Hajj - (Here I am O Allaah, here I am, there is no partner for You, here I am, Verily all praise for You, and every bounty is from You, and all dominion is Yours - You have no partner.)

Pilgrimage - (Here I am O Allaah, here I am, there is no partner for You, here I am, Verily all praise for You, and every bounty is from You, and all dominion is Yours - You have no partner.)

Lessons 215 to 226

LESSON # 215 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Standing Orders For Fighting And Strive

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

(Up to Verse –195 of 286, Section – 24 (Part  - 2)

Lesson

The orders regarding fighting and strive (Qataal  wa Jihaad) end on the verse – 195. After it the matter of Pilgrimage will start. It seems reasonable that the obligatory aspects of the fighting and strive, its terms and conditions should be stated briefly. Since the some misled persons are apparent totally as Deniers of the fighting on one side and on the other side our enemy historians particularly the western authors defame the Muslims and Islam narrating the strive as only beating and bawl out, slaughter and plundering, and religious bloody fight.

Now we are going to discuss the matter numerically in the light of the verses upto 195 of Surah Al-Baqarah:

   Fight for the cause of Allah Almighty.(190)

   Fight with only the persons who fight with you (190), in other words don’t fight with the people who like peace and love that is to say the children, the women, the ailing, the excusable and unarmed people.

   Don’t intensify; God Almighty doesn’t like the persons who oppress. (190).

   Slay them wherever ye find the enemy in the battlefield (191); remember that this order is only for the situation of war and not during peace time.

   Drive your enemies out of the areas whence they drove you out (191).

   Try neither to make mischief/disturbance and quarrel, nor let any person to do this. The persecution is worse than slaughter (190).

   You can fight only against the persons at the Inviolable Place of Worship (Masjidil-Haraam) (Khana Ka’ba) who fight there otherwise you can’t.(191)

   If the enemy desists from the war then stop it (192).

   Fight until the sedition/persecution is no more and the Religion of God Almighty excels. (192)

   Let there be no hostility except against the wrongdoers (193).

   Respect the Forbidden Months and stop fighting during these months (194).

   Observe your duty to God Almighty and know that Allah Almighty is with those who ward off (evil) (194).

   Spend your wealth for the cause of Allah Almighty. If you will not do so, then you will cast yourselves by your own hands to ruin. (195).

   Do good and honouring. Lo! Allah Almighty loves the beneficent. (195)

Think about all above. Which point is against the wisdom, justice and nobility out of them?

 

LESSON # 216 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

The Pilgrimage

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –196a of 286, Section – 24 (Part  - 2)

And perform the Pilgrimage

Wa  ‘atimmul-Hajja

Lesson

‘Al-Hajja – it is the fifth pillar of Islam. It is the duty of every that person to perform the Pilgrimage once in the life who has power to do it. Otherwise he/she will be the sinner. The Pilgrimage is performed on Ninth Zul-Hajjah (last month) of Islamic Calendar year. At first all the Muslims gather in Makkah city to visit the Inviolable Place of Worship (Khana Ka’-ba), then unite in the Arafat Field.

The matters relating to the Fighting and Strive have been discussed before the orders regarding Pilgrimage and after the verses of the Pilgrimage in this Surah. It is revealed clearly that ‘how much deep relation have these both matters with each other’. There is none Pillar of Islam in which aim of the National Social Welfare, Improvement and Prosperity, and Exaltation has not been mentioned in addition to Personal Goodness and Purity.

Especial thing which belongs to the Pilgrimage is that all the Muslims out of the entire world unite once a year in the Centre of Islam. There is no difference between ups and downs. Black and White, Rich and Poor, King and Beggar, Scholar and Uneducated, Young and Old, they all stand at the same place mixing shoulder with shoulders and saying with one tone the same words, “Lab-baika  Allaahumma  Lab-baika  Lab-baika  Laa  Shariika  laka Lab-baika  ‘Innal  Hamda  wan-na’-mata  Laka  wal-Mulk  Laa Shariika lak”   (Here I am O Allaah, here I am, there is no partner for You, here I am, Verily all praise for You, and every bounty is from You, and all dominion is Yours - You have no partner.)

Every Pilgrim fastens determination dress (‘Ihraam). It contains two un-sewn (cotton) sheets – for each Pilgrim this same kind of dress declares equality, simplicity, friendship and Love for God Almighty. During the Pilgrimage to get shaved the head, cut the nails, hunting and intercourse with one’s wife are prohibited. As though the object to refrain from the wishes, physical elegance and dressing is to get a permanent training. 

All the Pilgrims unite at the stipulated time in the Arafaat Field on the day of Pilgrimage, listen to the Speech (Address of the Pilgrimage), Pray in the court of God Almighty, get forgiven their sins and collect treasures of the Mercy and Kindness of Allah Almighty.

Then they sacrifice the animals in the Minaa’,  throw pebbles at Jamaraat, go round the Holy Shrine (the Inviolable Place of Worship – Khana Ka’-ba), Kiss the Black Stone (Hajri Aswad), quench the thirst with Aabi Zamzam (the water of a sacred well at Khana Ka’-ba), do the Endeavour (Sa-ii) between Safaa’ and Marwah (hills), use to stop all kinds of evildoing, sins and bad inherent, as though after getting forgiven their sins they are starting their lives’ accounts from the beginning today.  

Fortunate are those persons who are bestowed with the chance of Pilgrimage and they performed it, understood its objects and passed their remaining lives with goodness and chastity.           

LESSON # 217 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Some Orders For Hajj And Umrah

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –196b of 286, Section – 24 (Part  - 2)

And perform the Visit (Umrah) for Allah. And if ye are prevented, then send such offering as can be obtained with ease,

Wal-‘umrata  lillaah.  Fa-‘in  ‘uh-sir-tum  famas-taysara  minal-hady.

Lesson

‘Al-‘umrata – (Umrah) it is also named as little Pilgrimage. Instructions for performing the Umrah are just like the Pilgrimage also. However there is no restriction of the days of Pilgrimage for performing the Umrah. It can be performed any time. Secondly its rituals and traditions also are less than the Pilgrimage.

Lillaah – (for Allah, for God Almighty) perform the Pilgrimage (Hajj) and Umrah (Visit) for the sake of Allah Almighty, keep your intention pure and take care honestly those customs and orders which have been prescribed by God Almighty, escape yourself from the matters which are prohibited, otherwise sake of God will remain no more.

In reality all the deeds and intentions should be for the pleasure of Allah Almighty but it has been emphasized here particularly that the journey involves with the Pilgrimage and the Visit (Hajj and Umrah) in which a lot of good and bad objects, Cruises and Entertainment can join easily. So it is necessary that your first object should not be any other except to delight the God Almighty. Travel and entertainment will become automatically. Trade is permitted; you can get advantage of it. But you can neither make the trade – the purpose of Pilgrimage (Hajj) nor can deal with dishonestly and theft, these are not allowed.    

‘uh-sir-tum – (if you are prevented) this word is derived from Ihsaar, whose literal meanings are to be surrounded or encaged. Whether this surrounding would be due to any reason, here it means ‘the person who intends to perform the Pilgrimage but can’t reach the designation because of either any illness or enemy would have blocked his way or any seasonal or other stoppage would have intervened.

 Hady – (sacrifice) the literal meanings are ‘the offer’ which would be sent for the Khana Ka’ba, here its meaning is the animals required to be sacrificed during the Pilgrimage.

In this verse Allah Almighty has ordered the Muslims that there should be only one object to be intended i.e. the worship along with the Pilgrimage and Visit (Hajj and Umrah) that is for pleasure and willingness of Allah Almighty. Neither the play nor show should be intended from this journey, nor travel and entertainment. But the Rules which Allah Almighty has explained, those should be acted upon. Allah almighty has kept some exemption too in this order for excusable people. May be a person wears ‘Ih-raam (Determination Dress) for Hajj and Umrah but unfortunately he would either become ill in the way or any other difficulty or problem happens. For example either he doesn’t find the way or doesn’t remain the provision for his journey etc. In all these situations he has been commanded that he should send the animal to sacrifice to the BaitUllah by anyone else according to his submission.

LESSON # 218 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Instruction About Shaving The Head

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –196c of 286, Section – 24 (Part  - 2)

And shave not your heads until the offering has reached their destination. And whoever among you is sick or hath an ailment of the head must pay a ransom of fasting or alms-giving or offering.

Wa  laa  tah-liquu  ru-‘uusakum    hattaa  yablugal-hadyu    mahil-lah. Faman-kaana minkum-mariizan ‘awbihiii    ‘azam   fa-fidyatum-min-    siyaa-min ‘aw  sadaqatin    ‘aw  nusuk.

Lesson

Nusuk – (offering) literally it means sacrifice. Here it aims to sacrifice in the pathway of God Almighty, which should not be less than a goat and it is better if a cow or camel is sacrificed.

Mahil-lah – (its destination) that is to say, the place of sacrifice which signifies toward the Bayt-Ullaah (Makkah).

Islam is a natural religion. Its Commands have been legislated entirely according to the nature of human beings. Each person’s qualities and weaknesses have been kept in sight in Islam. His needs and desires have been considered. The matters which were necessary for evaluation, promotion and success of the mankind, those have been prescribed compulsory and needful. Which things were not useful for the life and object of the mankind, have been fixed unlawful and forbidden.

Primary part of the verse is Appendix of the order of Muh-sir (who has been prevented) recitation of which was begun in the previous verse. It was stated up to the point that the person who has fastened the Determination Dress (Ih-raam) for Pilgrimage or Visit (Hajj or Umrah) and any objection/excuse has been happened for him in the pathway that he can’t perform the Hajj or Umrah, then he should send the animal to sacrifice toward BaytUllah (Khana Ka’-ba). This Order has been finalized in this verse stating that till the time this animal doesn’t reach the Haram and is not sacrificed there, this person (Muh-sir) can’t shave his head; it means that he can’t open the Ihraam.

Common Orders Regarding Hajj

Allah Almighty has set another concession for the excusable/disabled persons in the command of Hajj. That is to say the person who can’t obey the order of shaving his head during the time of Hajj, for example he is compelled not to shave his head due to either any disease or any other cause, then either he should keep the fasts for three days as its ransom so that his spirit may remain pure from the rebellion or he should give 1-3/4 KG wheat (at the scale of Sadaqah Fitr – Alms – Fitranah) to the six poor persons so that he may not fall back from the pathway of God Almighty due to non obeying the first command or he should sacrifice an animal.   

LESSON # 219 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Sacrifice During Hajj And Umrah

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –196d of 286, Section – 24 (Part  - 2)

And if ye are in safety, then whosoever contenteth himself with Visit (Umrah) for the Pilgrimage (shall give) such offering as can be had with ease. And whosoever cannot find (such offering), then a fast of three days while on the Pilgrimage, and of seven when ye have returned; that is, ten in all.

Fa-‘izaaa  ‘amintum, faman-    tamatta-‘a  bil- ‘Um-rati    ‘ilal-Hajji  famastaysara   minal-hady.  Famal-lam    yajid  fa-siyaamu  salaasati  ‘ayyaamin-  fil-Hajji    wa sab-‘atin  ‘izaa  raja’-tum. Tilka  ‘asharatun-    kaamilah.

Lesson

‘Amintum – (you are in safety) that is to say whenever you come in safety and peace out of the situations of danger and disease. 

Tamatta-‘a – (get benefit) in the sense of religious theology it aims to perform the Pilgrimage and Visit (Hajj and Umrah) joining the both, namely performing Umrah duly fastened with ‘Ihraam during the times of Pilgrimage and then with another ‘Ihraam the Pilgrimage Hajj) is performed. During the time of Ignorance the Arabs had invented this false belief that it was sin to perform the Umrah in the season of Pilgrimage.

 ‘Izaa  raja’-tum – (whenever you return) it signifies that while you return after the completion of the Rituals of Pilgrimage, whether the Pilgrim is staying still in Makkah and he has not yet returned to his native country. However some scholars have taken the meanings of this narration that whenever you reach your home from Makkah.

This order is for that Pilgrim in this verse, who wishes to perform the both (Hajj and Umrah) in the season of Pilgrimage. It is called Tamatta’ or Qir’aan. This type of Pilgrim is required to sacrifice either one goat or seventh share out of the cow or camel. This sacrifice is not required by that Pilgrim who performs only Pilgrimage and he doesn’t perform the Umrah with It. Those persons who perform the Pilgrimage Tamatta’ or Qir’aan but they can’t attain the sacrifice due to poorness or any other strong reason, then it is compulsory for them to fast for ten days, three during the days of Pilgrimage which are finished on the ninth Zul-Hajjah (the Day of ‘Arafah) and seven after reaching the native land. This expiation has been fixed in the shape of fasting due to the reason that while any person is unable to obey the command of God Almighty then his spirit may not bring him towards the rebellion or disobedience. So he should keep the fasts so that his spirit may remain pure and his intention remains good.

  LESSON # 220 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Description Of The Order Of Sacrifice

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –196e of 286, Section – 24 (Part  - 2)

That is for him whose folk are not present at the Inviolable Place of Worship. And observe your duty to Allah, and know that Allah is Severe in punishment.

Zaalika  limal-lam  yakun    ‘ah-luhuu  haa-ziril-Masjidil- Haraam.  Watta-qullaaha  wa’-lamuuu    ‘annal-laaha  Shadiidul- ‘iqaab.

Lesson

Zaalika – (this) it is a demonstrative pronoun and it signifies towards the matter of previous verse, namely Tamatta’ (to perform Hajj and Umrah duly joined). Aim of the verse is that the permission to gain the Hajj and Umrah duly joined is only for the foreigners, not for the residents of Makkah.

Haa-ziril-Masjidil-Haraam – (the folk who are present at the Inviolable Place of Worship, the persons who live near the Khana Ka’-ba). It means the entire natives of Makkah and its vicinity. That is to say, all people living with in the limits of Meeqaat.

Meeqaat – that place is called Meeqaat from where the limits of Haram begin and it is required to intend for Hajj and Umrah, and fasten (wear) the (dress of) ‘Ihraam reaching there. Meeqaat is separate in various directions for the persons coming for performing the Hajj in the Inviolable Place of Worship from all around the world.

Watta-qullaaha – (observe your duty to Allah) that is to say, keep the concept of presence and fear of the God Almighty in front because foundation of all the goodness is this Piety. Think once again that God-fearing is being demanded after every command/order.

Shadiidul- ‘iqaab – (severe in punishment) the Scholars of the religion say that the word Shadiid (severe) has been used particularly here with ‘Iqaab (the punishment) for the reason that ‘as any person acts goodness at the very Sacred Place i.e. the Inviolable Place of Worship (BaytUllah), he gets more reward, likewise if he commits any sin after reaching here, then he will also be punished more severely due to Sacred Place respectively.

It is the condition for that concession which was given in the previous lesson. The concession was, “If the people wish to perform the Hajj and Umrah duly united then they can do so. However they would have to sacrifice according to their power. Permission for uniting the Hajj and Umrah is only for those persons who are not the residents of Makkah and its surrounding villages”. With this Order it has been declared again that the real thing is the God-fearing. It is necessary to keep in sight at the time of obeying each order, performing any duty/worship and pleasure of the God Almighty, because purpose of the entire Orders/Commands is purity of the spirit/soul and completion of the morality/manners. These are the highest orders and Commands from the God Almighty on which foundation of the Islamic life is standing. If any body will try to change or deny them then the God Almighty will punish him severely

LESSON # 221 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Duration Of Hajj And Moral Limits

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –197a of 286, Section – 25 (Part  - 2)

The Pilgrimage is (in) the well-known months, and whoever is minded to perform the Pilgrimage therein (let him remember that) there is (to be) no lewdness nor abuse nor angry conversation on the Pilgrimage.

‘Al-Hajju  ‘ash-hurum-ma’- luumaat.  Faman- faraza    fiihin-nal- Hajja  falaa  rafasa  wa    laa fusuuqa,    wa  laa jidaala  fil-Hajj.

Lesson

‘Ash-hur – (the months) Shawwal, Zii-qadah and ten days of Dhul-Hijjah (three months of Lunar Calendar) have been set for Hajj (Pilgrimage). Actual members of the Hajj are performed during the second week of Dhul-Hijjah. But the ‘Ihraam is begun (to be tied) two months in advance from the month of Shawwal. The ‘Ihraam (Determination) is the Dress which is required to be worn by each Pilgrim at the time of entering into the limits of Haram (Meeqaat). This Dress is two unstitched sheets.

Hadrat Imam Abu Hanifah (God’s Mercy be upon him) says, “The Pilgrim can tie the ‘Ihraam as and when he wishes. But it is disapproved for the Pilgrimage before the month of Shawwal”. Near to him (God’s Mercy be upon him) it is also lawful to tie the ‘Ihraam before Shawwal because it is not the member of the Hajj but only a condition for the Pilgrimage.    

Faraza  fiihin-nal- Hajja – (while anybody is minded to perform the Pilgrimage therein) that is to say, someone has intended to perform the Pilgrimage during the season of Hajj and has done over himself proper the Pilgrimage. Practical Sign for (must have to perform) the Hajj is to tie the ‘Ihraam (Determination Dress).   

Rafasa - (to be lewdness with the woman) here it means, “To talk specified conversation with the wife in the private chamber”.

Fusuuqa  - (abuse, depravity, immorality, sensuality, debauch) it aims all types of sins, little or big.

Jidaala – (angry conversation, quarrel, beating, argument, dispute, to call names and to accost with impolite words).

Some necessary commands regarding Pilgrimage have been prescribed in this verse. The months of Hajj have been fixed and three matters have been told to refrain from them during this period:

Sensual intercourse and lewdness with one’s wife is entirely forbidden, as far as the sensual thoughts are also prohibited to be brought on the tongue. As it has been ordered to abstain from some lawful matters during the fasting, likewise it has been commanded also to keep up the cleanliness and chastity during the tenure of Hajj.

Every person should refrain from the little and big sins. It is clear that while many lawful acts become unlawful in the form of ‘Ihraam (Determination) then it was necessary to instruct strictly for holding back from the other sins.

It should be temperate from all kinds of quarrels. The people of all ages, all kind manners and all temperaments come from all parts of the world at the time of Pilgrimage. During these types of situations anybody can incline towards the sinfulness and strives. So the God Almighty forbade in advance from all these matters, so that the chastity and endurance power may grow into the Muslims.

  

LESSON # 222 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

 Provision For The Journey Of Hajj

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –197b of 286, Section – 25 (Part  - 2)

And whatsoever good ye do Allah knoweth it. And make provision for yourselves (Hereafter); for the best provision is to ward off evil. Therefore keep your duty unto Me, O men of understanding.

Wa  maa  taf—‘aluu  min    khay-riny-ya’-lam-hullaah.  Wa  tazaw-waduu    fa-‘inna  khay-razzaadit-taqwaa. Wattaquuni  yaaa-‘ulil-‘al-baab.

Lesson

It was the Custom in the Arabs during the times of ignorance that while they used to proceed for performing the Pilgrimage, they did not take the requisites of the journey, used to go Penniless and begged from the people in the pathway. It was considered the sign of grandeur near to them. Even some persons used to spend lavishly their entire capital at the time of departing for the Pilgrimage. They had invented this false practice themselves intentionally. Anyhow it was not the part of the worship. This thing is Not acceptable to the God Almighty because doing so, the others have to lift the burden.

God Almighty commanded, “Make provision for yourselves (amount according to your necessities for the hereafter) at the time of proceeding to perform the Pilgrimage. And don’t put your burden upon any other person”. Allah Almighty knows your intentions and minds. He doesn’t like outward exhibition and shaped purity. So if you will bring the provisions for journey then it is not the matter of sin and is not against the goodness.

There is no doubt in it that the real thing is to ward off evil, that is to say, naturally keeping away from the badness and being inclined towards the goodness, so we should use to have fear of God Almighty always.

To ward of evils means that we should obey all the Orders of God Almighty with complete sincerity, honesty and obedience. Every work should be done for His pleasure. In each trouble, pain, calamity, distress and misfortune, only He should be supposed as The Supporter and only He should be called for the salvation. He should also be thanked in ease, comfort and rest. Every work should be started and finished with His (God Almighty) name. We should seek His help in all the fields of life. Only the lawful methods should be chosen for deciding all the matters and should refrain from the forbidden things. We should keep in view the fear of God Almighty each time.

It is the ‘ward off evil” about which it has been ordered again and again in the Holy Qur’an, that it has much more importance in the life of a Muslim. The human life fills with hopelessness, distress and failure due to forgetting it. So the human being should try every time to attain perfection in the “Fear of God Almighty” (Taqwaa). The Pilgrimage is the best source to produce the (Taqwaa).    

 LESSON # 223 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Worldly Advantages

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –198a of 286, Section – 25 (Part  - 2)

It is no sin for you that ye seek the bounty of your Lord (by trading).

Laysa  ‘alaykum  junaahun    ‘an-  tab-taguu  fazlam-mir-Rab-bikum.

Lesson

Fazlan – (the Bounty of the Lord) literally it means excessive, too much, more. Here it signifies towards the profit from trading, business, wealth and property. This word has been used in these meanings many times in the Holy Qur’an.

A Companion of the Holy Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) Ibn Abbas (God Almighty be pleased with him) says that during the times of Ignorance ‘Akkaaz, Majnah and Zul-Majaaz were very heavy markets. In the days of Pilgrimage the trade was tried to strive the bargain at high level. After embracing Islam the people considered that it is not reasonable to do business during the days of Hajj. They thought that the merchants who either bring their trade items to the bazaars of Minaa and Makkah or camel drivers who bring their camels to Muzdalfah, Arfaat and Minaa for selling, their Hajj is not accepted because where trade has entered, there is no worship anymore. Allah Almighty revealed this verse to remove this misunderstanding and cleared this thing till the Last Day (Resurrection Day) that Islam is not against the wealth, property and the world but It is against the acts which make the person careless from thinking about the religion and the Doomsday.

As Islam is the Guarantor of prosperity and success of the Day of Resurrection, likewise It desires also the people’s worldly prosperity and welfare. And this characteristic exists in Its each worship. Even the parts of Ablution, Prayers, Congregational Prayers, Fasting, Zakaah (Poor-due) and Hajj increase the human’s worldly, material, physical, economical and political prosperity and welfare along with increasing his spiritual power.

The Muslims, who come from far away areas for Hajj move by land routes and by sea. The People of Islamic nation get together from different parts of the world. At this occasion there can be gotten uncountable economical and commercial benefits. Keeping in view these things the Holy Qur’an permitted it that the Pilgrims’ real purpose of this Visit should be only the Hajj and if they do some trade also along with then it is not any wrong thing or sin. However it is necessary that the trade shouldn’t become the mean.

Saying the sentence of mir-Rab-bikum it has also been told that which livelihood or benefits you get, these aren’t the result of your personal efforts or labour. It is only the Bounty of Allah Almighty. He gives you with His blessing. Therefore, keep in mind during trading and business that whatever benefits you will get, it is from the God Almighty.

Each that work which a person does according to the orders of God Almighty and doesn’t disobey His any command, Islam counts it worship and doesn’t say it against the religion. The things, from which Islam prohibits, are hoarding, raising prices, unlawful trading and illegal business.

LESSON # 224 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

‘Arafat And The Sacred Monument

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –198b of 286, Section – 25 (Part  - 2)

But when ye return from ‘Arafat, remember Allah by the Sacred Monument.

Fa-‘izaaa  ‘afaztum-min    ‘Arafaatin-  fazkurullaaha    ‘in-dal-  Mash-‘aril-Haraam.

Lesson

‘Afaztum – (you return) this word has come out from the word ‘Afaazah which means ‘Walk from pool and pool or come back’. Technically it signifies returning from ‘Arafat to Muzdalfah.

‘Arafaatin – (‘Arafat) the road which leads from Makkah to the east towards Taif, there is a plain in the area of several miles situated twelve miles from Makkah Mo-‘azmah. That is called ‘Arafat. There is also a hill in this plain, which is also named ‘Arafat. Its height is two hundred yards from the earth level. During the entire year this plain remains vacant but on the ninth Zul-Hijjah it becomes in full bloom on arrival of the Pilgrims.

The Pilgrims reach the Minaa till afternoon on eighth of the Zul-Hijjah and on the next day on ninth Zul-Hijjah at the time of rising sun they travel towards the ‘Arafat, they reach the ‘Arafat at the time of afternoon. Till the time of Asar (before sunset) the Pilgrims have to remain there. Technically this stay is called Wuquuf. The presence in this plain is the most important work of the Pilgrimage. The entire period should be passed in begging mercy or grace, repentance, penitence and remembrance of God Almighty during the stay in the Plain of ‘Arafat. While the sun is near to set, then the Pilgrims should depart towards Muzdalfah (the Sacred Monument). Zuhr and 'Asr prayers are offered in the afternoon jointly in the Nimrah Masjid of ‘Arafat on that day, and Maghrib and ‘Ishaa’ are offered after returning to Muzdalfah at the time of ‘Ishaa’.

‘Al- Mash-‘aril-Haraam – (the Sacred Monument) Mash-‘ar

means the sign or emblem and the word Haraam discloses its dignity. It is that particular place which is situated between the two hills of Muzdalfah. However the entire Muzdalfah is also called the Sacred Monument (Mash-‘aril-Haraam).

Muzdalfah – It is at the distance of six miles from Makkah Mo-‘azmah. There is a direct pathway from Minaaa to ‘Arafat and the Pilgrims proceed to ‘Arafat from that way on ninth Zul-Hijjah. But on return from ‘Arafat it is prescribed to use the other pathway. The Muzdalfah is situated on that pathway. The Caravans of the Pilgrims stay here at night and pass their entire time in the Masjid over the hill offering prayers, worshiping, begging mercy, repentance, penitence and remembrance of God Almighty.

There are three Duties to be observed compulsorily out of all the acts of Pilgrimage:

1.     To tie the ‘Ihraam

2.   To be present in ‘Arafat on ninth Zul-Hijjah which is also called Wuquuf

3.   To go round the Holy Shrine (Tawaaf of Khana Ka’-ba) – it is the most important action out of the three acts. It has been told in this verse that while you return from the ‘Arafat, then remember Allah Almighty during the stay at Muzdalfah begging mercy, repentance and remain busy in worshiping the God Almighty.   

LESSON # 225 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Praying And Worship Of God Almighty 

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –198c of 286, Section – 25 (Part  - 2)

Remember Him as He hath guided you, although before ye were of those astray.

Waz-kuruuhu  kamaa hadaakum.  Wa  ‘in- kuntum-min- qablihii la-minaz-zaalliin.

Lesson

‘Az-zaalliin – (the Ignorants) this word is plural of Zaal which commonly means astray people. But it is also used for the indolent; careless and negligent.

Zikr means remembrance, recitation, memory; prayer; talk and mention. Here it means the worship of Allah Almighty.

It has been told in this verse, “Remember and worship the God Almighty in the manners which have been commanded by His Last Messenger Muhammad (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him)”. It is the strict sin to invent the methods of worship at one’s own and to establish the new forms ignoring the Sayings of the Prophet (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him). It remained heavy attack of the Satan to mislead the world and the people of the world that he puts them into disorder from the straight path to self invented methods. The people were involved in uncountable customs, traditions and false beliefs also during the period of the Ignorance. They used to suppose that their self invented particular methods may be the cause of nearness of the God Almighty. But this verse of the Holy Qur’an has refuted completely these depravities and misunderstandings.

The Holy Qur’an has also cleared using the word ‘Az-zaalliin that till the time the mankind will not get guidance from the Light sent by Allah Almighty, make not His Revelation one’s own torch of the path and doesn’t settle His revealed Teachings as the foundation of one’s own actions, he will remain ignorant and astray. Wishing he tries to seek any path with his full endeavor, invents a lot of methods of the  worship of what sort, thinks the forms of the prayers, but all these things will bring him towards the depravity. The real method is only that, which is ordered by the God Almighty. So each self made by any person’s plan will be false and acting upon it will bring towards the deviation.

Holy Qur’an is the best Guide to reach the destination. The Talks mentioned in This Book are commanded by the God Almighty Who is the Wise, the Discerning, the Present, the Inspector, the Mild, the Philosopher, the Creator and the Lord Almighty. He knows well our necessities, for it He shows us the Pathway with His Vast knowledge, which is Easy and Straight. We should believe that Path reliable and leave all other manners invented by the human beings.  

Islamic Events 2015*                                  Al-Hijra - 1st Muharramn (Islamic New Year) October 25, 2014                                  Israa'/Me'raj (Night Journey to Heavens) May 15, 2015                                  Lailatul-Bara'at (Night of Salvation) June 01, 2015                                  1st Ramadan (Fasting Begins) June 18, 2015                                  Lailatul-Qadr (Night of Power) July 13, 2015                                  Eid-al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) July 17, 2015                                  Eid-al-Adha (10th Zul-Hijjah) September 23, 2015

LESSON # 226 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Command About Equation 

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –199 of 286, Section – 25 (Part  - 2)

Then hasten on from the place from where the other people return, and ask forgiveness of Allah. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

Summa  ‘afiizuumin  hay-su  ‘afaazan-naasu  was-tag-fi-rullaah.  ‘Innallaaha    Gafuurur-Rahiim.

Lesson

Before Islam the Quresh were guards of the Inviolable Place (BaytUllaah) during the period of ignorance and they used to say themselves Hams due to this reason. The common people used to stay in the plain of ‘Arafat during the days of Pilgrimage. But the Quresh used to remain till Muzdalfah because the Muzdalfah is within the limits of Haram and the ‘Arafat is out of its limits. They used to suppose that it was against their dignity and honour to proceed out of the limits of the Haram and contrary to the religious virtue to meet the public there. The Holy Qur’an refuted this false conception of theirs’. Allah Almighty has removed here these two main mistakes in which the world remained involved always, today too many people are involved in it after so much improvement.

1.        National distinction and the racial superiority is nothing. The entire mankinds are equal and uniform near to Allah Almighty. If there is any thing valuable in the Sight of Allah Almighty, that is fear of God and abstinence. So equation is compulsory, and it will be possible at that time while all the national and racial distinctions are removed and the persons of each race and color are dealt with equal behavior.

2.      Destruction and ruin of the nations begin at the time when the relation between educated persons, the people of higher level and the public does not remain. They stop to meat each other, while the educated people need strength and energy for their help. But when they will break their relation with the common people, will not mix up with them then gradually they will be ruined automatically. And it should not be forgotten that the public needs guidance and the antidotes every time. While they will not have any guide then they will go astray. Even then there will be no difference between them and animals.

Allah Almighty says in this verse that all the people will settle at one place and they will return from that place. As though, there will be no distinction and difference between them. Allah Almighty also commands, “Beg for pardon of your sins. Renounce and beg for mercy and forgiveness. Promise that you will remain away from the wrong-doings”. Allah Almighty will forgive your sins and faults. He is the Forgiving and the Merciful.

And he should say the talbiyah of the Prophet: (i) labbaikallahumma labbaika labbaika laa shareeka laka labbaika-innal hamda wan na'mata laka wal mulka-la shareeka laka (Here I am O Allaah, here I am, there is no partner for You, here I am, Verily all praise for You, and every bounty is from You, and all dominion is Yours - You have no partner.)


Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English byMarmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’an published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English  by Muhammad Sharif).