Haj, Pilgrimage, the Fifth Pillar of Islam By Hassan Ali El-Najjar

Islam:

A Scientific View of God's Message to Humanity

Haj, Pilgrimage:

The Fifth Pillar of Islam

By Hassan Ali El-Najjar

Updated on the 5th of Rajab, 1441 - 29th of March, 2020

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أَلْحَجُّ

الرُّكْنُ الخَامِسُ فِي الإسْلَامِ

تأليف حسن علي النجار

تمت مراجعة هذا الفصل في الخامس من رجب 1441 - التاسع والعشرين من مارس 2020

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أعوذُ باللهِ منَ الشيطانِ الرجيم

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

I seek refuge with Allah from the Stoned Shaytan

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Introduction

A Muslim is required to perform five basic 'Ibadat, or ways of worship, or obligations. They are considered the five pillars of the structure of Islam, which include the proclamation of faith, prayers, giving charity (zakat), fasting the month of Ramadhan, and making Haj, pilgrimage.

The ‘Haj, pilgrimage to the House of Allah in Makkah, Al-Ka'ba, is the climax of being a Muslim. It is a personal journey for God first but it gives great satisfaction to the ‘Haaj (pilgrim), as he/she leaves everything in this life behind when starting the journey. The pilgrimage to Makkah is also a worldwide conference of Muslims to know one-another, as they come from various nations, racial groups, and ethnic divisions (49: 13). Once they are there, they praise Allah for His countless benefits and bounties they have been enjoying. They are also instructed by Allah to be loving, caring, and tolerant of each other, as they are equal and none of them is better than others, except by the degree of righteousness, as stated in the ‘Hadith.

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَاكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَاكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَائِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوا ۚ إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ اللَّـهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ (الحجرات ، 49: 13).

O People (Humankind), indeed, We have created you from male and female and made you nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted (Al-‘Hujurat, 49: 1).

عن جابر بن عبدالله ، رضي الله عنه ، أنه قال: قال رسولُ صلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّم: "يا أيها الناسُ ! إنَّ ربَّكم واحدٌ ، و إنَّ أباكم واحدٌ ، ألا لا فضلَ لعربيٍّ على عجميٍّ ، و لا لعجميٍّ على عربيٍّ ، و لا لأحمرَ على أسودَ ، و لا لأسودَ على أحمرَ إلا بالتقوى إنَّ أكرمَكم عند اللهِ أتقاكُم"

Companion Jabir Bin Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with him (mAbpwh), said that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him (pbbuh) said: “O people (humankind), your Lord is One and your father (Adam) is one. An Arab person is not better than a non-Arab. A non-Arab is not better than an Arab. A red person is not better than a black person. A black person is not better than a red person, except in his/her righteousness (good deeds benefitting people). The most honored among you is the most righteous.” [1]

A Muslim has to go to Makkah (Mecca) in a pilgrimage, Haj, at least once in one’s lifetime, if one is capable to do that physically and financially. This is a visit to the first House of God on Earth. It is now in Saudi Arabia. There, several million Muslims gather every year, responding to God's call, confirming their faith, and remembering the story of the Messenger of Allah Ibrahim (Abraham), peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, when he left his son, Isma'il, and his wife Hajar (Hagger), over there. Then, Ibrahim called on Allah to guide people to join them in that valley, as we learn from verse 14: 37. Thus, the pilgrimage to Makkah is part of God’s response to His Messenger, Ibrahim, peace be to him.

رَّبَّنَا إِنِّي أَسْكَنتُ مِن ذُرِّيَّتِي بِوَادٍ غَيْرِ ذِي زَرْعٍ عِندَ بَيْتِكَ الْمُحَرَّمِ رَبَّنَا لِيُقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ فَاجْعَلْ أَفْئِدَةً مِّنَ النَّاسِ تَهْوِي إِلَيْهِمْ وَارْزُقْهُم مِّنَ الثَّمَرَاتِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَشْكُرُونَ (إبراهيم ، 14: 37).

Our Lord, I have settled some of my descendants in an uncultivated valley near Your sacred House, our Lord, that they may establish prayer. So make hearts among the people incline toward them and provide for them from the fruits that they might be grateful (Ibrahim, 14: 37).

In particular, pilgrims remember the story of the slaughter and sacrifice. As Ismail grew older, Ibrahim came to slaughter him in obedience to God. It was a test for the three of them. They passed the test by expressing obedience to God and disobedience to the Shaytan (Satan) by throwing stones at him.

As Ibrahim put his knife on Isma'il's neck, the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) came with the good news that they passed the test and Ibrahim was given a sheep to slaughter instead, as we are told by verses 37: 102-107.

فَلَمَّا بَلَغَ مَعَهُ السَّعْيَ قَالَ يَا بُنَيَّ إِنِّي أَرَىٰ فِي الْمَنَامِ أَنِّي أَذْبَحُكَ فَانظُرْ مَاذَا تَرَىٰ ۚ قَالَ يَا أَبَتِ افْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ ۖ سَتَجِدُنِي إِن شَاءَ اللَّـهُ مِنَ الصَّابِرِينَ ﴿١٠٢﴾ فَلَمَّا أَسْلَمَا وَتَلَّهُ لِلْجَبِينِ ﴿١٠٣﴾ وَنَادَيْنَاهُ أَن يَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ ﴿١٠٤﴾ قَدْ صَدَّقْتَ الرُّؤْيَا ۚ إِنَّا كَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِي الْمُحْسِنِينَ ﴿١٠٥﴾ إِنَّ هَـٰذَا لَهُوَ الْبَلَاءُ الْمُبِينُ ﴿١٠٦﴾ وَفَدَيْنَاهُ بِذِبْحٍ عَظِيمٍ ﴿١٠٧﴾ (الصافات ، 37: 102-107).

And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, "O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think." He said, "O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast." (102) And when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead, (103) We called to him, "O Abraham, (104) You have fulfilled the vision." Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. (105) Indeed, this was the clear trial. (106) And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice, (107) (Al-Saffat, 37: 102-107).

Then, Ibrahim and Isma'il rebuilt Al-Ka'ba, the Cubic House of the Lord, the most sacred place of worship for Muslims, to which direction they face in their prayers. Pilgrims perform rituals resembling various parts of the story, as well as orbiting the Ka'ba and worshipping on the sacred places of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifa. [2]

‘Haj (Pilgrimage): The Fifth Islamic Way of Worship ('Ibada)

Allah, praise to Him, mentions in verses 51: 56-58 of the Holy Quran that he has created humans and Jinn for the sole purpose of worshipping Him, not to feed or benefit Him, because He the Beneficent to all of His creation.

وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ ﴿٥٦﴾ مَا أُرِيدُ مِنْهُم مِّن رِّزْقٍ وَمَا أُرِيدُ أَن يُطْعِمُونِ ﴿٥٧﴾ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ هُوَ الرَّزَّاقُ ذُو الْقُوَّةِ الْمَتِينُ ﴿٥٨﴾ (الذاريات ، 51: 56-58).

And I have not created the Jinn and humans except to worship Me. (56) I do not want from them any provision, nor do I want them to feed Me. (57) Indeed, it is Allah who is the Provider, the One With Power, the Strong. (58) (Al-Dhariyat, 51: 56-58).

So, why does Allah command humans to worship Him?

When you think about these five ways of worshipping Allah, praise to Him, you find that all of them have direct benefits to the worshippers, making them good persons, in good families, living in good communities, and good societies, in body and soul.

Thus, Allah, praise to Him, wants us to follow His commands for our own good, as He is in no need for us or for our worship of Him. But he rejoices that we attempt to be better persons and better societies by worshipping him and following His commands by choice, as He said in verses 22: 37 and 29: 6.

لَن يَنَالَ اللَّـهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا وَلَـٰكِن يَنَالُهُ التَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ سَخَّرَهَا لَكُمْ لِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّـهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ الْمُحْسِنِينَ ﴿الحج ، 22: 37﴾.

Allah does not get their flesh and their blood (the sacrificed animals), but He gets your piety (righteousness). Thus, He has made them subjected to you, so you may glorify Allah that He has guided you. And give good tidings (O Muhammad) to the good doers (Al-'Hajj, 22: 37).

وَمَن جَاهَدَ فَإِنَّمَا يُجَاهِدُ لِنَفْسِهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ لَغَنِيٌّ عَنِ الْعَالَمِينَ (العنكبوت ، 29: 6).

And whosoever strives, (he) strives for himself, for Allah is in no need of (His creatures inhabiting) the Worlds (Al-Ankabout, 29: 6).

Verses about ‘Haj (Pilgrimage), as a Mandated Worship

Verses 96-97 of Surat Al-'Imran (Chapter 3) of the Holy Quran include God's command to Muslims to make the pilgrimage to His First House on Earth, in Makkah:

إِنَّ أَوَّلَ بَيْتٍ وُضِعَ لِلنَّاسِ لَلَّذِي بِبَكَّةَ مُبَارَكًا وَهُدًى لِّلْعَالَمِينَ ﴿٩٦﴾ فِيهِ آيَاتٌ بَيِّنَاتٌ مَّقَامُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ ۖ وَمَن دَخَلَهُ كَانَ آمِنًا ۗ وَلِلَّـهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا ۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّـهَ غَنِيٌّ عَنِ الْعَالَمِينَ ﴿٩٧﴾ (آل عمران ، 3: 96-97).

The First House (of worship) appointed for humankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), a blessed place, and guidance to the worlds (96)

Wherein, (there) are clear signs (of Allah's guidance), the place where Ibrahim (Abraham) stood up (to pray), and whosoever enters it is safe. And pilgrimage to the House is a duty on people for Allah, on whoever can find a way (to make it). As for whoever disbelieves, (let him know that) Allah is in no need of (His creatures inhabiting) the worlds. (97) (Al-‘Imran, 3: 96-97).

Verse 22: 26 of the Holy Quran mentions that the Haj (pilgrimage) was also ordained on Ibrahim, who was commanded to purify the House of Allah and prepare it (make it ready) for pilgrims, who would come to circumambulate (circle) the Ka’ba and to perform their prayers around it.

In verses 22: 27-29, Allah, praise to Him, commands His Messenger Muhammed, pbbuh, and Muslims through him, to renew this way of worship (‘ibada), which is beneficial to them, during this lower life (by that which they eat and by that which they earn from business transactions) and in the hereafter (by earning God’s mercy and contentment, and consequently His everlasting rewards).

وَإِذْ بَوَّأْنَا لِإِبْرَاهِيمَ مَكَانَ الْبَيْتِ أَن لَّا تُشْرِكْ بِي شَيْئًا وَطَهِّرْ بَيْتِيَ لِلطَّائِفِينَ وَالْقَائِمِينَ وَالرُّكَّعِ السُّجُودِ ﴿٢٦﴾ وَأَذِّن فِي النَّاسِ بِالْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالًا وَعَلَىٰ كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَأْتِينَ مِن كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍ ﴿٢٧﴾ لِّيَشْهَدُوا مَنَافِعَ لَهُمْ وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّـهِ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَّعْلُومَاتٍ عَلَىٰ مَا رَزَقَهُم مِّن بَهِيمَةِ الْأَنْعَامِ ۖ فَكُلُوا مِنْهَا وَأَطْعِمُوا الْبَائِسَ الْفَقِيرَ ﴿٢٨﴾ ثُمَّ لْيَقْضُوا تَفَثَهُمْ وَلْيُوفُوا نُذُورَهُمْ وَلْيَطَّوَّفُوا بِالْبَيْتِ الْعَتِيقِ ﴿٢٩﴾ (الحج ، 22: 26-29).

And (mention, O Muhammad), when We designated for Ibrahim the site of the House, (saying), "Do not associate anything with Me," and purify My House for those who circumambulate it (perform Tawaf by orbiting it), and those who stand, bow, and prostrate (in prayer). (26)

And announce to the people (to come to) the Hajj (pilgrimage), they will come to you on foot, and on every lean camel, they will come from every distant road - (27)

(They come to observe this worship and) they may witness benefits for themselves, and mention the name of Allah during known days, for what He has provided for them of (sacrificial) animals. So, eat from them, and feed the miserable poor. (28)

Then, let them end their (i'hram ritual) restrictions, fulfill their vows, and circumambulate (perform Tawaf) around the Shielded (and First) House (Al-Ka'ba)." (29) (Al-Haj, 22: 26-29).

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In his interpretation of verse 22: 28, Ibn Katheer mentions that Muslims generally, and pilgrims in particular, should increase mentioning the name of Allah as well as thanking and glorifying Him, during the first ten days of Dhul 'Hijja. In his interpretation of the "known days,” he added that this was a reference to the duration of the Haj (pilgrimage), which starts when pilgrims stand on the Arafat Mountain area, continues to the ‘Eid Day, and includes two to three days after ‘Eid.

Concerning the animals, which are sacrificed during the Haj (pilgrimage) time (as mentioned in verse 22: 28), Ibn Katheer reports various interpretations based on ‘Hadiths and Companions’ opinions. The general conclusion is that the major objective is feeding the people. This includes pilgrims themselves, their acquaintances, and the poor. This means that the verse is promoting the distribution of the sacrificed animal meat, in any way we can. Thus, slaughtering animals, during the Haj (pilgrimage) time, aims at benefiting people, just like all other ways of worship (‘badat), as detailed in Chapter 8 of this book.

A pilgrim can give all of it or half of it to the poor, as stated in verse 22: 28, or keep one-third of it, give one-third to the acquaintances or neighbors who do not ask, and one-third of it to the needy who ask, according to Al-Qurtubi’s interpretation of verse 22: 36.

In explaining verse 22: 29), Al-Tabari mentions the pilgrimage requirements, which need to be observed. These include standing in Arafa and Muzdalifa, slaughtering animals, shaving hair, cutting nails, throwing stones, and making circumambulation around the Ka’ba, as the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, did.

The three interpreters mentioned that the adjective used in the verse to describe the House of Allah as "'Ateeq" means “ancient” but they also added that it means “free from tyrants.”

‘Haj (Pilgrimage) and the Best of Manners

One of the most beautiful aspects of the ‘Haj (pilgrimage) is the emphasis on practicing the best of manners, which are the manners contained in the commands of Allah, praise to Him, and the teachings of His Messenger, pbbuh. The importance of this emphasis is necessitated by the fact that millions of pilgrims will be together in Makkah, during the ‘Haj (pilgrimage) days every year. In order for them to complete their pilgrimage at ease, in love, and tolerance, they need to practice the best of manners towards one-another.

Such emphasis on practicing the best of manners is mentioned in verses 2: 197-202 of the Holy Quran, which contain God’s directives to pilgrims to abstain from sexual intercourse with their spouses as well as any obscenity in words or actions. The verses also urge pilgrims to avoid any disobedience of God’s commands and any arguments, in order to avoid upsetting one-another. Instead, pilgrims are recommended to do good deeds, mention God’s name as much as they can, ask for His forgiveness, and call on Him to give them the best in this life and in the hereafter.

بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

الْحَجُّ أَشْهُرٌ مَّعْلُومَاتٌ ۚ فَمَن فَرَضَ فِيهِنَّ الْحَجَّ فَلَا رَفَثَ وَلَا فُسُوقَ وَلَا جِدَالَ فِي الْحَجِّ ۗ وَمَا تَفْعَلُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ يَعْلَمْهُ اللَّـهُ ۗ وَتَزَوَّدُوا فَإِنَّ خَيْرَ الزَّادِ التَّقْوَىٰ ۚ وَاتَّقُونِ يَا أُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ ﴿١٩٧﴾ لَيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ أَن تَبْتَغُوا فَضْلًا مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ ۚ فَإِذَا أَفَضْتُم مِّنْ عَرَفَاتٍ فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّـهَ عِندَ الْمَشْعَرِ الْحَرَامِ ۖ وَاذْكُرُوهُ كَمَا هَدَاكُمْ وَإِن كُنتُم مِّن قَبْلِهِ لَمِنَ الضَّالِّينَ ﴿١٩٨﴾ ثُمَّ أَفِيضُوا مِنْ حَيْثُ أَفَاضَ النَّاسُ وَاسْتَغْفِرُوا اللَّـهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ ﴿١٩٩﴾ فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُم مَّنَاسِكَكُمْ فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّـهَ كَذِكْرِكُمْ آبَاءَكُمْ أَوْ أَشَدَّ ذِكْرًا ۗ فَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَقُولُ رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا وَمَا لَهُ فِي الْآخِرَةِ مِنْ خَلَاقٍ ﴿٢٠٠﴾ وَمِنْهُم مَّن يَقُولُ رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ ﴿٢٠١﴾ أولَـٰئِكَ لَهُمْ نَصِيبٌ مِّمَّا كَسَبُوا ۚ وَاللَّـهُ سَرِيعُ الْحِسَابِ ﴿٢٠٢﴾ (البقرة ، 197-202).

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

‘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 activity, no disobedience, and no disputing during the Haj. And whatever good you do, Allah knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is piety (righteousness). And be pious to Me, O you the ones with minds (reasoning). (197)

There is no blame upon you for seeking bounty from your Lord (during Haj) but when you depart from 'Arafat, mention the name of Allah, at Al-Mash'ar Al-Haram. And remember Him, as He has guided you, for indeed, you were before that (before Islam) among those astray. (198)

Then depart from the place from where the people depart and ask forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. (199)

And when you have completed your rites, mention the name of Allah and remember Him like your remembrance of your fathers or with (much) greater remembrance. And among the people is he who says, "Our Lord, give us in this world," and he will have in the Hereafter no share. (200)

But among them is he who says, "Our Lord, give us good life in this world and good life in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire." (201)

Those will have a share of what they have earned, and Allah is swift in account (202) (Al-Baqara, 2: 197-202).

The emphasis on practicing the best of manners is also contained in the teachings of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him (pbbuh), such as in the following three ‘Hadiths:

فعن أبي هريرة ، رضي الله عنه ، أنه قال: قال رسول الله ، صلى الله عليه وسلم: "إنَّما بعثتُ لأتمِّمَ مَكارِمَ الأخلاقِ."

Companion Abu Hurayra, may Allah be pleased with him (mAbpwh), said that the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, said: “I was sent to finalize (for humanity) the best of manners.” [3]

It was also emphasized in another ‘Hadith, in which pilgrims were given the good news that their sins would be forgiven if they practice the good manners of abstaining from obscenity and disobedience of God’s commands.

وعن أبي هريرة ، رضي الله عنه ، أنه قال: سَمِعْتُ النبيَّ ، صَلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّمَ ، يقولُ: "مَن حَجَّ لِلَّهِ فَلَمْ يَرْفُثْ ، ولَمْ يَفْسُقْ ، رَجَعَ كَيَومِ ولَدَتْهُ أُمُّهُ."

Companion Abu Hurayra, mAbpwh, said that he heard the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, saying: “Whoever made a pilgrimage for Allah, without committing obscenity or disobedience, he/she will go back like he/she was born (without any sins).” [4]

وعن جابر بن عبدالله ، رضي الله عنه ، أنه قال: قال رسول الله ، صلى الله عليه وسلم: "الحجُّ المبرورُ ليسَ له جزاءٌ إلا الجنةُ." قالوا يا نبيَّ اللهِ ما الحجُّ المبرورُ؟ قال: "إطعامُ الطعامِ وإفشاءُ السلامِ."

Companion Jabir Bin Abdullah, mAbpwh, said that the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, said: “The righteous (mabroor) pilgrimage is rewarded by nothing less than Paradise.”

Then, the companions asked: O Prophet of Allah: What is the righteous (mabroor) pilgrimage?

He said: “It is that in which pilgrims give food away and spread greetings of peace to one-another.” [5]

The Prophet's Farewell Pilgrimage (Khutbat Al-Wada')

The Conquest of Makkah was on the 20^th day of Ramadhan, of the 8^th Hijri year. In the following year, the Prophet, pbbuh, sent Abu Bakr, mAbpwh, to Makkah, as the commander of about 300 Muslim pilgrims. In the 10^th Hijri year, the Prophet, pbbuh, headed pilgrims for the first and last time. So, Muslims called it the Farewell Pilgrimage. During his stay in Arafat, he addressed Muslims in what became known as his famous Farewell Address (Khutbat Al-Wada’). At night, when he was still in Arafat, he received one of the greatest verses of the Holy Quran (5: 3), which announced the perfection of God’s religion, as represented by enabling Muslims to perform the pilgrimage, the fifth way of worship, as a result of the Conquest of Makkah. It also included the announcement that Allah, praise to Him, has completed His blessings to humans by the completion of His religion to them. Then, the Seal of all Messengers and Prophets died 81 days after that revelation.

الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلَامَ دِينًا (المائدة ، 5: 3).

This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed my favor upon you, and approved for you Islam, as your religion (Al-Maeda, 5: 3).

The Farewell Address included a summary of important Islamic principles, human rights, and the best of manners, which elevate humans to reach the honored rank Allah, praise to Him, has willed for them. So, the Prophet, pbbuh, urged Muslims to guard the life and property of one-another, live up to the expectations of those who trust them, not to take usurious interests on loans, end family blood feuds, and to obey Allah in that which He allowed and prohibited. The Prophet, pbbuh, also emphasized the good treatment of women.

Further, he mentioned that Muslims will not go astray as long as they follow the Holy Quran and the teachings of the Prophet, pbbuh. He concluded his with the confirmation that Muslims are brothers (and sisters), which means that they should not transgress against one-another or take anything by force from one-another. [6]

‘Haj Rituals and ‘Eidul Ad’ha

Pilgrims perform various rituals of the ‘Haj (pilgrimage), following the teachings and actions of the Prophet, pbbuh. Before entering Makkah, men put on the two pieces of the white I’hram cloth and women maintain their decent clothes, covering the body, except their hands and faces. This makes them pilgrims equal in appearance and gets them to be ready for performing this majestic worship. When they arrive at the Holiest House of Allah on Earth, in Makkah, they start with greeting Al-Ka'ba, with Tawaf Al-Qudoom, which is composed of seven circumambulations around it. They perform this ritual while the Ka’ba is to their left, which is against the movement of the clock hands. This is in accordance with the movement law in the universe, such as in the case of electrons in their movement around the nucleus in an atom, or in the case of planets in their movements around the sun, or in the movement of stars around the center of the galaxy, or the movement of galaxies around the center of the universe. [7]

After performing the seven circumambulations around the Ka’ba, pilgrims move to an adjacent area, where they perform Sa'i (fast walking for women as well as fast walking and running for men, seven times, between the two points of Safa and Marwa). This ritual is performed as an emulation of that which Hajar, peace be to her, did in her attempts to look for water away from her child, Isma’il, peace be to him, then to come back quickly to guard him against predators. Thus doing, she fast walked and sometimes ran between the two points, seven times. Finally, the angel Jibril, peace be to him, struck the rocks, causing water to come out to the surface from the Zamzam well, so that they (and other people after that) can drink from it. [8]

Then, pilgrims go to the area of Mina, which is about seven kilometers from the Ka’ba, to rest. There, pilgrims pray Noon (Dhuhr), mid-afternoon (‘Asr), Sunset (Maghrib), Night (‘Isha), and Dawn (Fajr) shortened prayers but performed at their regular times. After the sunrise of the 9^thday of Dhul ‘Hijja, they move to the area of Namira, where they stay until noon. Then, they move to the area of ‘Arafa (‘Arafat), which is about twenty kilometers away from the Ka’ba. There, they pray the Noon (Dhuhr) prayer as two units (rak’as), which is directly followed by praying the mid-afternoon (‘Asr) prayer. After the sunset, pilgrims move to the area of Muzdalifa, where they pray the Sunset (Maghrib) and Night (‘Isha) prayers, consecutively, with one call for prayers (Adhan) but with two announcements (Iqamas). They spend the night in Muzdalifa and perform the Dawn (Fajr) prayer over there. While being in all these sacred areas, pilgrims keep mentioning the name of Allah, praising and glorifying Him, as well as calling on Him to extend His mercy and blessings to them, their families, and their societies.

Before the sunrise of the 10^th day of Dhul ‘Hijja, pilgrims go back to Mina, where they throw the first round of stones (Jamaratul ‘Aqaba), which includes throwing seven stones at the symbolic location of the Shaytan (Satan), saying Allahu Akbar (God is Grater), each time. This is followed by the slaughter of animals (a task performed by sponsors these days), cutting their nails and some of their hair, taking showers, and putting on regular clothes. At this point, pilgrims end their first state of I’hram, which means that they can do anything allowed to them, except being intimate with their spouses.

In the morning of the 10^th day of Dhul ‘Hijja, which is ‘Eidul Ad’ha Day, pilgrims go to the ‘Haram Mosque, to perform the seven circumambulations of the Ifadha Tawaf and the Sa’I between Safa and Marwa. Once they complete these two rituals, pilgrims end their second state of I’hram, which allows them to go back to their normal life, including being intimate with their spouses.

Pilgrims go back to Mina, for rest, and to perform the remaining ‘Haj rituals. Some of them may stay there for two days (11^th and 12^th of Dul-‘Hijja), during which they throw stones at the Shaytan (Satan) symbolic location. Others may choose to stay until the 13^th day of Dul ‘Hijja, to throw a third round of stones, which is better. This ritual is performed as an emulation of that which Ibrahim, peace be upon him, did when the Shaytan (Satan) tried to dissuade him away from obeying Allah’s command of slaughtering his son. Ibrahim, peace be upon him, rejected the Shaytan attempts by throwing stones at him, thus passing Allah’s test. The ‘Haj (pilgrimage) is concluded by the Farewell circumambulation (Tawaf Al-Wada’), after which pilgrims go back to their countries. [9]

While pilgrims perform their Haj rituals in Makkah, Muslims around the world gather in Mosques, on the 10^th day of Dhul Hijja, to celebrate the climax of the pilgrimage, ‘Eidul Ad'ha. They exalt Allah and glorify Him. They also praise the Prophet, pbbuh, his house, and his companions, singing the Takbeer hymn in Arabic. It's the annual Islamic celebration commemorating the story of the sacrifice and the completion of God's Message to humanity. Then, Muslims go home, where those who are financially capable among them, slaughter animals, cook some of the meat, and distribute the rest among the poor, friends, and neighbors. The ‘Eid day is also a great opportunity to visit relatives, or call them if they live faraway. [10]

Conclusion

The ‘Haj (pilgrimage) is the fifth way of worship (‘Ibada) in Islam, with which Allah, praise to Him, has completed His religion and finalized His blessings to humanity. Through performing this worship, Muslims apply the highest levels of the best manners, get to know one-another, and stand equal before their Creator, despite the differences in their ancestries, skin colors, languages, and wealth.

The ‘Haj (pilgrimage) is also an acknowledgement that there is only one religion. Allah, praise to Him, has sent it to guide humanity, in several messages, through His Messengers, at different times. He has completed it, by the Holy Quran, which was descended to His final Messenger, Muhammed, pbbuh.

In addition, the ‘Haj (pilgrimage) represents the deepest and loftiest of meanings. It links Earth with heaven, through visiting the First House of Allah on Earth and through the circumambulation around it, which resembles the movement of the heavenly bodies around their centers. Finally, it represents a high degree of faith, as pilgrims leave everything in this world behind them, to be guests of Allah, in His sacred House, asking Him to give them the greatest of His blessings: His contentment, His love, and an everlasting life in His Paradise.

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Notes:

[1] This ‘Hadith was authenticated as Sa’hi’h by Al-Albani: 2700. It was also narrated, with little differences, by Companion Abu Nudhra, mAbpwh. It was part of the Prophet’s Khutba (address), on the middle of Tashriq (the 12^th day of Dhul ‘Hijja). It was recorded by Al-Busairi: 3/226, Ahmed: 23489, and Abu Na’im: 3/100. Source of the ‘Hadiths: Al-Dorar Al-Sunniya: https://dorar.net/hadith/search

[2] The ‘Haj (pilgrimage) can be watched in many videos posted on the internet, such as:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6t7_HLTRkk

[3] Narrator Ibn Rajab mentioned that Malik included this 'Hadith in his book (Al-Muata). Al-Zurqani authenticated it as Sa'hi’h, in Mukhtasar Al-Maqasid: 184.

[4] Sa’hi’h Al-Bukhari: 1521.

[5] Al-Albani mentioned, in Irwa Al-Ghalil: 3/241, that one of the narrators (Muhammed Bin Thabit) was lenient in his talk. The ‘Hadith was recorded by Ahmed: 14,522 and by Al-Tabarani (in Al-Mu’jam Al-Awsat): 8,405, with little difference.

[6] In their interpretation of verse 5: 3 of the Holy Quran, the three renowned interpreters (Al-Tabari, Al-Qurtubi, and Ibn Katheer) mentioned that it was revealed to the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, during his Farewell Pilgrimage, on the 9^th of Dhul ‘Hijja, of the 10^th Hijri year, on a Friday night, in Arafat. This was confirmed by ‘Omar Bin Al-Khattab, Ali Bin Abi

Talib, Mu’awiya Bin Abi Sufian, Abdullah Bin ‘Abbas, and Sumra Bin Jundub, may Allah be pleased with them all. Al-Suddi said that no prescriptive or prohibitive commands were revealed after it. The Prophet, pbbuh, returned to Medina and died 81 days after that revelation.

Here’s a translation of the meanings of the Prophet’s farewell address (Khutbat Al-Wada’), from the Arabic text, which was authenticated by Al-Albani, in Fiqh Al-Sunna: 454. Its

main parts were also recorded by Muslim (Source: Al-Dorar Al-Sunniya:

https://dorar.net/hadith/search).

أيُّها النَّاسُ: اسمعوا قولي ، فإنِّي لا أدري لعلِّي لا ألقاكم بعدَ عامي هذا ، بِهذا الموقِفِ أبدًا.

O People (Humankind): Listen to that which I say because I don’t know if I’ll meet with you on this spot, after this year.

أيُّها النَّاسُ: إنَّ دماءَكم وأموالَكم عليْكُم حرامٌ ، إلى أن تلقَوا ربَّكم كحُرمةِ يومِكم هذا ، وَكحُرمةِ شَهرِكم هذا. وإنكم ستلقونَ ربَّكم ، فيسألُكم عن أعمالِكم.

O People (Humankind): Your life and wealth are sacred (should be protected), just like this day and this month are sacred. You’re going to meet with your Lord, and He will hold you accountable of your deeds.

وقد بلَّغتُ ، فمن كانت عندَهُ أمانةٌ فليؤدِّها إلى منِ ائتمنَهُ عليْها.

I have delivered the message (of Allah). Whoever is entrusted with any goods, he/she needs to return them to those who trusted them with (Fulfill your responsibilities towards the people who trusted you).

وإنَّ كلَّ ربًا موضوعٌ ، ولكن لَكم رؤوسُ أموالِكم ، لا تظلِمونَ ولا تُظلَمونَ. قضى اللَّهُ أنَّهُ لا ربًا ، وإنَّ ربا العبَّاسِ بنِ عبدِ المطَّلبِ موضوعٌ كلُّهُ.

Usury (multiplied and exploitative interest rate) is prohibited (and should be waived). Keep your capital (original amounts of loans) and return the usurious interest (to the borrowers). Nobody should be a transgressor (taking usurious interests) or transgressed upon (paying usurious interests). Allah has decreed that there should be no usury. (As a result), all usurious interests due to Al-‘Abbas Bin Abdul Muttalib (the Prophet’s uncle) is all waived.

وإنَّ كلَّ دمٍ كانَ في الجاهليَّةِ موضوعٌ ، وإنَّ أوَّلَ دمائكم أضعُ دمَ ربيعةَ بنِ الحارثِ بنِ عبدِ المطَّلب ، وَكانَ مستَرضَعًا في بني ليثٍ ، فقتلتْهُ هُذيلٍ. فَهوَ أوَّلُ ما أبدأُ بِهِ من دماءِ الجاهليَّةِ.

Every right based on a blood (murder), which was before Islam, should be waived. The first I waive is the right based on the murder of Rabi’a Bin Al-‘Harith Bin Abdul Muttalib (the Prophet’s cousin), who was taken care of as a child by Bani Layth but was killed by (a member of the tribe of) Hudhayl. This is the first pre-Islam blood-based right which I waive (stop).

أما بعدُ أيُّها النَّاس: إنَّ الشَّيطانَ قد يئِسَ أن يعبدَ في أرضِكم هذِهِ أبدًا ، ولَكنَّهُ أن يطاعَ فيما سوى ذلِكَ فقد رضِيَ بهِ ، مِمَّا تحقِّرونَ من أعمالِكم ، فاحذروهُ على دينِكُم.

O People (Humankind): The Shaytan (Satan) is hopeless that you may worship him in this land of yours forever, but he is content to be obeyed in other things, such as your small misdeeds. Beware of his attempts to dissuade you away of (the teachings of) your religion.

أيُّها النَّاسُ: "إِنَّمَا النَّسِيءُ زِيَادَةٌ فِي الْكُفْرِ ۖ يُضَلُّ بِهِ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا يُحِلُّونَهُ عَامًا وَيُحَرِّمُونَهُ عَامًا لِّيُوَاطِئُوا عِدَّةَ مَا حَرَّمَ اللَّـهُ فَيُحِلُّوا مَا حَرَّمَ اللَّـهُ ۚ " (جزء من الآية الكريمة 9: 37) ، ويحرِّموا ما أحلَّ اللَّه.

O People (Humankind): Indeed, the postponing (of restriction within sacred months) is an increase in disbelief, by which those who have disbelieved are led (further) astray. They make it lawful in one year and unlawful in another year, to correspond to the number made unlawful by Allah, and make lawful what Allah has made unlawful (part of Al-Tawba, 9: 37). Thus, they make unlawful what Allah has made lawful.

وإنَّ الزَّمانَ قدِ استدارَ كَهيئتِهِ يومَ خلقَ اللَّهُ السَّمواتِ والأرضَ ، وَ "إِنَّ عِدَّةَ الشُّهُورِ عِندَ اللَّـهِ اثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًا فِي كِتَابِ اللَّـهِ يَوْمَ خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ مِنْهَا أَرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌ ۚ " (جزء من الآية الكريمة 9: 36) ، ثلاثةٌ متواليةٌ ، ورجبُ الَّذي بينَ جُمادى وشعبانُ.

Time is still the same as Allah created the heavens and the Earth, and "the number of months with Allah is twelve months, in the Book of Allah, the day He created the heavens and the earth. Of these, four are sacred" (Al-Tawba, 9: 36), three of them are consecutive and Rajab, which is between Jumada and Sha’ban.

أمَّا بعدُ أيُّها النَّاسُ: فإنَّ لَكم على نسائِكم حقًّا ، ولَهنَّ عليْكم حقًّا. لَكم عليْهنَّ أن لا يوطِئْنَ فُرُشَكم أحدًا تَكرَهونَه ، وعليْهنَّ أن لا يأتينَ بفاحشةٍ مبيِّنةٍ. فإن فعلنَ ، فإنَّ اللَّهَ قد أذنَ لَكم أن تَهجُروهنَّ في المضاجِعِ ، وتضرِبوهنَّ ضربًا غيرَ مبرِّحٍ. فإنِ انتَهينَ ، فلَهنَّ رزقُهنَّ وَكسوتُهنَّ بالمعروفِ. واستوصوا بالنِّساءِ خيرًا ، فإنَّهنَّ عندَكم عَوانٍ ، لا يملِكنَ لأنفسِهنَّ شيئًا. وإنَّكم إنَّما أخذتُموهنَّ بأمانةِ اللَّهِ ، واستحللتُم فروجَهنَّ بِكلمةِ اللَّهِ.

O People (Humankind): Men and women have rights (and obligations) towards each other (that they need to observe). A woman should not allow anybody whom her husband dislikes to enter their home. A woman also should not commit adultery or be harmful to her husband, with words or actions. If she does, Allah has permitted her husband (to punish her) by depriving her of his bed and by beating her slightly. If women stop (committing the wrong doing), provide for them with the expected food and clothes. Treat women nicely because they are devoted in assisting you in your life. You should also treat them nicely because you have taken them (as partners) with a pledge to Allah to do so and because you have access to their bodies, with the word of Allah.

فاعقلوا أيُّها النَّاسُ قولي ، فإنِّي قد بلَّغتُ. وقد ترَكتُ فيكم ما إنِ اعتصمتُم بِهِ فلن تضلُّوا أبدًا ، أمرًا بيِّنًا: كتابَ اللَّهِ وسنَّةَ نبيِّهِ .

O People (Humankind): Think about that which I say, which I have delivered (to you). I have left with you the Book of Allah and the Sunna of His Prophet. As long as you follow them, you will never be lost.

أيُّها النَّاسُ: اسمعوا قولي واعقِلوهُ: تعلمُنَّ أنَّ كلَّ مسلمٍ أخو للمسلِمِ ، وأنَّ المسلمينَ إخوَةٌ. فلا يحلُّ لامرئٍ من أخيهِ إلا ما أعطاهُ عن طيبِ نفسٍ منه ، فلا تظلِمُنَّ أنفسَكمُ.

O People (Humankind): Think about that which I say. You know that every Muslim is a brother (or a sister) to the other Muslim and that Muslims are brothers (and sisters) to each other. It follows that nobody should take something from his/her brother (or sister) except that which is given to him/her willingly and happily. So, don’t do injustice to yourselves (by taking something by force from somebody else).

اللَّهمَّ ، هل بلَّغتُ؟ قالوا: اللَّهمَّ نعَم. فقالَ رسولُ اللَّهِ ، صلَّى اللَّهُ عليهِ وسلَّم: اللَّهمَّ اشْهَدْ.

O Allah: Have I delivered (Your message)? The pilgrims answered: O Allah, yes (he did).

Then, the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, said: O Allah, be my witness (that they said that I have delivered Your Message to them).

https://dorar.net/hadith/search

[6] See a video by Zaghlool Al-Najjar, about the meanings of circumambulation (Tawaf) around the Ka’ba, at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZJqbL6Czm4

[7] See an article by ‘Imad Mujahid about the scientific meanings of circumambulation (Tawaf) around the Ka’ba, which was published by the Jordanian Al-Dustoor newspaper, on July 23, 2012:

https://www.addustour.com/articles/876409-أسرار-الاعجاز-العلمي-في-القرآن-الكريم-الإعجاز-العلمي-في-الطواف-حول-الكعبة-المشرفة

[8] See following translation of the meanings of four ‘Hadiths about Sa’i, Zamzam, and throwing stones:

قال جابر بن عبدالله ، رضي الله عنهما ، لأم المؤمنين عَائِشَةَ ، زَوْجِ النبيِّ ، صَلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّمَ: وأَنَا يَومَئذٍ حَديثُ السِّنِّ: أرَأَيْتِ قَوْلَ اللَّهِ تَبَارَكَ وتَعَالَى: "إنَّ الصَّفَا والْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ فمَن حَجَّ البَيْتَ أوِ اعْتَمَرَ فلا جُنَاحَ عليه أنْ يَطَّوَّفَ بهِمَا" (البقرة: 2: 158).

فَما أُرَى علَى أحَدٍ شيئًا أنْ لا يَطَّوَّفَ بهِمَا؟ فَقالَتْ عَائِشَةُ: كَلَّا ، لو كَانَتْ كما تَقُولُ ، كَانَتْ: فلا جُنَاحَ عليه أنْ لا يَطَّوَّفَ بهِمَا. إنَّما أُنْزِلَتْ هذِه الآيَةُ في الأنْصَارِ ، كَانُوا يُهِلُّونَ لِمَنَاةَ ، وكَانَتْ مَنَاةُ حَذْوَ قُدَيْدٍ. وكَانُوا يَتَحَرَّجُونَ أنْ يَطُوفُوا بيْنَ الصَّفَا والمَرْوَةِ ، فَلَمَّا جَاءَ الإسْلَامُ ، سَأَلُوا رَسولَ ، اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّمَ ، عن ذلكَ. فأنْزَلَ اللَّهُ الآية الكريمة (البخاري: 4495).

Jabir Bin Abdullah, mAbpwh, once when he was still young, asked the Mother of Believers, the Prophet’s wife, ‘Aisha, mAbpwh, about the meaning of verse 2: 158, which states: “Indeed, Al-Safa and Al-Marwah are among the manifestations of worshipping Allah. So whoever makes (a full) pilgrimage to the House (during the ‘Haj season) or makes a mini pilgrimage in other times (‘Umrah), there is no blame upon him for walking between them.”

He said to her: I do not see (from the verse) that there is an obligation on any (pilgrim) to walk between them. She said: No, if it was like you said, then it should have been: there is no blame upon him for not walking between them. She added that this verse was revealed to the people of Medina (Al-Ansar), who used not to make Sa’i before Islam. It told them clearly to start doing it (Al-Bukhari: 4495).

عن عمرو بن دينار ، رضي الله عنه ، أنه قال: سَأَلْنَا ابْنَ عُمَرَ ، رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عنْهما: عن رَجُلٍ طَافَ بالبَيْتِ في عُمْرَةٍ ، ولَمْ يَطُفْ بيْنَ الصَّفَا والمَرْوَةِ ، أَيَأْتي امْرَأَتَهُ؟

فَقالَ: قَدِمَ النبيُّ ، صَلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّمَ ، فَطَافَ بالبَيْتِ سَبْعًا ، وصَلَّى خَلْفَ المَقَامِ رَكْعَتَيْنِ ، فَطَافَ بيْنَ الصَّفَا والمَرْوَةِ سَبْعًا ، "لقَدْ كانَ لَكُمْ في رَسولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ" (الأحزاب: 33: 21).

وسَأَلْنَا جَابِرَ بنَ عبدِ اللَّهِ ، رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عنْهما ، فَقالَ: لا يَقْرَبَنَّهَا حتَّى يَطُوفَ بيْنَ الصَّفَا والمَرْوَةِ (البخاري: 1623 ، مسلم: 1234 ، ذكر اسم الراوي عمرو بن دينار في موقع إسلام ويب).

‘Amr Bin Dinar, mAbpwh, said that he asked Companion Abdullah Bin ‘Omar, mAbpwt both, about a man who made Tawaf (the seven circumambulations around the House of Allah), would that be considered a full mini pilgrimage (‘Umrah), so he can be intimate with his wife?

He said (answered): The Prophet, pbbuh, made Tawaf (the seven circumambulations around the House of Allah). Then, he prayed two units (rak’as) and made Tawaf (walked) between Al-Safa and Al-Marwa. Bin ‘Omar added verse 33: 21, which states: “There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent example (to follow).

‘Amr Bin Dinar, mAbpwh, also asked Jabir Bin Abdullah, mAbpwt both, the same question. He said: He should not be intimate with his wife until he makes Tawaf (walking) between Al-Safa and Al-Marwa (Al-Bukhari: 1623, Muslim: 1234. Note: The narrator’s name, ‘Amr Bin Dinar, was mentioned in Islam.web).

عن عبدالله بن عباس ، رضي الله عنهما ، أنَّ إبراهيمَ جاء بإسماعيلَ ، عليهما السلامُ ، وهاجرُ. فوضعَهما بمكةَ في موضعِ زمزمَ. فذَكَرَ الحديثَ ، ثم جاءت من المروةِ إلى إسماعيلَ وقد نَبَعَتْ العَيْنُ ، فجعلت تَفْحَصُ العَيْنَ بيدِها هكذا ، حتى اجتمع الماءُ من شقِّهِ ، ثم تأخذُه بقَدَحِها فتجعلُه في سِقَائِها. فقال رسولُ اللهِ ، صلَّى اللهُ عليهِ وسلَّمَ: "يرحمُها اللهُ ، لو ترَكَتْها لكانت عينًا سائحةً تجري إلى يومِ القيامةِ" (أحمد شاكر: 4\77 ، عن مسند أحمد).

Abdullah Bin ‘Abbas, mAbpwt both, said that Ibrahim brought Isma’il and Hajar, peace be upon them all, to Makkah, and placed then at the Zamzam location. He told the ‘Hadith about their story, until he said: Then, as she came from Al-Marwa to Isma’il, she saw water coming out of the spring. She started to examine the spring with her hand, until the water accumulated from the spring crack. Then, she began to collect the water into her cup, then into her container. The Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, said: May Allah have mercy on her, if she just let the water come out by itself, it would have been a flowing spring, until the Day of Rising (Ahmed Shakir: 4/77, from Musnad Ahmed).

عن التابعي محمد بن مسلم بن شهاب الزهري ، رضي الله عنه ، أنه قال: سمِعتُ سالِمَ بنَ عَبدِ اللهِ ، رضي الله عنه ، يُحَدِّثُ عن أبيه ، أنَّ رسولَ اللهِ ، صلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّمَ ، كان إذا رَمى الجَمرةَ التي تَلي المسجِد ، مسجِدَ مِنًى ، يَرميها بسَبعِ حَصياتٍ ، يُكَبِّرُ كُلَّما رَمى بحَصاةٍ.

ثم تقَدَّمَ أمامَها فوقَفَ مُستَقبِلَ البَيتِ رافِعًا يَدَيْه ويَدْعو ، وكان يُطيلُ الوُقوفَ. ثم يأتي الجَمرةَ الثانيةَ فيَرميها بسَبعِ حَصياتٍ ، يُكَبِّرُ كُلَّما رَمى بحَصاةٍ. ثم يَنحَدِرُ ذاتَ اليَسارِ ممَّا يَلي الواديَ ، فيَقِفُ مُستَقبِلَ البَيتِ رافِعًا يَدَيْه يَدْعو. ثم يأتي الجَمرةَ التي عِندَ العَقَبةِ ، فيَرميها بسَبعِ حَصياتٍ ، يُكَبِّرُ كُلَّما رَمى بحَصاةٍ. ثُمَّ يَنصَرِفُ ولا يَقِفُ عِندَها. وأضاف الزهري: كان ابنُ عُمَرَ يَفعَلُ ذلك (شعيب الأرناؤوط ، عن سنن الدارقطني: 2684).

Muhammed Bin Muslim Bin Shihab Al-Zuhri, who followed the Prophet’s companions, mAbpwh, said: I heard Salim Bin Abdullah, mAbpwh, narrating from his father, that the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, used to make takbeer (saying Allahu Akber, meaning Allah is Greater) every time he threw stones at the location adjacent to the Mina Mosque.

Then, he would proceed, facing the direction of the House (of Allah), lifting his arms up and making supplication, in a long stance there. After that, he would come to the second location, to throw seven stones and making takbeer every time he threw a stone. Then, he would go left beside the valley, stand there facing the House, lifting his arms up, and making supplication. Finally, he would come to the location beside Al-‘Aqaba, where he would throw seven stones, making takbeer every time he threw a stone, but leaving without making a supplication. Al-Zuhri added that the Son of ‘Omar used to do that, also (Shu’ayb Al-Arna-oot, based on Sunan Al-Darqutni: 2684).

[9] For more details about the ‘Haj (pilgrimage) rituals, see the website of the Saudi Ministry of ‘Haj and ‘Omra, at the following links:

https://www.haj.gov.sa/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxwwkHN3Noc (Arabic)

Readers can also read about the ‘Haj rituals, according to Al-Albani, Al-‘Uthaymeen, and Al-Munajjid, on the following links:

http://www.aljazeerah.info-IDescriptionof-Haj-and-Umrah-By-Al-Albaani-and-Ibn-Al-'Uthaymeen (English Text)

https://islamqa.info/en/31822 (Al-Munajjid: English text)

https://islamqa.info/ar/answers/31822/صفة-الحج (Al-Munajjid: Arabic text, Rituals)

https://islamqa.info/ar/articles/77/الحج-فضله-ومنافعه (Al-Munajjid: Arabic text)

https://ar.islamway.net/article/2669/صفة-الحج-والعمرة (ابن عثيمين)

https://www.noor-book.com/كتاب-اختصار-مناسك-الحج-والعمرة-للشيخ-الألباني-pdf

[10] Ibn ‘Abbas, mAbpwt both, used to make takbeer after prayers, starting from Dhuhr prayer on the Day of Arafa until the end of the Tashreeq days (12^th or 13^th of Dhul ‘Hijja). He used to say the following (Shu'ayb Al-Arna-oot, Shar'h Al-Sunna: 7/146):

اللهُ أكبَرُ كَبيرًا ، اللهُ أكبَرُ كَبيرًا ، اللهُ أكبَرُ ، وللهِ الحَمدُ ، اللهُ أكبَرُ وأجَلُّ ، اللهُ أكبَرُ ما هَدانا

Companions of the Prophet and their followers, mAbpwt all, did not report on a specific or one way to say the ‘Eid Takbeer. The different versions were their individual initiatives, containing glorifying and thanking Allah, praise to him, and praising His Messenger, his house, and his companions.

The following is the most commonly used form of takbeer among Muslims. It is the one used by Imam Al-Shafi-i, may Allah be pleased with him (Al-Um: 2/520):

الله أكبر ، الله أكبر ، الله أكبر ، لا إله إلا الله.

الله أكبر ، الله أكبر ، الله أكبر ، ولله الحمد.

اللهُ أكبرُ كبيرا ، والحمدُ للهِ كثيرا ، وسبحانَ اللهِ بكرةً وأصيلا.

اللهمَّ صلِّي على سيدنا محمد ، وعلى آلِ سيدنا محمد

وعلى أزواجِ سيدنا محمد ، وعلى أصحابِ سيدنا محمد

وعلى ذريةِ سيدنا محمدٍ ، وسلم تسليماَ كثيرا.

لا إلهَ إلا الله ، ولا نعبدُ إلا إياه ، مخلصينَ لهُ الدينَ ، ولو كرهَ الكافرون.

لا إلهَ إلا الله وحده ، نصرَ عبده ، وأعزَّ جنده ، وهزمَ الأحزابَ وحده

الله أكبر ، الله أكبر ، الله أكبر ، لا إله إلا الله.

الله أكبر ، الله أكبر ، الله أكبر ، ولله الحمد.

مصادر عن التكبيرات:

Sources about Takbeer:

http://albayan.co.uk/article2.aspx?ID=3046

https://www.albawabhnews.com/1512547

https://www.elwatannews.com/news/details/527662

***

Here's the translation and transliteration of the Eidul Ad'ha Takbeer (Hymn):

Allah is Greater, Allah is Greater, Allah is Greater. There is no other god than Him.

Allah is Greater, Allah is Greater, Allah is Greater, and to Allah praise is due.

Allah is Greater,

Much praise is due to Him,

Glory is His: Morning, evening, and at all times.

O Allah, bless our Master Muhammed,

and the family of our Master Muhammed, and the

wives of our Master Muhammed,

and the companions of our Master Muhammed,

and the offspring of our Master Muhammed,

and give them a lot of peace greetings.

There is no other god than Allah,

and we worship nobody else but Him.

We are devoted to His religion, even if nonbelievers hate it.

There is no other god than Allah, the only God.

Who supported His worshipper.

Who gave His soldiers the upper hand.

And defeated the parties of nonbelievers, by Himself only.

Allah is Greater, Allah is Greater, Allah is Greater,

There is no other god but Him.

Allah is Greater, Allah is Greater, Allah is Greater,

to Him praise is due.

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa lilahil hamd

Allahu Akbaru Kabeera

Wal hamdu lilahi katheera

Wa subahana Allahi bukratan wa asseela

Allahumma salli ‘ala sayidina Muhammed,

Wa ‘ala ali sayidina Muhammed,

Wa ‘ala azwaji sayidina Muhammed,

Wa ‘ala as’habi sayidina Muhammed,

Wa ‘ala dhuriyati sayidina Muhammed,

Wa sallim tassleeman katheera

La ilaha illa Allah

Wa la na’abudu illa iyah

Mukhliseena lahu ideena wa lau karihal kafiroon

La ilaha illa Allahu wa’hdah

Nassara ‘abdah

Wa ‘azza jundah

Wa hazamal a’hzaba wa’hdah

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar,

La ilaha illa Allah

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar,

Wa lilahil hamd

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* The author of this book has a Ph.D. in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Cultural Anthropology. He was born in Gaza, Palestine in 1369 Hijriya (1950) but he has been living in the United States since 1986.

The authentic Quran Arabic text is used as a reference for the translation of the meanings of the Quran verses, particularly from www.tanzil.net.

The works of the three renowned Islamic scholars Al-Tabari, Al-Qurtubi, and Ibn Katheer, have been used throughout the chapters of this book, as these are the most credited interpretations of the Holy Quran, for their use of 'Hadith, companions' interpretations, and their thorough knowledge of the Arabic language.

يُرِيدُونَ لِيُطْفِئُوا نُورَ اللَّـهِ بِأَفْوَاهِهِمْ وَاللَّـهُ مُتِمُّ نُورِهِ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْكَافِرُونَ (الصف ، 61: 8).

They want to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light, although the disbelievers dislike it (Al-Saff, 61: 8).