The Call of Ibrahim

Introduction to Hajj: The Call of Ibrahim

The Call of Ibrahim serves as a cornerstone in the Islamic tradition, highlighting the pivotal role of Prophet Ibrahim (Alaihis salaam) in establishing Hajj as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, representing one of the most significant acts of worship for Muslims worldwide. It is a profound journey of faith, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal that every able Muslim male and female is required to perform at least once in their lifetime. This article delves into the importance of Hajj, its spiritual benefits, and inspiring anecdotes that highlight its transformative power.

Prophet Ibrahim’s (Alaihis salaam) Call to Hajj

When Prophet Ibrahim (Alaihis salaam) completed the structure of the Ka’bah, Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) commanded him to call the people to Hajj. Ibrahim (Alaihis salaam) expressed concern, saying, “O Allah! How shall my voice reach all of those people?” Allah assured him that his duty was to give the call, and it was up to Allah to ensure it reached the people.

Prophet Ibrahim (Alaihi s-salaam) then climbed Mount Arafat and proclaimed in his loudest voice, “O People! Verily Allah has prescribed upon you Hajj, so perform Hajj.” This divine command is echoed in the Qur’an:

“And proclaim the Hajj among mankind. They will come to thee on foot and (mounted) on every camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways.”
(Surat Al-Hajj, Ayat 27)

To this very day, millions of Muslims heed the call of Prophet Ibrahim (Alaihis salaam), reaffirming the enduring legacy of Hajj.

The Spiritual Essence of Hajj: Forgiveness and Renewal

Hajj is not merely a physical journey but a profound spiritual quest that cleanses the soul and renews faith. Abu Hurairah narrates:

“Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any Rafath (obscenity) or Fusooq (transgression), he returns (free from sin) as the day his mother bore him.”
(Sahih Bukhari)

This purification underscores Hajj’s role in erasing past sins and providing a fresh start, making it one of the greatest deeds a Muslim can accomplish.

Hajj as the Greatest Jihad

Hajj is often referred to as the greatest jihad—a struggle for personal and spiritual betterment. Abu Sha’thaa’ beautifully encapsulates this:

“I contemplated the good deeds that a person does. I found that salaat as well as fasting are a jihad of the body. And that sadaqa is a jihad of someone’s wealth. But Hajj is a jihad of both body and wealth.”

This dual effort signifies the comprehensive nature of Hajj, requiring both physical endurance and financial capability.

Inspiring Stories of Devotion During Hajj

The Devotion of Aishah (Radiallahu anha):

Aishah (Radiallahu anha) asked the Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), “We find that jihad is the best deed, shouldn’t we (women) do jihad?” The Prophet replied, “Rather the best jihad is a Hajj Mabroor!” Aishah later declared, “I’ll never cease performing Hajj after I heard that from Rasul Allah.”

(Agreed Upon)

The Mercy of Allah in Hajj:
An inspiring story from Islamic history recounts a man from Turkmenistan who, overwhelmed by his inability to perform lengthy prayers in his native tongue, fervently prayed, “O Allah! Grant me everything that they are asking for!” Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) accepted his dua, showcasing His boundless mercy.

The Tragedy and Compassion During Hajj 1996:
During the Hajj of 1996, amidst the tragic events at Jamarat, a profound display of human compassion and divine mercy was witnessed. Amidst chaos and loss, the unwavering faith and mutual support among pilgrims highlighted the true spirit of Hajj.

Understanding Hajj Mabroor: An Accepted Hajj

The term Hajj Mabroor is frequently mentioned in Hadiths, emphasizing its acceptance by Allah(Subhanahu wa ta’ala). A Mabroor Hajj signifies a pilgrimage where the individual:

• Maintains Obedience: Avoids disobedience during and after Hajj.

• Spiritual Renewal: Returns in a better spiritual state, discontinuing previous sins.

• Divine Acceptance: Earns Allah’s forgiveness and approval.
  As narrated by Ibn Umar, a Hajj Mabroor is only accepted by Allah from the God-Fearing (Al-Muttaqoon).

The Day of Arafat: A Day of Divine Mercy

The Day of Arafat holds unparalleled significance in Islam. The Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:

“There is no day on which Allah frees more of His slaves from Fire than the Day of Arafat, and He verily draws near, then boasts of them before the angels, saying: ‘What do they seek?’”
(Sahih Muslim)

Another Hadith states:

“Verily Allah boasts of the people of Arafat before the people of Heaven (angels) saying: ‘Look to my servants who have come to Me disheveled and dusty.’”
(Sahih Muslim)

This day is a beacon of hope and forgiveness, where sincere prayers (dua) are bound to be accepted.

The Ultimate Reward: Jannah

Performing an accepted Hajj carries the ultimate reward:

“And there is no reward for an accepted Hajj…except Jannah!”
(Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)

This promise underscores the eternal benefits of a sincere pilgrimage, motivating Muslims to strive for a Hajj that is pleasing to Allah.

Personal Reflections and Experiences

Muhammad Al-Shareef shares his personal experiences:

In the Islamic history books, it was narrated that on the day of Arafat, a man from Turkmenistan stood on the plains of Arafat in Hajj. To his left, all he could see were Muslims crying and praying to Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala). To his right, all he could see were Muslims crying and praying to Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala). Because of his native tongue, he could not imitate the lengthy prayers of the others. At this realization, everything blurred in front of him. His face reddened, his eyes poured tears as he raised his hands, “O Allah! Grant me everything that they are asking for! Grant me everything that they are asking for!” And Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) accepted his dua.

Another poignant moment occurred during the Hajj of 1996, where amidst tragedy, Muhammad Al-Shareef witnessed profound acts of mercy and compassion among pilgrims. This reinforced his understanding of Allah’s mercy and the true spirit of Hajj.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey of Hajj

Hajj is more than a ritual; it is a transformative journey that epitomizes faith, resilience, and the pursuit of Allah’s mercy. By understanding its profound significance and striving for a Hajj Mabroor, Muslims can attain spiritual purification and eternal rewards. As Muhammad Al-Shareef aptly concludes:

“With that spirit, let us march forward in the search of the Mercy of Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) and His forgiveness, to the first house of Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) on earth, to Hajj.”

By Muhammad Al-Shareef