Confirmation That Judaism And Christianity Are Forms Of Disbelief : Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen

Question: One of the preachers in one of the mosques in Europe claimed that it is not allowed to consider Jews and Christians disbelievers. You know – may Allaah preserve you – that most of the people who attend the mosques in Europe have very little knowledge. We fear that statements like this one will become widespread. Therefore, we request from you a complete and clear answer to this question.

Answer: I say: The statement that came from that man is misguidance. In fact, it can be blasphemy. This is because Allaah has declared that Jews and Christians are disbelievers (kuffaar) in His Book. Allaah has said,

“And the Jews say, ‘Ezra is the son of Allaah,’ and the Christians say, ‘The Messiah is the son of Allaah.’ This is a saying from their mouths. They imitate the saying of the disbelievers of old. Allaah’s curse be on them, how they are deluded away from the truth. They took their rabbis and their monks as lords besides Allaah and [they also took as Lord] the Messiah, son of Mary. But they were commanded only to worship none but One God. Praise and Glory be to Him, [far above is He] from having the partners they associate with Him.” [at-Taubah 9:30-31]

That shows that they are polytheists who associate partners with Allaah. In other verses, Allaah has made it clear that they are disbelievers:

“Surely in disbelief are they who say that Allaah is the Messiah, son of Mary.” [al-Maidah 5:17 and 72]

“Surely, disbelievers are those who said, ‘Allaah is the third of the three [in a Trinity].” [al-Maidah 5:73]

“Those among the Children of Israel who disbelieved were cursed by the tongue of David and Jesus, son of Mary.” [al-Maidah 5:87]

“Those who disbelieve among the People of the Book and the idolaters will abide in the Fire of Hell.” [al-Bayyinah 98:6]

Many verses and hadith express the same meaning. The one who rejects the idea that the Jews and the Christians who do not believe in Muhammad [peace be upon him] and deny him are disbelievers is, in fact, denying what Allaah has said. Denying what Allaah has said is blasphemy. If anyone has any doubt concerning them being disbelievers, then he himself is also a disbeliever.

Glory be to Allaah!

How could that man be pleased to say that it is not allowed to say that they are disbelievers when they themselves say that Allaah is one of a Trinity? Their Creator Himself has declared that they are disbelievers.

How could this man not be pleased to call them disbelievers when they actually say, “Jesus is the son of God” or “the hand of Allaah is tied,” and “Allaah is poor and we are rich”?

How could this man not be pleased to call them disbelievers and apply the word of disbelief (kufr) to them in general when they describe their Lord in such ways that are nothing but cursing and abusing Allaah?

I call upon that man to repent to Allaah and to read Allaah’s words, “They wish that you should compromise (in religion out of courtesy) with them, so that they (too) would compromise with you.” [al-Qalam (68):9]

He should make it clear to everyone that they are disbelievers and that they are the inhabitants of the Hell-fire. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said,

“By the One in whose hand my soul is, no Jew or Christian of this community hears about me – that is from the community of people from the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) until the Day of Judgment – and then does not follow me – or he said does not believe in what I brought – except that he is from the inhabitants of the Hell-fire.” [Saheeh Muslim]

The one who made such a statement must repent to his Lord because of this great falsehood he has stated. He must make a clear announcement that they are disbelievers and that they are inhabitants of the Hell-fire. He must also announce that it is obligatory upon them to follow the unlettered Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). he is the one that the Jews and the Christians know and they know him like they know their own sons. Allaah has stated,

“Those who follow the Messenger, the illiterate Prophet whom they find written about with them in the Torah and the Gospel, he commands what is right and forbids what is evil. He allows them the good things and forbids for them disdainful things. He releases them from their heavy burdens and from the fetters that were upon them. So those who believe in him, honor him, help him, and follow the light which has been sent down with him, it is they who will be successful.” [al-Araf 7:157]

He is the one of whom Jesus, son of Mary (peace be upon him) gave glad tidings. Jesus said, as His Lord states in the Quran,

“O Israel, I am the Messenger of Allaah for you confirming the Torah (which came) before me, and giving glad tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name is Ahmad [one of the names of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him]. But when he came to them with clear proofs, they said, ‘This is clear magic.’” [as-Saff 61:6]

When the one, Ahmad, who was promised came to them with clear signs, they said that it was nothing but magic. By this, we can refute those Christians who say that the one Jesus promised was named Ahmad and not Muhammad. We say to that that Allaah said, “When he came with clear proofs,” and none has come to you after Jesus except Muhammad (peace be upon him). Muhammad is Ahmad and Allaah inspired Jesus to call Muhammad Ahmad. This is because Ahmad is a name from the root meaning, “to praise,” and the name itself means, “One who praises Allaah more than others.” Therefore, [Muhammad (peace be upon him)] is the most praiseworthy of Allaah among all peoples…

I further say: If anyone claims that there is a religion on earth other than Islam that is acceptable to Allaah, then the person who made that claim is a disbeliever and there is no doubt about his disbelief. This is because Allaah has said in His Book, “Whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted from him and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.” [ali-Imran 3:85]. Allaah has also said, “Truly, the religion in the sight of Allaah is Islam” [ali-Imran 3:19]. Another verse states, “This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion” [al-Maida 5:3]

Based on that – and I repeat it for a third time – the person who made that statement [mentioned in the question] must repent to Allaah, Most High. And he must also make it clear to all the people that those Jews and Christians are disbelievers. This is so because the proof has been established against them, they have received the message but they have refused to believe.

The Jews have been described as those who have earned Allaah’s wrath. That is because they knew the truth and chose to go against it. The Christians have been described as those who have gone astray. This is because they sought the truth but were misled from it. Now, all of them have knowledge of the truth and recognize it. However, they go against it. Therefore, they all deserve to have the wrath of Allaah upon them. I call all those Jews and Christians to believe in Allaah and all of His Messengers. I call upon them to follow the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This is what they have been ordered to do in their own books. Allaah states in the Quran,

“My Mercy embraces all things. That (Mercy) I shall ordain for those who are God-fearing and give zakat, and those who believe in Our revelations. Those who follow the Messenger, the illiterate Prophet whom they find written about with them in the Torah and the Gospel, he commands what is right and forbids what is evil. He allows them the good things and forbids for them disdainful things. He releases them from their heavy burdens and from the fetters that were upon them. So those who believe in him, honor him, help him, and follow the light which has been sent down with him, it is they who will be successful. Say (O Muhammad): O Mankind! Verily, I am sent to all of you as the Messenger of Allaah, to whom belongs the heavens and the earth. There is no true God but He. It is He who gives life and causes death. So believe in Allaah and His Messenger, the unlettered, who believes in Allaah and His Words. And follow him so that you may be guided.” [al-Araf 7:156-158].

[By having such faith, those converts from Judaism and Christianity] shall receive their reward twice. The Messenger of Allaah (peace be upon him) said, “There are three people who will receive their rewards twice: A person from the People of the Book [Jews and Christians] who believed in his prophet and believed in Muhammad…” [al-Bukhari and Muslim].

I have also found in the law book al-Iqna`, in the section on apostasy, where the author has stated,

“One who does not consider as a disbeliever one who follows a religion other than Islam, such as the Christians, or who has doubt about their disbelief or who approves of their way himself is a disbeliever.”

And he quotes Ibn Taimiya as saying,

“[The following is] a disbeliever:

Whoever believes that churches are the houses of Allaah in which he He is worshipped or who thinks that what the Jews and Christians do are valid acts of worship of Allaah and obedience to Him and His Messenger, or loves or approves of what they do, or aids them in having such places and establishing their religion, and he does so thinking that is a way of getting closer to Allaah or worshipping Allaah.”

He also stated,

“If someone believes that visiting the Jews and the Christians in their places of worship is an act that brings him closer to Allaah, then he is an apostate.”

These statements support what was stated in the text of the answer. This is a matter concerning which there is no room for doubt. And help is sought only with Allaah.

This question was responded by Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen, Fatawa Islamiya, vol. 1, p. 87, Darussalam publishers

The Jews had Knowledge that the (Muslim) Qiblah would later be changed : Tafseer Ibn Katheer

Source: Tafseer Ibn Katheer

Imam Al-Bukhari reported that Al-Bara’ bin `Azib narrated: “Allah’s Messenger offered his prayers facing Bayt Al-Maqdis (Jerusalem) for sixteen or seventeen months, but he wished that he could pray facing the Ka`bah (at Makkah). The first prayer which he offered (facing the Ka`bah) was the `Asr (Afternoon) prayer in the company of some people. Then one of those who had offered that prayer with him, went out and passed by some people in a mosque who were in the bowing position (in Ruku`) during their prayers (facing Jerusalem). He addressed them saying, `By Allah, I bear witness that I have offered prayer with the Prophet facing Makkah (Ka`bah).’ Hearing that, those people immediately changed their direction towards the House (Ka`bah) while still as they were (i.e., in the same bowing position). Some Muslims who offered prayer towards the previous Qiblah (Jerusalem) before it was changed towards the House (the Ka`bah in Makkah) had died or had been martyred, and we did not know what to say about them (regarding their prayers towards Jerusalem). Allah then revealed:

(And Allah would never make your faith (prayers) to be lost (i.e., the prayers of those Muslims were valid)) (2:143).”

Al-Bukhari collected this narration, while Muslim collected it using another chain of narrators. Muhammad bin Ishaq reported that Al-Bara’ narrated: Allah’s Messenger used to offer prayers towards Bayt Al-Maqdis (in Jerusalem), but would keep looking at the sky awaiting Allah’s command (to change the Qiblah). Then Allah revealed:

(Verily, We have seen the turning of your (Muhammad’s) face towards the heaven. Surely, We shall turn you to a Qiblah (prayer direction) that shall please you, so turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid Al-Haram (at Makkah).) (2:144)

A man from among the Muslims then said, “We wish we could know about those among us who died before the Qiblah was changed (i.e., towards Makkah) and also about our own prayers, that we had performed towards Bayt Al-Maqdis.” Allah then revealed:

(And Allah would never make your faith (prayers) to be lost.) (2:143)

The fools among the people, meaning the People of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), said, “What made them change the former Qiblah that they used to face” Allah then revealed:

(The fools (idolators, hypocrites, and Jews) among the people will say…)

until the end of the Ayah.

`Ali bin Abu Talhah related that Ibn `Abbas said: When Allah’s Messenger migrated to Al-Madinah, Allah commanded him to face Bayt Al-Maqdis (Jerusalem). The Jews were delighted then. Allah’s Messenger faced Jerusalem for over ten months. However, he liked (to offer prayer in the direction of) Prophet Ibrahim’s Qiblah (the Ka`bah in Makkah) and used to supplicate to Allah and kept looking up to the sky (awaiting Allah’s command in this regard). Allah then revealed:

(turn your faces (in prayer) in that direction.) meaning, its direction. The Jews did not like this change and said, “What made them change the Qiblah that they used to face (meaning Jerusalem)” Allah revealed:

(Say (O Muhammad ): “To Allah belong both, east and the west. He guides whom He wills to the straight way.”)

There are several other Ahadith on this subject. In summary, Allah’s Messenger was commanded to face Bayt Al-Maqdis (during the prayer) and he used to offer prayer towards it in Makkah between the two corners (of Ka`bah), so that the Ka`bah would be between him and Bayt Al-Maqdis8. When the Prophet migrated to Al-Madinah, this practice was no longer possible; then Allah commanded him to offer prayer towards Bayt Al-Maqdis, as Ibn Abbas and the majority of the scholars have stated.

Al-Bukhari reported in his Sahih that the news (of the change of Qiblah) was conveyed to some of the Ansar while they were performing the `Asr (Afternoon) prayer towards Bayt Al-Maqdis, upon hearing that, they immediately changed their direction and faced the Ka`bah.

It is reported in the Sahihayn (Al-Bukhari Muslim) that Ibn `Umar narrated: While the people were in Quba’ (Mosque) performing the Fajr (Dawn) prayer, a man came and said, “A (part of the) Qur’an was revealed tonight to Allah’s Messenger and he was commanded to face the Ka`bah. Therefore, face the Ka`bah. They were facing Ash-Sham, so they turned towards the Ka`bah.

These Hadiths prove that the Nasikh (a Text that abrogates a previous Text) only applies after one acquires knowledge of it, even if the Nasikh had already been revealed and announced. This is why the Companions mentioned above were not commanded to repeat the previous `Asr, Maghrib and `Isha’ prayers (although they had prayed them towards Jerusalem after Allah had changed the Qiblah). Allah knows best.

When the change of Qiblah (to Ka`bah in Makkah) occurred, those inflicted with hypocrisy and mistrust, and the disbelieving Jews, both were led astray from the right guidance and fell into confusion. They said:

(What has turned them (Muslims) from their Qiblah to which they used to face in prayer.)

They asked, “What is the matter with these people (Muslims) who one time face this direction (Jerusalem), and then face that direction (Makkah)” Allah answered their questions when He stated:

(Say (O Muhammad ): “To Allah belong both, east and the west.) meaning, the command, the decision and the authority are for Allah Alone. Hence:

(…so wherever you turn (yourselves or your faces) there is the Face of Allah (and He is High above, over His Throne).) (2:115),

and:

( It is not Al-Birr (piety, righteousness) that you turn your faces towards east and (or) west (in prayers); but Al-Birr is the one who believes in Allah.) (2:177) This statement means, the best act is to adhere to Allah’s commands. Hence, wherever He commands us to face, we should face. Also, since obedience requires implementing Allah’s commands, if He commands us every day to face different places, we are His servants and under His disposal, and we face whatever He orders us to face. Certainly, Allah’s care and kindness towards His servant and Messenger, Muhammad , and certainly, his Ummah (Muslim nation) is profoundly great. Allah has guided them to the Qiblah of (Prophet) Ibrahim — Allah’s Khalil (intimate friend). He has commanded them to face the Ka`bah, the most honorable house (of worship) on the face of the earth, which was built by Ibrahim Al-Khalil in the Name of Allah, the One without a partner. This is why Allah said afterwards:

(Say (O Muhammad ): “To Allah belong both, east and the west. He guides whom He wills to the straight way.”)

Imam Ahmad reported that `A’ishah (the Prophet’s wife) said that Allah’s Messenger said about the People of the Scripture (Jews and Christians):

(They do not envy us for a matter more than they envy us for Jumu`ah (Friday) to which Allah has guided us and from which they were led astray; for the (true) Qiblah to which Allah has directed us and from which they were led astray; and for our saying `Amin’ behind the Imam (leader of the prayer).)

The Jews had Knowledge that the (Muslim) Qiblah would later be changed

Allah stated that:

(Certainly, the people who were given the Scripture (i.e., Jews and the Christians) know well that, that (your turning towards the direction of the Ka`bah at Makkah in prayers) is the truth from their Lord.)

This Ayah means: The Jews, who did not like that you change your Qiblah from Bayt Al-Maqdis, already knew that Allah will command you (O Muhammad) to face the Ka`bah. The Jews read in their Books their Prophets’ description of Allah’s Messenger and his Ummah, and that Allah has endowed and honored him with the complete and honorable legislation. Yet, the People of the Book deny these facts because of their envy, disbelief and rebellion. This is why Allah threatened them when He said:

(And Allah is not unaware of what they do.)

(145. And even if you were to bring to the People of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) all the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), they would not follow your Qiblah (prayer direction), nor are you going to follow their Qiblah. And they will not follow each other’s Qiblah. Verily, if you follow their desires after that which you have received of knowledge (from Allah), then indeed you will be one of the wrongdoers.)

Why was changing the Qiblah mentioned thrice

This is a third command from Allah to face Al-Masjid Al-Haram (the Sacred Mosque) from every part of the world (during prayer). It was said that Allah mentioned this ruling again here because it is connected to whatever is before and whatever is after it. Hence, Allah first said:

(Verily, We have seen the turning of your (Muhammad’s) face towards the heaven. Surely, We shall turn you to a Qiblah (prayer direction) that shall please you) (2:144), until:

(Certainly, the people who were given the Scripture (i.e., Jews and the Christians) know well that, that (your turning towards the direction of the Ka`bah at Makkah in prayers) is the truth from their Lord. And Allah is not unaware of what they do.) (2:144)

Allah mentioned in these Ayat His fulfillment of the Prophet’s wish and ordered him to face the Qiblah that he liked and is pleased with. In the second command, Allah said:

(And from wheresoever you start forth (for prayers), turn your face in the direction of Al-Masid Al-Haram that is indeed the truth from your Lord. And Allah is not unaware of what you do.)

Therefore, Allah states here that changing the Qiblah is also the truth from Him, thus upgrading the subject more than in the first Ayah, in which Allah agreed to what His Prophet had wished for. Thus Allah states that this is also the truth from Him that He likes and is pleased with. In the third command, Allah refutes the Jewish assertion that the Prophet faced their Qiblah, as they knew in their Books that the Prophet will later on be commanded to face the Qiblah of Ibrahim, the Ka`bah. The Arab disbelievers had no more argument concerning the Prophet’s Qiblah after Allah commanded the Prophet to face the Qiblah of Ibrahim, which is more respected and honored, rather than the Qiblah of the Jews. The Arabs used to honor the Ka`bah and liked the fact that the Messenger was commanded to face it.

The First Abrogation in the Qur’an was about the Qiblah

`Ali bin Abu Talhah related that Ibn `Abbas narrated: The first abrogated part in the Qur’an was about the Qiblah. When Allah’s Messenger migrated to Al-Madinah, the majority of its people were Jews, and Allah commanded him to face Bayt Al-Maqdis. The Jews were delighted then. Allah’s Messenger faced it for ten and some months, but he liked to face the Qiblah of Ibrahim (Ka`bah in Makkah). He used to supplicate to Allah and look up to the sky (awaiting Allah’s command). Allah then revealed:

(Verily, We have seen the turning of your (Muhammad’s) face towards the heaven), until,

(turn your faces (in prayer) in that direction.)

The Jews did not like this ruling and said:

(“What has turned them (Muslims) from their Qiblah (prayer direction) to which they used to face in prayer.” Say (O Muhammad), “To Allah belong both, east and the west.”) (2:142)

Allah said:

(. ..so wherever you turn (yourselves or your faces) there is the Face of Allah) (2:115),

and:

(And We made the Qiblah (prayer direction towards Jerusalem) which you used to face, only to test those who followed the Messenger (Muhammad ) from those who would turn on their heels (i.e., disobey the Messenger).) (2:143)

The Wisdom behind abrogating the Previous Qiblah

Allah said:

(…so that men may have no argument against you)

Therefore, the People of the Book knew from the description of the Muslim Ummah that they would be ordered to face the Ka`bah. If the Muslims did not fit this description, the Jews would have used this fact against the Muslims. If the Muslims had remained on the Qiblah of Bayt Al-Maqdis, which was also the Qiblah of the Jews, this fact could have been used as the basis of argument by the Jews against other people.

Allah’s Statement:

(…except those of them that are wrongdoers,) indicates the Mushrikin (polytheists) of Quraysh. The reasoning of these unjust persons was the unsound statement: “This man (Muhammad) claims that he follows the religion of Ibrahim! Hence, if his facing Bayt Al-Maqdis was a part of the religion of Ibrahim, why did he change it” The answer to this question is that Allah has chosen His Prophet to face Bayt Al-Maqdis first for certain wisdom, and he obeyed Allah regarding this command. Then, Allah changed the Qiblah to the Qiblah of Ibrahim, which is the Ka`bah, and he also obeyed Allah in this command. He, obeys Allah in all cases and never engages in the defiance of Allah even for an instant, and his Ummah imitates him in this.

Allah said:

(. ..so fear them not, but fear Me!) meaning: `Do not fear the doubts that the unjust, stubborn persons raise and fear Me Alone.’ Indeed, Allah Alone deserves to be feared.

Allah said:

(…so that I may complete My blessings on you.)

This Ayah relates to Allah’s statement:

(…so that men may have no argument against you), meaning: I will perfect My bounty on you by legislating for you to face the Ka`bah, so that the (Islamic) Shari`ah (law) is complete in every respect. Allah said:

(…that you may be guided.), meaning: `To be directed and guided to what the nations have been led astray from, We have guided you to it and preferred you with it.’ This is why this Ummah is the best and most honored nation ever.

The Jews breach the Sanctity of the Sabbath : Tafsir Ibn Kathir

Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged) – Al Baqarah surah 2 © Darussalam 2000

The Prescription of the Sabbath for the Jews

There is no doubt that for every nation, Allah prescribed one day of the week for people to gather to worship Him. For this Ummah He prescribed Friday, because it is the sixth day, on which Allah completed and perfected His creation. On this day He gathered and completed His blessings for His servants. It was said that Allah prescribed this day for the Children of Israel through His Prophet Musa, but they changed it and chose Saturday because it was the day on which the Creator did not create anything, as He had completed His creation on Friday. Allah made observance of the Sabbath obligatory for them in the laws of the Tawrah (Torah), telling them to keep the Sabbath. At the same time, He told them to follow Muhammad when he was sent, and took their promises and covenant to that effect. Hence Allah says:

(The Sabbath was only prescribed for those who differed concerning it,) Mujahid said: “They observed the Sabbath (Saturday) and ignored Friday.” Then they continued to observe Saturday until Allah sent `Isa bin Maryam. It was said that he told them to change it to Sunday, and it was also said that he did not forsake the laws of the Tawrah except for a few rulings which were abrogated, and he continued to observe the Sabbath until he was taken up (into heaven). Afterwards, the Christians at the time of Constantine were the ones who changed it to Sunday in order to be different from the Jews, and they started to pray towards the east instead of facing the Dome (i.e., Jerusalem). And Allah knows best. It was reported in the Two Sahihs that Abu Hurayrah heard the Messenger of Allah say:

(We are the last, but we will be the first on the Day of Resurrection, even though they were given the Book before us. This is the day that Allah obligated upon them, but they differed concerning it. Allah guided us to this day, and the people observe their days after us, the Jews on the following day and the Christians on the day after that.) This version was recorded by Al-Bukhari. It was reported that Abu Hurayrah and Hudhayfah said that the Messenger of Allah said:

(Allah let the people who came before us stray from Friday, so the Jews had Saturday and the Christians had Sunday. Then Allah brought us and guided us to Friday. So now there are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, thus they will follow us on the Day of Resurrection. We are the last of the people of this world, but will be the first on the Day of Resurrection, and will be the first to be judged, before all of creation.) It was reported by Muslim.

The Jews breach the Sanctity of the Sabbath

(2.65. And indeed you knew those amongst you who transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath (i.e. Saturday). We said to them: “Be you monkeys, despised and rejected.”) (66. So We made this punishment an example for those in front of it and those behind it, and a lesson for Al-Muttaqin (the pious.)

Allah said,

(And indeed you knew). This Ayah means, O Jews! Remember that Allah sent His torment on the village that disobeyed Him and broke their pledge and their covenant to observe the sanctity of the Sabbath. They began using deceitful means to avoid honoring the Sabbath by placing nets, ropes and artificial pools of water for the purpose of fishing before the Sabbath. When the fish came in abundance on Saturday as usual, they were caught in the ropes and nets for the rest of Saturday. During the night, the Jews collected the fish after the Sabbath ended.

When they did that, Allah changed them from humans into monkeys, the animals having the form closest to humans. Their evil deeds and deceit appeared lawful on the surface, but they were in reality wicked. This is why their punishment was compatible with their crime. This story is explained in detail in Surat Al-A`raf, where Allah said (7:163),

(And ask them (O Muhammad ) about the town that was by the sea; when they transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath (i.e. Saturday): when their fish came to them openly on the Sabbath day, and did not come to them on the day they had no Sabbath. Thus We made a trial of them, for they used to rebel (disobey Allah).)(7:163)

In his Tafsir, Al-`Awfi reported from Ibn `Abbas that he said,

(We said to them: “Be you monkeys, despised and rejected”) means, “Allah changed their bodies into those of monkeys and swines. The young people turned into monkeys while the old people turned into swine.” Shayban An-Nahwi reported that Qatadah commented on,

(We said to them: “Be you monkeys, despised and rejected”), “These people were turned into howling monkeys with tails, after being men and women.”

The Monkeys and Swine that exist now are not the Descendants of Those that were transformed

Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Ibn `Abbas said, “Those who violated the sanctity of the Sabbath were turned into monkeys, then they perished without offspring.” Ad-Dahhak said that Ibn `Abbas said, “Allah turned them into monkeys because of their sins. They only lived on the earth for three days, for no transformed person ever lives more than three days. They did not eat, drink or have offspring. Allah transformed their shapes into monkeys, and He does what He wills, with whom He wills and He changes the shape of whomever He wills. On the other hand, Allah created the monkeys, swines and the rest of the creation in the six days (of creation) that He mentioned in His Book.”

Allah’s statement,

(So We made this punishment an example) means, Allah made the people of this village, who violated the sanctity of the Sabbath,

(an example) via the way they were punished. Similarly, Allah said about Pharaoh,

(So Allah, seized him with punishing example for his last and first transgression) (79:25). nAllah’s statement,

(for those in front of it and those behind it) meaning, for the other villages. Ibn `Abbas commented, “Meaning, `We made this village an example for the villages around it by the manner in which We punished its people.”’ Similarly, Allah said,

(And indeed We have destroyed towns (populations) round about you, and We have (repeatedly) shown (them) the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) in various ways that they might return (to the truth and believe in the Oneness of Allah ـ Islamic Monotheism)).(46:27)

Therefore, Allah made them an example for those who lived during their time as well as a reminder for those to come, by preserving their story. This is why Allah said,

(and a lesson for Al-Muttaqin (the pious)), meaning, a reminder. This Ayah means, “The torment and punishment that this village suffered was a result of indulging in Allah’s prohibitions and their deceit. Hence, those who have Taqwa should be aware of their evil behavior, so that what occurred to this village does not befall them as well.” Also, Imam Abu `Abdullah bin Battah reported that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah said,

(Do not commit what the Jews committed, breaching what Allah has forbidden, by resorting to the lowest types of deceit.)

This Hadith has a good (Jayid) chain of narration. Allah knows best.

An-Nur (The Light): One of Allaah’s Names – Dr. Saleh as Saleh & Imam Ibn Kathir

Shaykh Abdur-Rahman ibn as-Sa’di :

The Light of the heavens and the earth, the One Who illuminates the hearts of the gnostics with knowledge of Him, faith in Him and His guidance. He is the One Who has lighted the heavens and the earth with lights that He has placed therein. His veil is light and were He to uncover it then the Face of the Glorious would burn everything from the creation that His Sight fell upon.

“Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The parable of His Light is as if there were a niche and within it a lamp, the lamp is in a glass, and the glass as if it were a brilliant star, lit from a blessed tree, an olive, neither of the east or of the west, whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself) even though no fire touches it. Light upon light! Allah guides to His Light whom He Wills. Allah sets forth parables for mankind, and Allah Knows everything.” (24:35)

Dr. Saleh As-Saleh (rahimahullaah):

Excerpt:

Those who negate Allaah’s Attribute of An-Nur erred by thinking that if they would affirm the Attribute of An-Nur, it would mean that Allaah is the light falling upon walls and gardens, etc.! The fact however is that the created light is an effect of the Attribute of An-Nur. We know that Ar-Rahmah (Mercy) is an Attribute of Allaah established with Him. The rahmah (mercy) present on earth is an effect of Allaah’s Attribute of Ar-Rahmah separted from Him. The knowledge of the creature is a distinct and separate effect of Allaah’s Attribute of Knowledge. The saying of ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud does not mean or imply that the light on walls and on the surface of the earth is the essence of the Light of Allaah’s most honourable Face.”

Read the full article: Explaining the Meaning of An-Nur (The Light) One of Allaah’s Names – 16 Pages – by Dr. Saleh As-Saleh [PDF]

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Noorus-Samaawaati Wal-Ardh (Light of the Heavens and the Earth)

Allah says:as-s

“Allah is the Light of the Heavens and the Earth. the parable of His light is as if therewere a niche and within it a lamp; the lamp is in a glass, the glass as it were a brilliant star, lit from a blessed tree, an olive, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow forth of itself, though no fire touched it. Light upon Light! Allah guides to His Light whom He wills. And Allah sets forth parables for mankind, and Allah is All-Knower of everything.” [An-Noor 24:35]

The Prophet Muhammad sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said:

Oh Allah for You is the praise and You are the Light of the Heavens and the Earth and all therein… [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

This is a great Attribute since it describes the One Possessing Majesty and Honor and deserving of glorification and praise and Who if He were to remove the veil from His Noble Countenance all that would be exposed to it in the creation would be disintegrated and His Light would illuminate all the creation and it is the Light from his Countenance that brings light to all darkness and that lights up the Arsh, the Kursi and the seven levels of heaven, indeed all the universe.

His Light is of two types:

1. That which is perceived (hissee) such as the light that emanates from the universe and that would not exist without His light.
2. The spiritual (ma’nawee) which reaches the hearts and the hearing and the vision and that constitutes the light for the slaves in this life and the next.

“Allah guides with His Light whom He wills”. And just as Allah has mentioned, He is the Light of the Heavens and the Earth, He has also called His Book and His Messenger and the Revelation light. – As-Sadee

What must be avoided are the excesses of the Sufis who went too far and did not distinguish between Light as a description of the self and the light of faith and knowledge. Due to worshipping and deifying without complete knowledge some among them perceived the light that comes to the heart from the sincere worship of Allah meant that the person themselves became a part of Allah or had a part of Allah the Most Holy in them so much incorrect and ugly speech emanated from them due to delusion and ignorance in this regard and Allah is Most High and free from what they wrongly attributed to Him.

The people of knowledge however distinguished between the Light that is a part of Allah and His Attribute and the light given to the creation both perceived and spiritual. The believer who perfects his faith is given light in his heart from Allah so that he sees the reality of things and he can clearly distinguish between falsehood and truth until it becomes a part of his life and his power toward good in knowledge and action. He is cleared of doubts and confusion and gets knowledge and clarity and is freed from lusts and negligence and darkness. His speech and actions are characterized as light and he is surrounded by it, while the disbeliever or the hypocrite, the rebellious and unmindful wander about confused and in darkness and all this is due to what they have themselves done .

The Parable of the Light of Allah

[The following is from Tafsir Ibn Kathir]

`Ali bin Abi Talhah reported that Ibn `Abbas said:

(Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth.) means, the Guide of the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth. Ibn Jurayj said: “Mujahid and Ibn `Abbas said concerning the Ayah:

(Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth.) He is controlling their affairs and their stars and sun and moon.” As-Suddi said concerning the Ayah:

(Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth.) by His Light the heavens and earth are illuminated. In the Two Sahihs, it is recorded that Ibn `Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “When the Messenger of Allah got up to pray at night, he would say:

(O Allah, to You be praise, You are the Sustainer of heaven and earth and whoever is in them. To You be praise, You are the Light of the heavens and the earth and whoever is in them. ) It was narrated that Ibn Mas`ud said, “There is no night or day with your Lord; the Light of the Throne comes from the Light of His Face.”

(The parable of His Light) There are two views concerning the meaning of the pronoun (His). The first is that it refers to Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, meaning that the parable of His guidance in the heart of the believer is

(as a niche) This was the view of Ibn `Abbas. The second view is that the pronoun refers to the believer, which is indicated by the context of the words and implies that the parable of the light in the heart of the believer is as a niche. So the heart of the believer and what he is naturally inclined to of guidance and what he learns of the Qur’an which is in accordance with his natural inclinations are, as Allah says:

(Can they who rely on a clear proof from their Lord, and whom a witness from Him recites it (can they be equal with the disbelievers)) [11:17]. The heart of the believer in its purity and clarity is likened to a lamp in transparent and jewel-like glass, and the Qur’an and Shari`ah by which it is guided are likened to good, pure, shining oil in which there is no impurity or deviation.

(as (if there were) a niche) Ibn `Abbas, Mujahid, Muhammad bin Ka`b and others said, “This refers to the position of the wick in the lamp.” This is well-known, and hence Allah then says:

(and within it a lamp.) This is the flame that burns brightly. Or it was said that the niche is a niche in the house. This is the parable given by Allah of obedience towards Him. Allah calls obedience to Him as light, then He calls it by other numerous names as well. Ubayy bin Ka`b said, “The lamp is the light, and this refers to the Qur’an and the faith that is in his heart.” As-Suddi said, “It is the lamp.”

(the lamp is in a glass,) means, this light is shining in a clear glass. Ubayy bin Ka`b and others said, “This is the likeness of the heart of the believer.”

(the glass as it were a star Durriyyun,) Some authorities recite the word Durriyyun with a Dammah on the Dal and without a Hamzah, which means pearls, i.e., as if it were a star made of pearls (Durr). Others recite it as Dirri’un or Durri’un, with a Kasrah on the Dal, or Dammah on the Dal, and with a Hamzah at the end, which means reflection (Dir’), because if something is shone on the star it becomes brighter than at any other time. The Arabs call the stars they do not know Darari. Ubayy bin Ka`b said: a shining star. Qatadah said: “Huge, bright and clear.”

(lit from a blessed tree,) means, it is derived from olive oil, from a blessed tree.

(an olive,) This refers to the blessed tree mentioned previously.

(neither of the east nor of the west,) means, it is not in the eastern part of the land so that it does not get any sun in the first part of the day, nor is it in the western part of the land so that it is shaded from the sun before sunset, but it is in a central position where it gets sun from the beginning of the day until the end, so its oil is good and pure and shining. Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Ibn `Abbas commented on:

(an olive, neither of the east nor of the west,) “This is a tree in the desert which is not shaded by any other tree or mountain or cave, nothing covers it, and this is best for its oil.” Mujahid commented on:

(neither of the east nor of the west, ) saying; “It is not in the east where it will get no sun when the sun sets, nor is it in the west where it will get no sun when the sun rises, but it is in a position where it will get sun both at sunrise and sunset.” Sa`id bin Jubayr commented:

(an olive, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself)) “This is the best kind of oil. When the sun rises it reaches the tree from the east and when it sets it reaches it from the west, so the sun reaches it morning and evening, so it is not counted as being in the east or in the west.”

(whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself), though no fire touched it.) `Abdur-Rahman bin Zayd bin Aslam said (this means) because the oil itself is shining.

(Light upon Light!) Al-`Awfi narrated from Ibn `Abbas that this meant the faith and deeds of a person. As-Suddi said:

(Light upon Light!) “Light of the fire and the light of the oil: when they are combined they give light, and neither of them can give light without the other. Similarly the light of the Qur’an and the light of faith give light when they are combined, and neither can do so without the other.”

(Allah guides to His Light whom He wills.) means, Allah shows the way to the ones whom He chooses, as it says in the Hadith recorded by Imam Ahmad from `Abdullah bin `Amr, who said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah say:

(Allah created His creation in darkness, then on the same day He sent His Light upon them. Whoever was touched by His Light on that day will be guided and whoever was missed will be led astray. Hence I say: the pens have dried in accordance with the knowledge of Allah, may He be glorified.)”

(And Allah sets forth parables for mankind, and Allah is All-Knower of everything.) Having mentioned this parable of the Light of His guidance in the heart of the believer, Allah ends this Ayah with the words:

(And Allah sets forth parables for mankind, and Allah is All-Knower of everything.) meaning, He knows best who deserves to be guided and who deserves to be led astray. Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri said, “The Messenger of Allah said:

(Hearts are of four kinds: the heart that is clear like a shining lamp; the heart that is covered and tied up; the heart that is upside-down; and the heart that is clad in armor. As for the clear heart, it is the heart of the believer in which is a lamp filled with light; as for the covered heart, this is the heart of the disbeliever; as for the upside-down heart, this is the heart of the hypocrite, who recognizes then denies; as for the armor-clad heart, this is the heart in which there is both faith and hypocrisy. The parable of the faith in it is that of legume, a sprout that is irrigated with good water, and the likeness of the hypocrisy in it is that of sores that are fed by blood and pus. Whichever of the two prevails is the characteristic that will dominate.) Its chain of narrators is good (Jayyid) although they (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) did not record it.

Taken From Tafsir ibn Kathir

Preserving the Usool : Shaikh al-Uthaimeen

Shaikh Muhammad Bin Saalih al-Uthaimeen [1] – from the Book Tuqrîbut-Tadmuriyyah (pp.7.14)

Source: Al-Ibaanah Magazine, Issue No.2 – Rabi’ul-Awwal 1416H / August 1995

The Messenger of Allaah explained to the people -completely and clearly-what their Lord had revealed for them; both the detailed matters and the important ones, the apparent matters and the hidden ones, to such an extent that he taught them what they needed to know with respect to matters of eating, drinking, marriage, clothing and housing. So he taught them the ettiquettes of eating, drinking and relieving one’s self; the ettiquettes of marriage; the ettiquettes of clothing and of entering and leaving the house – just as he taught them what they needed to know with regard to the worship of Allaah -The Mighty and Majestic-such as purification, Prayer, Zakaah, fasting, Pilgrimage and other than this.

He taught them what they needed to know with regard to the social behaviour with the people, such as kindness to parents, keeping ties of kinship, good companionship with friends and neighbours and other than this.He taught them how to conduct themselves in matters of buying and selling, pawning, leaving deposits, leasing, renting, giving and receiving donations, and other such matter, to such an extent that Abu Dharr(radhi Allaahu anhu) said: “Indeed the Messenger of Allaah passed away and there is not a bird flapping its wings in the sky, except that he mentioned to us some knowledge about it” (2)

Foundations of the Deen

Salmaan al-Farsee (radhi Allaahu anhu) narrated that it was said to him:Your Prophet has taught you everything, even how to relieve yourselves?So he said to them:”Yes indeed! And he has prohibited us from facing the qiblah (direction of prayer) whilst relieving ourselves…”(3) Along with this, he also taught them the foundation of all these acts of worship, manners and social interactions.

This foundation being what the worshippers hold as ‘aqeedah (belief) concerning Allaah-the deity who is worshipped and who alone deservs to be worshippped -regarding His Dhaat (Essence), His Names, His Attributes and His Actions, and what follows from this regard to His Universal Laws and His prescribed Laws, which is based upon His ultimate Wisdom and utmost mercy.The Companions learnt all this from the Prophet, clearly and without any ambiguity, and all this was built upon the complete “Tawheed” of Allaah (to single out Allaah alone for worship), having as its foundations two great pillars: Affirmation and Negation.

As for affirmation: It is affirming what is due to Allaah-the Most High-from the rights of His Lordship, worship, and His names, attributes and actions.

As for negation: Then it is negating any partners to Allaah-the Most High-in all that is due to Him.

The People of Sunnah

Those who followed in goodness (ie in aqeedah and manhaj) from those who reached the period of the companions , or those who came after them from the Imaams of guidance-who deserved the Pleasure of Allaah – remained upon this path, as Allaah-the Most High-said:

“The first to embrace Islaam from the Muhaajireen(those who migrated from Makkah to al-Madeenah) and the Ansaar(those who lived in al-Madeenah and aided them after migration) and those who follow them in goodness(correct aqeedah and manhaj).Allaah is well pleased with them, as they are well pleased with Him.He has prepared for them Gardens beneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever.This is the suporeme achievement”(4)

Then they were followed by those who came later, being blind to the truth, or pretending to be blind to the truth.So they went astray and led others astray either due to inabilities or shortcomings, or due to enmity and oppression. They innovated in the Deen of Allaah -the Most High – that which did not belong to it, in matters of aqeedah (beliefs), ibaadah (acts of worship) and sulook (manners).They did this by altering the texts of the Book and the Sunnah; and of it was possible, they rejected them entirely!

Brief History of the Innovated Sects

Shaykh ul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah ( d.728H) said: “And know that most of the innovations connected to ‘uloom(sciences) and acts of worship occured in this Ummah at the end of the period of the Rightly guided Khaleefahs; just asa the Prophet informed, when he said: “Those of you who live long after me will see a great deal of differences. So Hold fast to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the Rightly Guided Khaleefahs after me”…So when the period of the Rightly Guided Khaleefahs had passed and the rule of kingship appeared, deficiencies appeared in the leaders, and therefore deficiency spread also to the people of knowledge and Deen.So during the end of the rule of ‘Alee (radhi Allaahu anhu) – the innovation of the Khwaarij (5) and Raafidah (6) appeared; this being connected to the issue of leadership and khilaafah, and what was connected to this from actions and Shareeah rulings.

The kingship of Mu’aawiyah was a kingship of mercy, so when it passed, the rule of Yazeed came and fitnah (trials and discord) took place within it: the killling of al-Husayn in Iraaq, the fitnah of the people of Hurrah in al-Madeenah and the seige of Makkah when ‘Abdullah ibn az-Zubayr made his stand. Then Yazeed passed away and the Ummah split-up. Ibn az-Zubayr in the Hijaaz, Banu Hakam in ash-Shaam (Syria, Jordan and Palestine) and the jump to power of Mukhtaar ibn Abee’Ubayd and others in ‘Iraaq. All of this took place at the end of the period of the Companions, when there only remained the likes of ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abaas, ‘Abdullah ibn Umar, Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullah, Abu Saeed al-Khudree and others. The innovations of the Qadarriyah (7) and the Murjiah (8) then occured and it was refused by those Companions who remained, as they had, along with others, refuted the innovations of the Khawaarij and the Raafidah.

A Brief Summary

Ibn al-Qayyim (d.751H) (rahimahhullaah) said: “The innovation of the Qadariyyah started at the end of the period of the Companions. So those that remained at the end of the periods of the Companions.So those who remained at that time, such as ‘Abdullah ibn Umar, Ibn Abbas, and their like, oppsed and refuted it. Then the innovation of the Murjiah occured, after the period of the Companions, so those of the major ‘Tabiyoon who faced it, refuted it.Then came the innovation of the ‘Jahyimmah’ (9) after the passing away of the Tabbi’oon. Its evil reached alarming proportions and the matter had become dire during the age of the Imaams such as Ahmad (d.241H) and those with him.There appeared after this, the innovation of hulool (incarnation), this appeared with, and in the time of al-Hallaaj.

So whenever Shaytaan brought about an innovation from these innovations, or from other than them, Allaah established from His party an army, those who refuted it and warned the Muslims against it-all for the sake of sincerity and sincere advice for Allaah, His book, His Messenger and the people of Islaam”(11)

Compilation of the Aqeedah

Al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr (d.852H) (rahimahhullaah) said: “From that which occured was:compilation of hadeeth, then tafseer, then the compilation of issues of fiqh (jurisprudence) eminating from pure opinion, and then the compilation of matters related to actions of the heart.

As for the firts matter; it was opposed by ‘Umaar, Abu Moosaa and a few others whilst the majority allowed it. As for the second:It was oppsed by a group from the Tabioon such as Imaam ash-Sha’bee(d.104H) and a small group. Imaam Ahmad’s opposition of this intensified.

Also from that which occured was the compilation of the sayings about Usool ud-Deen (fundamentals of the Deen). Some embarked to affirm it (ie the attributes of Allaah), whilst others negated it. The former went to the extent of making tashbeeh (resembling Allaah to his creation), whilst the latter went to the extent of making ta’teel (denying the attributes of Allah). The rejection of this from the Salaf such as Abu Haneefah(d.150H), Abu Yoosuf(d.182H) and ash-Shaafiee(d.204H), and their sayings with regards to censuring the people of Kalaam (philosphical speech and theology) is well known. The reason for such censure was that the people of ‘Kalaaam’ spoke about those matters which both the Prophet and his Companions remained quiet about. It is established from Maalik(d.179H) that there did not exist at the time of the Prophet nor that of AbuBakr (radhi Allaahu anhu) or Umar (radhi Allaahu anhu), anything from these desires – meaning: the innovation of the Khawaarij, the Raafidah and the Qadiriyyah. Indeed, those who came after the first three excellent generations expanded upon matters which the Imaams of the Tabioon and those who followed them, rejected.

The people of Kalaam did not content themselves, until they filled the Deen with issues and the sayings of the philosphers. They made this philoshopy the basis and the fundamental principle to which everything was refered back to, and all that which opposed it from the narrations (of the Prophet, his Companions and the Salaf who followd them) then ta’weel (false interpretation ) was made of them, even if they were averse to the result. Nor did they content themselves with just this.They claimed that what they had compiled was the noblest branch of knowledge and the most deserving to be acquired; and that those who did not use what they had laid down, then they were from the laymen and the ignorant ones.

So delight is for the one who clings to what the Salaf were upon, and distances himself from the innovations that the khalaf (the latecomers who oppsed the aqeedah and manhaj of the Salaf) introduced.However, if one cannot keep away from it, then let him take only that which he needs and let the way of the Salaf be his intended goal.”(12)

Notes

(1)From the Shayk’s introduction to his book:Taqreebut-Tadmuriyyah (pp.7-14) -slightl edited.

(2) Saheeh:Related by Ahmad (5/153), at-Tiyaalasee(n0.479)and at-Tabaranee in al-Kabeer(no.1647).Its isnaad is saheeh)

(3)Related by Muslim(1/152) and Abu Dawood(no.8)

(4)Soorah at-Tawbah 9:100

(5)The Khawaarij were the first sect in Islam to split from the way of the Prophet and his Companions.They arose in the khilaafah of ‘Alee (radhi Allaahu anhu) making khurooj (rebellion) against him, before the arbitration between him and Muawiyah (radhi Allaahu anhu).From their false aqeedah (beliefs) is:allowing rebellion against the legitimate Muslim ruler-whether pious or wicked , and declaring the Muslim to be kaafir (disbeliever) due to a commission of a major sin. They were discussed by the Prophet as the Dogs of Hellfire. Refer to Maqaalaatul-Islaamiyeen(1/168) of Abul-Hasan ash-Asharee, al-Bidaayah(8/22-44) of Ibn Katheer and Fathul-Baree(12/282-302) of Ibn Hajr.

(6) The Raafidah (the rejectors) are an extreme sect of the Sheeah who rejected Zayd ibn Alee ibn ‘Alee ibn al-Husayn due to his refusal to condemn Abu Bakr and Umar (radhi Allaahu anhu).They rapidly deteriorated in ‘aqeedah’, morals and Deen-until the present day-where their beliefs are those represented by the Ithna Ashariyyah Shee’ahs of Iraan. From their false beliefs are: declaring all but three or five of the companions to be disbelievers, the belief that their imaams have knowledge of the Unseen past, present and future, considering the imaamah to be one of the main pillars of eemaan (faith) and the incompleteness of the Quraan. Refer to: Maqalaatul-Islamiyeen (1/65), al-Farq baynal-Firaq (no.21) of Abdul-Qaahir al-Baghdaadee and Talbees Iblees (pp.94-100) of Ibn ul-Jawzee.

(7)The Qadariyyah are the follwers of Mabad ibn al-Juhanee, and from their false beliefs are; that Allah has no prior knowledge of anything until it come into existence; that it is people -and not Allah -who are creators of their own actions, denying aqeedah in the Punishment of the Grave, and denying that the authentic hadeeth is an evidence for the aqeedah, unless it is related in mutaawatir form. Refer to al-Milal wan-Nihal(1/72) of ash-Shahrastaanee and Sawnul-Mantaq wal-Kalaam (p.160) of as-Suyotee.

(8) The Murjiaah are those who reject that actions are a part of eemaan (faith) and they say that eemaan is affirmation of the heart and atatement of the tingue only.The extreme from amonngst them limit eemaan to belief of the heart only .They also deny that eemaan increases and decreases.Refer to al-Maqaalat (1/214) and al-Farq baynal-Firaq (p.202)

(9) The Jahyimmah are the followers of Jahm ibn Safwaan, who unleashed upon this Ummah the horrific innovation of ta’teel (denial of Allah’s attributes) either directly, or by twisting the meaning of Hand of Allah to mean:His power and generosity. They also deny that Allah is above creation, above His Throne, as well as holding the belief that Paradise and Hellfire are not ever-lasting. Refer to ar-Radd ‘alal-Jahyimmah by Imaam Ahmad and also ad-Daarimee and al-Ibaanah (p.141) of Abdul-Hasan al-Assharee.

(10) Majmooul-Fataawaa (10/354-368) of Ibn Taymiyyah.

(11) Tadheeb Sunan Abee Dawood (7/61) of Ibn al-Qayyim.

(12) FathulBaree (13/253) of Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalaanee.

(13) Ar-Radd ‘alal-Jahyimmah waz-Zaanadiqah( p.2) of Imaam Ahmad.

Rites of Hajj and Umrah : Shaykh Al-Albaani

Rites of Hajj and Umrah Manaasik-ul-Hajj wal ‘Umrah
from the Book and Sunnah and Narrations from the Pious Predecessors fil Kitaab wa Sunnah wa Athar as-Salaf
Shaikh Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaani

Table of Contents

  • Advice for those about to do Hajj
  • Assuming Ihram
  • The Meeqaats
  • The Prophets order to perform Hajj ut-tamattu
  • Prayer in Wadee ul-Aqeeq
  • Talbeeyah and raising the voice
  • Ghusl for entring Makka
  • Tawwaf of Qudoom (arrival)
  • Iltizaam between the corner and the door
  • Sa’ee between Safa and Marwa
  • Ihlaal (calling aloudd with talbeeyah) for Hajj on yaum ut tarwiiyyah
  • Proceeding to Arafah
  • Fajr prayer in Muzdalifah
  • The Stoning
  • The Sacrifice
  • Staying overnight in Mina
  • The farewell Tawaaf (tawaaf alwadaa’)
  • Footnotes

Shaikh Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaani was born in the Ashkodera, capital of Albania in 1914 C.E. While he was young his parents migrated with him to Damascus, Syria. From an early age he became fascinated by the sciences of Hadith and thereafter spent his time devoted to seeking the knowledge. In later life he was given professorship of Hadith at the Islamic University of Madinah. He is well known to students and scholars for his knowledge and writings. He has many well-known students and has visited places throughout the MiddleeEast and Europe. He was forced to migrate to Syria to Jordan, then to Syria, then to Lebanon, then to the Emirates, then finally back to Jordan. He has been of enormous service to the Prophetic Hadith, taking great pains to check and sort out the authentic from the weak and fabricated narrations. He has produced many pamphlets and books, some of them running into many volumes – on topics of great importance to Muslims – and has fully checked many of the famous books of Hadith – the Sunan of Tirmidhee, Aboo Daawood, An-Nasaa’ee and Ibn Maajah, along with Suyootis huge ‘Jaami su-Sugheer’ and Mishkat ul-Masaabeeh’. He is the foremost scholar of Hadith and related science of this age.

Text of Translation

Verily all praise is for Allaah, we praise Him and seek His aid, and we ask for His forgiveness, and we seek refuge in Allaah from the evils of our own selves and from our evil deeds. Whomsoever Allaah has guided, none can misguide him, and whomsoever Allaah has mis- guided, none can guide him, and I testify that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, without any partner, and I testify that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.

To proceed,

Verily the desire to make Knowledge easily accessible to the public has called me to explain the rites of Hajj and to do that by extracting these from my original book: “the Hajj of the Prophet as narrated by Jaabir radhi Allaahu anhu “ – in the same way that I produced an abridgement of my book on the Prophet’s manner of Prayer – except that I have here in included many important additions not found in the original – and I have been careful to record their source and authenticity – along with other additions with I have added in accordance with the method used in my other books as regards quoting the standard Hadith along with its source – in abridged form – while usually referring the reader to my other books – some of which have been published and some of which have not. As for what is to be found in my original book on Hajj, then I have not quoted the sources in full herein – regarding it as sufficient that reader should refer back to the original as it is widely available to the honorable readers – so anyone who wishes to check on such a point will find it easy to refer back to and I will refer to it as ‘The Original’. And to add to the usefulness of the book I have ended it with a brief mention of the innovations connected with Hajj and visiting Madinah.

And I have called it “The Rites of Hajj and ‘Umrah” from the Book and the Sunnah and Narrations from the Pious Predecessors.

I ask Allaah the Blessed and Most High to make all my work good and sincerely for His Face and that should be no sharer in that with Him.

Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaani

Damascus, 21st Sha’baan 1395


Advice for those about to perform Hajj

These are some pieces of advice and useful points which I offer to our brothers about to make Hajj.

Firstly. The pilgrim must fear his lord by obedience to Him, and must be very careful not to fall into that which Allaah has forbidden as Allaah ta’la says:

<<For Hajj are the months well-known. If anyone undertaken that duty therein, let there be no obscenity nor wrangling in the Hajj.>>

[Surat-al-Baqarah ayah 197]

And the prophet said:

He who performs Hajj and does not speak obscenely or commit evil then he returns from his sins just as the day his mother gave birth to him“,

and if he did so then his Hajj would be accepted and Rasoolullaah said:

The accepted Hajj – there is no less a reward for it than Paradise” (1)

So he must be aware of what many are affected by because of their ignorance or misguidance:

(A) Directing any form of worship to other than Allaah (shirk). And we have seen many of the people falling into shirk – like praying fro the removal of distress or aid from the Prophets and the pious instead of from Allaah alone, and their taking oath by them in veneration of them – so by their actions they completely nullify their Hajj. As Allaah ta’ala says:(Soorat-ul-Zumar ayah 65)

<<If you were to join gods with Allaah, truly fruitless will be you work (in life).>>

(B) Some men shaving off their beards – as it is a sinful deed – and doing it involves four separate sins – as I have explained in ‘The Original’.

(C) The wearing of gold rings by men – and this is Haraam – even more so those which are known as wedding-rings as that includes the further sin of imitating the Christians.

Secondly. Everyone who intends to make Hajj and has not brought the sacrificial animal (Hadee) with him (2) then he should intend to perform Hajj of Tamattu’ [see the Glossary] – as the Prophet ordered his companions to do in the end, and as he became angry when some did not immediately carry out this order to change the intention from Hajj to an ‘Umrah and he صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم said: “I have entered the `Umarah into the Hajj until the Day of Resurrection”, and when some of the Companions asked whether he had done that only for that year or forever, the Prophet joined his fingers together and said: “I have entered the ‘Umrah into the Hajj until the Day of Resurrection, not just for a time, rather forever.(3) And because of this he ordered Fatimah and also all his wives – may Allah be pleased with them all – to leave the state of iHraam after finishing the ‘Umrah, and therefore Ibn ‘Abaas رضي الله عنه used to say: Whomsoever makes tawaaf of the House – then he has left iHraam – the Sunnah of your Prophet – even if you are averse to it.(4) So everyone who has not brought the sacrificial animal with him, should call out that he is going to make ‘Umrah – in the three months of Hajj, and he who has declared his intention to do Hajj Mufrad (Hajj on its own) or Hajj Qaarin then hears of the Prophet to change it ‘Umrah – then he should quickly obey even after reaching Makkah and Sa’ee between Safaa and Marwah – then he should leave the state of iHraam – then declare the intention for Hajj on the Day of Tarwiyyah – the 8th of Dhul Hijjah.

<<O you who believe! Give you response to Allaah and His Messenger, when He calls you to that which will give you life…>>[Soorat-ul-Anfal ayah 24].

Thirdly. You must not leave off staying the night at Mina on the night before ‘Arafah as it is obligatory (waajib) – the Prophet did it and ordered it with his saying:

Take from me your rites of pilgrimage.”

And you must also stay the night at Muzdalifah until you pray Fajr prayer, and if you miss this staying then you must at least pray Fajr there – as that is even more obligatory – rather it is one of the rukn (pillar) of Hajj according to the most correct saying according to the scholars – except upon the woman and the weak – for it has been allowed for them to leave after half of the night has passed.

Fourthly. And be very careful not to walk directly in front of anyone praying in the Haraam mosque, not to speak of other mosques and prying places as the Prophet said:

“If the one walking between the hands of one praying knew what were upon him then it would be better for him to stand still for forty (…) than that he should walk between his hands.

[Maalik, al-Bukhaaree, Muslim, the 4 Sunan of Abu Juhaim].

And this is a general text covering everyone walking in front, and everyone praying – and there is no authentic Hadith to make any exception for the one doing so in the Haraam Masjid – and you should pray therein like any other place towards a sutrah – according to the general nature of the Hadith regarding that – and there are also some narrations from the Companions particularly about the Masjid-ul-Haraam – which I have mentioned in ‘The Original’.

Fifthly. The people of knowledge should teach the pilgrims the rites of Hajj and its commands according to the Book and the Sunnah whenever meeting with them, and that should not stop them from calling to Tawheed which is the essence of Islaam and was the reason for sending of the Prophets, and the sending down of revealed books, as most of the people whom we have met – even some of those who are supposed to be seeking knowledge – we have found to be in complete ignorance of the real meaning of oblivious to the necessity of the return of the Muslims – upon their differing madhabs (schools of thoughts) and various parties – to unification and joining ranks upon the basis of the Book and the Sunnah, – in belief (Aqeedah) and Regulations (Ahkaam) and transactions, and behaviour, and politics and economic affairs and all other aspects of life. And they must remember that any voice raised or any movement made to reform which is based upon any foundation other than this firm splitting and weakening of the Muslims – and will increase their shamefulness and humiliation – and the present state of affairs is the greatest proof of that – and Allaah is the One Whose help is sought.

And there is nothing wrong with debating in the best way – when required, as the kind of argumentation that is forbidden in Hajj is useless argument which is also forbidden outside Hajj, just like the eveil-doing that is forbidden in Hajj – for that is not the debating which is commanded in Allaah ta’ala’s saying [Soorat-un-Nahi aya 125].

<<Invite (all) to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching, and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious...>>

However, it should be noticed that if it appears that there is no benefit in the discussion because of the other persons blindly sticking to his madhab or own opinion – and if he were to continue then there is fear of going into that which is not permissible – then it is better to leave that argument with him as the Prophet said:

“I am a claimant for a house in the outskirts of Paradise for one who leaves off arguing even if he is in the right…” (6)

No Difficulty

And the one who is inviting to the truth should always make things easy for the people in general and the pilgrims in particular as this making things easy is one of the principles of the kind of Sharee’ah – as is known – as long as there is no text against the point, for when there is a specific text then it is not permissible to make things easy by opinion. And this is the just and middle way which it is binding for every caller to the truth to adopt. And there is no need to take any notice to the people’s objecting after that and saying: He is too strict, he is too lenient.

And there are various actions which are permissible for the pilgrims which they have become used to avoiding due to some people’s fatawa going against the aforementioned principle. So I decided to make note of those:

1. Bathing, without need to because of (e.g.) wet dreams (iHtilaam), even if it involves rubbing the head – as it is authentically reported from the Prophet in Bukhaaree and Muslim and others from the narration of Aboo Ayyoob rahimahullaah (7)

2. Scratching the head, even if some hair falls out as shown by the preceding hadith of Aboo Ayyoob – and it is the saying of Shaikhul-Islaam Taimiyya (rahimahullaah ).

3. Cupping/Blood-letting (iHtijaam) even if some of the hair is shaved off in the place required, as the Prophet had it done on the center of his head while in iHraam – and that is not possible without shaving some of the hair. And this is also the saying of Ibn Taymiyyah – and the Hanbali scholars also – however, they say that he must make a sacrifice to make up for it, and they have no proof of this. Rather that is rejected by the Prophet’s cupping – and had he made a sacrifice because of having done that then the narrator would have reported that – and his not having done so shows that it did not happen – so the correct position is the saying of Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah ).

4. Smelling sweet smelling plants and pulling off broken nails – and there is narrations about that mentioned in ‘The Original’.

5. Taking the shade of a tent, or upheld garment – as this is proven from the Prophet, and in the same way using the camel-litter in the old days or an umbrella or car – even sitting inside – these days. And making it obligatory to make up for that with a sacrifice is a harshness for which there is no proof, rather there is no difference between seeking the shade of a tent which is proven from the Sunnah and seeking shade from the camel-litter – and its like, and this is a narration from Imaam AHmad as occurs in ‘Manaar us-Sabeel’ (1/2460). And what some people do regarding removing the roofs of their cars is entering into religion something that the Lord of the worlds has not allowed.

6. Wearing a belt around the izaar and tying it when necessary, and wearing rings – as occurs in some narrations. And like it is wearing a watch or spectacles and money-pouch around the neck.

All of those things fall under the aforementioned principle – furthermore some of them also being supported by hadith from the Prophet, or by narrations from the Companions – and Allaah ta’ala says: [Soorat-ul-Baqarah ayah 185].

<<He (Allah) intends every facility for you, He does not want to put you into difficulties.>>

And all praise is for Allaah Lord of the worlds.


Assuming Iharaam (Ihraam is the state entered into at the Meeqat in which certain acts and types of clothing are forbidden).

1. It is mustaHabb for anyone going for Hajj or ‘Umrah to take a ghusl (bath) for iHraam – even if a woman is in her period or in after-birth confinement.

2. Then the men may wear whatever clothes he wishes that are not made in the shape of the body – and these clothes are called by the fuqahaa (religious scholars) “ghair al mukheet (unstitched)“. So he wears a ridaa (upper garment) and izaar (lower garment) or whatever, and sandals or any footwear that does not cover the ankle-bone.

3. He does not wear a hat or an ‘imaamah (turban) or anything like that which fits onto and covers the head – this referring only to men. As for the women – she does not remove anything of the clothes that are prescribed for her in the Shari’ah, except that she should not tie on the niqaab (8) (face-veil) or the burqa’ or the lithaam (lower face cover, up to the eyes) or handkerchief and she should not wear gloves (9). And the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said :

“The muHrim should not wear the shirt, or the ‘imaamah, or the hooded cloak, or trousers, or garment touched by wars (dyes with saffron) or saffron; or leather socks – unless he cannot find sandals) then in that case he may wear leather socks),(10)”

and the Prophet said:

“The woman muHrim should not affix a face veil and should not wear gloves(11).

And it is permissible to for the women to cover her face – even if it touches her face according to the correct opinion – however, she should not tie it on, as Ibn Taymiyyah says.

4. He may put on the clothing of iHraam before the meeqat even in his own house as the Prophet and his Companions did. And this makes it easier for those making Hajj by aeroplane for whom it is not possible to put on iHramm at the meeqat – so it is permissible for them to embark on the plane in iHraam, but they do not make the intention of iHramm until very shortly before the meeqat – in order that they do not go past the meeqat without iHraam.

5. He may use body oil and perfume himself with any perfume he please which was has odor but not color, however, women use that which has color not but no odor – and all this to be before he makes intention of iHraam at the meeqat – after that is Haraam.

Ihraam and Niyya (intention)

6. So when he comes t the meeqat it becomes waajib (obligatory) for him to assume iHraam – and the mere wish and intention to perform Hajj is not sufficient as that has been with him since leaving his own land – rather he must perform by word and action what will cause him to be muhrim. So when he recites `talbiyyah’ intending to enter into iHraam then his iHraam is concluded – as agreed upon by the scholars.

7. And he does not say anything more than the talbiyyah such as their saying: “O Allah, I intend to make Hajj or `Umrah so make it easy for me and accept it from me…” as none of this is reported from the Prophet – just like speaking with the intention for wudoo and salaat and Fasting – all of this being from the newly invented matters and is well-known the Prophet said: “…for every newly invented matter is an innovation, and every innovation is a going astray and every going astray is in HellFire.” [Tirmidhee – saHeeh]


The Meeqaats

8. The meeqaats (places for assuming iHraam) are five: Dhul Hulaifah, Al-Juhfah, Qarn-ul manaazil, Yalamlam and Dhaatu `Irq. They are for those who live there and those who pass by them intending Hajj or ‘Umrah. And he whose house is nearer than them to Makkah then he makes iHraam from his house, the people of Makkah making iHraam from Makkah.

DHUL HULAIFAH is the place for the people of Madinah and is a village six or seven miles away – and it is the furthest meeqaat from Makkah – being ten riding stations away – or less depending on the route, there being many routes from there to Makkah as Ibn Taimiyyah points out. And it is called ((waadi ul `Aqeeq,)) and its masjid is called ((Masjid-ush-shajarah)) (mosque of the Tree), and there is spring there called `the spring of `Ali‘ by the ignorant masses – believing that `Ali : killed a jinn there – and that is a lie.

And AL-JUHFAH is a village between Madinah and Makkah – about three travel stages away. It is the meeqat for the people of Madinah if they come by this route. Ibn Taimiyyah said: “It is the meeqaat for those who make Hajj from the direction of the west, like the people of Shaam (Greater Syria) and Egypt and the rest of the West. And it is today ruined and deserted, therefore the people now go into iHraam before it in the place called “Raabigh“.

And Qarn UL MANAAZIL – which is also called “Qarn-uth-Tha’aalib” is near Makkah – being a day and night’s journey away – and is the meeqaat for the people of Najd.

And YALAMLAM is a place two nights distant from Makkah, thirty miles away and is the meeqaat for the people of Yemen.

And DHAATU TRQ is a place out in the desert, marking the border between Najd and Tihaamah, being forty-two miles from Makkah. It is the meeqaat for the people of Iraq.


The Prophet’s order to perform Hajj UT-TAMATTU

9. So when he wishes to make iHraam and is making Hajj-ul-Qirran, having brought the sacrificial animal with him, he should say: labbaikallaahumma bi-hajjah wa umrah

(Here I am O Allah making Hajj and `Umraah). So if he hasn’t brought the sacrificial animal – and that is better – then he says talbiyyah for `Umrah only and that he must do, saying labbaikallaahumma bi-`umrah.

So if he has already made talbiyyah for Hajj only, he cancels that and makes it into an `Umrah – as the Prophet ordered that and also said: “I have entered the Hajj until the Day of Judgment” and he joined his fingers together (as in the Hadith that has preceded).

He also said: “O family of Muhammad – whoever from you makes Hajj, then let him say talbiyyah of an ‘Umrah in Hajj(12)” and this is At-Tamattu’ of `Umrah with Hajj.

Making condition

10. And if he wishes when making talbiyyah he may state a condition to Allah fearing that which may prevent him (from completion of the Hajj) whether illness or fear – saying as the Prophet taught: allaahumma mahillee haithu habastanee

(O Allah my place is wherever you prevent me).(13) So if he does that and is then prevented or becomes ill – then he may leave iHraam of the Hajj or `Umrah – and there is no recompensatory sacrifice due upon him and he does not have to do the Hajj again, except and unless it was his first Hajj – then he has to repeat it.

11. There is no special prayer for iHraam, however if it is time for prayer before iHraam, then he should pray and then put on iHraam following the example of the Rasoolullah who put on iHraam after prying zuhr.


Prayer in waadee ul’aqeeq

12. However he whose meeqaat is Dhul Hulaifah – then it is mustahabb for him to pray there, not for iHraam, but because of the place and its being blessed. As al-Bukhaari has narrated from Umar – may Allah be pleased with him – who said : “I heard the Rasoolullah say in waadi ul ‘Aqeeq:” “Someone came to me this night from my Lord and said: Pray in this blessed valley, and say `Umrah with Hajj(14)” And Ibn ‘Umar narrates from the Prophet: “…that he saw, when alighting for sleep at the end of the night in Dhul Hulaifah in the center of the valley, one saying to him: you are in the blessed stony ground.”(15)


Talbiyyah and raising the voice

13. then he said he should stand(16) facing the Qiblah, and say talbiyyah for `Umrah or Hajj as has preceded, and say:

allaahumma haadhihi hajjah, laariyaa’a feehaa wa laa sum’ah

(O Allah this is a Hajj, there being no ostentation in it or hypocrisy).(17)

14. And he should say the talbiyyah of the Prophet:

(i) labbaikallaahumma labbaika labbaika laa shareeka laka labbaika-innal hamda wan na’mata laka wal mulka-la shareeka laka

(Here I am O Allah, 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.)

(ii) And he also said: labbaika ilaahal haqq

(Here I am O God of Truth.)

15. And it is better to stick to the talbiyyah of the Prophet, even though it is permissible to increase upon it – as the Prophet approved of those who did so, saying:

“labbaika dhal ma’aarij, labbaika dhal fawaadil”.
(of the Ways of Ascent, Here I am Owner of Excellence.)

And Ibn `Umar used to also say:

“labbaika wa sa’daika wal khairu biyadaika war-raghabaa’u ilaika wal `amalu”
(Here I am and blessed by You, and all good is in Your Hands, and desire and action are directed towards You.)(18)

16. And the one saying the talbiyyah is ORDERED to raise his voice with it, as the Prophet said:

“Jibreel came to me and ordered me to ordered my companions and those with me to raise their voices with talbiyyah.”(19)

and he said:

“the best Hajj is shouting out and spilling blood” (20)

Therefore the companions of the Prophet when they entered into iHraam, by the time they reached `arRauhaa’ their voices had tired out.(21)

And the Prophet said:

“It is as if I am looking at Musa, upon whom be peace, descending from the mountain pass raising his voice with talbiyyah…”(22)

17. And women, as regards the talbiyyah, are like men – as the two preceding hadith are general – so they should raise their voices as long as their is no fear of fitnah. And `Aa’ishah used to raise her voice until the men could hear her.

Abu `Atiyyah said:

“I heard `Aa’ishah saying: Verily I know how was the talbiyyah of Rasoolullah, then I heard her after that saying: Labbaikallaahumma labbaika…”(23)

And Qaasim ibn Muhammad said: Mu’aawiyyah went out at night and heard the voice of someone making talbiyyah, so he said: `Who is that?” It was said: “`Aa’ishah, Mother of the Believers, making `Umrah from at-Tan’eem.” So that was mentioned to `Aa’ishah so she said: “If he had asked me I would have told him.”(24)

18. And he continually repeats the talbiyyah as it is “from the signs of Hajj”(25) and because of the Prophet’s saying:

“There is no one who makes talbiyyah except that whatever is on his right and left – trees and stones also make talbiyyah until the earth resounds from here and here – meaning – on his right and left.”(26)

Especially whenever he ascends a high place or descends a valley – according to the hadith which has preceded: “It is as if I am looking at Musa – upon whom be peace – coming down from the mountain pass….loudly reciting talbiyyah” and in the other hadith: “It is if I am looking towards him when he descends in the valley reciting talbiyyah”.(27)

19. And he may also recite along with it “La ilaaha illallaah” and talbiyyah according to the saying of Ibn Mas’ood may Allaah be pleased with him – “I went out Rasoolullah and he did not leave off the talbiyyah until he stoned Jamrat-ul’ Aqabah – except when he mixed it with reciting talbiyyah or “La ilaaha illallaah”.(28)

20. So when he reaches the haram of Makkah and sees the houses of Makkah he leaves off the talbiyyah to concentrate on the following actions:(29)


Taking Ghusl for entring Makkah

21. And whoever can talk a ghusl (bath) before entering Makkah then he should do so. And he should enter Makkah in the day following the example of Rasoolullah.(30)

22. And he should enter from the upper part of Makkah which today has Bab ul Mi’laah as the Prophet entered from the upper pass (Kadaa’)(31) above the graveyard, and he entered the masjid from Bab Bani Shaibah as that was the nearest way to the Black Stone (Al-Hajrul-Aswad).

23. And he is allowed to enter by any path as the Prophet said: All of the mountain passes of Makkah are a pathway and place for slaughter and in another hadith, All of Makkah is a pathway. He enters from here and leaves from here.(32)

24. So if you enter the masjid do not forget to enter by the right foot,(33) and say:(34)

allallhumma salli `alaa muhammadin wa sallim – allaahumma aftah lee abwaaba rahmatika or a’oodhu billaahil `azeemi wa biwajhihil kareem wa sultaanihil qadeemi minash shaitaanir rajeem.

25. And when he sees the Ka’bah he raises his hands if he wants to – as it is established from Ibn `Abbaas.(935))

26. And there is no du’aa established from the Prophet at this point. So he may make du’aa with Whatever he can if he wishes with the du’aa which is established from `Umar:(36)

allaahumma anta salaamu wa minkas salaamu fahayyinaa rabbanaa bissalaam


Tawaaf of Quadoom (arrival)

27. Then he should go straight to the Black Stone and facing it make takbeer. And he may say `Bismillah’ before it – as it is authentically reported from Ibn `Umar, although not from the Prophet.

28. Then he touches the Black Stone with his hand and kisses it also, and makes sajda upon it also – as Rasoolullah did that, and `Umar, and Ibn `Abbaas.(37)

29. If he is not able to kiss it then he touches it with his hand then kisses his hand.

30. Then if he cannot touch it he should make a sign towards it with his hand.

31. And he does that in every circuit.

32. And he should not push and crowd to get to it according to the Prophet’s saying:

O`Umar, you are a strong man, so do not harm the weak, and when you wish to touch it, then when it become free then touch it, and if not then face it and say takbeer.(38)

33. And there is in touching the Black Stone a great excellence as the Prophet said:

“Allaah will raise up the Stone on the Day of Judgement, and will have two eyes with which it will see, and a tongue which it talks with, and it will give witness in favor of everyone who touched it in truth.”(39)

And he said:

“Touching the Black Stone and the Yemeni corner removes sins.”(40)

“The Black Stone is from Paradise, and it used to be whiter that snow, but the sins of the idolaters turned it black.”(41)

34. Then he should begin making tawaaf around the Ka’bah – it being to his left – and he goes around past the Stone seven times – from the Stone to the Stone being one, wearing the iHraam under his right armpit and over the left (called al-idtibaa’)(42) throughout the tawaaf. And walking quickly and with boldness (ramal – a strong walk in which the shoulders are thrust forwards) in the first three, from the Stone to the Stone – then he walks normally in the rest.

35. And he touches the Yemeni corner with his hand each time he passes and does not kiss it, and if he is not able to touch it then he should not make any sign towards it with his hand at all.

36. And he should say between the two corners:

“O Allaah gives us good in this life, and good in the Hereafter and save us from the Punishment of the Fire.”(43)

Rabbanaa aatinaa fid-dunyaa hasanatan wa feel aakhirati hasanatan wa qinaa ‘adhaaban naar
[Soorat-ul-Baqarah ayah 201]

(Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and defend us from the torment of the Fire.)

37. And he does not touch the two shaami corners at all following the sunnah of the Prophet.(44)


Iltizaam Between The Corner And The Door

38. And he may cling to the place between the corner and the Door – placing his chest and face and forearms upon this place.(45)

39. And there is no particular dhikr for tawaaf – so he may read Qur’an or say any dhikr he pleases, according to the Prophet’s saying :

Tawaaf around the House is prayer, except that Allah has allowed speech in it, so he who speaks then let him not say except, good things and in a narration : so let him limit his talk in it.”(46)

40. And it is forbidden for a naked person or a mentruating woman to make tawaaf of the House, as he said :

A naked person may not make tawaaf of the House.”(47)

And his saying to ‘Aa’ishah when she came to make ‘Umrah in the final Hajj :

Do as anyone making Hajj does, except do not make tawaaf of the House (and do not pray) until you become clean.(48)

41. So when he finished the seventh round he covers his right shoulder and moves to the Place of Ibrahim and recites:

Wattakhidhoo min-maqaami ibraaheema musalla [Soorat-ul-Baqarah ayah 125]
(And take you the Station of Abraham as a place of prayer.)

42. And he places the Maqaami Ibraheem (Place of Abraham) between himself and the Ka’bah and then prays two rak’ahs.

43. And he recites therein Surat-ul-Kaafiroon and Surat-Qul Huwallaahu Ahad.

44. And he should not walk between the hands of any praying person there, nor allow anyone to walk in front of him while he is praying – as the ahadith forbidding that are general – and there is no established exception for the Haram Masjid, let alone the rest of Mukkah.(49)

45. Then after praying he goes to Zamzam and drinks thereof,and pours some of the water onto his head, as he said :

“Zamzam water is for what it drunk for”(50)

and he said

“It is blessed and it is a food and a cure for illness”(51)

and he said :

The best water upon the face of the earth is Zamzam water, in it is nourishment and a cure from illness.(52)

46. Then he returned to the Black Stone, says takbeer and touches it – as before.


Sa’ee Between Safaa And Marwah

47. The he goes off for sa’ee between Safaa and Marwah (two small hills). And when he reaches the foot of Safaa he reads Allaah ta’ala’s saying:

Innas-safaa wal marwata min sha’aa’irillaahi faman hajjal baita ‘awi`tamara falaa janaaha ‘alaihi an yattawwafa bihimaa wa man tatawwa’a khiran fa’innallaaha shaakirun ‘aleemun [Soorat-ul-Baqarah ayah 158]

(Behold! Safa and Marwa are among the Symbols of Allah. So if those who visit the House in the Season or at other times should compass them round, it is no sin in them, and if any one obeys his own impulse to good, be sure that Allaah is He Who recognizes and knows.)

and says:

Nabda’u bimaa bada’allaahu bihi
(We begin with what Allaah began with.)

48. Then he begins with as-Safaa – climbing upon it until he can see the Ka’bah.(53)

49. Then he faces the Ka’bah – and makes tauheed of Allaah and takbeer, saying :(54)

Allaahu akbar allaahu akbar allaahu akbar – laa illaaha illallahu wahdau laa shareekalahu – lahul mul ku wa lahul hamdu – yuheeu wa yumeetu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shai’in qadeer – laa ilaaha illallahu wahdahu laa shareekalahu – anjaza wa’dahu wa nasara ‘ abdahu wa hazamal ahzaaba wahdahu

Saying that three times and making du’aa after each time.(55)

50. Then he descends for sa’ee between Safaa and Marwah, as Rasoolullah said : Make sa’ee as Allah has prescribed sa’ee for you.(56)

51. So he walks till he reaches the green sign-post – on the right and left – then runs quickly till he reaches the next sign-post. And this place was in the time of the Prophet a dried river bed covered with small stones, and the Prophet said:(57)

(The river bed is not crossed except with vigour.)

Then he walks up to Marwah and ascends it and does upon it as he did upon as-Safaa – facing the Qiblah, saying takbeer and tahleel and making du’aa(58) and that forms one complete circuit.

52. Then he returns till he ascends as-Safaa – walking in the place for walking, and running in the place for running – and that is a second circuit.

53. Then he returns to Marwah – and so on till he completes seven circuits finishing upon Marwah.

54. And it is permissible for him to go between Safaa and Marwah While riding. However the Prophet preferred to walk.(59)

55. And if he makes du’aa in sa’ee, saying :

Rabbighfir warham innaka antal a’azzul akram
(O lord forgive and have mercy,verily You are the Most Mighty, Most Noble)

then there is no harm as it is authentically reported from a group of the Salaf.(60)

56. Then when he finishes from the seventh circuit upon al-Marwah he shortens the hair of his head(61) thus ending the ‘Umrah – and everything that became forbidden to him upon entering iHraam now becomes permissible again – and he remains in the state of hill (being out of iHraam) until Yaum ut-Tarwiyyah (8th Dhul-Hijjah).

57. And he who made iHraam not intending to make ‘Umrah before the Hajj – and not having brought the hadi (sacrificial animal) from outside sacred precincts then should also leave the state of iHraam in obedience to the Prophet’s order and in avoidance of his anger. Those, however, who have bought the sacrificial animal with them remain in iHraam and do not leave that state until after the stoning on the Day of Sacrifice (Yaum-un-Nahr) (10th Dhul-Hijjah).


Ihlaal (Calling Aloud With Tal-Biyyah) For Hajj On Yaum Ut-Tarwiyyah

58. So when it is Yaum ut-Tarwiyyah and that is the 8th of Dhul Hijjah – he puts on iHraam and calls out with the talbiyyah of Hajj, and does as he did when assuming iHraam for ‘Umrah which he did from the meeqaat – as regards bathing and putting on perfume, and wearing the ridaa and izaar (upper and lower garments) and reciting talbiyyah – which he does not cease to do until he has stoned Jamrat ul-Aqaha (on 10th Dhul-Hijjah).

59. And he assumes iHraam form the place he is resident in – the people resident in Makkah doing so from Makkah.

60. Then he goes off to Minaa and prays there the Zuhr prayer and remains there, spending the night there and praying the rest of the five daily prayers – shortening them (to two ra’kahs) but without combining them.


Proceeding To ‘Arafah

61. So after the sun rises on the Day of ‘Arafah (10th Dhul-Hijjah) – he moves off towards ‘Arafah (a large plain to the south-east of Makkah), while reciting talbiyyah of takbeer – as both of these were practised by the Companions of the Prophet while making Hajj with him – and he did not critize either (those reciting tal-biyyah of those reciting takbeer.) (62)

62. Then he stops at Namirah (63) – and it is a place near to ‘Arafah but not forming part of it – and he remains there until noon.

63. So When the sun passes its zenith he moves to ‘Uranah and settles there,(64) and it is next to ‘Arafah – and here the Imaam should give an appropriate Khutbah to the people.

64. Then he prays with the people Zuhr and ‘Asr shortening and combining them in the time of the Zuhr prayer.

65. And one adhaan is given and two iqaamahs.

66. And he does not pray anything between the two prayers.(65)

67. And he who is not able to pray along with the Imaam – then he prays them in the same way on his own – or with those in similar situation around him.(66)

Standing In ‘Arafah

68. Then he goes off to ‘Arafah and if able stands upon the rocks beneath the Mount of Mercy (Jabal ur-Rahmah) and if not then all of ‘Arafah is place of standing.

69. And he stands facing the Qiblah, raising his hands making du’aa and reciting talbiyyah.

70. And he recites much ‘La ilaha illallaah’ as it is the best du’aa on the Day of ‘Arafah as the Prophet said:

The best thing that I and the Prophets have said on the evening of ‘Arafah is :
Laa ilaha illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu lahul mulk wa lahul hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay’in qadeer.(67)

71. And if he adds in the talbiyyah occasionally (all good is the good of the Hereafter) then that is permissible.(68)

Innamaal Khairu Khairul Aakhirati

72. And it is sunnah for the one standing in ‘Arafah not to fast that day.

73. And he remains in that state, remembering Allaah reciting talbiyyah, making du’aa as he wishes – hoping from Allaah that He will make him one of those whom He boasts of (those whom He frees from Fire) to the Angels as occurs in the hadith :

“There is no day on which Allaah frees more of His slaves from Fire than the Day of ‘Arafah, and He verily draws near then boasts of them before the angles, saying :’What do they seek?’ “(69)

and in another hadith :

“Verily Allaah boasts of the people of ‘Arafah before the people of heaven (the angels), saying : ‘Look to my servants who have come to Me dishevelled and dusty.'”(70)

and he remains in that state until the sun sets.

Leaving ‘Arafah

74. So when the sun has set he leaves ‘Arafah for Muzdalifah – going with calmness and tranquility, not jostling or pushing the people with himself or his riding beast or his vehicle, rather whenever he finds room then he goes faster.

75. And when reaching Muzdalifah he gives adhaan and iqaamah then prays the three ra’kahs of Maghrib, then gives iqaamah and prays ‘Ishaa – shortening it – and joining the two prayers.

76. And if he separates the two prayers for some necessity then there is no harm in that.(71)

77. And he does not pray anything between them or after ‘Ishaa.(72)

78. Then he sleeps until Fajr.

79. Then when the dawn first appears he prays Fajr in the first part of its time with adhaan and iqaamah.


Fajr Prayer In Muzdalifah

80. And all of the pilgrims pray Fajr prayer in Muzdalifah (a place between ‘Arafah and Minaa) except the weak and the women – it being permissible for them to leave after half of the night has passed for fear of the crush of people.

81. Then he comes to the Mash’ar al-Haraam (a small mountain in Muzdalifah) and climbs upon it and faces the Qiblah – then recites tahweed,takbeer, tahleel – and declares Allaah’s Unity and makes du’aa until the sky becomes very bright.

82. And all Muzdalifah is a place of standing – so wherever he stands then it is permissible.

83. Then he leaves for Minaa before the sun rises, calmly while reciting talbiyyah.

84. So when he comes to the river valley of Mu-Hassir he hurries if possible – and it is a part of Minaa.

85. Then he takes the middle road which takes him to the Jamrat ul Aqabah.


The Stoning (Ar-Ramee)

86. And he picks up in Minaa stones with which he intends to do the stoning of Jamrat-ul-‘Aqabah – and it is the last of the Jamraat and the nearest one to Makkah.

87. And he faces the Pillar (Jamrah), having Makkah to his left and Minaa to his right.

88. Then he stones it with seven small stones, like the Stones of Khadhf – which are slightly longer than the chick-pea.

89. And he recites takbeer while throwing each stone.(73)

90. And he ceases reciting talbiyyah when throwing the last stone.(74)

91. And he he does not perform this stoning until after sunrise, even the women or weak who were allowed to leave Muzdalifah after half the night, as this is one thing and the stoning is something else.(75)

92. And he may perform this stoning after noon even up to the night if he finds difficulty in performing this stoning before noon as is established in the hadith.

93. So when he has stoned the Jamrah everything becomes lawful for him again except women, even if he has not sacrificed or shaved his head – so he may wear his clothes and use perfume.

94. However he should perform Tawaaf-ul-Ifaada on the same day (before Maghrib) if he wishes to continue in his state of having left iHraam – otherwise, if he has not made Tawaaf before the evening (before Maghrib) then he returns to the state of iHraam as he was before the stoning – so he should remove his clothes and put on iHraam according to the Prophet’s saying:

“Verily on this day has been allowed for you, when you have stoned the Jamrah, that was prohibited for you except women (sexual intercourse). Verily on this day everything that you were prohibited from (by iHraam) has been allowed for you, when you have stoned the Jamrah, except the women (sexual intercourse) – so if evening comes upon you before you have made Tawaaf of this House then you revert to the state of iHraam as you were before stoning the Jamrah – until you make the Tawaaf. (76)


The Sacrifice

95. Then he comes to the place of sacrifice in Minaa and sacrifices his animal – and that is the Sunnah.

96. However, it is permissible for him to slaughter in any other part of Minaa or Makkah as the Prophet said:

I have slaughtered here and all of Minaa is a place for slaughtering, and all of the mountain pass approaches, so slaughter on your place of stopping.(77)

97. And the Sunnah is to do the dhabh (slaughter by a horizontal cut through the throat) or Nahr (slaughter by a vertical movement of the spear to the lower part of the throat) with own hand if possible, and if not, then to depute someone else to do it.

98. And he should make the animal face the Qiblah when slaughtering(78), making it lie down on its left side and putting his right foot upon its right side.(79)

99. As for the camel then he should slaughter it by means of Nahr..while it is standing having its left leg tied, standing on its others(80) with its face towards the Qiblah.(81)

100. And he says when slaughtering:

Bismillaahi Wallaahu Akbar Al-Laahumma Inna Hadha Minka Wa Laka(82) Al Lahumma Taqabbal Minnee(83)
(In the name of Allah and Allah is greater. O Allah this is from You and for You. O Allah accept it from me.)

101. And the time for slaughter is the four days of ‘Eid – Yaum-un-Nahr, and that is called ‘Yaum ul-Jajj-ul-Akbar’ (Day of the greatest Hajj)(84) and the three days of Tashreeq, as the Prophet said:

“Allthe days of Tashreeq are for sacrifice.” (85)

102. And he may eat from the meat of his sacrificial animal and take some back with him to his land as the Prophet did.

103. And he should give some it to feed the poor and the needy as Allah ta’ala says:(86)

(The sacrificial camels We have made for you as among the Symbols from Allah: in them is (much) good for you: then pronounce the name of Allah over them as they line up (for sacrifice): when they are down on their side (after slaughter), eat ye thereof, and feed such as (beg not you) live in contentment and such as beg with due humility.)[Soorat-ul-Hajj ayah 36]

104. And seven people may share in one camel or cow.

105. And he who cannot afford a sacrificial animal should fast three days in Hajj and seven when he returns to his family.

106. And he may fast the three days of Tashreeq according to the hadith of ‘Aa’ishah and Ibn ‘Umar – may Allah be pleased with them – who said:

“No permission was given for us to fast the days of Tashreeq except for those who could not afford a sacrificial animal.(87)

107. Then he shaves all of his hair off or shortens it. – and the first is better as the Prophet said:

“O Allah have mercy on those who save their heads. They (the people) said ‘And those who shorten their O Rasoolullah.’ He said: O Allah have mercy on those who save their heads. They said: ‘And those who shorten their hair O Rasoolullah’ He added on the fourth time: And those who shorten their hair”(88)

108. And the Sunnah is for the barber to begin with the right side of the head as occurs in the hadith of Anas.(89)

109. And shaving the hair is just the for men and not for the women – they have to shorten only as the Prophet said:

“There is no shaving of the hair for women, verily upon women is shortening of the hair.”(90)

So she should together her hair and shorten it by the length of a finger-joint.(91)

110. And it is Sunnah for the Imaam to give a khutbah on the Day of Sacrifice in Minaa(92) between the Jamaraat(93) in the forenoon(94) to teach the people to rites of Hajj.(95)

Tawaaf ul Ifaadah

111. The he goes off that day to the House and makes Tawaaf – seven times around – as has preceeded in the Tawaaf of arrival – except that he does not wear iHraam under his right shoulder – nor does he perform raml in this Tawaaf.

112. And it is from the Sunnah to pray two ra’kahs behind the Station of Ibrahim – as Az-Zuhree(96) said, and Ibn ‘Umar did so(97), and said:

“For every seven times around there are two ra’kahs.”(98)

113. Then he walks and runs between Safaa and Marwah as before – except for one doing Hajj of Qiraan or Ifraad – the first sa’ee being enough for them.

114. And after this tawaaf everything again becomes lawful for him that became unlawful due to iHraam – even the woman (sexual intercourse).

115. And he prays Zuhr at Makkah, and Ibn ‘Umar says: At Minaa.(99)

116. And he comes to Zamzam and drinks from it.


Staying Overnight At Minaa

117. Then he returns to Minaa and remians there for the days of Tashreeq and their nights.

118. And he stones the three Jamaraat with seven small stones in each of those days, after noon, as has preceeded concerning the stoning on the Day of Sacrifice.

119. He begins with the first Jamrah, which is the nearest to Masjid – al-Khaif, and after stoning it he moves onward and stands facing the Qiblah for a long while making du’aa while raising his hands.(100)

120. Then he comes to the second Jamarah and stones it in the same way, then he moves to the left and stands for a long while facing the Qiblah making du’aa while raising his hands.(101)

121. The he comes to the third Jamarah and it is Jamrat al-Aqabah – and he stones it in the same way – standing so that Ka’bah is to his left and Minaa to his right and does not stand there (making du’aa) afterwards.(102)

122. Then on the second day he repeats this stoning and on the third day.

123. An if he leaves after stoning on the second day not remaining for the third day’s stoning, then that is permissible as Allaah ta’ala says:

(Celebrate the praises of Allah during the Appointed Days, but if anyone hastens to leave in two days, there is no blame on him, and if anyone stays on, these is no blame on him if his aim is to do right,)

However remaining for the third day’s stoning is better as it is the Sunnah.(103)

124. And the Sunnah is to do the previous actions of Hajj in order: the stoning, then slaughter, then shaving the head, then Tawaaf of Ifaadah, the Sa’ee for the one doing Hajj at-Tamattu’; however if he brings something forward in the order or delays something in the order (doing things out of order) then that is permissible as the Prophet said: “There is no harm, there is no harm.”

125. And regarding stoning, the following is allowed to those who have a valid excuse:

(a) The permission not to have to spend the night in Minaa according to the hadith of Ibn ‘Umar: “Al ‘Abbaas sought permission of Rasoolullah to spend the night of Minaa in Makkah as he was responsible for supplying Zamzam water there, so he gave him the permission.”(104)

(b) To combine two days’ stoning in one day, according to the hadith of ‘Aasim ibn ‘Adiyy who said: “Rasoolullah made concession for the camel drivers in Bairootah that they could stone on the Day of Sacrifice, the combine two days’ stoning after that – performing it in one of the two days.”(105)

(c) To perform the stoning at night as the Prophet said: The shephered may stone at night, then look after his flock in the daytime.(106)

126. And it is lawful for him to visit the Ka’bah and make Tawaaf during each of the nights of Minaa as the Prophet did so.(107)

127. And the pilgrim during the Days of Minaa must take care to pray the five daily prayers with the congregation – and it is best to pray the Masjid of Khaif if he is able to, as the Prophet said:

Seventy Prophets have prayed in the Masjid of Khaif.(108)

128. So after completing the stoning on the second day or third day of the days of Tashreeq – then he has completed the rites of Hajj and therefore returns to Makkah – and remains there for as long as Allaah has written for him to remain – and he should take care to perform the prayer with the congregation – especially in the Masjid-ul-Haraam, and a single prayer in the Masjid-ul-Haraam is better than a hundred thousand prayers in other mosques.(109)

129. And he should perform much of prayer and Tawaaf at any time he pleases of the day or night as the Prophet said about the two corners – the Black Stone and Yemeni corner:

“Touching them takes away sins, and he who performs Tawaaf does not raise or lower his foot (while walking) except that Allaah writes it for him as a good deed, and wipes off bad deed for him, and writes for him an extra rank and whoever does it even times round [check Sharh of at-Tirmidhee] it is as if he had freed a slave.”(110)

And the Prophet said:

“”O tribe of ‘Abd Manaaf! Do not prevent anyone from making Tawaaf of this house or from prayer at any hour of the day or night he pleases.””(111)


The Farewell Tawaaf (Tawaaf ul Wadaa)

130. So when he has finished all that he has to do and has decided to travel then he has to make a farewell Tawaaf of the house, as Ibn ‘Abbas narrated: ‘The people used to head off in every direction so the Prophet said:

“None of you should depart until he makes as his last act Tawaaf of the House.”(112)

131. And the menstruating woman was at first ordered to wait until she became clean of it in order to make Tawaaf ul Wadaa'(113) then it was permitted for her to leave without waiting according to the hadith of Ibn ‘Abbas:

“That the Prophet gave concession for the menstruating women that she should depart before (Farewell) Tawaaf as long as she had made Tawaaf of Ifaadah.” (114)

132. And he may carry away with him whatever he can of Zamzam water because of the blessing therein, as:

“Rasoolullah used to carry it with him in water skins and containers – and he used to pour (it) upon the sick and give it to them to drink.”(115)

Further:

“Before Makkah was conquered he used to send the message to Suhail ibn ‘Amr: that he should bring Zamzam water for us and not leave it – so he would send to him two large bag fulls.”(116)

133. So when he finishes the Tawaaf he leaves the mosque like the rest of the people – not walking backwards – and he leaves putting out his left foot first(117), saying:

Allaahuma salli ‘alla muhammadin wa sallim – allaahumma innee ‘as’aluka min fadhlika
(O Allaah send blessings and peace upon Muhammad. O Allaah I ask You for Your bounty.)

Related Audio Lecture:

A Guide To Hajj, Umrah And Visiting The Prophet’s Masjid: Imam Ibn Baaz

A Guide To Hajj, Umrah And Visiting The Prophet's Masjid -  Imam Ibn Baaz

This book is published by Cooperative Office for Call & Guidance, Saudi Arabia
[Download the PDF eBook] – Which includes arabic text of Du’aas as well

1. Preface.
2. Important Advice.
3. Violations of Islam.
4. How to perform Hajj and ‘Umrah and visit the Prophet’s Mosque.
5. The Performance of ‘Umrah.
6. The Performance of Hajj.
7. Obligations During Ihram.
8. Visitation of the Prophet’s Mosque.
9. Errors Often Committed by Pilgrims.
10. What Is Required of the Pilgrim.
11. Some Supplications Which May Be Recited at ‘Arafat, at the Sacred sites and at other Places of Supplication.

PREFACE

Dear pilgrim brothers and sisters,

Assalamu alaikumwa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu. Congratulations and welcome on your arrival at these sacred precincts, on this blessed journey as guests of Allah, the Most Merciful.

This brief but comprehensive Guide is presented to you to outline the obligatory rites of Hajj and ‘umrah with which you ought to be familiar. It begins with some important advice. This advice is, first of all, for ourselves, and then it is offered to you in accordance with what Allah, the Most High, says concerning those of His servants who receive salvation and success in this world and the Hereafter: “They counsel each other of the truth and counsel each other of patience.” It is further to put into practice His saying: “Cooperate with each other in goodness and fear of Allah, and do not cooperate in sin and transgression.”

We ask you to read this booklet before you begin the rites of Hajj in order that you may acquaint yourself with what is to be done. You will f Ind in It answers to many of your questions. We hope that you will keep this booklet with you as a reference for this year, and possibly for later years as well if It Is Allah’s will that you return again for Hajj.

We ask you to share this booklet with other Muslims in order that they may also benefit from reading its contents. We ask Allah to accept from all of us our Hajj, our striving, and our good deeds.

Wassalamu ‘alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu.

‘Abdul-‘Aziz bin ‘Abdullah bin Baz
President of Islamic Research,
IFTA and Propagation
RIYADH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

IMPORTANT ADVICE

Dear pilgrims, we praise Allah for having guided you to the hajj of His House and to the visit of the Sacred Precincts. May He accept from all of us our good deeds and increase His reward for us and for you.

The following advice is being offered to you in the hope that Allah will accept from all of us our hajj and our striving.

1. Remember that you are on a blessed journey. This journey, which is a migration toward Allah, is based on belief in His Unity (tawheed), on sincerity toward Him, on responding to His call, and on obedience to His commands. There is no greater reward than that of a hajj which is acceptable to Allah Ta’alah-the reward of the Garden of Paradise.

2. Be on your guard against the mischief of Satan, who intends to cause dissension among you. Love each other as brothers and avoid disputes and disobedience to Allah. Know that the Messenger of Allah (may peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said, “None of you has truly believed unless he likes for his brother what the likes for himself.”

3. Whenever you have a question concerning religious matters or concerning the hajj, ask knowledgeable Muslims until you receive a satisfactory answer. This is in accordance with what Allah has said: ” If you realize this not, ask of those who possess The Message.” it is also in accordance with what the Prophet (peace be on him) has said. “When Allah intends good for someone, He gives him understanding of the religion.”

4. Know that Allah has made certain acts fard (obligatory) and other acts sunnah (according to the practice of the Prophet, peace be on him). Allah does not accept a sunnah which violates some fard.

Some pilgrims ignore this fact when they harm believing men and women in their zeal to kiss the Black Stone, to hasten in their circuits around the K’abah, to make salah behind the Station of lbraheem, to drink from Zamzam,.and similar practices. These practices are sunnah.

To harm any believer in doing them is haram (prohibited). How is it possible to carry out a sunnah observance while doing a haram deed? Therefore, avoid hurting each other, and Allah will grant you His mercy and will increase your reward.

We would also like to emphasize the following:

(a) It is not fitting that a Muslim man performs his Salat next to, or behind a woman in the holy Mosque or at any other place if it is at all possible to avoid doing so. Women should pray behind men.

(b) The doors and entrances to the holy Mosque are for traffic and should not be blocked by people praying there, even though if it is to join the congregational prayer that may be in progress.

(c) It is not permissible to block the free flow of people around the K’abah by sitting near the K’abah, by praying near it, or by standing near the Black Stone, or al-Hijr or at the Station of lbraheem, especially when the place is crowded, as this is a source of harm to other people.

(d) While safeguarding the dignity of Muslims is a fard, kissing the Black Stone is a sunnah. A fard cannot be sacrificed for a sunnah. When the area is crowded, it is sufficient to point to the Black Stone, saying “Allahu akbar.” and to continue to move with the flow of people without causing a break in the lines. indeed, keeping an easy flow during circuits is the most commendable thing.

(e) It is not a sunnah to kiss the Yamani corner, but to touch it with the right hand, if it is not overcrowded, and say: “Bismillahi wal-lahu akbar. ” But if it is difficult to touch it, then move on, do not point to it with your hand, or say takbir. For it is not reported of the Prophet. It is mustahabb (good) to recite the following supplication in between the Yamani corner and the Black Stone:

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

“Rabbana atina fid-donya hasanatan wa fil- akhirati hasanatan wa qina adhaban-nar”.

Finally, the best advice we can give you is that you follow the Book of Allah and the sunnah of His Messenger (peace be on him) in all what you do.

“Obey Allah and the Messenger in order that you may receive mercy.”

VIOLATIONS OF ISLAM

Brother and sister Muslim, you must be aware that there are matters which nullify your Islam. We will mention here the ten most common violations. Please be mindful of them.

The First

Associating partners with Allah (shirk). Allah, the Most High, says,

Truly, if anyone associates partners with Allah, Allah will forbid him the garden and his abode will be the Fire; the wrongdoers will have no helpers.”

Calling upon the dead, asking their help, or offering them gifts or sacrifices are all forms of shirk.

The Second

Setting up intermediaries between oneself and Allah, making supplication to them, asking their intercession with Allah, and placing one’s trust in them is unbelief (kufr).

The Third

Anyone who does not consider polytheists (mushrikeen) to be unbelievers, or who has doubts concerning their unbelief, or considers their way to be correct, is himself an unbeliever (kafir).

The Fourth

Anyone who believes any guidance other than the Prophet’s guidance to be more perfect, or a decision other than the Prophet’s decision to be better, is an unbeliever. This applies to those who prefer the rule of Evil (Taghout) to the Prophet’s rule. Some examples of this are:

(a) To believe that systems and laws made by human beings are better than the Shari’ah of Islam; for example,

that the Islamic system is not suitable for the twentieth century.

that Islam is the cause of the backwardness of Muslims.

Or that Islam is a relationship between Allah and the Muslim. It should not interfere in other aspects of life.

(b) To say that enforcing the punishments prescribed by Allah, such as cutting off the hand of a thief or stoning an adulterer, is not suitable in this day and age.

(c) To believe that it is permissible to give a rule from that which Allah did not reveal in Islamic transactions or matters of law, punishments or other affairs. Although one may not believe such rulings to be superior to the Shari’ah he in effect affirms such a stand by declaring a thing which Allah has totally prohibited, such as adultery, drinking alcohol or usury, to be permissible. According to the consensus of Muslims, one who declares such things to be permissible is an unbeliever (kafir).

The Fifth

Anyone who hates any part of what the Messenger of Allah (may peace and blessings of Allah be on him) has declared to be lawful has nullified his lslam, even though he may act in accordance with it. Allah the Most High, says: “Because they disliked what Allah has revealed. their deeds are brought to nothing.”

The Sixth

Anyone who ridicules any aspect of the religion of the Messenger of Allah (peace be on him), or any of its rewards or punishments, becomes an unbeliever. Allah. the Most High, says: “Say: Do you ridicule Allah, His revelations and His Messenger? Make no excuse; you have disbelieved after your (profession of) faith”

The Seventh

The practice of magic included in this is causing a rift between a husband and wife by turning his love for her into hatred, or tempting a person to do things he dislikes by using black arts. One who engages in such a thing or is pleased with it is outside the pale of Islam. Allah the Most High, says, “The two (angels, Harut and Marut) did not teach anyone (magic) without warning them, ‘Indeed. we are a trial; then do not disbelieve.“‘

The Eighth

Supporting and aiding polytheists against the Muslims. Allah the Most High, says: “The one from among you who supports them belongs to them. Truly. Allah does not guide the people who do wrong.”

The Ninth

Anyone who believes that some people are permitted to deviate from the Shari’ah of Muhammad (peace be on him) is an unbeliever by the word of Allah, the Most High: “If anyone seeks a religion other than al-Islam it will not be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter he will by among the losers”

The Tenth

To turn completely away from the religion of Allah, neither learning its precepts nor acting upon it. Allah the Most High, says: “Who does greater wrong than the one who is reminded of the revelations of his Lord and turns away from them. Truly, We shall recompense the guilty,” and He also says: “But those who disbelieve turn away from that about which they are warned.”

It makes no difference whether such violations are committed as a joke, in seriousness or out of fear, except when they are done under compulsion.

We seek refuge in Allah from such deeds as entail His wrath and severe punishment. 

How to perform HaJJ and ‘Umrah, and to visit the Prophet’s Mosque

Brother and sister Muslims:

There are three ways of performing the hajj:

Hajj al-tamatt’u (interrupted)
Haii al-qiran (combined)
Haii al- ifrad (single)

Hajj al-Tamatt’u

This means entering into ihram for the ‘umrah during the months of Haji, i.e., the months of Shawwal, Dhul-Q’idah and the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah; to take off ihram after performing the ‘umrah; and then to take ihram again for the hajj from Makkah on the 8th day of Dhul-Hijjah during the same year in which the ‘umrah was performed.

Hajj al-Qiran

This denotes entering into ihram for both the ‘umrah and the hajj at the same time, not taking off the ihram until the Day of Sacrifice (the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah). Alternatively, one may first enter into ihram for the ‘umrah, and before beginning one’s tawaf may make the intention of ihram for the hajj as well.

Hajj al-lfrad

This signifies donning ihram for the hajj either from the prescribed Station of lhram (al-miqat), from Makka if one resides there, or from a place in between al-migat and Makkah in the event that one has brought a sacrificial animal with him, and to remain in ihram until the Day of Sacrifice. If one has not brought an animal for sacrifice, he is required to come out of ihram after performing ‘umrah; that is, he makes the (Sa’ye)”around the K’abah (tawaf), performs the (Sa’ye) the running between Safa and Marwah. cuts some of his hair and then comes out of ihram, resuming his usual clothing and state. This is what the, Prophet (peace be on him) prescribed for those people who had entered into ihram for the hajj without bringing a sacrificial animal; they then re-entered into ihram on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah. The same applies to a person who is performing hajj al-qiran in the event that he has not brought with him an animal to sacrifice; it is required that he comes out of ihram after the ‘umrah, as described above. 

THE PERFORMANCE OF ‘UMRAH

1. When you reach the prescribed Station (al-miqat), make ghusl (a shower or full washing of the whole body), use perfume if available, and then put on the two-piece garment of ihram ( izar and rida ), which preferably should be of white cloth. This applies to men only. A woman also makes ghusl but she does not use make up, and she may wear any clothes she has available as long as they do not display her adornments; she should be completely covered except for her face and hands. Then make your intention to perform ‘Umrah by saying; Labbayka ‘Umrah, or: Labbayk Allahumma Umrah, as follows:

Labbayk, Allahumma. Labbayk Here I am at Your service. O Lord, here I am.
Labbayk. La shareeka laka. Labbayk. Here I am. No partner do You have. Here I am,
lnnal-hamda wan-n ‘imata laka wal- mulk. Truly, the praise and the favor is Yours, and the dominion.
La shareeka lak’ No partner do You have

Men should utter this aloud while women should say it silently. Repeat this talbiyyah frequently, and engage in the praise of Allah, in supplications for forgiveness, and in the enjoining of what is good and forbidding of what is evil.

2. When you reach Makkah, make seven circuits (Tawaf) around the K’abah, beginning at the Black Stone with takbir (utterances of Allahu akbar’) and ending each at the same place. While making your (Tawaf) you may praise Allah and make supplications to Him in any words you please. it is preferable to end each with the words.

“Rabbana, atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanstan wa qina adhaban-nar.”
(Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter. and save us from the punishment of the Fire.)

After completing the seventh cirucit, pray two rak’ats behind the Station of Ibraheem (Maqam lbraheem) if It is possible, even though you may be a little far from it. Otherwise at any other place within the Sacred Mosque.

3. You then go to as-safa and climb on it. Facing the K’abah, praise Allah, raising your hands, say takbir (”Allahu akbar”) three times. Then make supplication to Allah, repeating your supplication three times as this is the sunnah. Then say

“La ilaha illal- Lah, wahdahu La sharika La. ”
Lahul-mulk wa Iahul-hamd, wa huwa ‘ala kulli Shayin qadeer”.
“La illahe illal-lah, wahdahu. Anjaza wadahu Wanasara abdahu wa hazama alahzab wahdahu. “

(There is no deity except Allah, the One without a partner.
His is the dominion and His is the praise. and He is powerful over everything.
There is no deity except Allah, completed His promise, supported His Slave and defeated the parties Alone.)

It is preferable to utter this supplication three times but there is no harm in saying it less than three times.

You then descend from as-Safa and do the sa’ye of the umrah seven times. Increase your pace between the green posts, but walk at a normal pace before and after them. When you climb on the Marwah, praise Allah and do as you did at as-Safa, repeating your supplications, if you can conveniently do so, three times.

There are no required formulas or supplications for tawaf and sa’ye. It is up to the worshipper to praise Allah or supplicate Him in his own words, or he may recite portions of the Our’an, with due regard to the supplications which the Prophet (peace be on him) recited during the performance of these rites.

4. After sa’ye end your ‘umrah by shaving or shortening your hair. After this, the prohibitions pertaining to the state of ihram are lifted and you may now resume your normal life.

If you are doing hajj al-tamatt’u the sacrifice of a sheep or the seventh part of a camel or a cow becomes obligatory for you on the Day of Sacrifice (the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah) .If you cannot afford this sacrifice, it is obligatory for you to fast ten days, three of them during the hajj and seven after returning home.

If you are performing hajj al-tamatt’u or hajj al-qiran, it is preferable to fast these three days before the Day of ‘Arafat (the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah). 

THE PERFORMANCE OF HAJJ

1. If you are performing hajj al-ifrad or hajj al-qiran (i.e., hajj combined with ‘umrah), you enter into ihram at the ‘station of ihram (al-miqat) through which you pass on your way to Makkah.

If you do not pass through any Station of ihram on your way to Makkah, you enter into ihram from your residence.

If you are performing hajj al-tamatt’u (the interrupted haii), you enter into ihram for hajj from your residence in Makkah on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah. Perform ghusl (shower or washing of the entire body), perfume yourself if possible, and put on the two garments of ihram. This applies to men. Women likewise perform ghusl but are not to use perfume. They may wear any suitable clothes they have as long as they do not show their adornments and cover every part of their bodies excepting the hands and face. For woman, if she is in the presence of other men who are not her immediate relatives like her husband, father, brother or son then she should cover her face. After putting on ihram make your niyyah (intention) by Saying: Labbayk Hajjan then recite talbiyyah

“Labbayk, Allahumma. Labbayk.
Labbayk. La shareeka laka. Labbayk.
lnnal-hamda wan-n’imata laka wal-mulk. La shareeka lak’.”

(Here I am at Your service, O Lord, here I am. No partner do You have. Here Iam. Truly, the praise and the favor is Yours, and the dominion. No partner do You have.)

2. You then go to Mina, where you pray the Dhuhr, ‘Asr, Maghrib, ‘Isha and Fajr prayers at their proper times, shortening prayers of four rak’as to two rak’as. Do not combine these prayers.

3. When the sun has risen on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, proceed toward ‘Arafat in a dignified manner and without harming your fellow pilgrims. At’Arafat, pray the Dhuhr and ‘Asr prayers, shortened and combined during the time of Dhuhr with one adhan and two iqamahs

Make sure that you are within the boundaries of ‘Arafat. Stay within the boundaries of ‘Arafat, except the valley of Oranah, reciting the praise of Allah the Most High, and offering supplications facing qiblah with upraised hands, as was the practice of Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings of Allah be on him). Remain at ‘Arafat until after sunset.

4. When the sun has set, proceed toward Muzdalifah in a peaceful and dignified manner, reciting talbiyyah. Do not harm or cause any discomfort to your fellow Muslims. When you arrive at Muzdalifah, pray the Maghrib and ‘lsha prayers combined, shortening ‘Isha to two rak’ats. Stay at Muzdalifah until you have prayed the Fair prayer. Then wait until the brightness of the morning is wide spread, supplicate facing qiblah with upraised hands, following the practice of the Prophet (peace be on him).

For women or weak individuals, it is permissible to proceed to Mina at any time after midnight.

In Muzdalifah, pick up only seven pebbles to throw at the Stone Pillar of ‘Aqabah. Other pebbles can be picked up at Mina. There is no harm even if the seven pebbles to be thrown at the Stone Pillar of ‘Aqabah are also picked up at Mina.

6. When you arrive at Mina, do the following:

(a) At the Stone Pillar of ‘Aqabah (this is the pillar nearest to Makkah) throw the seven pebbles one after the other, saying “Allahu akbar” at each throw.

(b) If you are required to sacrifice, slaughter your sacrificial animal. You are to eat some of its meat and distribute the major part of it to the needy.

(c) Shave your head or cut some hair from it. Shaving is preferable for men, while for women the length of hair to be cut is that of a fingertip.

The above-mentioned order of doing things is preferred, however, if they are done in some other order, there is no harm in it.

After you have thrown the pebbles and shaved or cut some of your hair, the prohibitions of ihram are lifted, excepting the prohibition of sexual intercourse with your spouse. This is the first tahallul, i.e., returning to one’s normal state. You are now to wear your usual clothes.

7. Then you go to Makkah and perform the tawaf al-ifadah (the tawaf which is an essential part of the Hajj). If you are doing hajj al-tamatt’u, you also perform sa’ye. If you are performing hajj al- ifrad or hajj al-qiran and you did not perform sa’ye with tawaf al- qudum (the Tawaf of Arrival), you must do sa’ye now. After this, the prohibition of marital relations is also lifted and you return to a completely normal life.

It is permissible to delay the tawaf al-ifadah until the days spent at Mina are over, going to Makkah for this tawaf after all three Pillars have been stoned.

8. After performing your tawaf al-ifadah on the Day of Sacrifice, return to Mina and spend there the nights preceding the 11th, 12th and 13th days of Dhul-Hijjah (the three days following the Day of Sacrifice which are known as ayyamu-tashreeq. It is however, permissible to spend only two nights in Mina instead of three.

9. At any time in the afternoon of each of the two or three days of your stay in Mina, stone each of the three Pillars, starting with the first Pillar( i.e., the one which is farthest from Makkah), followed by the middle Pillar and lastly the Pillar of ‘Aqabah. Throw seven pebbles, one by one, at each of these Pillars, saying “Allahu akbar” at each throw.

If you stay in Mina for only two days, you must leave Mina before the sun sets on the second day. if the sun should set before you are able to depart, remain in Mina for the third night and throw pebbles again the next day. In any case, it is preferable to remain in Mina for three nights.

It is permissible for the sick and the weak to appoint a proxy to throw their pebbles. The proxy first throws his own pebbles, followed by the pebbles of the person he represents while at the same pillar.

10. If you decide to return to your Country after completing the rites of hajj, you perform the Farewell Tawaf (tawaf al-wida ‘ ) before leaving Makkah. No one is excused from this except women who are menstruating or in the period of discharge following childbirth.

OBLIGATIONS DURING IHRAM

During the state of ihram for hajj or ‘Umrah, the following are obligatory;

1. To faithfully observe all that Allah has made obligatory, such as the daily prayers at their proper times.

2. To avoid what Allah has prohibited, such as wrongdoing, quarreling and committing sins.

3. To guard against injuring the Muslims by deed or by word.

4. To abstain from what is prohibited during ihram, namely:

(a) Do not cut your nails or pull out hair. There is no blame on you if these break or come off by themselves without your intending it.

(b) Do not use scent, whether on the clothes or on the body, or in food or drink. There is no harm if the effect of scent applied before putting on ihram remains.

(c) Do not kill, frighten or assist in hunting any land game as long as you are in ihram.

(d) Within the precincts of al-Haram no one, in the state of ihram or not, is allowed to cut trees, pluck vegetables or collect a lost property except for the sake of identifying it for its owner. For the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said so.

(e) Do not propose to a woman or contract marriage either for yourself or on behalf of others. Sexual intercourse is prohibited too, so is touching the apposite sex with desire. All these actions are-prohibited during the period of ihram.

All these prohibitions apply equally to men and women alike.

In particular

A man may not put any covering on his head. However, the shade of an umbrella or the roof of a car is permissible. There is no harm in carrying something on the head.

A man may not wear a shirt or anything else which is sewn, such as a burnoose, turban, trousers, khuff (short, thin boot), on the whole or a part of his body. However, if an izar (one of the two garments of ihram, worn on the lower part of the body) is not available, trousers may be worn, and if sandals are not available khuff may be worn.

It is forbidden for a woman to wear gloves on her hands or to cover her face with a face-veil (niqab) or burqa (drape) during the state of ihram. However, if male strangers are around her, she should conceal her face with her head-covering or something similar. These rules apply until she comes out of ihram..

If a person wears a sewn garment or covers his head (for men), uses perfume, pulls out some hairs, or cuts his nails through forgetfulness or due to ignorance, there is no fidyah (expiation) for him. He should stop doing such things as soon as he remembers or is reminded of then.

It is permissible to wear sandals, a ring, a pair of glasses, a hearing aid, a wrist watch, and a belt or a girdle which protects one’s money or documents.

It is permissible to change one’s clothes and to wash them, as well as to wash one’s hair and body, and it does not matter if some hair inadvertently falls out during washing. 

VISITATION OF THE PROPHET’S MOSQUE

1. Going to Madinah at any time with the intention of visiting the Prophet’s Mosque is a sunnah, as is performing salah in it, According to a hadith of the Prophet (may peace and blessing of Allah be on him). A salah performed in the Prophet’s Mosque is better than a thousand salats in any other place excepting the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) in Makkah.

2. There is no ihram nor talbiyah for the visit to the Prophet’s Mosque, and it should be emphasized that there is no connection whatsoever between this visit and the hajj.

3. When you enter the Prophet’s Mosque, enter with your right foot first, saying the name of Allah the Most High, and invoking blessings on His Prophet (may His peace and blessings be on him), and ask Allah to open the gates of His mercy for you. The recommended words for entering any mosque, including the Prophet’s Mosque, are:

“A’udhu billahil-adheem wa wajhi hil-kareem wa sultanihil- qadeem mina – shaytani-rajeem. Allahhumma, iftah li abwaba rahmattk.

(I seek refuge in Allah the Al-mighty, and in His noble countenance and in His eternal power, from Satan the Rejected. 0 Allah, open to me the doors of Your mercy.)

4. Perform two rak’ats of tahiyyat al-masjid (the salat of “greeting of the mosque”) after entering the Mosque, preferably in the Rawdah or otherwise anywhere else in the Mosque.

5. Then go to the grave of the Prophet (may the peace and blessing of Allah be on him), and standing in front of it and facing it, say in a respectful and hushed voice:

“Assalamu ‘alaika, ayyuhan-nabiyya wa rahmat al lahi wa barakatuhu. ”
(Peace be on you, O Prophet, and the mercy and blessings of Allah),

and call for the blessings of Allah on him. There is no harm if you add:

“Allahumma, atihil-waseelata wal-fadeelata wab-‘athul-maqamal-mahmoudal-ladhee wa-adtahu. Allahumma, ajzih ‘an ummatihi afdalal- jaza’.”

(O Lord, give him the right (of intercession) and the favor, and raise him to the praiseworthy station which you promised to him.O Allah, reward him on behalf of his ummah (people) with the best of rewards.)

Then move a little to the right to stand before the grave of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him). Greet him and supplicate Allah to bestow His mercy and forgiveness on him.

Again move a little to the right to stand before the grave of ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), and greet him and make supplication for him.

6. It is sunnah to have (Taharah), and visit the Mosque of Quba and offer salat in it, as the Prophet (peace be on him) prayed there and encouraged others to do the same.

7. It is sunnah to visit the graves of al-Baqe’e cemetery, and the grave of Uthman (May Allah be pleased with him) and the martyrs of ‘Uhud, and the grave of Hamzah (May Allah be pleased with them.); to greet them and to pray for the mercy of Allah upon them. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to visit all these graves and pray for the souls of those who were buried there. He taught his companions when visiting graves to say:

“Assalamu ‘alaikum, ahlal-diyar minal-mu’mineen wal-muslimeen,
wa inna insha-Allah bikum lahiqoon.
Nasalal-laha lans wa lakumul-‘afiyah.

(Peace be on you, O dwellers of this place from among the Believers and the Muslims,
and we will insha-‘Allah join you.
We ask Allah for security (from the Fire of Hell) for ourselves and for you.)

(Reported by Muslim)

According to the Shari’ah besides the mosques and other places mentioned above, there are no other mosques or places in Madinah which are to be visited. Therefore, do not burden yourself by visiting places for which there is no reward or for which, in fact, there might be some blame for doing so. And Allah is the source of guidance. 

ERRORS OFTEN COMMITTED BY PILGRIMS

First: Errors Related to lhram

Some pilgrims bypass the designated Station of lhram on their route without either being in ihram or entering into ihram there, proceeding until they reach Jeddah or some other place within the precincts of the Stations, at which they enter into ihram. This is against the command of Allah’s Messenger (peace be on him), which stipulates that every pilgrim should enter into ihram at the Station of ihram which lies on his route.

If this happens to someone, he must either go back to the Station of ihram lying on his route and there enter into ihram, or he must make expiation by sacrificing a sheep in Makkah and feeding all its meat to the poor.

This applies to all pilgrims regardless of whether one passes the Station of ihram by air, by sea or by land.

If one did not pass through one of the five designated Stations of lhram, he should enter into ihram at a point which is nearest to the Station of ihram on his route.

Second: Errors Related to Tawaf

1. Starting the tawaf at some point other than the site of the Black Stone, while it is obligatory to begin tawaf from the Black Stone

2. Doing one’s tawaf inside the Hijr of lsma’il, which means going around a portion of the K’abah rather than the whole of it since the Hijr of Isma’il is a part of the K’abah which would then be left out of tawaf. Such a tawaf is invalid.

3. Doing ramal (i.e., taking quick short steps) during alI seven circuits while ramal is to be done only during the first three of the Tawaf of Arrival (tawaf al-qudum).

4. Struggling vehemently to kiss the Black Stone in this process and hitting or pushing people. Such acts, which are injurious to Muslims, are not permissible.

It should be noted that the tawaf remains perfectly valid without kissing the Black Stone. If one does not or cannot kiss the Black Stone. it is sufficient simply to point to it, saying “Allahu akbar” when one comes parallel to it, although one may be at a distance from it.

5. Wiping one’s hand over the Black Stone, seeking “blessings” (barakah) thereby is an innovation (bid’a) with no basis in the Shari’ah of Islam. The sunnah is to touch it or kiss it only when it can be done easily.

6. Touching the four corners of K’abah or its walls, and wiping one’s hands against them. The Prophet (peace be on him) did not touch any part of K’abah except the Black Stone and the Yemeni Corner.

7. Saying specific formulas of supplications reserved for each circuit. The Prophet (peace be on him) did not specify any supplications except to say “Allahu akbar” when when he reached the Black Stone and, at the end of each circuit between the Yamani Corner and the Black Stone, he said:

“Rabbana, atina’ fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasana wa qina adhaban-nar. ”
(Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and save us from the punishment of the Fire.)

8. Raising one’s voice above the voices of others; whether in following or leading the tawaf as it causes confusion among the worshippers.

9. Struggling to pray at the Station of lbraheem. This is contrary to the sunnah, besides being injurious to other worshippers. it is sufficient to pray the two rak’ats of tawaf after completing one’s tawaf anywhere within the Sacred Mosque.

Third: Errors Related to Sa’ye

1. When climbing upon Safa and Marwah, some pilgrims face the K’abah and gesticulate toward it with their hand while saying “Allahu akbar” as if they were saying takbir for salat salat. This gesticulating is an error because the Prophet (peace be on him) raised his palms only for supplication. Here you may glorify and magnify Allah the Most High, supplicating Him in any words you wish while facing the direction of the K’abah. It is preferable to recite the dhikr which the Prophet (peace be on him) recited at Safa and Marwah.

2. Accelerating one’s pace throughout the entire distance between the two hills. The sunnah is to accelerate one’s pace only between the two green posts, while walking at normal pace the remainder of the way.

Fourth: Errors Related to ‘Arafat

1. Some pilgrims camp outside the boundaries of ‘Arafat and remain there until the sun has set; then they depart for Muzdalifah without standing at ‘Arafat properly. This is a serious error which invalidates their hajj since standing in Arafat is the essence of haji, and it is obligatory to be within its boundaries and not outside them, if it is not easy to do that, they may enter before sunset and remain there until sunset. It is quite acceptable to stand in Arafat during the night of sacrifice in particular.

2. Departing from ‘Arafat before the sun has set is not permissible, because the messenger of Allah (peace be on him) stayed at ‘Arafat until the sun had set completely.

3. Struggling through crowds in order to climb Mount ‘Arafat is not permissible, because it causes much harm and injury to others. The entire Plain of ‘Arafat is a place of standing, and neither climbing Mount ‘Arafat nor making salah there has been recommended.

4. Making supplications facing Mount ‘Arafat is incorrect because the sunnah is to face qiblah while making supplication.

5. Making heaps of earth or pebbles: during the day of ‘Arafat, at particular places, by some people, has no bases in the Shariah of Allah.

Fifth: Errors Related to Muzdalifah

Some pilgrims start collecting pebbles to throw at the Stone Pillars in Mina as soon as they arrive in Muzdalifah prior to praying the Maghrib and ‘lsha prayers. This is not correct. Nor is the practice that ail the pebbles must be collected at Muzdalifah.

The correct position is that the pebbles can be collected anywhere within the boundaries of al-Haram (the territory or precincts of Makkah ). It is known that the Prophet (peace be on him) did not ask that the pebbles for Jamratul Aqabah be picked up for him from Muzdalifa. They were picked up for him, in the Morning, after leaving Muzdalifa and on entering Mina. The rest of the pebbles were picked up for him, from Mina too. Some pilgrims wash the pebbles, but this is not recommended.

Error Related to Throwing the Pebbles

1. Some pilgrims are under the impression that when they are throwing pebbles at the Stone Pillars, they are actually throwing them at shayateen (devils): hence they hurl them with rage and force. However, the throwing of the pebbles has been merely prescribed as a means of remembering Allah the Most High.

2. Some people throw big stones, shoes or pieces of wood. This is an excess in matters of religion which the Prophet (peace be upon him) prohibited, what is allowed is to throw pebbles the size of good beans.

3. Crowding and fighting with others at the Pillars while throwing the pebbles is not permissible. What is prescribed is to be gentle and to throw the pebbles without hurting anyone as much as possible.

4. Throwing all the pebbles at one time is an error. Scholars have said that this would be counted as only one throw. The Shari’ah prescribes throwing the pebbles one by one, saying “Allahu akbar” at each separate throw.

5. Appointing a proxy to throw the pebbles, simply due to fear of the crowds or of hardship, while one is capable of doing it himself. Only sick or weak individuals are permitted to have a proxy for this act.

Seventh: Errors Related to the Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf -al- Wida)

1. On the day of their departure, some pilgrims go.to Makkah to perform their Farewell Tawaf before throwing the pebbles at the Pillars. Then they return to Mina to throw the pebbles, and depart from Mina for their respective countries. Thus their final rite becomes that of throwing the pebbles at the Pillars and not of the tawaf of K’abah. This is an error as the Prophet (peace be on him) said, No one should depart without his last visit being to the House (K’abah) ”

Accordingly, the Farewell Tawaf must take place after one has completed all the rites of hajj (and before starling his journey for home). After this tawaf one should not stay in Makkah except during the time it takes to prepare to depart.

2. After finishing the Farewell Tawaf, some people walk backwards, facing the K’abah, as they exit from the Sacred Mosque, under the impression that this is a veneration of the K’abah. This act is an innovation (bid’a) in the religion and is without any basis.

3. After finishing the Farewell Tawaf, some pilgrims halt at the door of the Sacred Mosque to make supplications. This is also an innovation with no basis in the Shari’ah of Islam.

Eighth: Errors Related to the visit of the Prophet’s Mosque

1. Touching and wiping one’s hands on the walls and iron grilles, tying threads to the gratings, and other acts of this sort while visiting the grave of the Prophet (may peace and blessings of Allah be on him) in order to receive blessings (barakah) are an innovation (bid’a). Blessings come from following what Allah and His Messenger (peace be on him) have prescribed, and not from following innovations.

2. Going to the caves of Mount Uhud or to the caves of Hira or Thaur near Makkah and hanging pieces of cloth or making supplications there have not been prescribed by Allah. All these are unnecessary hardships, innovations in the religion, and are without any basis in the Shari’ah.

3. Likewise, visiting certain sites under the impression that these constitute “relics” of the Prophet (peace be on him), as for example the place where his camel sat, the Well of ‘Uthman or the Well of the Ring, and gathering soil from these places to obtain “blessings”, are all innovations.

4. Calling upon the dead while visiting the graves at the Baqi’ Cemetery or the graves of the martyrs of Uhud, and throwing coins in order to seek the blessings of the place or of the people buried there, is a grievous error indeed. it is shirk (ascribing partners to Allah the Most High), as has been pointed out by scholars. It is clear from the Book of Allah and the sunnah of His Messenger (peace be on him) that all forms of worship are for Allah alone. It is not permissible to call upon, or to offer sacrifice, give vow or any other form of ibadah (worship) except for Allah alone. Allah the Most High, says:

“and they were commanded nothing except to worship Allah (only), purifying the religion for Him alone,”

and He also says,

Verily, the places of worship are for Allah (alone), so do not call on anyone else apart from Allah.”

We ask Allah, the Most High, to improve the condition of the Muslims and to give them understanding of the religion. and to turn all of us away from errors and deviations Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Responding. 

WHAT IS REQUIRED OF THE PILGRIMS

1. To repent sincerely of all sins, and to spend on the hajj or ‘umrah out of his lawful earnings.

2. To guard one’s tongue from lying, backbiting and slandering.

3, To purify the intention to perform hajj or ‘umrah solely to seek the pleasure of Allah the Most High.

4. To learn what actions are prescribed’by the Shari’ah or hajj and ‘umrah, and in the event of any difficulty or problem to ask those who know.

5. When the pilgrim arrives at al-miqat (station of ihram) he is free to choose one of the three types of hajj (ifrad, tamatt’u or qiran). Tamatt’u is preferable for a person who has not brought his sacrificial animal with him, while qiran is preferable for one who has his animal with him.

6. If the person entering ihram is afraid he may not be able to complete all the rites because of sickness or fear, he should make the condition: “I will return to the normal state in case I am obliged to.”

7. The hajj of children is valid, but it does not fulfill their lslamic obligation of hajj.

8. During the state of ihram, one may take bath or wash his head or scratch it if need be.

9. A woman may veil her face with her headcovering if she fears that men are looking at her.

10. Many women wear a headband under the veil to keep it away from the face. This action has no basis.

11. It is permissible to wash the ihram garments and to wear them again, or to change into other ihram garments.

12. If, during the state of ihram, one should wear a sewn garment, cover his head, or use scent due to forgetfulness or ignorance, no expiation (penalty or redemptive offering) is required of him.

13. If one is performing hajj al-tamatt’u or ‘umrah, he should stop reciting talbiyyah upon arriving at the K’abah before beginning his tawaf.

14. Walking with quick, short steps and baring the right shoulder is not permissible during tawaf except during the first three circuits of the Tawaf of Arrival (tawaf al-qudum). This applies to men only.

15. If the pilgrim forgets how many circuits he has performed, i.e., whether three or four, he should count them as three (that is, the lesser of the two numbers). The same procedure is to be followed for sa’ye.

16. In case of large crowds, there is no harm in performing the circuits beyond the Station of lbraheem or even further beyond, as the whole of the Sacred Mosque is a place of tawaf.

17. It is prohibited for a woman to make tawaf showing her adornments, using perfume, or not covering properly what the Shari’ah requires her to be covered.

18. If a woman’s menses begins or she gives birth after entering into ihram, it is not permissible for her to make tawaf until the flow of blood ceases and she is cleansed.

19. A woman may wear any dress for ihram as long as it does not resemble men’s clothing, show her adornments, or cause temptation to men.

20. To verbalize the intentions for acts of worship other than the hajj or ‘umrah is an innovation (bid’a), and to say it aloud is even more incorrect.

21. If a Muslim has the intention of making hajj or umrah, it is forbidden for him to pass by the appointed Station of lhrem (al- miqat) without entering into ihram.

22. If the pilgrim for hajj or umrah is arriving by air, he enters into ihram on the plane when he passes parallel to the Station of ihram on his route. He is to prepare himself, for entering into ihram during the flight before boarding the plane.

23. If one resides in Makkah, or between Makkah and the Stations of Ihram he need not go anywhere to take ihram. In this case, he is to take his ihram for either hajj or ‘umrah at his place of residence.

24. In order to increase the number of their ‘umrahs, some people go to al-Tan’im or al-J’iranah after the hajj and subsequently return for ‘umrah. No support for this practice exists in the Shari’ah.

.25. The pilgrim who is performing hajj al-tamatt’u re-enters ihram on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah at the place in which he is staying in Makkah. It is not necessary for him to take ihram from any specified place within Makkah (such as al-Mizab), as many people do, nor is there any Farewell Tawaf for going out of Makkah at this time.

26. It is preferable to go to ‘Arafat from Mina on the 9th of Dhul- Hijjah after the sun has risen.

27. It is not permissible to depart from ‘Arafat on the 9th of Dhul- Hijjah before the sun has set. When the pilgrim departs after sunset, he should do so with ease and dignity.

28, The Maghrib and ‘Isha prayers are to be performed after arriving at Muzdalifah, whether at the time of Maghrib or during the period of ‘lsha.

29. It is permissible to gather the pebbles for stoning the Pillars from any place within the boundaries of Makkah (al-Haram), not necessarily from Muzdalifah.

30. It is not recommended to wash the pebbles. No report exists to the effect that the Prophet (peace be on him) or his Companions ever did this. Nor are the used pebbles to be used again.

31. It is permissible for women, children and weak individuals to proceed to Mina at the end of the night.

32, When the pilgrim arrives in Mina on the Day of ‘Eid (the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah), he should stop reciting talbiyyah. The pebbles are to be thrown successively, one by one, at the Stone Pillar of ‘Aqabah.

33. It is not required that the pebbles remain where they are thrown; it is only necessary that they be thrown at the Pillar.

34. According to the opinion of scholars, the period of sacrifice extends to the sunset of the third day.

35. Tawaf al-ifadah or al-ziyarah on the day of ‘Eid (the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah) is an essential part of the hajj and hajj is not complete without it. However, it is permissible to delay it until the end of the stay in Mina.

36. The person making qiran between hajj and ‘umrah offers one Sa,ye only. The same is true in the case of ifrad, if the person keeps his ihram until the day of an-Nahr.

37. On the Day of Sacrifice, it is preferable that the pilgrims do things in the following order: begins by throwing pebbles at the Pillar of ‘Aqabah; then Offers his sacrifice; then shaves or clips his hair, he then makes tawaf of the K’abah followed by sa’ye Changing this order is, however, permissible.

38. Returning to full normal state is attained after one has done the following: (a) thrown the pebbles at the Pillar of ‘Aqabah; (b) shaved his head or clipped some of his hair; (c) done tawaf al-ifada with sa’ye.

39. If the pilgrim decides to shorten his stay in Mina, it is necessary that he departs from Mina before the sunset.

40. For a child who cannot do the throwing of pebbles, his guardian throws on his behalf after throwing his own pebbles.

41. A person who is not capable of going to the throwing due to old age, illness or pregnancy it is permitted to appoint someone else (his proxy) to do the throwing on his or her behalf.

42. The proxy first throws his own pebbles and thereafter, without leaving the place, throws the pebbles on behalf of the person whom he represents at each of the three Pillars.

43. Except for the residents of the Sacred Mosque, it is obligatory on anyone who is doing hajj a l-tamatt’u or hajj al-qiran to sacrifice a sheep or to share in the seventh part of a camel or a cow.

44. If the pilgrim is unable to make this sacrifice, he must fast three days during the hajj and seven days after returning home.

45. It is preferable that these three days of fasting be completed before the Day of ‘Arafat so that he is not fasting on that day, or otherwise that he fast on the 11 th, 12th and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah.

46. It is permissible to fast these three days either consecutively or separately, and the same applies to the seven days of fasting at home.

47. The Farewell Tawaf (tawaf al-wida’) is obligatory for every pilgrim excepting menstruating or post-partum women.

48. To visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah is a sunnah, whether it is done before the haii or after it.

49. When you enter the Prophet’s Mosque, it is sunnah to pray two rak’ats of tahiyyat al-masjid (the (the salah of greeting the mosque). Although you can perform this salah anywhere in the Mosque, it is preferable to perform it in the Rawdah.

50. Visiting the graves of the Prophet (peace be on him) and others is allowed for Males only, and not for females, so that they would not have to travel for such a visit.

51. Rubbing and wiping one’s hands against the walls of the chamber containing the Prophet’s tomb, kissing it, or doing circuits around it are all innovations which are prohibited. Such things were not done by our upright ancestors. in particular, making tawaf around the chamber is shirk (ascribing partners to Allah).

52. it is also shirk to call upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) for the fulfilment of a need or to remove a grief.

53. The Prophet’s life in his grave is in the state at barzakh (the state of existence between death and resurrection on the Day of Judgement) and is in no way similar to his life on earth before his death. The nature and reality of the life of barzakh is known only to Allah the Most High.

54. People who stand in front of the Prophet’s grave, raising their hands and making supplications, are doing something alien to Islam. This is an innovation in the religion.

55. Visiting the grave of the Prophet (peace be on him) is neither obligatory nor a condition for the completion of the hajj, as some people believe.

56. The hadiths cited by some people prescribing visitation of the Prophet’s grave either have weak authority or are fabricated.

Some Supplications Which May Be Recited At ‘Arafat, at The Sacred Sites, and at Other Places Of Supplication

O Allah! I ask of You integrity and soundness in my religion, my life, my family, and my possessions.

O Allah! Cover my shame, pacify my fears, guard me from what is in front of me and behind me, from what is on my right and on my left, over my head and under my feet.

O Allah! Grant health to my body.O Allah grant health to my hearing.O Allah! Grant health to my sight. There is no deity except You.

O Allah! I seek refuge in You from unbelief and poverty, and from the punishment of the grave. There is no deity except You.

O Allah! You are my Lord. There Is no deity except You. You are my Creator and I am your creature. I try to keep my covenant with You and to live in the hope of Your promise as well as I can. I seek refuge in You from my own evil deeds. I acknowledge Your favors to me; and I acknowledge my sins. Forgive me my sins, for there is no one who can forgive sins except You.

O Allah! I seek refuge in You from worry and sorrow. I seek refuge in You from impotence and sloth, from stinginess and cowardice, and I seek refuge in You from the burden of debt and from being humbled by men.

O Allah! make the beginning of this day good, the middle prosperous, and the end successful. I ask You to grant me the good of this world and of the Hereafter, O Most Merciful of all Who show us mercy!

O Allah! I ask of You to make me pleased with what You decreed for me return to good life after death, and I earnestly seek the pleasure of looking at Your Glorious Countenance and the craving to meet you, without distress or affiction or misguiding trial. I seek refuge in You from oppressing others or being oppressed, from doing wrong or suffering wrong. and from committing an error or a sin which You will not forgive.

O Allah! I seek refuge in You from the feebleness of old age.

O Allah! Guide me to the best of deeds and the best of morals, as none can guide to the best except You, and save me from bad deeds, as none can save me from what is bad except You.

O Allah! Strengthen my faith, expand my living space, and bless me in my livelihood.

O Allah! I seek refuge in You from negligence, degradation and destitution; I seek refuge in You from unbelief, wickedness, vanity and show; and I seek refuge in You from blindness, deafness and leprosy and bad diseases.

O Allah! Give my soul piety and my conscience purity. You are the Master of my soul and the Guardian of my conscience.

O Allah! I seek refuge in You from a knowledge which does not benefit, from a heart which does not tremble, from an ego which is not sated, and from a supplication which is not accepted.

O Allah! I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I did and from the evil of what I did not do; from the evil of what I know and from the evil of what I did not know.

O Allah! I seek refuge in You from a decline in Your favor, from a change in Your protection, from Your sudden punishment and all Your displeasure.

O Allah! I seek refuge in You from ruin and falling,from drowning and burning, and from senility: I seek refuge in You from Satan’s beguiling me at my death; and I seek refuge in You from being bitten by venomous creatures. I seek refuge in You from greed, bad manners, bad actions, bad desires and bad diseases. I seek refuge in You from the burden of debt, from being humbled by people, and from the ridicule of enemies.

O Allah! Strengthen my religion which is my fortress, make this world a better place of sojourn for me, and grant me a good life in the Hereafter which will be my abode. Make my life increase in all goodness and my death a rest from all evil.

O Allah! Support me and help me, and do not let others overpower me; guide me and make the following of Your Commands easy for me.

O Allah! make me grateful to You, mindful of You, full of fear toward You, devoted to obedience of You, humble before You, earnest in supplication, and penitent. My Lord, accept my repentance, wash away my sins, answer my supplication, establish my veracity, guide my heart, make my tongue truthful, and remove all ill-feeling from my heart.

O Allah! I ask You for a resolute mind and firmness in following the guidance. I ask You to make me thankful for Your favor, to be of good service to You, and to grant me a sound heart and a truthful tongue. I ask You to grant me what You know to be good and to give me refuge from what is evil, and to forgive me – and You are the Knower of the Unseen.

O Allah! Inspire me with good conduct and save me from the evil of my selfishness.O Allah! I ask You to guide me to the doing of good deeds and abstaining from bad deeds and love those who are humble, and to forgive me and show mercy to me. And if You wish a trial for Your servants, take me to You before falling into it.

O Allahl I ask You for Your love and the love of those who love You, and for the love of every action which will bring me closer to Your love.

O Allah! I ask You the best of the request for the best in my supplication, for the best success and the best reward. Strengthen me, make heavier my balance of good, confirm my faith, elevate my rank, accept my worship, and forgive my mistakes, and I ask of You the highest ranks in the Garden of Paradise. I ask You for good beginnings, good endings, the totality of goodness, from the first to the last, from within and from without, and I ask of You the highest ranks in the Garden.

O Allah! I ask You to exalt my fame, lighten my burden, purify my heart, keep me chaste, forgive me my sins, and I ask of You a high rank in the Garden.

O Allah! Bless me in my sight, in my hearing, in my soul, In my body, In my conduct; bless me in my life, in my family, in my work; accept my good deeds, and I ask of You a high rank in the Garden.

O Allah! I seek refuge In You against difficulties, calamities, troubles, oppression and the ridicule of enemies.

O Allah! O Controller of the Hearts!; Keep my heart firm in Your religion; keep it contented with Your worship.

O Allah! Grant us increase and not decrease, honor and not dishonor; give us Your favors and do not deprive us; prefer us, let not others be preferred to us.

O Allah! Grant us the best of outcomes in all our affairs, and save us from disgrace in this world and from punishment in the Hereafter.

O Allah! Grant us such fear of Your as will come between us and acts of disobedience to You; such obedience to You as will bring us to Your Garden; and such certainty that the calamities of this world will be made easy for us by You. Let us enjoy our hearing, our sight and our faculties as long as You grant us life, and let it be, the last to be taken away from us. Avenge us from those who have wronged us and help us against our enemies. Let no calamity be fall our religion; let not worldly affairs be our greatest care or all about which we know; and Let not those who have no fear of You and who do not show mercy toward us rule over us.

O Allah! I ask You to bestow Your mercy on me, to forgive me, to protect me from every sin, to give me a share of every good, and to grant me the attainment of the Garden and salvation from the Fire.

O Allah! Leave not for us a sin which You have not forgiven, nor a shortcoming which You have not concealed, nor a wary which You have not removed, nor a debt which You have not paid, nor a need from among the needs of this world or the Hereafter, the fulfillment of which is beneficial for us and pleasing to You, which You have not fulfilled, O Most Merciful of all show us mercy!

O Allah! I ask for a mercy from You by which You will guide my heart, settle my affairs, remove my worries, protect me from what is unseen to me, make my face radiant, purify my deeds, inspire me with wisdom, avert calamities from me, and protect me from every evil,

O Allah! I ask You for success on the day of judgment, and a life of happiness, and the rank of the martyrs, the companionship of the prophets, and victory over the enemies.O Allah! I ask You for correctness of belief: for a faith which leads to good conduct, for a success which results in eternal felicity: for mercy, health and forgiveness from You, and for Your pleasure.

O Allah! I ask You for health, for integrity, for good character, and that I may be pleased with my portion.

O Allah! I seek refuge in You from the evil of my self, and from the evil of every creature which You are grasping by its forelock. O my Lord, keep me on the straight path.

O Allah! You hear my words, You behold my situation, You know what is open and what is hidden within me; nothing is hidden from You. It is me alone who is in need, a humble seeker of Your forgiveness. I beseech You with humility in my heart, with trembling and fear, in prostration and utter helplessness. O Allah! Grant me soundness of belief, goodness of character, forgiveness of my sins, and Your eternal pleasure in the Hereafter.

May Allah’s blessings be upon Muhammad and his family and Companions.

The Foundations of Kabah : Shaykh al-Albanee

source: Silsilat ul-ahaadeeth us-saheeha – the series of authentic narrations – hadeeth no. 43
assaheeha translations.

The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “O ‘Aaisha, if your people had not recently been polytheists (and new converts to Islaam), and if I had enough means to reconstruct it, I would have spent the treasure of the Ka’bah in the way of Allaah, and I would have demolished the Ka’bah and made it at a level with the ground. Then I would have rebuilt it on its original foundations laid by Ibraaheem (Abraham) and made two doors for it – a door facing the east, for the people to enter, and a door facing the west, for their exit… And I would expand (the Ka’bah) by six cubits (around three meters) of area from al-Hijr (the unroofed portion of the Ka’bah which is at present in the form of a semi-circular, wall-surrounded area in the north side of the Ka’bah); (in [another] narration: I would have included the space of al-Hijr in it ), for when the Quraish had rebuilt the Ka’bah, they reduced its (area). And if your people would take initiative after me in rebuilding it, then come along with me so that I could show you what they have left out of it.” He [sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] showed her about seven cubits (three and a half meters) of area (from the side of al-Hijr).

In [another] narration from her (‘Aaisha), she said: “I asked the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) about the wall (i.e., al-Hijr): ‘Is it regarded as part of the House (the Ka’bah)?’ He [sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] replied, ‘Yes.’ I said: ‘Then why did they not include it in the House?’ He [sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] said, ‘Your people ran short of the means/money (to do so).’ I said: ‘Why is it that the level of its door is raised high?’ He [sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] said, ‘Your people did it to admit whomever they liked, and prevent whomever they disliked; (in [another] narration: (They did it) out of vanity so that (they might be in a position) to grant admittance to only whom they wished. So when a person intended to enter it, they called him to climb (the stairs), and when he was about to enter, they pushed him and he fell down). Were your people not close to the Pre-lslamic Period of Ignorance (i.e. they have recently embraced Islaam) and were I not afraid that their hearts might deny (my action), then surely I would have included the (area of the) wall inside (the building of) the House and I would have made its gate touch the ground.’”

Then, when Ibn uz-Zubayr ruled, he demolished it and made two doors for it. (In [another] narration: That was what urged Ibn uz-Zubayr to demolish (the Ka’bah). Yazeed bin Rumaan said: ‘I saw Ibn uz-Zubayr when he demolished it, rebuilt it and included al-Hijr in it. And I saw the original foundations of Ibraaheem (‘alayhi ssalaam) which were of stones joined together resembling the humps of camels.’)

*the translation of the above hadeeth, for the most part, was taken directly from the already translated text of saheeh al-bukhaari and saheeh muslim*

shaykh al-albaani (rahimahullaah) summarizes a number of benefits from the above narration:

“This hadeeth indicates two things:

First: that it is obligatory to delay carrying out rectification, if an evil greater than [its good] results from it. And from it, the scholars of fiqh took their famous principle: ‘Repelling the evil [comes] before bringing the good.’

Second: that the honorable Ka’bah is now in need of the reconstructions that the hadeeth includes, due to the disappearance of the reason for the sake of which the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) left that – and (the reason) is that the hearts of those who were recently polytheists in his time (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would have a dislike [for it]. And Ibn Battaal has reported from some of the scholars that: ‘the dislike that he (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) feared was that they would accuse him of boasting by himself over them.’

It is possible to list those reconstructions in what follows:

  • 1- Expanding the Ka’bah and building it upon the foundation of Ibraaheem (‘alayhi ssalaat wa ssalaam), and that is by adding approximately six cubits (three meters) of al-Hijr
  • 2- Leveling its ground with the surface of the Haram (Al-Masjid ul-Haraam)
  • 3- Opening another door for it from the Western side
  • 4 – Making the two doors low with the ground to organize and facilitate entering it and exiting from it for everyone who wishes

And indeed, ‘Abdullaah bin uz-Zubayr (radi Allaahu ‘anhumaa) had carried out the fulfillment of this reconstruction completely during his rule in Makkah, but the unjust political administration returned the Ka’bah after him to its previous state!”

the shaykh then mentions the following hadeeth as narrated by Muslim and Abu Nu’aym on the authority of ‘Ataa who said:

“The House was burnt during the time of Yazeed bin Mu’aawiya when the people of Shaam had fought (in Makkah), and it happened with it (the Ka’bah) what was (in store for it). Ibn uz-Zubayr left it (in the same state) until the people came in the season (of Hajj) – he wanted to encourage them or urge them on (to war) against the people of Shaam. When the people had arrived, he said to them, ‘O people, advise me about the Ka’bah. Should I demolish it and then build it from its very foundation, or should I repair whatever has been damaged of it?’ Ibn ‘Abbaas [radi Allaahu ‘anhu] said, ‘An idea has occurred to me, according to which I think that you should only repair whatever has been damaged for it, and leave the House (in the same state) in which people embraced Islaam, (and leave) the stones (in the same state) in which people embraced Islaam and upon which the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was sent.’ So, Ibn uz-Zubayr said, ‘If the house of any one of you was burnt, he would not be pleased until he had reconstructed it, then how about the House of your Lord (which is far more important than your house)?! Indeed, I will seek good advice from my Lord thrice and then I will make up my mind about this affair.’

After seeking good advice thrice, he made up his mind to demolish it. The people were suspicious and fearful that calamity might fall from heaven on those persons who would be first to climb over it (for the purpose of demolishing it), until a man climbed it and threw down one of its stones. When the people saw no calamity befalling him, they followed him and demolished it until they leveled it to the ground. Then, Ibn uz-Zubayr erected pillars and hung curtains on them until the walls were raised. And Ibn uz-Zubayr said, ‘Indeed I heard ‘Aaisha say that the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: (he then mentioned the first portion of the hadeeth [mentioned in the beginning], then he said) – I today have the means to spend and I don’t fear the people (that they would protest against this change).’ So he expanded it by five cubits (around two and a half meters) of area from the side of al-Hijr until it appeared as the original foundation (upon which Ibraaheem had built the Ka’bah), and the people saw it; and it was upon this foundation that he raised the wall. The length of the Ka’bah was eighteen cubits (around nine meters), and when he had expanded it, he found it to be short (since the addition was made to its width, so naturally the length appeared to be small compared to its width). Therefore, he expanded its length by ten cubits (around five meters). He also constructed two doors, one of which (was meant) for entrance and the other one for exit.

Then, when Ibn uz-Zubayr was killed, al-Hajjaaj wrote to ‘Abd ul-Malik bin Marwaan informing him about it, and telling him that Ibn uz-Zubayr had built (the Ka’bah) on the very foundation (which was laid by Ibraaheem) and which reliable persons among the people of Makkah had seen. Then, ‘Abd ul-Malik wrote to him: ‘Indeed, we are not concerned with disgracing Ibn uz-Zubayr in anything. As for what he added in the side of its length, keep it intact; and as for what he added from the side of al-Hijr, return it to its (previous) foundation, and close up the door which he opened.’ Thus, he (al-Hajjaaj) demolished it (that portion) and rebuilt it on its (previous) foundation.”

*the translation of the above hadeeth, for the most part, was taken directly from the already translated text of saheeh muslim*

shaykh al-albaani continues:

“That is what al-Hajjaaj the oppressor did by the command of ‘Abd ul-Malik the mistaken one, and I don’t think that his regret later on clears him of his mistake. Muslim and Abu Na’eem have also narrated from ‘Abdullaah bin ‘Ubayd who said: Al-Haarith bin ‘Abdillaah came to ‘Abd ul-Malik bin Marwaan as an envoy during his Khilaafa (Caliphate), and ‘Abd ul-Malik said, ‘I don’t think that Abu Habeeb (i.e., Ibn uz-Zubayr) heard from ‘Aaisha that which he claimed to hear from her.’ Al-Haarith said: ‘But yes, I [myself] heard it from her.’ He (‘Abd ul-Malik) said, ‘You heard her saying what?’ He (Al-Haarith) said, ‘She said: the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: (he then mentioned the hadeeth).’ ‘Abd ul-Malik said to Al-Haarith, ‘You heard her saying this?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ Then, he (‘Abd ul-Malik) scratched the ground with his staff for a while and then said, ‘I wish that I had left it and not changed [the reconstructions carried out by Ibn uz-Zubayr].’

And there is in [another] narration from them both (Muslim and Abu Na’eem) from Abu Qaz’ah that: While ‘Abd ul-Malik bin Marwaan was going around the House, he at that time said, ‘May Allaah fight Ibn uz-Zubayr since he uttered a lie upon the mother of the believers, saying: I heard her say: (he then mentioned the hadeeth).’ So, Al-Haarith bin ‘Abdillaah bin Rabee’ah said, ‘Don’t say this O leader of the believers, for I [myself] heard the mother of the believers saying this.’ He (‘Abd ul-Malik) said, ‘If I had heard it before I demolished it (the Ka’bah), I would have left it upon what Ibn uz-Zubayr had built.’

I (Shaykh al-Albaani) say: it was (obligatory) upon him, before the demolition, to verify and to ask the people of knowledge about that, whether it was allowed for him to criticize ‘Abdullaah bin uz-Zubayr and accuse him of uttering a lie upon the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). And his truthfulness (radi Allaahu ‘anhu) became clear to ‘Abd ul-Malik by Al-Haarith‘s agreeing with it, as many a group from ‘Aaisha (radi Allaahu ‘anhaa) agreed with it. And I have collected their narrations…in this hadeeth, and the hadeeth is detailed from ‘Aaisha. Therefore, I indeed fear that ‘Abd ul-Malik had prior knowledge about the hadeeth before he demolished the House, but he pretended that he did not hear about it except through Ibn uz-Zubayr. So when Al-Haarith bin ‘Abdillaah opposed him, that he also had heard it (the hadeeth) from ‘Aaisha, he (‘Abd ul-Malik) showed regret at what he had done, [but] it was too late for regrets.

On the other hand, it has reached us that there is an idea or plan to expand the area of tawaaf (circumambulation) around  the Ka’bah and transfer the Maqaam Ibraaheem (the Standing Place of Ibraaheem) (‘alayhi ssalaat wa ssalaam) to another place. So in relation to this, I suggest to those responsible (for the Ka’bah) that they hasten to expand the Ka’bah before everything (else) and rebuilt it upon the foundation of Ibraaheem (‘alayhi ssalaat wa ssalaam), fulfilling the noble, honorable Prophetic wish in this hadeeth, and saving the people from the problems of crowding at the door of the Ka’bah which is witnessed every year, and from the domination of the guard over the door who prevents whoever he wishes from entering and allows whoever he wishes, for the sake of a few dirhams!”

The Month of Dhul-Hijjah

Source: Al-Istiqaamah Magazine, Issue No.6 – Dhul-Qa’dah 1417H / March 1997

By the Grace of Allaah we have started the month of Dhul-Hijjah (the month of Hajj or Pilgrimage), in which Allaah has marked out, for both the pilgrims and the non-pilgrims, some very blessed days. So we shall mention here some of the virtues and rewardful acts that are connected to these blessed days.

DOING GOOD DEEDS IN GENERAL:

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are the best and most virtuous days of the year. They are the days in which Allaah the Mighty and Majestic – most loves the doing of good deeds. About this the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best days in the world are the ten days.” [1]

Imaam Ibnul-Qayyim (d.751H) – rahimahullaah – said, “Indeed, its days are the most excellent of all the days with Allaah. And it has been confirmed in Saheehul-Bukhaaree (2/382), from Ibn ’Abbaas (radiyallaahu ’anhumaa) who said, that Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There ore no days during which good deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these (ten) days.” He was then asked, ‘Not even jihaad in the path of Allaah?’ So he replied, “Not even jihaad in the path of Allaah, except for a person who goes out with his self and his wealth, and comes back with nothing.” And it is these ten days that Allaah has taken an oath by in His Book, by His saying,

By the Dawn and by the Ten Nights.” [Sooratul-Fajr 89:1-2]

This is why it is recommended to increase in making takbeer (saying Allaahu akbar), tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha illallaah) and tamheed (saying Alhamdulillaah) during these days …”[2]

The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There are no days that are greater with Allaah, and in which good deeds are more beloved to Him, than these ten days. So increase in making tasbeeh (saying Subhaanallaah), tahmeed, tahleel and takbeer, during them.”[3]

FASTING THE DAY OF ’ARAFAH:

The ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah is the day of ’Arafah, since it is on this day that the pilgrims gather at the mountain plain of ’Arafah, praying and supplicating to their Lord. It is mustahabb (highly recommended) for those who are not pilgrims to fast on this day, since the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was asked about fasting on the day of ’Arafah, so he said, “It expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.” [4] Likewise, the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, ‘There is no day on which Allaah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of ’Arafah. He comes close to those (people standing on ’Arafah), and then He revels before His Angels saying, ‘What are these people seeking.” [5]

Imaam at-Tirmidhee (d.275H) – rahimahullaah – said, “The People of Knowledge consider it recommended to fast on the day of ’Arafah, except for those at ’Arafah.” [6]

SLAUGHTERING ON THE DAY OF AN-NAHR AND ’EEDUL-ADHAA OR THE FOLLOWING THREE DAYS:

The tenth day of Dhul-Hiijah is known as the day of an-Nahr (slaughtering), since it marks the ending of the major rites of Hajj (Pilgrimage), and commemorates the bounty and mercy of Allaah – the Most High – in that He gave His beloved Prophet Ibraaheem – ’alayhis-salaam – a ram to sacrifice in place of his firstborn son Ismaa’eel – ’alayhis-salaam. And out of the ten best days of the year, it is the day of an-Nahr which is the most excellent day of the year with Allaah.

Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728H) – rahimahullaah – said, “The most excellent day of the week is the day of Friday, by the agreement of the Scholars. And the most excellent day of the year is the day of an-Nahr. And some of them said that it is the day of ’Arafah. However, the first opinion is the correct one, since it is related in the Sunan collections that the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The most excellent days with Allaah is the day of an-Nahr, then the day of al-Qarr (the day that the Muslims reside in Minaa).” [7]” [8]

The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said,

The greatest day of the Hajj (Pilgrimage) is the Day of an-Nahr (Slaughtering).” [9]

The day of an-Nahr is also known as ’Eedul-Adhaa (the Festivity of Sacrifice) and is one of the two major festivals that Allaah has granted to this Ummah. Anas (radiyallaahu ’anhu) said, ‘The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) came to al-Madeenah and the people of al-Madeenah had – since the times of jaahiliyyah (Pre-lslaamic Ignorance) – two days which they marked out for play and amusement. So the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, ‘I came to you, and you had two days of play and amusement in the times of jaahiliyyah. But Allaah has replaced them with something better for you: The day of al-Adhaa (sacrificing) and the day of al-Fitr (ending the Fast).” [10]

The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) also said, “The day of al-Fitr, and the day of an-Nahr, and the days of at-Tashreeq (the three days after an-Nahr) are our days of ’Eed (festivity); and they are days of eating and drinking.” [11]

’Eedul-Adhaa, is a day in which the Muslims slaughter a camel, cow, sheep or goat, in commemoration of the sacrifice of Ibraaheem – ’alayis-salaam. And this sacrifice is an obligation upon all those who have the means to do so – according to the most correct opinion of the Scholars. [12] The basis of this is the Prophet’s (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “One who has the ability to sacrifice, but chooses not to do so, should not approach our place of (’Eed) Prayer.” [13] And his (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Whosoever sacrificed before the Prayer, then let him do so again. But whosoever has not sacrificed, then let him sacrifice.” [14] So this order refers to those who have the ability to do so – and Allaah knows best.

As regards those who intends to sacrifice – normally the head of the household – then they are prohibited from cutting their hair or nails, starting from the first day of Dhul-Hijjah up until after the sacrifice. Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When the ten days start, and one of you intends to sacrifice, then let him not cut his hair or his nails.” [15]

GLORIFYING ALLAAH WITH THE TAKBEER:

From the day of ’Arafah (the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah), up until the ’Asr Prayer on the thirteen day, are days in which the takbeeraat (saying Allaahu Akbar) should be said. Imaam al-Khattaabee (d.456H) – rahimahullaah – said, “The wisdom behind saying the takbeeraat in these days is that in the times of jaahiliyyah (pre-lslaamic ignorance), they used to slaughter for their tawaagheet (false objects of worship). So the takbeeraat were prescribed in order to indicate that the act of slaughtering is directed to Allaah alone, and by mentioning only His – the Mighty and Majestic – Name.” [16]

Shaykhul-lslaam Ibn Taymiyyah – rahimahullaah – said, “All praise be to Allaah. The most correct saying concerning the takbeer – that which the majority of the Salaf (Pious Predecessors), and the Scholars from the Companions and Imaams were upon – is to begin making the takbeer from Fajr (dawn) on the day of ’Arafah, up until the last day of at-Tashreeq (the thirteenth of Dhul-Hijjah), after every Prayer.” [17]

Ibn Abee Shaybah relates, “That ’Alee (radiyallaahu ’anhu) used to make the takbeer beginning after the Fajr Prayer on the day of ’Arafah, up until after the ’Asr Prayer on the last day of at-Tashreeq.” [18]

As regards the actual wording of the takbeeraat, then nothing authentic has been related from the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). However, certain wordings have been authentically related from a group of Companions. From them:

Ibn Mas’ood (radiyallaahu ’anhu) would say, “Allaah is great, Allaah is great. None has the right to be worshipped except Him. And Allaah is great, Allaah is great. And to Him belongs all praise. [Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Laa ilaahaa illallaah, wallaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar wa lillaahil-hamd.]” [19]

Ibn ’Abbaas (radiyallaahu ’anhu) said, “Allaah is great, Allaah is great, Allaah is great, and to Allaah belongs all praise. Allaah is greater and Sublime. Allaah is greater to what He has guided us to. [Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, wa lillaahil-hamd. Allaahu akbar wa ajalla. Allaahu akbar ’alaa maa hadaanaa.]” [20]

Unfortunately, many Muslims have neglected the takbeer established from our Salaf (Pious Predecessors) and have instead resorted to additions which have no basis at all.

Al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr (d.856H) – rahimahullaah – said, “Indeed, additions have been invented upon this day, which have no basis at all.” [21]

And may Allaah have mercy upon the one who said,

Every good is in following the Salaf; And every evil is in the innovations of the late-comers.

And all praise is for Allaah, Lord of the worlds. And may Allaah extol and send the choicest blessings of peace upon our Leader, Muhammad, and upon his Family, his Companions, and all those who follow them.

Footnotes:

[1] Saheeh: Related by al-Bazzaar (1/234). It was authenticated by Shaykh al-Albaanee in Saheehul-Jaami’ (no. 1133).

[2] Refer to Zaadul-Ma’aad (1/56).

[3] Saheeh: Related by at-Tabaraanee in al-Kabeer (3/110/1) It was authenticated by al-Mundharee in at-Targheeb wat-Tarheeb (2/24).

[4] Related by Muslim (no. 1162), from Aboo Qataadah (radiyallaahu ’anhu).

[5] Related by Muslim (no. 1348), from ’Aa‘ishah (radiyallaahu ’anhaa).

[6] Refer to Jaami’ut-Tirmidhee (3/377).

[7] Saheeh: Related by Aboo Daawood (no. 1765), from ’Abdullaah Ibn Qart (radiyallaahu ’anhu). It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in Irwaa‘ul-Ghaleel (no. 2018).

[8] Refer to Majmoo’ul-Fataawaa (25/288).

[9] Saheeh: Related by Aboo Daawood (no. 1945), from Ibn ’Umar (radiyallaahu ’anhu). It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in al-lrwaa‘ (no. 1101).

[10] Saheeh: Related by Ahmad (3/103).it was authenticated by al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr in Bulooghul-Maraam (no. 398).

[11] Saheeh: Related by Ahmad (no. 1945), from ’Uqbah Ibn ’Aamir (radiyallaahu ’anhu). It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in Saheehul-Jaami’ (no. 8192).

[12] As explained by Ibn Taymiyyah in Majmoo’ul-Fataawaa (23/162-164).

[13] Hasan: Related by Ibn Maajah (no. 3123), from Aboo Hurayrah (radiyallaahu ’anhu). It was authenticated by Shaykh al-Albaanee in Takhreej Mushkilatul-Fiqr (no. 398).

[14] Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 5562) and Muslim (no. 1960), from Jundub Ibn ’Abdullaah al-Bajalee (radiyallaahu ’anhu).

[15] Related by Muslim (no. 1977), from Umm Salamah (radiyallaahu ’anhaa).

[16] Quoted from Fathul-Baaree (21/586).

[17] Majmoo’ul-Fataawaa (24/220). However, what seems more correct is not to restrict the takbeeraat to being just after every Prayer, as al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr pointed out in Fathul-Baaree (21/587).

[18] Related by Ibn Abee Shaybah in al-Musannaf (2/1/2). It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in al-lrwaa‘ (31/125).

[19] Related by Ibn Abee Shaybah with an authentic chain of narration

[20] Related by al-Bayhaqee (3/315) with an authentic chain of narration.

[21] Fathul-Baaree (2/536).

The Ruling of the Dome Built upon the Grave of the Messenger of Allaah – Imam Muqbil

A Research Paper Prepared by Abu AbdurRahmaan Muqbil bin Hadi al-Waadi’ee

Translated by Abbas Abu Yahya

All are in PDF Format

  1. Introduction
  2. Allaah Ta’ala Honouring His Prophet Muhammad – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam
  3. The Sharia’s stance against extremism
  4. The consultation amongst the Companions of where the Messenger – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – should be buried
  5. When was the grave of the Messenger – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – first entered into his masjid?
  6. When was the dome built on the grave of the Messenger – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam?
  7. The dislike of the dome by the people of knowledge
  8. The Prophet – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – prohibited building on top of graves
  9. The prohibition of the Messenger – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – of taking graves as masajid
  10. Taking graves as masajid is the way of the Jews and the Christians
  11. The Prohibition of praying to graves, upon them and in a graveyard
  12. The conclusion of what is obligatory upon the Muslims regarding this dome and other domes

 

Advice and Guidelines for those Performing Hajj – Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Jameel Zaynoo

Author:Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Jameel Zaynoo
Source:Al-Asaalah Magazine Issue 11 (pg. 45-47) 

Translator:isma’eel alarcon – al-ibaanah.com

Know, my fellow brother, that there are certain etiquettes to the Hajj, which one must abide by and adorn himself with, such as:

1. Maintain cleanliness in your clothes, your tent, the place where you stay, and in your food and drink. This is because keeping clean will aid in preserving your health and in repelling sicknesses.

2. Beware of dropping filth or spoiled food in the roads that people use, for it will cause those performing Hajj to be bothered, and it will cause diseases to spread. So one must remove harmful objects from the road and put them in their proper place (i.e. garbage).

3. Bear the harm that comes from your neighbors with patience, and do not (let that cause you to) harm any of your brothers. Instead, repel their harm in a manner that is better, such as by using kind words.

4. Avoid sexual relations, committing sins, arguing and debating with falsehood, so that your Hajj can be accepted. Listen to the words of Allaah:

“So whoever intends to perform Hajj therein (in the months of Hajj), then he must NOT have sexual relations, nor commit sin, nor debate unjustly during Hajj.” [Surah Al-Baqarah: 197]

And the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said:

“Whoever goes to Hajj and he does not have sexual relations in it nor does he commit sin, he returns back (from Hajj) like the day when his mother gave birth to him (i.e. free from sins).” [Reported by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]

5. Be lenient in your buying and selling, and show good manners. And do not deal with anyone in a manner that he is not pleased with.

6. Beware of smoking, displaying bad manners and insulting others, for reviling a Muslim is sinfulness and fighting against him is disbelief.

7. Do not waste your time in the market places – buying and selling – or in gossiping with the “he said/she said” talk.

8. Be gentle with those around you when performing Tawaaf, kissing the Stone, the Sa’ee, and when throwing the stones (Ramee) and so on. This is from the gentleness that is required, for Allaah’s Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said:

“Whoever is deprived of gentleness, he is deprived of all kinds of good.” [Reported in Saheeh Muslim]

9. Do not raise your voice out loud when making du’aa (supplication) during Tawaaf, because it disturbs the others making Tawaaf.

10. Do not push and shove people, especially when kissing the Black Stone. If it is too crowded and there is too much shoving, it is enough for you to just point in its direction.

And when casting the stones (Ramee), it is not permissible for you to use large stones, because this has been forbidden in the religious texts and because it will cause harm to those standing (in front of you).

Also, do not throw your shoes (instead of rocks) – as some ignorant people do – for this is a reprehensible act!

Avoid touching the glass surrounding the Prophet’s grave, and avoid touching the walls of the Ka’abah. Rather what is to be touched and kissed from it is (only) the Black Stone. The Yemeni Corner is also touched. [1]

11. You must shave your head or cut your hair very short when in the state of Hill (out of Ihraam), but beware of shaving the beard off, for that is forbidden according to the unanimous agreement of the scholars.

Allaah says:

“…with (the hair on) their heads shaven or cut short…”

Allaah’s Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said:

“Trim the moustaches and leave the beards to grow – Do the opposite of the Majoos.” {Reported by Muslim]

12. Beware of supplicating and calling out to other than Allaah, such as calling to deceased people or others not present. This is from the types of Shirk that Allaah has forbidden in His saying:

“And do not call besides Allaah that which can neither bring you benefit nor cause you harm. If you do that, then you will be from the wrong-doers.”

What is meant by “wrong-doers” in this ayah are the polytheists (those who commit shirk). If a Muslim commits Shirk, his good deeds become nullified and his Hajj is lost, as Allaah says:

“And if you commit Shirk, We will surely cancel out your good deeds and you will indeed be from the losers.” [Surah Az-Zumar: 65]

13. Beware of Riyaa, which is doing a deed for the sake of being seen or heard.

An example of this when someone goes to Hajj so that it can be said of him “Hajji so and so.” The title Hajji (or Al-Hajj in Arabic) was not a term that was known to the righteous predecessors (Salaf as-Saalih), so we cannot hear from any of them that he said about his brother “Hajji so and so.” Rather, this is from the innovations of those in recent times. So have sincerity in your Hajj and say as Allaah’s Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said:

“O Allaah, (this is) a Hajj with no riyaa or sam’ah in it.” [2]

14. Increase in your recitation of the Qur’aan and acting on what is in it, your performing of Tawaaf, your sending of Salaat on the Prophet. And make a lot of supplication, especially at night, because Allaah’s Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said:

“Whoever wakes in the night and says when he awakens: ‘Laa Ilaaha IllAllaah wahdahu laa shareeka lahu. Lahul-Mulk wa lahul-Hamd wa Huwa ‘alaa Kulli shay’in Qadeer. SubhaanAllaah wal-Hamdu Lillaah wa Laa Ilaaha IllAllah wa-Allaahu Akbar wa laa Hawla wa laa Quwata Illaa Billaah.’[3]

And then he says: ‘Allaahumma Ighfir Lee’ or some supplication, he will be answered. And if he makes ablution and prays, his prayer will be accepted.” [Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree]

Footnotes:

[1] Translator’s Note: The Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said:

“Touching the Black Stone and the Yemeni Corner removes sins.”

[Reported by At-Timrimidhee and Ibn Khuzaimah and authenticated by Al-Albaanee in his book on Hajj.

[2] Translator’s Note: Riyaa means doing deeds to be seen and Sam’ah means doing deeds to be heard.

[3] Translator’s Note: This means:

“There is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah – alone and with no partner. To Him belongs the Dominion and the Praise and He is Able over all things. Glory be to Allaah, all praise be to Allaah, and there is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah. And there is no movement nor power except by Allaah’s permission.”

The next phrase means: “O Allaah, forgive me.”

Authentic Hadeeths mentioning the virtues of Zamzam water? Ibn Baz

Question:Are there any authentic Hadeeths that mention the virtues of Zamzam water?Answer:

There are Hadeeths which indicate that Zamzam water is noble and blessed. In a Hadeeth confirmed in the Sahih, the Prophet (sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said about Zamzam water:

“Indeed it is blessed, and that like food, it fills.” (Muslim no. 2473)

And in Abu Dawud’s narration, there is this addition:

“And a cure for illness.” (Abu Dawud At-Tiyalsi 2nd Volume no. 61)

So this Hadeeth proves its virtues, that it is a filling food, a cure for illness, and that it is blessed.

The Sunnah is to drink it as the Prophet (sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam) drank it, but it is also permissible to make ablution with it, to use it to purify yourself after you have relieved yourself, and if necessary, to take a shower using it when you are Junub (impure).

It is confirmed that on one occasion, water poured forth from between the Prophet’s fingers, and then people took what they needed from that water, using it to drink, to make ablution, to wash their clothes, or to purify themselves after relieving themselves.

Zamzam water may not be the same as the water that poured forth from between the Prophet’s fingers, but it is also not more blessed, for each has its place as pure water. If it is permissible to use the water that miraculously poured forth from between the Prophet’s fingers for all the purposes mentioned above, then it is also permissible in the case of Zamzam.

Shaykh `Abdul-`Azeez Bin Baz
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 7, Pages 195-196, DARUSSALAM

Virtues of Masjid Quba, Madina – Tafseer Ibn Kathir

Masjid-Quba

The Following is taken from Tafseer Ibn Kathir

Allah encouraged His Prophet to pray in Masjid Quba’ which, from the first day, was built on Taqwa, obedience to Allah and His Messenger , for gathering the word of the believers and as an outpost and a fort for Islam and its people. This is why Allah the Exalted said,

(Verily, the Masjid whose foundation was laid from the first day on Taqwa is more worthy that you stand therein (to pray).) in reference to the Masjid of Quba’.

An authentic Hadith records that the Messenger of Allah said,

(One prayer in Masjid Quba’ is just like an `Umrah.)

It is recorded in the Sahih that the Messenger of Allah used to visit Masjid Quba’ while riding and walking.

Other Notes:

It is prescribed for the visitor to Madeenah and for the one who lives there to go to the Mosque of Quba’ and pray there, following the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and seeking the reward of ‘Umrah.

It was narrated that Sahl ibn Haneef said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: Whoever goes out until he comes to this mosque – meaning the Mosque of Quba’ – and prays there, that will be equivalent to ‘Umrah.” Narrated by Ahmad, 3/437; al-Nasaa’i, 699; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 1180, 1181.

In Sahih Muslim it is narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to go to the mosque of Quba’ every Saturday, walking or riding, and he would pray two rak’ahs there. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1191; Muslim, 1399

Masjid-Quba-

Ruling on performing Umrah before Obligatory Hajj – Permanent Committee

Fatawa from Permanent Committee

Q3: Is it permissible for a person to perform `Umrah before the obligatory Hajj?

A: Yes, it is permissible for a person to perform `Umrah before Hajj because the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his Companions performed `Umrah before the obligatory Hajj.

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’
Source:http://www.alifta.com/

Q 11: What is the ruling on a person who performs `Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) before Hajj, although the former is only an act of Sunnah?

A: The correct view of the two rulings of the scholars is that `Umrah is obligatory, because Allah states:Surah Al-Baqarah, 2: 196 And perform properly (i.e. all the ceremonies according to the ways of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him) the Hajj and ‘Umrah (i.e. the pilgrimage to Makkah) for Allâh. There are also other Hadiths narrated in this regard. If a Muslim performs `Umrah before Hajj during the months of Hajj and performs Hajj in the same year, then he has performed Tamattu` Hajj (combining Hajj and `Umrah with a break in between) which is better than the Ifrad Hajj (performing Hajj only) and Qiran Hajj (combining Hajj and `Umrah simultaneously) for the one who has not brought a hadiy with him. It is reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) told the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet) who did not bring sacrificial animals: Make it `Umrah, for if I had formerly known what I came to know lately, I would not have driven the Hadiy with me and would have finished the state of Ihram along with the people when they finished it.

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

Source: http://www.alifta.com/

Ar-Rawdah an-Nabawiyah : A garden from the gardens of Paradise

Rawda

The heart of the Prophet’s masjid houses a very special but small area named ar-Rawdah an-Nabawiyah, which extends from Muhammad’s tomb to his pulpit. Pilgrims attempt to visit and pray in ar-Rawdah, for there is a tradition that supplications and prayers uttered here are never rejected. Entrance into ar-Rawdah is not always possible (especially during the Hajj season), as the tiny area can accommodate only a few hundred people. Ar-Rawdah has two small gateways manned by Saudi police officers. The current marble pulpit was constructed by the Ottomans. The original pulpit was much smaller than the current one, and constructed of palm tree wood, not marble. Ar-Rawdah an-Nabawiyah is considered part of Jannah (Heaven or Paradise).

It is prescribed for the one who visits the Prophet’s Mosque to pray two rak’ahs in the Rawdah or whatever he wants of naafil prayers, because it is proven that there is virtue in doing so. It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The area between my house and my minbar is one of the gardens ( riyaad, sing. rawdah) of Paradise, and my minbar is on my cistern (hawd)” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1196; Muslim, 1391.

And it was narrated that Yazeed ibn Abi ‘Ubayd said: “I used to come with Salamah ibn al-Akwa’ and he would pray by the pillar which was by the mus-haf, i.e. in the Rawdah. I said, ‘O Abu Muslim, I see that you are keen to pray by this pillar!’ He said, ‘I saw that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was keen to pray here.’” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 502; Muslim, 509.

Being keen to pray in al-Rawdah does not justify being aggressive towards people or pushing the weak aside, or stepping over their necks.

Women who want to pray in Rawdah area can enter the masjid through the Gates 21 – 25. Rawdah area for women is open after Fajr, Zuhr and Isha Prayers. It is open after Fajar for long time and 15 – 20 min after Zuhr prayer

Rawda

 

How to wear the upper garment known as Rida’ for Ihram : Ibn Baz

Fatwa by Shaykh Ibn Baz Fatawa Islamiyah , Darussalam, Vol 4, Page 127

Q. Is it better for the Muhrim to cover the two shoulders or to uncover one of them during the Ihram?

A. The sunnah for the Muhrim is that he places the Rida’ (upper garment) over both of his shoulders and put its ends on his chest. This is the Sunnah and it is what the Prophet (Sallalahu Alahi wa Sallam) did.

So, if the person wants to perform the Tawaf of Arrival (Tawaful-Qudum) , he does Al-Idhtiba’. This is by him placing the center of his Rida’ under his right armpit and its edges over his left shoulder. Thus he uncovers his right shoulder. This is specifically for the Tawaf of Arrival, meaning when the person first arrives in Makkah for Hajj or ‘Umrah.

Then when he completes the Tawaf, he adjusts the Rida’ and places it over both of his shoulders, and he prays two Rak’ahs of Tawaf.

The person who always keeps one shoulder uncovered, this is opposed to the Sunnah, and so is uncovering both of the shoulders. The Sunnah is only to cover both of them with the Rida’ while the person is in Ihram. If the person takes off the Rida’ and does not cover his shoulders while he is sitting or eating or talking with his brothers, there is no harm in that.

However, the Sunnah is that when the person wears the Rida’, it should be over his two shoulders and its ends should be on his chest.

History of Makkah – Shaikh Safiur-Rahman Mubarakpuri

history-of-makkah-mubarakpuri

History of Makkah Mukarramah (Shaikh Safiur-Rahman Mubarakpuri)

Publisher: Darussalam Publishers and Distributors (2002)
Pages: 176 Binding: Paperback

You can buy Here or read most of the book @ Google Books Here

Description from the publisher:

Mentions the different aspects of Makkah, and records the most important historical events that have direct effect on the establishment and sacredness of Makkah as well as its religious weight. Highlights the sites that are highly important whenever Makkah is mentioned like the Black Stone, Zamzarn Well and others. Designates a great part of the book speaking about the Holy Ka’bah and the Holy Mosque updating the extensions and the improvements, that have taken place from the time of Muhammad (S) to the Saudi era.At the end of the book there is a complete appendix about Hajj and its rites.

Excellence of Supplications at Al-Multazim

Iltizaam Between The Corner And The Door ( from Rites of Hajj and Umrah – by Shaik Nasiruddin Albanee )

38. And he may cling to the place between the corner and the Door – placing his chest and face and forearms upon this place.(45)

This is narrated by two isnaads from the Prophet by which the hadith reaches the level of hasan – and is increased in strength by the fact that a group of the Sahaabah acted on it – from them Ibn ‘Abbaas – may Allaah be pleased with him – who said: “This is the Multazam between the Corner and the Door. And it is authentically narrated from ‘Urwah ibn az-Zubair also – see ‘As-Sahaabah, no.2138.

And Ibn Taimiyyah said in his ‘Mansak’ (p.387): “And if he wishes to come to the Multazam – and that is what is between the Black stone and the Door – and he places upon it his chest and face and forearms and hands – and makes du’aa – and he asks Allaah for whatever he needs – then he may do so. And he may do so before the Farewell Tawaaf there being no difference in this being at that time or any other – and the Sahaabah used to do so when they entered Makkah – and if he stands near the Door making du’aa without iltizaam of the House then that is also good, and when he leaves he does not stand or turn or walk backwards.”

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

This is a matter concerning which the scholars differed, although it was not narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) (i.e. that was not narrated in a saheeh hadeeth, as the ahaadeeth that were narrated concerning this were deemed to be da’eef or weak). Rather it was narrated from some of the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them). So is iltizaam (clinging) Sunnah? When should it be done – upon arrival or when about to leave, or at any time?

The reason for this difference of opinion among the scholars is that it is not narrated in the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), rather the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them) used to do that when they arrived in Makkah.

The fuqaha’ said: He (the pilgrim) should do that when about to leave, and should cling to the multazam, which is the area between the corner where the Black Stone is located and the door…

Based on this, there is nothing wrong with iltizaam (clinging to the Ka’bah in this area) so long as that does not involve annoying others.

Al-Sharh al-Mumti’, 7/402, 403.

Ajwa Dates Keep Away Harm, Poison And Magic

ajwa-dates

Ajwa Dates Keep Away Harm, Poison And Magic

Ajwa (عجوة) is a soft dry variety of date fruit from Saudi Arabia. It is cultivated at Madina . A delightfully soft and fruity date with fine texture.

The Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “Whoever has seven Ajwa dates every morning he will not be harmed on that day by poison or magic.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5445) (5768) (5769) (5779)].

The Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “Ajwa dates are from paradise.” [Tirmidhee (2068) he said hasan Saheeh and it was authenticated by Shaikh al-Albaani].

Referring to eating seven Ajwa dates, the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “He will not be harmed by anything until he reaches the evening.” [Saheeh Muslim (2047)].

These dates cost around 70 Saudi Riyals per KiloGram.

There are also “imitations” or some sold an inferior quality dates and “conned” the customers as “AJWA dates” To know whether its AJWA, look closely at the dates. There are very fine white lines on the dates.

 ajwa-white-lines

Madina Dates Keep Away Harm

The Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “Whoever has seven dates between the two areas (the east and west of Madina) as soon as he wakes up every morning, he will not be harmed on that day by poison until the evening.” [Saheeh Muslim (154) (2047)].

Dates In One’s Home

The Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “O Aisha! A house that has no dates in it their family is hungry. Oh Aisha! A house that has no dates in it their family is hungry.” [Saheeh Muslim (153), (2046)]

Related Post: 

Ajwa Dates contain Cancer-Preventing property – King Saud University (KSU)