"...and whoever goes forth from his house flying to Allah and His Messenger, and then death overtakes him, his reward is indeed with Allah and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful."

وَمَن يَخْرُجْ مِن بَيْتِهِ مُهَاجِرًا إِلَى اللّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ثُمَّ يُدْرِكْهُ الْمَوْتُ فَقَدْ وَقَعَ  أَجْرُهُ عَلى اللّهِ وَكَانَ اللّهُ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا

(Al Nisa, Ayah 100)

Wisdom for the Call of Hajj

Almighty Allah (s.w.t) says,

... ادْعُونِي أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ ...

"...Call upon Me, I will answer you...' (Al Ghaafir, Ayah 60)

He says, 'Call upon Me since I am your Lord and you are my creature. Your duty is to supplicate towards me and my task is to fulfill your supplications." Hence obtaining something from Allah (s.w.t) is not a proof of any miracle or superiority nor is it a sign of excellence because Allah (s.w.t) has granted His grace to all those who have completed their pilgrimage of Hajj and likewise He has also bestowed His blessings on those who haven't found the opportunity to complete their pilgrimage yet. He has also bestowed on those who are Muslims and believers and at the same time He has granted His blessings on enemies' too because this is what His dignity and eminence is all about. He doesn't see who the receiver at the other end is or to see which caste (social group) does the man belong to.

Almighty Allah (s.w.t) has invited us on this holy land not to give something but to achieve. Even though we have held our hands high in supplication, the purpose of this journey was to accomplish something. If you possess something, sacrifice it for Allah (s.w.t) and manage to get it accepted by Him because His acceptance is a great honor and pride. There will remain nothing greater than excellence if man manages to get his actions, sacrifice, deeds and rites accepted by Allah (s.w.t).

Evidence of acceptance

Few people raise questions as to how will they know if the Almighty Allah (s.w.t) has accepted their deeds or not? Is there any sign? Every human wants to know if their devotion is such to be accepted by Him.

Regarding Hajj, Allah (s.w.t) says that one of the most important rituals during Hajj is the sacrifice. Sacrifice, if translated means that God is not in need of flesh, meat or blood and these things do not reach Him. What reaches Him is our sincerity and piety. Flesh remains here, the blood remains - only our actions on the condition of sincerity and piety reach Allah (s.w.t). Obviously, piety doesn't reach Him alone, it accompanies the pious one towards Allah (s.w.t) too because piety cultivates within the pious one. Piety is worthless if existing outside our being.

The sign of acceptance is the inner feeling of spirituality and luminance (nooraniyat). He should feel the changes in his spirituality. Has the prospect of Hajj brought about changes in him?

First off, I should observe myself since the day I have stepped on this land, went through Miqaat (a place in Mecca where the pilgrims make a vow of pilgrimage and prepare to enter Mecca) to this day when I have executed the rituals and preparing to leave - have I noticed any slightest of change in my mindset, inclination or perception? It is an unfortunate situation if there is an absence of any change towards the good. It means that we performed all rites including Tawaaf, Sa'ee, Wuqoof and recited all other supplications but unfortunately we have failed to attain the purpose for which we were called here.

In reality, I have erected the outward appearance and molded the shape of worship but haven't instilled the soul inside due to which I have failed to perform a live Hajj since there are no symptoms of a live Hajj present.

Deserver of Hajj felicitations

In narrations by infallibles (a.s), if the excellence of Hajj is achieved by someone who has visited the pilgrimage then ھنیأً لہ و طوبیٰ لہ و حسن مآب.

After the Hajj season ends, we generally extend our felicitations to the one who has returned from the journey. In reality, only he deserves such felicitations who has been successful in revolutionizing himself the way our infallibles (a.s) and Allah (s.w.t) has mentioned in narrations and the Holy Qur'an.

We entered Mecca with big views, thoughts, emotions, beliefs and practices. Let's review the second time on the land of Mina - have we observed any changes in all the aforementioned factors? If we notice even the slightest change, we deserve to congratulate ourselves but if the answer is negative, then what do we congratulate for? If we haven't attained anything, then why do we congratulate?

The land of desires

All rites of Hajj are now accomplished and now we are on the land of Mina. Mina means 'desire', land of Mina means 'land of desires' - the land which fulfils the desires of man.

Many incidents have occurred on this land which have transformed into rites of Hajj and we have been instructed to repeat and learn such acts on this land because we learn something from this journey. We wept and observed supplications for three days in Mina but the question is - which desires did we get along and towards which desires do we aim to reach?

Stoning the Satan

The foremost ritual performed on the land of Mina is the stoning of the Satan. The stay in Mina begins itself with the stoning of the Satan. Satan is always with man and the greatest Satan is man's Carnal Self (Nafse Ammara) (the soul that incites to evil) which is present in every human being and perishes the affect of everything. If we want to know our Hajj being accepted, we must see if there were any resulting effects after pelting stones on the Satan. Were the stones pelted at our Carnal Self? Scholars state, only that stone will be counted that hits the platform of Satan else it doesn't count as stoning. But how would we know if we have pelted the stone properly. Would our eyes alone witness the stones hitting the platform? Where there are millions of pilgrims and the stone size is small, it is very difficult for our eyes to witness the stone properly hitting the platform.

When stones are pelted amongst the huge crowd, sometimes the stones accidentally hit a few pilgrims standing near the Satan's platform. Sometimes, it results in wounds and pain and people tend to utter something or the other.

Satan's Shriek

Similarly when stones are hit at Satan, he expresses and converses too. When the divine inspiration was revealed in the Cave of Hira, Imam Ali (a.s) was seated outside the entrance of the cave and heard a strange scream. When the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s) exited, Imam Ali (a.s) enquired of this scream to the Prophet (s.a.w.s). The Prophet (s.a.w.s) replied that this was the shriek of Satan. He said whenever guidance, rectification or a noble work is executed by man on earth, it is as if he has struck the heaviest assault on Satan where he cries bitterly. On this occasion, Prophet (s.a.w.s) said,

"یا علی، انت تسمع ما أسمع و أنت تنظر ما أنظر"

'O Ali! Whatever I see, you you are able to witness the same too. And whatever I hear, you are given the ability to hear the same too.'

Internal Satan

When we hurled stones at the Satan, did we hear the shriek of Satan? Carnal Self (Nafse Ammara) is man's internal Satan. Even though man is pelting stones at the Satan made of cement and stone, in real he is pelting stones at his own Carnal Self. Hence we have to witness the shriek of Carnal Self - the soul that incites one to evil. Has there been any effect on this soul?

Therefore one indication of Hajj's acceptance is to see whether the Carnal Self was wounded or not. Was it hurt or not? Have we ridden itself from its commands? Have we unshackled the chains of Carnal Self from our feet? Or is it that this soul on contrary has conquered myself to a greater extent than before?

Carnal Self always invites man towards evil, corrupt and unconstructive paths.

... إِنَّ النَّفْسَ لأَمَّارَةٌ بِالسُّوءِ ...

(Surah Al Yusuf, Ayah 53)

If there is still an inclination towards evil, amusement and play then come to a conclusion that the ritual of stoning remained incomplete.

During sacrifice too, a knife is used to sacrifice an animal. This action is symbolic too which is performed by ourselves or under our delegation. Since there is always a reasoning behind such symbolic acts, the question is that the knife should be used on whose neck in Mina?

Meaning of Migration

Migration (Hijrat) is the term given to terminate those bonds which man has clenched in his fist turning them into chains in feet and neck. And the pilgrimage of Hajj is migration towards the Almighty Allah (s.w.t) and migration towards the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s).

... وَمَن يَخْرُجْ مِن بَيْتِهِ مُهَاجِرًا إِلَى اللّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ...

(Surah An Nisa, Ayah 100)

Reality of Sacrifice

Migration is the name given to terminate the connections, did the knife slay such connections? Have we cut the relations off from this world? Has love for this world been destroyed? Have we put an end to love of our wealth? Has the love for authority, rank and position ended? If the love for all this has in turn increased after Hajj, be assured that your Hajj is incomplete from its base itself. The acceptance or non-acceptance of Hajj begins after the performance of rituals.

When Shibli returned fro Hajj, he went to Imam Zain ul Abedin (a.s) to probably seek congratulations. Imam enquired if he accomplished all symbolic rites of Hajj, his answer was in positive. Imam (a.s) then asked if he accomplished the factual reasoning behind every symbolic rite, if he used the knife to slay his love that stretches for everything other than Allah (s.w.t) taking him under its hold. Shibli replied, 'I hadn't paid attention to all this so I could have done the act.' On hearing this, Imam (a.s) replied,

" ما حججت "

"You haven't performed Hajj." The question of acceptance is posed under the condition of executing a task and Imam (a.s) said, "You haven't performed the pilgrimage of Hajj.'

Meaning of Halq and Taqseer

Shaving the head off is termed Halq and Taqseer. It upholds its own wisdom and philosophy even though there are many narrations about this ritual saying that hair is a part of human's beauty and that this portion of beauty should be presented to God (s.w.t) and so forth.

Shaving to sacrificing of head

The reasoning for Halq and Taqseer is to create the spirit of obedience and worship since shaving off head isn't beneficial for the man whose hair is shaved off nor to the man who shaves the hair off. This hair is not of use to anyone nor is it used to make a rope, cloth or thread - instead it is buried on the same land. We have to shave our head due to a command by our master. This is the spirit of obedience which we have to accumulate here by bowing down our heads to his command else shaving the head is a symbolic rite. There is a logical reasoning behind this rite which tells man that you are shaving off your head today, tomorrow if there is a need to sacrifice the same head, the spirit of obedience must prevail because if you feel shaving the head off for God's sake is difficult today, then sacrificing the head will be harder tomorrow. By shaving the head off, we are actually making a pledge of our willingness to pass every difficulty for His sake.

Mina - A divine camp

Mina is a divine camp where Allah (s.w.t) has invited distinct individuals because invitations in camps is not on a general announcement, only specific people are invited. It is essential to stay for three days on this land and whatever is acquired of the time spent here has to be set as an example for leading an ideal life.

On this land when Prophet Ibrahim (a.s) sacrificed his son Ismael (a.s) and placed the knife on his neck, Allah (s.w.t) said, 'O Ibrahim! You have turned your dream into a reality." Allah (s.w.t) had commanded to sacrifice Ismael even though Ibrahim (a.s) hadn't sacrificed him yet, Allah (s.w.t) already addressed him saying Ibrahim has fulfilled his promise.

Where was the knife laid?

Here, a question may rise amongst the rational people asking them that nothing has been sacrificed according to the command yet, nonetheless how was this sacrifice accepted and given authenticity?

The answer to this question is that whatever was asked of Ibrahim was not merely the soul of Ismael, instead what was required was the connection between Ibrahim and Ismael and this connection was cut off by intention alone because the moment Ibrahim was sure to sacrifice his son in the way of God, his intention alone reached the rank of acceptance. Lying him down in the field to slay him off was not the purpose but the intention was to obey Allah (s.w.t)'s commands without any other connections in between. By placing the knife on Ismael's neck, Ibrahim cut off any connections present thereby proving he possessed the highest level of Imamate.

A divine trial

Mina is the land of tests and trials where everyone of us is tested and trialed. Performing the rites and presence of a large Muslim Ummah is similar to a trial too. Trials are of two kinds:

1. To gauge (evaluate) someone's ability and aptitude

2. To uncover someone's existing ability thereby turning him into another person.

Since Allah (s.w.t) is All-Knowing, the first kind is not applicable to Him. Hence divine trials are of the second kind only.

On this land of desires, the commitment of three days comes to an end where marks are allotted to each of us experienced within our souls. If the results of Hajj are reflected on you, make it understood that you have succeeded. If not, you have unfortunately failed.

Unacceptable loss of compensation

Whatever Imam Zainul Abedin (a.s) asked Shibli, he replied in negative saying that he performed all the symbolic rituals being unaware of the real reasoning behind. Imam (a.s) had then replied that he had not performed Hajj at all. Shibli then asked if there was any method of compensation. Imam (a.s) pointed at a mountain in front and said if this mountain were to turn into gold and you donate it in the way of Allah (s.w.t), this won't be counted as compensation too. The compensation can only be done through Hajj alone. Shibli then requested Imam (a.s) to pray for his long life till the next season of Hajj so as to perform Hajj the way Imam (a.s) mentioned.

If man performs Hajj the way Imam (a.s) advised Shibli, he will definitely feel a spiritual elevation within. Only standing and sitting in the camps of Mina is not enough.

A basic example of test

Through these camps, we are tested to see if we have offered place to others or not? Have we dealt matters with one another with tolerance? If physical place available is small, it is seen through our body's discomfort if we have enough place for others through our soul and spirit. Have we strengthened the tolerance within ourselves? Can I tolerate to see if someone steps on my bed, seizes my glass or messes my things?

The purpose of the stay in Mina is refinement. It is the refinement and nurture to broaden our minds, hearts, looks and thoughts. God forbid, a person who had entered through Miqat leaves in the same spiritual state from Mina.

Man is tested when he performs Umrah where God recognizes man's identity. Therefore we are asked to exit Haram and the Holy Ka'bah to enter 'Arafah from where we go to Mash'ar and then to Mina.

Wisdom of staying in stops

The wisdom of staying temporarily in different stops during Hajj was asked to Imam Ali (a.s). Why has Allah (s.w.t) commanded us to stay at 'Arafah, Mash'ar and Mina? Why have we been instructed to stay at these places one after the other? He (a.s) replied, 'When this traitor-like servant returns to his lord, all doors are not opened on the first day itself instead he is tested if this servant has turned into an obedient one. Has the unyielding heart taken a soft shape? This softness is tested, but how? First he is asked to be seated behind the first door. If his heart has taken a soft shape, he will keep knocking the door and weeping to an extent the door opens for him.

Believe it! Man can unlock the locked doors himself but for this a soft, yielding heart is required. There is a need beseech and cry in front of God. Crying emotionally will lighten man's heart but it doesn't open the locked doors. These doors are unlocked with the cry from intellect. Man must be able to witness through his vision, if this door of God is locked, he must cry to such an extent in front of God and supplicate 'O Allah!' that the door opens for him automatically.

Man was first asked to be seated behind the first door, then the second and the third door and finally was asked to perform Ziyarahs and Tawaf of Holy Ka'bah since the doors of Allah (s.w.t) have now been opened for him.

Baitullah (House of Allah) to Bait ul Ma'moor

According to narrations, Bait ul Ma'moor was built according to the structure of Holy Ka'bah. Bait ul Ma'moor is built on four pillars, similarly Baitullah is also based on four pillars. The pillars of Bait ul Ma'moor are the pure names of Allah (s.w.t) which we term as Tasbeehat e Arba'a - Subhanallahi Walhamdu Lillahi, Wa La Ilaaha Illallahu Wallahu Akbar.

The Holy Ka'bah and the wisdom of the Tawaaf

The Holy Ka'bah is termed Ka'bah due to its shape which is geometrically equal in shape. The shape is based on four sides. This quadrangular shape contains a great wisdom. You have to circumambulate (perform Tawaf) around this cuboid to notify yourself of the working system of universe, to familiarize yourself with the counseling of this world, to familiarize yourself with the movement you have to head for and to whom do you have to consign the axis of your life? For the moment you are circumambulating around the Holy Ka'bah, on return whom will you let your life to circumambulate around?

Let not the recital of profit and gain become your priority while doing Tawaf of the Holy Ka'bah. God forbid, let not your first Tawaf be performed with an intention to supplicate for wealth, your second Tawaf with a prayer for dignity, third Tawaf for authority or the fourth one for a car and mansion. Asking for celestial brides (Hoories) in one and palaces in the other. Was it for this reason we were invited towards the Holy Ka'bah? This wealth and dignity, celestial figures and palaces, mansions and cars are possessed even by those who do not visit the Holy Ka'bah. Most of us haven't been granted the opportunity of Hajj yet but still they have all the aforementioned things. We were called towards the Holy Ka'bah to express our gratitude for such blessings.

Axis of life

We were called here for the purpose of learning the axis of life around which we have to spend our life. Earlier, Allah (s.w.t) was aware of the circumference (boundaries) of our life we were spending around in mornings and evenings along with the axis of our life we were revolving around. What do we grasp of ourselves - whom am I circumambulating (revolving) around? On invitation for Hajj, we were told, 'O Man! You should know that in this system of universe, your axis of life should be around only God. You have to move according to the system of God. The system of God is manifested by the presence of Holy Ka'bah here.

What is Hajar e Aswad?

It is narrated,

'' الحجر یمین اللہ فی ارضہ ''

Hajar e Aswad is the right hand of God on earth. The respect of this as such that man has to raise his hands and salute when he passes by the Hajar e Aswad. What happens by raising one's hands? It is merely a stone, how does it know if we are raising our hands out of respect towards it? To raise hands in salutation and recital of Takbir (Allaho Akbar) in the passing is a symbolic act because it is the right hand of Allah (s.w.t) on earth. It means lay your hands down in Allah (s.w.t)'s Hands - since Allah (s.w.t) does not possess any hands, he has attributed this stone as His hand. Place your hand in his hand and supplicate silently saying, 'O God! You are my helper and welcome my hands. I will go only in that direction the one you intend to guide me to'.

Tawaaf begins from the location of Hajar e Aswad and ends at the same place too. By placing your hands in Allah (s.w.t)'s Hands means you have paid allegiance to Allah (s.w.t).

Allegiance to God means trading yourself and your soul for the will of Allah (s.w.t). But the question is, how would we know if we have surrendered ourselves towards Allah (s.w.t)? To arrive at the answer, check the axis of your life. Are we turning around the presence of only God (s.w.t)? Or is it that

تیرے نصیب کے چکر ہیں یہ طواف نہیں

We have been instructed to revolve around the House of Allah (s.w.t) so that we don't waste our lives behind self-made mansions.

The most collective form of worship

Hajj is a great, unique and collective act which holds a lot of worships within. If someone wishes to act upon the entire religion in just a single day must perform Hajj because Hajj is the essence of the entire religion and provides man a constitution for the rest of his life.

Absence of solitude during Hajj

Due to huge crowds while performing Hajj, we wish to seek solitude (privacy) there. We wish to be alone in Mina or maybe with our caravan alone, all streets to be empty, hurling stones at the Satan alone - we wish individuality at all times.

If there was only solitude and privacy for us, make yourself to believe that God (s.w.t) would return us like others saying go, there is no need of your presence here. He would say He has not invited us to sit in solitude instead to pull ourselves out of solitude. You were in solitude amongst your family and friends, your own personality and society, in solitude of your own nation and clan - He says, why have I pulled you out from such solitudes and placed in huge crowds here?

Hajj together with a nation (Ummat)

Today our houses have not remained our houses, in fact they have turned into burrows where man is hiding for not to be seen by others. Houses are meant for man while burrows are only for other creatures. For example an ant spends her time in holes and similarly other creatures too spend their lives like ants in holes. To obtain food, they exit their holes for some time and enter the holes and burrows after having obtained their food.

Ants, mice and other creatures can live in holes and burrows but it is not a dignity of man to spend their lives in such burrows. Hence we are instructed not to turn our houses into burrows, we must exit from such burrows and understand the system of Allah (s.w.t). What is our responsibility? You don't have to spend your life as a single being, you have to live for others too. Allah (s.w.t) says He invited the entire mankind from east and west, north and south, He invited dark-skinned and fair-skinned people, the learned and the uneducated, the scholars and the common, man and woman, the young and the old so that you know you have to live with them. You have to participate in their worries and you have to meet them all.

The pain of relation

The one walking with you shoulder to shoulder - take pains to ask him if he requires any help. Which country has he arrived from? What worries are troubling him in this country? What are his problems, if any? You will think, why should I ask all this? Simply because you are a sympathetic man, you are present here with your heart and the heart always contains pain within. The hardhearted one is a stone, not a heart. If he was a stone earlier, he has turned into a heart after spending time in Arafah, Mina and Mash'ar because his heart is now softened. Hence he is now able to realize others' pains and worries and ask others, 'Tell me the happenings of the Islamic nation (Ummah) in your country! How are the conditions of Muslims living there?' You must share your experiences with them and vice versa.

Mina - the land of demolishing idols

Mina, which incidentally is a narrower valley than Arafah and Muzdalifah is a place where pilgrims are asked to stay for three days. In Arafah and Muzdalifah, the pilgrims may not have found time to interact with other pilgrims due to limited time but Mina is the land where you will come closer to one another. Someone stays in east while the other in west, he stays in this continent and the other person stays in other continent, one person is a citizen of this country while that person is the citizen of another country, if a man belongs to one ethnicity the other man hails from the other one. Demolish all these idols - the idols of nationalism, self-rule, ethnicity, skin tone. Crush all these and take shape of one nation (ummat) but you will be able to form one nation only when you are present in others' worries and tribulations. You will create awareness by acquainting yourselves with each other. If you don't know the person or his concerns who is lying down next to you, how would you familiarize yourself with the pains of the Muslim world? We are brought from our burrow-like houses to such fields asking us to get rid of such burrows and spend our lives as one Islamic nation, to comprehend the level of our power. If the weak and the strong unite, you don't need to collect latest technologies, you will overcome the enemy by hurling small stones on the Satan but the condition is that you have to be present in the other's problems.

The envy of angels

Mina is the land of desires where man asks God to grant him a heart that is concerned for all Muslims, sympathetic towards all Muslims and the mankind.

It is narrated about a young man during the time of Holy Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.s) who was once praised by him. The Prophet (s.a.w.s) said he is a devout, pure and sincere servant of God who is also envied by angels.

On hearing this, companions of Prophet (s.a.w.s) wished to enquire those deeds from the young man that were the cause of envy of angels and the admiral medal holder by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s). Companions approached the young man - probably they were asking questions arising in their minds like, he must be offering night prayers without fail or he must be reciting the Holy Qur'an in abundance or must be paying alms in great quantities and so forth which have impressed the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s). The young man replied everything in negative, he said this is not due to recitation of night prayers without fail or recitation of Holy Qur'an in abundance or paying alms in great quantities but it is due to the fact that when he sees himself in comparison with others, he regards everyone to be better than him. He regards their deeds, characters and good etiquettes to be superior than his. He said there was one thing that he strongly felt about - whenever he heard of anyone in pains and worries, his heart would bleed for him even if he was able or unable to relieve the worries. He would cry for him and ask God to give him an opportunity to help the victim out. He could not have seen any man to suffer in any pain. The companions replied that indeed this was the secret which elevated his rank in the eyes of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s).

Hajj - A practical chemistry

Collecting a huge crowd at one place is for the purpose of our development. There should be changes in our ethical behavior since Hajj amends our ethics, it alters all fields of life at once.

Generally people think that they come for Hajj with impure hearts and return while whitewashing their hearts. If you have come to whitewash your soul during Hajj, you must know this wash doesn't remain effective for long. This whitewash is wiped off for a few pilgrims at customs itself, for others while reaching home or shop and if the pilgrim is a scholar, this whitewash is washed at his Madrassa and for a preacher at pulpit (mimbar) while fabricating lies! The effect of Arafah and Mina is not so weak - what must we turn ourselves into during Hajj that will not rub the effect of Hajj through certain acts?

We were not called for Hajj to whitewash our hearts and return to our countries. Instead we were invited to turn our mud-like shape into chemical form. Our manners must be overturned. Our nature, behavior, manner of speech and even manner of sight must change for the good. If you are able to witness such change of attributes, it means you have gained something from Hajj and this will be accepted by Allah (s.w.t).

قَالَ إِنَّمَا يَتَقَبَّلُ اللّهُ مِنَ الْمُتَّقِينَ ...
(Al Maidah, Ayah 27)

Allah (s.w.t) accepts the deeds of the pious, there is no guarantee for the rest. A pious person when performs a deed is accepted by Him.

Hajj - a collective worship

Cutting relations off or showing no concern towards the Islamic nation is equal to assassinating the soul of Hajj. We get divided amongst ourselves even during Hajj. The formation of various caravans, parties, movements, nations, ethnic groups was to solve different problems but here they turn into idols. We say, since he belongs to that caravan there is no need to visit him or if he is thirsty, he cannot drink water from our camp since he does not belong to our caravan and so forth. If the caravan is distanced, man also distances himself from the other, what is this? Hajj is a collective worship and this collective worship is performed in such an individualistic way by man that he is concerned only about his Tawaf, his Sa'ee and so forth. If such was the purpose to perform every act individually, then you would have been instructed to worship in your houses or some cave. You would not have been called in narrow valleys and neared amongst millions of people. The purpose of neighboring yourselves with other people in such valleys was for interaction and spending nights together.

When you spend the night together with other people, obviously you will not remain silent. You will strengthen your relations with others, at least with pilgrims of one caravan and familiarize their worries and tribulations thereby trying to lessen each other's worries. Although this is the smallest of your responsibility - your real task is to seek remedies for the entire Islamic nation.

Man elevates himself from being a Muslim, member of a group or a tribe to form a part of a united nation so that he creates the pillars of a nation here itself.

Imam Khomeini (RA)'s vision on Hajj

Imam Khomeini (RA) says, 'An Islamic Ummah can come into existence only if Hajj is revived and Shiism will achieve success only if Azadari is revived.' He said Azadari is the axis of Shiism but since Shiism is also a part of the united nation, man is responsible to revive Hajj along with Azadari. If Hajj is revived, Islam will overpower the entire world. Hence Imam Khomeini (RA) would always say that Hajj e Ibrahimi alone is enough to solve problems of the Islamic nation.

Essence of Hablullah

Our revered teacher, Ayatullah Jawadi Amouli quotes an Ayah from the Holy Qur'an:

 ...وَاعْتَصِمُواْ بِحَبْلِ اللّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلاَ تَفَرَّقُواْ

(Aale Imran, Ayah 107)

Fasten yourselves with the Habal - covenant (promise or rope in literal sense) of Allah (s.w.t) but communally and collectively. There are many connotations (meanings) of the term Habal which are narrated in traditions. The Holy Qur'an is the Hablillah, the household of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s) - Ahlulbayt, religion, jurisprudence, norms including the Hajj are all called the Hablillah - the covenant, promise or rope of Allah (s.w.t).

Household of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s) - A proof of Hablillah

Taking the example of household of Holy Prophet (Ahlulbayt a.s) being a proof of the term Hablillah, we are instructed to hold onto them but how? Is God asking us to love them while sitting in our houses, should I stay in my house and express my love for them? The other person expresses his love in that caravan while I express my love for Ahlulbayt in my caravan? Yes, this can be termed as love for the Ahlulbayt but we haven't followed the holy verse entirely because the verse didn't mention وَاعْتَصِمُواْ بِحَبْلِ اللّهِ only. Instead it says, وَاعْتَصِمُواْ بِحَبْلِ اللّهِ جَمِيعًا which means that 'all of you together', 'collectively' hold onto the Ahlulbayt (a.s) in obedience. Not a single man should exit from this congregation, if such becomes the case that men get disunited, it won't remain جَمِيعًا infact it will turn into .....    meaning few of them are present and the others absent whereas the holy verse does not allow this situation.

If you want to hold onto the Holy Qur'an too, that too should be done جَمِيعًا, if you want to hold onto the religion, the condition of جَمِيعًا is applied likewise.

Rejection of division during Hajj

Hence if I perform my Hajj and you perform yours, it won't be termed as جَمِيعًا with Hablillah, instead it will be a Hajj of division. Whereas the Holy Qur'an states, وَلاَ تَفَرَّقُواْ, meaning don't divide amongst yourselves, don't perform the act in different groups instead perform it جَمِيعًا (collectively). It can only be performed جَمِيعًا when such groups have not taken a form of statues/idols.

From an idol's temple to the centre of oneness of God

People created idols themselves and placed them inside the Holy Ka'bah which was the centre of oneness and worship place of Allah (s.w.t) alone. Usually idols were hidden in their sleeves, arms and inside their garments. Few idols were situated outside the Holy Ka'bah and the rest inside. They would turn the Holy Ka'bah into a place of idol worship and would rotate around it worshipping the idols instead of the Holy Ka'bah. The Holy Ka'bah had turned into a place of idol worship. The person who turned this place of idol worship to the centre of oneness of God was Amir ul Momineed, Imam Ali (a.s). Few people would circumambulate (tawaf) around the idols while a few would circumambulate while carrying the idols with themselves - there is not much difference between the two. During the circumambulation, if someone from the first group would join the second group, he would be thrown out saying that he belonged to the first group (of idols) and he cannot join the other group (of idols).

Wisdom of the 'white' Ihram (Hajj clothing)

You are from the Islamic nation, you have one existence and and presence. You have to remain united and wipe out all integrities of colour and tribe. Have you ever thought why the Ihram (Hajj clothing) is coloured white? The garment that you clothe otherwise is your traditional dress that distinguishes you from one another hence remove this dress and all related things before entering the sanctuary of Allah (s.w.t) and clothe yourself with a garment that doesn't explain anything about your whereabouts.

Son of the idol-breaker and the modern idols

You have heard that Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s) will reappear in the Holy Ka'bah. If someone has built a centre (markaz) be it the biggest of the time, Imam (a.s) will not reappear in such self-created centres instead he will grace his presence at the centre of Islam, the Holy Ka'bah. He will raise his call here and tremble all the devils (taghoot) of the world and the uprising will begin from here. But remember, he is the son of idol-breaker. He will clear the Holy Ka'bah with the idols of the place.

In that era, the idols of Laat, Mannat, Habl and Barajman were present in the Holy Ka'bah, that is why Ameer-ul-Momineen (a.s) came and destroyed those idols. 

But today there are modern idols. When Imam (a.s) will reappear Insha Allah, there will be many idolaters there who will be destroyed first by Imam (a.s).

A united nation (ummah)

Don't enter the Holy Ka'bah with such idols, enter in the form of a united nation (ummah). The way your Ehram clothing is one, turn your hearts and minds into one, your existence into one while uniting your happiness and grief too. Man is astonished at the land of Arafah when supplications are made for their grandfathers, great grandfathers, father-in-laws, great father-in-laws but no supplications are performed for the Islamic nation or the grief-struck oppressed ones. Here, we pray for a common man e.g. if someone's auto rickshaw is punctured, supplications are made to amend the rickshaw's puncture, to resolve someone's shop issues, to seek a lost sheep etc. In the valley of 'Arafah, such supplications are made but no supplications are done for the Islamic Ummah or for the oppressed ones in today's times whereas Allah (s.w.t) and His prophet (s.a.w.s) have ordered us to pray for them too.

In one narration, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s) mentions:

'' من سمع رجلاً ینادی یا للمسلمین فلم یجبہ فلیس بمسلم ''

'If someone seeks for help saying 'O Muslims!' and you don't attend to his help, it is as if you have no relations with my religion.'

In another narration, he (s.a.w.s) says:

'' من اصبح و لم یہتمّ بامور المسلمین فلیس مسلم ''

'He is not a Muslim who wakes up in the morning and does not bother about the current affairs of his Muslim brother'

Hence, being a Muslim means to dissolve yourself within the Islamic nation and to weep for the sufferings of others.

Characters of the infallibles on the land of Mina

Character of Lady Zahra (SA)

Whenever Lady Zahra (SA) would visit Mina, would she conduct herself the same way we do today? A tradition narrates that she would never pray for her personal needs. We, being their followers, must observe their characters and see if we are following the same.

It is narrated by Umm Ayman about Lady Zahra (SA) being that lady who never prayed for herself, instead she would always pray for Muslims and oppressed ones. That one night when she offered night prayers with her wounded arm, we were sure that she would pray to Allah (s.w.t) to cure her arm because she was distressed with pain but the arm was not only the cause of her pain, it was her heart which was paining, it was the pain of religion and nation, the pain of Mohsin's martyrdom, the pain of Imam Ali (a.s)'s loneliness.

Collecting so many pains and worries within herself when she stood for night prayers, we were sure that she would definitely pray for herself but this great lady did not pray for herself on this day too.

Character of Imam Baqar (a.s)

When the hour of martyrdom of Imam Baqar (a.s) was approaching, he left a will to his son Imam Sadiq (a.s) and entrusted him with a few responsibilities. It is narrated in traditions that he handed two bags containing Dinars to Imam Sadiq (a.s). He said one bag contained expenses for religious matters and public treasury which was under his management and he was in charge of spending it because of his status of being an Imam. The other bag, he said, was to be kept safe with him which had expenses to commemorate Azadari every year on the land of Mina.

Character of Imam Hussain (a.s) - Sermon of Mina

The uprising of Imam Hussain (a.s) begins from Mina. Imam (a.s) arrived Mina in the year 59 AH and collected all befitting (appropriate) people of Mina. The important points he addressed here are termed as the 'Sermon of Mina'. God is the witness, a man trembles when he reads this sermon even today and appears as if this sermon was delivered just today.

The sermon is based on various elements. Gathering the people at one place, he explained the status of Imam Ali (a.s) and himself, narrated the sayings and recounted the merits of Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.s) and Imam Ali (a.s). Proclaiming the people as a witness, he said that if he speaks even the slightest of wrong, they should object him there saying he has uttered wrong. Anything that is unacceptable to them which appeared challenging the reality, they must say so. Imam delivered his sermon and none said that the sermon opposed reality, everyone accepted his words.

Comparison of Islamic scholars to the Jewish scholars

Since there were more of scholars present in the befitting people, Imam (a.s) in his second part of sermon recited those verses of the Holy Qur'an in which the Jewish scholars are cursed. He also mentioned the cause of this curse by Allah (s.w.t), asking them, 'Do you know why the Jewish scholars have been cursed?" They were not cursed for being Jews but they were cursed for not executing Amr bil Ma'roof (inviting others to do good) and Nahi 'Anil Munkar (telling others not to do bad). People would commit evils in front of them and the scholars would pass by with closed eyes. People were victims of corruption and gave money to such scholars and they would easily close their eyes and accept the fees without performing Amr bil Ma'roof. Truth was crumpling in front of them but they never raised their voices.

Imam (a.s) said this curse was not specific to those Jewish scholars but also applicable to those scholars who do not perform Amr bil Ma'roof and Nahi 'Anil Munkar. Even though dignified scholars and Islamic personalities were seated in his presence, with no presence of any Jew, Imam (a.s) said that Allah (s.w.t) has cursed the scholars of Bani Israel because they didn't respond to the call of truth.

In 60 AH, Imam (a.s) replied to those scholars who stopped him from continuing his journey towards Karbala:

'Shame on your dialogues which you are conversing with me. How can you preach and advise me to arrive at a mutual understanding with Yazeed? How can you tell me to leave him alone and keep quiet by presenting myself only in the Holy Ka'bah or mosque while being unaware of the government? Why shouldn't I make a movement if the devil is overdrawing us?' When people asked, 'Why will you raise your voice?', he replied:

'' الا ترون الی الحق لا یعمل بہ ''

'Are you not seeing that truth is not followed upon? Have you not seen that falsehood is not opposed? Is it not enough for a Muslim to raise his voice and say, 'O People! Truth is not followed upon and falsehood is not opposed.' People asked that what should be done, he replied, 'Rise and commemorate Karbala'.

Hajj and Azadari - Souls of Islam

For this reason, Imam Khomeini (RA) said that if Hajj and Azadari (mourning) is understood (if Hajj is understood by Haaji and Azadari is understood by Azadar), Hajj will not turn into a business nor will Azadari turn into a custom or tradition. If Hajj e Ibrahimi is performed in its true spirit and Azadari is performed with the spirit of true Zainabi, no Yazeed will dare to stand an obstacle in his way.

Corrupt system, the biggest devil

Imam Hussain (a.s) said that the biggest disbeliever is the corrupt, evil system and not the one who has shaved his beard or the one who is not seated in the proper direction of Qiblah or the woman whose headscarf has slipped back a little. Most of the times, such acts are regarded as Amr bil Ma'ruf, like encouraging a man to beard himself, inspiring a woman to do hijab (scarf) and so forth. By encouraging others to do such things, we feel that we have propagated and preached Islam to a great extent. No, the biggest virtue is to pull people out from the scorching heat of corrupt and evil system to a cool shadow of the system of guardianship (wilayat). Similarly, the greatest devil is the authority of a corrupt system over man. Today the devil overshadows the entire world and if you have felt, it also overshadows the Hajj of today.

Boycotting the Hajj under the devilish shadows

Imam Hussain (a.s) untied his Ihram on 8th Zilhajj, have you ever wondered why? The reason being the first Hajj under the times of Yazeed's management.

We all have heard the term 'boycott'. Every now and then we boycott different products, anything that is not done according to opposition is boycotted. By boycotting and walking out, we are hinting that we are not willing for such a thing, we are not ready for the law that is passed hence we walk out of the assembly.

Hajj is not dearer to anyone more than Imam Hussain (a.s). Value of the Holy Ka'bah is highly recognized by Imam Hussain (a.s). No one knows 'Arafah and Mina more than the titleholder of 'Arafah, none know the great sacrifice of Ibrahim (a.s) more than than the inheritor and pride of Ibrahim (a.s). Even then he left 'Arafah, Mina and the Holy Ka'bah, why? To demonstrate to the Ummah that 'O Muslims! This Hajj is performed under the supervision of a devil, Yazeed's shadow has overpowered the Hajj and the Hajj which is shadowed by Yazeed is not agreeable by Hussain.' Imam (a.s) boycotted himself and walked away lest the supervision of Hajj is changed.

Hajj e Ibrahimi, the desire of Imam Khomeini (RA)

Imam Khomeini (RA) says all problems and worries that are endured by Islam today can easily be solved through one Hajj e Ibrahimi alone. But to reach such a status, one has to undergo migration, to smash idols. Hajj e Ibrahimi cannot be achieved by carrying idols with ourselves because Ibrahim (a.s) was an idol-breaker himself hence we should be aware of the character of Ibrahim (a.s).

After having performed the rites of Hajj and other supplications, Haaji (pilgrim) is exhausted and doesn't have enough vigor (strength) left to listen or learn something but has the strength to talk about weather, tent's cleanliness etc. Conversations continue in hotels amongst groups and almost every topic is discussed other than the character of Ibrahim (a.s) (seerat e Ibrahimi) whereas this is the right spot to discuss his character.

Wisdom of standing on Maqaam e Ibrahim

Haaji is made to stand at Maqaam e Ibrahim, has anyone wondered why am I made to stand at such a place? Have I ever attained recognition of Ibrahim (a.s) and who he was?

If a soldier battling in warfront has to leave due to some urgency or gets martyred in field due to which you are made to stand and given a gun in the battlefield saying to defend yourself from the enemy, would you begin reciting night prayers here? No! You were given a gun and told that you are confronting your enemy. The soldier who was fighting before you is now martyred and you have to now act as his vicegerent (deputy) for some time or at all times. Man thinks if he can become a soldier's vicegerent, can he take the place of an idol-breaker?

It is not that there are no idols today. In fact, the entire world has turned into an idol temple. There are idol temples everywhere but no presence of Ibrahim (a.s).

زمانہ اپنے براہیم کی تلاش میں ہے

صنم کدہ ہے جہاں لا الہ الااللہ

Hajj in accordance with Ibrahim (a.s)'s Hajj

But where does man turn into Ibrahim (a.s)? He turns into Ibrahim (a.s) during Hajj, at Mina, during sacrifice, while performing Ramee Jamarat (hurling stones at satan). Men have to become Ibrahim (a.s) and return to their lands, not one Ibrahim, but millions of Ibrahim have to return to their lands. One Ibrahim can destroy one idol's temple. God will be our witness, a few million Ibrahim can destroy all idol temples in east and west but on the condition of creating an Ibrahimi soul within the pilgrim which acts as Ibrahim (a.s)'s deputy everywhere.

!براہیمی نظر پیدا مگر شکل سے ہوتی ہے               

ہوس چھپ چھپ کے سینوں میں بنالیتی ہے تصویریں                                   

آج بھی ہو جو براہیم کا ایماں پیدا               

آگ کرسکتی ہے انداز گلستاں پیدا                                   

صنم کدہ ہے جہاں اور مردِ حق ہے خلیل                

!یہ نقطہ وہ ہے کہ پوشیدہ لاالٰہ میں ہے                           

The vision of Ibrahim gets developed with utmost difficulty
Lust by hiding itself inside the chest paints pictures

Even today if the faith of Ibrahim gets developed
Fired can give birth to the temperament of Garden

Where there is idols temple, the friend of Allah is the righteous man
This point is hidden inside "There is no God other than Allah"