HAJJ – PILLAR OF ISLAM

The Hajj, which became Farz (obligatory) towards the end of the ninth year of the Hijrah, is one of the five pillars of Islam. Like the other precepts and commandments of Islam, Hajj contains many virtues. Just as the five daily Salahs (prayers) in Jama'at (congregation) bring together the faithful of a locality, the Salah of Jum'ah (Friday) brings together the faithful of several neighbouring regions, and the Salah of 'Eid brings together the faithful of an entire city, the Hajj is an event that unites Muslims from every corner of the globe in one "Maidaan" (plain), in one state of mind, oriented towards one direction, dressed in one manner, and with one goal: to glorify Allah Ta'ala with one formula, despite the differences in language:

(a) Labbaik Allaahumma Labbaik,

(b) Labbaik laa sharika laka Labbaik,

(d) Laa sharika laka.

(a) Here I am, O Allah! Here I am!

(b) Here I am! You have no partner, here I am!

(d) You have no partner.

Hajj has always been practised by the Arabs, even before the advent of Islam, as it was a practice of Hadhrat Ibrahim (Alaihis Salaam). Indeed, they had adopted some principles of Hadhrat Ibrahim (Alaihis Salaam), but over time, the true essence of Hajj became distorted, and its practices were tainted with the foul colours of Shirk and Kufr, which are completely contrary to the spirit of Tauheed (oneness of Allah) and the message of Islam. They used to perform the Talbiyah of Allah (Labbaik...) alongside that of their idols. They would perform Tawaaf and make Qurbani in the name of their idols. Idols were worshipped on the mountains of Safa and Marwah. During their stay in Mina, instead of glorifying Allah Ta'ala, they glorified their ancestors.

This is why the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum) were somewhat reluctant to perform the "Sai" between Safa and Marwah. They were under the impression that "Sai" between Safa and Marwah was a practice of Jaahiliyyah, despite the absence of idols at that time.

Given the conditions that prevailed during the era of Jaahiliyyah (ignorance), Hajj is an opportunity for Muslims from all corners of the world to oppose the Mushrikeen by glorifying Allah Ta'ala alone in various ways—Talbiyah for Allah alone, Tawaaf for Allah alone, and Salah for Allah alone.

Given this context, it is easy to understand the Hadith in which Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) says:

"The best of Du'as is that of the Day of Arafat, and the best of the words that all the Prophets and I have uttered are:

'Subhaanallahi, walhamdulillahi, walaa ilaaha illallaahu, wahdahu, laa sharika lahu, lahul mulku, walahul-hamdu, wahuwa 'alaa kulli shai'in qadeer.'

These words express the oneness, greatness, and power of Allah Ta'ala. This is the slogan of "Hizbullah" (the party of Allah) against the polytheists, Mushrikeen, atheists, and Kuffaar in general.

Hajj is therefore an opportunity for Muslims to gather and unite against forces that oppose Islam and its message. It serves as a training ground where the Islamic world comes together to renew its commitment and loyalty to Hizbullah. By repeating the Talbiyah, Muslims make a solemn commitment (bai'ah) to Allah Ta'ala that they are ready to make any sacrifice for His cause.

ABANDONING THE HAJJ

Just like neglecting other precepts of Islam, abandoning the Hajj is a serious matter. In a Hadith, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said:

"He who possesses the means to reach the Baitullah but, despite this, does not perform Hajj, it does not matter whether he dies as a Jew or a Christian." (Tirmizi and Daarimi)

Commenting on this Hadith, Sheikh Shah Waliyullah Dehlawi (Rahimahullah) writes in Hujjatullah-al-Baalighah:

"Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) compared the one who abandons the Hajj to a Jew or a Christian because the Jews and the Christians used to pray, but the practice of Hajj did not exist among them."

The scholars of Islam are of the opinion that this Hadith constitutes a severe warning to those who, despite having the means, do not perform the Hajj.

Imam Ghazali (Rahimahullah) relates the severity of Hadhrat 'Umar (Radiyallahu Anhu) towards such a person:

"I intended to impose a tax (Jizyah) on anyone who does not perform Hajj despite the fact that he was able to do so."

(Jizyah is a tax that is imposed on a minority community in an Islamic state.)

Hadhrat 'Allaamah Ibn Kathir relates in his Tafseer that Hadhrat 'Umar (Radiyallahu Anhu) said:

"Whoever has the means to perform Hajj but does not do so, then there is no difference whether he dies as a Jew or a Christian."

In light of the decision and statement of Hadhrat 'Umar (Radiyallahu Anhu), it is evident that abandoning Hajj is such a grave sin that it places the sinner on the same level as the Jews and the Christians.

Taabi'een such as Hadhrat Sa'eed Bin Jubair, Ibrahim Nakh'i, Mujaahid, and Twaa'us refused to perform the Janaazah Salah for a wealthy person who, despite having the means and facilities, had not performed Hajj.

It is unfortunate to note that many people think Hajj is of no importance. Our brothers spend lavishly on extravagances such as betrothals, marriages, constructions, and leisure trips. However, when it comes to performing Hajj, they find all sorts of excuses. Any excuse is good enough. For example, many people say that it is better to help the poor, the deprived, and the neglected in their community with that money. This is merely a pretext. These people will neither perform Hajj nor help the poor.

Our brothers must understand once and for all that during the time of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam), there were also poor people in Madinah. However, he did not command his noble Sahaabah (Radiyallahu Anhum) to abandon Hajj in order to help the poor. If our brothers truly have sincere feelings and so much compassion for the disadvantaged, why do they not have the same reasoning when it comes to engagements, marriages, constructions, leisure trips, buying televisions, video devices (VCRs), hi-fi systems for the home and car, and other frivolities?

TOO YOUNG

There is a second category of people who believe they are too young to perform Hajj. This is truly an insult—an insult to Allah Ta'ala—because they spend their youth, their energy, and their vitality in the way of Shaitaan, leading a depraved life of disobedience in direct contradiction to and violation of divine commandments.

They prefer, or even adopt, a lifestyle modelled on that of their idols and Gurus—a life of the Yahud and Nasaara—over the exemplary life of our beloved Nabi-e-Kareem (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam).

Their precious youth consumed at a dizzying speed, their bones no longer able to bear the aches of old age, they throw themselves to the ground, prostrate themselves, and knock at the door of Allah Ta'ala. When no one—not even their own progeny—wants them, they finally turn to Allah Ta'ala.

Without a shadow of a doubt, Allah Ta'ala is overflowing with mercy. He is the very source of mercy and has more pity than a mother for her nursing child. Allah Ta'ala is always ready to forgive and never rejects a person who sincerely knocks at His door.

This is a trick of Shaytaan, who keeps us away from the obedience of Allah Ta'ala under the pretext that one can repent (do Taubah) later. It is certainly true that Allah Ta'ala accepts Ibaadaat even when performed in old age, but it is also true that Ibaadaat performed in one's youth are far more valuable in the sight of Allah Ta'ala.

In a Hadith, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said that on the Day of Qiyaamah, seven groups of people will be under the shade of the Arsh (Throne) of Allah Ta'ala—a day when there will be no shade except that of the Arsh of Allah. Among these seven groups is the one who devoted himself to the worship of his Lord, Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'ala, during his youth. Furthermore, performing Hajj properly requires energy and courage. Consequently, a young person, overflowing with energy and vitality, can perform Hajj better.

In short, being able to perform Hajj at a young age and postponing it under the pretext that youth should be devoted to enjoyment and fun is a grave error. This attitude, reprehensible and highly condemnable, emanates from people who succumb to the tricks of Shaytaan. Who knows if "later" will ever come? Death awaits us at every step of life and does not spare the young!

VIRTUES OF HAJJ

If the guest of a high-ranking personality—a king, for example—rightly feels honoured and takes legitimate pride in it, why should a Haaji not feel the same? And this, not because he has become someone by fulfilling his duty (Hajj), but rather because his presence at the Baitullah constitutes a response to an invitation from the King of kings—Allah Ta'ala!

Allah Ta'ala says in the Qur'an-e-Kareem:

"And announce the Hajj among the people; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel travelling from any distant road." (22:27).

The Mufassireen say that Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'ala commanded Hadhrat Ibrahim (Alaihis Salaam) in these words (the words of the above verse) to call the people to Hajj. The latter was perplexed and wondered how his call could reach the people when he was in the middle of a desert inhabited only by him and his family. Allah Ta'ala made him understand that his duty was only to make the call and that it was incumbent upon Him, the Almighty, to make it heard.

Therefore, Hadhrat Ibrahim (Alaihis Salaam) climbed the mountain of Abdul Qubais and called out: "O people, Allah Ta'ala commands you to perform Hajj of Bait-ul-Allah so that He may give you in return Jannah and spare you from the punishment of Jahannam."

Those who have responded to this call from the loins of their parents will perform Hajj.

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said in a Hadith:

"Those who perform Hajj and 'Umrah (lesser Hajj) are the guests of Allah Ta'ala."

If man, despite his limited means, honours and receives his guests well, then we can have an idea of how much Allah Ta'ala, He who lacks absolutely nothing, will honour His guests!

HAJJ AND TAUBAH

Hajj is, in fact, an opportunity to mark our presence in the house of Allah Ta'ala. The presence of an important personality naturally pushes us to wear our best clothes. We strive to do our best to please our beloved guest. Allah Ta'ala, the Emperor of emperors, is the guest of pilgrims. We must therefore have an enthusiastic state of mind, striving to do everything to please Him.

However, Allah Ta'ala does not only look at our clothes but also, and above all, at our hearts, which means a lot to Him. So, if with regard to clothing, Allah Ta'ala has prescribed the wearing of a simple, humble, and modest dress (Ihraam), we can therefore easily imagine what importance He gives and how much consideration He will have for a pure, humble, and modest heart—a heart submissive and filled with the greatness, magnanimity, and magnificence of Allah Ta'ala. Hence, the importance and necessity of making a sincere Taubah (repentance) when we mark our presence at the house of Allah Ta'ala.

With such a state of mind, the Ibaadaat—Tawaaf, Sa-ee, presence and Du'as in the Maidaan of Arafaat, Muzdalifah, and Mina—will have more weight, be more effective, and be more likely to promote the development and spiritual blossoming of the individual.

May Allah Ta'ala grant us all the Taufeeq to perform Hajj in such a state of mind. Ameen!

DIFFICULTY DURING HAJJ

In a place where millions of people from all corners of the earth gather, with different morals and mentalities, difficulties are to be expected. So, it is quite natural that one is confronted with multiple problems. One should not lose one's composure and calm because of this. Usually, it is in difficult circumstances and situations that one comes to know the true character of a person.

Once, Hadhrat 'Umar (Radiyallahu anhu) told a person that there are three ways to truly know someone, namely:

By being his neighbour
By being his travelling companion
By having business transactions with him

In the light of this Hadith, we see that the true character of a person is revealed during a journey. It is precisely for this reason that Allah Ta'ala warns the pilgrim against all vulgarity, rudeness, and other excesses.

"So whoever considers the Hajj obligatory on them should not engage in any sexual relations nor commit any act of sin nor dispute during Hajj." (2:197).

In a Hadith, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said:

"Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah and does not commit obscene language or transgression of the law, will return to his home just as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him (clean of all sin)."(Bukhari)

In short, the pilgrim who performs Hajj as he should, that is to say, with an exemplary state of mind and demonstrating exemplary conduct by following the injunctions of the Qur'an and the Sunnah, will be cleansed of all sin. May Allah Ta'ala give us the Taufeeq to perform such a Hajj! Ameen!

[English version of "‎Hadj – pilier de l’islâm" – Al Haadi – Vol. 1 No. 8]