HAJJ

It is out of the mercy of Allah, subhaanahu wa-ta'aala, that we are able to live long enough to witness the succession of the days and months, which bring the various seasons of mercy. Through such seasons we can gain an abundance of rewards. The Hajj season is one such blessed occasion. There are two types of people who witness this season: those who have not made the intention to perform the pilgrimage and those who have.

People of the second category will be proceeding towards the holy city of Makkah from all corners of the globe. They shall come in flocks, answering the call of their Creator, uttering the words of talbiyah, seeking to perform the rites of Hajj, yearning for His forgiveness and bounty. However, to the first category of people, we would like to offer a few words of advice.

Many amongst us have the health and means to go on Hajj, so why are we so reluctant?! Are we not aware of Allaah's statement: “ a pilgrimage to the House is a duty unto Allaah for mankind, those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith Allaah stands not in need of any of His creatures.” {Aali 'Imraan: 97 translation of the meaning}

Indeed, Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam as confirmed in the following Hadith of our Prophet, salla Allaahu 'alayhe wa-sallam: 'Islam is built on five [pillars]: to testify that there is no deity [worthy of worship] but Allaah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, performing the Salaat, paying the Zakat, fasting Ramadan and [performing] Hajj to the House of Allaah by those who find the means to do so.' (Agreed Upon). It is therefore incumbent upon every Muslim who is capable of performing Hajj to make the intention to go. It is indeed, a serious neglect of our duty if we keep postponing the performance of Hajj.

Studying the Rites of Hajj
Before embarking on 'Umrah and Hajj, we should be acquainted with the necessary knowledge on how to perform them correctly. It should be in accordance with the way of our teacher, Prophet Muhammad, salla Allaahu 'alayhe wa-sallam, who has instructed us: 'Take my example in performing the rites [of 'Umrah and Hajj].' (Muslim)

This is necessary in order to make the Hajj acceptable, avoiding all innovations, as well as to maximise our rewards. Also, do not forget that missing out on performing certain rites would incur certain kinds of atonement, such as having to slaughter a sheep, for example.

Leaving Sufficient Provisions
It is incumbent upon the one who is intending to go on Hajj that those whom he is responsible for, should be left with enough provisions for life's necessities. Also, one should leave them in a secure state without any major worries.

Complete And Sincere Repentance
Allaah, subhaanahu wa-ta'aala, instructs us to seek His forgiveness “and turn unto Allaah [in repentance] all together, O believers, in order that you may succeed.” {An-Noor: 31 translation of the meaning}

Performing the obligation of Hajj is one of the means of attaining our Creator's pleasure. We should therefore strive to make sincere repentance for our past, present and future sins. However, a complete repentance should encompass:

* leaving any sinful act
* expressing our guilt and regret for committing such acts
* making the intention never to return to those sinful acts
* returning goods, etc. to the wronged ones as a result of such sinful acts

Using Halaal Earnings
We should choose to finance our Hajj from Halaal earnings only, if not, the Hajj may not be accepted.

Choosing Good Company
Selecting to travel with a companion who is knowledgeable and fearful of Allah would be a wise step to take. Such a companion would help remind us if we forget, and teach us if we are less knowledgeable. These kinds of acts are sought after with enthusiasm and pleasure by those who are fearful of Allaah, subhaanahu wa-ta'aala.

Observing Islamic Manners of Travel
We should not forget the Islamic manners and etiquettes when travelling. For instance, uttering the words of Takbeer, ( i.e. saying; 'Allahu Akbar') every time we ascend up a hill, or even when the aeroplane is ascending to the sky and uttering the words of Tasbeeh, (i.e. saying; 'Subhaana Allah') every time we down a hill, or when the aeroplane descends and so on.

Being Prepared For, And Patient In Hardship
It should be understood that during Hajj, we are bound to come across some hardships, be it difficulties in transportation, harsh weather conditions, etc. However, we should always remember that we are not on some relaxing holiday!! If we encounter harassment of any kind, by an ignorant person for example, then we should be patient and avoid retaliating. We should have a humble, submissive attitude, and display courtesy and a good character towards other pilgrims. Remember, being patient whilst being mistreated by others, is a means of gaining more rewards!

Lowering One's Gaze
We must be aware that due to the inadequate facilities in some places, for instance the lack of toilets and accommodation in some areas, some unlawful scenes could be encountered. It is incumbent to avert one's gaze immediately in such events.

Finally, we ask Allaah, tabaaraka wa-ta'aala, to accept the sincere efforts of all those who are following the footsteps of their forefather, Ibrahim, 'alayhe as-salaam, in making the pilgrimage to Allah's Sacred House, and to grant them His forgiveness. Also, may He, subhaanahu wa-ta'aala, empower all His servants with every necessary means, as well as a heart brimming with His love and the provision of taqwa, to be able to perform Hajj soon, Aameen. (Courtesy Al-Muntada Al.Islami)

Thirteen Blessed Days
With Allah's bounty, we are at the doors of very blessed days for both the hajees (pilgrims) and the residents. So we should know the Sunnah regarding these days in order to make the best of them.
I The First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah:

1. Ibn Abbas (t) reported that the Messenger (Pbuh) said: “There are no other days on which good deeds are more beloved to Allah than on these (Ten) Days” He was asked: “Not even Jihad in Allah's way?” He replied: “Not even Jihad in Allah's way; except for a person who went out (for Jihad) with his self and wealth and came back with none (i.e., lost all for Allah).” [Al-Bukhari]

2. Ibn Umar (t) reported that the Messenger (e) said: “There are no other days that are greater before Allah (t), or that good deeds are more beloved to Him in them, than these Ten Days, so say in plenty Tahleel (laa ilaaha illa'Llaah), Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), and Tahmeed (al-Hamdu lillaah).” [Ahmad & at-Tabarani; authentic]

3. In Tafseer of the aayah {And to mention and remember Allah's Name [plentifully] on known days}[al-Hajj 28], Ibn Abbas said: “These are the Ten Days.” [Ibn Katheer]

4. Ibn Umar and Abu Hurairah used to go out to the market places on the Ten Days saying Takbeer. And people used to say Takbeer too based on their action. [al-Bukhari]

5. One of the wives of the Prophet (Pbuh) said: “Allah's Messenger (Pbuh) used to fast the (first) nine days of Dhil Hijjah, the Day of Aashooraa', and three days of each month.” [Sahih Abi Dawud]

6. Fasting on all these days, however, is not a waajib or a sunnah though the Messenger (Pbuh) was strictly constant in it. Aaishah (t) said: “I never saw the Messenger (Pbuh) fasting the Ten Days.” [Muslim]

7. It is reported that once the Ten Days started, Sa'eed bin Jubair used to exert very excessively (in worshipping Allah) that it was almost beyond his capability.

II. The Day of 'Arafah:
1. Abu Qatadah reported that the Messenger (Pbuh) said: “Fasting the Day of 'Arafah expiates the sins of two years: past one and coming one. And fasting on the Day of 'Aashooraa' expiates the sins of the past year.” [Muslim]

2. Aaishah (t) reported that the Messenger (Pbuh) said: “There is no day on which Allah (t) frees people from the fire as He does on the Day of 'Arafah. He comes close and then He boasts to His angels: 'What are these people seeking?'” [Muslim, an-Nasaa'ee, Ibn Maajah]

III. The Ruling of the Udhiyah (Sacrifice):
1. Soorat ul-Kawthar (... For Your Lord Pray and offer Sacrifice ...)

2. (Say: my salaah, sacrifice, life, and death are for Allah the Lord of the peoples. He has no partners, with this I have been commanded, and I am the first of the believers.) [al-An'aam 6:162-163]

3. Abu Hurairah (t) reported that the Messenger (Pbuh) said: “He who has the capacity but chooses not to sacrifice may not approach our prayer place (on Eid).” [Ibn Maajah, Ahmad; authentic]

4. Anas reported that the Messenger (Pbuh) said: “He who slaughtered before the prayer (of Eid) has only slaughtered for himself. But the one who did it after the prayer has indeed completed his sacrifice and conformed with the Sunnah of the Muslims.” [Al-Bukhari]

5. The one who cannot afford to sacrifice has been covered by the Messenger (Pbuh) who sacrificed for those who did not sacrifice in his Ummah, as was reported by Jaabir. [abu Dawud, at-Tirmidthi; authentic: Irwa ul-ghaleel]

IV. Some Sunnah and Regulations:
1. Umm Salamah (t) reported that the Messenger (Pbuh) said: “The one who has a slaughtering to do (on Eid) then, once the hilaal of Dhil Hijjah is observed, he should not cut any of his hair or nails until he sacrifices.” [Muslim]

2. Anas (t) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) sacrificed two rams of beautiful (dark) eyes and large horns. He slaughtered them by himself, putting his foot on the side of the neck, and saying: “Bismillah, wallahu Akbar.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

3. The Messenger (Pbuh) first prohibited saving any of the sacrificial meat, to benefit poor people. Then permitted it saying: “Eat (from the meat), save, and give as Sadaqah.” [Al-Bukhari & Muslim]

4. It can be done on any of the three days (Days of Tashreeq) following the Eid. Jubair bin Mut'im (t) reported that the Messenger (Pbuh) said: “All the Days of Tashreeq are slaughtering days.” [Ahmad, Ibn Hibbal, etc. Good in its collective chains of narrators]

V. The Three Days of Tashreeq:
1.'Uqbah bin Aamir said the Messenger (Pbuh) said: “The Day of' Arafah, the day of slaughtering, and the days of Tashreeq are our Eid - Muslim people. They are days of eating and drinking.” [Abu Dawud; authentic]

2. 'Amr bin al-'Aas said: “These days (the Days of Tashreeq) are the days that the Messenger (Pbuh) used to order us to eat on them and to prohibit us from fasting them.” [Abu Dawud; authentic]

What every Pilgrim should do and When
This is just a reminder of what is necessary for every pilgrim to do, and the time when it should be done. This article is only intended as an outline of the actions of every pilgrim on the days of pilgrimage.

When you arrive
When you approach the meeqat prepare yourself for ihraam. Have a shower if it is convenient. If not, do the normal ablution, wear your ihraam garment and pray two rak'ahs.

Make your intention clear, stating verbally what you intend to do, whether a pilgrimage only, or an Umrah only or both together. Repeat the talbiyah as often as you can. The best phrases of talbiyah are those used by the Prophet; “Labbaik Allahumma labbaik. Labbaik la shareeeka laka labbaik. Inn alhamda wannimata laka walmulk. La shareeeka lak.”

When you arrive at Makkah, go directly to the Sacred Mosque and do your tawaf of arrival, walking round the Ka'abah seven times. If it is convenient, make your entry from Al-Salaam door. If you wish to do the sa'ie, start at the hill of Safa and finish your seventh round at Marwah. If it is your intention to do the Umrah only, that is, if you have opted for the tamatu' method of ihraam, then shave your head, or shorten your hair and release yourself completely from ihraam and wait for the pilgrimage. If it was your intention to do the pilgrimage, or both pilgrimage and Umrah together, then do not shave or shorten your hair. Continue to observe the restrictions of ihraam until you have completed the duties of pilgrimage.

8th Dhul-Hajjah
You are recommended to go to Mina and stay the night there before you proceed to Arafat. If that is not possible for you, then go to Arafat directly where you are due to arrive on the following day.

9th Dhul-Hajjah
Try as much as you can to be present at Arafat before sunset. If you cannot make it, it is sufficient to be present at Arafat at any time from noon till dawn of the following day.

Pray Dhuhr and Asr together, in their shortened form. If convenient, offer these prayers at the Mosque of Namirah. After sunset, proceed from Arafat to Muzdalifah and pray Maghrib and Isha as a delayed combination. Isha also should be shortened. Stay the night at Muzdalifah until shortly before sunrise.

10th Dhul-Hajjah
You should proceed to Mina and do your first stoning at the Jamrah of Aqabah, which is known as the Grand Jamrah, at any time between dawn and midday. If the method of ihraam you have opted is either Tamattu' or Qiran, that is, if you started with an Umrah or you have combined both the Umrah and the pilgrimage together, you are required to sacrifice an animal (a one-year-old sheep or two-year-old goat. Alternatively, seven pilgrims may share together in sacrificing one camel or cow.)

Shave your head, or shorten your hair. Women are required only to shorten their hair by an inch. You may then wear your ordinary clothes, but you continue to observe the restrictions on all sexual activity.

Go to Makkah, if you can, to do your tawaf of ifaadah. When you have done it, all restrictions of ihraam are lifted. If it is not convenient for you to go to Makkah for this tawaf, you may delay it until you have completed your stay at Mina. When you have finished your tawaf of ifaadah go back to Mina to spend the night there. The requirement is to stay at Mina for the larger part of that night and the following night.

11th Dhul-Hajjah
You have to do the stoning at the three Jamrahs, starting with the little one, then the middle one, and finally the Jamrah of Aqabah. Stoning that day and the following day(s) starts at mid-day and finishes at sunset. Again, you have to spend the night at Mina.

12th Dhul-Hajjah
You do the stoning at the three Jamrahs in the same way as you have done on the 11th of Dhul-Hajjah. When you have finished your stoning, you may leave Mina, provided you are out of the boundary of Mina before sunset. If the sun sets when you are still in Mina, you have to stay that night in Mina again and do the stoning at the three Jamrahs once more, the following day after mid-day.

When you arrive at Makkah, you do the tawaf of ifaadah if you have not done it yet. Again, you have to do the sa'ie if you have not done it after the tawaf of arrival or the tawaf of ifaadah. Otherwise, all your duties of pilgrimage are completed. If you had opted for the ifraad method of ihraam (that is if you intended to do the pilgrimage only) and you have come from outside the “hill” area you may do the Umrah as from the 14th of Dhul-Hajjah. To do that, you have to go out of the “haram” area to start your ihraam and come back for your Umrah.