Hajj : A Duty Upon Mankind
The Hajj season is one blessed occasion. There are two types of people who witness this season: those who have not made the intention to perform the pilgrimage and those who have.
People of the second category will be proceeding towards the holy city of Makkah from all corners of the globe. They shall come in flocks, answering the call of their Creator, uttering the words of talbiyah, seeking to perform the rites of Hajj, yearning for His forgiveness and bounty. However, to the first category of people, we would like to offer a few words of advice.
Many amongst us have the health and means to go on Hajj, so why are we so reluctant?! Are we not aware of Allaah’s statement: “ a pilgrimage to the House is a duty unto Allaah for mankind, those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith Allaah stands not in need of any of His creatures.” {Aali ‘Imraan: 97 translation of the meaning}
Indeed, Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam as confirmed in the following Hadith of our Prophet, salla Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam: ‘Islam is built on five [pillars]: to testify that there is no deity [worthy of worship] but Allaah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, performing the Salaat, paying the Zakat, fasting Ramadan and [performing] Hajj to the House of Allaah by those who find the means to do so.’ (Agreed Upon)
It is therefore incumbent upon every Muslim who is capable of performing Hajj to make the intention to go. If you were to pass away from this world without performing this duty whilst being able to do so, then you would be sinful for that. It is therefore wise to fulfil the duty of performing Hajj at the first available opportunity. This is why the Prophet, salla Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam, advised: ‘Hasten to [perform] Hajj for one of you does not know what impediment might come in his way’ (Ahmad)
It is indeed, a serious neglect of our duty if we keep postponing the performance of Hajj. Listen to the stern statement by ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab, radiya Allaahu ‘Anhu, on this matter: ‘I am contemplating to send [my] men to the provinces to look for those who have the financial means but do not perform Hajj, to impose Jizyah on them. They are not Muslims, they are not Muslims.’ (Al-Bayhaqee)
As for the second category of people - those who by the mercy of Allaah, ‘Azza wa-jall, will be performing the Hajj this year insha Allaah— we would like to share the following words of advice:
Purifying the Intention
It goes without saying that in any act of worship, one should purify his intention, making it purely for Allaah’s pleasure alone. Hence, we should make the intention that whatever is going to be spent in the course of the Hajj trip and whatever is being performed of the Hajj rites, are only for the sake of drawing closer to Allaah, ‘azza wa-jall.
Studying the Rites of Hajj
Before embarking on ‘Umrah and Hajj, we should be acquainted with the necessary knowledge on how to perform them correctly. It should be in accordance with the way of our teacher, Prophet Muhammad, salla Allaahu ‘alayhe wa-sallam, who has instructed us: ‘Take my example in performing the rites [of ‘Umrah and Hajj].’ (Muslim)
This is necessary in order to make the Hajj acceptable, avoiding all innovations, as well as to maximise our rewards. Also, do not forget that missing out on performing certain rites would incur certain kinds of atonement, such as having to slaughter a sheep, for example.
Leaving Sufficient Provisions
It is incumbent upon the one who is intending to go on Hajj that those whom he is responsible for, should be left with enough provisions for life’s necessities. Also, one should leave them in a secure state without any major worries.
Complete And Sincere Repentance
Allaah, subhaanahu wa-ta’aala, instructs us to seek His forgiveness “and turn unto Allaah [in repentance] all together, O believers, in order that you may succeed.” {An-Noor: 31 translation of the meaning}
Performing the obligation of Hajj is one of the means of attaining our Creator’s pleasure. We should therefore strive to make sincere repentance for our past, present and future sins. However, a complete repentance should encompass:
- leaving any sinful act
- expressing our guilt and regret for committing such acts
- making the intention never to return to those sinful acts
- returning goods, etc. to t
Using Halaal Earnings
We should choose to finance our Hajj from Halaal earnings only, if not, the Hajj may not be accepted.
Choosing Good Company
Selecting to travel with a companion who is knowledgeable and fearful of Allah would be a wise step to take. Such a companion would help remind us if we forget, and teach us if we are less knowledgeable. These kinds of acts are sought after with enthusiasm and pleasure by those who are fearful of Allaah, subhaanahu wa-ta’aala.
Observing Islamic Manners of Travel
We should not forget the Islamic manners and etiquettes when travelling. For instance, uttering the words of Takbeer, ( i.e. saying; ‘Allahu Akbar’) every time we ascend up a hill, or even when the aeroplane is ascending to the sky and uttering the words of Tasbeeh, (i.e. saying; ‘Subhaana Allah’) every time we down a hill, or when the aeroplane descends and so on.
Being Prepared For, And Patient In Hardship
It should be understood that during Hajj, we are bound to come across some hardships, be it difficulties in transportation, harsh weather conditions, etc. However, we should always remember that we are not on some relaxing holiday!! If we encounter harassment of any kind, by an ignorant person for example, then we should be patient and avoid retaliating. We should have a humble, submissive attitude, and display courtesy and a good character towards other pilgrims. Remember, being patient whilst being mistreated by others, is a means of gaining more rewards!
Lowering One’s Gaze
We must be aware that due to the inadequate facilities in some places, for instance the lack of toilets and accommodation in some areas, some unlawful scenes could be encountered. It is incumbent to avert one’s gaze immediately in such events.
Finally, we ask Allaah, tabaaraka wa-ta’aala, to accept the sincere efforts of all those who are following the footsteps of their forefather, Ibrahim, ‘alayhe as-salaam, in making the pilgrimage to Allah’s Sacred House, and to grant them His forgiveness. Also, may He, subhaanahu wa-ta’aala, empower all His servants with every necessary means, as well as a heart brimming with His love and the provision of taqwa, to be able to perform Hajj soon, Aameen. (Courtesy Al-Muntada Al.Islami)
Qurbani - Sacrifice
In Islam sacrifice, commonly known as Qurbani, means slaughter of a permissible animal in the name of Allah on the 10th, 11th or 12th of the Islamic month of Zil Hujjah.
It is Sunnah (a symbolic obligation) practised by Holy Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) in an essential religious rite in memory of the sacrifice performed by Prophet Abraham. God put Abraham to a most difficult trial, the details of which are described in the Qur’an. “O my Lord! Grant me (Abraham) a righteous (son)!” So We gave him the good news of a boy ready to suffer and forbear. “Then, when the (son) reached the age of serious work with him, he said: “O my son I see in a vision that I offer you in sacrifice: Now say what is your view!” (The son) said: “O My father! Do as you are commanded: You will find me if God so wills, one practising patience and constancy!” So when they had both submitted their wills (to God), and he had made him prostrate on his face (for sacrifice), We called out to him: “O Abraham! You have already fulfilled the vision!” Thus indeed do we reward those who do right. “For this was obviously a trial and We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice: and We left (this blessing) for him among generations (to come) in later times: Peace and salutation to Abraham! (37:100-109).
This is the origin of the Islamic precept of sacrifice in fulfilment of God’s command provided in the Qur’an: “... to your Lord turn in prayer and sacrifice.” (108:2).
The aim of sacrifice, like all other fundamentals of Islam, is to imbibe piety and self righteousness. It also promotes the spirit of sacrifice for a right cause. To explain its purpose, God says in the Qur’an. “It is not their meat, nor their blood, that reaches God, It is their piety that reaches God”: (22:37)
Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) said: “On the 10th of Zul-Hujjah, there is no better act in the view of Allah than shedding the blood (of Slaughtered animals). And verily sacrifice earns the approbation of Allah even before the drop of blood (of the slaughtered animal) falls on the ground. Hence you should offer it in good spirit. For every hair of the sacrificial animal, there is a blessing.” We propose to deal here with the precepts and practices pertaining to Qurbani, according to Hanafi Fiqh.
On Whom is Sacrifice Waajib?
Sacrifice during the days of Eid-ul-Adha is waajib (compulsory) on all Muslims (male and female) who own wealth to the value of the Zakat Nisaab on these days of sacrifice (10th, 11th and 12th Dhul Hijjah). The Nisaab value is of gold or 612, grams of silver.
Whoever possesses this amount of wealth during this period should make the sacrifice.
Sacrifice is not obligatory upon those who are not in possession of this amount of wealth (i.e. the Nisaab value of Zakat). However, even if sacrifice is not waajib upon one, an effort should be made to make this great offering so that one may gain the tremendous amount of rewards which the ibaadat of sacrifice carries.
What to Sacrifice
All the permissible (halal) domesticated or reared quadrupeds can be offered for Qurbani. Generally, slaughter of goats, sheep, rams, cows, and camels is offered.
Sharing
It is permissible for seven persons to share the sacrifice of a cow or a camel on the condition that no one’s share is less than one seventh and their intent is to offer Qurbani.
Age of Sacrificial Animals
Sacrifice of goat or sheep less than one year old (unless the sheep is so strong and fat that it looks to be a full one year old) is not in order. Cow should be at least two years old. Camels shouldn’t be less than five years old.
Disqualifying defects
Sacrifice of an animal will not be in order if it is one eyed, or blind, or has lost an estimated one third or more of its eyesight, or estimated one third or more of its tail, or its ear has been cut off, or it is lame, or its bones have no marrow, or it has no ears by birth or its horns have been broken from their roots, or it has no teeth at all.
If the number of teeth intact exceeds the lost ones, it is permissible. If it has no horns by birth, or has less than one third broken horns it is permissible.
Distribution of meat
One should eat the meat of the sacrifice, give it to relations and friends, (to non-Muslims also) and also to the poor in charity. A man can place whole meat for him.
Injunctions as to Skin, etc.
It is not permissible to give a portion of meat or the skin of the slaughtered animal as wages. They should instead be given to the needy in charity. Even the rope and cover of the sacrificed animal should be given away as charity.
Injunction as to sacrifice giver
It is commendable that one who intends to offer a sacrifice should refrain from having a hair cut, a shave, and pruning of nails, (if he have cut and shaved week or some days before) from the 1st of Zul-Hujjah (upto the time he has performed the sacrifice).
Intention
In the first instance, one who proposes to offer sacrifice must make an intention to that effect.
Method of Sacrifice
A slaughter animal should be laid on its left side facing Ka’abah and its throat cut open with a sharp knife, and its blood allowed to drain. In the case of a camel, it should be allowed to remain standing after its left fore leg has been stringed. A sharp spear should then be thrust in its breast and in both sides of its neck, and the blood allowed to drain.
Takbeer-e-Tashreek
The Takbeer Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar. Laa ilaaha illallaahu wallaahu Akbar. Allaahu Akbar walillaahil hamd Translation: “Allah is most great. Allah is most great. There is no
Deity besides Allah and Allah is most Great. Allah is most Great and Verily all praises are for Allah.”
It is waajib to recite this Takbeer audibly once after every Fard salaat from the morning of the ninth of Dhul Hijjah (Day of Arafah) till the Asr salaat of the thirteenth of Dhul Hijjah. The Fatwa is that the one that performs salaat with Jamaa’ah, and the one that performs it alone are the same as far as this law is concerned i.e. it is necessary to recite the Takbeer. It is waajib on both male and female. Females should not say the Takbeeraat loudly but softly. (Shami).
It is Mustahab (desirable) for those who read their salaat individually (men or women) and Musafirs (travellers) to recite these Takbeeraat softly.
Note: It is necessary for men to recite these Takbeeraat in a moderately loud voice. Many people are not mindful of this: either they read it softly or do not read it at all. This negligence should be remedied.
The Eid Salat
The following are Masnoon on the day of Eid-ul-Adha.
- Awaken early in the morning.
- Perform Ghusl (Masnoon Bath) and Miswaak.
- Wear one’s best clothes.
- Apply perfume (itr).
- Abstain from partaking of food before the Eid salaat until the sacrificial meat is available.
- Recite the Takbeeraat audibly while going for the Eid salaat.
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