How do you get your Hajj Accepted?
Since 2012-11-24
{And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka‘bah ) is a duty that mankind owes to Allâh, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allâh], then Allâh stands not in need of any of the ‘lamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists)} [Surat Al-‘Imran 3:97]
Advice and tips for every pilgrim
We thank Allah that he made the word of monotheism a guard and fort, the sacred house and prayers and peace be upon the Messenger of mercy and the leader of the nation, and upon his family and companions leaders of truth and more peace be upon them….
O Muslim brother! Allah Almighty ordered his believing servants to comply to Allah and His Messenger -prayer and peace of Allah be upon him- where He Glorified and Exalted said:- {O you who believe! Answer Allâh (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he (صلى الله عليه وسلم) calls you to that which will give you life…} [Surat Al-Anfâl 8:24]
{يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اسْتَجِيبُوا لِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ إِذَا دَعَاكُمْ لِمَا يُحْيِيكُمْ} الأنفال: 24
Transliteration: Yā 'Ayyuhā Al-Ladhīna 'Āmanū Astajībū Lillahi Wa Lilrrasūli 'Idhā Da`ākum Limā Yuĥyīkum
Your will -O Muslim brother- to perform pilgrimage to the Sacred House of Allah is evidence on your responsiveness to Allah Almighty when he said: {And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka‘bah ) is a duty that mankind owes to Allâh, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allâh], then Allâh stands not in need of any of the ‘lamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists)} [Surat Al-‘Imran 3:97]
{وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلا وَمَنْ كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ عَنِ الْعَالَمِينَ} آل عمران: 97
Transliteration: Wa Lillahi ‘Ala An-Nāsi Ĥijju Al-Bayti Mani Astaţā`a 'Ilayhi Sabīlāan Wa Man Kafara Fa'inna Al-Laha Ghanīyun `Ani Al-`Ālamīna
Also evidence to your responsiveness to the Messenger of Allah – prayers and peace of Allah be upon him – when he said: “O people, Allah Have obligated Hajj on you so observe it.” [Reported by Muslim 1337]
«أيُّها النَّاس، قد فرض الله عليكم الحجّ فحجوا» رواه مسلم 1337
So here you are ‘O’ Muslim brother coming from lands that might be far seeking the mercy of Allah Almighty and fearing his punishment. Bearing for this cause hardships and pain, spending all this sum of money to get to this land and abandoning everything you know from your family, property, friends and the beloved.
All of this as obedience to Allah Glorified and Exalted and establishing worship through His remembrance and praise, being keen to observe this great obligation which constitutes one of the pillars of Islam and its greatest bodies.
Then again you know the virtues of Hajj and what could the pilgrim gain from hajj like forgiveness and liberation from Hellfire. The Prophet -prayers and peace of Allah be upon him- said: “A ‘Umrah to another ‘Umrah (period between them) expiates what’s between them, and the accepted Hajj has no reward except paradise.” [Agreed upon]
«العمرة إلى العمرة كفارة لما بينهما، والحجّ المبرور ليس له جزاء إلا الجنَّة» متفقٌ عليه
He also said -prayers and peace of Allah be upon him- “whoever comes for pilgrimage to this house (Ka’bah) and didn’t have sexual intercourse nor have been obscene he will return like the day his mother gave birth to him (with no sins).” [Agreed upon and the wording is for Al-Bukhari]
«من حجَّ هذا البيت، فلم يرفث، ولم يفسق، رجع كيوم ولدته أمه» متفقٌ عليه واللفظ للبخاري
The Characteristics of an accepted Hajj
Some scholars said that an accepted Hajj is the Hajj that Allah is not disobeyed in or after, and it was also said it is the accepted hajj that the pilgrim increases in doing good and doesn’t return to sinning after it.
Al-Hassan Al-Bassri said: “The accepted hajj is the one that a person returns from being ascetic in this worldly life and heeding towards the hereafter.”
Some said that the accepted Hajj is one that has no fame, reputation sought from and no sexual relations, obscenity nor arguing in it as Allah Almighty said: {The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known (lunar year) months (i.e. the 10th month, the 11th month and the first ten days of the 12th month of the Islâmic calendar, i.e. two months and ten days). So whosoever intends to perform Hajj therein (by assuming Ihrâm), then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj.} [Surat Al-Baqarah 2:197]
{الْحَجُّ أَشْهُرٌ مَعْلُومَاتٌ فَمَنْ فَرَضَ فِيهِنَّ الْحَجَّ فَلا رَفَثَ وَلا فُسُوقَ وَلا جِدَالَ فِي الْحَجِّ} البقرة: 197
Transliteration: Al-Ĥajju 'Ashhurun Ma`lūmātun Faman Farađa Fīhinna Al-Ĥajja Falā Rafatha Wa Lā Fusūqa Wa Lā Jidāla Fī Al-Ĥajji
These sayings are close in meaning and not contradictory. As the accepted Hajj is the one where a person was keen to observe all the conditions, pillars, obligations, virtues, morals and favored acts, and it was sincere to Allah Almighty in compliance with the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah prayers and peace of Allah be upon him.
Conditions of accepting acts
O Muslim Brother: every act of worship cannot be accepted unless it had two conditions:
1- Sincerity
2- Following
So sincerity in Hajj is a primary condition and for it to be accepted Allah Almighty said: {So worship Allâh (Alone) by doing religious deeds sincerely for Allâh’s sake only} [Surat Az-Zumar 39:2]
{فَاعْبُدِ اللَّهَ مُخْلِصًا لَهُ الدِّينَ} الزُّمر: 2
Transliteration: Fā`budi Al-Laha Mukhlişāan Lahu Ad-Dīna
And He Almighty also said: {And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allâh, and worship none but Him Alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him)} [Surat Al-Baiyinah 98:5]
{وَمَا أُمِرُوا إِلا لِيَعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ حُنَفَاءَ} البيِّنة: 5
Transliteration: Wa Mā 'Umirū 'Illā Liya`budū Al-Laha Mukhlişīna Lahu Ad-Dīna Ĥunafā'
The Prophet -prayers and peace of Allah be upon him- said: “Allah -the Most blessed and Exalted- said: “I am the Most accompanied that is no need of being accompanied (in worship) with, in an act that there was another accompanied with Me, thus I will let him and His polytheism.” (Act of worship is not accepted because of having partners with Him).” [Reported by Muslim 2985]
«قال الله تبارك وتعالى: أنا أغنى الشُّركاء عن الشِّرك. من عمل عملًا أشرك فيه معي غيري، تركته وشركه» رواه مسلم 2985
It was narrated that the Prophet -prayers and peace of Allah be upon him- said in the farewell Hajj: “O Allah I ask you Hajj with no fame or reputation (sought from).” [Reported by Ibn Majah 2355 and authenticated by Al-Albani]
«اللهمَّ حجّة لا رياء فيها ولا سمعة» رواه ابن ماجه 2355 وصحَّحه الألباني
On the other hand, the people who are seeking fame, reputation and pride among others or they are after the title of ‘pilgrim’ only or trading, all of the former their deeds rebound at them and their acts are with no avail, we ask Allah refuge with Him from that.
Following is the second condition for the acceptation of a deed and authenticity. It implies that the act of Hajj complies with the way that the Prophet -prayers and peace of Allah be upon- described or acted in his Hajj, as he -prayers and peace of Allah be upon- said: “Take (from me) your rituals.” [Reported by Muslim 1297]
«لتأخذوا مناسككم» رواه مسلم 1297
So the act of Hajj will not be accepted unless it complies with the Sunnah of the Prophet -prayers and peace of Allah be upon- and his guidance. The Pilgrim will stand in the place where the Prophet -prayers and peace of Allah be upon him- stood, consecrate where he consecrated or ordered to consecrate, supplicate where he supplicated, throw the stones where he threw, shorten prayers where he shortened and complete prayers where he completed and likewise in all the rituals of Hajj. The Prophet -prayers and peace of Allah be upon him- stated that every act that does not take into consideration the Prophetic guidance is not accepted and deemed to be corrupt. The Prophet -prayers and peace of Allah be upon him- said: “Whoever does an act not confirming with our way is rejected.” [Reported by Muslim 1718],
«من عمل عملًا ليس عليه أمرنا فهو ردّ» رواه مسلم 1718
He -prayers and peace of Allah be upon him- also said: “whoever innovates in our way (religion) a matter not in it, then it is rejected.” [Agreed upon]
«من أحدث في أمرنا هذا ما ليس فيه فهو ردّ» متفق عليه
Beware of these booklets
They are innovated booklets that contain a description of Hajj rituals in a way contrary to what the Prophet -prayers and peace of Allah be upon him- did in his pilgrimage. It also contains special supplications for every act in the rituals of Hajj with no evidence in Qur`an and Sunnah.
The Muslim must learn the rules he needs for his pilgrimage before or during Hajj. Referring in this to the beneficial books that are based on authentic evidence from the Qur`an and Sunnah. An example of these books are; the ‘Guidance of the Pilgrim’ by his eminence Shaikh Abdullah Ibn Humaid, the two books ‘Inspection and Clarification’ and ‘This is how the Messenger of Allah -prayers and peace of Allah be upon him- observed Hajj’ by his eminence Shaikh Abdul Aziz Ibn Baz, the two books ‘The Way’ and ‘The Description of Hajj’ by Shaikh Ibn ‘Uthaimeen, the book ‘The Glowing Lantern’ by Shaikh Ibn Jibreen, the book ‘The Guide of Hajj and Mu’tamir’ by the publishing’s of Iftâ`, and other beneficial books.
Advice and recommendations for the pilgrim (observing Hajj or ‘Umrah)
1- Beware of ascribing partners to Allah Almighty; seeking aid from other than Allah, slaughtering and vowing to other than Allah, resort to the aid of the dead Prophets and pious men as partners to Allah, all the former leads to nullifying Hajj and other acts of worship, even more, it nullifies Islam, Allah Almighty said: {If you join others in worship with Allâh, (then) surely (all) your deeds will be in vain} [Surat Az-Zumar 39:65]
{لَئِنْ أَشْرَكْتَ لَيَحْبَطَنَّ عَمَلُكَ} الزُّمر: 65
Transliteration: La'in 'Ashrakta Layaĥbaţanna `Amaluka
He, Exalted, also said:{ But if they had joined in worship others with Allâh, all that they used to do would have been of no benefit to them.} [Surat Al-`An’am 6:88]
{وَلَوْ أَشْرَكُوا لَحَبِطَ عَنْهُمْ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ} الأنعام: 88
Transliteration: Wa Law 'Ashrakū Laĥabiţa `Anhum Mā Kānū Ya`malūna
2- Repent to Allah Almighty from every sin and wrongdoing. Who repented from sins is like a person who does not have a sin, thus promise your God to abandon these sins after your Hajj.
The reality of repentance
- Abandoning all kinds of sins.
- Regret what had been committed in the past
- Having the intention not to return to these sins.
3- Redeeming rights to its owners and ask forgiveness from whom you’ve wronged before your time comes while being on the same state. This is the condition for the accepted repentance, the Prophet -prayers and peace of Allah be upon him- said: “Whoever had a grievance for his brother he should ask forgiveness from it, as there will be no Dirham or Dinar (money as recompensation in Judgment day).” [Reported by Al-Bukhari 6534]
«من كانت عنده مظلمةٌ لأخيه فليتحلله منها، فإنَّه ليس ثمَّ دينار ولا درهم» رواه البخاري 6534
4- Make Istikhara (asking Guidance in a matter) to Allah Almighty if you intend to go for Hajj. The Prophet -prayers and peace of Allah be upon him- said: “If any of you intends to do something let him pray two Rak’as (supererogatory prayer), not an obligatory prayer, then he will say “O Allah, I seek Your counsel by Your knowledge and by Your power I seek strength and I ask You from Your immense favor, for verily You are able while I am not and verily You know while I do not and You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know this affair -and here he mentions his need- to be good for me -In my present and future affairs- or he says in relation to my religion, my life, and end, then decree and facilitate it for me, and bless me with it, and if You know this affair to be ill for me -In my present and future affairs- or he says, towards my religion, my life, and end, then repel it from me and repel me from it , and decree for me what is good wherever it be and make me satisfied with such.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari 7390]
«إذا همَّ أحدكم بالأمر فليركع ركعتين من غير الفريضة، ثمَّ ليقل: اللهمَّ إنِّي أستخيرك بعلمك، وأستقدرك بقدرتك، وأسألك من فضلك، فإنك تقدر ولا أقدر، وتعلم ولا أعلم، وأنت علام الغيوب، اللهمَّ فإن كنت تعلم هذا الأمر -ثمَّ تسميه بعينه- خيرًا لي في عاجل أمري وآجله -قال: أو في ديني ومعاشي وعاقبة أمري- فاقدره لي ويسره لي، ثم بارك لي فيه، اللهمَّ وإن كنت تعلم أنَّه شرٌّ لي في ديني ومعاشي وعاقبة أمري- أو قال: في عاجل أمري وآجله- فاصرفني عنه، واقدر لي الخير حيث كان ثمَّ رضني به» رواه البخاري 7390
Transliteration: Allahuma iny Asatkhiruka Bi ‘Ilmika Wa Astakdiruka bi Qudratika wa As`aluka Min Fadlika Al-‘Atheem, Fa Inaka Taqdiru wala Aqdiru Wa Ta’alamu Walam A’lamu Wa Anta ‘Alamu Al-Qhuyûb, Allahum In Kunta Ta’alam an fi Hatha Al`Amr – He mentions his need – Khayran lee Fee Deeni wa Ma’âshi Wa ‘Aqibati Amri (or he said) Fee ‘Ajjili Amri Wa `Ajilhi, Faqdurhu lee Wa Yasirhu lee Thumma Barik lee feeh, Allahuma in Kunta Ta’alama Ana feehi Sharun Lee Fee Deeni Wa Ma’ashi Wa ‘Aqibata `Amri or - ‘Ajjili Amri Wa `Ajilhi – Fasrifhu ‘Ani Wasrifni ‘Anh wa Iqdur lee Al-Khayr Haythu Kan thuma Radini Bih
This Istikhara isn’t made for Hajj itself, rather Hajj is all good, but it refers to deciding the time of travel, finding company, means of transport and the like of matters.
5- Write your will before Hajj as death comes in a glance and the deeds are in the hands of its Creator Glorified and Exalted, He Almighty said: {No person knows what he will earn tomorrow, and no person knows in what land he will die. Verily, Allâh is All-Knower, All-Aware (of things).} [Surat Luqman 31:34]
{وَمَا تَدْرِي نَفْسٌ مَاذَا تَكْسِبُ غَدًا وَمَا تَدْرِي نَفْسٌ بِأَيِّ أَرْضٍ تَمُوتُ} لقمان: 34
Transliteration: Wa Mā Tadrī Nafsun Mādhā Taksibu Ghadāan Wa Mā Tadrī Nafsun Bi'ayyi 'Arđin Tamūt
The Prophet -prayers and peace of Allah be upon him- said: “It’s not appropriate for a Muslim to have something owned needed to be written in a will except he will not wait for two nights unless his will is written in his presence.” [Agreed upon]
«ما حقّ امرئ مسلمٍ، له شيء يريد أن يوصي فيه، يبيت ليلتين، إلا ووصيته مكتوبة عنده» متفقٌ عليه
So write what you owe and what you have as debt from rights and property, and remind your family with the fear of Allah and holding on to the Qur`an and Sunnah, and the innocence from every innovation that contradicts the religion of Allah Almighty.
6- Seek to provide yourself with Halal (permissible) money, as Allah Almighty is Pure and He doesn’t accept anything except being pure, in accordance to what the Prophet -prayers and peace of Allah be upon him- said: “O people, Allah is Pure and does not accept except pure, and Allah ordered the believers with what he ordered the Messengers where he said: {O (you) Messengers! Eat of the Tayyibât [all kinds of Halâl foods which Allâh has made lawful (meat of slaughtered eatable animals, milk products, fats, vegetables, fruits, etc.] and do righteous deeds} [Surat Al-Mu`minûn:51] He also said: {O you who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism)! Eat of the lawful things that We have provided you} [Surat Al-Baqarah:172] then he mentioned a man that travels in long journeys with shabby hair and dusty appearance he erects his hands to the sky saying “O Lord” “O Lord” and his food is from impermissible income, His drink is from impermissible income, his clothes are from impermissible income and he was fed from impermissible means, how would he answered after all this?” [Reported by Muslim 1015]
«أيُّها النَّاس، إنَّ الله طيبٌ لا يقبل إلا طيبًا. وإنَّ الله أمر المؤمنين بما أمر به المرسلين. فقال: {يَا أَيُّهَا الرُّسُلُ كُلُوا مِنَ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَاعْمَلُوا صَالِحًا إِنِّي بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ عَلِيمٌ} [المؤمنون: 51]، وقال: {يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُلُوا مِنْ طَيِّبَاتِ مَا رَزَقْنَاكُمْ} [البقرة: 172]، ثمَّ ذكر الرّجل يطيل السَّفر أشعث أغبر يمد يديه إلى السَّماء يا ربّ يا ربّ ومطعمه حرام، ومشربه حرام، وملبسه حرام، وغذي بالحرام فأنى يستجاب لذلك؟» رواه مسلم 1015
O Muslim Brother
If you made hajj from unlawful means
Then you didn’t but your camels did
Allah doesn’t accept but the sincere
And not all who observed Hajj is accepted
That’s why some of our forefathers said: “The travelers are a lot but the pilgrims are few”.
7- Carefully chose the pious partner in Hajj, the one who wants the good and repels from evil, the one who reminds you when you forget, and if you remember he will aid you and if he had the attribute of knowledge then stick to him and don’t leave him as he will help you in your Hajj and the good of morals in travel, he will stop you with his knowledge from any evil that strikes the traveler like boredom, restriction and the evil of morals.
O pilgrim brother, don’t forget the following:
- It is liked to travel in the Morning of Thursday in accordance to what Ka’b ibn Malik Narrated from the Prophet prayers and peace of Allah be upon him said: “It is few times where the Messenger of Allah prayers and peace of Allah be upon had travelled, except on Thursday.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari 2949]
«لقلَّما كان رسول الله -صلّى الله عليه وسلّم- يخرج، إذا خرج في سفر، إلا يوم الخميس» رواه البخاري 2949
- It is liked for a traveler before he travels to say farewell to his family and relatives, and to remind them to fear Allah and do good deeds.
- Learn some of the traveling supplications, as the Prophet prayers and peace of Allah be upon him when he is settled over his camel to travel he would say Allahu Akbar three times then he would supplicate “‘Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, How perfect He is, The One Who has place this (transport) at our service, and we ourselves would not have been capable of that, and to our Lord if our final destiny. O Allah, we ask You for birr and taqwaa in this journey of ours, and we ask You for deeds which please You. O Allah, facilitate our journey and let us cover its distance quickly. O Allah, You are The Companion on the journey and The Successor over the family, O Allah, I take refuge with You from the difficulties of travel, from having a change of hearts and being in a bad predicament, and I take refuge in You from an ill-fated outcome with wealth and family.’” [Reported by Muslim 1342]
«سبحان الّذي سخَّر لنا هذا وما كنَّا له مقرنين، وإنَّا إلى ربّنا لمنقلبون، اللهمَّ إنَّا نسألك في سفرنا هذا البرِّ والتَّقوى، ومن العمل ما ترضى، اللهمَّ هون علينا سفرنا هذا واطو عنا بعده، اللهمَّ أنت الصَّاحب في السَّفر، والخليفة في الأهل، اللهمَّ إنِّي أعوذ بك من وعثاء السَّفر، وكآبة المنظر، وسوء المنقلب، في المال والأهل» رواه مسلم 1342
Transliteration: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Subhan Alathy Sakhara Lana Hatha Wa Ma Kuna lahu Muqreneen, Wa In Ila Rabina La Munqalibûn, Allahum Ina Nas`aluka Fee Safarina Hatha Al-Bira Wat-Taqwa Wa Minal ‘Amali Ma tarda, Allahuma Hawin ‘Alayna Safarina Hatha Wattwe ‘Ana Bu’dahu, Allahuma Anta As-Sahibu fee As-Safar, Wal Al-Khaleefatu Fel Ahl, Allahuma Iny `A’uthu Bika Min Wa’atha` As-Safar, Wa Ka`abati Al Manthar Wa Sû’i Al Munqalab Fel Ahl wal Mal.
- It is liked for a traveler to say Allahu Akbar when he climbs a high place (hill or mountain) and to say Tasbeeh (remembrance of Allah) when he goes down a slope.
- The group of travelers should appoint a leader Amir when they travel so if they differ in opinion, and for dutifulness, piety and to serve each other.
- The travelers must indulge in observing good deeds like; remembrance of Allah, supplicating, reciting the Qur`an, enjoining good and forbidding evil, teaching the ignorant and guiding the lost, all this must take place during Hajj.
8- Stick to piety and good morals as stated by Allah Exalted where he said: {The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known (lunar year) months (i.e. the 10th month, the 11th month and the first ten days of the 12th month of the Islâmic calendar, i.e. two months and ten days). So whosoever intends to perform Hajj therein (by assuming Ihrâm), then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj. And whatever good you do, (be sure) Allâh knows it. And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness). So fear Me, O men of understanding!} [Surat Al-Baqarah 2:197]
{الْحَجُّ أَشْهُرٌ مَعْلُومَاتٌ فَمَنْ فَرَضَ فِيهِنَّ الْحَجَّ فَلا رَفَثَ وَلا فُسُوقَ وَلا جِدَالَ فِي الْحَجِّ وَمَا تَفْعَلُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ يَعْلَمْهُ اللَّهُ وَتَزَوَّدُوا فَإِنَّ خَيْرَ الزَّادِ التَّقْوَى وَاتَّقُونِ يَا أُولِي الأَلْبَابِ} البقرة: 197
Transliteration: Al-Ĥajju 'Ash-hurun Ma`lūmātun Faman Farađa Fīhinna Al-Ĥajja Falā Rafatha Wa Lā Fusūqa Wa Lā Jidāla Fī Al-Ĥajji Wa Mā Taf`alū Min Khayrin Ya`lamhu Al-Lahu Wa Tazawwadū Fa'inna Khayra Az-Zādi At-TaqwaWa Attaqūnī Yā 'Ūlī Al-'Albābi
All this needs of a pilgrim to be kind, easy and lenient, aiding his company and other pilgrims, abandon repulsion, arguing and bad morals, and don’t contend the weak in the way or at the water outlets during circumambulation, going back and forth in Sa’i (from and to Al-Safa and Al-Marwa) and stoning (Ramy Al-Jamarat).
This implies the following:
- He must clear his tongue from swearing, insulting, backbiting, cursing and the rest of obscene acts.
- Be kind with the weak, children women and every one asked you something and never scold any of them. Moreover, scolding the needy if he asked him, rather he must comfort him with what he got and take heed in doing the good and observing obligations.
9- To maintain the prayers in its prescribed times. As prayers are more emphasized on than Hajj and Allah Almighty Had facilitated it for the pilgrim by shortening and combining prayers. To my surprise that some people observe supererogatory Hajj while not praying obligatory prayer in its time and committing sins. This is considered loss and ignorance, for if they stayed in their homes and prayed at the prescribed time it would have been better than observing Hajj while abandoning prayers.
10- Striving to remember Allah Almighty and supplicating to Him, as the remembrance of Allah is the greatest goal behind Hajj Allah Almighty said: {There is no sin on you if you seek the Bounty of your Lord (during pilgrimage by trading). Then when you leave ‘Arafât, remember Allâh (by glorifying His Praises, i.e. prayers and invocations) at the Mash‘ar-il-Harâm. And remember Him (by invoking Allâh for all good.) as He has guided you, and verily, you were, before, of those who were astray. (198) Then depart from the place whence all the people depart and ask Allâh for His Forgiveness. Truly, Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful. (199) So when you have accomplished your Manâsik, remember Allâh as you remember your forefathers or with a far more remembrance. But of mankind there are some who say: "Our Lord! Give us (Your Bounties) in this world!" and for such there will be no portion in the Hereafter.} [Surat Al-Baqarah 2:198-200]
{فَإِذَا أَفَضْتُمْ مِنْ عَرَفَاتٍ فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ عِنْدَ الْمَشْعَرِ الْحَرَامِ وَاذْكُرُوهُ كَمَا هَدَاكُمْ وَإِنْ كُنْتُمْ مِنْ قَبْلِهِ لَمِنَ الضَّالِّينَ (198) ثُمَّ أَفِيضُوا مِنْ حَيْثُ أَفَاضَ النَّاسُ وَاسْتَغْفِرُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ (199) فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُمْ مَنَاسِكَكُمْ فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ كَذِكْرِكُمْ آبَاءَكُمْ أَوْ أَشَدَّ ذِكْرًا} البقرة: 198-200
Transliteration: Laysa `Alaykum Junāĥun 'An Tabtaghū Fađlāan Min Rabbikum Fa'idhā 'Afađtum Min `Arafātin Fādhkurū Al-Laha `Inda Al-Mash`ari Al-Ĥarāmi Wa Adhkurūhu Kamā Hadākum Wa 'In Kuntum Min Qablihi Lamina Ađ-Đāllīna (198) Thumma 'Afīđū Min Ĥaythu 'Afāđa An-Nāsu Wa Astaghfirū Al-Laha 'Inna Al-Laha Ghafūrun Raĥīmun (199) Fa'idhā Qađaytum Manāsikakum Fādhkurū Al-Laha Kadhikrikum 'Ābā'akum 'Aw 'Ashadda Dhikrāan Famina An-Nāsi Man Yaqūlu Rabbanā 'Ātinā Fī Ad-Dunyā Wa Mā Lahu Fī Al-'Ākhirati Min Khalāqin
He also said: {And remember Allâh during the appointed Days. But whosoever hastens to leave in two days, there is no sin on him and whosoever stays on, there is no sin on him, if his aim is to do good and obey Allâh (fear Him)…} [Surat Al-Baqarah 2:203]
{وَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَعْدُودَاتٍ فَمَنْ تَعَجَّلَ فِي يَوْمَيْنِ فَلا إِثْمَ عَلَيْهِ وَمَنْ تَأَخَّرَ فَلا إِثْمَ عَلَيْهِ لِمَنِ اتَّقَى} البقرة: 203
Transliteration: Wa Adhkurū Al-Laha Fī 'Ayyāmin Ma`dūdātin Faman Ta`ajjala Fī Yawmayni Falā 'Ithma `Alayhi Wa Man Ta'akhkhara Falā 'Ithma `Alayhi Limani Attaqa
- Its known that a pilgrim on the day of ‘Arafa -which is the day of greater Hajj- after praying Dhuhr and ‘Asr combined and shortened has nothing to do after that except the remembrance of Allah Almighty, supplicating to Him sincerely and in humility, putting his self between His hands asking Him forgiveness, sanctuary and liberation from Hellfire. He continues on this state until the sunset of the day of ‘Arafa, moreover he continues on remembering Allah on his way to Muzdalifah from ‘Arafa, in Muzdalifah and all the rituals of Hajj. Dear pilgrim, strive in the remembrance of Allah Almighty, try to stick to the Prophetic supplications or the ones that don’t entail a sin, cutting neither kinship ties nor aggression. Ponder on the greatness of these days, specially the day of ‘Arafa where the mercy of Allah descends on His servants, liberated servants from Hellfire increase and vie in pride in front of His angels with His Pilgrims in accordance to what the Messenger of Allah -prayers and peace of Allah be upon him- said: “There is no day a servant is liberated from Hellfire by Allah more like the day of ‘Arafa.” [Reported by Muslim 1348]
«ما من يوم أكثر من أن يعتق الله فيه عبدًا من النَّار، من يوم عرفة» رواه مسلم 1348
Few stops with a pilgrim
1- Know that the conditions of Lâ Ilaha Ilâ Allah (there is no God except Allah) are eight: Knowledge that excludes ignorance, certainty that excludes doubt, sincerity that excludes polytheism, honesty that excludes lying, love that contradicts hate, following that contradicts abandoning, accepting that excludes rejecting and disbelieving in anything worshiped instead of Allah.
2- Increase in Talbiyah (Labayk Allahuma Labayk) O Allah I have answered your call….as it is the slogan of Hajj, and it continues from the time of Ihram consecration until the pilgrim throws the stones Jmrat Al’Aqabbah on the day of slaughtering or sacrifice (first day of ‘Eid).
3- Men are only allowed to raise their voices with Talbiyah excluding women so as not to cause Fitnah with their voices.
4- If the Iqamah (the second call of prayer) is made during circumambulation or Sa’i then leave them and observe the prayer so you wouldn’t leave praying in congregation, then continue the remaining laps of Tawaf or Sa’i from where you stopped.
5- Drink from the water of Zam Zam until you are full, as the Prophet -prayers and peace of Allah be upon him- said: “It is blessed, it is food for the hungry.” [Reported by Muslim 2473]
«إنَّها مباركة؛ إنَّها طعام طُعم» رواه مسلم 2473
At-Tayalissy added “cure for illness.” [Authenticated by Al-Albani]
«وشفاء سقم» صحَّحه الألباني
The Prophet prayers and peace of Allah be upon him said: “Zam Zam water is for whatever it had been drank for.” [Authenticated by Al-Albani 5502 in Sahih Al-Jami’]
«ماء زمزم لما شُرب له» صحَّحه الألباني 5502 في صحيح الجامع
6- Increase in your Tawaf while being at the Ka’bah Allah Almighty said: {and circumambulate the Ancient House (the Ka‘bah at Makkah).} [Surat Al-Hajj 22:29]
{وَلْيَطَّوَّفُوا بِالْبَيْتِ الْعَتِيقِ} الحجّ: 29
Transliteration: Wa Līaţţawwafū Bil-Bayti Al-`Atīqi
It was also said: “Who was in Makkah and missed three things he is deprived of good; who was there for more than one night and a day and didn’t circumambulate around the Ka’bah, who shaved his head without observing any rituals (‘Umrah/Hajj) and whoever didn’t drink from Zam Zam.”
7- Increase in doing deeds of good, dutifulness and charity in these days, specially feeding and providing water for the pilgrims, as the reward for this is multiplied.
8- It’s forbidden for a woman to travel for Hajj or any other reason without a Mahram (unmarriageable male company), which was prohibited by the Prophet - prayers and peace of Allah be upon him.
9- Be cautious from visiting the historical sites in Makkah, mountains and other places with the intention of gaining blessings like going to Hirâ` cave, be careful not to go specially for specific Masajid or sites in Al-Madina and its outskirts except for the Masjid of the Prophet -prayers and peace of Allah be upon him- and Masjid Qibâ`.
10- Don’t forget to take with you on the way back some gifts to make your family and relatives happy, avoid things that would anger Allah Almighty like cameras and music cassettes/cds and gold for men.
11- Don’t let your family receive you after Hajj with what could anger Allah Almighty like music, songs and dancing. You have to order them with good and forbid them from evil, even if they get angry with you or their feelings changed towards you.
12- After you arrive from Hajj to your homeland you have to call people for pure monotheism and abandon polytheism, innovations, superstition, being connected to graves and the dead and have patience towards what you find from hardship for the sake of calling to Allah Almighty and devote worship to Allah.
In the end: we ask Allah Almighty to accept from us and you and to make your Hajj accepted, effort rewarded for and your sins forgiven. Our last supplication is All praise is due to Allah Lord of the realms.
Prepared by the scholarly dept. in Al-Wattan House
With slight modification
- Category:
- Source: