Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem
By Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Is’haq Sahib (Daamat Barakaatuhu)
The first of Shawwal is the day of Eid, and it is also the commencement of the months of Hajj. The sequence is so beautifully arranged by Allah Ta’ala: Ramadaan is a month to acquire taqwa, clean and purify our hearts, align ourselves with Dien and come onto the straight path. If we spend our Ramadaan correctly, then after Ramadaan our desire for Allah Ta’ala and the aakhirah will have increased to such a level that we would want to enjoy more nearness to Allah Ta’ala. …The sincere servant is desirous to connect even more. We know that when a person proceeds for Hajj, he is at Baitullah, Mina, Arafah, and Muzdalifa; how much more he feels the presence of Allah Ta’ala.
Thus, if we spend our Ramadaan correctly, we will want to go for Hajj, visit Baitullah and experience the spiritual blessings of the mubarak lands and the special tajalli of Allah Ta’ala. While most of us won’t be going for Hajj physically, our hearts and souls should be there.
Hadhrat Shaikhul Hadith, Hadhrat Moulana Muhammad Zakariyyah (RA) had said: “When the day of Eid arrives, most people are happy that it is Eid; I am happy that it is the season of Hajj.” Hadhrat would then recite:
سنا ہے تیرے در پر تیرے عاشقوں کا ہجوم ہوگا
“We have heard, O Allah, that on Your threshold, on Your doorstep, Your lovers will be gathering from all around the world.”
سنا ہے تیرے در پر تیرے عاشقوں کا ہجوم ہوگا
اگر اجازت ہو تو میں بھی ان میں شامل ہوجاؤں
“O Allah, is there permission for me?
I also wish to be amongst them.
Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’aan Sharief:
“The Hajj is (to be performed) in appointed months. So whoever undertakes Hajj in them, there should be no obscenity, no sin, no quarrel in the Hajj. Whatever good you do, Allah fully knows of it. Take provisions for the journey—surely the best provision is righteousness. And be mindful of Me, O people of understanding!"
Besides the preparations and bookings that are required, those of us undertaking Hajj should also pack a bag of taqwa and a bag of sabr in our hearts. Consequently, we will not fall into obscenity, sin or quarrelling, as mentioned in the ayah. The person will be spiritually prepared because he has packed these noble qualities in his heart.
The Hadith states: “Travel is a portion of punishment. It prevents one of you from eating, drinking, and sleeping. When he has finished his purpose, let him quickly return to his family.”
Our condition while travelling will not be the same as home. Travel causes discomfort and disturbs a person’s usual routine. His sleep is disrupted and his food and drink are not as he is accustomed to.
In Hajj as well: We will be in different places, amongst diverse people. The weather conditions are unlike what we are used to – as Makkah Mukarramah is a desert region. The five days of Hajj tend to be exhaustive. However, we are presenting ourselves before Allah Ta’ala. Thus, we should prepare ourselves to deal with whatever inconveniences may come our way, in a manner that pleases Allah Ta’ala.
In the Ayah, Allah Ta’ala states:
“…Whatever good you do, Allah fully knows of it…”
This indicates to sincerity. There is a lot of barakah (blessings) in what is done for Allah Ta’ala.
Thereafter:
“…Take provisions for the journey—surely the best provision is righteousness…”
We, South Africans cannot do without our ‘padkos’ (food for the journey). We go out of our way in preparing food for the journey. Allah Ta’ala is instructing us to take the provision of taqwa as it is greatly required in this journey.
After the Hajj, comes the great ibaadah of qurbani. Hajj cultivates ishq and the spirit of sacrifice; thus, we whole-heartedly sacrifice our animals, seeking Allah Ta’ala’s pleasure. Of course, the Qurbani should be done properly and the laws of Allah Ta’ala must be observed. We should avoid Haraam. However, at the time of slaughtering, we should reflect that we are slaughtering our Haraam desires, sins and evil nafs!
A Hajj which is mabroor and maqbool transforms a person. The person’s life will be for Allah Ta’ala. He will shun sins, he will detach himself from the world, incline towards the hereafter, becomes steadfast on good deeds and will prepare for his return to Allah Ta’ala. He will seek out the company of the lovers of Allah Ta’ala, improve in his character and increase in his humility. Hadhrat Hasan Basri (Rahmatullahi alayh) stated: “The sign of an accepted Hajj is to return (from the Hajj) renouncing this world and aspiring to the hereafter.”
