Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim
Of essentiality in Islamic way is holy pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah in one's life-time. There exists stringent rules and regulations attached to Hajj being valid and rewardable. This bothers on the intention and sincerity of purpose for which the operation was done. Intention pivots an action and action is rewarded according to its intention.
Allah (SWT) maintains in the Glorious Qur'an that: "Surely Hajj is ordained to take place during designated months of the year. Then whoever performs Hajj in them should not fall into lewdness nor abuse nor angry conversation on the pilgrimage. And whatsoever good you do Allah knows it. So make provision for yourselves for; the best provision is to ward off evil. Therefore keep your duty unto Me, O men of understanding" (Qur'an 2:197). In the same token, a description of the place designated for Hajj proper is mentioned. In Surah 3 Ayah 96-97, Allah is categorical about the geographical location and of the holy Ka'bah as the uncontroversial sanctuary ever designed for Hajj operation. He says: "Surely, the first Sanctuary appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah, a blessed place, a guidance for the people. Wherein are plain memorials (of Allah's guidance); the place where Ibrahim stood up to pray; and whosoever enters it is safe. And Hajj to the House is a duty unto Allah for mankind, for him who can find a way thither. As for him who disbelieves, (let him know that) surely Allah is Independent of (all) creatures."
The above quoted portions of the Qur'an give coincise and succinct description of pilgrimage to the understanding of the roles the consecrated places involved. Going against the regulations attached is tantamount to invalidation of the Hajj operation as the fifth pillar of Islam.
To this end, the noble Messenger Muhammad (SAW) gave clear prescription of an excellent Hajj operation as capable of inheriting the bearer a place in Al-Jannah when He said: "The accepted Hajj has no reward other than Al-Jannah." In the same vein, He hinted that the motive behind designating circumambulation round the holy Ka'bah, jugging between As-Safa and Al- Marwa, throwing pebbles is no other than the remembrance of Allah." These are further evaluated by the statement credited the the noble Messenger Muhammad (SAW) as: "Whosoever performs Hajj and was neither lewd nor abusive, would return to his family (plain and sinless) like the day he was born by his mother." This leads us to kinds of Hajj obtainable.
Three different kinds of Hajj are allowed depending largely on the time pf arrival for the operation and or the proximity of the operator to the Sanctuary. Ifrad is the type of Hajj performed to the exclusion of Umrah. This depends on arriving at Makkah at the time closer to real Hajj operation. Tamattu'i is a kind of Hajj performed after some period of mufty in-between. While Qiran is the form of Hajj combined with Umrah without severance between them. Taking single Ihram to do both Umrah and Hajj is the Qiran.
Pilgrims say Talbiyyah which runs thus: "Labayka Allahumma labayka, labayka la shariika laka labayka, innal hamda wani'mata laka walmulk, lasharika laka." This is the slogan on the mouth of pilgrims throughout the period of Hajj.
Aside from the normal Talbiyyah, pilgrims and non-pilgrims alike are expected to be engrossed with the following praise and prayer code. It reads: "Allahumma ighfir lii dhunubii wa'ftah lii abwaaba rahmatlKa, a'udhu bi Llahil 'Adzeem, wa bi wajhiHil Kareem, wa bi sultaniHil Qadeem, mina sh Shaytanir Rajeem."
Summarily, Hajj operation is compulsory once in life-time. The period is the time between the last two months of the Lunar Calendar. It is of three categories namely: Tamattu'i, Qiran and Ifrad.
Till we meet again in the next esition. Till then, wishing all a very happy Eidul Adha in advance. Thanks for being there always. Stay blessed and Ma 'as Salaamah.
Dr. Razaq Bolawaye Uthman Imam Ansar-Ud-Deen Society Ipaja Branch Lagos State.
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