A history of Haj

Haj literally means ‘to set out for a place’. Islamically, however, it refers to the annual pilgrimage that Muslims make to the holy city of Makkah with the intention of performing certain religious rites in accordance with the method prescribed by the Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). Haj and its rites were first ordained by Allah in the time of the Prophet lbraaheem [Abraham] (‘alaihi-s-salaam) and he was the one who was entrusted by Allah to build the Ka’aba – the House of Allah – along with his son Ismaa’eel [Ishmael] at Makkah. Allah described the Ka’aba and its building as follows:“And remember when We showed Ibraaheem the site of the [Sacred] House [saying]: Associate not anything [in worship with Me and purify My House for those who circumambulate it [i.e. perform tawaaf] and those who stand up for prayer and those who bow down and make prostration [in prayer, etc.].” (Surah al-Haj 22:26) After building the Ka’aba, Ibraaheem would come to Makkah to perform Haj every year, and after his death, this practice was continued by his son. However, gradually with the passage of time, both the form and the goal of the Haj rites were changed. As idolatry spread throughout Arabia, the Ka’aba lost its purity and idols were placed inside it. Its walls became covered with poems and paintings, including one of Jesus and his mother Maryam and eventually over 360 idols came to be placed around the Ka’aba. During the Haj period itself, the atmosphere around the sacred precincts of the Ka’aba was like a circus. Men and women would go round the Ka’aba naked, arguing that they should present themselves before Allah in the same condition they were born. Their prayer became devoid of all sincere remembrance of Allah and was instead reduced to a series of hand clapping, whistling and the blowing of horns. Even the talbiyyah* was distorted by them with the following additions: ‘No one is Your partner except one who is permitted by you. You are his Master and the Master of what he possesses’. Sacrifices were also made in the name of God. However, the blood of the sacrificed animals was poured onto the walls of the Ka’aba and the flesh was hung from pillars around the Ka’aba, in the belief that Allah demanded the flesh and blood of these animals. Singing, drinking, adultery and other acts of immorality were rife amongst the pilgrims and the poetry competitions, which were held, were a major part of the whole Haj event. In these competitions, poets would praise the bravery and splendour of their own tribesmen and tell exaggerated tales of the cowardice and miserliness of other tribes. Competitions in generosity were also staged where the chief of each tribe would set up huge cauldrons and feed the pilgrims, only so that they could become well-known for their extreme generosity. Thus the people had totally abandoned the teachings of their forefather and leader Ibraaheem. The House that he had made pure for the worship of Allah alone, had been totally desecrated by the pagans and the rites which he had established were completely distorted by them. This sad state of affairs continued for nearly two and a half thousand years. But then after this long period, the time came for the supplication of Ibraaheem to be answered:“Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own, who shall recite unto them your aayaat (verses) and instruct them in the book and the Wisdom and sanctify them. Verily you are the ‘Azeezul-Hakeem [the All-Mighty, the All-Wise].” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:129)Sure enough, a man named Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullaah (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) was born in the very city that Ibraaheem (AS) had made this supplication centuries earlier. For 23 years, the Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) spread the message of Tawheed [true monotheism] – the same message that Ibraaheem and all the other Prophets came with – and established the law of Allah upon the land. He expended every effort into making the word of Allah supreme and his victory over falsehood culminated in the smashing of the idols inside the Ka’aba which once again became the universal centre for the worshippers of the one True God. Not only did the Prophet rid the Ka’aba of all its impurities, but he also reinstated all the rites of Haj which were established by Allah’s Permission, in the time of Ibraaheem. Specific injunctions in the Qur’an were revealed in order to eliminate all the false rites which had become rampant in the pre-Islamic period. All indecent and shameful acts were strictly banned in Allah’s statement:“There is to be no lewdness nor wrangles during Haj.” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:197)Competitions among poets in the exaltations of their forefathers and their tribesmen’s’ achievements were all stopped. Instead, Allah told them:“And when you have completed your rites [of Haj] then remember Allah as you remember your forefathers; nay with a more vigorous remembrance.” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:200) Competitions in generosity were also prohibited. Of course, the feeding of the poor pilgrims was still encouraged as this was done in the time of Ibraaheem but Allah commanded that the slaughtering of the animals which was done for this purpose should be done seeking the pleasure of Allah rather than fame and the praise of the people. He said:“So mention the name of Allah over these animals when they are drawn up in lines. Then, when they are drawn on their sides [after the slaughter], eat thereof and feed the beggar who does not ask, and the beggar who asks.” (Surah al-Haj 22:36)As for the deplorable practice of spattering blood of the sacrificed animals on the walls of the Ka’aba and hanging their flesh on altars, then Allah clearly informed them that:“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is Taqwaa (piety) from you that reaches Him.” (Surah al-Haj 22:37)The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) also put a stop to the practice of circling the Ka’aba in a state of nudity and the argument that the pagans put forward to justify this ritual was sharply rebutted in Allah’s question:“Say: Who has forbidden the adornment [i.e. clothes] given by Allah which He has produced for His Slaves?” (Surah al-A’raaf 7:32)Another custom which was prohibited through the Qur’an was that of setting off for Haj without taking any provisions for the journey. In the pre-Islamic period, some people who claimed to be mutawakkiloon (those having complete trust in Allah) would travel to perform Haj begging food the whole journey. They considered this form of behaviour a sign of piety and an indication of how much faith they had in Allah. However Allah told mankind that to have sufficient provisions for the journey was one of the preconditions for making Haj. He said:“And take a provision [with you] for the journey, but the best provision is at-Taqwaa (piety).” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:197)In this way, all the pre-Islamic practices, which were based in ignorance, were abolished and Haj was once more made a model of piety, fear of Allah, purity, simplicity and austerity. Now, when the pilgrims reached the Ka’aba, they no longer found the carnivals and the frolic and frivolity that had once occupied the minds of the pilgrims there before. Now, there was the remembrance of Allah at every step and every action and every sacrifice was devoted to Him alone. It was this kind of Haj that was worthy of the reward of paradise, as the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “The reward for an accepted Haj is nothing less than paradise.” [Saheeh al-Bukhari] May Allah grant us all the ability to visit His House and perform the Haj in the manner of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). Footnote * Labbaik Allaahumma labbaik... (Here I am present, O’ Allah, I am present...) This is the chant which the pilgrims say when they are going around the Ka’aba.Preparing for Haj and ‘UmrahEvery year, millions of Muslims make the journey of their lifetime. They come from all over the world for the sole purpose of fulfilling one of Allah’s greatest commandments to mankind – the Haj.Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that “The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) was asked, ‘Which is the best deed?’ He sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: ‘To believe in Allah and His Messenger.’ He was then asked, ‘Which is the next (good deed)?’ He said: ‘To participate in Jihad in Allah’s cause.’ He was then asked, ‘Which is the next?’ He sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: ‘To perform an accepted Haj.” [Al-Bukhari]For over 1,400 years, believers have been making Haj to the House of Allah in Makkah. It is an obligation for each and every Muslim to perform Haj at least once in his/her lifetime if he is physically and financially able.Pre-Haj preparationsDue to the importance of Haj, preparations for it should not be taken lightly. Besides planning the actually logistics of the trip, the Muslim needs to prepare Islamically, physically, mentally, and financially for this great act of worship.Islamically, one of the most important preparations for this journey is acquiring the necessary knowledge for performing the rituals of Haj and ‘Umrah correctly and in accordance to the Sunnah of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam.This means studying and learning about Islam, acquiring a high degree of Eemaan (faith) in order to deal with the emotional and physical demands of Haj, and learning correctly the actual religious rituals and requirements from the beginning to the end of Haj and ‘Umrah.Studying and learning about the Haj can be accomplished in a variety of fashions, from reading books on the subject or using computer programmes which utilise a multimedia format, to actually taking classes offered by Islamic centres on the rituals of Haj and ‘Umrah. Furthermore, many travel groups that specialise in Haj and ‘Umrah trips offer Haj preparation classes as well as scholars and students of knowledge that help those going for Haj perform the rituals of Haj and ‘Umrah correctly.In addition, it is important to mention that spiritually preparing for Haj and ‘Umrah is also a lesson on how to follow the footsteps of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam who taught the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them – a lesson that can be transformed into other acts of worship. Preparing for Haj is a spiritual experience with a period of self-reflection and a lesson in piety and humility.The pilgrim must focus on his sole intention of performing Haj. That it is solely for the pleasure of Allah and in accordance to His Commandment regarding this act of worship. The believer also needs to resolve any conflicts or differences between him and others and seek forgiveness for any acts of transgression. This stage of preparation should take place long before the actual departure for Haj.Other preparations that should be planned long before the actual trip are financial in nature. Simply, going to Haj costs money. Furthermore the pilgrim must pay off any old debts (this includes any type of loans), household bills, and leave enough money to pay any living expenses likely that other members of his family not making Haj might need. Finally it is important to complete one’s will (wasiyyah) before departing on Haj.Another important step in preparing for Haj is the need to prepare physically for the event. Not only is Haj a spiritual event, it also requires a lot of physical stamina from the participant. Haj is not a picnic! Completing the rites of Haj includes a lot of walking, mixing with many people, living in high temperatures (during summer), and exerting a great deal of effort. Another important step in preparing physically for Haj is to make sure you are medically fit for the trip. Individuals with chronic health issues need to see their primary care physician in order to discuss any medical risks that need to be addressed prior to their Haj experience.Another recommendation is that these individuals also travel with a healthy caretaker in case any problems might arise during the actual Haj. In addition, pilgrims must have the necessary vaccinations required by the Saudi Government. Because of these issues, it is also important to emphasise that one should complete Haj and ‘Umrah as soon as one is able to both physically and financially. Some people wait until they are old to go for Haj.This is wrong and makes Haj more difficult than necessary for the participant and in many cases for his traveling companions. Performing Haj as soon as possible corresponds to the Hadith narrated by Abdullaah Ibn Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: “The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: ‘He who intended to perform Haj should hasten to do so.’” [Abu Daawood]The last pre-logistic preparation centres on preparing mentally for Haj. This includes learning and accepting that the Haj experience includes frustration, intense desert heat (during summer), and various differences in culture and food. The pilgrim can expect to stand in long lines, be shoved and pushed by others while completing the necessary rituals.One purpose of Haj is for the individual to be tested. The individual will be tested on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.After preparing oneself internally and financially for one of the most important events in the life of a Muslim, the pilgrim must plan and make actual logistic decisions regarding his/her journey. Making Haj and ‘Umrah can be one of the most important events in a Muslim’s life. However, one should not make the decision to go on Haj or ‘Umrah at the last minute. The planning of this trip takes time and is a process within itself.Besides the financial aspects of the trip, one needs to be ready for the trip from an Islamic standpoint. This includes studying Islam, knowing what is obligatory and what is non-obligatory in the rites of ‘Umrah and Haj, and the development of a strong Eemaan (faith). While both the process and task of Haj can be difficult for some, the rewards of Haj can be underestimated.In a Hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “Whoever performs Haj for Allah’s pleasure and does not have sexual relations with his wife and does not do evil or sins then he will return [after Haj free from all sins] as if he were born anew.”  [Al-Bukhari]Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/Haj FataawaSupplicating for parents in the salaah and passing the reward of reading the Qur’an or doing the tawaaf to themQuestion: They say that supplicating for the parents in the obligatory prayers is not permissible and nor is passing over to them the reward for completing the Qur’an or the tawaaf.Response: There is no harm in supplicating in the prayer either for oneself of for one’s parents (or other than them), rather this is legislated. The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said:“The closest a servant is to his Lord is when he is in sujood, so increase in making the supplication (in it)” – narrated by Muslim.And he (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said:“As for the rukoo’, then magnify the Lord (in it), and as for the sujood then strive in making the supplication (in it), for it is worthy of being responded to” – also narrated by Muslim.And in the two Saheehs (of Imaam al-Bukhari and Imaam Muslim), on the authority of Ibn Mas’ood (radhiallahu ‘anhu), that when the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) taught him the tashahhud, he said:“...then choose a supplication which pleases you and supplicate (with it).”And in another narration:“...then choose from that which you desire.”What is implied here is before the tasleem, so if he supplicates in the sujood or at the end of the prayer, for himself, his parents or the Muslims, there is no harm (in this) for what is mentioned of the generalness of these ahadith and other than them. As for passing the reward for reciting (the Qur’an) or making tawaaf for one’s parents or other than them from the Muslims, then this is an issue where there is a difference of opinion amongst the scholars. That which is better, is to leave this since no evidence exists for its permissibility. Acts of worship are permanently stipulated, so nothing is to be practised unless legislated by the Shari’ah, for the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said:“Anyone who introduces something into this matter of ours (i.e. Islam), that which is not from it, will have it rejected” – this (narration) is agreed upon (by both Imaam al-Bukhari and Imaam Muslim).And in another narration:“Anyone who does an act which is not in agreement with us, then he will have it rejected” – narrated by Muslim.And Allah is the Expounder of Success.Entering al-Masjid al-Haraam through a particular door, and the supplication upon seeing the Ka’abaQuestion: What are the mistakes some pilgrims commit when entering al-Masjid al-Haraam?Response: From amongst the mistakes that some pilgrims fall into when entering al-Masjid al-Haraam are:First: That some people think it is imperative, for making Haj or ‘Umrah, to enter through a particular door of al-Masjid al-Haraam. So, for example, some people see that it is necessary for one making ‘Umrah to enter via the door which is called the “Umrah Door” (Baab al-’Umrah) or that this is something that must be done and that it is legislated. Others see that it is imperative to enter via the “Door of Peace” (Baab as-Salaam) and that entering through any other door is a sin or disliked – and there is no evidence for this. So, it is upon the one making Haj or ‘Umrah to enter via any door they wish, and when doing so, extending the right foot first (upon entry) and saying that which is mentioned for entering all masaajid. So, he sends his salutations upon the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and says:“O Allah! Forgive me my sins and open Your Doors of Mercy to me.”Secondly: Some people innovate certain supplications when entering the al-Masjid al-Haraam and upon seeing the House (Ka’aba). They innovate supplications which have not been mentioned by the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and they supplicate to Allah with them. This is an innovation. So the act of worship, for the Sake of Allah, by speech, action or belief which the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) or his companions were not upon, is an innovation and an evil, that which the Messenger of Allah has warned against.Regarding kissing the Yemeni cornerQuestion: Is it permissible to kiss the Yemeni corner (of the Ka’aba)?Response: Kissing the Yemeni corner (ar-Rukn al-Yamaanee) is not confirmed from the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). Any act of worship which is not confirmed from the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) is an innovation and not something which draws one near to Allah. So based upon this, it is not legislated for a person to kiss the Yemeni corner since this is not confirmed upon the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). Rather, it has been mentioned in a weak hadith that can not be used as proof.