The pilgrim said, "O young man, Hajj is character building. Hajj is a trial which tests each and every person who makes this journey to their limits. Hajj has to be pure, without disobedience, cursing, shouting, expressions of anger. For most people, being patient through the Hajj is a major trial. Hajj is a social act of worship where Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala brings people together. Millions people are put together in one very limited place, and patience is tested. The Hajj functions like the furnace for iron ore or silver ore. To extract the silver, first it must be put it in the furnace where the heat causes the pure ore to melt, and it is extracted. So, the Hajj functions something like that, purifying the believer. Pain, no matter how small, even if it is only from a thorn from a tree, a rose bush, or something pricks the foot, if borne with patience, removes sin.(Part 3)
The weaker individual is he who runs away from the challenge. The one who is in the higher state is the one who mixes with the people and bears their harm, that makes him or her a greater believer. A common obstacle to making Hajj is the argument that Hajj is supposed to be for old people. It is a common belief that since Hajj wipes away the sins that came before it, then a person is better off waiting until later in life when there are more sins to be wiped clean. However, Hajj is a physical act of worship that requires exertion, and the elderly may not be up to the physical requirements of Hajj. Also, a person who dies in Hajj with the sincere intention to repent is not the same as the person who delayed Hajj just to make more sins and then doesn’t sincerely repent but only wishes to wipe the slate clean and possibly return to making sins.
Hajj brings Muslims from all over the world together in a gathering not normally experienced. Islam is communal and has implications in human society which affect, govern, and direct it. Prayers are supposed to be in the mosque, especially for the males who are outside of the home. This gives us a sense of immediate community. People get to know and become familiar with their neighbours by meeting them in the mosque from the early morning until late at night. These meetings build bonds which help people to help others and to be able to be helped by others, through regular communal gatherings.
There are other communal activities: the Eids and Jumu'ah. Once a week, there is Friday congregational prayer. The two Eids are when the community gathers again. The ultimate communal activity is the Hajj. This ritual is not restricted to districts or countries, this is about the whole world. Muslims are brought together not only from other areas of the same country or similar areas of the earth but people come from other backgrounds altogether, and they are all believers. This reinforces the brotherhood of Muslims and the basic concept that there is only one God who created only one human race.
People classify humans into different races and give them names: Mongoloid for people of the Far East, Caucasoid for people of the northern part of Europe, Negroids for people from Africa, etc., and there are other people in between. The reality is that these classifications are concocted. Human beings may be different colors, sizes, and shapes, but they are human beings, one human race. And because of that, Allah prescribed one religion for humankind. He did not prescribe a variety of religions for mankind which would then be the source of confusion, causing people to argue amongst themselves. These many religions were created by human beings while Allah only prescribed one religion. The fact is there is one God who created one human race who has a single need. Whether it was ten thousand years ago, a million years ago, or a million years hence, human beings are human beings. Their needs are the same. Their concerns are the same. So there is one religion. Hajj reinforces that oneness.
Muslims encourage that true superiority lies with those who are most conscious of Allah. There is no superiority in the qualities or blessings which Allah has given to humankind. Therefore, the Hajj personality is one which is open-minded. The Islamic concern is about faith. Allah says in Surah Al-Hujurat [49]:13, “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted."
The second character trait which Hajj calls to is patience. Patience is a main characteristic of Hajj because of the nature of the Hajj which brings people together under very restricted circumstances mentally, physically and emotionally. In these circumstances, patience is critical and without it, there is no way to achieve the goals of Hajj. For some people, patience comes easily and they can tolerate much stress, but the majority of people are impatient. How does the worshipper remain patient during the Hajj? The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever pretends to be patient, seeking patience, Allah will give him or her patience.” If a person wants to achieve patience, then he must exercise patience. While this may seem hypocritical because a person seems to be putting on a false front; however, in reality patience must be practiced to be developed. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "If you do that sincerely seeking patience, Allah will give you patience." In Surah Al-Asr, Allah describes the state of humankind as being one of loss, except for those who believe and do righteous deeds and invite each other, encourage each other to be truthful, and encourage each other to be patient. This is one of the keys for success in life. That is why developing patience during Hajj is primary. If nothing else is gained from Hajj, patience needs to be developed because patience is critical for success in this life.
The first and most basic element of Hajj and Umrah rites and rituals is ihraam which is basically the intention for Umrah or Hajj. It is not the garments worn for the Hajj or Umrah, as many people believe. Umrah is the lesser pilgrimage while Hajj is the major pilgrimage. The men wear 2 pieces of cloth, while the women wear whatever will cover them that is simple and not decorative. The women’s garment is not restricted. Again, ihraam is not the garment itself, it is the intention. The two garments worn by men are symbolic of the shroud placed on the person for burial. It is the basic covering, the very simplest way to cover the awrah . It is placing all people, no matter of stature in the worldly life in equal dress before Allah for this rite. In the state of ihraam, it is not allowed to trim the hair or fingernails or use perfume.
Fundamentally, the goal of the state of ihraam is to be humble before Allah. It is preparation for the rites of Hajj. Humility is necessary in performing these rites. If they are done proudly and arrogantly, the goals of Hajj will not be achieved. Garments that are not allowed to be worn are stitched garments.When a Muslim arrives at the Meeqaat set by the Prophet (ﷺ) for assuming Ihraam. He removes his normal clothing and replaces them, wearing an Izaar on his lower body and a Ridaa’ on his upper body, and he leaves his head uncovered. In this mode of dress, there exists equality between all those performing Hajj such that there is no distinction between wealthy and needy, or leader and subjects. Such uniformity in appearance reminds them of the shrouds they shall be wrapped in when they die, since each and every individual shall shed his usual clothing and have them replaced with shrouds bearing no distinction between wealthy and poor.
Ihram involves physical acts to prepare for the journey ahead as well as psychological or mental and spiritual acts. Leading the physical acts, putting the worshipper into a proper state of comprehension of the journey about to be embarked upon is ghusl. This is not just taking a regular shower, but rather is a ritual bath. It is a physical act leading to spiritual purity. This is demonstrated in the words of the Prophet (ﷺ) when he said, “When one makes wudhu', one's sins drop from his or her body with the drops of water from the body.” During the ghusl, water is taken into the mouth and nostrils and complete wudu is made. During wudu, the purifying process of wudu should be reflected upon. It is the inner spiritual cleansing which is more critical, more important. The ghusl, if performed correctly, enters the worshipper into a frame of mind even before putting on the garments and making the intentions. Clipping the fingernails, trimming the hair, shaving the underarms and private areas are all recommended acts to bring about this state. Men put on perfume and women avoid the face veil and gloves. At this physical level, entering into ihraam, any sexual relations or preliminary acts that may lead to them must be avoided.
The psychological level involves abandoning arguments and fights, coarse language and outbursts of anger. This requires patience. The psychological level of ihraam involves patience as well as modesty. Lewd behavior must be avoided, such as: staring lustfully at the opposite sex and exploiting opportunities to be in the midst of the opposite sex. In crowded situations, people get crushed together. There are people who use this opportunity to have physical contact with females which they wouldn’t normally have. This is corruption. On a psychological level, an emotional level, we have to maintain control. On a spiritual level, wearing a common dress makes every worshipper equal without distinction between one and another. This helps to build humility and develop the understanding that in reality, there is no difference between people. Blessings that Allah bestows on some and withholds from others are a part of the test of this life. However, everyone enters life the same way: naked. Everyone also leaves this life the same way, virtually naked. There is nothing a person can take from this world and nothing brought into it upon arrival. We are all the same.
The common denominator of nakedness in the Hajj should help in realizing who we are and what our position should be before Allah. We have to be sincere. For this realization to occur there has to be sincerity in this process of ihraam. One must be prepared to obey Allah’s commandments and to submit to His instructions. One way to do so is by giving up the very things that are normally accessible. Worldly possessions which give one person a position of superiority over others are reduced in the Hajj. Becoming more humble is what should be strived for. In fact, it can be said that the main characteristic of ihraam is humility, and it is the main moral characteristic that should be possessed. Truly, the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever is humble for the sake of Allah, Allah elevates him or her.” This is the Islamic view on humility. So upon approaching the ihraam, that should be uppermost in the minds of those entering into it: humility before Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'ala.
When going to Hajj it is best to go as simply as possible. Women are not allowed to wear gloves or niqab. Women’s clothing has become more elaborate over time. Women’s nature is to like to show their finery. Allah tells them to wear hijab to keep it under control. Think about the wives of the Prophet (ﷺ) and the early female companions and how they dressed. It was simple. Reaching that level of simplicity should be a goal. In reality, without that humbling simplicity, real worship cannot take place. Without being truly humble before Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aalaa then true worship cannot be reached. The ihraam is really about laying the foundation for worship. It is better to humble ourselves before Allah and worship Him as He deserves to be worshipped
Ihraam helps us to overcome pride. It is the basis for our worship throughout the Hajj. Therefore, establishing it correctly with humility, at the very beginning, is essential. Since ihraam is the intention to enter a consecrated state in which we do not do acts which are normally halaal, it trains us and strengthens us spiritually, psychologically and emotionally to be able to give up the things which are actually prohibited in life in general. In this state, we have to focus on our intentions not on the garments. Putting the focus on the garments is a major mistake that most people make. The focus should be on the sincerity of our intention in entering into the Hajj. The humility is to help us to become sincere which is the essence of worship in general.
Intentions can deliberately be made sincere by being conscious of the ritual veils that cover the goals of Hajj. Going beyond those veils and getting to the core is essential. Searching the soul, questioning intentions, arousing a sense of humility, feeling shame and remorse for our sins, and developing and element of fear of Allah’s displeasure are all aspects of making correct intentions. We build on these with our talbiyah, our verbal expression of our intention for Hajj which we should proclaim from the bottom of our souls.
Talbeyyah is not just a chant that we say ritualistically. It is the expression of our intent. It should represent the statement of sincerity. After making the intention, the repetition of talbiyah is done: “Labayk Allaahumma labayk, Labayk laa shareeka laka labayk, innal hamda wan ni'mata laka wal mulk, laa shareeka lak.” “Here I am, Oh Allah, here I am, here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Surely all praise, grace, and dominion is yours, and You have no partner.” This is the reaffirmation of the basic declaration of faith.
Humility before Allah is what is sought; seeking a humble position to establish the foundation of worship. Pride destroys sincerity. Sincerity and pride are opposites that cannot exist together. To be sincerely humble is the basis of worship. It is imperative to keep this in mind with this particular element of Hajj. Ihraam is linked with the talbiyah. And, insha Allah, it is also linked with the meeqat, because the talbeyyah, the expression of intent, doesn’t take place until reaching the meeqat. If a person crosses the meeqat point and hasn’t made the intention, then it is mandatory to go back to the miqaat to make the intention for ihraam and to put on the garments. If entering the ihraam area by airplane where it is not possible to go back to the meeqat, then it is obligatory to go to the nearest meeqaat point upon arrival in Saudi Arabia if the meeqat point has been crossed.
There are five mawaqeet that have been set. Their names are Thul Hulayfah, Thaatu Erq, Al Juhfah, Qarn ul Manaazil, and Yalamlam. The main areas that people enter from are Ta’if and Madeenah. From the south of Makkah, toward Yemen, people come by way of what is known as Yalamlam. If the miqaat area is entered without the intention and ihraam, it is obligatory to slaughter an animal and give it to the poor in Makkah. That is if the boundaries are crossed without ihraam consciously. If it was accidental, all that is required is to exit and then make the intention and change the garments and re-enter without slaughtering an animal as compensation.
All of these regulations keep the worshipper focused on the worship and rites. Maintaining humility means trying to follow what has been instructed. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Take your rites of Hajj from me.” Therefore, following his way as closely as possible is what is strived for, seeking the humility in worshipping Allaah by which He elevates the worshippers. This is the reason so much stress is placed on sujood. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The human being is closest to Allah when he is in sujood,” This is because that is the most humble and humiliating position to assume. Maintaining these qualities regarding ihraam is imperative to life in general. Hajj is a way of life that is known as Islam. The principles of Hajj are interwoven into all of the various aspects of Islam. These principles are found in Hajj as well as outside of Hajj. In the Hajj they are concentrated, but they are present in all of the pillars of Islam. It must be remembered that the state of ihraam is the intention and not the garments. This intention will not be acceptable to Allaah, and therefore of no benefit, unless it comes from a humble heart. The reason it must be from a humbled heart is because making intention is worship. All worship requires that we are humbled before Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala. The greatest characteristic of ihraam is humility. If that characteristic is kept throughout the Hajj, it will be among the deciding factors of the success or failure or the Hajj. There can be no patience without humility.
(Part 1)
