The pilgrimage (Hajj) is
- One of the most important pillars
of Islam.
- A principal means of obtaining proximity
to the Almighty.
- One of the most difficult physical
forms of worship.
- 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).
- Those involving the expenditure of
wealth for His sake e.g. Zakaat and Khums which serve to
sever the deep attachments to worldly possessions.
- Those involving abstinence from desires
and pleasures e.g. fasting.
- Those related to His remembrance and
diverting total attention towards Him e.g. Salat/Namaaz.
But Hajj involves all these and more, such as,
- Leaving one's hometown.
- Physical exertion.
- Expenditure of wealth.
- Renewal of the covenant with God.
- Circumambulation (Tawaaf).
- Supplication (Dua).
- 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
- The intention (Niyyah) must be pure
and sincere for the sake of God only, but not for any other
worldly motives, such as,
- Showing off (Riyaa)
- Avoiding rebukes for not performing Hajj.
- Fear of poverty for it is known that one who does
not perform Hajj is afflicted with poverty.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The pilgrim should free himself of
all matters, which tend to worry him so his total attention
is towards the Almighty.
- Any financial loss or physical affliction
in this journey should be greeted happily, for, it is a
sign of acceptance of Hajj.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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).
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