The Excellence of Hajj
All praise and gratitude belong to Allah, Whom we constantly praise and seek help from. We seek His forgiveness and guidance and seek refuge in Him from our own evil deeds. Allah is the one who guides those who are lost, and those who are led astray cannot be guided.
I bear witness that there is no true deity except Allah alone, who has no partners, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Beloved of Allah and His Messenger. May Allah reward him with the best of rewards for his nation and exalt his mention, keeping him safe from all forms of harm. May He also reward the companions for their endurance and sincerity in passing on the teachings of the faith to future generations.
Hajj is not just a pillar of Islam, but it holds a much greater significance. When performed with pure intention and without committing any sins, it is a guaranteed path to Paradise. However, in order to attain its full reward, it is essential to have a proper understanding of its rituals and to follow them accordingly.
In this light, I have compiled this book based on the teachings of the renowned scholar and imam of Hadith, Shaikh Muhammad Nasirud-Deen al-Albani, in his book "Haiiatun-Nabi (The Prophet's Pilgrimage)". I encourage the reader to take these teachings seriously and to perform Hajj with the proper understanding and intention, as it may be their only chance to do so.
I have used the method of following the Qur'an and Sunnah, as taught by Imam al-Albani, instead of relying on human opinions, regardless of their scholarly status. A Muslim must remember that Allah commands us in the Qur'an to follow the teachings of His Messenger, and warns of severe punishment for those who refuse to do so.
In addition to this, I have included a collection of selected Fatawa (religious verdicts) issued by reputable scholars of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah, to assist those pilgrims who may have violated the rules of Ihram or other prerequisites of Hajj.
It is important to remember the promise made by Allah through the words of His Messenger, that anyone who performs Hajj without committing any sexual misconduct or sin will return home pure and sinless like the day they were born.
I ask Allah to guide us to the right path and allow us to benefit from the teachings of His Messenger. Amen.
The Excellence of Hajj
Hajj is the pilgrimage to the Sacred House in Makkah and other holy sites, where specific rituals are performed during the months of Shawwal, Dthul-Qa'dah, and the first ten days of Dthul-Hijjah. It was made a religious obligation in the 9th year after the Hijrah and must be performed at least once in a lifetime by every adult, sane, and financially capable Muslim.
As stated in the Qur'an, "The first House established for mankind was that at Makkah, full of blessing, a guide for all the worlds. In it are clear signs, the place where Ibrahim stood (to pray), and whoever enters it shall be safe. And pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah by all mankind who can afford it. And whoever denies it (i.e., Hajj), then let it be known that Allah is Self-sufficient, above all need of His creatures."
According to a hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah, the Prophet Muhammad was asked, "What is the best of deeds?" He replied, "Believing in Allah and His Messenger." When asked, "What is next?" he said, "Fighting in the cause of Allah." When asked again, "What is next?" he answered, "A flawless Hajj."
The Prophet also said, "He who performs Hajj without violating it with sexual activity or sins would return home sin-free like the day he was born." This highlights the great significance and rewards of Hajj in Islam.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it is obligatory for every adult Muslim who is capable of performing it. The Prophet Muhammad, may Allah exalt his mention, encouraged his followers to perform Hajj and stated that it is one of the best deeds in Islam after believing in Allah and His Messenger. He also emphasized the importance of performing Hajj without committing any indecency or wrongdoing.
The benefits of performing a sin-free Hajj are numerous, according to the teachings of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad, may Allah exalt his mention, stated that a person who performs Hajj without committing any wrongdoing will be cleansed of their sins as if they were born anew. Additionally, there is no reward greater than Jannah (paradise) for a sin-free Hajj.
One of the Companions of the Prophet, Amr b. al-Aas, said that he asked the Prophet to shake his hand to pledge his loyalty to Islam, but he withheld his hand and asked to make a condition of forgiveness. The Prophet responded that Islam eliminates past sins, and performing Hajj eliminates previous wrongdoings as well.
A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, asked the Prophet about participating in Jihad, which is considered a great deed in Islam. The Prophet responded that the best form of Jihad is performing a sin-free Hajj.
Ibn Umar recounted an incident when two men asked the Prophet about the rewards of performing various acts during Hajj, such as performing Tawaf, Sa'ee, staying in Arafah, casting stones, offering a sacrificial animal, and performing Tawaf of Ifadhah. The Prophet explained that every time a person's camel lifts its hoof and puts it down while heading to the Inviolable House, Allah removes one of their sins and rewards them. Two rak'aat of Tawaf are equivalent to free one of the sons of Isma'eel. Sa'ee between Safa and Marwah is equivalent to freeing 70 slaves. Staying in Arafah is a time when Allah descends to the lowest heaven to show His mercy to His slaves, and every stone cast during casting stones eliminates a major sin. Shaving one's hair after the Hajj adds a reward to their record and eliminates a sin. The Tawaf around the Ka'bah is also sin-free, and an angel comes to the person and tells them to work for their future as their past sins are forgiven.
Talbiyah
Talbiyah is a phrase recited by Muslims during the Hajj, which is the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It is an act of worship that involves the declaration of one's intention to perform the pilgrimage and the recitation of specific words of praise for Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of the Talbiyah by stating that those who recite it frequently will be joined by stones, trees, and homes in the recitation. Even in death, a person who has pronounced the Talbiyah will be raised on the Day of Resurrection reciting it.
Black Stone
Kissing the Black Stone is another act of worship that is highly regarded by Muslims. The Black Stone is a sacred object that is located in the eastern corner of the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that grasping the Black Stone and the Yamani Corner eliminates sins. The Black Stone is believed to have been sent down from heaven and was originally white, but it turned black due to the sins of people.
On the Day of Resurrection, the Black Stone will be given the ability to see and speak, testifying for those who grasped it with sincerity and truthfulness. It is important to note that Muslims do not worship the Black Stone, but rather kiss it as a sign of reverence and respect for the sacredness of the site.
act of shaving off hair during Hajj
The act of shaving off hair during Hajj, known as Halq or Taqsir, holds great merit in Islam. Abu Hurairah, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, reported that the Prophet asked Allah to grant forgiveness to those who shave off their hair during Hajj. This act not only carries a reward, but it also eliminates the sin of the pilgrim.
Moreover, Zamzam water, which flows from the sacred well in Mecca, holds a special status in Islam. Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet Muhammad said that Zamzam water is the best water on earth. It is considered a wholesome food substitute and a remedy for sickness. Jabir, another companion of the Prophet, reported that the Prophet said, "Zamzam water is a remedy for whatever it is drunk for."
The Prophet Muhammad also emphasized the importance of visiting Allah frequently and maintaining good health. He said, "A slave whom I gave sound health and ample provisions, and does not visit Me for five years is indeed bereft." This indicates the significance of performing religious duties, including Hajj, which is a mandatory pilgrimage for Muslims who are physically and financially able.
During his farewell pilgrimage, the Prophet Muhammad limited the pilgrimage for his wives to only once, stating that afterwards, they should stick to the comfort of their homes. This means that the Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims, and after completing it, they should continue to perform other acts of worship and fulfil their duties to Allah.
Ihram
It is important for pilgrims to understand the significance of entering the state of Ihram for Hajj. This act of worship imposes certain restrictions and prohibitions that Muslims must follow during their pilgrimage. Unfortunately, many pilgrims fail to realize the gravity of their actions and perform Hajj without making any effort to change their behaviour or refrain from sinful acts.
This is a clear indication that their Hajj may not have been perfect, or even worse, may have been rejected. It is, therefore, essential for every pilgrim to remember that they must make a conscious effort to avoid violating Allah's prohibitions during their Hajj.
Allah states in the Quran that the period of Hajj is known, and those who have determined to perform Hajj during this time should avoid sinful behaviour and argumentation. This verse emphasizes the importance of refraining from sinful behaviour during Hajj, which is a fundamental aspect of this act of worship.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also stressed the significance of avoiding sinful behaviour during Hajj. He stated that those who perform Hajj without committing sexual offences or engaging in sinful behaviour will return home sin-free, just like the day they were born.
It is important to note that sexual intercourse is the only act that nullifies Hajj, while other prohibitions such as wearing perfume are considered sinful behaviour but do not invalidate the Hajj. It is, therefore, imperative for every pilgrim to make a conscious effort to avoid any actions that may nullify their Hajj and strive to perform this act of worship in the best possible manner.
It is important to note that while some scholars, such as Imam Ibn Hazm, believe that committing sinful acts can nullify the Hajj, it is widely accepted that committing a sin during Hajj is a much more serious matter than committing it at any other time. This is because the Hajj is a sacred act of worship, and those who embark on this journey must refrain from whatever Allah prohibits for them and for all Muslims in general.
Committing a sin during Hajj is practical proof that the pilgrim's Hajj was not perfect, and it may even result in the forfeiture of the forgiveness of Allah. As such, it is crucial for pilgrims to be aware of the prohibitions of Allah and make every effort to avoid violating them.
It is common for some people to enter the state of Ihram with the intention of performing Hajj without realizing that they must abstain from sinful acts. This could be due to ignorance, heedlessness, or simply following the actions of others without understanding the underlying principles. Therefore, it is important for every pilgrim to educate themselves on the rules and regulations of Hajj and to strive to maintain a pure and sincere intention throughout the journey.
One of the most common sins among Muslims in the modern era is shaving off beards, which is attributed to the Western influence in many Muslim countries. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, explicitly forbade the imitation of the behavior and attire of infidels, and instructed Muslims to differentiate themselves from them by trimming their mustaches and keeping their beards. This sin has several serious violations, including disobedience to the Prophet's teachings, imitation of infidels, alteration of the creation of Allah by obeying Satan, who promised to "command them to alter the creation of Allah," and imitation of women, which the Prophet explicitly cursed.
Ironically, many pilgrims do not shave off their beards during the Ihram period, but once they complete it, they shave off their beards instead of shaving their heads, which is recommended by the Prophet Muhammad. The act of shaving off the beard is considered an abomination, and it goes against the teachings of the Prophet, who encouraged his followers to maintain their beards as a sign of their faith and commitment to Allah. Muslims must be aware of the gravity of this sin and avoid falling into it by adhering to the teachings of the Prophet and avoiding imitating the behavior of infidels.
Wearing gold rings is a common sin among Muslim men, particularly in modern times, due to the influence of Western culture. Many do not realize that wearing gold rings is prohibited in Islam, while others do it despite knowing it is prohibited. Some justify it by saying that it is only a wedding band, but they fail to recognize that wearing a gold ring is a double sin. Firstly, it is a disobedience to the Messenger of Allah, may Allah exalt his mention, who clearly forbade wearing gold rings for men. Secondly, it is an imitation of Infidels, which is also prohibited in Islam.
It is important to note that the practice of wearing wedding bands is a relatively recent custom in Muslim culture. It is a tradition that has been adopted from Christians, and it has no basis in the Quran or Sunnah. Therefore, Muslim men should avoid this practice and instead adhere to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah exalt his mention.
Furthermore, it is crucial for Muslims who intend to perform Hajj to learn the rituals according to the Quran and Sunnah. Performing Hajj correctly is essential for it to be accepted by Allah, the Exalted. Therefore, Muslims should focus on learning and following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah exalt his mention, rather than adopting customs and traditions from other cultures.
One common mistake made by pilgrims during Hajj is missing the overnight stay in Muzdalifah after departing from Arafat, and in the night of Eed in Mina. Staying overnight in Muzdalifah is a prerequisite of Hajj according to scholars, as it is a Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Some Hajj organizers may try to skip this step to save time and money, but this disregards the importance of properly observing the entire Hajj procedure.
During prayer in al-Masjid al-Haram, or any other mosque, it is impermissible for someone to cross in front of a praying person. The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned that the consequences of doing so are severe, and advised placing a sutrah (object or barrier) in front of oneself during prayer to prevent people from crossing in front. If someone insists on crossing in front, the praying person should try to keep them away and even fight them if necessary. This may seem extreme, but it is a serious matter as the act of crossing in front is considered to be influenced by Satan.
It is important for people of knowledge to use the opportunity of meeting pilgrims during Hajj to teach them the tenets of believing in the Oneness of Allah, as well as the rites of Hajj and other relevant Islamic rulings according to the Quran and Sunnah. Many pilgrims may unknowingly engage in polytheistic rituals, and it is important to educate them to avoid such practices.
During Hajj, engaging in wrangling and arguing is considered a sinful behavior. However, it is not prohibited to clarify certain judicial issues for people. Ibn Hazm, a renowned Islamic scholar, explained that there are two types of arguments: justified and unjustified. The justified argument is lawful, whether the involved party is in Ihram or not, and it aims to invite people to the path of Allah in a proper and respectful manner. On the other hand, arguing to support falsehood knowingly nullifies Ihram and Hajj because it goes against the Islamic teachings of suppressing falsehood and promoting truth.
Allah has warned against engaging in Rafath, sinful behavior, or wrangling during Hajj. Such behavior is not conducive to the peaceful and respectful atmosphere of the pilgrimage. Therefore, it is important to refrain from arguing unnecessarily and focus on worship and devotion.
If a preacher finds that arguing with an opponent who insists on their opinion is futile, it is better for them to quit arguing. A preacher must remember that their primary goal during Hajj is to invite people to the path of Allah in a peaceful and respectful manner. They should not engage in arguments that may create a negative atmosphere or lead to sinful behavior.
During the days of Hajj, there are certain things that are permissible for the pilgrims to do. These include:
- Bathing: It is recommended for the pilgrims to take a bath before entering the state of Ihram, and also after completing the stoning of the Jamratul Aqabah on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) did so.
- Scratching head and body: The pilgrims may scratch their heads and bodies as needed, as it is not forbidden in the state of Ihram.
- Cupping: The pilgrims may undergo cupping therapy, even if it requires shaving off the spot where cupping takes place.
- Smelling perfume: The pilgrims may smell perfumes, and if one's fingernail cracks, they may cut it off. Similarly, they may have a tooth extracted if necessary.
- Using umbrellas, staying indoors, and in vehicles: The pilgrims may use umbrellas for shade, stay indoors in air-conditioned areas, or travel in vehicles during their Hajj journey. However, riding topless vehicles is considered an extreme practice and is not permitted in Islam.
It is important for the pilgrims to seek knowledge and follow the teachings of Islam during their Hajj journey. May Allah guide us all to what is beneficial and inspire us to apply it in our lives. He is the best to ask for guidance and help.
After living in Madinah for nine years, the Prophet Muhammad announced that he would perform the Hajj pilgrimage in the tenth year. People from all over flocked to Madinah to join him on this journey and learn the proper way to perform the Hajj.
On the 25th or 24th of Dthul-Qa'dah, the Prophet set out from Madinah for Makkah with his sacrificial animals. He rode on his she-camel, al-Qaswa', with the intention of performing only the Hajj. As he started to say 'Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik', the people followed his lead and joined in the chant.
Jabir, one of the narrators of this account, said that they set out with the intention of performing Hajj alone (Ifrad) and not Umrah, as they were not familiar with Umrah at the time. When they arrived in Makkah on the 4th of Dthul-Hijjah, the Prophet went straight to the Masjid and made his she-camel sit down. He then dismounted and entered the Masjid, going directly to the Black Stone and rubbing it with his hand. He circled the Ka'bah quickly and reached Maqam Ibraheem, where he recited the verse, "And take the station of Abraham as a place of prayer." He raised his voice so that the people could hear him clearly, emphasizing the significance of this site.
The Prophet then moved on to the hills of Safa and Marwa, where he walked between the two seven times, performing the Sa'i. On the 8th of Dthul-Hijjah, he proceeded to Mina, where he stayed overnight. The next day, on the 9th of Dthul-Hijjah, he moved on to Arafat, where he delivered his famous sermon, the Farewell Sermon. After sunset, he moved on to Muzdalifah, where he stayed overnight.
On the 10th of Dthul-Hijjah, the Prophet proceeded to Mina and performed the stoning of the pillars representing Satan. He then sacrificed his animals and shaved his head, completing the rites of the Hajj. He then returned to Makkah to perform the Tawaf al-Ifadah and the Sa'i, and then returned to Mina to spend the night.
Over the next three days, the Prophet continued to stone the pillars in Mina and performed the Tawaf al-Wadaa' before returning to Madinah. This journey is known as the Prophet's Farewell Hajj and is considered a model for all future pilgrimages.
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