Like Marxism, the school
of Wahhabism too, when coming across the events and phenomenon which go against
the aim of their school of thought, tend to draw a new line and issue some new
commandments for the Muslims in the course of time.
The victory of Islamic
revolution in Iran brought up an extraordinary fear in hearts of the political
leaders of Wahhabi ideology. They became very anxious from its influence over
the neighbouring regions and very the thought of awakening of their nations
brought them pain and agony.
In the Hajj
season, when our dear and noble country of Iran would, as a revolutionary duty,
engage in demonstrations and invite the Islamic nations towards unity and
cooperation against the blood-thirsty Americans and international Communism*
and Zionism the politicians of Sa’udi Arabia stretched their hands towards the
clergy for conjuring up a solution about this matter so that they could finally
prohibit such demonstrations.
*Russia was united at the time when this book was wrriten.
'Abd al-'Aziz
bin Baz, the Mufti of Sa’udi Arabia, prohibited demonstrations under the
pretext that Hajj is a devotional deed and should not be mingled with
the other matters. As a result, the police attacked the pilgrims and the
honourable guests to the House of Allah with whips and arms. They entertained
the pilgrims to the House of Allah with curses, blows and bullets and
instigated other people against them and this incident continues every year.
This part of
the book has been written in reply to the fatwa (verdict) of the Mufti
of Sa’udi Arabia and the political and social dimensions of this duty have been
explained from the viewpoint of verses, traditions and the common practise of
the muslims.
The aim of
performing Hajj duties is to call for humility before God and this matter is
clear and apparent by paying attention to the Hajj rituals.
'Ibada and worship
of the Lord and non-worship of other than Him is evident right from the
beginning of the deeds till the last of them and it is needless to mention
them, especially if these actions are accompanied with recommended prayers. We
derive the following conclusions from all such deeds:
Hajj is 'ibada and
worship of the true Lord in the best possible circumstances.
Hajj is expressing
humility with honour before God in the best form.
Hajj is beseeching and weeping
before God in its deepest form.
Hajj is such an 'ibada
where all kinds of elements of expression of devotion and bondage have been
collected and one can clearly witness humility, submission, piety, deliverance
from desires and attachments of this world.
The pilgrims
to the House of Allah exhibit their deliverance from material manifestations by
wearing two pieces of cloths and in this way, show that except for Allah, they
have no interest in any thing even to their sons, family and relatives. The
only thing which preoccupies the minds of the pilgrims to the House of Allah is
the saying of labbayk in one harmonical voice.
This matter is completely
evident and clear by paying attention to the obligatory acts of Hajj, the
places where these acts are to be performed and the stops where the pilgrims
have to make a halt. Therefore, one should consider Hajj to be the greatest
devotional act and the greatest religious obligation.
However, apart from this
matter, there is another matter to be looked into and that is whether this act,
apart from 'ibada, has any political and social dimensions or not? Or is
it that, like the midnight prayers, it ends only and only in Ibadat
and worship without having any relation with the common Islamic problems!
In other words, has God
made Hajj obligatory upon all the Muslims whether men or women and young or old
so that with such deeds they worship their Lord and except for this worship it
does not hold any political and social dimensions.
Or is it that this
obligation is the point of combination for Ibadat and politics and is the
centre of relating worship of God with the other social and economical matters.
It is this matter which we are going to discuss and we shall see that what the
Qur’anic verses, the Islamic traditions (hadithes) and the practise of virtuous
companions approve is the second point.
Observing the Benefits of Hajj
The Holy Qur’an describes the Hajj of Ibrahim ('a) as follows:
“And proclaim among men
the pilgrimage: they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, coming
from every remote path, that they may witness benefits for them and mention the
name of Allah during stated days over what He has given them of the cattle
quadrupeds, then eat of them and feed the distressed one, the needy. Then let
them accomplish their needful acts of shaving and cleansing, and let them fulfil
their vows and let them go round the Ancient House. That (shall be so); and
whoever respects the sacred ordinances of Allah, it is better for him with his
Lord; and the cattle are made lawful for you, therefore avoid the uncleanness
of the idols and avoid falsewords, Being upright for Allah, not associating
aught with Him and whoever associates (others ) with Allah, it is as though he
had fallen from on high, then the birds snatch him away or the wind carries him
off to a far-distant place. That (shall be so); and whoever respects the signs
of Allah, this surely is (the outcome) of the pity of hearts. You have benefits
in them till a fixed time, then their place of sacrifice is the Ancient House.”
(Hajj: 27-33)
From among all these
verses consider the second verse and ponder deeply over this sentence,
so that it
becomes clear that:
Firstly, what
is meant by these benefits where the pilgrims to the House of Allah should be a
witness. The fact that this sentence has come before the sentence
somewhat
shows that Hajj possesses two dimensions, a devotional dimension which is
embodied in praise and remembrance of Allah and the social dimension which ends
in the witness of the benefits and;
Secondly: in
this verse,
(benefits) which is an
indicator to social and political dimension is prior to
(remembrance of
Allah).
Thirdly, the Holy Qur’an
has brought the word of
in absolute terms and without
any restrictions so that it includes every kind of benefits; economical,
political and social and we have no right to adopt this word and restrict its
meaning to a particular benefit. We should include in it, the economic benefits
or social and political benefits. This word, by decree of the next sentence
shows that
apart from devotion, Hajj possesses another domain which one should benefit
from and we should not consider it to be a dry 'ibada having no relation
with the lives of the muslims.
It is advisable at this
stage to know in what manner, the former head of al-Azhar, Shaikh Mahmud
Shaltut has interpreted this sentence.
He says: The
(benefits),
where Hajj is the perceptional and acquirable channel for that and which has
been set forth as the foremost philosophy of Hajj, is having a wide and
comprehensive meaning which cannot be concluded in any special forms. Rather,
this sentence, with all the universality and commonness it possesses, contains
all personal and social benefits. If purification of the soul and seeking
proximity of Allah are benefits, then seeking advice too is benefit. If these
two are reckoned to be benefits then, inviting the Muslims for centralizing
their forces for the spread of Islam too is a benefit. Therefore, according to
the necessities of time and the conditions of the Muslims, these benefits
differ in every era.
[1]
In another
place too, the former Shaykh of Al-Azhar says:
‘By paying attention to
the special position which Hajj enjoys in Islam and the aims which have been
set forth in it for one individual and one society, it is worthy that people of
knowledge, wisdom and culture, (the responsible persons in charge of
administrative and political affairs, the experts in financial and economical
affairs, the teachers in laws and religion and the people in the battle-front)
give special importance to it (and a group derives its benefits from Hajj).
It is worthy that people
from all walks of life make haste towards this divine House. It is worthy that
people of knowledge, insight, ijtihad and faith and the ones possessing
lofty aims gather over there so that it is seen as to how Mecca spreads its
wings of mercy over them and how it collects their slogan of tawhid in
and around the House and (so that) they finally engage in seeking recognition,
advice and help from each other and then they leave for their respective
countries as one nation and with a single heart and united goals and outlook.
[2]
The point which is
worthy of attention is this that just after the aforesaid verses (which all
manifested the position and benefits of Hajj) the Holy Qur’an concludes the
discussion with verses about jihad and safeguarding of Islamic
frontiers. As the Holy Qur’an says:
“Surely Allah
will defend those who believe; surely Allah does not love anyone who is
unfaithful, ungrateful. Permission (to fight) is given to those upon whom war
is made because they are oppressed, and most surely Allah is well able to
assist them, those who have been expelled from their homes without ajust cause
except that they say: Our Lord is Allah. And had there not been Allah's
repelling some people by others, certainly there would have been pulled down
cloisters and churches and synagogues and mosques in which Allah's name is much
remembered; and surely Allah will help him who helps His cause; most surely
Allah is Strong, Mighty. Those who, should We establish them in the land, will
keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate and enjoin good and forbid evil; and
Allah's is the end of affairs.” (Hajj: 41-48)
Is it that the
presentation of verses of jihad and defence just after the verses of
Hajj or so to say, the coming together of verses of Hajj and Jihad is
accidental and without any reason. Never ! Qur’an never brings together in one
place the unproportional verses and then fails to observe their relation.
In accordance with the
unity and necessisity of relation between these two sets of verses, we realize
that there exists a special relation between Hajj and jihad; between the
field of intellect and the field of defence and for such a relationship, the
place of Hajj is the best place where the Muslims can prepare themselves
mentally and spiritually so much so that they can rub the nose of the proud to
the ground and pull down the knees of colonization.
Yes, this great divine
Congress where the representatives of every nation gather is the best
opportunity for the intellectuals amongst them to come together and discuss
their political and defensive matters and form a united row before the enemies
and teach them an unforgettable lesson. Even though this duty is not confined
to the time and place of Hajj and rather the Muslims should face the enemies
under any given situation and time, yet the time of Hajj and the gathering of
Muslims at that place is the best opportunity for fulfiling this divine
obligation.
It is not only Shaykh
Shaltut who has interpreted
(benefits) which has come down
in the verses in the general sense but the old exegetist of Ahl al-Sunnah
al-Tabari, after commenting a few words on this matter, specifies that the most
worthy utterance in the interpretation of this verse is to say: God has meant a
general concept from this sentence. That is to say, the Muslims should perceive
every kind of benefits which is possible at any time or to derive every kind of
worldly and heavenly benefits and no tradition or rational decree has assigned
any special meaning for this sentence (which is having a comprehensive meaning)
[3]
Ka’ba is the Existence of Life
The Holy Qur’an
describes Ka'ba and Bayt al-haram by the following sentence:
“Allah has made the
Ka’ba, the sacred house, a maintenance for the people, and the sacred month and
the offerings and the sacrificial animals with garlands, this is that you may
know that Allah knows whatever is in the heavans and whatever is in the earth,
and that Allah is the Knower of all things.” (Maida: 97)
The word of
which has
come down in this verse, can be seen in another verse too. As:
“And do not give away
your property which Allah has made for you a (means of) support.” (Nisa: 5)
Here,
gives the meaning of
existence and in fact is synonymous with pillar and the meaning of the verse is
this that the Hajj ceremonies and the ziyara of Ka'ba and one's presence
near the House of Allah is the mainstay for the existence of worldly and
heavenly life of the Islamic community.
Gathering during Hajj
season, not only ensures the spiritual life of the Muslims but is the source of
making secure every kind of element that has a great influence in one's
individual and social life. Pondering over the meaning of this verse, guides us
to a a more comprehensive meaning i.e. whatever is related to the interests of
the Muslims and are reckoned to be their life and existence is ensured in this
Hajj season. With such general application and extensive saying, is it possible
to conclude and limit this matter to only and only the interests related to 'ibada
and worship?
What better expediency is
better than one political platform that organizes and unites the Muslims
against the colonists and the exploiters and makes them steadfast and
encourages them to stand united in the battle against them. The Holy Qur’an
does not allow the parents or guardians of the insane to give their wealth
which is the source of their living and existence to them. It emphatically
says:
“And do not give away
your property which Allah has made for you a (means of) support.” (Nisa: 5)
Considering the contents of this verse, is it proper that the
Hajj formalities should fall in the hands of those who are unaware of it and
are fully heedless of the role it plays in the lives of the Muslims!
To acquaint the
respected readers with the views of the commentators who focused on the same
axis, we present here some of their views regarding the sentence of
Al-Tabari says: “God has
bestowed Ka'ba and Bayt al-Haram as a life for the people!
Moreover, he later says:
He has made Ka'ba the
place of signs of people's beliefs and the base for their interests and
affairs.
[4]
The author of Al-Manar
in interpreting the afore-mentioned verse, says:
“God has made the Ka'ba
a pillar for the people's religious affairs in such mannar that it refines
their morals and trains them. These are achieved through the Hajj obligations
which is the greatest foundation of our religion and it is an 'ibada which
is spiritual (but) containing the economical and social dimensions. "
Then, he continues and
says: "This
in the verse
refers to both
(creation)
and
(laws)
which guarantees every kind of worldly and heavenly interests of the
people."
[5]
Expression of Aversion On The Occasion Of Hajj
Even if you
doubt in the generality of the sentence
and or
yet you cannot doubt
in the action of the Holy Prophet’s (s) representative in the Hajj season which
was totally a political affair.
Because, in
the year 9th Hijri, the Holy Prophet (s) gave charge to Ali (‘a) to
read out a letter which contained expression of disgust towards the polytheists.
This was at the time when 16 verses from the begining of Sura Bara'a (Tauba)
were revealed to the Prophet (s) which comprises of the following:
"(This is a
declaration of) immunity by Allah and His Apostle to wards those of the
idolaters with whom you made an agreement. So go about in the land for four
months and know that you cannot weaken Allah and that Allah will bring disgrace
to the unbelievers. And an announcement from Allah and His Apostle to the
people on the day of the greater pilgrimage that Allah and His Apostle are free
from liability to the idolaters, therefore if you repent, it will be better for
you, and if you turn back, then know that you will not weaken Allah; and
announce painful punishment to those who disbelieve.” (Tauba: 1-3)
After reciting these
verses, Amir al-mu'minin (‘a) issued a four-point resolution as such:
Behold O polytheists!
(a) The idol-worshippers have no right to enter the House of Allah.
(b) Circumambulation in the state of uncovered body is prohibited.
(c) Henceforth, no idol-worshipper will take part in the Hajj ceremony.
(d) Those who have
signed a non-aggression treaty with the Holy Prophet (s) and have been loyal in
their treaty, will be faithfully respected. However, for those polytheists who
are not having any pact with the Muslims or have intentionally dishonoured
their pact, they will be given from this date (10th Dhu'l hijja) four months to
clarify their stance before the Islamic Government or will have to join the
monotheists and break-off from polytheism and dualism or prepare themselves for
war.
[6]
What deed can
be more political than this action where, in the midst of Hajj duties when the
Muslims and polytheists were engaged in circumambulation, Ali (‘a) climbs
a high place and starts nullifying some of the points of treaty and gives a
four month deadline to either discard polytheism and join the ranks of the
monotheists or face the consequences of a war.
Political Elegy of Farazdaq in Masjid al-Haram
Once, during
Hajj time, when Hisham son of 'Abdul Malik was circumambulating the Ka’aba amidst
a huge crowd, he tried many times to kiss al-hajar al-'aswad. However,
due to the enormous crowd, Hisham did not get a chance and helplessly sat at
one corner and glared at the people. Suddenly he saw a thin, good-looking, divinely-bright
personality gradually advancing towards al-hajar al-'aswad. The people
respected him and involuntarily moved back so that he could easily reach al-hajar
al-'aswad. The people of Syria who were around Ibn 'Abdul Malik asked him:
Who is this man ? Hisham, even though he knew that personality very well
refrained from introducing Imam and instead lied and said: I don’t know him.
At this moment, a poet
by the name of Farazdaq who enjoyed special freedom and liberty un-hesitantly
recited some poems and in this way, introduced Imam al-Sajjad ('a) very nicely.
Some of the verses of his poem are as follows:
“He is someone who, the
soil of Batha' is aware of his footprints and Ka'ba, the House and its exterior
are well-acquainted with him;
He is the son
of the best servants of Allah; He is pious, pure, holy and well-known.
If you are unaware of
him, he is the son of Fatima, (daughter of the Holy Prophet (s) ).
Ssoon, when he will
touch al-Hajar-ul-Aswad, it will not release his well-recognized hand.”
[7]
The poem of al-Farazdaq
had such far-reaching effect that Hisham became wild and angry and immediately
ordered for his arrest. When Imam ('a) became aware of this matter, he consoled
al-Farazdaq very much.
Political
and Social Dimensions of Hajj in Islamic Traditions
So far, it
has somewhat become clear from the verses and ways of the Holy Prophet (s) that
Hajj, while being one devotional deed, is evidently having a political aspect
too where sometimes the Holy Prophet (s) himself considered them as identical.
The Holy Prophet (s) has also referred to this aspect in traditions which we
shall now mention a few of them:
In the book of Al-Taj
al-jami' li al-'usul fi ahadith al-Rasul, vol. 2 pages 98-99, one can find
the the Holy Prophet (s) narrating as such:
(I) The best jihad
is the Hajj which has been accepted.
[8]
(II) Hajj and 'Umra is a
universal jihad and in that, men, women, the weak and the powerful
participate.
[9]
(III) Is
there a jihad for women? Yes! there is jihad for women wherein
there is no battle but taking part in the Hajj ceremony.[10]
(IV) The
chosen ones before Allah are these: Those participating in jihad and the
pilgrims to the House of God for Hajj and for Umra.
[11]
In this
tradition, Hajj has been introduced as universal jihad and as jihad
for women and in the last part of the tradition, those participating in jihad
and those participating in Hajj are introduced as the chosen ones whom Allah
has invited.
If in this tradition,
Hajj has been called as jihad, (then) there should exist a kind of sign
and similarity between these two that one can apply the word of jihad to
another. One of the reasons why Hajj is called a jihad is because Hajj
is similar to jihad in its objectives and effects. This divine
obligation, apart from being 'ibada, is also an occasion for special
endeavour in pre-determined matters. The strategies for practical jihad
and the means and method of cooperation between the Muslims are set forth on
this very occasion.
Political
Speech of the Holy Prophet (s) at the Time of Hajj
A great and
splendid gathering had taken place in Masjid al-Haram around the House of God.
The Muslims and polytheists, the friends and foes had all come together and an
aura of greatness had surrounded the environment of the mosque due to the
magnificence of Islam and the greatness of Holy Prophet (s)
At such a moment, the
Holy Prophet (s) began to speak by describing for the people the actual visage
of his invitation which had taken twenty years from the date of its
commencement. We bring here some of those historical sayings:
(a) O people,
under the light of Islam, God took away from you the (so called) glories and
the impunable acts attributed to your genealogy which was prevalent during the
period of ignorance (jahiliyyah). All have come into existence from Adam
and he too has been created from soil. The best of the people is he who
refrains from sins and disobedience.
[12]
(b) O people, being an
Arab is not a part of your nature. Rather, it is only a lip-service. Anyone who
is negligent in his duties then the glories of his fathers and forefathers will
be of no avail and will not make any amends for his shortcomings.
[13]
(c) All the people of
the past and present are similar and equal like the teeth of a comb and no Arab
is having preference over non-Arab nor the white over the black. The standard
for exellency is piety and fear of God.
[14]
(d) I
abrogate all the claims related to life and property and all the delusive
glories of the pars period and declare all of them as baseless.
[15]
(e) A Muslim is the
brother of another Muslim and all the Muslims are brothers to each other and
before the strangers they have one common order. Their blood is the same as
each other and the lowest amongst them can make a commitment on behalf of the
Muslims.
[16]
(f) After accepting this
religion, do not take an about turn where in such instances has resulted in the
deviation of some and caused them to become the owners of each others.
[17]
(g) Your
blood and your property are forbidden for you and are honourable like the
honour of this day, this month and this city.
[18]
(h) All the
blood which has been shed in the period of ignorance is declared to be in vain
and the first blood which I keep under my foot is the blood of Rabie son of
Harith.
[19]
(i) Every Muslim is the
brother of another Muslim and all the Muslims are brothers (to each other).
Nothing from his property is permissible for another except if he gives him as
a good -will.
[20]
(j) There are three
things which the heart of a believer is never disloyal to:
(i) Sincerity in
action for the sake of God.
(ii) Wishing goodness
for the true leaders.
(iii) Attending the
gathering of the believers.
[21]
Political
Poems at the Time of Victory of Mecca
At the time of victory
of Mecca, the Muslims, before the very perplexed eyes of the polytheists were
ordered, apart from performing their Hajj obligation, to call out and say the
following du'a which is full of monotheism and epic.
"There
is no god except Allah; there is no partner for Him and the Kingdom belongs to
Him. (All) Praise is for Him; He gives life and causes death and He is Powerful
over all things. There is no god except Allah; He is alone. He has fulfilled
His promise and helped His servant and alone He has destroyed the collective
powers."
[22]
Signals and Implications
The Holy
Prophet (s) has not restrained himself with such type of expressions in
determining the political dimension of Hajj. Sometimes, through signs and indication,
he showed that the most trivial actions of Hajj are not far from political
dimensions. In so much as in the endeavour between Safa and Marwa at one
particular place, he increased his speed in walking so that in this way he
wanted to reject the gossip of the polytheists who spread rumours that due to
the inclemency of the weather of Medina, the Muhajirs (immigrants) and helpers
of Prophet (s) had become weak. Therefore in "Umra-Qadha" he ordered
the people to walk faster in the endeavour (between Safa and Marwa) and while
circumambulating in order to show their strength to the polytheists.
[23]
In the prayers of tawaf
the Holy Prophet (s) recited Sura al-Tawhid in the first unit and Sura
al-Kafirun in the second unit. All are aware what dimensions, the contents of
these two Suras have and how they refute and forbid every kind of
unmonotheistic thoughts or unity with any side from the camps of disbelief (kufr).
It is seen in history
that at the time of touching or kissing al-hajar al-'aswad, the Muslims
used to recite the following:
In the name of God, and
God is great for He guides us, there is no God save Allah, there is no partner
to Him, I believe in God and I deny Taghut (Tyrant) [24]
Political Dimensions of
Hajj in the Words of Inerrant Leaders
(a) Imam al-Sadiq (‘a):
About the philosophy of Hajj and the secrets of its legislations Imam al-Sadiq
(‘a) says as such:
"In the land of
Mecca, there manifested a gathering from East and West so that the people
recognize each other and the effects of the Holy Prophet's works (traditions)
are recognized and not forgotten. If every group depended upon what was taking
place in their own lands, they would be destroyed, the cities would head
towards ruin, the trade and economic affairs would collapse and the news and
information would not reach the people. This is the philosophy of Hajj.”
[25]
This sentence shows that
Hajj posseses scientific, economic and political aspects. In fact, Hajj is a
connecting chain between the Muslims of the world who in this way engage in
exchange of news and current situation of the world and acquire knowledge of
the traces and Sunnah (practices) of the Prophet (s) which has been
disseminated through the companions, disciples of the companions and the
scholars of Hadith from the East and West. Meanwhile, every group present their
goods over there and the method of trade and commerce is acquired and
recognized.
(b) Again Imam al-Sadiq (‘a) says:
“No spot of the world is
more lovable to Allah than the place of endeavour between Safaa and Marwa
because in this place all the stubborn people become abject and miserable and
exhibit their servitude and bondage.”
[26]
(c) History,
very clearly reports that the companions and the disciples of the companions
derived benefits from this occasion to the advantage of Islam and the Muslims.
The seed of most of the uprisings and movement for freedom originated from here
and on such a occasion the nations would be invited to fight and combat the
unjust rulers. Suffice it is in this case to listen to the words of al-Husayn
ibn Ali ('a) on the day of Mina. At Hajj time, he called together the names of
the sons of Ibn Hisham, the great personalities, their women and even the
Ansars who had interest in him such that more than one thousand people attended
his speech. At this moment, when the companions and their sons were listening
to his speech, he began his speech as such
"After praising
Allah and sending salutations upon the Holy Prophet (s), he said: O people,
Know that what evils this tyrant (Mu'awiya) has committed against us to which you
are all knowing and are aware about. I ask you of some affairs which if you
find truth in them, then approve my saying and if I speak false, then reject my
sayings. Now, listen to my talks and keep them hidden in your hearts and
thereafter return back to your towns and among your tribes. You invite every
person whom you trust and have confidence towards what you have knowledge
(religious duty). I fear that the true religion gets eroded and nullified even
though God is the terminator of His light and the unbelievers dislike it.”
[27]
Thereafter, al-Husayn
ibn Ali ('a) recited some verses which has been revealed in favour of the
Household of the Prophet and promised the people that when they returned back
to their home-towns, they should relate his speech to the people whom they
trust. Then he descended from his pulpit and the people dispersed.
It was not only
al-Husayn ibn Ali ('a) who had taken advantage of this great gathering. Even
the Christians and Jews who were living under the protection of Islamic
Government would, at times when their rights were violated, plead for justice
on such an occasion and demand back their right from the Islamic ruler. This is
a witness to the presence of such a Sunnah (practice) amongst the
Muslims. History has recorded it:
One of the coptics of
Egypt, during the time of governership of 'Amr bin al-'As, entered into a
competition with the son of the ruler and won the competition. The victory of
one coptic over the son of ruler who was dear to 'Amr bin al-'As and his son finally
lead to his beating through the son of 'Amr bin al-'As.
The coptic related the
matter to the ruler of the time (‘Umar bin al-Khattab) during Hajj time and
explained his innocence. ‘Umar called for the 'Amr bin al-'As and accounted a
famous sentence in this regard:
“Since when
you have taken the people as your slaves whereas they have been born free from
their mothers”!?
[28]
Thereafter he took
revenge for the beaten one from the one who had beaten him.
History has narrated such
incidents on so many occasions that it itself is a witness to the fact that Hajj
is not only for worship and 'ibada and void of other dimensions. When
Hajj is the centre of setting forth complaints, then why it cannot be the
centre of setting forth complaints obout the tyrant rulers of the East and
West.
Sayings of
Contemporary Thinkers about the Philosophy of Hajj
Now it is
proper to narrate few sayings of the Islamic researchers about Hajj
responsibilities. We shall narrate three sayings from three contemporary
writers and one of them is the member of advisory board of Abdul Aziz
University in Sa’udi Arabia. Here is some portions of their sayings:
(a) Farid Vajdi in the
Islamic Da'irat al-Ma'arif writes about the matter of Hajj as such:
“The philosophy of
divine legistation of Hajj is not something which can be explained in this
book. What passes in one's mind is this that if all the Islamic Governments
take advantage from this occasion in establishing Islamic unity amongst the
Muslim nations, they will achieve a perfect result because a gathering of tens
of thousands of people from different places in one common place and the
attentiveness of their hearts to those things which are inspired to them in
this place creates a special kind of impression in them and all return back to
their respective countries with one heart and there, they propagate to their
brothers whatever they have heard and learnt. The example of this group is like
the example of members of one big congress which gather from all corners of the
world and after the termination of the congress disperse to different parts of
the world carrying a message. Whatever may be the result of this magnificent
Congress, gatherings on such occasions and later, the dispersion to the
home-towns bears the same result.
(b) Doctor al-Qardawi,
the contemporary writer, writes in the book al-'Ibadah fi al-Islam as
such:
The greatest result
which can be achieved from this gathering is that Hajj is the most important
factor for awakening the Islamic ummah from its long sleep. For this
reason, some of the puppet governments and invaders of Islamic states become an
obstacle for the Muslims from visiting the House of Allah since they know that
if the slightest movement is set up amongst the Muslims, then no factor can
stop them from such a movement.
He writes in the book: al-Din
wa al-hajj 'ala al-madhahib al-'arba'a, on page 51 as such:
“Hajj is a means of
acquaintance among the Muslims and the source of forming affection and relation
among the various kinds of people who live under the banner of monotheism. This
is because at such times their hearts become one and their voice becomes
united. Then, they embark on rectifying their own condition and setting right
the defects of their own society.”
Doctor Muhammad Mubarak,
advisor of al-Malik 'Abdul Aziz’ University writes as such:
"Hajj is a world congress
where all the Muslims gather in one line for worshipping God. But this worship
is not un-mixed and separate from their lives. Rather, it posseses a special
relation with their lives."
In this regard, the Holy Qur’an says:
“That they may witness
advantages for them and mention the name of Allah during stated days …..” (Hajj:
28)
By witness of the
benefits and perception of the benefits nothing is meant but a common purpose encompassing
all the aspects of the affairs of the Muslims.
Conclusion
If truly the obligatory
act of Hajj posseses such a place and position which the Holy Qiran and Sunnah;
the past practices of the Muslims and the views of the contemporary writers guide
us towards that then why should we neglect in making use of it?
If Hajj is the means of introducing
monotheism in the hearts and forming a united front for the Muslims, then why
shouldn't we mobilize through this means, the Islamic forces and powers against
the aggressors who have committed oppression against the Islamic lands such as occupied
Palestine!? If Hajj exhibits scientific, cultural and economic dimensions, then
why shouldn't the Muslims during such an occasion find a solution and ease their
economic problems and other twisted matters?
Why shouldn't the
oppressed ones of Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa and Lebanon be given the
opportunity to cry out (their problems) in the ears of the Muslims and why
shouldn't they seek help from the Muslims in defending their just rights?
During Hajj, why
shouldn't vast and extensive gatherings and congregations be held against the
Eastern and Western Colonists and to expose their plots so that the Muslims
return back to their respective countries with bright thoughts and united plans
and programmes? For how long should we lose such golden opportunities and bear
these losses?
We hope for
the day when the foreign hands, who are at work behind the screen, are cut-off
from the two holy shrines and the divine tombs and the places of Islam are
looked after by a group selected from the Islamic society and the objectives of
Hajj and its valuable effects are fulfilled in its real sense.
Footnotes:
[1] Al-Shari'a
wa al-'aqida, page 151.
[2] Al-Shari'a
wa al-'aqida, page 150.
[3] Tafsir
al-Tabari, vol.17 page 108 (Beirut print).
[4] Tafsir
al-Tabari, vol. 7 page 49.
[5] Al-Manar,
vol.7 page 11
[6] Tafsir al-Tabari,
vol.10 page 47; Sira Ibn Hisham, vol. 4 page 545.
[7] Al-Aghani 5 vol. 21
page 376-377; Manaqib Ibn Shahr Ashub, vol. 4 page 169. The afore-said
elegy of al-Farazdaq has come in most of the historical and literary books. To
doubt in the authenticity of this poem is one kind of opposition with the
reliable traditions.
[8]
[9]
[10]
[11]
[12]
[13]
[14]
[15]
[16]
[17]
[18]
[19]
[20]
[21]
Our
references for these are: Rawdat al-kafi, page 246; Sira Ibn Hisham,
vol. 2 page 412; al- Manar, al-Waqidi vol. 2 page 826 and others.
[22] Refer to
the books of Hajj of Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim and others.
[23] Jami'
al-'usul, vol. 4 Book of Hajj.
[24] Abu
Walid al-'Azarqi, Ta'rikh Makka, vol.1 page 339.
[25] Bihar
al-'anwar, vol. 99 page 33, narrated from 'Ilal al-shara'i', by
al-Saduq.
[26] Bihar
al-'anwar, vol.19 page 49.
[27] Kitab
Sulaym b. Qays al-Kufi, page 18.
[28]
Farid Wajdi, book of Hajj vol.3 page 350 (Da'irat al-ma'arif).