The rituals and divine commands of Hajj

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

In the name of ALLAH, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

The rituals and divine commands of Hajj

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and an important annual ritual. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) described it as one of the best deeds of Islam. When asked which deed is the best? He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) replied, “Belief in Allah and His Messenger.” It was asked, “Then what?” He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) replied, “Jihad in the way of Allah.” It was asked, “Then what?” He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) replied, “Having done a Hajj.” Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 1519; Muslim, no. 83; Sunan al-Tirmidhi, no. 1658

This is because the rituals of Hajj have individual and social purposes and effects that are an opportunity to strengthen the faith of believers and to make Muslims realize the need for unity in a unified political entity. Similarly, the ritual of Hajj and its rituals contain spiritual and historical meaning, as they connect Muslims to the true Islam followed by our master Hazrat Abraham (peace be upon him). Thus, Hajj strengthens the spiritual and moral aspects of Muslims, purifies their souls and instills in them a sense of unity and solidarity. In the words of Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him): “Allah, the Exalted, has established faith as a means of purifying it from polytheism… and Hajj strengthens the religion.” Nahjul-Balagha, Hikmat, 249, p. 512.

Therefore, Muslims must understand the wisdom of Hajj so that it is accepted and beneficial for them in their religious and worldly lives, in accordance with the command of Allah Almighty:

وَاَذِّنْ فِى النَّاسِ بِالْحَـجِّ يَاْتُوْكَ رِجَالًا وَّعَلٰى كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَّاْتِيْنَ مِنْ كُلِّ فَـجٍّ عَمِيْقٍ (27)

لِّـيَشْهَدُوْا مَنَافِــعَ لَـهُـمْ وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْـمَ اللّـٰهِ فِىٓ اَيَّامٍ مَّعْلُومَاتٍ عَلٰى مَا رَزَقَهُـمْ مِّنْ بَهِيْمَةِ الْاَنْعَامِ ۖ فَكُلُوْا مِنْـهَا وَاَطْعِمُوا الْبَآئِسَ الْفَقِيْـرَ (28)

27. And proclaim to mankind the Hajj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Hajj).

28. That they may witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e. reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade, etc.), and mention the Name of Allah on appointed days (i.e. 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah), over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice) (at the time of their slaughtering by saying: Bismillah, Wallahu-Akbar, Allahumma Minka wa Ilaik). Then eat thereof and feed therewith the poor who have a very hard time.(AlHajj: 27-28)

Due to not understanding these rulings and benefits, Muslims are deprived of the good that Hajj brings to their religious and worldly lives. They should respond to the words of Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), Qadi Shurayh and others, when they were asked how many pilgrims there were! They said, "How few they are, the riders are many, but the pilgrims are few." Murtaza Al-Zubaidi, Itasaf Al-Sadat Al-Mutaqeen, With commentary on Ahya Umm al-Din by al-Ghazali, Volume 1. 4, p. 437

Thus it can bee said: "Woe to those Muslims if they do not understand the meaning of Hajj, and woe to their enemies if they understand its meaning." 

Noor al-Islam Magazine - Fi al-Azhar - Islamic Research Complex, al-Azhar, Issue 47, 48.

The reason for this is that for Muslims, believing in Hajj and its objectives; fulfilling its requirements and performing it as an accepted Hajj; is among the things that guide them to follow the commands of Allah and avoid His prohibitions. And the fear of Allah strengthens their hearts in such a way; As it should be feared in religious, moral, physical and financial obligations, whether they are related to Allah or to the system of life, related to personal relationships or related to the system of life. This also includes the rituals of Hajj, about which Allah Almighty said:

ٱلْحَجُّ أَشْهُرٌۭ مَّعْلُومَـٰتٌۭ ۚ فَمَن فَرَضَ فِيهِنَّ ٱلْحَجَّ فَلَا رَفَثَ وَلَا فُسُوقَ وَلَا جِدَالَ فِى ٱلْحَجِّ ۗ وَمَا تَفْعَلُوا۟ مِنْ خَيْرٍۢ يَعْلَمْهُ ٱللَّهُ ۗ وَتَزَوَّدُوا۟ فَإِنَّ خَيْرَ ٱلزَّادِ ٱلتَّقْوَىٰ ۚ وَٱتَّقُونِ يَـٰٓأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ ١٩٧

لَيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ أَن تَبْتَغُوا۟ فَضْلًۭا مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ ۚ فَإِذَآ أَفَضْتُم مِّنْ عَرَفَـٰتٍۢ فَٱذْكُرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عِندَ ٱلْمَشْعَرِ ٱلْحَرَامِ ۖ وَٱذْكُرُوهُ كَمَا هَدَىٰكُمْ وَإِن كُنتُم مِّن قَبْلِهِۦ لَمِنَ ٱلضَّآلِّينَ ١٩٨

ثُمَّ أَفِيضُوا۟ مِنْ حَيْثُ أَفَاضَ ٱلنَّاسُ وَٱسْتَغْفِرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌۭ رَّحِيمٌۭ ١٩٩

فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُم مَّنَـٰسِكَكُمْ فَٱذْكُرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ كَذِكْرِكُمْ ءَابَآءَكُمْ أَوْ أَشَدَّ ذِكْرًۭا ۗ فَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يَقُولُ رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا وَمَا لَهُۥ فِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ مِنْ خَلَـٰقٍۢ ٢٠٠

وَمِنْهُم مَّن يَقُولُ رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةًۭ وَفِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ حَسَنَةًۭ وَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ ٢٠١

أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ لَهُمْ نَصِيبٌۭ مِّمَّا كَسَبُوا۟ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ سَرِيعُ ٱلْحِسَابِ ٢٠٢ 

سورۃ البقرة: (١٩٧-٢٠٢)

197. The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known (lunar year) months (i.e. the 10th month, the 11th month and the first ten days of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, i.e. two months and ten days). So whosoever intends to perform Hajj therein by assuming Ihram), then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj. And whatever good you do, (be sure) Allah knows it. And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness, etc.). So fear Me, O men of understanding!

198. There is no sin on you if you seek the Bounty of your Lord (during pilgrimage by trading, etc.). Then when you leave ‘Arafat, remember Allah (by glorifying His Praises, i.e. prayers and invocations, etc.) at the Mash’ar-il-Haram. And remember Him (by invoking Allah for all good, etc.) as He has guided you, and verily, you were, before, of those who were astray.

199. Then depart from the place whence all the people depart and ask Allah for His Forgiveness. Truly, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.

200. So when you have accomplished your Manasik [(i.e. Ihram, Tawaf of the Ka’bah and As-Safa and Al-Marwah), stay at ‘Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina, Ramy of Jamarat, (stoning of the specified pillars in Mina) slaughtering of Hady (animal, etc.)]. Remember Allah as you remember your forefathers or with a far more remembrance. But of mankind there are some who say: “Our Lord! Give us (Your Bounties) in this world!” and for such there will be no portion in the Hereafter.

201. And of them there are some who say: “Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire!”

202. For them there will be allotted a share for what they have earned. And Allah is Swift at reckoning.

Sorah Al Baqrah: (197-202)؛

Allah Almighty has given further guidance in Surah Al-Hajj:

وَاِذْ بَوَّاْنَا لِاِبْـرَاهِيْـمَ مَكَانَ الْبَيْتِ اَنْ لَّا تُشْرِكْ بِىْ شَيْئًا وَّطَهِّرْ بَيْتِىَ لِلطَّـآئِفِيْنَ وَالْقَآئِمِيْنَ وَالرُّكَّـعِ السُّجُوْدِ (26)

وَاَذِّنْ فِى النَّاسِ بِالْحَـجِّ يَاْتُوْكَ رِجَالًا وَّعَلٰى كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَّاْتِيْنَ مِنْ كُلِّ فَـجٍّ عَمِيْقٍ (27)

لِّـيَشْهَدُوْا مَنَافِــعَ لَـهُـمْ وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْـمَ اللّـٰهِ فِىٓ اَيَّامٍ مَّعْلُومَاتٍ عَلٰى مَا رَزَقَهُـمْ مِّنْ بَهِيْمَةِ الْاَنْعَامِ ۖ فَكُلُوْا مِنْـهَا وَاَطْعِمُوا الْبَآئِسَ الْفَقِيْـرَ (28)

ثُـمَّ لْيَقْضُوْا تَفَثَـهُـمْ وَلْيُوْفُوْا نُذُوْرَهُـمْ وَلْيَطَّوَّفُوْا بِالْبَيْتِ الْعَتِيْقِ (29)

ذٰلِكَ وَمَنْ يُّـعَظِّمْ حُرُمَاتِ اللّـٰهِ فَهُوَ خَيْـرٌ لَّـهٝ عِنْدَ رَبِّهٖ ۗ وَاُحِلَّتْ لَكُمُ الْاَنْعَامُ اِلَّا مَا يُتْلٰى عَلَيْكُمْ ۖ فَاجْتَنِبُوا الرِّجْسَ مِنَ الْاَوْثَانِ وَاجْتَنِبُوْا قَوْلَ الزُّوْرِ (30)

 سورۃ الحج: (٢٦-٣٠)۔

26. And (remember) when We showed Ibrahim (Abraham) the site of the (Sacred) House (the Ka’bah at Makkah) (saying): “Associate not anything (in worship) with Me, [La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah Islamic Monotheism], and sanctify My House for those who circumambulate it, and those who stand up for prayer, and those who bow (submit themselves with humility and obedience to Allah), and make prostration (in prayer, etc.);”

27. And proclaim to mankind the Hajj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Hajj).

28. That they may witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e. reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade, etc.), and mention the Name of Allah on appointed days (i.e. 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah), over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice) (at the time of their slaughtering by saying: Bismillah, Wallahu-Akbar, Allahumma Minka wa Ilaik). Then eat thereof and feed therewith the poor who have a very hard time.

29. Then let them complete the prescribed duties (Manasik of Hajj) for them, and perform their vows, and circumambulate the Ancient House (the Ka’bah at Makkah).

30. That (Manasik prescribed duties of Hajj is the obligation that mankind owes to Allah), and whoever honours the sacred things of Allah, then that is better for him with his Lord. The cattle are lawful to you, except those (that will be) mentioned to you (as exceptions). So shun the abomination (worshipping) of idol, and shun lying speech (false statements)

Sorah AlHajj (26-30)

Therefore, performing Hajj and its rituals in accordance with the decree of Allah Almighty is nothing less than a promise of Paradise, as the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: 

“The reward of an accepted Hajj is nothing less than Paradise.” Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 1650, and Muslim, no. 2403.

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah and does not commit obscene or sinful speech, will return as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him.” Sahih al-Bukhari, number 1424; and Muslim, number 2404.

Because Hajj means turning to Allah Almighty with sincerity, obeying His commands, avoiding His prohibitions and purifying oneself from all worldly ties; in order to gain the pleasure of Allah, as the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: 

"Allah calls the one who fights in the way of Allah, the one who performs Hajj, and the one who performs Umrah, and Allah calls the one who performs Umrah and answers him. He gives to him and He gives to them." Sunan Ibn Majah, No. 2893

By examining the religious texts regarding the obligation of Hajj on ALLAH's servants and the rituals as prescribed, we can derive from them many religious and worldly benefits that is inherent in divine wisdom to implement Hajj and its rituals, which are a source of goodness for Muslims in this world and the hereafter, the most important of which are:

1- Purifying the believers and strengthening piety in their souls, as a result of declaring Allah Almighty as the only One and declaring Him free from any partner in creation, kindness, worship, command and prohibition, and glorifying the sacred things of Allah Almighty, His acts of worship, and all His religious commands. Hajj is connected with this, as Allah Almighty said:

اِنَّ اَوَّلَ بَيْتٍ وُّضِعَ لِلنَّاسِ لَلَّـذِىْ بِبَكَّـةَ مُبَارَكًا وَّهُدًى لِّلْعَالَمِيْنَ (96)

فِيْهِ اٰيَاتٌ بَيِّنَاتٌ مَّقَامُ اِبْـرَاهِـيْمَ ۖ وَمَنْ دَخَلَـهٝ كَانَ اٰمِنًا ۗ وَلِلّـٰهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ اِلَيْهِ سَبِيْلًا ۚ وَمَنْ كَفَرَ فَاِنَّ اللّـٰهَ غَنِىٌّ عَنِ الْعَالَمِيْنَ (97) 

 سورۃ آل عمران: (٩٦-٩٧)؛

96. Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and a guidance for Al-‘Alamin (the mankind and jinns).

97. In it are manifest signs (for example), the Maqam (place) of Ibrahim (Abraham); whosoever enters it, he attains security. And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka’bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allah], then Allah stands not in need of any of the ‘Alamin (mankind and jinns).

And in Surah Al-Hajj it is further stated:

ذٰلِكَ وَمَنْ يُّعَظِّمْ شَعَآئِرَ اللّـٰهِ فَاِنَّـهَا مِنْ تَقْوَى الْقُلُوْبِ (32) 

32. Thus it is [what has been mentioned in the above said Verses (27, 28, 29, 30, 31) is an obligation that mankind owes to Allah]. And whosoever honours the Symbols of Allah, then it is truly from the piety of the heart.

2- Muslims need to be loving and harmonious brothers to each other, regardless of their different colors, races, languages, and countries of residence; Hajj directs towards this and unites Muslims socially on the basis of the true faith and its requirements; in terms of their outlook on life, behavior, and social structure, affairs, relationships, and systems, so that they become like one body, like a strong body. Standing in a field, they call upon one Lord. For one purpose and one ultimate goal; with one prayer. And in this situation, they are seen practically embodying the words of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) that the Almighty said:

“The believers are like one body in their love and compassion for one another. When one part of it is sick, the rest of the body feels pain and suffers from insomnia and fever.” Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 6011, and Muslim, no. 2586. 

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) also said: “The blood of the Muslims is equal, and the least of them is responsible for their protection, and they are one hand against all of them.” Ibn Majah, no. 2181

3- Hajj, with its rituals, is a manifestation of the strength of Muslims, their unity and agreement, their firmness in their religion, and their concern to demonstrate their pure Sharia, as Allah Almighty says:

وَلِكُلِّ اُمَّةٍ جَعَلْنَا مَنْسَكًا لِّيَذْكُرُوا اسْـمَ اللّـٰهِ عَلٰى مَا رَزَقَهُـمْ مِّنْ بَهِيْمَةِ الْاَنْعَامِ ۗ فَاِلٰـهُكُمْ اِلٰـهٌ وَّاحِدٌ فَلَـهٝٓ اَسْلِمُوْا ۗ وَبَشِّرِ الْمُخْبِتِيْنَ (34)

اَلَّـذِيْنَ اِذَا ذُكِـرَ اللّـٰهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوْبُـهُـمْ وَالصَّابِـرِيْنَ عَلٰى مَآ اَصَابَـهُـمْ وَالْمُقِيْمِى الصَّلَاةِ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُـمْ يُنْفِقُوْنَ (35)

 سورۃ الحج: (٣٤-٣٥)؛

34. And for every nation We have appointed religious ceremonies, that they may mention the Name of Allah over the beast of cattle that He has given them for food. And your Ilah (God) is One Ilah (God Allah), so you must submit to Him Alone (in Islam). And (O Muhammad ) give glad tidings to the Mukhbitin [those who obey Allah with humility and are humble from among the true believers of Islamic Monotheism],

35. Whose hearts are filled with fear when Allah is mentioned; who patiently bear whatever may befall them (of calamities); and who perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and who spend (in Allah’s Cause) out of what We have provided them.

 And then in Surah Al-Baqarah it is further stated:

وَاِذْ جَعَلْنَا الْبَيْتَ مَثَابَةً لِّلنَّاسِ وَاَمْنًاۖ وَاتَّخِذُوْا مِنْ مَّقَامِ اِبْـرَاهِيْمَ مُصَلًّى ؕ وَعَهِدْنَآ اِلٰٓى اِبْـرَاهِيْمَ وَاِسْـمَاعِيْلَ اَنْ طَهِّرَا بَيْتِىَ لِلطَّـآئِفِيْنَ وَالْعَاكِفِيْنَ وَالرُّكَّعِ السُّجُوْدِ (125) 

125. And (remember) when We made the House (the Ka’bah at Makkah) a place of resort for mankind and a place of safety. And take you (people) the Maqam (place) of Ibrahim (Abraham) [or the stone on which Ibrahim (Abraham) stood while he was building the Ka’bah] as a place of prayer (for some of your prayers, e.g. two Rak’at after the Tawaf of the Ka’bah at Makkah), and We commanded Ibrahim (Abraham) and Isma’il (Ishmael) that they should purify My House (the Ka’bah at Makkah) for those who are circumambulating it, or staying (I’tikaf), or bowing or prostrating themselves (there, in prayer).

4- From Hajj. The accepted Hajj prepares Muslims to represent true Islam in their words and deeds, as a creed, law, loyalty and way of life, starting with the intention of entering the state of Ihram, then saying the Talbiyah: “I am here, O Allah, I am here, I am here, You have no partner, here I am, Your mercy, sovereignty and kingship are with all the companions. "And similarly in all acts of worship and situations that are a manifestation of the Oneness of Allah Almighty and require obedience to Him and obedience to His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). In these acts of worship, it is necessary to follow the example of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), to walk and stop where Allah and His Messenger have commanded, as well as shaving or cutting the hair, slaughtering sacrificial animals, And other acts of worship in which a person follows the example of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), may Allah bless him and grant him peace. 

Allah Almighty has said in Surah Al-Hajj:

 ذٰلِكَ وَمَنْ يُّعَظِّمْ شَعَآئِرَ اللّـٰهِ فَاِنَّـهَا مِنْ تَقْوَى الْقُلُوْبِ (32)

32. Thus it is [what has been mentioned in the above said Verses (27, 28, 29, 30, 31) is an obligation that mankind owes to Allah]. And whosoever honours the Symbols of Allah, then it is truly from the piety of the heart.

5- The Muslims' Hajj and the accompanying acts of worship and supplication strengthen their belief that they are the inheritors of Islam, the true religion that Allah Almighty has chosen for all people and which was brought by Abraham (peace be upon him) and with which he prayed to Allah Almighty to send a prophet to all nations. Therefore, they are capable of bearing witness to the truth and leading people through their steadfastness in Islam, because through the Hajj and its rituals, they are in accordance with the religion of Abraham (peace be upon him) and his son Ishmael (peace be upon him).

As the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said during the Farewell Pilgrimage: “Stay at your sacred places, for you are on the heritage of your father Abraham.” Abu Dawud, No. 1702

Thus they remember their responsibilities and pledges of loyalty to Islam and Muslims, rejection of polytheism and polytheism, and confronting injustices and oppressors.

As ALLAH Almighty says in Surah Al-Baqarah:

رَبَّنَا وَاجْعَلْنَا مُسْلِمَيْنِ لَكَ وَمِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِنَآ اُمَّةً مُّسْلِمَةً لَّكَۖ وَاَرِنَا مَنَاسِكَـنَا وَتُبْ عَلَيْنَا ۖ اِنَّكَ اَنْتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيْـمُ (128)

رَبَّنَا وَابْعَثْ فِـيْهِـمْ رَسُوْلًا مِّنْـهُـمْ يَتْلُوْا عَلَيْـهِـمْ اٰيَاتِكَ وَيُعَلِّمُهُـمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَيُزَكِّـيْـهِـمْ ۚ اِنَّكَ اَنْتَ الْعَزِيْزُ الْحَكِـيْمُ (129)128.

“Our Lord! And make us submissive unto You and of our offspring a nation submissive unto You, and show us our Manasik (all the ceremonies of pilgrimage – Hajj and ‘Umrah, etc.), and accept our repentance. Truly, You are the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful.

129. “Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own (and indeed Allah answered their invocation by sending Muhammad Peace be upon him ), who shall recite unto them Your Verses and instruct them in the Book (this Qur’an) and Al-Hikmah (full knowledge of the Islamic laws and jurisprudence or wisdom or Prophethood, etc.), and sanctify them. Verily! You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.”

ALLAH has spoken the Truth

Dr Ehsan Samara

2 June 2025

Hajj is a fundamental pillar of Islam and is obligatory on everyone who meets the criteria stated in Quran and Sunnah; it is an act of worship from which the Muslim Ummah learns the lessons of unity, togetherness, love, brotherhood, and equality; in fact, all the colors of Islam are reflected in it. This is the beauty of Islam.❤️

I pray to Allah Almighty to cleanse the entire Ummah of Muhammad (peace be upon him) from sectarian prejudice; and grant us the ability to follow the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) in the true sense. Ameen Summa Ameen.🌹

#عرفات #عرفه #عيد_الأضحى_المبارك

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

اللہ کے نام سے شروع جو بڑا مہربان نہایت رحم کرنے والا ہے

يعد الحج ركنا من أركان الإسلام، وشعيرة مهمة من شعائره، جعله النبي صلّ الله عليه وسلم من بين أفضل الأعمال في الإسلام حيث قال صلّى الله عليه وسلم عندما سئل: "أيّ الأعمال أفضل؟ قال: "إيمان بالله ورسوله، قيل ثم ماذا؟ قال: الجهاد في سبيل الله، قيل ثم ماذا؟ قال: حج مبرور" صحيح البخاري، رقم: "١٥١٩"، ومسلم، رقم: "٨٣"، وسنن الترمذي، رقم: "١٦٥٨"،

وذلك لما لفريضة الحج من مقاصد وآثار فردية ومجتمعية تتجلى في تقوية إيمان المؤمنين، وإشعار المسلمين بضرورة توحدهم في كيان سياسي واحد، وكذلك تنطوي فريضة الحج ومناسكه على معاني روحية وتاريخية، حيث أنها تربط المسلمين بالإسلام الحق الذي كان عليه سيدنا إبراهيم عليه السلام، وبذلك فإن الحج يقوي الناحية الروحية والمعنوية لدى المسلمين، ويزكي نفوسهم، ويذكي لديهم الشعور بالوحدة والتضامن فيما بينهم، وعلى حد قول علي إبن أبي طالب رضي الله عنه: "فرض الله الإيمان تطهيراً من الشرك…، والحج تقوية للدين" نهج البلاغة، الحكمة، "٢٤٩"، ص٥١٢.

ومن هنا يجب على المسلمين أن يدركوا حكمة الحج ليكون حجا مبرورا يعود عليهم بالنفع. في دينهم ودنياهم اتساقا مع قوله سبحانه: (وَأَذِّنْ فِي النَّاسِ بِالْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالًا وَعَلَى كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَأْتِينَ مِنْ كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍ لِيَشْهَدُوا مَنَافِعَ لَهُمْ وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَعْلُومَاتٍ…) الحج: (٢٧-٢٨)،

وعدم إدراك هذه الحكم والمنافع يفوت على المسلمين ما في الحج من خير لهم في دينهم ودنياهم، ويحق عليهم جواب عبد الله ابن عمر، والقاضي شريح وغيرهما، رضي الله عنهم، لما قيل بين أيديهم ما أكثر الحاج! فقالوا رضوان الله عليهم: "ما أقلهم! الراكب كثير، والحاج قليل"، مرتضى الزبيدي، إتحاف السادة المتقين، بشرح إحياء عوم الدين للغزالي، ج4، ص٤٣٧،

ولذلك قيل: "الويل للمسلمين إن لم يفهموا معنى الحج، والويل لأعدائهم إن هم استوعبوا معناه" مجلة نور الإسلام- الأزهر حاليا- مجمع البحوث الإسلامية، الأزهر، العدد، ٤٨،٤٧،

وذلك لأن إيمان المسلمين بالحج ومقاصده، والوفاء بمقتضيات ذلك، والإتيان به حجا مبرورا لمِمّا يأخذ بأيديهم إلى الاستقامة على أمر الله واجتناب نواهيه، ويعزز في نفوسهم تقوى الله حق تقاته في التكاليف الشرعية الإيمانية والقيمية والبدنية والمالية، سواء منها المتعلقة بالله أم بالسلوكيات الخاصة أم بالعلاقات والمعاملات والقوانين والنظم الحياتية، حيث يتخلل مناسك الحج التي قال فيها الحق سبحانه:

(الْحَجُّ أَشْهُرٌ مَعْلُومَاتٌ فَمَنْ فَرَضَ فِيهِنَّ الْحَجَّ فَلَا رَفَثَ وَلَا فُسُوقَ وَلَا جِدَالَ فِي الْحَجِّ وَمَا تَفْعَلُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ يَعْلَمْهُ اللَّهُ وَتَزَوَّدُوا فَإِنَّ خَيْرَ الزَّادِ التَّقْوَى وَاتَّقُونِ يَا أُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ ،… فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُمْ مَنَاسِكَكُمْ فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ كَذِكْرِكُمْ آبَاءَكُمْ أَوْ أَشَدَّ ذِكْرًا فَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَنْ يَقُولُ رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا وَمَا لَهُ فِي الْآخِرَةِ مِنْ خَلَاقٍ وَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ يَقُولُ رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ أُولَئِكَ لَهُمْ نَصِيبٌ مِمَّا كَسَبُوا وَاللَّهُ سَرِيعُ الْحِسَابِ) البقرة: (١٩٧-٢٠٢)؛

وقال سبحانه: (وَإِذْ بَوَّأْنَا لِإِبْرَاهِيمَ مَكَانَ الْبَيْتِ أَنْ لَا تُشْرِكْ بِي شَيْئًا وَطَهِّرْ بَيْتِيَ لِلطَّائِفِينَ وَالْقَائِمِينَ وَالرُّكَّعِ السُّجُودِ وَأَذِّنْ فِي النَّاسِ بِالْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالًا وَعَلَى كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَأْتِينَ مِنْ كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍ لِيَشْهَدُوا مَنَافِعَ لَهُمْ وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَعْلُومَاتٍ عَلَى مَا رَزَقَهُمْ مِنْ بَهِيمَةِ الْأَنْعَامِ فَكُلُوا مِنْهَا وَأَطْعِمُوا الْبَائِسَ الْفَقِيرَ ثُمَّ لْيَقْضُوا تَفَثَهُمْ وَلْيُوفُوا نُذُورَهُمْ وَلْيَطَّوَّفُوا بِالْبَيْتِ الْعَتِيقِ ذَلِكَ وَمَنْ يُعَظِّمْ حُرُمَاتِ اللَّهِ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَهُ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِ…) الحج: (٢٦-٣٠)،

ومن هنا كان أداء الحج وما فيه من نسك على وفق ما شرعه الله تعالى ليس له جزاء إلا الجنة كما قال صلّى الله عليه وسلم: "الحج المبرور ليس له جزاء إلا الجنة" صحيح البخاري، رقم: "١٦٥٠"، ومسلم، رقم: "٢٤٠٣"؛

وقال صلّى الله عليه وسلم: "من حج لله فلم يرفث ولم يفسق، رجع كيوم ولدته أمه". صحيح البخاري، رقم: "١٤٢٤"؛ ومسلم، رقم: "٢٤٠٤"،

وذلك لأن في الحج معنى الإخلاص في التوجه لله وامتثال أمره واجتناب نواهيه، والتجرد من كل العلائق الدنيوية طلبا لرضوان الله تعالى، حيث قال صلّى الله عليه وسلم: "الغازي في سبيل الله، والحاج والمعتمر وفد الله، دعاهم فأجابوه، وسألوه فأعطاهم" سنن إبن ماجة، رقم: "٢٨٩٣".

وباستقراء النصوص الشرعية المتعلقة بفريضة الحج ومناسكه على عباده؛ نستخلص منها العديد من المنافع الدينية والدنيوية التي اقتضتها الحكمة الإلهية في فرض الحج ومناسكه، والتي تعود على المسلمين بالخير في دنياهم وأخراهم والتي أهمها:

١:- تزكية المؤمنين وتعزيز التقوى في نفوسهم، وذلك من جراء الإعلان بتأكيد الاستجابة لله بإفراده بالوحدانية وتنزيهه عن الشريك في الخلق والإنعام والعبادة والأمر والنهي، وتعظيمهم حرمات الله تعالى وشعائره وشرائعه مقترنا ذلك كله بالنية والإحرام بالحج، حيث قال سبحانه:

(إِنَّ أَوَّلَ بَيْتٍ وُضِعَ لِلنَّاسِ لَلَّذِي بِبَكَّةَ مُبَارَكًا وَهُدًى لِلْعَالَمِينَ فِيهِ آيَاتٌ بَيِّنَاتٌ مَقَامُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَمَنْ دَخَلَهُ كَانَ آمِنًا وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا وَمَنْ كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ عَنِ الْعَالَمِينَ) آل عمران: (٩٦-٩٧)؛

وقال سبحانه: (وَمَنْ يُعَظِّمْ شَعَائِرَ اللَّهِ فَإِنَّهَا مِنْ تَقْوَى الْقُلُوبِ) الحج: (٣٢).

٢:- توجيه المسلمين إلى ضرورة أن يكونوا أخوة متحابين متآلفين على اختلاف ألوانهم وأعراقهم وألسنتهم ومواطن سكناهم، وتوحيد المسلمين مجتمعيا على أساس الإيمان الحق ومقتضياته وذلك في وجهة النظر عن الحياة، وفي السلوك والنسيج المجتمعي، وفي المعاملات والعلاقات والنظم، ليصبحوا كالبنيان المرصوص وكالجسد الواحد، على النحو الذي يكونون عليه في الحج يقفون في صعيد واحد يدعون ربا واحدًا، بدعاء واحد لغاية واحدة، وهدف واحد، مجسدين في ذلك الموقف عمليا قوله صلّى الله عليه وسلم:

"مثل المؤمنين في توادهم وتعاطفهم كمثل الجسد إذا اشتكى منه عضو، تداعى له سائر الأعضاء بالحمى والسهر" صحيح البخاري، رقم: "٦٠١١"، ومسلم، رقم:"٢٥٨٦"، وقوله أيضا: "المسلمون تتكافأ دماؤهم ويسعى بذمتهم أدناهم وهم يد على من سواهم" إبن ماجة، رقم: "٢١٨١".

٣:- تعد فريضة الحج بمناسكها مظهرا من مظاهر استعراض قوة شوكة المسلمين، واجتماع كلمتهم، وقوة تمسكهم بدينهم، واهتمامهم بإظهار شريعتهم الغراء، حيث قال سبحانه:

 (وَلِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ جَعَلْنَا مَنْسَكًا لِيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ عَلَى مَا رَزَقَهُمْ مِنْ بَهِيمَةِ الْأَنْعَامِ فَإِلَهُكُمْ إِلَهٌ وَاحِدٌ فَلَهُ أَسْلِمُوا وَبَشِّرِ الْمُخْبِتِينَ الَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ اللَّهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَالصَّابِرِينَ عَلَى مَا أَصَابَهُمْ وَالْمُقِيمِي الصَّلَاةِ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنْفِقُونَ) الحج: (٣٤-٣٥)؛ وقال سبحانه: (وَإِذْ جَعَلْنَا الْبَيْتَ مَثَابَةً لِلنَّاسِ وَأَمْنًا …) البقرة: (١٢٥).

٤:- بالحج. المبرور يتهيأ به المسلمون لتمثل الإسلام الحق في أقوالهم وأفعالهم عقيدة وشريعة وولاء ونظام حياة، ابتداء من النية بالإحرام فالتلبية بالقول: لبيك. اللهم لبيك، لبيك لا شريك لك لبيك، إن الحمد والنعمة لك والملك لا شريك لك، وكذلك في سائر المناسك والمواقف التي هي تجسيد لوحدانية الله تعالى ولزوم طاعته وطاعة رسوله صلّ الله عليه وسلم، حيث تقتضي تلك المناسك التأسي برسول الله صلّى الله عليه وسلم بالسير والوقوف حيث أمر الله ورسوله، وكذلك بالحلق لشعره أو بتقصيره، وبذبح الهدي وغير ذلك من الشعائر التي يتابع فيها كلها رسول الله صلّى الله عليه وسلم طلبا لرضوان الله سبحانه حيث قال سبحانه: (ذَلِكَ وَمَنْ يُعَظِّمْ شَعَائِرَ اللَّهِ فَإِنَّهَا مِنْ تَقْوَى الْقُلُوبِ) الحج: (٣٢).

٥:- بتمثل المسلمين لفريضة الحج وما يلازمها من شعائر ونسك يتعزز عندهم أنهم هم ورثة الإسلام الدين الحق الذي ارتضاه الله للناس أجمعين، والذي جاء به إبراهيم عليه السلام ودعا الله تعالى أن يبعث به نبيا من ذرية إسماعيل عليه السلام للناس أجمعين، وبالتالي هم المؤهلون للشهادة على الناس بالحق، والإمامة فيهم، وذلك باستقامتهم على الإسلام، كونهم بالحج ومناسكه يوافقون ملة إبراهيم وولده إسماعيل عليهما السلام، حيث قال صلّى الله عليه وسلم في حجة الوداع:

"قفوا على مشاعركم فإنكم على إرث أبيكم إبراهيم" أبو داود، رقم:"١٧٠٢"،

ويتذكرون بذلك ما يتوجب عليهم من مسؤوليات ومواقف الولاء للإسلام والمسلمين، والبراء من الشرك والمشركين، ومواجهة الظلم والظالمين،

حيث قال سبحانه: () رَبَّنَا وَاجْعَلْنَا مُسْلِمَيْنِ لَكَ وَمِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِنَا أُمَّةً مُسْلِمَةً لَكَ وَأَرِنَا مَنَاسِكَنَا وَتُبْ عَلَيْنَا إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ (128) رَبَّنَا وَابْعَثْ فِيهِمْ رَسُولًا مِنْهُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِكَ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ) البقرة: (١٢٧-١٢٩).

 صدق الله العظيم.

د. إحسان سمارة.

الإثنين:٦ذو الحجة/١٤٤٦ه.

         ٢٠٢٥/٦/٢م.