Hajj – A Journey of the Hearts.
By: Mohd Fahmi Abdul Rahim, 4th Zulkaedah 1434H, 10th Sep 2013.
In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious and The Most Merciful.
As my wife and I embark on this journey of performing our Hajj, I would like to leave behind an article about Hajj as a reminder and revision for myself as well as to connect and to reach out to everyone around us. The topic of Hajj is a huge topic by itself. What I intend to do with this article is to introduce the Hajj obligation for every Muslim and its philosophy, the virtues of the Holy Cities in Islam as well as a sneak peek into the spiritual and the physical journey itself. I hope that this article would enlighten us and spark interest on the topic of Hajj in the pursuit to share knowledge and spread understanding.
Hajj, the fifth pillar in Islam
Every person who submits to the One God, and believes that there is no deity other than the Almighty Allah as well as believes that the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is His messenger is a Muslim. Islam is built on 5 pillars. The first is the testimony of believe that there is only one God and that the Prophet Muhammad is His Messenger. The second is performing the prayer 5 times a day, the third is fasting in the month of Ramadan, the fourth is giving ‘zakat’ or alms and the fifth is performing the Hajj for those who are able once in a lifetime. I ask Allah to grant me the opportunity to write about the other pillars in Islam too in the future.
The Hajj is compulsory for each able Muslim only once in their lifetime. The definition of the ‘ability’ to perform Hajj includes having the means to do so physically and financially as well as in today’s context, having the spot or quota to perform the Hajj. Having the means physically means that the person is in good physical and mental health and is capable of performing the Hajj rites. Furthermore, the journey itself must not be obstructed or be at risk of any physical harm such as war or safety and security threat. On the other hand, having the means financially means that the person could afford all the related travel expenses and lodging. It also means that the person has enough provision for those under his care whom he left behind and is able to service all his dues during his absence. Next, according to Lembaga Tabung Haji, having the spot or quota is also part of the definition of having the ability to perform Hajj. In the interest of safety and in order to meet the space and logistical constraints as well as the growing number of pilgrims, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has passed a resolution in 1988 which determined that the number of pilgrims from each country is limited to only 0.1% of the country’s population. That is 1,000 pilgrims for every one million population. This brings to a total of roughly about 2 million pilgrims from around the globe each year. In Malaysia, the 0.1% translates to about 28, 000 pilgrims. This year, the quota is further reduced by another 20% due to the expansions works at the two holy mosques as well as the risk of MERS-CoV.
Allah commanded Hajj in the Holy Quran Chapter 3, Surah Ali-Imran, verses 96 & 97.
“Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for Mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing and guidance for Al-Alamin (mankind and jinns). In it are manifest signs (for example) the maqam (station) of Ibrahim; whosoever enters it, he attains security. And Hajj to the House (Kaabah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, for those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves (i.e. denies Hajj, then he is a disbeliever of Allah), then Allah stands not in need of any of the Alamin (mankind and jinn)”
The important message to get across is that Allah is Self-Sufficient and He stands not in need of any of His Creation, i.e. His Greatness does not depend on the worship and glorification from His Creations. So the performance of Hajj is purely a submission to Allah, to obey and follow His Command.
What is central to pillars of Islam?
The submission to Allah, being grateful to Him, patience and practicing self-restraint are central to the pillars of Islam. The self-restraint is about controlling and directing our innate worldly desires into a controlled manner. We have seen too many examples of how people, organization and countries have turned out bad in their pursuit of self-fulfillment such as greed, wealth and power.
The prayer 5 times a day would serve as a daily exercise and practice to gain discipline. Here again, as Allah is Self-Sufficient and is not in need of His Creations, the prayer is for the Muslim to re-affirm his belief to the oneness of Allah as well as being grateful and thankful to all that Allah has provided him by praising, glorifying and exalting Him. Every week, the Muslim is required to leave all his worldly business to attend the Friday congregational prayer. Every year, the fasting in the month of Ramadan is to learn and practice patience and self-restraint. And once in a lifetime the Hajj is to practice fortitude. During the Hajj, the pilgrim would repeatedly recite and internalize the Talbiyah whose meanings are “Here I am, O Allah, Here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Surely all praise, grace and dominion are yours and You have no partner”. The giving of zakat or alms is the manifest of gratitude and the realization that we are a part of the chain of His provision. So the pillars of Islam are themselves the constant reminder and a chance to renew one’s faith. Quoting Sheikh Ismail Davids, the prayers 5 times a day is our daily spiritual injection, the Friday prayer is the weekly spiritual injection, the month of Ramadan is the yearly spiritual injection while Hajj is the spiritual injection that we get at least once in a lifetime.
Just an obligation?
While performing the Hajj is an obligation, there are many benefits and rewards that come with it. The Hajj is so special that the pilgrims are called the Guests of Allah. In the world we live today, there is always a notion of pride when a person becomes the guest of someone important, for example being the guest of a prime minister or the president or being in audience with the King or Queen. There is also a sense of pride when so-and-so’s name (or in the corporate world – so-and-so’s project) is mentioned (for good reason) among the circle of VIPs, such as being mentioned in the senior management meeting or being mentioned in the house of parliament or in the palace. In Hajj, Allah calls the pilgrims as His Guests. What better VIP is there to be in audience with beyond the Almighty Himself? It is also mentioned that Allah is proud of the pilgrim that he mentions the pilgrim amongst the angels.
It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet Muhammad PBUH said “The one who fights in the cause of Allah, and the pilgrim performing Hajj and Umrah are a delegation to Allah. He invited them, so they responded to Him, and they ask Him and He gives to them”. (Ibn Majah, Book 25 Hadith 3004)
Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet Muhammad PBUH said “An Umrah is expiation for the sins committed between it and the next, and Hajj which is accepted (Hajj Mabrur) will receive no other reward than Jannah (Paradise)” (Ibn Majah, Book 25 Hadith 3000). It is the goal for everyone who believes in the hereafter to be protected from Hell Fire and to enter Paradise. The Hajj offers a chance for the Muslim to repent and seek forgiveness from Allah for all his sins and wrongdoings. Don’t get me wrong, Allah is the Most Forgiving and that asking for His forgiveness is not restricted by time or place. One could seek for His forgiveness anytime and anywhere before the door of forgiveness is closed. That is when the sun rises from the west.
It was reported by A’isha, the Prophet’s wife, (Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet Muhammad PBUH said: “There is no day when Allah sets free more servants from Hell than the Day of Arafah. He draws near, then praises them to the angels, saying: What do these want” (Sahih Muslim, 1348).
Abu Huraira also reported that the Prophet Muhammad said: “He who came to this House (Kaabah) (with the intention of performing Pilgrimage), and neither spoke indecently nor did he act wickedly, would return (free from sin) as on the (very first day) his mother bore him”. (Sahih Muslim, 1350)
So this is the chance for the pilgrims to start afresh on a new clean sheet as well as to ask Allah for His Mercy and Blessings and become a better person in all aspects of life. In addition to that, there are immediate benefits such as the feeling of solidarity as well as the strengthening of the ties with all Muslims around the world.
The Hajj Rites
The Hajj takes place in the twelfth month in the Islamic Hijri calendar. This month is called Zulhijjah. The Hajj or pilgrimage to the Kaabah was first established during the time of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) PBUH. In the Quran, Chapter 22, Surah Al-Hajj verses 26 and 27 Allah related to us the command that was given to Prophet Ibrahim to proclaim the call of Hajj to mankind.
“And (remember) when We showed Ibrahim the site of the House (saying): “Associate not anything with Me, and sanctify My House for those who circumambulate it, and those who stand up (for prayer), and those who bow and make prostration (in prayer);”. And proclaim to mankind the Hajj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Hajj)”
Over the years, the act of pilgrimage had become corrupted with pagan beliefs. During the time of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, he revived the proper act. It was reported by Jabir (Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad PBUH said “Learn your (Hajj) rites from me …” (Sahih Muslim, 1297)
In this section, I do my best to avoid being too technical but rather keep it as a simple introduction for those who are interested to know what is performed during Hajj. I would also address the commonly asked question on the difference between a Hajj and an Umrah. Feel free to skip if you feel the topic is a little heavy.
The Hajj and Umrah rites are divided into two portions, the pillars (known as the ‘Rukun’) and the obligatory acts (known as the ‘Wajib’). The pillars must be performed in order to attain the respective Hajj or Umrah. If omitted then the person would miss the Hajj or Umrah. On the other hand, if the obligatory acts are purposely omitted then the person has committed a sin and expiation must be done. I shall list them down in the table below before introducing what they are.
The pillars (Rukun) of Hajj are:
1. Invoking the intention to perform Hajj and entering the state of Ihram
2*. Wuquf (Standing at Arafat)
3. Tawaf (Circumambulation around the Kaabah)
4. Sa’ie (Running or walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah)
5. Cutting or Shaving the Hair
6. Tertib or Following the order for most of the items above.
The obligatory (Wajib) acts of Hajj are:
1. Invoking the intention to perform Hajj and entering the state of Ihram at the Meeqat.
2. Adhering to the restrictions while in the state of Ihram.
3*. Staying the night or part of it at Muzdalifah.
4*. Stoning (Casting Pebbles) the Big Jamarat on the 10th day of Zulhijjah.
5*. Staying the night in Mina on the 11th, 12th and 13th day of Zulhijjah.
6*. Stoning (Casting Pebbles) the three Jamarats on the on the 11th, 12th and 13th day of Zulhijjah.
The Umrah is the lesser or minor pilgrimage compared to Hajj. The major difference in the rites to be performed is that there is neither Wuquf nor there is spending the night at Muzdalifah, Mina and Stoning or Casting the pebbles at the Jamarat. In addition, the Umrah can be performed anytime throughout the year while Hajj can only be performed in the Hajj months. The ‘Hajj months’ is the timeframe between Eid-ul-Fitr (Hari Raya Aidilfitri) and Eid-ul-Adha (Hari Raya Korban) plus 3 days after that. While the intention to be invoked is different between a Hajj and an Umrah, many of the other rites are similar.
As a preparation for Hajj, usually on the 8th of Zulhijjah, the pilgrim must wear the Ihram attire in order to adhere to the restrictions while being in the state of Ihram. For the men it is two clean preferably white unfitted pieces of cloth, one to cover the waist and below while the other is to cover the upper part of the body. Meanwhile, there is no specific Ihram attire for the women. She needs to dress modestly and conform to the Islamic dress code as she should at all other times too that is to maintain her hijab and properly cover her Aurat (parts of the body that must always be covered from revealing its shape and color). The two pieces of white cloth for the men symbolize the humility, solidarity and similarity among all Muslims from all ranks and corners of the earth. It would also remind us that it is the two pieces of white cloth that would cover our body when we finally leave this world.
Wearing the Ihram attire does not put one in the state of Ihram. This brings us to the first pillar of Hajj which is invoking the intention to perform Hajj and entering the state of Ihram. For those coming outside Makkah, this must be done (obligatory) at the specified geographical boundary that encompasses the Masjidil Haram (or sometimes referred to as the Grand Mosque) and the holy land. The Arabic term ‘Meeqat’ refers to the geographical boundary. In the state Ihram, the pilgrim is called a ‘Muhrim’. In this state, the Muhrim is in a spiritual condition that is very close to Allah. This is also when the Muhrim would repeatedly recite and internalize the Talbiyah. There are several restrictions imposed on the Muhrim that revolves around practicing self-restraint and controlling one’s desires. The categories of restrictions are clothing (men are prohibited from wearing fitted clothes and covering their heads, while the women are prohibited from covering their faces), perfuming (such as applying perfume or wearing perfumed clothes), beautification, environment (such as cutting trees or hunting) and marital relations (including marrying someone, giving anyone else in marriage or proposing a marriage). Note that perfuming and beautification is encouraged as part of the preparation before entering the state of Ihram. These restrictions are lifted when the pilgrim exits the state of Ihram upon the proper completion of 3 Hajj rites which are Casting the pebbles at the Big Jamarat on the 10th Zulhijjah, Tawaf and Sa’ie as well as cutting or shaving the hair.
Figure 1: Hajj rites by location and sequence, Edited from source: Wikipedia
On the 9th of Zulhijjah, the pilgrim performs the Wuquf (or standing) at the plain of Arafat after the Midday sermon and prayers. This is the most important part of Hajj. Missing out this pillar means missing the Hajj for that year. The Prophet Muhammad was asked about Hajj and he said “The Hajj is Arafat…” (Tirmidhi & Abu Dawud: 889:1949). This is the time when the pilgrim would supplicate to Allah, seeking for His Forgiveness, Mercy and Blessings, Asking for what the heart desires, for his parents, children, relatives, friends, the Muslim community at large. The gathering at the plain of Arafat would remind us of the gathering in the judgment day when all of mankind waits to receive our book of deeds and final judgment.
From there the pilgrim would move to another place called Muzdalifah to perform the evening prayers and to spend the night or part of it there between midnight and the break of dawn.
After the dawn or Fajr prayer on the 10th Zulhijjah, the pilgrim would head to another place called Mina to perform the stoning or casting of seven pebbles at the Big Jamarat. I shall explain about the stoning rite in a short while. The reciting of the Talbiyah stops here. As this is the day of the Eid (called as Hari Raya Haji or Hari Raya Korban in Malaysia), the pilgrim would then recite the Takbir together with other Muslims around the world to praise, exalt and glorify Allah. Following the stoning rite, pilgrims would cut or shave their hair. For the women, the requirement is just to cut about an inch length. For the men, the requirement is to cut at least 3 strands of hair, while shaving the whole head is better.
The pilgrims then have a choice to either perform Tawaf and Sa’ie or Stay in Mina to perform the remaining obligatory Hajj rites i.e. spending the night and stoning the three Jamarats on the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Zulhijjah. While waiting for the night of the 11th Zulhijjah, some pilgrims would head back to Masjidil Haram, to perform Tawaf and Sa’ie. Tawaf is the act of circumambulating the Kaabah 7 times. This rite is traceable back to the time of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) PBUH. After completing the Tawaf, the pilgrims would perform the Sa’ie which is running or walking 7 times between the hills of Safa and Marwa. This act is to remind us of the time when Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) wife Hajar (Hagar) was looking for water to feed her son Ismail (Ishmael). It was during this time that she saw the angel Jibril hit the earth with his heel and water gushed out. This water source is then called the Well of Zamzam. The well of Zamzam has never dried up until today. With the expansion of the Masjidil Haram, the two hills have now being encompassed into the Mas’a structure adjoining with the Masjidil Haram. With Tawaf and Sa’ie completed the pilgrim now exits the state of Ihram.
At Mina, the pilgrims sacrifice animal, donating its meat to the needy. Each year, over 600,000 animals are sacrificed, in modern abattoirs that complete the processing of the meat over the three days of the Eid. Distribution of this sacrificial meat goes to those in need in some 30 countries.
The stoning or casting pebbles at the three Jamarats is an act that would remind us to the time when the devil obstructed Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) from carrying out Allah’s order to perform Hajj. The devil appeared three times and each time the devil appeared, Prophet Ibrahim pelted him with 7 stones until he disappeared. In his Ihya’ `Ulum Ad-Deen, Imam Al-Ghazali says: “As to the throwing of the pebbles, it is an expression of the pilgrim’s intention to obey Allah’s commandment, and a demonstration of his humility and servitude to Him. It signifies compliance with the divine commandment without any trace therein of any selfish pleasure; sensuous or intellectual”. The stoning of the Jamarat symbolizes that we would never follow the path and the footsteps of the devil for Allah said in the Quran the devil (Shaytan) is the clear enemy who would lead mankind astray.
Worshipping the Kaabah?
Some of the frequently asked questions are why do Muslims worship the Kaabah and what is the significance of Kaabah itself. Here, I would like to stress that associating Allah with partners or worshipping anything other than Allah is the biggest sin in Islam. So the turning towards the same direction i.e. the Masjidil Haram and circumambulating the Kaabah is done in obedience to Allah’s command. Note that the direction to which Muslims outside the Masjidil Haram face during prayer is the Masjidil Haram. While for those inside the Masjidil Haram, the direction to which they face during prayer is the Kaabah.
The significance of the Kaabah is not because of its physical design, structure or material. Rather, it signifies the faith and obedience to the One God. All the believers since the time of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) would have visited Kaabah to perform their prayer and circumambulate around the Kaabah as commanded by Allah.
Another question linked to the direction of prayer is on the whereabouts of Allah. Locations and time are common to how we live in this world because as His Creations, the universe and us are bounded by the space-time continuum. The wheel of time where new becomes old and old makes way for the new applies to all His Creations including the stars, ourselves and everything else that we come know in this world. This goes on until the end of time. Furthermore, when we look back at the creation of this ever expanding universe, it all started at the point of singularity. As the Creator, Allah is not bounded by space nor is He bounded by time. In Quran Chapter 2, Surah Al Baqarah, verse 186, Allah said: “And when My servants ask you (O Muhammad concerning Me, then answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright.”
The Holy Cities in Islam
The three Holiest Cities in Islam are Makkah, Madinah and Jerusalem because within these are three significant mosques for the Muslims. The Masjidil Haram in Makkah, the Masjid Nabawi (The Mosque of Allah’s Messenger PBUH) in Madinah and the Masjidil Aqsa in Jerusalem. Here I would like to quote some Hadith (Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH) on the virtues and excellence of these three places.
Narrated by Abu Dhār: I said, “O Allah’s Messenger (PBUH)! Which mosque was first built on the surface of the earth?” He said, “Al- Masjid-ul-,Haram (in Makkah).” I said, “Which was built next?” He replied “The mosque of Al-Aqsa ( in Jerusalem) .” I said, “What was the period of construction between the two?” He said, “Forty years.” He added, “Wherever (you may be, and) the prayer time becomes due, perform the prayer there, for the best thing is to do so (i.e. to offer the prayers in time). (Sahih al-Bukhari, 3366)
Narrated by Abu Huraira: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Do not set out on a journey except for three Mosques i.e. Al-Masjid-AI-Haram, the Mosque of Allah’s Messenger (PBUH), and the Mosque of Al-Aqsa, (Mosque of Jerusalem).” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1189)
Abu Darda (Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, “A prayer in Makkah (Kaabah) is worth 100,000 times (reward), a prayer in my Masjid (Madinah) is worth 1,000 times and a prayer in Al-Aqsa Sanctuary is worth 500 times more reward than anywhere else”.
Figure 2: Map of Saudi Arabia, Source: World Wide Web
Travel Arrangements for Malaysian Pilgrims
In Malaysia, the Tabung Haji Act 1955 establishes ‘Lembaga Tabung Haji’ as the body that will administer all matters concerning the welfare of the pilgrims. This is also the official body that would deal with the Saudi government on all Hajj related matters.
The services provided by Lembaga Tabung Haji include education and training for fellow pilgrims, health and medical check-up in Malaysia, Visa application, as well as Medical and Welfare services in the Holy Land including travel arrangements for flight, accommodation, meals and land transportation. The selected pilgrim has the choice to use the travel arrangement services from Lembaga Tabung Haji itself or engage services from other Pilgrim organizers licensed by the Lembaga Tabung Haji.
Surely coordinating and orchestrating 28, 000 pilgrims from among 2 million other pilgrims isn’t an easy task. While the Hajj rites take place in Makkah, the travel is planned in such a way that pilgrims would have the opportunity to also visit the holy city of Madinah either before or after their Hajj. The pilgrims are brought into Saudi Arabia in stages from two points of entries, Madinah and Jeddah. The staggered departure and return dates would help in the best utilization of resources and ensure the comfort of the pilgrims throughout the journey. Pilgrims travelling as early as one month before the month of Zulhijjah starts would visit Madinah prior to travelling into Makkah. Pilgrims travelling closer to the Wuquf date would enter Makkah directly and would travel to Madinah after the Hajj completes.
The time that the pilgrims have is devoted to worship such as prayers, reading and understanding the Quran and Hadith as well as self – reflection and soul – searching. Pilgrims would also visit historical places in Makkah and Madinah. For many this would be their first time to see and be at the historical places that they come to know when learning the history of Islam. Some of the highlights in Madinah are to perform prayers in the Prophet’s mosque especially at the place the Prophet (PBUH) called as the ‘Raudatul Jannah’ as well as to visit the beloved prophet’s grave and to extend greetings to him. Among, the highlights in Makkah are to perform prayers in the Masjidil Haram, circumambulating the Kaabah and performing Umrah.
Conclusion
Going to Hajj requires knowledge, physical, spiritual, mental and financial preparation. It is by itself a huge sacrifice that tests the Muslim’s devotion to Allah. The pilgrim leaves behind families, loved ones and his worldly business and devotes his or her full concentration for the cause of Allah. For many, going to Hajj does not just involve personal preparation but also includes huge support from family members, neighbors, friends, workplace and colleagues. May Allah bless them all. I hope that you have benefitted from this write up and gained some understanding about the Hajj from many angles and perspectives.
For those who enjoy watching documentaries or would like to have some visualization about the Hajj, I would recommend 4 videos below.
Inside Mecca: National Geographic documentary on Hajj through the eyes of an Irish-born mother of two from Texas (USA), a successful Malaysian businessman, and a South African radio evangelist.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x12nv9d_national-geographic-inside-makkah_shortfilms
Hajj – Journey of a lifetime: A documentary from the BBC.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqCsW7OP_sU
The Chinese Hajj (2011) National Geographic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lzonghewb1k
The Deenshow: Pilgrimage (Hajj) in Makkah with Yusuf Estes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHaXyakG0oo
In addition, here’s the official Irfan Makki’s ‘Waiting for the Call’ by Awakening Records.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpRxU8_vb08&list=PL1901DA43A0C32981&index=16
Acknowledgement
Special thanks to all the individuals whom have reviewed, provided feedback, corrections and ideas for this article. May Allah bless all of you.
Bibliographical References
- The meaning of the Quran and Tafseer Ibn Kathir: http://www.qtafsir.com/
- The quoted Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH): http://sunnah.com/
- Abdul Basit Abdul Rahman, “Makkah al-Mukarramah: Kelebihan dan Sejarah”, Telaga Biru, 1st Ed., July 2008.
- Dr. Abdul Basit Abdul Rahman, “Madinah Munawarah: Kelebihan dan Sejarah”, Telaga Biru, 1st Ed., Oct 2010.
- Abu Muneer Ismail Davids, “Getting the Best out of Hajj”, Darussalam Publication, 2nd Ed., Aug 2006.
- Bahagian Bimbingan, Jabatan Haji, Lembaga Tabung Haji, “Nota Kursus Asas Haji”, 1434H, 2013.
- Ibn Kathir, “Stories of the Prophets”, Translated by Muhammad Mustapha Geme’ah, Al-Azhar, Darussalam Publication.
- Ministry of Hajj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, http://www.hajinformation.com/index.htm
My Reflections 
Reblogged this on samiyabegum and commented:
🙂 inshallah we all go