Allah (عَزَّوَجَلَّ) presents us with opportunities to do good time after time. He gives us chances and is giving us another chance to ibadah after our precious Ramadan that was followed by the 6 fasts of Shawwal. The ‘Hajj Season’ is now here. Many people I have met just this past week have informed me they are going for Hajj. Hajj is around the corner and if you are anything like me, then when you hear of someone going for Hajj and you have completed yours, your heart craves to go for Hajj yet once again. Your own rituals of fulfilling the arkaan (pillars) of Hajj and travel to Mina, Muzdalifa and Arafah come rushing back to you. You go back in time in that state of humbleness yearning to be there along with all the other Hajis seeking forgiveness from Allah (عَزَّوَجَلَّ) on the Day of Arafah.
Allah (عَزَّوَجَلَّ) says in the Qur’an:
وَأَتِمُّوا الْحَجَّ وَالْعُمْرَةَ لِلَّهِ
Complete the Hajj (major pilgrimage) and the ‘Umrah (minor pilgrimage) for Allah
[Al-Baqara: 196]
This verse makes it very clear that the intention of Hajj or Umrah is for Allah (عَزَّوَجَلَّ)’s pleasure. This act of worship and in fact any act of worship, without the correct niyah is a lost cause and unaccepted. Hence, the first thing the Hajis must do is purify their intentions. This Hajj is not for anyone else except for achieving Allah (عَزَّوَجَلَّ)’s nearness and for your forgiveness, In Sha’Allah.
Then in the next verse, Allah (عَزَّوَجَلَّ) brings our attention to the details of Hajj.
اَلْحَجُّ اَشْهُرٌ مَّعْلُوْمٰتٌ ۚ فَمَنْ فَرَضَ فِيْهِنَّ الْحَجَّ فَلَا رَفَثَ وَلَا فُسُوْقَ ۙوَلَا جِدَالَ فِي الْحَجِّ ۭ وَمَا تَفْعَلُوْا مِنْ خَيْرٍ يَّعْلَمْهُ اللّٰهُ ڼوَتَزَوَّدُوْا فَاِنَّ خَيْرَ الزَّادِ التَّقْوٰى ۡ وَاتَّقُوْنِ يٰٓاُولِي الْاَلْبَابِ
Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do – Allah knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allah. And fear Me, O you of understanding.
[Surah Al-Baqara: 197]
While you prepare and there will be alot of preparation that goes to planning for a Hajj trip, you must also remember the attitude towards this sacred journey you are about to embark on. This verse is to remind the Hajis to be humble, soft and easy-going because there will be hardships. There will be fallouts and things will not always go as one plans. Allah (عَزَّوَجَلَّ) tells us to remain calm and patient. This is the preparation of the nafs (soul) along with purifying our intention.
فَلَا رَفَثَ وَلَا فُسُوْقَ ۙوَلَا جِدَالَ فِي الْحَجِّ
there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj.
In a state of ihram, you are reminded that it really isn’t just the big things that one has to abstain from like being mindful of the mistakes and the arkan (rituals) that nullify a Hajj but also the everyday acts such as fighting and arguments that a Haji is supposed to stay away from. It is the small acts that may jeopardize our ibadah in the biggest way possible and maybe deem it unacceptable. This is what a Haji is supposed to remember while he/she prepares for Hajj. Don’t just prepare and pack luggage and suitcases, rather worry about your attitude and state of mind as you set out on this journey.
You must feel the talbiya in your heart and in your body when you recite it and call out: لبيك اللهم لبيك
Here I am, O Allah, here I am
You have been selected to be invited for Hajj. It is an honor that not all are given. You must feel the sanctity of it and value it wholly.
As a Haji, one must remember that they are guests of Allah (عَزَّوَجَلَّ). They are وفد الله (guests of Allah (عَزَّوَجَلَّ). In a hadith we learn”
It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
الْغَازِي فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَالْحَاجُّ وَالْمُعْتَمِرُ وَفْدُ اللَّهِ دَعَاهُمْ فَأَجَابُوهُ وَسَأَلُوهُ فَأَعْطَاهُمْ ”
“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.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 2893)
There is a certain decorum that is to be maintained as guests which is very similar to what we follow in the duniya when we visit someone’s house. We are on our best behavior. Similarly, you as guests are to be on your best behavior on this trip.
Then we are told that Allah (عَزَّوَجَلَّ) knows that you are preparing for the journey. We will be displaced from our home for many days and so we should pack all essential items that will make our stay possible so we do not have to trouble others. We carry our own provision and items.
ڼوَتَزَوَّدُوْا فَاِنَّ خَيْرَ الزَّادِ التَّقْوٰى
And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allah
As Hajis are preparing to head out, they are attending many workshops that tell them the details about how Hajj should be performed and what the rituals of Hajj they are to expect.. Many information is facts and figures. People are going around collecting dua books and many such reading material to make this ibadah more beneficial for them.
There is a physical preparation that is started off where Hajis are advised to start building their endurance to walk many miles. They should get health check-ups done for any medical concerns that may exist. One needs to have good health and fitness to keep up energy during the days of Hajj. There is a lot of travelling and walking that is to be done and one must be in good health for this ibadah. Similarly, diet must be watched from now on. Indulging in excessive food will slow you down. Do not become like those Hajis who are looking forward to the Arabic food only! Your intention for this Hajj is to make the most of this pillar of Islam that is to be carried out once a lifetime. This is not your yearly vacation.
The verse emphasizes the key provision that is to be taken along and that is fearing Allah (عَزَّوَجَلَّ). The fear that their intention gets corrupted in any way, the Hajj is not accepted due to some negligence or mistake, the fear that Allah (عَزَّوَجَلَّ) is watching each step of the journey. There is the fear of hurting someone in this journey. Taqwa is the best provision that is to be taken along and you carry this in your heart.
The Prophet ﷺ pointed to his heart three times and said:
التَّقْوَى هَاهُنَا
Taqwa (piety) is right here [and he pointed to his chest three times].
(Hadith 35, 40 Hadith an-Nawaw)
So as you head out, remember that this is for Allah (عَزَّوَجَلَّ) and each and every act of kindness is going to be seen, witnessed and recorded. Be careful; be mindful. Tread carefully in all senses. Make this a complete act of worship by adhering to the dos and the don’ts in every way possible. May Allah (عَزَّوَجَلَّ) accept this from you and give all of us another opportunity to visit His house yet once again. (Aameen)
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