After Hajj

How fortunate are these souls who are blessed with the following words from Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam:

“Whoever performs Hajj for the Pleasure of Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor commits any evil deed, shall return from it (free from sin) as the day on which his mother gave birth to him.” (Bukhaari, Muslim)

“Verily there shall be no reward for a Mabroor Hajj except Jannah.” (Bukhaari, Muslim)

It is hoped that all the pilgrims were sincere in their intentions and had traveled thousands of miles only to secure the Pleasure of Allah by fulfilling the obligation laid down upon them. May Allah the Almighty grant all the pilgrims acceptance and grant them opportunity again and again to visit the Sacred bud. Aameen.

Nevertheless, we wish to draw the attention of the pilgrims towards certain points which are necessary and of utmost importance to observe and for which many pilgrims are seen neglectful of their significance.

1, the sincerity of intention should remain even after the performance of Hajj. There should be no pomp or show. One should not wish to be called or recognized as a Haajee.
Many people adopt the habit of talking frequently about their journey in order that people may come to know of their Hajj. They talk about the expenses incurred in the way of Allah, their charity amongst the poor and needy, their devotion and worship, their assisting the weak and old, etc.; and all is mentioned only with the intention of gaining fame. This is a deceit from Shaytaan who ruins the ibaadat without the person even knowing. It is therefore of great importance that the pilgrim does not talk about his Hajj without necessity as it may lead to ‘Riyaa’ (show, insincerity). However, if necessity arises and one must talk about his Hajj then he is at liberty to do so. But, he must not indulge in this type of conversation unnecessarily.

2, it is noted through experience, that many pilgrims return with only the bad side of the journey and make it a habit of talking about nothing except the hardships they have encountered during Hajj. The pilgrims should strictly refrain from this. On the contrary they should talk about the greatness of the sacred places, the spiritual gains, the enjoyment in devotions of Haramayn – Umrah, Tawaaf, Salaam on the Sacred Grave, Salaat in Masjid-ul-Haraam and Masjid-un-Nabawi etc. If one looks at his journey of Hajj carefully he will find that the good things far outweighs the bad. Every second spent in these sacred places is incomparable with anything in the world.

The journey of Hajj is a long journey; one has to travel by air, pass the immigrations, go through the customs, encounter people who speak foreign languages, etc. In these circumstances, difficulties are certain to arise. when we travel in our country do we always travel with comfort and ease? Do we never encounter difficulty? Do we not find ourselves held up in traffic for hours on a Motorway? Considering the fact that 2 – 3 million pilgrims perform the rituals of Hajj at one time, in one place and that they all come from different countries and backgrounds and that many of them have never before used or seen the facilities available to them. We think the difficulties encountered are insignificant. Moreover, the pilgrims are rewarded abundantly by Allah Ta’aala upon every difficulty encountered in their journey whereas the same is not the case whilst we are on another journey.
Those people who engage in these types of conversation become the cause of discouragement to others who have not yet had the opportunity to perform Hajj. These unfortunate pilgrims fall into the category … and who stop (men) from the way of Allah, and from the Sacred Masjid, … mentioned in Surah Hajj in the Qur’aan. They should take heed that if people are discouraged by their conversation and postpone their Hajj then those who have discouraged them will be equally responsible.

3, the sign of a ‘Mabroor Hajj’ or an ‘accepted Hajj’ is that upon one’s return, his life changes from worst to good. He becomes totally punctual in fulfilling the commands of Allah Ta’aala. His love and inclination towards the Hereafter increases and love for the worldly pleasures decline. Therefore, it is essential that the pilgrim is watchful over his actions and should try his utmost to instill in himself good characters and refrain from all types of evil. He should try his best to fulfill the obligations laid down by Allah and avoid all the things forbidden by Him.

Source: Sunnah Organisation

Day 5 of Hajj

5th day: 12th Zul Hijjah
Make Ramee, i.e. pelt all three Shaytaans after Zawaal. The Hajjees may now proceed to MAKKAH MU’AZZAM. Those who wish to remain in Mina on the l3th Zul Hijjah should pelt the 3 Shaytaans before proceeding to Makkah Mukarramah. The pelting on this day is permissible throughout the day (including the period before Zawaal).

Day 4 of Hajj

4th day: 11th Zul Hijjah
All three SHAYTAANS have to be pelted on this day and the night will be spent at MINA. RAAMEE, i.e. pelting time begins after ZAWAAL and ends before SUNSET.

Jamarat

Day 3 of Hajj

3rd day: 10th Zul Hijjah, Yaum-un-Nahr  

After performing Fajr Salaah at Muzdalifah, the Hajjees proceed to Mina before sunrise. On this day four important rites have to be performed.  
1. RAMEE of Jamaratul Aqabah (stoning the big Shaytaan).  
2. ZABH (to sacrifice an animal).  
3. HALQ or Qasr (shaving or trimming the hair of the head).  
4. To perform TAWAAFUZ ZIYAARAH. 

Day 2 of Hajj

2nd day: 9th Zul Hijjah, Yaum-ul-Arafah  

Image result for arafat hajj

Arafat Hajj

After sunrise the Hajjees proceed to ARAFAAT and make WUQOOF after ZAWAAL. Zohar and Asr Salaah will be performed here. Here they remain engaged in Du’aa, Zikr, Tilaawat, etc. until sunset. Immediately after sunset they proceed to Muzdalifah. Here they will perform Maghrib and Esha at the time of Esha. The night will be spent at Muzdalifah. 

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Muzdalifah Hajj

Day 1 of Hajj

1st day: 8th Zul Hijjah, Yaum-ut-Tarwiyah  

After putting on their Ihraams for Hajj, the Hajjees proceed to MlNA after sunrise and perform 5 Salaahs there, i.e. Zohar, Asr, Maghrib, Esha and Fajr of the next day (9 Zil Hijjah). 

Virtues of performing Hajj

Hazrat Abu Huraira(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) said:
“Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of pleasing Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor commits any evil deed, shall remain from it as free from sin as the day on which his mother gave birth to him.’

Hazrat Abu Huraira (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah (Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) said:
“Verily there shall be no reward for a righteous pilgrimage except Jannah”

Hazrat Ayesha (radhiyallahu anha) reports that Rasullullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said:
“There is no day in which Allah sets free more souls from the fire of hell than on the day of Arafaat. And on that day Allah draws near to the earth and by way of exhibiting His pride remarks to the Angels: “What is the desire of these servants of mine.”
“Hazrat Talhaa (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah (Salallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said:
“Apart from the day of the battle of Badr there is no day on which the Shaytaan is seen more humiliated, more rejected. More depressed and more infuriated, than on the day of Arafaat, and indeed all that is only because of beholding the abundance of descending mercy (on that day) and Allah’s forgiveness of the great sins of the servants.” (Mishkaat)

Hazrat Ibn Shimaastah (radhiyallahu anhu) reports we were present around Hazrat Amr Ibn al-Aas (radhiyallahu anhu) before he passed away. He cried for a long time and then related the story of his embracing Islam. He said: “When Allah caused Islam to enter my heart, I came to Rasullullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) and said: ‘O messenger of Allah, put forth your hand that I may swear allegiance. ‘When Rasullullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) stretched forth his hand, I withheld mine. Rasullullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) inquired: “What troubles you ‘O Amr?” I said: I went to make a condition that Allah shall forgive my previous sins”. Rasullullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) replied: ‘O Amr, do you then not know that Islam washes away all sins committed in disbelief, and that the Hijrat (migration) washes away all sins committed before Hajj?”

Hazrat Sahl bins Sa’ad (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah (Salallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said:
“When a Muslim shouts Labbaik, then verily every stone, tree and all the ground to his right and to his left recites the same, and this continues till that cry reaches the end of the earth,”

Hazrat Abu Moosa (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said:
“The Hajji shall intercede on behalf of four hundred families or he said four hundred people from his family, and verily does he return from Hajj (sinless) as on the day his mother gave birth to him.”

Hazrat Ibn Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) report that Rasullullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said:
“When you meet a Hajji (on his way home) then greet him, shake hands with him and ask him to beg forgiveness of Allah on your behalf before he enters his home, for his prayer for forgiveness is accepted since he is forgiven by Allah for his sins.”

Hazrat Buraidah (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said:
“The expenses incurred during Hajj is like that incurred in Jihaad; rewarded seven hundred times.”

Hazrat Jaabir (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said:
“A Hajji never becomes poor and destitute.”

Hazrat Aayesha (radhiyallahu anha) reports that she once sought permission from Rasullullah (Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) to go for Jihaad. Rasullullah (Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) replied: “Your Jihaad is Hajj.”

Hazrat Ibn Abbaas (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said:
“Whoever desires to perform Hajj, should hasten towards performing it.”

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah (Salallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said:
“Whoever sets forth in a journey to perform Hajj and passes away on route, for him shall be written the reward of a Haaji until the day of Qiyaamah; and whoever sets forth to perform Umrah and passes away on route, for him shall be written the reward of a Mu’tamir until Qiyaamah; and whoever sets forth on a journey to fight in the way of Allah and passes away on route, for him shall be written the reward of a Mujaahid until the day of Qiyaamah.”

Hazrat Ibn Abbaas (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that a Sahabiyah (a Muslim lady who saw Rasullullah (Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) once said to Rasullullah (Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam):
“O Rasullullah (Salallahu Alaihi Wassallam), the obligation of Hajj has come at a time now when my father is a very old and weakly man. He is unable to remain seated on a camel (or horse). Can I then proceed to perform Hajj on his behalf?”
Rasullullah (Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) replied: “Yes, you can.”

Another Sahabi (radhiyallahu anhu) also came with a similar request: “O Rasullullah (Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam), my sister made vow that she would perform Hajj. Now she has passed away. What should we do?”
Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) replied: “Should she have passed away while she owed someone something, would you have settled that debt?”
The man replied: “Yes indeed.”
Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) said: “This is a debt due to Allah. Settle it.” (Mishkaat)

Hazrat Jaabir (radhiyallahu anhu) reports:
“Verily Allah causes three people to enter into Paradise through one Hajj; The deceased, (on whose behalf this Hajj is being performed) the Haaji performing it and he (the heir or others) who makes possible its performance (by financial aid).”

Source: Al-Islaah publications

Blessed places where Duas are accepted

While writing a letter to the people of Makkah, Imaam Hasan Al-Basri (RA)  advised them of the following 15 places in Makkah where duas are accepted:

  1. Inside the Baitullah
  2. At Multazam
  3. In Arafat
  4. In Muzdalifah
  5. In Mina
  6. While performing Tawaf
  7. While performing Sa’ee
  8. At the hill of Safa
  9. At the hill of Marwa
  10. At the well of Zam Zam
  11. At Maqam of Ibraheem
  12. Under the Meezaab or aqueduct of the Ka’bah.
  13. Near the big Shaytan
  14. Near the middle Shaytan
  15. Near the small Shaytan

In some other narrations places and instances such as Rukne- Yamani, Mataaf (where tawaf is commenced), near Hajr Aswad and on first sighting the Baytullah are also mentioned.

Source: A Guide to Hajj by Maulana Yakub Ismail Patel Kawiwala

Virtues of Hajj

by Shaykhul Hadeeth Muhammad Zakariyya
Abu Hurayrah radhiyallahu anhu reports that Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said “Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of pleasing Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor commits any evil deed, shall return from it as free from sin as the day on which his mother gave birth to him.”

When a child is ushered into this world, it enters this life without any blemish and is free from any form of sin. Now, when the Hajj has been performed with utmost sincerity for Allah’s sake, the pilgrim returns to that sinless state.

When we speak of forgiveness of sins as in the Hadeeth mentioned above, we actually refer to minor sins. However, the contents of this Hadeeth have been noted in such numerous Ahaadeeth that some learned Ulaamaa are of the opinion that minor as well as major sins are included in this pardon from Allah.

In this Hadeeth under discussion, three things are mentioned. In the first place we read that Hajj should be for Allah’s sake, and that there should be no worldly object and no ulterior motive prompting this holy deed, neither should it be for the show of things, nor for personal fame. Many people proceed to Makkah for the sake of personal honour and show. Such people have indeed wasted whatever they have spent by way of wealth, health and energy. For them there shall be no reward. We admit that when a person has performed his Hajj even for the sake of showing others, his obligation has been carried out. But how foolish it is indeed that a person should deny himself such great virtue and reward (in the form of Allah’s great pardon) merely because of his desire to be noted among some people.

Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam once said, “Near the time of Qiyaamah the rich ones from amongst my Ummah will perform Hajj for the sake of travel and holiday; (like having a holiday in Hijaaz instead of one in London or Paris). The middle class will perform Hajj for commercial purposes, thereby transporting goods from here to there while bringing commercial goods from there to here. The Ulamaa will perform Hajj for the sake of show and fame; (to outdo and surpass Maulana so and so, or any rival shaykh who had performed Hajj a certain number of times). The poor will perform Hajj for the purpose of begging.” (Kanzul Ummaal)

The Ulamaa have stated that should a person perform a “Hajje Badal” on behalf of someone else for a specific price, so that he derives worldly benefit from such a Hajj, he too is included among those who perform Hajj for commercial purposes.

In another Hadeeth we read “that the kings and rulers will perform Hajj for the sake of having pleasurable holidays; the wealthy ones for the sake of business; the poor ones for the sake of begging; while the learned ones will come for Hajj for the sake of show.” (It’haaf)

In the first of these two Traditions, we read that the wealthy ones will perform Hajj for the sake of having a tour and a holiday. In the second Hadeeth we read again that they will do so for the sake of business. In actual fact there is no contradiction here even though it apparently seems so. In the former case, those mentioned as wealthy ones are actually those very rich ones who in the second Hadeeth are called sultaans or rulers. In actual fact they are slightly lower that the rulers. For this reason they are also called the middle class.

Once Umar radhiyallahu anhu was standing between Mount Safaa and Marwah. A group of people came along, alighted from their camels and proceeded to perform tawaaf around Ka’bah. They then came for the sa’ee between Safaa and Marwah. Umar radhiyallahu anhu inquired from them as to who they were. They replied that they were from Iraq. When Umar radhiyallahu anhu inquired as to whether they perhaps had any other intention, e.g. to claim an inheritance, to reclaim a debt to them, or for any other business purpose. They replied: “No”. Then Umar radhiyallahu anhu said: “In that case restart your deeds (like people who have done no evil deeds)”.

What Umar radhiyallahu anhu implied was that having come to the Holy House solely for Allah’s sake, their previous evil deeds were forgiven. They can now start anew. The second point that becomes clear from the Hadeeth under discussion is that no evil word shall be spoken. The Ulamaa have explained that the word “rafath” (evil speech) includes every single form of words which are unseemly, nonsensical and unnecessary to such an extent that even the mention of sexual relations with one’s wife is also included. To indicate or insinuate such actions with hand signs or the eyes, should be refrained from. All such actions and others which stir passions and lust are condemned.

The third point towards which attention is drawn is “fusooq”, which here signifies every single form of disobedience to Allah’s will. One should especially avoid any form of argument and dispute. In one Hadeeth our Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam has said: “The beauty of Hajj is attained by speaking amicably with others and to feed them.” To argue with fellow Hujjaaj and to fight with them is the opposite of amicable speech. Hence it is the duty of a Haajji not to criticise his fellow Hujjaaj, to meet everyone with love, humility and humbleness, and to deal with them in a most friendly manner. Some Ulamaa have explained that to meet others in a friendly manner does not only mean that one should not hurt or trouble one’s fellow men. It means that one should (without retaliation) bear and pardon the hurt that comes from their side to you.

The word safar (a journey) means in actual fact “to expose”, “to make clear”. The Ulamaa informs us that a journey is called safar in Arabic because on a journey one’s character is exposed and becomes clear.

Once Umar radhiyallahu anhu asked a man whether he knew a certain person to which the man said that he knew him. Then Umar radhiyallahu anhu inquired, whether the man had been on a journey with that person, to which the man said that he had not. Then Umar radhiyallahu anhu said: “You do not know him.” In one Hadeeth it is stated that a person praised another in the presence of Umar radhiyallahu anhu. Umar radhiyallahu anhu asked: “Did you travel with him?” He replied: “I did not travel with him.” Umar radhiyallahu anhu asked: “Did you have any dealings with him ?” He answered: “No, I had no dealings with him.” Umar radhiyallahu anhu then said: “You do not know that person.” (It’haaf).

There can be no doubt about it that only after having been with a person in similar cases can one truly know a person’s character and his reactions to situations. On a journey there is always a certain amount of inconvenience which inevitably leads to arguments and it is for this reason that the Qur’aan especially mentions: “And let there be no arguments in Hajj.”

Source: Shariah Program

The First Ten days of Dhul Hijjah

Shaykh Maulana Saleem Dhorat
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are full of virtues and great blessings. According to a large group of mufassireen (commentators of the Qur’aan), the ten nights mentioned in Soorah Al Fajr are the nights of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Allah says:

By the Dawn; By the ten Nights; (89:1-2)

This oath substantiates the greatness and sacredness of these ten nights in the eyes of Allah. This is an extra ordinary oath; it is very reliable and significant and the wise men can understand that by this oath, Allah too attaches great importance and value to the ten nights of Dhul Hijjah.

The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam too, has clearly mentioned the importance and the virtue of these blessed moments. It is reported by Abdullah Ibne Abbaas radhiyallahu anhuma that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, “No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijjah).” Thereupon, some companions of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Not even Jihaad ? ” He replied, “Not even jihaad, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allah’s sake) and does not return with any of these things.”
Bukhaari V1 pp132

In another Hadeeth reported by Aboo Hurayrah radhiyallahu anhu, the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, “On no days is the worship of Allah desired more than in the (first) ten days of Dhul Hijjah. The fast of each of these days is equal to the fast of a whole year, and the worship of each of these nights is equal to the worship of Laylatul Qadr.”
Tirmizi V1 pp58

Moreover, what other virtue can be greater for these blessed days than the fact that certain specific devotions cannot be performed but in these specified days. Allah Almighty has specifically chosen these days for the fulfilment of two of the most important devotions, viz. Hajj and Qurbaani.

One may argue and say that there are other forms of devotions too, which are fixed to specific days and moments; hence what is the speciality of these particular days ? The answer to this argument is simple. Although there are other devotions too, which are also fixed to specific time, such as fasting in the month of Ramadhaan; but one may, if he desires, fulfil the devotion of fasting in days other than Ramadhaan i.e. as an optional devotion. On the contrary, the wuqoof of Arafaat (which is the essence of Hajj), the wuqoof of Muzdalifah, etc., cannot be performed but in these specified days.

If one was to remain in Arafaat for many months after the 9th Dhul Hijjah, he will not receive any reward whatsoever and it will never be considered an act of ibaadah.

Similarly, Qurbaani is performed only in three days one of which is 10th Dhul Hijjah. There is no possibility whatsoever of a nafl Qurbaani once these days have lapsed, so much so that qazaa Hajj or qazaa Qurbaani is not even possible. It is because of these distinguishing characteristics that the ulamaa have stated, in the light of Qur’aan and Hadeeth that after the days of the month of Ramadhaan, the greatest days in virtue are the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.

The reward of ibaadah in these days increases abundantly and the results are honoured with specified blessings and mercies by the Creator.

ACTS OF VIRTUE

There are certain specific acts of virtue in these blessed days of Dhul Hijjah which are enumerated and explained below:

1. Upon sighting the moon of Dhul Hijjah, those people intending to perform Qurbaani should neither cut their hair nor clip their nails until the Qurbaani is performed. This is a mustahab (desirable) act derived from Hadeeth of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam wherein he has said:

“A person should neither clip his nails nor cut his hair until he performs qurbaani”.
Ibne Maajah

Some ulamaa have explained the reason and wisdom behind this order of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam thus that in this month, hundreds of thousands of people are blessed with the opportunity of visiting the sacred house of Allah in Makkah.

They enjoy the spiritual atmosphere of the holy places and acquire maximum benefit from the blessed moments.

Whilst they are there in the state of ihraam certain acts become impermissible for them. Amongst them is clipping of nails and cutting the hair. The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam instructed those of his followers who could not reach the blessed places, to imitate the pilgrims by not cutting the hair and clipping the nails so that the mercy of Allah can enshroud them too together with the pilgrims.

2. These days are so blessed that a day’s fast is equivalent to a year’s fast and a night’s devotion is equivalent to the ibaadah of Laylatul Qadr. The indication is towards the fact that we should endeavor to perform as many virtuous acts as possible in these days.

3. 9th Dhul Hijjah is the day of Arafah in which the main fardh of Hajj is performed i.e. wuqoof Arafah. This is a great moment for the pilgrims when the Mercy of Allah descends upon them in abundance and their sins are forgiven and du’aa accepted. Allah, through His Compassion and Mercy, has not deprived the non-pilgrims of his mercy, but rather, shown the way to His Pleasure. The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam was asked about the fast of the day of Arafah. He said, “It compensates for the (minor) sins of the past and the coming year.”
Ibne Maajah

Note: One should take note that the sins forgiven are minor sins. The major sins are not forgiven without tawbah.

4. The reciting of Takbeeraate Tashreeq after every fardh Salaat from the Fajr of 9th Dhul Hijjah to the Asr of 13th Dhul Hijjah (i.e. total of twenty three fardh Salaat). It is waajib upon men to recite this takbeer once after every fardh Salaat audibly. The women should recite it silently.

5. The Sunnah of Ibraahem alayhi salaam – the Qurbaani. It is to be performed on 10th, 11th or 12th Dhul Hijjah. One may sacrifice a thousand animals on days other than these, but it will never be regarded or considered a Qurbaani.

Here, a believer is taught a great lesson that an action or a place or a time does not hold any virtue in itself; but rather it is Allah’s command and order that changes the status, level and grade of things. Regarding Qurbaani, the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said:
“There is nothing dearer to Allah during the days of Qurbaani than the sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of Judgement with its horn, hair, and hooves (to be weighed). The sacrifice is accepted by Allah before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore sacrifice with an open and happy heart.”
Tirmizi V1 pp275, Ibne Maajah V1 pp226

May Allah ta’aalaa bless us with spiritual gains and His Pleasure in these blessed moments. Aameen.

Source: Central Mosque

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