Hajj with Illustration [Electronic resources] نسخه متنی

WHAT IS HAJJ?

The pilgrimage (Hajj) is

1)
One of the most important pillars of Islam.

2) A principal
means of obtaining proximity to the Almighty.

3) One of the
most difficult physical forms of worship.

4) So, vital that
one who does not perform Hajj will be barred from Heaven.

The main aim of human creation is to recognize God and
attain a stage of acquaintance and love for Him and this
depends on the purity and loftiness of the human soul. i.e.
The purer the soul becomes the more love will it have for the
Almighty.

This stage of love can be attained by abstaining from
desires and refraining from worldly pleasures and
distractions, and by exerting oneself in the rigorous
self-training activities for the sake of God, and, remembering
him continuously. For this purpose the Almighty has legislated
certain forms of worship (Ibadat).

a) Those involving the expenditure of wealth for His sake
e.g. Zakaat and Khums which serve to sever the deep
attachments to worldly possessions.

b) Those involving
abstinence from desires and pleasures e.g. fasting.

c)
Those related to His remembrance and diverting total attention
towards Him e.g. Salat/Namaaz.

But Hajj involves all these and more, such as,

i)
Leaving one's hometown.

ii) Physical exertion.

iii)
Expenditure of wealth.

iv) Renewal of the covenant with
God.

v) Circumambulation (Tawaaf).

vi) Supplication
(Dua).

vii) Prayers (Salat/Namaaz).

And others like
throwing pebbles, running between Safaa and Marwah etc.

Those who wonder at these actions do not realize that when
we do not know the hidden meanings and reason of certain
commands, we manifest more complete obedience and total
submission to the Absolute Master in carrying out those
orders. Those actions whose secrets we have been successful in
understanding, our soul, besides obeying the Master's
commands, is also inclined and pleased in performing them.
Thus, it is only for Hajj that the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) is
reported to have said,

"O Almighty, I have responded to
your call for Hajj with complete submission and
humility."

Furthermore, the Hajj constitutes the congregation of
people from all parts of the world, in the place where
revelation was repeatedly sent down to the Holy Prophet
(S.A.W.), where the beloved (Khaleel) of God resided, where
angles used to descend every now and then. In fact, it is the
holy place, which has been the abode of the majority of the
Prophets.

Here the leader of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) was born, his
holy feet walked; and the Almighty has chosen it for His house
so that people should pray towards it. He has sanctified its
surroundings and has kept Arafah in the beginning of the Holy
Land. He has prohibited hurting animals and uprooting
vegetation there in as a mark of respect to the holiness of
the land. He has designed it to be like the throne of Kings so
that visitors from far off lands, disheveled and dusty, should
remain there in humility to the Absolute Monarch realizing the
fact that He is above all needs of time and space. While such
a congregation leads to new acquaintances, meeting with
virtuous personalities and stimulates quicker response to
supplications (Dua), it invariably reminds of the Holy Prophet
(S.A.W.) and his efforts at spreading the Word of God. In this
way one attains purity of the soul.

The intention for Hajj

1. The intention (Niyyah) must be pure and sincere for the
sake of God only, but not for any other worldly motives, such
as,

1) Showing off (Riyaa).

2) Avoiding rebukes for not
performing Hajj.

3) Fear of poverty for it is known that
one who does not perform Hajj is afflicted with poverty.

4)
Business prospects, etc.

All these other motives destroy
the sincerity (Ikhlaas) of the deeds and deprive one of the
promised rewards. It is foolish to undertake all this rigor
and expense only to end up in Damnation because the motive was
adulterated.

2. One should sincerely repent of past sins and clear all
the dues, (Huquq-un-Naas), and cleanse himself of all
distractions so that the mind is easily turned towards God.
One should write his will and prepare for the journey to the
Hereafter as he leaves his house, relatives, friends, and
possessions behind.

3. One should remember the majesty of the House and the
Absolute Owner, and that one has chosen to leave family,
friends, and possessions for the lofty and noble purpose of
visiting a House, which the Almighty has designed as a
sanctuary for all people. Hence this journey differs from all
other worldly journeys. The pilgrim is one of those who have
responded willingly to the invitation made by the Almighty's
messenger.

4. The pilgrim should free himself of all matters, which
tend to worry him so his total attention is towards the
Almighty.

5. Any financial loss or physical affliction in this
journey should be greeted happily, for, it is a sign of
acceptance of Hajj.

6. The Pilgrim should ensure his earnings are acquired
through lawful means and he should be liberal in expenditure,
not extravagant (Israaf) though. But spending for the needy
and deserving is not extravagance as it has been reported that
there is no goodness in extravagance and no extravagance in
goodness!

7. He should behave courteously towards his fellow
travelers, smiling and talking gently with them, avoiding
harsh words, abuses or vain talk. He should be humble to the
other guests of the Almighty. Magnanimity does not only mean
not to hurt others but also to endure when others hurt.

8. He should be disheveled and dusty, avoid cosmetics or
any cause of pride and beauty, and if possible, travel on
foot, especially from Makkah to Mina, Masher and Arafah, not
as a means to avoid extra expenses (in which case, transport
is better!) rather for exerting oneself for the sake of God,
except if it affects other worship (Ibadat) or supplication
(Dua).