In the Shadow of #Hajj

Allah, the Exalted, says (what means):

{And [mention, O Muhammad] when We designated for Ibrahim (Abraham) the site of the House, [saying], “Do not associate anything with Me and purify My House for those who perform tawaaf and those who stand [in prayer] and those who bow and prostrate. And proclaim to the people the Hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass—that they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the Name of Allah on known days over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. So eat of them and feed the miserable and poor. Then let them end their untidiness and fulfill their vows and perform tawaaf around the ancient House.”} [Quran 22:26-29]

The House of Allah, the Exalted, was built for the purpose of establishing tawheed (polytheism). From the very first moment when Allah, the Exalted, identified the place of the Ka‘bah to Ibrahim, may Allah exalt his mention, He commanded him to establish the Ka‘bah on the foundation of tawheed, to Him alone and not to anyone else. He ordered Ibrahim, may Allah exalt his mention, to purify it for the pilgrims and worshippers. Allah, the Exalted, says (what means): {… purify My House for those who perform tawaaf and those who stand [in prayer] and those who bow and prostrate…} [Quran 22:26-29] The House of Allah was built for these monotheistic worshippers who do not associate any partners with Allah, the Exalted, in worship.

Then, Allah commanded Ibrahim, may Allah exalt his mention, after finishing the building of the Ka‘bah on the foundation of tawheed, to proclaim Hajj among people. Allah, the Exalted, promised Ibrahim, may Allah exalt his mention, that people would answer his call, flocking from every corner of the globe. Ibrahim, may Allah exalt his mention, was promised that the pilgrims would hasten to answer his call, walking or riding on their lean mounts, tired as they may be due to the exerted efforts and hunger. Allah, the Exalted, says (what means): {… And proclaim to the people the Hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass…} [Quran 22:26-29]

The promise of Allah, the Exalted, is still being fulfilled from the call of Ibrahim, may Allah exalt his mention, until today. It will be fulfilled till the end of time. The hearts of people are still inclined to the Sacred House of Allah. They feel a stab of longing that makes them yearn to see and circumambulate it. Both the rich, who can afford a mount or a means of transportation, and the poor and destitute people, who do not find anything but their own feet, crave to circumambulate the Ka‘bah. Tens of thousands of pilgrims flock from faraway lands in response to the call of Allah, which Ibrahim, may Allah exalt his mention, proclaimed thousands of years ago.

The verses highlight some of the features and objectives of Hajj:

Allah, the Exalted, says (what means): {That they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the Name of Allah on known days over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. So eat of them and feed the miserable and poor. Then let them end their untidiness and fulfill their vows and perform tawaaf around the ancient House.”} [Quran 22:26-29]

The benefits that the pilgrims reap from the Hajj are many. Hajj is a profitable trade season and a great conference of faith. It is a profitable trading season and a blessed worshipful season as well. It is an international conference and an opportunity of meeting together, cultivating mutual acquaintance, and promoting good fellowship. It is an annual conference for fostering the bonds of faith and brotherhood among the Muslims and for coordination and cooperation. It is a religious duty in which the world and the Hereafter meet and in which old and new memories of the monotheistic creed meet. The owners of goods and traders find a profitable trade season in the pilgrimage as fruits and goods from every corner of the world are brought to the Sacred Places. Pilgrims come from all countries, carrying various goods from their countries. All the goods that are dispersed across the earth in all seasons are gathered in the Holy Places in one season. Hajj is a great trading season, an exhibition of products, and an annual global market.

Hajj is also a blessed spiritual season during which the souls are purified and the hearts savor proximity to Allah, the Exalted, in His Sacred House. They shiver with love and longing for the Ka‘bah. They circumambulate it and enliven the old memories that hover in the horizons near and far.

For instance, the memory of Ibrahim, may Allah exalt his mention, as he bid farewell to his dear son and the apple of his eyes, Ismaa‘eel (Ishmael), may Allah exalt his mention, and his mother, may Allah be pleased with her, in the barren valley of Makkah. His heart was throbbing with fear, supplicating his Lord with (what means), {Our Lord, I have settled some of my descendants in an uncultivated valley near Your sacred House, our Lord, that they may establish prayer. So make hearts among the people incline toward them and provide for them from the fruits that they might be grateful.} [Quran 14:37]

The memory of Hajar, may Allah be pleased with her, as she was searching for water for herself and her baby in the burning desert around the Ka‘bah. She was running and scrambling between As-Safa and Al-Marwah, weak as she must have been with thirst, tired as she must have been, and heartbroken and anxious as she must have been for her child. She came back to her child after the seventh round, shattered by despair, to find the spring flowing between the hands of her beautiful baby. The water of Zamzam, the fountain of mercy, overflowed in the barren desert.

The memory of Ibrahim, may Allah exalt his mention, as he saw the vision in which he was ordered to slaughter his son. He did not hesitate to fulfill the Command of His Lord and sacrifice his dear son. Ibrahim, may Allah exalt his mention, displayed commendable obedience to his Lord, rising in the distant horizon of submission to the Creator. He said to his son, “O son, I saw in a vision that I should sacrifice you. What should we do?” The dutiful son replied with a serene and obedient heart, “Obey your Lord, father.” Allah, the Exalted, says (what means): {So We gave him good tidings of a forbearing boy. And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, "O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think." He said, "O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast."} [Quran 37:101-102]

The mercy of Allah, the Exalted, was manifested in the ransom. Allah, the Exalted, says (what means): {We Called to him, "O Ibrahim, You have fulfilled the vision." Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. Indeed, this was the clear trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.} [Quran 37:104-107]

Allah, the Exalted, also says (what means): {So We gave him good tidings of a forbearing boy. And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, "O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think." He said, "O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast."} [Quran 37:101-102]

Ibrahim and Ismaa‘eel, may Allah exalt their mention, built the Ka‘bah together with submissive and attentive hearts. Allah, the Exalted, says (what means): {And [mention] when Ibrahim was raising the foundations of the House and [with him] Ismaa‘eel, [saying], "Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed You are the Hearing, the Knowing. Our Lord, and make us Muslims [in submission] to You and from our descendants a Muslim nation [in submission] to You. And show us our rites and accept our repentance. Indeed, You are the Accepting-of-Repentance, the Merciful."} [Quran 2:127-129]

These flashbacks and memories bubble up to the surface at the sight of the House of Allah, which contains many valuable memories. The memory of ‘Abd Al-Muttalib as he vowed to sacrifice his tenth son for Allah if he was blessed with ten children. His tenth son was ‘Abdullah. ‘Abd Al-Muttalib, the grandfather of the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) was eager to fulfill his vow but hated to lose his dearest son. People suggested the idea of offering sacrificial animals instead. The people of Makkah loved ‘Abdullah dearly; they said, “Do not slay your son. Draw lots between him and camels. Give your Lord till He is satisfied.” ‘Abd Al-Muttalib drew lots between his son ‘Abdullah and ten camels, as was customary among the Arabs. However, the lot fell upon ‘Abdullah, the father of Prophet Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ). He chose another arrow from the qidah (featherless arrows) around the Ka‘bah, and each time he picked the arrow on which the name of his son ‘Abdullah was written. He doubled the number of camels. When ‘Abd Al-Muttalib increased the number of camels to one hundred, the lot fell upon them.Thus, ‘Abdullah was saved from death in order to marry Aminah and bear the purest and most honorable man, i.e. Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ). Then ‘Abdullah died, shortly after the marriage, as if Allah, the Exalted, saved him only for this great purpose.

The memories keep flashing back from the life of Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) as he was toddling near the Ka‘bah in his childhood, and the memories of his boyhood. The memories of the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) as he lifted the Black Stone with his blessed hands and placed it in its due place so as to extinguish the strife that almost erupted between the vying tribes. The memories of him  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) as he prayed, circumambulated the Ka‘bah, preached, and observed i‘tikaaf (seclusion in the mosque) are flashing back. His memories are vibrantly revived in the minds. They are engraved in the conscience, as if the pilgrim is already watching them with his very eyes as he is immersed in those great memories and reflections. The memories and steps of the crowds of his Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, on this blessed soil around the Ka‘bah, flicker before the pilgrims. They are so vivid and clear, almost heard by the ear and almost seen by the eyes.

Hajj is a universal gathering and international conference of faith for all Muslims. It is a great assembly where they see their origins in the depths of history since their father Ibrahim, may Allah exalt his mention. Allah, the Exalted, says (what means): {[It is] the religion of your father, Ibrahim. Allah named you “Muslims” before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation] that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people.} [Quran 22:78]

In the Hajj, Muslims find the pivot around which they all revolve; the shared qiblah (prayer direction—the Ka‘bah in Mecca). The qiblah that bonds them all together and the banner under which they are all united, i.e. the banner of Islam and the flag of tawheed. The one and only banner in whose shadow the differences of races, colors and backgrounds vanish. The banner that encapsulates their strength, which they forget sometimes. The power of assembly, unity, and interdependence that bonds millions of Muslims all over the world. The banner that bonds these millions whom none could overcome if they firmly held on to their one banner—the banner of the Islamic creed and tawheed.

Common Errors in #Hajj and #Umrah

First: Errors Related to Ihram:

Some pilgrims bypass the designated Station of ihram on their route without either being in Ihram or entering into ihram there, proceeding until they reach Jeddah or some other place within the precincts of the Stations, at which they enter into ihram. This is against the command of Allah’s Messenger ( sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention )), which stipulates that every pilgrim should enter into ihram at the Station of ihram which lies on his route.

If this happens to someone, he must either go back to the Station of Ihram lying on his route and there enter into ihram, or he must make expiation by sacrificing a sheep in Makkah and feeding all its meat to the poor.

This applies to all pilgrims regardless of whether one passes the Station of ihram by air, by sea or by land.

If one did not pass through one of the five designated Station of ihram he should enter into ihram at a point which is nearest to the Station of ihram on his route.

Second: Errors Related to Tawaf:

1. Starting the tawaf at some point other than the site of the Black Stone, while it is obligatory to begin tawaf from the Black Stone.

2. Doing one’s tawaf inside the Hijr of Isma’il, which means going around a portion of the K’abah rather than the whole of it since the Hijr of Isma’il is a part of the K’abah which would then be left out of tawaf . Such a tawaf is invalid.

3. Doing ramal (i.e., taking quick short steps) during all seven circuits while ramal is to be done only during the first three of the Tawaf of arrival (tawaf al-qudum).

4. Struggling vehemently to kiss the Black Stone in this process and hitting or pushing people. Such acts, which are injurious to Muslims, are not permissible.

It should be noted that the tawaf remains perfectly valid without kissing the Black Stone. If one does not or cannot kiss the Black Stone, it is sufficient simply to point to it, saying “Allahu akbar” when one comes parallel to it, although one may be at a distance from it.

5. Wiping one’s hand over the Black Stone, seeking “blessings” (barakah) thereby is an innovation (bid’a) with no basis in the Shari’ah of Islam. The Sunnah is to touch it or kiss it only when it can be done easily.

6. Touching the Four Corners of K’abah or its walls, and wiping one’s hands against them. The Prophet (peace be on him) did not touch any part of K’abah except the Black Stone and the Yemeni Corner.

7. Saying specific formulas of supplications reserved for each circuit. The Prophet ( sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention )) did not specify any supplications except to say “Allahu akbar” when he reached the Black Stone and, at the end of each circuit between the Yamani Corner and the Black Stone, he said;

“Rabbana, atina’ fid-duniya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasana wa qina adhaban-nar.”

(Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and save us from the punishment of the Fire).

8. Raising one’s voice above the voices of others: whether in following or leading the tawaf as it causes confusion among the worshippers.

9. Struggling to pray at the Station of Ibrahim. This is contrary to the Sunnah besides being injurious to other worshipers. It is sufficient to pray the two rak’ats of tawaf after completing one’s tawaf anywhere within the Sacred Mosque.

Third: Errors Related to Sa’y:

1. When climbing upon Safa and Marwah, some pilgrims face the K’abah and gesticulate toward it with their hands while saying “Allahu Akbar” as if they were saying takbir for salat. This gesticulating is an error because the Prophet (peace be on him) raised him palms only for supplication. Here you may glorify and magnify Allah the Most High, supplicating Him in any words you wish while facing the direction of the K’abah. It is preferable to recite the dhikr which the Prophet (peace be on him) recited at Safa and Marwah.

2. Accelerating one’s pace throughout the entire distance between the two hills. The Sunnah is to accelerate one’s pace only between the two green posts, while walking at normal pace the remainder of the way.

Fourth: Errors Related to ‘Arafat:

1. Some pilgrims camp outside the boundaries of ‘Arafat and remain there until the sun has set; then they depart for Muzdalifah without standing at ‘Arafat properly. This is a serious error which invalidates their hajj since standing in Arafat is the essence of hajj, and it is obligatory to be within its boundaries and not outside them, if it is not easy to do that, they may enter before sunset and remain there until sunset. It is quite acceptable to stand in Arafat during the night of sacrifice in particular.

2. Departing from ‘Arafat before the sun has set is not permissible, because the messenger of Allah (peace be on him) stayed at ‘Arafat’ until the sun had set completely.

3. Struggling through crowds in order to climb Mount ‘Arafat is not permissible, because it causes much harm and injury to others. The entire Plain of ‘Arafat is a place of standing and neither climbing Mount ‘Arafat nor making salah there has been recommended.

4. Making supplications facing Mount ‘Arafat’ is incorrect because the Sunnah is to face qiblah while making supplication.

5. Making heaps of earth or pebbles: during the day of ‘Arafat’ at particular places, by some people, has no base in the Shariah of Allah.

Fifth: Errors related to Muzdalifah:

1. Some pilgrims start collecting pebbles to throw at the Stone Pillars in Mina as soon as they arrive in Muzdalifah prior to praying the Magrib and Isha prayers. This is not collected at Muzdalifah.

The correct position is that the pebbles can be collected anywhere within the boundaries of al_Haram (the territory or precints of Makkah). It is known that the Prophet ( sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention )) did not ask that the pebbles for Jamratul-Aqabah be picked up for him from Muzdalifah. They were picked up for him, in the morning, after leaving Muzdalifah and on entering Mina. The rest of the pebbles were picked up, for him, from Mina, Too.

2. Some pilgrims wash the pebbles, but this is not recommended.

Sixth: Error Related to Throwing the Pebbles:

Some pilgrims are under the impression that when they are throwing pebbles at the Stone Pillars, they are actually throwing them at shayateen (devils); hence they hurl them with rage and force. However, the throwing of the pebbles has been merely 

1. Prescribed as a means of remembering Allah the Most High.

2. Some people throw big stones, shoes or pieces of wood. This is an excess in matters of religion which the Prophet (peace be on him) prohibited, what is allowed is to throw pebbles the size of good beans.

3. Crowding and fighting with others at the Pillars while throwing the pebbles is not permissible. What is prescribed is to be gentle and to throw the pebbles without hurting anyone as much as possible.

4. Throwing all the pebbles at one time is an error. Scholars have said that this would be counted as only one throw. The Shari’ah prescribes throwing the pebbles one by one, saying “Allahu akbar” at each separate throw.

5. Appointing a proxy to throw the pebbles, simply due to fear of the crowds or of hardship, while one is capable of doing it himself. Only sick or weak individuals are permitted to have a proxy for this act.

Seventh: Errors Related to the Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada):

1. On the day of their departure, some pilgrims go to Makkah to perform their Farewell Tawaf before throwing the pebbles at the Pillars. Then they return to Mina to throw the pebbles, and depart from Mina for their respective countries. Thus their final rite becomes that of throwing the pebbles at the Pillars and not of the tawaf of K’abah. This is an error as the Prophet (peace be on him) said, “No one should depart without his last visit being to the House (K’abah).”

Accordingly, the Farewell Tawaf must take place after one has completed all the rites of hajj (and before starting his journey for home). After this tawaf one should not stay in Makkah except during the time it takes to prepare to depart.

2. After finishing the Farewell Tawaf, some people walk backwards, facing the K’abah, as they exit from the Sacred Mosque, under the impression that this is a veneration of the K’abah. This act is an innovation (bid’a) in the religion and is without any basis.

3. After finishing the Farewell Tawaf, some pilgrims halt at the door of the Sacred Mosque to make supplications. This is also an innovation with no basis in the Shari’ah of Islam.

Eight: Errors Related to the visit of the Prophet’s Mosque:

1. Touching and wiping one’s hands on the walls and iron grilles, tying threads to the gratings, and other acts of this sort while visiting the grave of the Prophet (may peace and blessings of Allah be on him) in order to receive blessing (barakah) are an innovation (bid’a). Blessing come from following what Allah and His Messenger (peace be on him) have prescribed, and not from following innovations.

2. Going to the caves of Mount Uhud or to the caves of Hira or Thaur near Makkah and hanging pieces of cloth or making supplications there have not been prescribed by Allah. All these are unnecessary hardships, innovations in the religion, and are without any basis in the Shari’ah.

3. Likewise, visiting certain sites under the impression that these constitute “relics” of the Prophet (peace be on him), as for example the place where his camel sat, the Well of ‘Uthman or the Well of the Ring, and gathering soil from these places to obtain “blessings”, are all innovations.

4. Calling upon the dead while visiting the graves at the Baqi Cemetery or the graves of the martyrs of Uhud, and throwing coins in order to seek the blessings of the place or of the people buried there, is a grievous error. Indeed, it is shirk (ascribing partners to Allah the Most High), as has been pointed out by scholars. It is clear from the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace be on him) that all forms of worship are for Allah alone. It is not permissible to call upon or to offer sacrifice, give vow or any other form of ibadah (worship) except for Allah alone. Allah the Most High, says:

“And they were commanded nothing except to worship Allah (only), purifying the religion for Him alone.” [Quran 98:5]

And He also says:

Verily, the places of worship are for Allah (alone), so do not call on anyone else apart from Allah.” [Quran 72:18]

We ask Allah, the Most High, to improve the condition of the Muslims and to give them understanding of the religion, and to turn all of us away from errors and deviations Indeed. He is the Hearing, the Responding.

#Errors and Innovations in #Hajj – II

Continued

·        Supplicating after stoning the big Jamarah.

·        Some people think that they are actually stoning Satan and that he is there physically, and start giving Satanic names to each of the three Jamaraat. This is incorrect and is not permitted.

·        Wasting the meat of the sacrificial animal after slaughtering it, even though it is possible to distribute it amongst the poor.

·        Running and uncovering the right shoulder (for men) during Tawaaf Al-Ifaadhah, while this should only be done during the first Tawaaf.

·        Some people push, shove and harm others in order to kiss the Black Stone, they may even abuse others or hit them. This is not suitable behavior for such a place, and Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Hajj is (during) well known months, so whoever has made hajj obligatory upon himself therein (by entering the state of ihram), there is (to be for him) no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj}[Quran, 2: 197]

·        Some people believe that the Black Stone benefits on its own and they touch it with their hands then rub their bodies with them. This is ignorance, because Allah The Almighty alone is the One who benefits, and ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him,said while he was touching it, "I know that you are merely a stone which neither harms nor benefits, and had it not been that I saw the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), kissing you I would not have kissed you."

·        Some people touch all corners of the Ka’bah, and all four of its walls. This is incorrect; the Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) is to only touch the corner which contains the Black Stone and Yemeni Corner.

·        Kissing the Yemeni Corner when one is only supposed to touch it with the hand if possible or else pass it without uttering “Allahu Akbar” or doing anything else.

·        Some people commit to certain supplications during Tawaaf.

·        Some people recite supplications aloud so that others can collectively repeat after them. This is incorrect, because it disturbs others around them and contradicts the Sunnah.

·        Some people push others in order to pray behind the station of Ibraaheem, may Allah exalt his mention. It is permissible to pray the two Rak’ahs after Tawaaf anywhere in the mosque.

·        Some people recite the Quran for a long time during the two Rak’ahs after Tawaaf, then raise their hands and supplicate.

·        Some people perform Tawaaf as a group while holding each other’s hands, thus make things extremely difficult for others trying to perform Tawaaf.

·        It is not permissible to go inside the semi-circular wall that begins at the corner after the black stone, because this area is considered as being inside the Ka’bah. If this is done then one must repeat the current circuit.

·        Combining prayers in Mina.

·        Not spending the night in Mina.

·        Abandoning supplications after stoning the first two Jamaraat.

·        Some people stone during times other than those designated for stoning, which starts when the sun reaches its zenith.

·        Some people think that they are actually stoning Satan and that he is there physically, so they shout and scream. We must remember that this rite was legislated so as to establish the remembrance of Allah The Almighty, and this is why the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), used to utter “Allahu Akbar” after each pebble.

·        Supplicating after stoning the last one of the three Jamaraat.

·        Some people do not stone the three Jamaraat in the correct sequence.

·        Some people throw all pebbles at once, which is a serious mistake that necessitates that they must re-throw, as the scholars have said, "If someone throws all pebbles in one go, it will count as one pebble only. One should throw only one pebble at a time."

·        Some people authorise others to throw on their behalf whilst being capable of doing it themselves, and this contradicts the command of Allah The Almighty for fulfilling the rites of Hajj.

·        Some people authorise others to stone on their behalf and then return to their countries without spending the nights in Mina during the days of Tashreeq, and without stoning.

·        Some people go from Minaon the day they are returning to their countries of residence and perform the farewell Tawaaf, they then return to Mina and stone the last day’s three Jamaraat. By doing so, they have not made the farewell Tawaaf the last act that they have performed.

#Errors and Innovations in #Hajj - I

Some men uncover their right shoulders as soon as they assume Ihraam (the sacral state). This is incorrect and should only be done during the Tawaaf (circumambulation) of arrival for ‘Umrah.

·        Some people think that Ihraam is initiated by donning the clothes of Ihraam, when in fact it is initiated by the intention in one’s heart. Therefore, wearing the clothes of Ihraam is actually the physical preparation for Ihraam.

·        Some women mistakenly think that their Ihraam clothes should be of a certain color, such as white or green, and this is incorrect. A woman can wear her regular clothes, as long as they are within defined Islamic limits, and she must avoid adornment or clothes that are tight or transparent. This kind of garment is prohibited anyway at all times.

·        Men praying wearing the lower garment of Ihraam only, which is wrong because the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “Let not any of you pray with a garment which does not cover his shoulders.”[Al-Bukhari, Muslim]

·        Shaving the beard when assuming Ihraam is an act that is prohibited at all times.

·        Some people believe that once they wear the clothes of Ihraam they are prohibited from removing them, even if they become dirty; when in fact they can change or wash it.

·        Collective Talbiyah.

·        Combining the prayers in Mina when they are only permitted to shorten them.

·        Not exerting extra effort in reciting the Quran and worshipping Allah The Almighty, when this is the place where they are supposed to exert these extra efforts.

·        Not spending the night in Mina on the night of the eighth of Thul-Hijjah without a legitimate excuse.

·        Some pilgrims choose a place to stay in without first finding out whether they are inside or outside the boundary of ‘Arafaatalthough there are signs clearly indicating the boundaries of ‘Arafaat. Standing within the boundaries of ‘Arafaat is a pillar without which Hajj is incomplete; and the area called Waadi ‘Arunah is not within the boundaries.

·        Some people leave 'Arafaat before sunset, which is not permitted.

·        Some people struggle to climb the mount, believing that it holds certain virtues, which, according to them, makes it mandatory to climb it - this has not been reported as being a practice of the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ).

·        Some people face the direction of the mountain of ‘Arafaat during their supplications, which is a mistake; the Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) is that they must face the Qiblah.

·        Some pilgrims waste time on that day in joking and idle chatter, and abandoning supplications and the remembrance of Allah The Almighty on this great day.

·        Many pilgrims take cameras and use them to shoot pictures of the rituals, which is not what a pilgrim should be doing.

·        Not making sure that the direction of the prayer is towards the Qiblah before praying Maghrib, ‘Ishaa’ or Fajr: it is compulsory to ask anyone who knows the direction and to face it while praying.

·        Some people collect their stones for stoning the Jamaraat as soon as they arrive in Muzdalifah and before offering their Maghrib and ‘Ishaa’ prayers, thinking that this is permitted. In fact the Sunnah is to collect them after leaving Muzdalifah as one heads towards Mina, although it is permissible to collect the pebbles from anywhere.

·        Some people do not make sure that they are spending the night within the boundaries of Muzdalifah.

·        Delaying the Maghrib and ‘Ishaa’ prayer until after midnight: this is prohibited.

·        Some people leave Muzdalifah before midnight without spending the night there and without having a legitimate excuse; although this is a compulsory rite of Hajj.

·        Some people leaveMuzdalifah and head towards Mina even before the Fajr prayer, although they are strong and healthy and have no excuse to leave early, as the weak or sick might.

·        Staying up all night praying and remembering Allah The Almighty, or reciting the Qur’aan, which contradicts the Sunnah.

·        Delaying the Fajr prayer close to sunset or later.

·        Sleeping after praying Fajr.

·        People rushing out with their cars harming others and perhaps even causing accidents.

·        Some people do not make sure whether their stones fall into the stoning plate or not.

·        Some people authorise others to stone on their behalf, which is only permissible for people totally incapable of stoning due to sickness or other valid reasons (such as for the elderly, women and children).

·        Some people use slippers or huge rocks to stone with.

·        Some people say, "O Allah! I stone to enrage Satan and please You."

#Hajj Organizers vs. the Man with the Crook

Jaabir, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said in a Hadeeth (narration) in which he described what he saw in Paradise and Hell during the eclipse prayer: “Hell was displayed to me and that is when you saw me moving backwards for fear that its heat might touch me. I saw therein a man with a crook dragging his intestines in the fire - he used to steal from the pilgrims with his crook. If he was discovered he would say, ‘It got caught on my crook’; but if he was not noticed then he would take it.” [Muslim]

In another narration, ‘Abdullaah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘Aas, may Allah be pleased with them, said that the Messenger of Allah,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “I saw a man with a crook reclining on his crook in Hell. He used to steal (the belongings) of pilgrims with his crook. If he was noticed he would say, ‘I am not stealing from you, but it got caught on my crook.’” [Ahmad]

In a third narration, ‘Abdullaah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘Aas, may Allah be pleased with them, said that the Messenger of Allah,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “…until I saw in it (Hell) a man with a crook, who used to steal from pilgrims with his crook, reclining on his crook in Hell saying ‘I am the thief with the crook.’” [An-Nasaa’i]

This man with the crook combined two grave sins: the sin of stealing plus the sin of transgressing against the visitors of the most Merciful. Yes, the one who performs Hajj or ‘Umrah is the visitor of Allah The Almighty. Ibn Khuzaymah  may  Allaah  have  mercy  upon  himtitled a chapter in his Saheeh indicating that pilgrims are the visitors of Allah The Almighty. Ibn Hibbaan  may  Allaah  have  mercy  upon  him did the same and he cited the narrated Hadeeth on the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “The guests of Allah are three: the one who is fighting in the Cause of Allah, the one who is performing Hajj and the one who is performing ‘Umrah.” [Ibn Hibbaan and An-Nasaa’i]

Ibn ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “The one who goes to fight in the Cause of Allah, the one who is performing Hajj and the one who is performing ‘Umrah are the guests of Allah whom He Invited and they accepted His invitation and asked from Him and He Gave them.” [Ibn Maajah]

“Guests of Allah” means those who walk to Allah and go to Him since they intend -- by their travel -- the pleasure and reward of Allah.

Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “Had those who reside known the right of the pilgrims upon them, they would have gone to them when they arrived and kissed their mounting animals because they are the delegates of all people to Allah The Almighty.” [Al-Bayhaqi]

Once Al-Husayn bin ‘Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, met pilgrims who said, “We want to go to Makkah.” He told them, “You are visitors of Allah. So, when you reach Makkah ask Allah for all your needs.” [Ibn Abi Shaybah]

Let us ponder on this following great Qudsi Hadeeth. Abu Sa‘eed Al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Allah The Almighty said: ‘A slave whose body I made healthy for him and increased his provision, and five years pass without him visiting Me; indeed, he is deprived.’” [Ibn Hibbaan and Al-Bayhaqi]

Pilgrims are the visitors of Allah. They travel seeking the reward of Allah The Almighty and leave for His Sacred House which is made a place of return and security for people as Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And [mention] when We made the House a place of return for the people and [a place of] security.} [Quran 2:125] that is to say that people feel secure and safe for their souls and properties.

The Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), pointed out that robbing a pilgrim is a sin and a shame:

‘Abdullaah bin ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Messenger of Allah,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), said on the pulpit: “May Allah forgive the tribe of Ghifaar! And may Allah save the tribe of Aslam! The tribe of ‘Usayyah have disobeyed Allah and His Messenger.” [Al-Bukhari]

Ibn Hajar  may  Allaah  have  mercy  upon  him said in Fat-h Al-Baari, “Banu Ghifaar used to rob pilgrims during the pre-Islamic era, so the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) supplicated Allah for them after their reverting to Islam in order to have their shame removed.”

Although “Reverting to Islam wipes out the sins committed before it,” the Prophet’s asking Allah The Almighty to forgive the tribe of Ghifaar after they reverted to Islam indicates how shameful and grave their sin was as Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {and (you) thought it was insignificant while it was, in the Sight of Allah, tremendous.} [Quran 24:15]

The clever thief and the organizers of Hajj campaigns:

Beware and contemplate… the man with the crook who is mentioned in the Hadeeth is what modern law calls “the clever thief”. He does not kill or physically harm anyone. He does not burglarize any building or break its locks. He does not carry a weapon to threaten and terrify those whom he robs. However, he commits a grave sin because he transgresses against the visitors of Allah The Almighty. This is a very heinous crime which exceeds the crime of theft. Accordingly, those who organize Hajj campaigns should beware of being gathered on the Day of Resurrection with the man of the crook if they transgress against pilgrims by taking their money unjustly. For example, they may promise the pilgrims services and advantages to be delivered in Hajj whereas these promises are mere lies to steal from them and usurp their money.

Flag of the angel and flag of the devil:

Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “No one comes out of his home but there are two flags in his hand: a flag that is held by an angel and a flag that is held by a devil. If he goes out for whatever pleases Allah The Almighty, the angel will follow him and he will remain under the flag of the angel until he returns home. If he goes out for whatever displeases Allah, the devil will follow him and he will remain under the flag of the devil until he returns home.” [Ahmad]

Hence, those who go out to perform Hajj or in the service of pilgrims enjoy the shade of the angel’s flag. It is a magnificent pride and honor and a great reward. On the other hand, those who go out for the sake of robbing pilgrims and usurping their money are wretched under the flag of Satan. What a humiliation, and what a sin and punishment!

Beware of consuming any ill-gotten gain:

The one who used to steal from the pilgrims with his crook will drag his intestines in Hell. Why will he drag his intestines and not any other part of his body in Hell?

That is because the intestines are the resting place of the ill-gotten gains which he made out of stealing from pilgrims. It is from that ill-gotten food that his flesh grew on and with which his body became strong. Jundub bin ‘Abdullaah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that he heard the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), saying: “The first thing to rot in the human’s body after death will be his abdomen, so let him only eat food from lawful gains.” [Al-Bukhari]

In this Hadeeth, the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), pointed out that the first thing to rot after the person’s death is the abdomen. He urges us to eat only what is gained by lawful means so that our end will not be like that of the man with the crook who filled his stomach with ill-gotten gains. Ka‘b bin ‘Ujrah, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), said to him: “O Ka‘b ibn ‘Ujrah, no flesh grows that is nourished by unlawful gain but Hell is more befitting for it.” [At-Tirmithi]

There is no blessing in unlawful gains and the person who consumes it will not find rest in this worldly life, and in the Hereafter his end will be Hell.

#حج_عام_1437

المواطن - الرياض

أعلنت وزارة الحج والعمرة عن اعتماد ست شرائح لحجاج الداخل، على غرار العام الماضي، بأسعار تبدأ من 5908 ريالات وحتى 8161 ريالاً، علاوة على شريحة الأبراج في منى بتكلفة 11905 ريالات، وشريحة الحج المنخفض التكلفة، الذي تم تقسيمه لـ 12 شريحة تبدأ من 3297 ريالاً وتصل إلى 4147 ريالاً، إضافة إلى شريحة الحج الميسر، التي حدد لها سعر 3015 ريالاً.

وستبدأ الوزارة في استقبال طلبات المواطنين والمقيمين للتسجيل في إحدى فئات برامجها لحجاج الداخل عبر الدخول على بوابة المسار الإلكتروني لحجاج الداخل، وذلك للحجز واختيار البرامج اعتباراً من تمام الخميس الموافق للأول من ذي القعدة للعام الحالي، وسيتم إيقاف التسجيل يوم الخميس الموافق للسابع من شهر ذي الحجة. وبحسب بيان وزارة الحج والعمرة أمس، فإن الخدمات مقسمة على شرائح منها شريحة الخدمة الأولى في الأبراج، وهي الأبراج المقامة على سفوح جبال مشعر منى وداخل حدودها الشرعية، وحدد لها سعر 11905 ريالات، شاملة تكلفة النقل براً أو جواً من وإلى مكة المكرمة، ويشمل المبلغ تكلفة السكن والإعاشة في منى ومزدلفة وعرفات.

وأكد بيان وزارة الحج أن الشريحتين الثانية والثالثة تعدان شريحة البرنامج العام وتنقسم كل منهما لستة أقسام تبدأ من 7561 ريالاً وحتى 8161 ريالاً وتشمل تكلفة الإعاشة والسكن في المشاعر المقدسة منى ومزدلفة وعرفات، علاوة على سعر النقل الجوي أو البري من وإلى مكة المكرمة، ويتم خصم 150 ريالاً في حال توفير المنشأة خدمة تكييف صحراوي مساند وخصم 250 ريالاً لاستخدام تكييف المشروع فقط.

وبين أن الشريحتين الرابعة والخامسة من البرنامج العام، تقسم كل منهما لستة أقسام تبدأ الأسعار من 7310 ريالات إلى 7910 ريالات، تشمل تكلفة السكن والإعاشة في المشاعر المقدسة علاوة على تكلفة النقل من وإلى مكة المكرمة مضافاً إليها تكلفة خدمة السكن في مكة المكرمة.

وأوضح البيان أن الأسعار تبدأ في الشريحتين السادسة والسابعة، شريحة السكنى في المخيمات، من 5908 ريالات إلى 6508 ريالات، مضافاً إليها خدمة السكن في مكة المكرمة، وكذلك التنقل، والسكنى والإعاشة في المشاعر المقدسة.

وأشار إلى برنامج الحج منخفض التكلفة، الذي ينقسم إلى قسمين رئيسيين الأول يشمل تكلفة استخدام قطار المشاعر وتندرج تحته ست فئات تبدأ الأسعار فيها من 3547 ريالاً إلى 4147 ريالاً، والقسم الآخر الذي لا تدخل فيه تكلفة استخدام القطار يبدأ من 3297 ريالاً وحتى 3897 ريالاً، في حال استخدام المنشأة لتكييف المشروع في مخيمات مشعر منى، ويتم إضافة 100 ريال في حال توفير المنشأة خدمة تكييف صحراوي مساند، وتتم إضافة 250 ريالاً في حال توفير تكييف فريون، كما تشمل الأسعار تكلفة الإعاشة والسكن في المشاعر المقدسة والتنقل من مدينة الحجاج التي تعاقد فيها إلى مكة المكرمة والمشاعر والعودة بحافلة سياحية لا يقل موديلها عن 2007.

وأفادت وزارة الحج في بيانها بأن البرنامج الأخير، هو برنامج الحج الميسر، حدد له سعر 3015 ريالاً فقط يشمل جميع تكلفة السكن والإعاشة في منى ومزدلفة وعرفات إضافة إلى تكلفة التنقل في المشاعر المقدسة بالقطار أيام التشريق، ومن مدينة الحاج التي تعاقد فيها إلى مكة المكرمة والمشاعر والعودة بحافلة سياحية لا يقل موديلها عن 2007.

وتأتي التقسيمات الجديدة التي أعلنتها الوزارة أمس ووفق استراتيجيتها الحديثة في تطوير الخدمات المقدمة لحجاج الداخل، بما في ذلك طريقة الخدمة المقدمة للمواطنين والمقيمين في المملكة، وانطلاقاً من دورها في الإشراف على أداء المرخص لهم بالخدمات في جميع مراحل تقديمها من تسويق وتعاقد وتنفيذ البرامج المتفق عليها مع الحجاج، وفق نظام خدمة حجاج الداخل.

وأوضحت الوزارة أن برنامج المسار الإلكتروني للحجاج، الذي ينطلق في عامه الثاني باستقبال الطلبات لحجاج الداخل إلكترونياً يستهدف القضاء على الحملات الوهمية وكذلك القضاء على المبالغات في الأسعار، خاصة أن البرنامج نجح خلال العام الماضي في ذلك، إذ لم تسجل الوزارة شكاوى تذكر حول وجود حملات وهمية أو مبالغات في الأسعار، وفقاً لـ”الاقتصادية”.

واعتمدت الوزارة سياسة إلغاء الحجوزات في المسار لهذا العام، حيث يتم تقديم طلب الإلغاء واسترجاع المبالغ المدفوعة من خلال البوابة، حيث يتم استقطاع 100 في المائة من المصاريف إذا كان الإلغاء في اليوم السابع من ذي الحجة، و70 في المائة في اليوم السادس، و60 في المائة في اليوم الخامس، و50 في المائة في اليوم الرابع، و40 في المائة في اليوم الثالث، و30 في المائة في اليوم الثاني من ذي الحجة، فيما يتم استقطاع مبلغ 65 ريالاً إضافة إلى سبعة ريالات كرسوم تحويل مصرفية عن كل حاج يلغي التعاقد مع إحدى الحملات بعد طباعة التصريح سواء كان قبل يوم 25 ذي القعدة أو بعده، أو في حالة دفع الرسوم قبل طباعة التصريح، أما في حالة رفض تصريح الحاج من قبل وزارة الداخلية، فيدفع الحاج 25 ريالاً إضافة إلى سبعة ريالات قيمة التحويل المصرفي، أما في حالة إلغاء الاشتراك مع الحملة قبل دفع الرسوم، فيعتبر الإلغاء مجانياً. وقالت الوزارة إنه ووفق استراتيجيتها الحديثة في تطوير الخدمات المقدمة لحجاج الداخل، حرصت على حصر الحجز والتعاقد لخدمة حجاج الداخل من خلال بوابة المسار الإلكتروني لحجاج الداخل، واعتماد برامج خدمية تلبي احتياجات الحجاج، بدءاً من عزمهم أداء الحج إلى حين الانتهاء من نسكهم والعودة إلى ديارهم سالمين.

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