dua" was for the advent of the Rasool Allaah
).
The Muslims then are to perform their Hajj in the ittebaa' (foot steps of)
of the two Rasools of Allaah
– the
Khaleelullah Hadrat Ibrahim
and Rasool Allaah
.
This is reflected in several aayaahs.
Surah (An-Nahl), 16:123: “Then WE have sent the revelation (Wahi) to you
– follow (ittebaa') the
Deen of Ibrahim –
Hanif
,
and he was not of the mushrikoon”.
Surah (Al-Imraan), 3:95: “Say Allaah has spoken the Truth, follow (ittebaa')
the DEEN of Ibrahim
staunchly (Hanifa), and he was not of mushrikeen”.
Surah (Al-Baqarah), 2:130: “And who can turn away from the DEEN of
Ibrahim
except he who befools himself”.
Surah (Al-Hajj), 22:78: “(Islaam) It is the DEEN of your father Ibrahim
.
It is HE who has named you Muslims both before and in this (Qur-aan)
….”.
Yet in spite of all the guidance and requirements from Allaah
there
are those who are following “Auliya'” other than HIM and performing
their Hajj much differently than the Rasool Allaah
did
and taught.
In this regard it is essential to inform the reader that details of how
to perform their Hajj (day by day, step by step, action by action) are
NOT given in the Qur-aan. The Qur-aan contains ONLY 35 Aayaahs ON THE
WHOLE SUBJECT of HAJJ. And these address various aspects of Hajj and
mention only a few “areas” essential to its performance.
All the DETAILS of how to perform the Hajj were taught by the Rasool
Allaah
openly and clearly to his companions who were with him on his (only)
Hajj – the farewell Hajj – in words and example of practice. The Sahabah
(May Allaah Ta'aalaa be pleased with them all) learned these “manasik” and faithfully performed them and passed this
detailed information faithfully to the coming generation(s) which is
recorded and readily available.
In this regard it is to be noted that there is no disagreement about the
way/manner in which the Rasool Allaah
performed his (own) Hajj. And there is no evidence that after his
departure, for quite some time many Muslims performed Hajj in ways
different than that taught by the Rasool Allaah
.
How the deviations from his way of performing Hajj came about will be
shown later when a brief account of the Rasool Allaah’s
Hajj
is given. Prior to this it is essential to address other aspects of Hajj
given in the Qur-aan which constitute the under pinnings of this Grand
obligation.
(3)- Hajj – An Obligation to Allaah
Surah (Al-Imran), 3:97: “…. And Hajj to the HOUSE (Ka'bah) is a duty
that mankind (naas) owes to Allaah
;
those who can afford the expense (of the journey): and whoever
disbelieves (then) Allaah stands NOT in the need of any of the alimeen.
(See also 2:196, 2:197, 22:27).
(4)- "Mindset" and Attitude required for Hajj.
This constitutes three elements – Taqwa, belonging to Allaah
ONLY
and honoring and respecting aayaahs and Hurumaat of Allaah during
performance of Hajj. A total of seven aayaahs address these three
elements.
(4-A)- TAQWA
Surah (Al- Baqarah), 2:197: "…. And take a provision for the journey,
but the best provision is Taqwa. So testify to Me, O men of
understanding".
Surah (Al-Baqarah), 2:203: “And remember Allaah
during the appointed days. But whosoever hastens to leave in two days,
there is no sin on him, and whosoever stays longer there is no sin on
him provided he testifies (to the Truth) of Allaah (TAQWA). Hence
testify to Allaah
and
know that you surely will be gathered unto HIM".
Surah (Al-HAJJ), 22:32: “Thus it is, whosoever honors the symbols of
Allaah (Shaairullah), then it is truly from the testimony (TAQWA) within
his heart".
Surah (Al-HAJJ), 22:37: “It is neither their meat nor their blood that
reaches Allaah
, but
it is the testimony (TAQWA) from your heart that reaches HIM.
(4-B)- Belonging to Allaah
only.
Surah (Al-Hajj), 22:26: “And (remember) when WE showed Ibrahim
the site of the (sacred) House (Ka'bah) saying: Associate not anything
with ME, and sanctify My House for those who go around it (tawaf), and
those who stand up, and those who bow, and make prostration".
Surah (Al-Hajj), 22:31: “Worshipping NONE but Allaah (Hanafa Lillah),
not associating partners with Him
".
(4-C)- Honoring and Respecting the signs and sacred things of
ALLAAH
.
Surah (Al-Hajj), 22:30: “That, whoever honors the sacred
things/commandments (Hurumaat of Allaah), then that is better for him
with his Rabb
”.
“Shun, then, the evil of idolatory and shun every word that is false.
Surah (Al-Hajj), 22:32 AND 22:37 see above under (4-a).
It should be noted that Taqwa is not only in its own right a
prerequisite mindset for HAJJ but it is also included as part of other
two elements. It is therefore instructive to learn the EXACT
meanings/sense of Taqwa. This is clearly and without ambiguity given in
the Qur-aan.
(4-D)- Meaning of TAQWA
In two contrasting aayaahs in the Qur-aan Allaah
makes
the meaning of this word – mentioned repeatedly in the Qur-aan – clear
as daylight.
Surah (Zumr), 39:32: “Then who does greater injustice than the one who
utters a lie against Allaah and denies the Truth (sidq) when it comes to
him. Is not hell the abode for all who deny (the Truth)”.
Surah (Zumr), 39:33: “And he who brought the Truth (sidq) and those who
bore testimony to the truth are the Muttaqeen
(they posses Taqwa)”.
This then is the definition of TAQWA given by Allaah
Himself. He
further shows what the end would be of those who possess TAQWA genuinely
and those who are hypocritical about it.
Surah (Al-Ahzab), 33:24: “That He may reward those who testify to the
Truth of their testimony, and punish those who are hypocritical (in this
matter)”.
(5)- TAQWA And HAJJ
The Haji thus needs to go to Hajj with the mindset and Commitment to
Testify to the Truth by words and acts of all the ordained rites and
requirements of Hajj, perform them for Allaah
ONLY and perform them with genuine respect in the manner that
the Rasool Allaah
performed them and before him Hadrat Ibrahim
.
Any deviation from the ittebaa'a (literal meaning following in the
footsteps) of Rasool Allaah
in
the performance of Hajj will reduce it to just performance of certain
rituals. Anyone going to Hajj taking/having the spirit of TAQWA in his/her
heart will not and can not but perform his/her Hajj in the ittebaa' of
his/her Rasool
and
will not follow “Auliya”, other than Allaah
.
HAJIS, THE CHOICE IS YOURS!
(6)- Blessings of Hajj And Importance of Ka'bah.
Only Allaah
Knows
ALL the Blessings, Muslims know only that which are mentioned in the
Qur-aan and what the Rasool Allaah
said
about them. From these sources it becomes obvious that they are
intertwined. And accordingly are being shown under one “title”.
Surah (Al-Imran), 3:96: “Verily, the first House (of worship)
appointed for guidance (huda) for Al-Alimin (universe)”.
Surah (Al-Baqarah), 2:125: “And when (your) Rabb made the House a place
of a resort for mankind and a place of safety
(Sanctuary), take then the place (Muqam) of Ibrahim as a place for
prayer (during Hajj and/or umra) ….”.
Surah (Al-Imran), 3:97: “In it (Ka'bah) are manifest signs (aayaat), the
“Muqam” (place) of Ibrahim, whosoever enters it, attains Security (amna)”.
Surah (Al-Maidah), 5:97: “Allaah
has made
the Ka'bah, the Sacred House (Bait –ul Haram), an asylum of Security and
benefits (spiritual) for mankind, and also
the sacred months and the animals of offering garlanded, that you may
know that Allaah has Knowledge of all that is in the heavens and all
that is in the earth, and that Allaah
is
All-Knower of each and everything”.
Surah (Hajj), 22:28: “That they may witness things that are of benefit
to them, and remember / mention the name of Allaah
on
appointed days over the cattle that HE
has provided for them ….”.
Muslims also come to learn about the blessings of Hajj and the
Ka'bah from Ahadeeth of the Rasool Allaah
. It
is strongly recommended that the readers avail themselves of these –
which are readily available. However, a few are listed here. In general,
it is during Hajj that Allaah
out
of His limitless mercy (Rahmah) has provided most “Occasions” and at
most locations/places to accept “du’aa” of Muslims.
1- When a Muslim sights the Ka'bah the first time – Keep this in
mind and “decide” what you want to ask for. The Rasool Allaah
when
asked this question responded “AKHIRAH”.
2- During the tawaf of Ka'bah – du'aa in addition to praise of
Allaah .
3- After the tawaf – after offering two raka'at of required prayers.
4- At the “multazim” (wall of Ka'bah between “Hajr Aswad” and the door
of the Ka'bah).
5- In “Hateem” under the golden “water spout” of Ka'bah (where water
would fall after rain from roof of Ka'bah).
6- Inside the Ka'bah which includes the open area attached to the Ka'bah
structure (Haji can go in there but not inside Ka'bah).
7- Near the Well of Zam Zam – not accessible any more .
8- When drinking Zam Zam water – containers are all around.
9- On the mounts of Safa and Marwah during the “Sa’i”, (Hajis walks from
Safa to Marwah and back to Safa to do it again).
10- While running between Safa and Marwah at the designated place
(between green lights on wall) men run, ladies walk fast).
11- In the plain of Arafat – between 'Asr and Maghrib.
12- In the plain of “Muzdalifah” after Fajr prayers before departing
from Muzdalifah – for Muna.
13- In Muna on 11th and 12th of Dzilhijjah after pebbling the
“small” and “medium” Shaitaan. And during the day and night in Muna.
14- After performing the “farewell Tawaf” which
is
the last act of the Haji
before leaving
Mecca.
15- The Rasool Allaah
also
said that just a look at Ka'bah has 40 rewards.
16- He also said – a Salaat at Ka'bah (Masjid ul Haram) is equal to
100,000 Salaat in blessings and rewards.
17- The best Hajj is the one in which "Talbiyyah" is recited the most
and animals are slaughtered in large numbers. When the Hajis recites the
Talbiyyah, Allaah
responds and all the creatures from East to West say “Ameen”.
18- And that whoever “kisses the “Hajr Aswad” (the black stone) it
will testify on the day of judgment on his/her behalf.
Many, many more blessings are mentioned – all of them can not be
mentioned here – these are readily available for reading. There is no
other occasion which matches the blessings of being at the Ka'bah and
Hajj. To receive these blessings “ittebaa'” of the
Rasool Allaah
faithfully, is a must.
(7)-
HOW THE RASOOL ALLAAH
PERFORMED HIS HAJJ AND HOW AND WHERE DEVIATIONS CREPT INTO IT.
His performance of Hajj is given here in brief – for complete details
refer to the readily available references. Those WHICH SIMPLY DESCRIBE
HIS HAJJ WITHOUT (additional) writer’s (own) thoughts and views.
In the following brief description, aayaat of Qur-aan which directly
or indirectly address a given part of Hajj are quoted and where the
Qur-aan is silent will be noted. And where a deviation is introduced it
will be identified and the rationalizations given for it will be
included.
1- The months of Hajj are mentioned but not identified by names in the
Qur-aan.
Surah (Al-Baqarah), 2:197: “the months of Hajj are well known ….”.
Surah (At-Taubah), 9:36: “ Verily, the number of months with Allaah
is
twelve, so, it was ordained by Allaah on the Day when He created the
heavens and the earth, of them four are sacred ….”.
The Qur-aan does not say about the date on which Hajj begins – which
is 8th of Dzilhijjah after Fajr Salaat or the place where it starts -
which is Muna.
Rasool Allaah
put his
Ihram at Zulhalafa a location about 5 miles outside Medina – which is
the “meeqaat” for Hajis coming from Medina – and made his niyyah for
performing Hajj.
The Qur-aan does not clearly indicate how long is the stay in Muna
and what one does there. The Rasool Allaah
stayed
in Muna about 24 hours – leaving it after performing the Fajr salaat –
the Zuhr salaat, the 'Asr salaat, the Maghrib salaat, and the 'Isha
salaat on the 8th of Dzilhijjah and the Fajr salaat of the 9th. And in
Muna he spent his time in quiet contemplation.
The day in Muna is called the day of Contemplation (Yaum Tarwiah).
It is said Hadrat Ibrahim
spent this day in quiet contemplation.
The point is that this day should not be spent in socializing with other
Hajis, in social chit chat – it should be spent in thinking about the rest of the Hajj days to
come, about your TAQWA (as Allaah has defined) that you have brought (or
not brought) with you to Hajj – to testify sincerely to the Truth of all
“things” to be performed. And how this shall change the past life style,
InshaAllaah.
(4)- On the 9th of Dzilhijjah the Rasool Allaah
departed
from Muna for 'Arafat after sunrise. Upon arrival he stayed in a tent
that he had ordered, in the Valley of 'Arafat. There he praised Allaah
(SWT) until Zawal. Then proceeded to another location in the Valley
where now Masjid Nimra is. There he gave a Khutbah. In this well known
Khutbah he cautioned the Ummah NOT to engage in a number of behaviors –
which (much of the) Ummah is now engaging in. Then he led the companions
in Zuhr and Asr prayers together “in the shortened mode” with one Azaan
and two (separate) Iqamas. He offered the Zuhr Salaat SILENTLY. This is
important to NOTE because that year 9th Dzilhijjah was on FRIDAY. And
the Friday prayer is not offered silently, i.e. Friday Salaat was not
offered – only Zuhr and 'Asr, together/combined were offered.
After prayers he engaged in praise of Allaah
until the
time of 'Asr. Then he came out, stood under the sky and asked Allaah
for
forgiveness for Muslim Ummah until Maghrib. And he was given the glad
tidings of forgiveness except for ONE class of persons.
He stayed in 'Arafat until AFTER Maghrib
then departed for Muzdalafah without offering Maghrib Salaat in 'Arafat.
The Holy Qur-aan has two aayaat about 'Arafat which do not give any of
the above information.
Surah (Al-Baqarah), 2:199: “Then depart from the place from where
all the people depart and ask Allaah
for His
forgiveness. Verily, Allaah
is all
forgiving most merciful.
(In this regard NOTE that prior to Islaam the Quraish did not go to
'Arafat because 'Arafat lies outside the boundaries of Haram and sent
every one else there. Islaam made it mandatory for ALL Hajis to go to
'Arafat. The Rasool Allaah
said
'Arafat IS HAJJ).
Surah (Al-Baqarah), 2:198: “…. Then when you leave 'Arafat then remember
Allaah at the “mashar il Haram” (this is a mount in Muzdalafah). And
remember HIM as He Has GUIDED (Huda) you (to do this in the ittebaa' of
Rasool Allaah
, and
verily, you were before (this) of those that did not know”.
(5)-
Muzdalafah: After 'Arafat this is the next destination
for the 'Ibaadah of the Hajis. They arrive here during the night of 9th
and 10th Dzilhijjah. And stay here until after the Fajr Salaat on the
morning of 10th Dzilhijjah.
The Rasool Allaah
arrived
here at night and immediately offered Maghrib and 'Isha
together/combined with one Azaan and two Iqamas. The 'Isha Salaat was
shortened. No Sunnah or Witr were offered. Then the Rasool Allaah
rested
and slept for a while. He
woke up
at the time of Tahajjud but did not offer Tahajjud. Seven pebbles to be
thrown at the “Big” Shaitaan were collected.
The Rasool Allaah
led the
Fajr Salaat on time but earlier than usual when it was still dark. After
the Salaat he stood up near the “mashar il Haram” and prayed to Allaah
for forgiveness of the Muslim Ummah until sunrise – and the Sahabah saw
him SMILE. When queried he said Allaah
has
forgiven today the group of persons which He did not yesterday – the
“Zalim”. Sahabah congratulated him and rejoiced at the good news.
This time of (DU'AA) Prayers (after early Salaat Fajr till sunrise)
is called “Wuqoof Muzdalafah” – and is the time when prayers (Du'as) are
answered, repentance accepted and Allaah’s Rahmah bestowed – a period
of time which SHOULD NOT BE SKIPPED.
The aayat that mentions “Muzdalafah” (not by this name) is aayat
number 198 of Surah Al-Baqarah 2:198, referenced under 'Arafat above.
TO BE NOTED:
The FIRST DEVIATION in the performance of Hajj from that of Rasool
Allaah’s
(Hajj) starts at Muzdalafah.
Hajis are told they CAN LEAVE Muzdalafah DURING the night. They are
told that as soon
as they arrive to offer the Maghrib and 'Isha Salaat together (this is what
the
Rasool Allaah
did), collect the pebbles to pelt the Shaitaan and leave
Muzdalafah for Muna – and that there is no need to wait until Fajr Salaat and “wuquf
Muzdalafah” are offered. Rationalizations given for this deviation are
all “religious,” convenience, and expediency based.
The religious rationalization is derived from an event that took place.
One of the Zauj (wives) of Rasool Allaah
– Lady Sawda
Radiallahu Ta'aalaa 'Anhaa requested him to
allow her to leave Muzdelafah earlier as she finds it difficult to keep up
with the “Qafila” (caravan). The Rasool Allaah
sent children and elderly
persons of Abdul Muttalib i.e. his EHLE-BAIT early and instructed
them NOT to pebble the “big” Shaitaan in Muna, until the sun has
risen. To wait if they arrive there before sunrise to do this.
Hadrat Ibn Abbas Radiallahu Ta'aalaa 'Anhu was to (and did) accompany this group of Rasool Allaah’s
FAMILY MEMBERS. And this well known event is related by him.
(It must be noted that no other person on Hajj with Rasool Allaah
left Muzdalafah earlier than he did even when many (if not all 124,000)
came to know of this early departure of the party. There is no recorded
evidence of this to have taken place.
But the innovators simply tell the Hajji – Rasool Allaah
ALLOWED
Ladies to leave early and of course they have to travel with their Mahrams
so they are also told to go with them too to Muna, early. They call this (his
permission) TO BE HIS SUNNAH.
The Hajis then are enticed to do this in another way if they balk at this
by being told that:
(a) When they arrive early – before others – there will be no crowds there
at the Shaitaan and they can pebble the devil in safety. (And of course,
Allaah
does not require people to put their lives in harms way).
(b) Further, when they finish pebbling early they can go to Mecca before
others and can offer/perform the Tawaf and Sa’i (of Hajj) before the
crowds.
When (some) Hajis balk at these conveniences and expediencies they are
told if they stay in Muzdalafah until sunrise they are on their own – no
buses, transportation will be provided – to take them from place to place.
A lot of Hajis cave in and follow the deviation.
(6)- In Muna at the “Big” Shaitaan – 10th of
Dzilhijjah.
Following in the steps of the Rasool Allaah
Hajis begin to arrive at the
“Big” Shaitaan after sunrise on 10th of Dzilhijjah. When Rasool Allaah
arrived there he told the Sahabah –Learn the “Manasik” of Hajj (how to
perform Hajj) from me for I may not be with you on the next Hajj. He
taught them by word (HADEETH) and example (SUNNAH) the “manasik,” of
that and the rest of the days of Hajj.
He
first pebbled the “Big” Shaitaan. Then he sacrificed animals that he
had brought with him FOR Allaah
. Third, he had his head
shaved
and instructed to distribute the hair among the Sahabah (which was done) [Shaving (or cutting) the hair removes the condition of Ahram]. And then he
proceeded to Mecca and did his Tawaf and Sa’i of Hajj.
This is the sequence of 'Ibadah he
performed, as did those who were with him. This sequence – from act 2 to
4 – is given in the Qur-aan – which he followed as he always did (as
emphasized in the early part of this writing). This sequence is given in
the following Two Aayaat of Surah Al
Hajj.
Surah (Al-Hajj), 22:28; “That they may witness things that are of benefit to
them; and mention the Name of Allaah on appointed days, over the beasts
of cattle that HE has provided for them. (SACRIFICE of animals) ….”.
i.e. perform the sacrifice.
Surah (Al-Hajj), 22:29: “There after, let them bring to an end their state
of Ahram , remove dirt and soil and let them fulfill the vows they have
made, and let them walk around (Tawaf) the Ancient HOUSE.
And Allaah (SWT) describes obedience to the order of
'ibadah given above as follows:
Surah (Al-Hajj), 22:30: “It is (so)
whoever honors Allaah’s
Sacred
(things) Commandments, then that is better for him with his Rabb …. (so)
shun, then the evil of idolatrous beliefs and practices, and every word
that is false and untrue”.
Surah (Al-Hajj), 22:32: “Thus it is,
and whoever honors the “symbols”
of Allaah (Sha’er illah)
then it is truly from their heartfelt
testimony (Taqwa) …. see definition of Taqwa given earlier in
Surah (Az-Zumar),
39:2 and 39:3.
However, serious deviation(s) have been introduced into the divinely
sequenced “'ibadah” – the “manasik of Hajj” – of the 10th. It is touted
that it is not necessary to follow the sequence established by Allaah
–
refer to Surah (Al-Hajj), 22:28, 22:29 – followed by HIS Rasool
. The
touted deviations are derived from two incidents. Two (different) Sahabah
separately came to the Rasool Allaah
and said they did
NOT KNOW
the required sequence of “manasik” of 10th and sacrificed their animal
before pebbling the “Big “ Shaitaan. The third Sahabi said
he Forgot
the established sequence (of “'ibadah”) and performed his tawaf (of Hajj) out
of sequence. To each of them the Rasool Allaah
said – “La Haraj”
no strain
- (your) Hajj is not strained. (because of your MISTAKE)
NOTE: that
if these Sahabah
were not concerned
about NOT KEEPING the sequence intact they would not have come to Rasool
Allaah to tell him what they had done.
Please remember that the words
SPOKEN BY THE RASOOL Allaah
to them
WERE NOT HIS WORDS. He
said only what was revealed (WAHI) to him by his Rabb to say. (see Surah An-Najm,
53:3 and 53:4 referred earlier). In this context also
NOTE: Surah (An-Nisa),
4:64: “WE Sent no Rasool
, but to be obeyed (Ta’a) by Allaah’s leave. If
they when they have wronged themselves, come to you and asked Allaah’s
forgiveness, and, the Rasool
asked HIS forgiveness for them, they would
have found Allaah oft forgiving and merciful”.
But the proponents of the deviation from the required Sequence use Rasool Allaah’s
response – words (to the repentant) to argue that by these
words Rasool Allaah
gave open/clear permission to perform the four
“manasik” of the 10th in any sequence one wants. Several serious points
arise here.
If the deviators are correct then it would mean Rasool Allaah
gave
two different messages/instructions vis-à-vis the “manasik” of Hajj on 10th of
Dzilhijjah; follow Allaah
and follow me,
OR do as
you please in the matter of the sequence of 'Ibadah on this day (the 10th,
called day of sacrifice / yaum Nahr) and that BOTH ARE OK.
Firstly the question is: can “Sirat ul Mustaqeem” which is the
established way of Allaah
as showed by
His Rasool
in openly practicing Allaah’s DEEN be constituted of mixed and different
messages and instructions about performance of promulgated “'ibadah” of
Hajj
Of course NOT. And if this was as the
deviators state then would this not provide bases for confusion,
disunity and controversy in the Ummah? Secondly Aayaat Surah
(Al-Hajj) 22:30 and 22:32 (quoted earlier) clearly state and indicate the
significance of honoring Allaah’s Commandments as evidence of TAQWA of the
heart – (true heartfelt testimony by
action of the Truth of HIS Commandments) as Rasool Allaah
the one and
only Imam of the Muslim ummah demonstrated in the performance of his Hajj.
One honors not only the injunctions (as Truth) but the ONE who gave it.
And not obeying the Commandment shows disrespect of both the
Promulgator and the Commandment.
The promoters of the deviation argue that they
are acting upon the
words of the Rasool Allaah
so what is the issue then. However,
the actuality
is that these promoters are acting upon the Fatwa of some Fatwa givers
who derived their position from the the words spoken by Rasool Allaah
in two incidents.
They assigned their “Meanings”
to his
words and off they went. The promoters and advocates are following the
meanings assigned by the Fatwa givers. Any of the other Sahabah (124,000 or
one hundred and twenty four thousand of them) who were
there, on location
and on the spot, did not assign the SAME meaning to Rasool Allaah’s
words as the Fatwa makers and did not go off to perform their Manasik in the
order they pleased. They followed in the footsteps of the Rasool
Allaah
demonstrating (the strength of) their TAQWA
may Allaah
be pleased with them all. There is no
evidence they did otherwise.
The third, and the most troublesome and the worst part of this deviation is the
attempt to convert mistaken behavior of three persons into a general rule
which is supposed to apply to the whole Ummah to observe and follow
consciously, willingly and willfully, course of actions which turn Allaah’s Commandments and the Practice of HIS Rasool
on its head
a
disrespect of the grossest kind.
The bottom lines in this matter are these
which are to be remembered in performing all the “manasik” of Hajj and umras.
Surah (Al-Ara’f), 7:3: “Follow what has been sent down unto you from your
Rabb and DO NOT follow any “auliya” beside Allaah, little do you pay
heed”.
Surah (Al-Anfal), 8:20: “O, you who believe, obey (Ta’a) Allaah
and his Rasool
, and turn not (your face) away from him now that you hear (HIS
message/commandments).
HADEETH: "Any act ('aml) NOT (performed) in my "itteba''" is not acceptable
to Allaah
".
HADEETH: "None of you can claim to be a believer unless one subordinates
one's desires to the way I have brought"
Please NOTE: here that all of these deviations are proposed in the
guise of making the Hajj easy for the Hajis appealing to their desires.
BACK TO MUNA:
After performing the last of the four “manasik” of the 10th of
Dzilhijjah i.e. Tawaf and Sa’i (of his Hajj-e-Qiran) in Mecca, the Rasool Allaah
and the Sahabah returned to Muna. Here
the Rasool Allaah
and most
of the Sahabah stayed for three days (11th, 12th and 13th). And some
departed on the 12th after pebbling the three Shiateen [as permitted by
Allaah
].
The Aayaat about this are referred to below. (2-203)
These days are called “Ayyam e Tashriq”. During these days Hajis
have two “activities” to engage in. Praise Allaah
and pray to HIM.
Surah (Al-BAQARAH), 2:203: “And remember Allaah
during the appointed days. But whosoever hastens to leave in two days
(i.e. on the twelfth), there is no sin on him and whosoever stays on,
there is no sin on him, if his aim is to testify to the truth of Allaah
(TAQWA) and Know that you will surely be gathered unto HIM”
Surah (Al-BAQARAH), 2:201: “And of them there are those who say, [Our
Rabb
give us in the world the best (Islaam) and in the hereafter that which is
the best (according to hadeeth this is “Rida” of Allaah), and save us from
the torment of fire”.
And saying the Takbir offer each Salaat.
The other activity is pebbling the three Shiateen (with seven pebbles for
each of them). Note that Qur-aan does not mention this at all. The Rasool
Allaah
taught this and showed how and assigned the timings for this “'aml”.
From Zawal to Maghrib for the strong and able bodied. And from after
Maghrib to before Salaat ul Fajr for the ladies, weak and children. He also
allowed “pebbling by proxy” i.e. for someone (weak, ladies, children) to
have someone else do the pebbling for them. And as mentioned earlier,
prayers after pebbling the “small” and “medium” Shaitaan are accepted by
Allaah.
NOTE that deviations and innovations have been introduced regarding the
timings for pebbling instituted by the Rasool Allaah
.
Hajis are constantly told they can pebble the Shiateen twenty four
hours during the day or night which many of them act upon. Rasool
Allaah
and his Sahabah pebbled during the designated periods of time and did
not disrespect Allaah's
commandments.
See what Surah (Al-Anfal) 8:20
says. "O, you who believe, obey (Taa'a) Allaah
and His Rasool
, and turn not
(your faces) away from him now that you hear (His message and
commandments)".
On the thirteenth of Dzilhijjah the Rasool Allaah
after pebbling the Shiateen departed from Muna and performed the last requirement of Hajj – Tawaf
ul wida'. This he did at about the time of Tahajjud on the 14th of Dzilhijjah
before leaving Mecca.
Innovators are now touting the Hajis that one can perform Tawaf ul wida'
earlier when one goes to Mecca to perform the Tawaf and Sa’i for
Hajj (on
the 10th, 11th, or 12th before sunset). Two “plans” are presented to do
this. (1)- They instruct Hajis to make two separate niyyahs before starting
the tawaf. One for tawaf of Hajj and the other for tawaf ul wida'. Then do
just one tawaf and this will cover both niyyahs. And many are doing this
for the sake of convenience and ease – you figure this out. (2)- This
group does not agree with the first one and says you do two tawafs one
after the other (with niyyah for each of them. And then perform the Sa’i).
Many are happy to do this. NOTE: The Rasool Allaah
performed his tawaf
ul wida'
after his “final” departure from Muna and left Mecca after his tawaf e
wida' – which completed all the manasik of Hajj, as Allaah
had ordained
to him and Hadrat Ibrahim
to perform.
Dear Hajis
NOTE: What
can and will happen when the divinely ordained sequence of "manasik" is
abandoned/not followed.
1) By going directly to Mecca from Muzdalafa without performing the "Manasik"
in Muna one will perform the tawaf of Hajj in the state of Ihram. The Rasool
Allaah was out of state of Ihram when he performed the tawaf of
Hajj.
2) By cutting or shaving head hair before pebbling the
Shiateen and/sacrificing animal one would perform these (two) manasik out
of the state of Ihram. The Rasool Allaah
preformed them in the state
of Ihram.
Would such actions and behaviors demonstrate and
manifest Taqwa, love for Allaah
and respect and honor for
Allaah's
Rasool
in the hearts which Allaah ordained to bring to perform Hajj for Him and Him only.
Haji, do the Right Thing. This is your Hajj. Do not spoil it.
May Allaah
grant
His acceptance of our Du’as to keep
us on Sirat
ul Mustaqeem. Ameen.
NOTE: The above writing was done with Surah (Al-Baqarah), 2:159 in mind.
Surah (Al-Baqarah), 2:159: “Those who withhold the clear proofs, evidences,
and the guidance, which WE have sent down, after WE have made it clear for
mankind in the BOOK (Qur-aan), they are the ones cursed by Allaah (La’an)
and whom all who can curse will curse.
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