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. 

 

 

 

THEN and NOW merge.

Shaikh Abu Muhammad ibn Abd al-Basri Rahmatullahi alaihi (d.A.H. 580)
was one of the preeminent Shaikhs of Iraq. He was one of those scholars whose knowledge is based on direct experience, and one of the most splendid of those drawn near to the Lord. He had an exquisite way of speaking about the paths of the realities saying:

• The spirits of those who experience ecstasy are fragrantly perfumed. Their speech revives the dead at heart, and increases their faculties of understanding.
• The genuineness of ecstasy depends on the severance of the properties of human nature from all attachment.
• Ecstasy annihilates. For one who has no experience of loss, there can be no experience of finding.

 *

This morning we arranged to take a van of Hujjaj to the Uhud Cave after Fajr. We had plans, but Allah Ta’ala is the Greatest and Best of Planners, SubhanAllah. Negotiating with the drivers to take you there is now a delicate task, as they know that if they are caught going there the least that can happen is to loose their license, the worst, to be carried off. We managed to convince a very amiable one to take us. Some of the group were sitting in the van awaiting for the rest of the small group to arrive, when a policeman on his motor bike came along side the van asking if we, the Madians, were acting as "middle men" in arranging Ziarah, as we had been "seen" in the vicinity over the past week or so. Three different groups we know are currently residing in three different hotels which happen to be in the very same block, so we have been coming and going visiting and bringing others to visit. One would think this is not so unusual in this season of Hajj. He was told yes, we act as the middle man for Allah Ta’ala. It seems gone are the days and the qualities of Ansar as being admirable. He soon rode off, leaving us to begin our little journey. The driver was extremely amenable, stopping at some of the notable places along the way as was requested while we spoke of the significance of the places. It was agreed that he would drop us before the cave and wait around the corner until we had finished, so that his presence was not obvious.

We stopped at the place where Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam had his wounds bandaged by his noble companions RadhiAllahu anhum, then moved to Masjid Fash, and then to the path leading to the cave. (see previous post for details)

I quote the words above, of our illustrious predecessor, as the feeling that lovers of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam exude when following in his footsteps seems to emit such a fragrance and serenity of being. I become witness to an inner ecstasy within others, which however momentary, or however deep, and only Allah Ta’ala knows this secret, but for an instant there are such changes where worldly attachment is obliterated. SubhanAllah, I am grateful for this gift from others.

The group proceeded up the mountain, and four managed to enter the cave. I had the intention of taking some photos for this post, and was adjusting the view of Masjid Nabawi in the distance when an all too familiar vehicle suddenly appeared. It was the VICE SQUAD!!! Three of the ‘promotion of virtue and eradication of vice’ men swiftly jumped out and began shouting and yelling for all to come down! Eventually they did, with the word Bid’ah being repeated over and over and the statement that they may as well go back to their country as they had violated their Hajj by visiting such a place. One of the gentlemen from the group even had his pockets frisked. As this was happening other vehicles were driving up the narrow road with the same intention of visiting the cave. The "authorities" inspected the license of one driver, but we had time to warn others to turn around.

Our driver had disappeared. Insha’Allah we hope that he was able get away before they got him. We then began walking to Shuhadah, where by now thousands were arriving by the bus load. Police in their cars seemed to be in every direction, yelling instructions through their load speakers. We felt like criminals, wondering how we would get back. One of the group thought the vice squad cars were a private taxi and began to ask if they were available for hire!

There were hundreds of buses and vans in the designated car parks so we merged with the crowds and finally found a van who would take us back to Haram.

I relate this little tale as like all our experiences there are lessons to be learnt. And upon reflection the sentiments quoted above epitomize the inner of what we shared this morning; ‘For one who has no experience of loss, there can be no experience of finding.’ The pilgrims in this group experienced a loss of sorts, but due to their devotion to our Beloved Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, and retracing his ordeal after the Battle of Uhud, there seemed to be a deep sense of finding. May Allah Ta’ala shower His Hidayah all over the world during this spiritually uplifting time of Hajj. May He protect all the places our Noble Nabi SallAllahu alaihi wasallam’s Mubarak feet stepped for the sake of his Ummah. Insha’Allah make Du’a for our heritage sites. Ameen.

Back to THEN….

Shaikh Ali al-Khabbaz relayed: "I was once in an orchard in Basra, together with its owner, who was one of my companions. In came a dusty, disheveled pauper, who said to the owner of the orchard: ‘Give me some figs, enough to satisfy my appetite!’ My friend presented him with a helping of figs, and he ate them all up, then he said: ‘Give me more!’ He gave him another helping, and he ate them up and then he said: ‘Give me more!’ He kept giving him helping after helping, until he had eaten the weight of a thousand ratl (Approximately one pound in Iraq). Then the pauper went to a nearby stream, and started scooping water from it. He drank a huge amount of water from the stream, then he went on his way.

After some years had elapsed, the owner of the orchard told me that the quantity of its annual produce had multiplied many times over. Then, in the year when he told me this, I went on the Pilgrimage, Hajj. One day, while I was walking along by myself, in front of the caravan, I found myself thinking about the condition of that man, and I wished that I could see him. To my amazement, he appeared there and then, at my right hand side. I saluted him with the greeting of peace, and we continued our journey, he and I walking along together. Whenever he sat down to rest, the entire caravan would come to a halt, and as soon as he started walking, the whole caravan would move forward.

One day, we came to a large lake, the water of which had subsided to the bottom, so he carved out a lump of clay, and made a meal of it. Then he fed me some of the clay, and it tasted like a delicious fruit pudding, with an aroma like that of fragrant musk. He also drank a lot of the apparently stagnant water. Then he said to me: ‘O Ali, this is the first meal I have eaten, since that one you saw me eat in the orchard. I have done no eating or drinking in the meantime.’ ‘O my master, how did you come to be as you are?’ He said: ‘ Shaikh Abu Muhammad ibn Abd al-Basri Rahmatullahi alaihi, once cast a glance upon me, so my heart was filled with love, and my innermost being [Sirr] attained to my Lord, Glory and Exalted is He. All the realms of being were folded up for me, and all substances were transformed for my benefit. Through that glance of his, the remote was brought near to me, and I reached the desired goal. He clothed me with a spiritual essence, which rid me of the need for food and drink, except at the point of contact with humanity.’ The he disappeared from my sight, and I have never seen him since that moment."

May Allah Ta’ala be well pleased with them all.

May He change our dead hearts and ways so that He may be well pleased with us all too. Ameen.  

 

 

 

 

Three images of the narrow laneway as you approach the cave.

From todays Arab News, which seems at variance to what we experienced this morning.

And more on the organizational aspect of Hajj, with predictions of rain, plus a focus on the Indian Hujjaj.

DHUL HIJJAH MUBARAK and Juma’ah Mubarak. With the announcement of the new month it means that this year will be al-Hajj al-Akbar. May Allah Ta’ala bless us all. 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. 

 

 

 

 

THEN…

Hadhrat Ibraheem Khawwaas Rahmatullahi alaihi narrates: “Once when I went for Hajj, the heat was intense. It was hotter than usual. Scorching winds were blowing. One day when we reached in the middle of the desert in Hijaz, I became separated from the caravan. Overcome with fatigue, I fell asleep. When my eyes opened, I saw a person at a distance. I quickly went towards him. When I reached him I saw that he was a small boy. His face glittered like the moon of the fourteenth night. I could discern the rays of spiritual jubilation on his face. I said: ‘Assalaamu Aalaikum, Son!’ He responded: ‘ Wa Alaikumus Salaam, O Ibraheem!’
I was amazed and I began having misgivings about him. I exclaimed: ‘Subhaanallah! How have you recognized me? We have never met before.”“

The Boy: “O Ibraheem! Since I gained recognition of Allah Ta`ala, I did not remain ignorant, and since I was united with Allah, I did not become separated.”
Ibraheem: “Why have you come into this wilderness in this intense heat?”
The Boy: “O Ibraheem! Besides Him, I have not befriended anyone. I perpetually remain aloof from all people, and I am going to Him. I have proclaimed that only He is The Ma`bood.”
Ibraheem: “From whence do you obtain your food and water?”
The Boy: “It is my Friend’s responsibility.”
Ibraheem: “By Allah! I fear for your life in this intense heat.”
The Boy (Tears like pearls flowing down his cheeks): “O man! You try to terrify me with the hardships of the journey when in fact, I am proceeding to my Friend. Love has thrown me into restlessness and eagerness drives me along. Does a friend of Allah also fear? Thikr-e-Ilaahi suffices for hunger and shukr quenches the thirst. What if I am small and weak? His Love has taken me from Hijaz to Khurasaan. (Today part of Khurasaan is in Afghanistan and part in Iran). You despise me because of my childhood. Whatever has to happen, will happen.”

Ibraheem: “By Allah! Tell me honestly what your age is?”
The Boy: “Twelve years. Why do you enquire my age?”
Ibraheem: “I am bewildered by you statements.”
The Boy: “Alhamdulillah! I have been given excellences over many special people of Iman.”

Hadhrat Ibraheem Khawwaas Rahmatullahi alaihi continues: “I was truly astonished by his handsomeness and his sweet words of wisdom.
After some time the boy said: ‘O Ibraheem! The one whom the Friend abandons is in separation. The one who has acquired a share of obedience to Allah, he has reached the destination. O Ibraheem! You are separated from both roads, the Road of Divine Love and the road to Baitullah.”

Ibraheem: “Why am I so deprived? For Allah’s Sake, make Du’a that I link up with my companions of the caravan.

“The boy looked towards the heaven and moved his lips. I became drowsy and lapsed into a deep sleep. When my eyes opened I discovered myself in the caravan. I do not know what happened to the boy.
Ultimately our caravan reached Makkah Muazzamah. As I entered the Haram Shareef, my eyes suddenly fell on a boy who was holding the cloth of the Ka’aba and shedding tears in profusion. It was the boy I had met in the wilderness. After a while he went into Sajdah. I stood watching him. After some time had passed I went near and discovered that he had surrendered his life to Allah Ta’ala. May Allah Ta’ala be pleased with him. A state of intense grief and sorrow settled over me. I went to my place of residence to procure whatever was required for the boy’s burial. On my return, his body was no longer there. On making enquiries, I realized that no one had any information about the boy. No one besides me, had seen the boy. He was invisible to the eyes of others.
I returned to my residence and went to sleep. I dreamt about the boy. He was the chief of a large assembly of people. He was clad in the best of garments which were glittering on him. Its beauty is beyond description. I asked: ‘Are you not my friend?’ He answered: ‘Yes.’
I said: ‘By Allah! I had searched much to bury you. I had desired to perform your Janazah Salaat.’ He said: ‘O Ibraheem! Know that The One Who had brought me out of my city; Who had instilled His Love in me and Who had separated me from my family – He attended to my burial and to all my needs.’
I said: ‘How did Allah, The Gracious treat you?’ He said: ‘I was ushered into His Presence and He said: ‘What is your desire?’ I replied: ‘O Allah! Only You are my desire.’ Allah said: ‘You are My true servant. I shall not conceal anything from you.’ I said ‘I wish that my intercession be accepted on behalf of the people of my time.’ Allah Ta`ala said: ‘Your intercession is accepted.’
In my dream the boy shook hands with me. My eyes then opened. In the morning I fulfilled the rites of Hajj, but I was extremely restless. The memory of that boy, grief and sorrow had settled over me. Then together with the other Hujjaj we commenced the return journey. Along the journey everyone was saying: ‘O Ibraheem! Everyone is wonder-struck by the fragrance of your hands.’”

This wonderful fragrance remained on Hadhrat Ibraheem Khawwaas Rahmatullahi alaihi for as long as he lived. May Allah’s Rahmat be on him.

*

Hadhrat Shafeeq Balkhi Rahmatullahi alaihi narrates: “In the year 149 Hijri I set out for Hajj. I halted in Qadisiyyah. While I was viewing the large crowds and their pomp, my eyes fell on a young man clad in fine garments. He had wrapped a woollen shawl around him (in the style of the Sufis). He was sitting alone. I thought he was a pretender. I went near to him with the intention of reprimanding him. He looked at me and said: ‘O Shafeeq! Abstain from suspicion because some suspicion is sinful.’ So saying, he went away. I said to myself: ‘Indeed I had committed evil.’ He had said what was in my heart. He even mentioned my name. He appears to be a pious man. I resolved to locate him and apologize. Although I hastily pursued him, he was nowhere in sight. Then I saw him at Waaqisah, I was trembling and tears were flowing. I delightfully said to myself: ‘This is that same friend of mine.’ I was determined to seek forgiveness from him for my error of suspicion. I waited a long time. After he completed his Salat, I turned towards him. When he saw me approaching, he said: ‘O Shafeeq! (He recited the Aayat)-‘Verily, I am Most Forgiving for him who repents…..’ He then departed and disappeared from my sight. I said to myself: ‘This young man is certainly one of the Abdaal. He twice revealed what I was thinking.’ When we reached Mina, I saw the same young man standing at the well with a mug in his hand. The mug slipped from his hand and fell into the well. He lifted his gaze to the heaven and supplicated. By Allah! I saw the water rising to the top of the well with the mug. The young man filled it with water and engaged in Salat. After Salat he went to a sand dune and filled his mug with sand. He drank the contents. He repeated this act several times. I went up to him and made Salam to which he responded. I asked him to give me some of the contents of his mug. He acceded to my request. I never drank anything sweeter and more delicious than the juice in his mug. Nothing was more fragrant than it. I stayed a few days at this place without feeling hungry or thirsty.
The youth said: ‘O Shafeeq! Allah`s zaahiri and baatini bounties are always with me. Cherish a lofty opinion of your Rabb.’

I then did not see the young man along the road to Makkah. Once at midnight in Makkah I saw him performing Salat with profound humility. I heard the sound of crying. He spent the entire night in this state. In the morning after Fajr Salat he made Tawaaf of the Kaabah. Thereafter he came out of the Haram. I followed him. Suddenly I observed many servants and assistants around him. People gathered around him to pay their respects. I was surprised at this transformation from a lonely young man to an important personality. When I enquired from someone, I was told that the young man, was Hadhrat Ja`far Saadiq Rahmatullahi alaihi. I was truly astonished. Undoubtedly, the miracles which I had witnessed were the effects of such a noble Sayyid.’”

NOW….

 
After Asr from the ninth floor hotel window where a friend is staying. This is one of the many new buildings being occupied for the first time by the Hujjaj. In the rush to have pilgrims stay in some of these buildings many features are not complete. This is looking towards the south through a tinted window, and a layer of the Mubarak Madinah dust. Masjid Bilal is on the left. The main Madinah water tower appears as a blob on the horizon. Move along the horizon to the left of this to a brownish building block, where the four minarets of Masjid Quba are to the left of this. If you could turn a complete 180 degrees you would be exactly opposite Bab Salam of Masjid Nabawi. It is agreed that when Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi and the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum walked to Masjid Quba they would almost be walking up the middle of this photo.

To the left of the above. Masjid Quba minarets on the far left horizon. The small white building squashed between the two new ones under construction is Masjid Uthman. The low flat Jabal Eyr, the Bab of Jahannam is in the distance. Jabal Eyr demarcates the sacred boundary of Madinah. Our humble home is almost in the centre of this photo, a little beyond the clump pf green trees. This hotel is equidistance from our home and Masjid Nabawi.

 

Just before Maghrib in the western ladies courtyard, which was quite full…and the marble freezing after a glorious sunny, and warm day. 

 

After Maghrib looking towards Bab Salam. 

 

One of the street stalls on the way home, selling the traditional ceramic water coolers, only SR20!!! Not exactly the ideal gift to take back after Hajj! Two of the minarets of Haram visible…one to the right, the other a mere tip appearing above the central building.

* 

The latest news on the conditions in Mina 

Plus today, Al Watan, one of the Arabic daily papers was a report that marble slabs had fallen from one of the main hotels on the northern side of Haram. Alhumdulillah that nobody was hurt.

I saw this today. An excellent program from an excellent contemporary scholar. Do try to take advantage of this opportunity, Insha’Allah: 

http://www.sunnipath.com/LiveEvent/LivingHajj/

And more fascinating accounts of Hajj from so many perspectives:

http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/search/search.aspx?tbSearchCriteria=hajj&SearchForm.x=16&SearchForm.y=27

 
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. 

 

 

THEN…

"Hadrat Ibrahim bin Adham Rahamtullahi alaihi was on his way to Hajj on foot when someone asked him his destination. He answered that he was going to Hajj and so the man was surprised because on foot this would be an insurmountable journey and said, “But you need transportation for Hajj.” Hadrat Ibrahim bin Adham Rahamtullahi alaihi replied that he not only had a means of transportation but also had many such means.

The man was perplexed by this reply because he could not see any such mode of transport and asked Hadrat to show him. Hadrat Ibrahim bin Adham Rahamtullahi alaihi said: “When in difficulty I will rely on patience as my transportation, and when I am blessed I will use gratitude as my transport. During sorrow I will rely on inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’oon to carry me, and on La hawla wa la quwatta illa billa to carry me whenever combating nafs and Satan. If I encounter any circumstances of sin I have the vehicle of tawba to see me through. If someone bigger confronts me I will use the vehicle of Allahu Akbar, and I shall complete my Hajj using these different means at every point.”

*

A seeker studying under Hadrat Shibli Rahamtullahi alaihi appeared at a gathering after being absent for some time. Hadrat Shibli Rahamtullahi alaihi asked where he had been and so this young man answered that he had just returned from Hajj. The following is the conversation that ensued.

Hadrat Shibli : “When you took off your clothes in order to don the ihram, did you also make intention of stripping the clothes of sin from your body?”

Student : “No I did not make such an intention.”

Hadrat Shibli : “Did you make intention to present your whole body and soul in front of Allah when you said Labbaik?”

Student : “No I did not make such an intention.”

Hadrat Shibli : “During tawaf did you realize that you were touching the Right Hand of Allah when you greeted Hajr-e-Aswad with your salams?”

Student : “No I did not realize any such thing.”

Hadrat Shibli : “Did you feel that you were hugging the Messenger of Allah when you hugged the draperies of the Kaaba?”

Student : “No I did not feel that.”

Hadrat Shibli : “When you passed by the door of the Kaaba did you beseech your Lord like a beggar beseeches a king?

Student : “No I did not beseech Him like that.”

Hadrat Shibli : “Did you make intention for total and sincere repentance from all your sins no matter how small when you were at Arafat?”

Student : “No I did not make such a strong intention.”

Hadrat Shibli : “Did you make firm intention to make Satan your mortal enemy when you stoned the devils?”

Student : “No I did not make an intention like that.”

Hadrat Shibli : “Did you make intention to sacrifice your nafs and desires for the sake of Allah when you performed the animal sacrifice?”

Student : “No I did not make an intention like that. I only sacrificed the animal.”

Hadrat Shibli : “Did you see the Beloved when you performed the Tawaf-e-Ziyarah?”

Student : “No I did not see anything like that.”

Closing this discussion Hadrat Shibli Rahamtullahi alaihi said to the young man, “My dear child, you have not performed Hajj. You should don the ihram anew next year as if you are going for the first time and perform Hajj exactly as I have taught you.”

These are just some examples of the vast difference between the Hajj of the common man and that of the auliyaa (Friends of Allah). We should all learn lessons from the lives of these magnanimous people and try to implement these ways in our lives.

Read here for the article, The Urgency of Hajj, by Shaykh Zulfiqar Ahmed (bd) the above is from. The same link also has an Urdu audio option.

NOW…. 

The "Hajj flu" is greeting many pilgrims as well as the locals. One report stated that of the 26,000 Malaysians here this year already 11,607 have been given treatment as out patients, with 60 hospitalized and five deaths.
This is a report, just released, on infections related to Hajj.

We are experiencing very cold mornings and evenings, with many visibly feeling how temperatures in a desert environment can drop so low during winter. I think the shops selling warm clothing and blankets are extremely happy. As are many other traders.

Then there are others who suffer in a different way. Or abuse the system.

This year the authorities are promising extremely strict measures for all those within the Kingdom, (locals and expats) who in the past would perform a "sneak" or "illegal" Hajj, myself included! It has been estimated that last year 1.29 million performed Hajj without any official permits.

Arabic papers have drawn attention to how many Bedouins who know the harsh terrain surrounding Makkah, use Hajj as a time to smuggle pilgrims in for substantial sums of money. The following was reported the other day, as well as alerting hopeful illegal pilgrims to the fact that any body without a valid permit, even if they do manage to get through checkpoints, will be asked to show their permits on the way to the Jamarat, and turned away of they do not have the correct permit. Also, over the past few years small tents pitched on any available space, (I even saw them inside the ablution blocks in the past!!) are banned this year. It remains to be seen how all of these rules will be enforced. And how the usual loop holes will be manipulated.

The following links are inspiring and informative about the ritual of Hajj. I post them for all who may not be here physically for this Hajj, but whose hearts will be spiritually with the millions seeking all the rewards of a Hajj Mabroor, enacting the journey to the Hereafter. Also Imam Zaid Shakir clearly elucidates the importance of fasting the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. May this be a time for the entire Ummah to unite as one, just as we witness the realization of this human potential with the coming together of pilgrims from every corner of the globe.

http://www.sacredlearning.org/classrooms/hajj/index.htm
mp3 format series
This classroom is dedicated to lectures covering both the inner and outer aspects of Hajj and Umrah, from waiting for the days of Hajj, to preparing for the Hajj and the journey, to the Hajj itself, to carrying over the benefits of Hajj & Umrah in our lives. While these lectures were focused on Hajj and Umrah, many of the lessons and principles discussed are relevant to everyday life. 

http://www.islam786.org/hajjumrah.htm

http://www.islam786.org/hajjwithmyshaykh.htm

 

May this be a time when Allah Ta’ala’s Mercy heals hearts and wounds, showering His Justice where it is needed most, along with rains where needed the most, balance where needed the most; nurturing security, harmony and love in every heart of every Muslim. May He grant safety and Ridwaan for all the Hujjaj, accepting their efforts and pleading, as a means to uplift the state of the Ummah of our Beloved Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. 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. 

 

 

"Hajj Art"

Village walls in some parts of Upper Egypt blossom with naive and colorful paintings that commemorate the homeowner’s safe return from Hajj. A form of folk art expressing their piety and joy; sharing with others the blessing of having completed their obligation to Allah Ta’ala. Many of these people are very poor and are subsidized or even paid fully by the government to embark on this journey of a life time. Egyptian Hujjaj are here in the thousands. The village ladies are quite distinct with a small colourful headscarf tightly binding their head, a larger flowing scarf placed over this. The older women have dark blue face tattoos consisting of patterned dots and lines.

   

"For the 13 centuries until 1950, the hajj journey from Upper Egypt to Makkah took more than a month; there was no way for the pilgrim to stay in touch with his family during that time. It was a journey into the unknown, with an uncertain conclusion, and the return of the traveler amounted almost to a rebirth. Joyful family members greeted the pilgrim at the boat in Suez or another Egyptian port or at the hometown train station, or awaited the camel caravan’s return to the oasis. Thus the hajj paintings expressed the family’s happiness at the pilgrim’s safe return, and at the same time provided religious inspiration to anyone viewing the murals."

 

One of the artists: "My art, my poetry, just pours out of me," he declares. "I work very fast while I am inspired by the scriptures; my brush flies across the surface. Sometimes I can finish an entire mural in one day."

From "Mural Celebrations" SaudiAramco. A lively article resonating with the jubilation these pilgrims experience in fulfilling their duty to Allah Ta’ala.

At the end of the article you will see: Check the Public Affairs Digital Image Archive for May/June 1993 images. Clicking on the link takes you a series of small images found in that edition. Then, if you want to view these as larger ones, click on one image and register, taking only a few minutes to be able to access their truly amazing digital image archives.

Scroll down the alphabetical list on this site to ‘Hajj Art’ for more images.

Insha’Allah you enjoy these whimsical images, depicting an imaginative aspect of a different culture’s way of conveying their jubilation and gratitude to Allah Ta’ala.  

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.