Hajj

Introduction to Hajj

Brief History:

Ibrahim (Alaih Assalaam) was a great prophet. He had two sons, Ismail (Alaih Assalaam) and Ishaq (Alaih Assalaam. Muslims commemorate Ibrahim (AS) and his son's faith and surrender. Ibrahim (AS) who was called the Friend of God, loved the Only one above all.
God gave him a dream where he saw himself sacrificing his son. Persistence of the dream convinced him that it wasn't just a dream but an allusion from the Infinite. He intimated the dream to his son who readily concurred. Once it was known to be God's Will, the son didn't offer any excuses. It was a foregone conclusion that His Will be done. Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in response to God's command, they decide to set off to the designated place. When they reached their destination, Ismael (AS) suggested that his father covers his eyes so his love does not overwhelm him into disobeying His master. At the very moment that Ibrahim (AS) let loose his knife, the son was substituted with a sheep. This time and this day was made sacred.
Every year, millions of Muslims retrace the steps of these two Prophets in the valley of Mina. Here, everyone offers a sacrifice for the love of God and then gives it to the poor people of the land all the while marveling at Ibrahim's burning love (AS) and faith in God that he was willing to sacrifice his most precious love. Those who can't be here, celebrate this wonderful sacrifice wherever they may be in any part of the world. To this day, Muslims all over the world turn and face in the direction of the Ka’ba in Makkah when they are praying. Muslims from all over the world come to the Ka’ba during the pilgrimage season. They come on foot, on camels, by car and airplanes. The Ka’ba is the oldest prayer house of Allah on earth. It is at the Ka’ba that all Muslims worship Allah together, and that includes all those who lived earlier, all those who are living now and all those who will live in the future.

Definition :Al-Hajj

• The journey to Ka'ba and Haram, in Makka, Arabia by Muslims, and the performance of specific Arka'n (Rites) in a specific sequence from 8th through the 13th of Dhul Hijjah.

Importance of Hajj

·         It is a "Faridah" (An Obligation)

·         It is The "Fifth" Pillar Of Islam

·         Performance of pilgrimage to Makkah at least once in a lifetime (is fulfilling the Fifth Pillar Of Islam).Bukhari;Book 26

·         It provides an opportunity for Muslims with diverse racial, ethnic and geographical heritage to exchange views, get acquainted and feel unified as ONE "Ummah" (community) on a global level.

Virtues of Hajj: The Holy Prophet Muhammad has said:"He who performs (Hajj) with no obscenity or evil practices will come out as a newly born baby free from all sins." (Bukhari and Muslim)

Talbiya Talbiya is the motto or motivational call of Hajj. It is to be frequently made in a loud voice during the Hajj period. Men recite aloud while women should say it silently.

• Transliteration: Labbaika Allaahumma Labbaik
  Labbaika Laa Shareeka Laka Labbaik
  Innal Hamda , Wanneamata, Laka Wal Mulk
  Laa Shareeka Lak
• Meaning: Here I am O Allah, Here I am. Here I am. There is no partner with you. Here I am.
  Verily, Thine is the praise, the blessings and the sovereignty of the Universe .Thou has no partner.

The Day of `Arafat(Nahr)

·         The prophet (pbuh) has been quoted as saying:” Fasting the day of `Arafat expiates the sins of two years: a past one and a coming one.” (Reported by Muslim.)

·         To slaughter a camel, sheep, goat or cow in the name of Allah SWT for the pleasure of Allah SWT.

·         At the time of their slaughtering say: "Bismillah Allahu Akbar"

• The sacrifice is not only to be enjoyed by the one who sacrifices and his family. A main reason behind this ritual is to provide for the poor and let them share this moment of happiness. It is to give charity to the poor and give them portion of what you eat in your own house.

Eid-ul Adha: "Eid-ul Adha" (The Sacrifice Day) is an IMPORTANT day of celebration and festivities for Muslims. This is one of two days in main Islamic holidays.

• Eid-ul Adha is on the 10th day of Islamic calendar month, Dhul Hijjah.
• Muslims pray in congregation in the morning. The Eid-ul Adha prayers are also held all over world.
• Then they are supposed to sacrifice either goats, sheep, rams, camels, or cows.
• Muslims are REQUIRED to DONATE 1/3 rd of the meat to the poor. Distribute 1/3 rd of the meat to friends and relatives, and keep 1/3 rd of the meat for themselves.
• "Eid-ul Fitr" (The Charity Day) is the other Islamic holiday and it is celebrated at the end of obligatory fasting during Ramadan.

  The Eid Day 

The following are "Masnoon" on the day of "Eid-ul-Adha":

1. Awaken early in the morning.
2. Perform "Ghusl" ("Masnoon" Bath) and "Miswaak".
3. Wear one's best clothes.
4. Apply perfume ("atar").
5. Abstain from partaking of food before the Eid "salaat" until the sacrificial meat is available.
6. Recite the "Takbeeraat" audibly while going for the Eid salaat.
7. To go to the Eid "salaat" by one route and return by another.

Takbeer:  Beginning from the Fajr of the 9th Zulhijjah up to the 'Asr prayer of the 13th, it is obligatory on each Muslim to recite the Takbir of Tashriq after every fard prayer in the following words.