backtracking…..with a few scans……

 

A panorama of the new Jamarat bridge, the direction of Arafat towards the right, Makkah to the left via a pedestrian tunnel. On the original Masjid Aqaba was visible, behind the bridge (approximately 3cm in from the left hand edge of this image) while the compound we were in hugs the mountain just beyond the new group of residential towers to the right.

The following three images are from "The View From Above: Superb, Refreshing and Fantastic"

 

I have included this one that appears in the article as a slightly larger version as it is such a stunning photo. 

 

"an imposing structure, lined with tower cranes just waiting to start working again. The pilgrims are mere dots creeping slowly up, down and around the bridge. They cluster tightly around the three Jamrat, which are walls jutting up from the bridge’s surface." Construction has already resumed, the massive support columns lining the sides of the walkway awaiting the addition of more levels.

 

"At Mina, the tents stretch out in waves with Al-Kuwaiti Mosque floating in the center of the swells. King Abdul Aziz Bridge is a slash through tent city."

I realize these scans from print editions are somewhat hazy, but still do not diminish the grandeur of the Hajj. The following images document, for those who have just completed the Pilgrimage, the improved system of clearing the areas around the Jamarat, as well as for those who witnessed how congested it was in the past, and for those who Allah Ta’ala is preparing to call to Him for next Hajj. now being the time to firm your intention and beg in Tahajjud for this invitation, Insha’Allah. The red barriers indicating areas to be kept vacant, patrolled around the clock by security personel.

 

 

 

 

An aerial view of the thousands of vehicles parked on the Day of Arafat, SubhanAllah. Any wonder the short journey to Muzdalifah became a marathon of sitting in the bus for twenty plus hours! This surely is the next project for the authorities to be thinking of implementing a better system, with many suggesting rail links between the three main Holy Sites. 

A section of the tedious stop start traffic entering Makkah. While some were in air conditioned coaches, others had standing room only in the back of cattle trucks, or in cramped conditions on the top of buses and vans. Studies have been made regarding the toxic fumes of carbon monoxide, especially in the long tunnels were transport can be stuck for hours, with frightening levels recorded. May Allah Ta’ala accept all the various hardships all may have endured and guide those in planning to continue to make improvements. Ameen.

 

 

And congestion of a different kind….a herd of camels off to the slaughter house.

No person does anything on the day of sacrifice that Allah the Most High likes more than the shedding of the blood of a sacrificial animal, for the animal will appear on the Day of Judgment with its horns and hoofs, and the blood is spilt in the presence of Allah Most High even before it touches the ground; therefore, be pleased with it." In the Tradition it is related that "Every bit of wool on its skin is accounted to you as a good deed and likewise every drop of its blood; it will be put on the scale; therefore, rejoice." The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wassalam said, "Select your sac­rificial animal, for they are your mounts on the Day of Judgment."

Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu reported that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wassalam said: "One who performs Hajj and one who performs Umrah are Allah’s guests; if they invoke Allah, He responds to them, and if they seek his forgiveness, he forgives them."

May all Hujjaj be blessed with this Promise, Ameen, and their actions reflect this blessing for the sake of the entire Ummah, Ameen.

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

 

 

 

 

NASCENCY

 

 

Janazah after Salatul Asr, may Allah Ta’ala fill their Qabr with Nur and the fragrance of Jannah and bless all the dwellers of Jannatul Baqi with peace and tranquilty as they await to be raised with our most beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wassalam. Ameen.

I then visited a group of "Hajj-Radiant" sisters from Karachi who were staying on the top floor of the Movenpick hotel, where the following photos were taken from. 

 

Looking south, the direction of Qiblah on the western side of Masjid Nabawi. The new construction running the length of Haram on the right. 

 

Just to the right of this new construction is the lush garden of Saqeefa, and the four Musalla masaajid at the opposite end to the left. Jabal Eyr, the Bab of Jahannam in the background marking the southern sacred boundary of  of Haram.

 

The Jewel of Domes, protecting the Jewel of Creation SallAllahu alaihi wassalam. Jannatul Baqi to the left. You can see the closed umbrellas rising up from the two central courtyards.

 

Adahn at Maghrib 

 

 

Women offering Salat in the western courtyard. 

 All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen.

 

 
Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah is once again overflowing with seekers. A gentle calm permeates the throngs, the Hajj, the object of their journeying now in the past. Maybe hearts are turned to expectant reunions with loved ones, to inner reflection on all they have been through, to sharing experiences with others. But mainly the visit to this Chosen Sanctuary is to come close to Allah Ta’ala’s Habib SallAllahu alaihi wassalam, whispering the sweetest of greetings to the most gentle of mankind, SubhanAllah. Imploring the Master of the Highest Station SallAllahu alaihi wassalam with such hidden intimacies, and seeking his intercession, having arrived cleansed and forgiven after fulfilling the rites of the Pilgrimage.

The longing to be invited by the King of Kings to His House now transformed into an inevitable departure. The rehearsal of severing ties to face our Rabb, stripped of all attachments about to end. Decisions and planning having blossomed.  Preparations for the enactment of the awesome Day of Reckoning now in the past. May we have learnt the parallels between this journey and that which awaits us to our Final Abode. Every step, every breath, every sigh, every tear, every utterance, every hardship, every encounter, every Du’a, cemented as a reminder of our final journey. Are our plans for this as diligent as they have been for this Hajj? Do our goodbyes truly reveal a total submission to The Almighty? Do the attachments of all that this world contains, claim too much of our attention? What provisions are we now concerned with? The dress we all will be wearing in our Qabr, the bier we will be transported on, the quality of the creatures destined to devour our flesh that is so concerned about what it consumes, the decorations on the walls of this temporary home of dirt?

 

A timely reminder; taken from the window of one of the newly completed hotels I had the opportunity to visit. Jabal Uhud in the background.

May the journey we have just completed make the eventual one to our everlasting abiding place, to which all things return, easier, with lessons learnt, purpose oriented, priorities etched, goals marked, determination strengthened, Iman renewed, steadfastness on the obedience to the Commands of Allah Ta’ala, and an unadulterated passion for implementing the Sunnah of our Noble Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wassalam. Ameen.

And for all who may not have been physically present in the roll call of this year, your participation in following the rites and rituals, and the inherent longing of every Muslim heart to fulfill this duty surely is witnessed and Insha’Allah rewarded. Now being the time to establish the firm intention to be called in the future. May we all waver between hope to be a guest, and fear not to be, and willingly be stripped of all might and power.

Imam Ghazzali says in his "Secrets of Hajj"

"As for longing [to perform the Pilgrimage]: this results from understanding and from the realization that the House belongs to God Most High, that it was established on the analogy of a royal palace such that whoever visits it is [in reality] visiting God Most High and whoever betakes himself to the House [while] in this life is worthy not to have his visit wasted, for the object of the visit, which is the vision of God Most High, will be granted to him in its fixed time in the Eternal Residence. For the finite and perishable eye is not prepared, while still in this life, to receive Light with which to see the Face of God Most High; it is not able to bear that Light, nor is it fit, because of its finiteness, to be adorned [with that Light]. But when it is granted immortality in the life to come and freed from the cause of change and mortality, it becomes ready for the vision and the Sight. And because of [its intention] to visit the House and to look at it, it deserves to meet the lord of the House by virtue of Gracious Promise. The longing to meet God Most High most surely makes one long for the means of that meeting. Besides, every lover is longing for everything that has any connection with his lovers, the house is connected to God Most High; therefore it is pro­per for [the pilgrim] to have a keen desire for it just because of this connection, quite apart from any desire to receive the great re­ward which has been promised to him."

May all be blessed with facing Him with the face of the heart as we face His House with the face of our ex­terior.

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wassalam ­said, "Allah most High has promised this House that six hundred thousand persons will make a pilgrimage to it every year; and if the pilgrims are short of that number Allah most High will complete their number with the angels. And He has promised that the Ka’bah will be surrounded by crowds, like a bride in procession, while all the pilgrims cling to its curtains and run about it until it enters Paradise with them along with it."

 

Standing in front of the Abode of Peace, a mellow afternoon sun’s warmth caressing the Soul of Peace. Fusing a bond, a celestial love. Energizing a conduit like connection. Such bliss to be "home". Alhumdulillah that Allah Ta’ala has blessed us with a heart that can contain this bliss from wherever we may be throughout His planet earth. And with the ability to conjure that notion of "home" from any corner of the globe, SubhanAllah!

My reverie broken with: "Hajjah" from beside me….a stout Turkish man requesting me to take his photo. Proudly standing as an army general in his grey uniform with red national flag sewn on the front, in front of the Green Dome. Such happiness beaming from his face. One in millions who have come to offer their Salam, and being the messenger for other distant lovers.

Imam Ghazzali continues: "As for the visit to Medina: when your eyes catch of its walls, remember that it is the town that was chosen by God Most High for His Prophet – the Blessing and Peace of God be upon him — and made the des­tination of his Flight (hijra); that it was his dwelling place, in which he promulgated the Laws of his Lord Most High and the Sunna, fought his enemy and proclaimed his religion, until the time when God Most High caused him to die; then God established in it a burial ground for him; and for his two ministers who maintained the truth after him – may God be pleased with them. Next, imagine to yourself the places where the feet of the Apostle of God — the Blessing and Peace of God be upon him – [have trodden] as he went about [the city], and [consider to yourself] that wherever your feet have trodden there too have his dear feet trodden; therefore take each step with tranquility and with awe. And remember his walking and traversing upon [the city’s] roads; picture to yourself his humility and tranquility while walking, despite what God Most High has entrusted to his heart, such as his great knowledge [about God], the exaltation of his name alongside the name of the Most High to the extent that [God] has joined him to the rememb­rance of Himself, and the rendering vain of the deeds of those who vilify him even by way of raising their voice higher than his. And remember the Grace that God Most High bestowed on those who enjoyed his companionship and were fortunate to have been with him and to have listened to his speech. Be exceeding by sorrowful over having been de­nied [the opportunity to be] his companion or the companion of his com­panions — may God be pleased with them. Remember that it has not been given to you to see him in this life, and that to see him in the life to come is to place yourself in jeopardy; for it may be that you will grieve when you see him, having been barred from him [after] he had blamed you for bad deeds, as he said — the Blessing and Peace of God be upon him — "God will bring before me [on the Day of Resurrection] some people [who will call on me] saying, ‘0 Muhammad! ‘0 Muhammad! Then I say, My Lord! They are my companions! And God will say, ‘You do not know what they have introduced after you [had died]. Then I say, ‘Go away." Therefore, if you neglect the sanctity of his law, even of a minute thing, you have no guarantee that you will not be barred from him because of you straying from his right way. Nevertheless, have great hope that you will not be barred from him, for you have been blessed by God Most High with faith and have been brought hither from your home country in order to visit him, [being motivated], not by any [concern with] commerce or worldly gain, but only by your love of him and your longing to see his traces and the wall of his tomb. Since, having not been [privileged to] see the Prophet [in this world], you have been prompted to travel by these considerations alone, you are most worthy to be looked upon by God Most High with [His] Gracious Eye.                                

When you reach the mosque [of the Prophet at Medina], remem­ber that it is the place that has been chosen by God Most High for His Prophet — the Blessing and Peace of God be upon him — and for the first band of Moslems and the best of all, that the laws of God Most High were the first thing to be established in that place and that [this mosque] contained the best of all the creatures of God, living or dead. Increase your hope in God Most High, that He will forgive you for entering it. Enter with solemnity and reverence. How deserving it is [of solemnity and reverence it is] from the heart of every believer, as Abu Sulayman is reported to have said: "’Uways al-Qarni — may God be pleased with him — has performed Pilgrimage and entered Medina. When he stopped by the gate of the mosque, it was said to him,’ This is the grave of the Prophet — the Blessing and Peace of God be upon him’–­Thereupon, he fainted. When he awoke, he said, "Let me go out, it is not proper for me to be in a town where Muhammad — the Blessing and Peace of God be upon him — is buried."
[the pilgrim] should keep his heart in [a state of] sadness, and fear; [it is proper that] he remain uncertain whether his Pilgrimage has been accepted, [in which case] he has been confirmed as belonging to the group of beloved ones, or not, [in which case] he has been included among the banished ones. Let him find this out through [the testimony of] his heart and his actions; if he finds that his heart is more disenchanted with the Abode of vanity [i.e. the World], and more inclined toward the Abode of Fellowship with God Most High to the Law, let him be certain that [he is] accepted; for God accepts only him whom He loves. And whomever He loves He helps, show­ing to him the effects of love; such a one he protects against the power of his enemy, ‘Iblis — God curse him. If this apparent [from the pil­grims piety and lawful behavior], then it is an indication of his ac­ceptance. If the opposite is the case, then it is certain that toil and trouble will be the reward of his journey. We seek protection through God Most High from that."

 

Glory and praise belong to You, O my Lord, and I am unable to glorify You as You have glorified Yourself. You have blessed Your slaves from every corner of Your Earth, bringing them to the light of belief, to the Majesty of Your House, and the honour of Your Habib SallAllahu alaihi wassalam’s presence, allowing us to complete the rites of Pilgrimage. O Allah, send blessings, prayers and peace upon our Master Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wassalam, the unlettered Prophet, the beloved of great worth and standing, and upon his family and Companions. Ameen.

 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

 

 

 

NASCENCY

 a new beginning, birth.

Ya Allah, Ya Lateef, may the reality of emerging from responding to Your call, of being Your guest, be that all are blessed with being cleansed and purified. Make us ardent devotees, so enamoured of You and Yours SallAllahu alaihi wassalam, that joy and contentment are as encrusted jewels in all of our affairs.

 

The yellow banner on the central concrete wall was where we were staying. Four thousand internal Hujjaj from all over the Kingdom were in this group, predominantly Saudis, with a few of us being the exception, originating from Jordon, America, Egypt, Kenya, Australia, that I was aware of. Allahu ‘Alum, there may have been others.

There were fifty one steps up to the first level, seeming like Mount Everest after returning from walking to Makkah or from the Jamarat! Being a group organized by and for Saudis, segregation on the buses and in the compounds was strictly in place, the men’s section to the left with the ladies to the right with security checks at the main entrance as well as entering the women’s area. The Madian women occupied the equivalent of five tents, divided into two sections. Staff in the ladies section were mainly Nigerian and Indonesian girls.   

 

 

Overlooking the sea of tents from the compound. One of the Royal Palaces on the mountain in the background.

 

"Hajj is Arafat"; a day far too precious to be thinking of taking photos. This was quickly taken as Maghrib was approaching, many had already left this hill, making their way towards the main arteries to Muzdalifah.  

 

Looking from one of the two outer edges of the Shaytan pillar after stoning on the second day. SubhanAllah with the new arrangements the stoning ritual has become so easy compared to before. I was able pelt the Shaytan with so much venom from the immediate edge of the huge elliptical rim without fear of being trampled. The constant clicking sound of pebbles reverberating off the rugged texture of the pillar, along with the emotional outbursts against all that the Shaytan represents, created an amazing electric atmosphere in the massive lower enclosed area.

 

 

An evening view from our tents. The blue lights indicate where the Jamarat was, just behind the corner of the mountain. Note the people without tent accommodation already settled along the roadside for the night. It was very cold during the nights and mornings, and at times extremely windy, making the conditions quite harsh for those seeking a place to sleep. The security men attempting to move them from blocking the roads, so groups would be seen gathering their meager belongings seeking another piece of ground to settle, to be told to move on again and again. The squatting was far less around the vital routes leading to and from the Jamarat. The main tent city area was beyond the stoning towards Makkah, past Masjid Aqaba, where the tents were dense along with hundreds selling the usual trinkets, clothing and food.

 

 

Every possible patch of land was prime real estate!

 

The entrance to our Mina "home", decorated with coloured flags, artificial trees and greenery and flashing fairy lights! After returning from Arafat tinsel was strung along the corridors adding even more of a festive air to the maze inside. Many of us giggled as "couples" would "rendezvous" at the various scattered plastic chairs creating a "romantic" ambiance!

 

 

While walking to the Jamarat on the last day we saw the crew dismantling this arrangement.   

In many ways I felt this Hajj to be far too luxurious compared to past memories of walking the entire time. Alhumdulillah, circumstances dictate different requirements. There were the usual 5 Star suites at SR80,000 for the few days! This bought the occupants a ritzy place with satellite dish and full internet connection, a Jacuzzi, international cuisine with professional chefs etc. The detail that amused me was that a tray of "selected" pebbles was presented to the Hajji so they could hand pick the best ones to be thrown!

May Allah Ta’ala guide us all to that which earns his favours and pleasure. May we all develop a love and desire to make this journey, supplicating tirelessly to Allah Ta’ala to grant us this so we may have the ability to see His House again and again. Ameen.

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

 

 

NASCENCY

This photo epitomizes my Hajj.

 

Burning of desires to complete Hajj Maqbool.

Shining sparks of newly kindled friendships.

Incandescent glow exuding from every soul present.

Searing meltdown of hearts.

Brilliance of the ultimate focus.

Warm fervor amidst grueling hardship.

Crimson tones of Dhikr filling the air.

Flickering lights inspiring the next step.

Tempestuous whirlwind flaming passions for The Beloved.

Fiery furnace reminding of all that is anathema.

Scorching of the separation of the dross.

Illuminance of the Farewell Hajj in the imagination.  

Smoldering incinerator of nefarious nafs.

Sizzling emotions as Shaytan is stoned.

Torrid flames as a deterrent of potential punishment.

Striations of a corrugated Dunya to seek beyond.  

Combustion of love for Rasulullah SallAllahi alaihi wassalam.  

Ignition heralding a new birth.  

Celebratory fireworks symbolic of completed rituals.

Dazzle of new born souls!

 

The image was taken from the bus journey from Arafat, looking across a rickety corrugated fence towards the lights of Masjid Namirah. This interlude in the bus grew to be twenty hours!

Do you also see Alhumdulillah emblazoned in lights?

May Allah Ta’ala accept the efforts of all Hujjaj. May they be the recipients of the promises of our Rabb. And may all who were called to Allah Ta’ala for this Hajj have the courage and conviction to make glowing changes from within as a result of their experiences and in gratitude for this journey. Ameen.

 

Jazakumullahu khairan katheeran abadan for all have left comments during my absence. May Allah Ta’ala shower you and yours with His best Barakah. Ameen.

The following articles are from recent editions of Arab News. The print edition throughout the Hajj published many photographs, but they do not seem to be available online.  

 

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=90667&d=6&m=1&y=2007

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=90627&d=5&m=1&y=2007

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=90592&d=3&m=1&y=2007

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=90593&d=3&m=1&y=2007

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=90594&d=3&m=1&y=2007

 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

 

 

 

Alhumdulillah this miskeenah has been invited to the House of the King of Kings. Insha’Allah I will post in the two entries a detailed account of Hajjatul Widaa, The Farewell Hajj, for those who may want to spend some time vicariously journeying with our Noble Nabi SallAllahu alaihi wasallam on his one and only Hajj.

 

Saturday 26-11-10 A.H. 22-2-632 A.C.

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam stayed in Madinah for ten years, offering sacrifice every year, but did not perform Hajj. In Dhul-Qa`dah, 10 A.H., he announced his intention to perform for Hajj, and publicly announced this calling from Allah Ta’ala to visit His House, and thus leaving the legacy of how the Hajj is to be enacted. Thus, when the people living around Madinah, and throughout the land, knew about this, they joined in with the throngs, whether riding or walking. Scholars vary on the numbers, some citing 30,000, up to in excess of 100,000, and Allah Almighty knows best. All of them were eager to imitate Allah’s Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and follow his example, and to be part of the only Hajj performed by our Beloved Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam appointed Abu Dujanah Sammak Ibn Kharshah Al-Sa`idi RadhiAllahu anhu as the ruler of Madinah. It is said that the appointed ruler was Sabba` Ibn `Arfatah RadhiAllahu anhu. Allah Ta’ala, Exalted and Almighty, knows best.

 

Having performed the Noon Prayer, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam delivered a sermon in which he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam taught people the rituals they were to perform. Then he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam called for his she-camel and marked it on the right side of its hump, removed the blood from it and tied two sandals around its neck; and the rest of the she-camels were then marked and two sandals tied around their necks by other people. He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam put his she-camel in the charge of Najiah Ibn Jundub Al-Aslami RadhiAllahu anhu. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam bathed, applied perfume, put on a gown and wrapper and said: "O Allah, A Hajj free of hypocrisy and showing off.”

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam left Madinah, with his nine wives accompanying him SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, on Saturday, the 25th of Dhul-Qa`dah on Al- Shajjarah [The Tree] route, which he used to take. He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam prayed in the mosque therein.

Dhul-Hulaifah

Saturday 26-11-10 A.H. 22-2-632A.C.

Dhul-Hulaifah is five kilometers from Madinah. It is located in `Aqiq Valley. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam arrived at Dhul-Hulaifah in the afternoon, and there he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam performed the Afternoon prayer in its shortened form. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam made a stop under an acacia tree at the site of the mosque at Dhul-Hulaifah on the right side of the road. Then he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam performed both the Sunset and Night prayers. After bathing and being perfumed by `A’ishah RadhiAllahu anha, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam paid a visit to his wives and spent the night at Dhul-Hulaifah. After performing the Morning prayer, he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said to his Companions: "Tonight a messenger came to me from my Lord and said, ‘Perform prayer in this blessed valley and say: (I have intended to perform) `Umrah together with Hajj.’" The command to perform prayer in Al-`Aqiq Valley is actually a command to stay in Dhul- Hulaifah until performing the Noon prayer and embarking on Ihram.

When the traveling party reached Dhul-Hulaifah, Asma’ Bint `Umais, wife of Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq RadhiAllahu anha, gave birth to a son, Muhammad Ibn Abi Bakr. She sent a message to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam asking him, "What should I do?" Thereupon he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "Take a bath, bandage your private parts and put on Ihram."

Sunday 27-11-10 A.H. 23-2-632 A.C.

Upon performing the Noon Prayer the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam entered in the state of Ihram. He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam took a bath different from that of the previous day. He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam washed his head with hollyhock and potash. Then, he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam put a little oil on his hair and rubbed his head up and down with his fingers. `Aishah RadhiAllahu anha applied so much musk to his body and head that the glisten of musk could be seen in the partings of his hair.

A man asked him, "What clothes must a Muhrim wear?" He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam replied, "Do not wear shirts, turbans, trousers, hooded cloaks or leather stockings except scuffs beneath one’s heels."

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam entered Dhul-Hulaifah Mosque where he performed four rak`ahs. Afterwards, he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam pronounced Talbiyah inside the mosque. Meanwhile, the people inside the mosque heard him and said, "He pronounced Talbiyah in the mosque." He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam did the same when he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam mounted his camel. Therefore, those who were outside the mosque said, "He pronounced Talbiyah when his she-camel stood erect with him on its back." When he went out to a plain land, he pronounced Talbiyah. Hence those at the plain land heard him and said, "He pronounced Talbiyah at the plain land." Thus they all told the truth.

He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam pronounced Talbiyah for Hajj and `Umrah at the same time. In another occasion, he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam pronounced a separate Talbiyah for `Umrah and another for Hajj, since `Umrah is a part of it. Hence, it is said that he intended to combine Hajj and ‘Umrah (Qiran Hajj). It is also said that he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam intended to combine Hajj and ‘Umrah with a break in between (Tamattu` Hajj). Other scholars say that he intended to perform Hajj alone (Ifrad Hajj). The soundest viewpoint is that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam intended at first to perform Hajj only. Then he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam put on Ihram for ‘Umrah and combined it with Hajj.

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam proclaimed Talbiyah thus:"

O my Lord!

Here I am at Your service.

Here I am.

There is no partner with You.

Here I am.

Truly, all praise and grace are Yours and so are the dominion and sovereignty too. There is no partner with You."

He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam raised his voice in Talbiyah until it was heard by his Companions RadhiAllahu anhum who repeated it after him SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam also pronounced Talbiyah thus:

"O Allah! Here I am at Your service,

I respond to Your call.

Here I am at Your service.

Grace, good fortune and happiness are from You, and the whole of goodness is in Your Hand.

Here I am at Your service.

Unto You is the petition and hope.

Reward for deeds is from You.".

Allah’s Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: "Gabriel came to me and said, ‘O Muhammad! Tell your Companions to raise their voices in Talbiyah, for it is the slogan of Hajj’."

Al-Rauha’

Monday 28-11-10 A.H. 24-2-632 A.C.

Al-Rauha’ is about fifty kilometers from Dhul-Hulaifah. In view of the fact that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam ? left Madinah on Saturday after the Noon Prayer, he, undoubtedly, spent Monday night in some place between Dhul-Hulaifah and Fajj Al-Rauha’. In the morning, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam proceeded while pronouncing the aforementioned Talbiyah.

In Al-Rauha’ he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam saw a slain zebra and said to his Companions, "Keep away from it; its hunter is about to come." Its hunter, a man from the tribe of Bahz, came to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and said, "O Apostle of Allah! This zebra is at your disposal." Thereupon, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam commanded Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu anhu to divide it among the comrades.

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam performed Prayer in a small mosque, located in front of the great Mosque of Al-Rauha’, on the right side of the Yemeni route leading to Makkah.

Al-`Arj

Tuesday 29-11-10 A.H. 25-2-632 A.C.

Al-`Arj is a place near Badr where the great Battle of Badr took place. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam stopped at Al-`Arj near Al-Uthaiah where he spent Tuesday night.

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu anhu had only one camel carrying their food and belongings. Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu anhu charged a boy to take care of it. While stopped over at Al-`Arj, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam sat down and on one of his sides sat Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu anhu and `A’ishah and Asma’ Bint Abi Bakr on the other side. Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu anhu waited for the boy to appear. At last, he appeared but without the camel. Thereupon, Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu anhu asked, "Where is the camel you are charged with?" "It got lost yesterday." answered the boy. In a rage, Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu anhu exclaimed, "Can you not take care of only one camel?" and he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam began to lash the boy. Meanwhile, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said while smiling, "Look at what this man in the state of Ihram is doing." The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said no more than this, all the while smiling.

When the family of Fadalah Al-Aslami RadhiAllahu anhum knew about the loss of the camel carrying the belongings of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam they immediately brought a bowl of pottage for him. Thereupon, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam cried, "Come hither! Abu Bakr; Allah has brought us better food." Seeing that Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu anhu was still furious at the boy, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said to him, "O Abu Bakr! Don’t worry! The matter is neither at your or our disposal. The boy was careful not to lose the camel and, moreover, here is a recompense for what he had lost." The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then ate together with his family and Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu anhu and his family until they all were full.

Safwan Ibn Al-Mu`ttal came surrounded by people and driving the camel carrying the provisions. He knelt the camel down before the door of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said to Abu Bakr? RadhiAllahu anhu, "Are these your belongings?" Nothing is missing," replied Abu Bakr, "but a wooden bowl." The boy said, "That bowl is with me." Abu Bakr said to Safwan, "May Allah pay for you whatever is held in your trust."

Sa`d Ibn `Ubadah RadhiAllahu anhu and his son, Qais RadhiAllahu anhu, came with a camel carrying food and went to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. They found him standing at the door of his house, after Allah Ta’ala, had brought his camel back. Sa`d RadhiAllahu anhu said, "O Apostle of Allah, we have heard that you lost your camel early this morning. Here is a camel loaded with food in recompense for the lost one." The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "May Allah bless you both! Take your camel back, for Allah has brought ours back."

Al-Abwa’

Wednesday 30-11-10 A.H. 26-2-632 A.C. 

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam set out until he reached Al-Abwa’ where Al-S`ab Ibn Juthamah gave him a zebra as a present. In another narration, he gave him half of a zebra. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam rejected it, saying, "We reject it only because we are in the state of Ihram." On Wednesday, the traveling party continued the march to `Usafan Valley in Makkah.

`Usafan

Friday 2-12-10 A.H. 28-2-632 A.C. 

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam spent Wednesday night at a place between Al-Abwa’ and `Usafan. On Thursday, he continued his journey and also spent Friday night in travel. By Friday, he had reached the Valley of `Usafan. Passing by `Usafan, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam asked, "What valley is it, Abu Bakr?" "`Usafan," answered Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu anhu. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "This valley was passed through by Salih and Hud riding two young camels whose bridles were made of flax fibres. Their [the prophets’] wrappers were cloaks and their gowns were of striped wool, pronouncing Talbiyah and performing Hajj to the Ancient House

Sarif

Saturday 3-12-10 A.H. 29-2-632 A.C.

When he was in Sarif, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said to his Companions, "Whoever has no sacrificial animal and desires to make it `Umrah, may do so. But whoever has a sacrificial animal may not (he must keep on his state of Ihram)." This command is called "Hajj Conversion" by jurists. Fourteen Companions, narrated the command to convert Hajj into `Umrah after the Prophet in authentic hadiths. 

When the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was in Sarif, `A’ishah RadhiAllahu anha menstruated after she had intended to perform `Umrah. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam found her crying and asked her, "Why do you cry, `A’ishah? Have you entered the monthly period?" "Yes," she answered. He said, "It is a matter Allah has ordained for the daughters of Adam. So do as one performing Hajj should do, but do not perform Tawaf."

Dhi-Tuwa

Saturday 3-12-10 A.H. 1-3-632 A.C.

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam continued the march until he stopped over at Dhi Tuwa, which was known in the past as Abar Al-Zahir [Al-Zahir Wells] where he spent Sunday night and performed the Morning Prayer. Thereafter, he took a bath and set out for Makkah.

Makkah

Sunday 4-12-10 A.H. 1-3-632 A.C

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam set off for Makkah, and entered it by way of the upper hill overlooking Al-Hajjun. Then, he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam proceeded until he entered Makkah before noon. He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam finally reached the door of the Sacred Mosque where he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam knelt his she-camel and entered through `Abd Manaf Gate which people call Banu Shaibah Gate. He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam looked at the House [Ka`bah], turned his face towards it, raised his hands and said:

"O Allah! You are the source of peace. From You comes peace. O Allah! Greet us with peace. O Allah! Endow this House with more honor, dignity and respect, and grant all those who come to it for Hajj or `Umrah honor, dignity, respect and piety." Upon entering Makkah, he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam went directly to the House without performing two rak`ahs as a salutation to the mosque, for the salutation to the Sacred Mosque is, in fact, to perform Tawaf.

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam began Tawaf by touching the Black Stone without shoving others there, and his eyes began to flow with tears. He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam placed his gown over his right shoulder while leaving the other uncovered. After making four rounds, he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam kissed the Stone, put his hands on it, then kissed his hands and rubbed them over his face. In this Tawaf, he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam jogged from and to the Black Stone three times. He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam walked fast taking short steps.

Every time he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam passed the Black Stone, he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam would touch it with a stick and then kiss the stick. Upon touching it, he would say: "In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest”. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam would say said to `Umar Ibn Al-Khattab RadhiAllahu anhu "O `Umar! You are a stout man. Do not push others while at the Black Stone lest you may hurt a weak person. But if you find an opportunity to reach it in order to kiss it or touch it, do it. If not, turn your face towards it and say, “Here I am at Your service and Allah is the Greatest”.

Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi  wasallam would say: "Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and defend us from the torment of the Fire."

 

Having finished his Circumambulation, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam went to the Station of Ibrahim near the Ka`bah and said:

"And adopt the Station of Ibrahim as a place of Prayer."

He stood at a place where the Station was between him and the House and performed two rak’ahs. In the first he recited Al-Fatihah then Surah Al-Kafirun, and in the second rak’ah he recited Al-Fatihah followed by Surah Al-Ikhlas. Concluding his Prayer, he returned to the Black Stone and kissed it. Then he went out through the Banu Makhzum Gate, which is against Al-Safa Hill, to start Sa`i.

 

When he approached Al-Safa he recited: "Behold! Al-Safa and Al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So if those who visit the House in the seasons or at other times should compass them round, it is no sin on them. And if any one obeys his own impulse to good be sure that Allah is He Who recognizes and knows." He said, "I begin with what Allah began." He ascended Al-Safa until he saw the House. Facing the Qiblah said, "There is no god but Allah. Allah is the Greatest."

He also said, "There is no god but Allah alone, Who fulfilled his promise, helped His servant and alone defeated the Confederates." In his Sa`i the Prophet said, "Al-Abtah can be crossed only through strain." He said so just to urge people to keep up a fast pace. People were in front of him and he was to their rear pacing so fast that his knees could be seen. Jogging at the bottom of the valley, he said, "O Allah! Grant us pardon and mercy; You are the Mighty, the Glorious." The people crowded around him saying, "This is Muhammad." Even young girls came out of their houses to see him. So, the site became overcrowded with people, and the Prophet mounted his camel. People were not beaten away before the Prophet (to clear a space for him). He mounted his she-camel, Al-Qaswa’, and went on performing his Sa`i.

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was seen uncovering one shoulder and wrapping the other with a Najrani garb during Sa`i between Al-Safa and Al-Marwah. It is narrated that upon reaching Al-Marwah, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam turned his face towards the House and said, "Allah alone is the Greatest," and did as he had done on Al-Safa.

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam gave his Companions the choice to convert their intention from Hajj to `Umrah. Upon completing his Sa`i, he commanded his Companions to remove their Ihram; that they may have intercourse with their wives, apply perfume, wear sewn clothes and remain in this state until the day of Al-Tarwiah (the 8th of Dhul- Hijjah). The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam did not remove his Ihram because he had brought a sacrificial animal with him from Madinah. Thus, everyone removed Ihram except the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and those having sacrificial animals; and among them were Abu Bakr, `Umar, Talhah and Al-Zubair, Allah may be pleased with them all.

Regarding the women in the Prophet’s company, they all removed Ihram except `A’ishah RadhiAllahu anha because her monthly period delayed her from removing her Ihram. Having no sacrificial animal, Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha, daughter of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, removed the Ihram. Ali Ibn Abi Talib RadhiAllahu anhu came from Yemen with a sacrificial animal and found Fatimah  RadhiAllahu anha among those who had removed Ihram, put on dyed clothes, and applied Kohl. `Ali RadhiAllahu anhu showed his disapproval of this. Whereupon, she said, "My father has commanded me to do so”. Ali RadhiAllahu anhu asked the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam regarding what she had said. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "She told the truth; she told the truth. I commanded her to do so." 

Ali RadhiAllahu anhu had put on Ihram while he was in Yemen saying, "O Allah! I put on Ihram for the same purpose your Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam has put it on”. Abu Musa RadhiAllahu anhu was one of those who came with `Ali RadhiAllahu anhu from Yemen, but he drove no sacrificial animal. Thereupon, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam commanded him to remove the Ihram after he had circumambulated and jogged between Al-Safa and Al-Marwah. So he converted his Ihram for Hajj into `Umrah and therefore continued on Hajj to `Umrah.

It reached to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam that some people were saying, "We have proceeded intending to perform Hajj only. When we came to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, he commanded us to make it `Umrah, and to have intercourse with our wives. We reached Mina in a state as if we had just had intercourse”. Having finished his Sa`i, Allah’s Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam stood among the people and said, "I have learned that some people say so and so. By Allah, I am more righteous and God-fearing than they. If I were to know what this matter of mine would come to, I would not have brought sacrificial animals with me. (In another narration: O people! If I were . . .) whoever, among you, has no sacrificial animal should remove Ihram for Hajj and make Ihram for `Umrah." So people at large removed their Ihram.

While he was at the bottom of the valley, Suraqah Ibn Malik Ibn Ja`tham RadhiAllahu anhu said, "O Apostle of Allah, is it (this conversion of Hajj into ’Umrah) meant only for this year or is it forever? The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam intertwined his fingers and said, "It is forever, forever, forever." "`Umrah," he added, "has been joined with Hajj until the Day of Judgment."

Jabir Ibn `Abdullah RadhiAllahu anhu reported, "We accompanied the Apostle of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam on the fifth day of Dhul-Hijjah. We were in the state of Ihram for Hajj; but he commanded us to make it `Umrah. This (removal of Ihram for Hajj) was so hard for us to bear. When this attitude of ours came to the Prophet’s knowledge, he said, ‘O people! Remove your Ihram. Had not I had a sacrificial animal, I would have done what you did. ‘We did so and went to our wives for intercourse as one not in the state of Ihram might do”. On the day of Al-Tarwiah, we went outside Makkah and proclaimed Talbiyah for Hajj.

 

To be continued, Insha’Allah, then Labbaik. Ameen.

 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen.