achieving monotheism and sincerity to God Almighty
achieving monotheism and sincerity to God Almighty
God Almighty did not command Abraham, peace be upon him, to build the House except to achieve His Oneness, glory be to Him. This is clearly evident from the coupling of the command to build the House with the prohibition of polytheism and getting rid of its manifestations, as God Almighty said: {And remember when We assigned to Abraham the site of the House, saying, “Do not associate anything with Me and purify My House for those who go around it and those who stand and bow and prostrate.”} [Al-Hajj: 26].
Purifying the soul from reprehensible morals
Purifying the soul from reprehensible morals
Allah - the Almighty - has forbidden the pilgrim from obscenity, cursing, idle talk, argumentation and dispute, as He the Almighty said: {So whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein, there is no sexual relations nor wickedness nor disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do - Allah knows it} [Al-Baqarah: 197]. This is to magnify the obligation of Hajj on the one hand, and so that the Muslim gets used to staying away from such reprehensible morals after Hajj on the other hand; because they are reprehensible at all times and places.
Pointing out the importance of preparing for the afterlife
Pointing out the importance of preparing for the afterlife
God Almighty has warned the pilgrim who, when traveling, stocks up on worldly provisions to reach his destination safely, not to forget to stock up on provisions for the Hereafter. The best provision to stock up on when traveling to the Hereafter is fearing God Almighty, by doing acts of obedience and avoiding sins and bad deeds, as God Almighty said: {And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of God. And fear Me, O you of understanding.} [Al-Baqarah: 197].
Ibn al-Qayyim - may God have mercy on him - said: “He commanded the pilgrims to prepare provisions for their journey, and not to travel without provisions. Then he alerted them to the provisions for the journey of the Hereafter, which is piety. Just as the traveler does not reach his destination except with provisions that will take him there, so too the traveler to God Almighty and the Hereafter does not arrive except with provisions of piety. So he combined the two provisions.” (Igathat al-Lahfan min Masayid al-Shaytan: 1/58)
Encouraging the glorification of the symbols of God Almighty
Encouraging the glorification of the symbols of God Almighty
The rites of Allah are the apparent signs of His religion, His commands and prohibitions by which He has commanded us to worship Him. Magnifying these rites is a sign of the servant’s closeness to his Lord, and a clear proof of his piety. It is a great purpose of Hajj. When a Muslim gets used to Magnifying the rites of Allah, represented in the acts of Hajj, such as circumambulation, standing at Arafat, stoning the Jamarat, slaughtering the sacrificial animal, and others, this will instill in him the Magnification of Allah’s commands and piety at all times. Therefore, Allah, the Most High, said at the end of the discussion of the acts of Hajj: {That is so. And whoever honors the rites of Allah - indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.} [Al-Hajj: 32]
Balancing worldly and otherworldly interests
Balancing worldly and otherworldly interests
Balancing worldly interests with otherworldly interests is one of the beauties and objectives of Islam. This is clearly evident in many laws and acts of worship, including the act of worship of Hajj. Allah, the Almighty, has permitted the pilgrim to combine performing the rituals with trade and earning a living, on condition that it does not affect the original purpose, which is worship. Allah, the Almighty, says: {There is no blame upon you for seeking bounty from your Lord} [Al-Baqarah: 198], and He also says: {That they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known days} [Al-Hajj: 28].
Connecting the Muslim’s heart to the remembrance of God
Connecting the Muslim’s heart to the remembrance of God
Remembrance is one of the most beloved acts of worship to Allah - the Most High - and the greatest in reward. Allah has linked many acts of worship to it, the most prominent of which is the act of Hajj. This is clearly evident in the Qur’an’s connection of the rituals of Hajj to the remembrance of Allah in many places, where Allah the Almighty says: {So when you depart from ‘Arafat, remember Allah at the sacred monument and remember Him as He has guided you, for before that you were among those astray. * Then depart from where the people depart and ask forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. * So when you have completed your rites, remember Allah {Like your remembrance of your fathers, or even more intense remembrance} [Al-Baqarah: 198-200].
Ibn Al-Qayyim says about remembrance: “Rather, it is the spirit, core, and purpose of Hajj, as the Prophet - may God bless him and grant him peace - said: “Circumambulating the House, walking between Safa and Marwa, and stoning the Jamarat were only made to establish the remembrance of God.” (Madarij As-Salikeen: 2/399)
Emphasizing the spirit of equality among people
Emphasizing the spirit of equality among people
Islam is the religion of equality, and this is clearly evident in people gathering for prayer and for Hajj, where the rich stand next to the poor and the Arab stands next to the non-Arab on one plain, wearing the same clothes, unlike the way the people of ignorance did. God Almighty said: {Then proceed from where the people proceed and ask forgiveness of God. Indeed, God is Forgiving and Merciful.} [Al-Baqarah: 199]
achieving the meaning of servitude and submission to God Almighty
achieving the meaning of servitude and submission to God Almighty
This is clearly evident when the pilgrim responds to this obligation, wears the ihram garment, circumambulates the Kaaba, walks between Safa and Marwa, and stands at Arafat. He performs these actions in submission to the command of God Almighty and following the example of the Messenger of God, may God bless him and grant him peace.
Raising Muslims to be precise and disciplined
Raising Muslims to be precise and disciplined
This is evident in determining the temporal and spatial timings for Hajj. The temporal timings are the months that Allah - the Most High - has specified for going to Hajj. He also specified a specific time for standing at Arafat, if the pilgrim passes it, his Hajj is invalid, and a time for throwing pebbles. Allah the Most High said: {Hajj is during well-known months} [Al-Baqarah: 197].
As for the spatial timings, they are the places that the Prophet - may Allah bless him and grant him peace - specified for Ihram. If the pilgrim passes through them, it is permissible for him to wear the Ihram clothes and is prohibited from some things that were permissible before Ihram.
These temporal and spatial timings are practical training for the Muslim on accuracy and discipline in all his affairs after Hajj.
Emphasizing the unity and solidarity of the nation
Emphasizing the unity and solidarity of the nation
One of the objectives of Hajj is to emphasize the unity and cohesion of the nation and to revive the meaning of brotherhood in faith. This is one of the greatest benefits that the pilgrim reaps from the Hajj season, as the gathering of the nation in these large numbers, despite their different forms and languages, to unify God and worship Him leaves a great psychological and social impact in the hearts of the people of faith, in addition to the great impact it leaves in the hearts of the enemies of Islam. Therefore, Allah commanded the nation to gather on His religion, as He, the Almighty, said: {And hold fast, all together, to the rope of Allah, and do not be divided} [Al Imran: 103].
(Abridged from a research on the Internet entitled The Objectives of Hajj in the Light of the Holy Quran by the writer Muhammad Al-Khawli).
●“Indeed, As-Safa and Al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs ‘Umrah - there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers good - then indeed, Allah is appreciative and Knowing.” [Al-Baqarah: 158]
● “Indeed, As-Safa and Al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs ‘Umrah - there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers good - then indeed, Allah is appreciative and Knowing.” [Al-Baqarah: 158]
Allah the Almighty says: Indeed, walking between Safa and Marwa is one of the apparent signs of His religion, which was prescribed in Hajj. So whoever intends to go to the House intending to perform the rituals of Hajj or Umrah, should not hesitate to circumambulate between them; because in the days of ignorance they used to worship idols near them.
And Allah the Almighty informed that whoever performs acts of obedience, whether they are obligatory or recommended, and increases them, Allah will reward him for his work with the best reward, for He is the Grateful, He does not waste the reward of one who does good work, and He is All-Knowing, and that good deed is not hidden from Him.
The verses indicate that walking between Safa and Marwa is one of the apparent signs of religion, which Allah the Almighty prescribed for His servants in Hajj.
In the long hadith of Jabir describing the Hajj of the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, he said, may God be pleased with him: ((Then he went out from the door to Safa, and when he approached Safa, he recited: Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. I begin with that with which Allah began, so he began with Safa and ascended it.)) Whoever intends to go to the Sacred House to perform the rituals of Hajj or Umrah, should not hesitate to circumambulate between Safa and Marwah, due to the suspicion that it is one of the actions of the Jahiliyyah and that they used to venerate them and circumambulate between them. And whoever volunteers good - then indeed, Allah is appreciative and Knowing.
“They ask you, [O Muhammad], about the new moons. Say, ‘They are measurements of time for the people and for Hajj. And righteousness is not that you enter houses from their backs, but righteousness is of him who fears Allah. And enter houses from their doors and fear Allah that you may be successful.’” [Al-Baqarah: 189]
“They ask you, [O Muhammad], about the new moons. Say, ‘They are measurements of time for the people and for Hajj. And righteousness is not that you enter houses from their backs, but righteousness is of him who fears Allah. And enter houses from their doors and fear Allah that you may be successful.’” [Al-Baqarah: 189]
The people asked the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) about the wisdom behind the moon changing in stages, becoming smaller and larger. Allah, the Exalted, informed him of the answer with which to respond to their question, which is that the wisdom behind creating this is so that people can control their temporary affairs with times; such as their fasting, breaking their fast, the number of their wives, the terms of their debts, the times of their Hajj, and others. Then Allah, the Exalted, informed that what the people of the Jahiliyyah, other than the Quraysh, used to do during their state of ihram was not good, as they would refrain from entering houses through the doors while in ihram, but rather from the back. He informed them that righteousness and goodness lie in fearing Allah, the Exalted, by obeying His commands and avoiding His prohibitions. They must enter houses through their doors and adhere to fearing Allah. By doing what is commanded and leaving what is forbidden, they hope that through their piety they will achieve what they seek and be saved from what they fear.
●“And complete the Hajj and ‘Umrah for the sake of Allah. But if you are prevented, then [offer] whatever is easy of sacrificial animals. And do not shave your heads until the sacrificial animals reach their destination. And whoever among you is ill or has an ailment in his head [must make up] a ransom of fasting or charity or sacrifice. But when you are secure, then whoever combines ‘Umrah with Hajj [combined with Hajj], [should make up] whatever is easy of sacrificial animals. But whoever cannot find [any] animal, [should make up] a ransom of fasting or charity or sacrifice. But when you are secure, then whoever combines ‘Umrah with Hajj [combined with Hajj], [should make up] whatever is easy of sacrificial animals. But whoever cannot find [any] animal, [should make up] a ransom of fasting or charity or sacrifice. And when you are secure, then whoever combines ‘Umrah with Hajj [combined with Hajj], [should make up] whatever is easy of sacrificial animals. But whoever cannot find [any] animal, [should make up] a ransom of fasting or charity or sacrifice. And if he cannot find [any] animal, Then fast three days during Hajj and seven when you have returned - that is ten complete days. That is for he whose family is not present at al-Masjid al-Haram. And fear Allah and know that Allah is severe in penalty.” [Al-Baqarah: 196]
● “And complete the Hajj and ‘Umrah for the sake of Allah. But if you are prevented, then [offer] whatever is easy of sacrificial animals. And do not shave your heads until the sacrificial animals reach their destination. And whoever among you is ill or has an ailment in his head [must make up] a ransom of fasting or charity or sacrifice. But when you are secure, then whoever combines ‘Umrah with Hajj [combined with Hajj], [should make up] whatever is easy of sacrificial animals. But whoever cannot find [any] animal, [should make up] a ransom of fasting or charity or sacrifice. But when you are secure, then whoever combines ‘Umrah with Hajj [combined with Hajj], [should make up] whatever is easy of sacrificial animals. But whoever cannot find [any] animal, [should make up] a ransom of fasting or charity or sacrifice. And when you are secure, then whoever combines ‘Umrah with Hajj [combined with Hajj], [should make up] whatever is easy of sacrificial animals. But whoever cannot find [any] animal, [should make up] a ransom of fasting or charity or sacrifice. And if he cannot find [any] animal, Then fast three days during Hajj and seven when you have returned - that is ten complete days. That is for he whose family is not present at al-Masjid al-Haram. And fear Allah and know that Allah is severe in penalty.” [Al-Baqarah: 196]
Allah the Almighty commands those who have begun Hajj or Umrah to complete what they have begun, with its pillars and obligations, sincerely for Allah the Almighty in that. If they are prevented from reaching the Sacred House due to fear, illness, or some other reason, then they should slaughter whatever camels, cows, or sheep they can. Allah the Almighty commands them not to break their state of ihram if they are prevented until the sacrificial animal that Allah has made obligatory upon them reaches the place of slaughtering, which is the place of the blockade. As for the one who is not prevented, he should slaughter it in the Sacred Sanctuary, and if he is on Hajj, he should slaughter it on the day of the sacrifice. And whoever needs to shave his head due to illness, or if there is something on his head that is harming him, such as lice, then he may shave it. If he does so, then he has the choice between fasting for three days instead, or feeding six poor people. Poor people, for each poor person half a Sa', or slaughter a sheep. If the obstacle is removed and they are able to reach the Sacred House, then whoever performs Umrah and then exits from it enjoying that exit until he begins the rituals of Hajj - and likewise whoever combines Hajj and Umrah - then he must slaughter whatever he is able to slaughter of camels, cows, or sheep. Whoever does not find any, then let him fast instead of that, ten days, three of which are during Hajj, and seven when he returns to his family and home after completing his rituals. This ruling is for the one enjoying himself whose family is not present in the Sacred Mosque. Then Allah, the Most High, commanded to fear Him, by obeying His commands and avoiding His prohibitions. And let the servants know that Allah is severe in punishment for whoever disobeys what He has commanded and commits
●“Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein - there is no sexual relations nor wickedness nor disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do - Allah knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allah. And fear Me, O you of understanding.” [Al-Baqarah: 197]
● “Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein - there is no sexual relations nor wickedness nor disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do - Allah knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allah. And fear Me, O you of understanding.” [Al-Baqarah: 197]
Allah the Almighty has informed us about the timing of Hajj, and that it occurs in certain months, which are Shawwal, Dhul-Qi'dah, and the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. So whoever enters ihram for Hajj in those months must avoid intercourse with women and the preliminaries to it, and must not talk about it in their presence. He must also avoid all sins, including the prohibitions of ihram, and insulting a Muslim. He must also refrain from false arguments, including arguing about the time of Hajj and its rulings, as Allah the Almighty has explained them in the most complete and clearest manner. He must refrain from disputing, disputing, and quarreling. And God Almighty informed His servants that whatever good they do, He knows it and will reward them for it with the best reward. He commanded them to stock up on provisions that will help them reach the Sacred House and perform acts of worship. He informed them that the best provision is that which will help them reach the bliss of the Hereafter, which is piety by obeying His commands, glory be to Him, and avoiding His prohibitions. He commanded this to those with minds who understand the reality of piety and its fruits.
●“There is no blame upon you for seeking bounty from your Lord. So when you depart from Arafat, remember Allah at the sacred monument and remember Him as He has guided you, although before that you were among those astray.” [Al-Baqarah: 198].
● “There is no blame upon you for seeking bounty from your Lord. So when you depart from Arafat, remember Allah at the sacred monument and remember Him as He has guided you, although before that you were among those astray.” [Al-Baqarah: 198].
God Almighty began to explain some of the actions of Hajj, so He commanded the pilgrims to remember Him, the Almighty, at Muzdalifah after they set off to it from Arafat. This remembrance that God commanded includes prayer and supplication at it, and let them remember Him, the Almighty, in gratitude to Him for guiding them to the path of guidance, even though they were in deviation and misguidance before He guided them to it. And remember Him likewise in accordance with the prescribed manner to which He guided you.
-“Then depart from where the people depart and ask forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” [Al-Baqarah: 199]
- “Then depart from where the people depart and ask forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” [Al-Baqarah: 199]
God Almighty commanded the people of Quraysh who did not leave Arafat to leave it as all the Arabs did. He also commanded the pilgrims to ask Him to forgive their sins and cover them because He, the Almighty, is the Forgiver of sins and the Most Merciful to His believing servants.
●“So when you have completed your rites, remember Allah as you remember your fathers or with a stronger remembrance. And among the people is he who says, “Our Lord, give us in this world,” but he will have no share in the Hereafter. And among them is he who says, “Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good.” And protect us from the punishment of the Fire. Those will have a share of what they have earned, and God is swift in account.” [Al-Baqarah: 200-202]
● “So when you have completed your rites, remember Allah as you remember your fathers or with a stronger remembrance. And among the people is he who says, “Our Lord, give us in this world,” but he will have no share in the Hereafter. And among them is he who says, “Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good.” And protect us from the punishment of the Fire. Those will have a share of what they have earned, and God is swift in account.” [Al-Baqarah: 200-202]
Allah addressed His pilgrims, saying that if they have completed the rituals of Hajj and are released from their state of ihram, they should increase their remembrance of Him, the Almighty, and let their remembrance of Him be like their remembrance of the deeds of their fathers, rather they should remember Him even more strongly. Then Allah, the Almighty, guided them to supplicate to Him after the command to increase their remembrance of Him; This is more likely to be answered. God Almighty has condemned those who ask Him for nothing but worldly pleasures and have no share in the reward of the Hereafter. He has praised the believers who ask God Almighty for the good things of this world and the Hereafter and ask Him to spare them the torment of the Fire. Those who fall under this category will have a great reward for the Hajj they have performed, and God will answer them for what they have asked for of the good things of this world and the Hereafter. God is quick to count the deeds of His servants and quick to reward them.
“And remember Allah during the appointed days. But whoever hastens in two days - there is no sin upon him, and whoever delays - there is no sin upon him - for him who fears Allah. And fear Allah and know that to Him you will be gathered.” [Al-Baqarah: 203]
“And remember Allah during the appointed days. But whoever hastens in two days - there is no sin upon him, and whoever delays - there is no sin upon him - for him who fears Allah. And fear Allah and know that to Him you will be gathered.” [Al-Baqarah: 203]
Allah the Almighty has commanded His servants to glorify Allah during the days of Tashreeq, and this includes glorifying Allah when slaughtering sacrificial animals, glorifying Allah absolutely at all times, glorifying Allah with a restricted glorification after the obligatory prayers, and glorifying Allah when stoning the Jamarat. Then Allah the Almighty informs us that there is no blame on the pilgrim for hastening to leave Mina before sunset on the second day of the days of Tashreeq, or delaying his stay there until the third day to stone the Jamarat, as long as he is in both cases complying with what Allah has commanded and avoiding what He has forbidden. Then Allah commands His servants to fear Him by obeying His commands and refraining from His prohibitions, and to be certain that they will be gathered to Him, the Almighty, on the Day of Resurrection.
●“Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Makkah - blessed and a guidance for the worlds ﴾96﴿ In it are clear signs - the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe. And Hajj to the House is a duty that mankind owes to Allah - those who can afford the expenses (for one's journey). And whoever disbelieves - then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.” [Al Imran: 96-97]
● “Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Makkah - blessed and a guidance for the worlds ﴾96﴿ In it are clear signs - the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe. And Hajj to the House is a duty that mankind owes to Allah - those who can afford the expenses (for one's journey). And whoever disbelieves - then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.” [Al Imran: 96-97]
God Almighty informs us that the first house that was established for all people in order to worship God in it is the Sacred House )(Al-bayt al-Haraam), located in Mecca Al-Mukarramah. It is a blessed place, in which there are many blessings of religious and worldly benefits: such as doubled rewards and abundant provisions. It is a beacon that guides all the worlds. In the Sacred House of God there are clear proofs of the Oneness of God Almighty, His wisdom, His greatness, His power, and other beautiful attributes and signs of His honor. Among those signs are the places where the friend Abraham, peace be upon him, stood to perform the rituals of Hajj. Among them is also that whoever enters it is safe from all harm. God has made it obligatory for whoever is able from among the people of obligation to go to the Sacred House to perform the rituals of Hajj. Whoever denies the obligation of Hajj, then God is independent of him and his Hajj, and of all of His creation.
●“Allah has made the Kaaba, the Sacred House, a means of support for the people, and the Sacred Month, and the offerings, and the pendants. This is so that you may know that Allah knows whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth, and that Allah is Knowing of all things.” [Surat Al-Ma’idah: 97]
● “Allah has made the Kaaba, the Sacred House, a means of support for the people, and the Sacred Month, and the offerings, and the pendants. This is so that you may know that Allah knows whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth, and that Allah is Knowing of all things.” [Surat Al-Ma’idah: 97]
Allah has bestowed His favor upon His servants by making the Kaaba the Sacred House, a means of improvement for their religion and security for their lives. This is because they believed in Allah and His Messenger and performed His duties. He has forbidden aggression and fighting in the sacred months (which are Dhul-Qi'dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab), so that no one may attack anyone else therein. He has also forbidden aggression against the livestock that are brought to the Sacred Sanctuary as a gift, and He has also forbidden aggression against necklaces, which are things that are hung to indicate that they are intended for ritual purposes. This is so that you may know that Allah knows everything in the heavens and on the earth, including what He has prescribed to protect His creation from one another, and that Allah is All-Knowing of all things, and nothing is hidden from Him.
●“And proclaim to mankind the Hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, coming from every distant pass.” [Surat Al-Hajj: 27]
● “And proclaim to mankind the Hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, coming from every distant pass.” [Surat Al-Hajj: 27]