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The 5 Pillars of Islam
Islam has a system of ritual designed to translate our religious beliefs into concrete reality. This serves to keep us constantly aware of our duty to Allah and helps us avoid the temptation and complacency. The system is called the Arkan al Islami or Pillars of Islam. In order, they are:
SHAHADAH - A declaration of faith, declaring belief in the one true God and declaring that Muhammad is the Messenger of God. The wording of the basic Shahadah is: Ashahadu an la ilaha il Allah wa Ashahadu anna Muhammadur Rasoolullah (I testify that there is no god but Allah and I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah)
When one has uttered the Shahadah with true sincerity and truly believes in it, then that person is a Muslim. But being a Muslim is not just about uttering a declaration of faith..... this must be followed up with supporting actions of faith.
SALAT - Salat is the Arabic word for prayer. There are 5 obligatory prayers that a Muslim must perform throughout the day, every day. There are also many recommended and voluntary prayers that can be performed.
ZAKAT - Zakat is an annual form of charity that a Muslim is obliged to give. It is equal to 2.5% of our average annual wealth. The word Zakat literally means to purify. How is charity related to purity? Quite simply, the material world has the potential to distract us from our primary mission: to surrender ourselves to Allah. Therefore, when we are made to let go of some of our worldly possessions, we force ourselves to let go of some of our greed.
SAUM - Saum is translated as fasting. During the Islamic holy month of Ramadhan, Muslims fast from dawn til dusk. Every Muslim over the age of puberty, who is sane and healty enough must observe the fast, Temporary exemption is given to women who may be in there menses, giving birth, or in a post partum state. The fast isn't just about not eating and drinking, there is a strict discipline involved, including not smoking or having sexual relations and to abstain from any undesirable behaviour such as cursing, fighting, lying, gossiping and the like.
HAJJ - The Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca. It is a spiritual journey that every sane, adult Muslim should strive to undertke at least once in a lifetime if they can afford it and are physically able. The purpose of Hajj is to worship Allah, renew one's faith, to honour the prophet Muhammad and to look at one's life from a spiritual perspective rather than a material perspective.
The 1st Pillar of Islam:
The Importance of Shahadah
Shaykh Saleh al-Fouzan
Definitely there could be no greater and more important a statement than 'La ilaha illa Allah' (there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah).
It is the statement of declaration of belief in the Tawheed (Oneness) of Allah which is the dividing line between Imaan and Kufr - It was the call of all of the previous Messengers and Prophets (as).
Allah (Ta'ala) Himself attested to the importance of this statement in the Qur'an:
He (Ta'ala) said: "...and know that La ilaha ill Allah (that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah)..." [49:19, 20:8, 3:18, 59:22-3]
As long as this statement is an obligation for an unbeliever to declare in order for him to become a Muslim, and also, since a person who pronounces it faithfully his property and life are safeguarded in this world, it becomes an obligation upon any Muslim who wants to understand the Deen of Islam to realize its meaning, merits, principles, conditions and its place in life.
Remembering Allah (Dhikr Allah) is one of the most important commandments of Allah. This He Himself commanded in many verses of the Qur'an, especially after the performance of important religious obligations: "...Then when you leave Arafat, remember Allah (by glorfying and praising Him) at the Mash`ar il-Haraam. And remember Allah (by invokingAllah for all good) as He has guided you..." [2:198]
"Then when you have accomplished your 'Manasik' (all the rights of Hajj); remember Allah as you remember your father with a strong remembrance..." [2:200] He (Ta'ala) also said: "...and establish prayers for My remembrance." [20:14]
The best way to remember Allah is described to us in the Hadeeth of the Messenger (Sall'Allahu alayhi wa salam), he said:
"...and the best (supplication) I and the other prophets who were sent who were sent before me proclaimed was: There is no deity worthy of worship but Allah, He is Alone and has no partner. To Him belongs the Ownership (of everything), and to Him belongs all Praise, and He has total power over all things." [Laa ilaaha ill Allah, wah.dahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul h.amdu wa huwa `alaa kulli shay'in Qadeer.] At-Tirmidhi
The Messenger of Allah (Sall'Allahu alayhi wa salam) also said: "The best remembrance of Allah is to say 'la ilaha ill Allah' (there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah)."
All of the above points highlight the importance of this 'kalima' which we will try to explain in some more detail so that a clearer understanding of it can be achieved.
THE PLACE OF LA ILAHA ILL ALLAH IN THE LIFE OF A MUSLIM
It is pronounced daily by him in:
( a ) The call to prayer.
( b ) At the beginning of their prayers
( c ) During Tashahud.
( d ) During times of 'Dhikr', which is before and after prayers, in the late evening and also in the early mornings. ( e ) With this 'Kalima' did Allah send all His Messengers.
( f ) About it and its obligations will people be questioned
( g ) To establish it when the swords of Muslims are drawn for Jihaad.
( h ) The first question in the grave will be about this 'Kalima'.
( i ) It is the key to Al-Jannah.
( j ) It is what the Muslims are commanded to invite to as is estbalished in the Hadeeth of Muadh when he was sent to Yemen to call the people to Islaam. The Messenger of Allah (Sall'Allahu alayhi wa salam) said: "You are going to encounter with a people of the Book, so let the first thing you call them to is the proclamation of 'laa ilaaha ill Allah' (there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah)..." [Bukhari]
THE MERITS OF THE 'KALIMAH' (LA ILAHA ILL ALLAH)
Abu Sa`eed al-Khudri said, that the Messenger of Allah (Sall'Allahu alayhi wa salam) said:
"Moses (Alayhi salam) said: O Lord! Teach me something that I can remember You with and I can supplicate You with. He (Ta'ala) said: Say 'La ilaha ill Allah', O Musa. He (Musa) said: All of your servants say this. He (Ta'ala) said: If the seven Heavens and those who dwell in them other than Me and the seven Earths are put into one pan (of the scale) and 'La ilaha ill Allah' is put into the other; 'La ilaha ill Allah' would be heavier." [Ibn Hibbaan and Haakim]
The Messenger of Allah (Sall'Allahu alayhi wa salam) said:
"The best Dhikr (remembrance) is 'La ilaha ill Allah' (There is no deity worthy of worship but Allah)..."
The Messenger of Allah (Sall'Allahu alayhi wa salam) said:
"A person from my Ummah will be summoned in the presence of all creatures on the Day of Judgement. Ninety-nine records (of his deeds) would be unfolded, each extending as far as the range of the vision can stretch, then he would be asked: 'Do you deny any of these deeds?' He will reply: 'No, My Lord.' He will be asked: 'Do you have any excuse or any good deed?' The man who will be scared will say: 'No' It will be said to him: 'Yes you have some good deeds. No iniquity will befall you.'
A card will then be shown to him, on it will be written: 'La ilaha ill Allah, Muhammadur Rasoolullah.' He will say: 'O Allah! What cards and records are these.' It will be said to him: 'No injustice shall befall you.' The (ninety-nine) records will then be placed in one pan of the scale and the card on the other. The card will then outweigh the records." [At-Tirmidhi and Al-Haakim]
All of these merits of the 'Kalimah' Are ummarized by Ibn Rajab As follows:
- Al-Jannah is its reward.
- Uttering it before death will cause one to be admitted to the Jannah.
- It is a refuge from the Fire of Hell.
- It is a cause for a Muslim to be forgiven.
- It is the best of good deeds.
- It wipes out sins.
- It traverses all bariers in order to be accepted by Allah, the Almighty
- It is a statement whose pronouncer will be accepted by Allah.
- It is the best proclamation ever uttered by the Prophets.
- It is the best celebration of His praises.
- It is the best of deeds and it multiplies into many good deeds.
- It is a protection against Satan.
- It is a safety from the darkness and the punishment of the graves and from the Day of Resurrection.
- The eight doors of Paradise will be accessible to its pronouncer.
- People who pronounce it will certain come out of the Fire of Hell, even after they have been cast into it for falling short of observing its obligations.
The Second Pillar of Islam:
The Five Daily Prayers
Author: Abu Iyaad as-Salafi
The Muslim's prayers are one of the many types of worship in Islam. They are an outward expression of a Muslim's belief in Allah. The prayer is also a practical sign of obedience to the command of Allah. As such it is something that is performed on a daily basis[1] so that a Muslim is never unmindful of the One who created him and provided for him with all that he can see and observe on this earth - all of which has been subjected to him, for his use and benefit. Allah said:
And He has subjected to you [for your use and benefit] all that is in the Heavens and the Earth. It is all as a favour and kindness from Him. Verily in this are signs for a people who think deeply. [Jaathiyah 45:13]
Since human-kind have been created to fulfil a purpose - which is to worship Allah - there must be a way to express this worship - otherwise it would be meaningless - and this is why the Muslim's prayer consists of physical actions: a number of different postures. So a Muslim stands, bows and prostrates. And this is a sign of humility, gratefulness and obedience.
When a Muslim faces the qiblah (the direction of prayer) he also knows that he must turn his heart away from all other things to Allah, the One True God. When a Muslim stands in front of Allah, having folded his hands and arms, it is a sign of humility and defeat in front of Allah, the One True God. In this posture a Muslim also brings to mind the Day of Judgement where he will have to stand and account for his deeds. When a Muslim bends his back and bows to Allah, it is a sign of lowering oneself in obedience to Allah. It is a sign of acknowledging one's own shortcomings and weaknesses in front of the all-Powerful God who is Most-Perfect. While in this position a Muslim says: "How perfect is my Lord, the Most Great". Then when a Muslim prostrates, placing his or her noble limbs upon the earth, it is an extreme sign and the end result of humility. Whilst in this position a Muslim says: "How perfect is my Lord, the Most High". In this posture a Muslim returns his limbs to their place of origin: the dust from which they were created.
The prayer is a constant reminder therefore, for all of humanity - for the black or the white, for the rich or the poor, for the powerful or the powerless, for the employer or the employee - of Allah, the One True God, that He is their Creator and Lord, that they have no privilege or benefit - whether it be on account of wealth, power or status - except that it has come from Allah and so they have no reason to become proud or arrogant over one another. Also, that they recognise their great dependence upon Him for all their needs.
The five daily prayers have enormous benefits, both for the individual and also for the society at large. Since a Muslim has to perform ablution[2] for the prayers it ensures physical cleanliness for the duration of the whole day. In Islam great importance is given to cleanliness. The Prophet Muhammad (sall'Allahu alayhi wasallam) said: "Cleanliness is one-half of faith".
Then by the performance of prayer, at stated times and in congregation (praying collectively in the mosque, where all the Muslims stand shoulder to shoulder, feet to feet in straight rows) a Muslim learns to be punctual, to develop and have a sense of duty, to have self-discipline, self-control, patience, efficiency, and to build his character. It might seem that repeating something five times a day is a bit repetitive and can get quite tiresome. But this is far from the truth. This is because the prayer does not consist of mere actions. Rather a Muslim is actually speaking to Allah throughout the whole prayer, while he is standing, bowing or prostrating: speaking to the One who created him and fashioned him from a mere sperm drop to a fully grown human being who possesses sight, hearing and understanding.
Say: He is the One who initiated the process of your creation and then gave you the faculties of hearing, seeing and understanding. Little thanks is it that you give [Mulk 67:23]
So this reminds him of his lowly origins. At the same time, while standing in front of his Lord, a Muslim feels the emotions of love, hope and fear. And every time a Muslim performs the prayer his faith and belief in the One True God is increased and strengthened due to these feelings, which are a result of the words and actions of the prayer.
The prayer not only helps in building individual character but also assists in building the whole structure of community organisation and social discipline. Daily prayer keeps this organisation alive and working and prevents it from becoming ineffective. This is why performing prayer in congregation is obligatory. Such regular meetings of individual Muslims, helps to form a 'community centre'. When Muslims assemble in the mosque, they have all come for one objective. These feelings unite them, despite the differences in their race, language, colour or nationality. A strong sense of brotherhood is created and kept alive by the institution of the five daily prayers.
Some of the other benefits of the five daily prayers that are performed in congregation include: mutual help and co-operation, equality and brotherhood, tolerance, unity, respect for the rights of others, love and affection, and unity. The prayer also prevents a Muslim from doing unjust and shameful deeds as Allah said:
Verily, prayer prevents from shameful and unjust deeds. [Ankaboot 29:45]
There are also many instances and circumstances in which the prayer is performed collectively, besides the five daily prayers. There is the weekly Friday prayer which is considered as a minor form of a day of celebration. Muslims bathe and dress well for this occasion and everyone is encouraged to attend this prayer since a small sermon is given before prayer, and which serves as a reminder for the Muslims.
Then there are the two Eid[3] prayers. The two days of Eid are days of celebration and joy. An additional prayer is held on these two days in the early morning and all Muslims are strongly encouraged to attend, along with their families. This is a time when all Muslims meet each other, give greetings to each other and also visit each other.
Muslims also perform collective prayer on the occasion of an eclipse, both for lunar and solar eclipses. An eclipse is one of most striking signs of Allah, the One True God. It is quite a fearful and awe-inspiring event and thus Muslims perform prayer while this phenomenon takes place. Muslims do not believe that an eclipse is an omen or anything superstitious as thought by many in both past and present times. Rather, it is one of the clear signs of Allah's power and so it is a time when Muslims perform prayer to acknowledge this fact.
Another occasion of collective prayer is when there has been a prolonged absence of rain. So Muslims come out into the open and perform the pray for rain. Here they beseech and invoke Allah, the One Who sends the winds and the rains, that He blesses them and sends upon them, rain. This is at a time when their livelihood may be at stake and so in mutual concern for themselves and each other, they embark together to perform this prayer. Again this instils the notion of brotherhood and mutual care and consideration amongst the people.
Death is an inevitable reality and for this occasion there is the funeral prayer. Attending the deceased Muslim's funeral and performing the prayer over him is one of the many rights that a Muslim has over another Muslim. All the Muslims come and take part in this prayer out of a sense of respect and responsibility and after it, assist in the burial. This make them remind themselves that they too, will be placed into the earth, ready to be raised again to be held accountable for their deeds. Thus, helping them to not lose track of their goal in life and become too heavily immersed the pursuits of life.
So it can be seen how the prayer in Islam is linked to every sphere of the life of a Muslim and also to the life of Muslim community. When one knows that human-kind has been created to worship Allah - the One True God - then it is understandable that the prayer should play a vital role in daily life, in helping Muslims to fulfil their duty to their Creator and Lord, in helping them to create love and affection between themselves, and in helping them to seek assistance for their daily individual and collective needs as well as constantly reminding them of what is yet to come - the Hereafter.
FOOTNOTES
1 The five daily prayers are performed at dawn, immediately after mid-day, late afternoon, sunset and at night (a couple of hours after sunset).
2 This consists of washing the hands, the face, the mouth, the nose, the arms and elbows, wiping over ones head, and washing the feet and ankles.
3 A day of celebration is known as Eid. Muslim have two 'Eids' in their calendar. One is called 'Eid ul-Fitr' and marks the end of the month of fasting, Ramadaan. The other, known as 'Eid ul-Adhaa' commemorates the end of the rituals of pilgrimage which were performed originally by the Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) in Makkah.
The Third Pillar of Islam - ZAKAT
What is Zakat?
Zakat is neither a tax nor is it exclusively charitable giving, as per common misconceptions. The giving of Zakat is unquestionably a gift from the infinitely merciful Creator to His creation. On the one hand, every individual's income is invariably polluted by impurities of some sort. On the other, Islam is formly committed to the principle of social justice and the equitable distribution of wealth. As such, a transfer of wealth from the rich to the poor via Zakat helps in achieving these objectives. The wealth of the rich is cleansed and the poor are save the indignation of begging.
Various studies have conclusively shown that 2.5% of the wealth of the richest people in the world would be sufficient to alleviate the poverty of those in need. The United nations has set a target for the countries of the 'rich' world to give 0.7% of their Gross Domestic Produce in charitable aid to the 'under developed' world by 2010 in order to ensure hundreds of millions of people are lifted out of abject poverty. At present the vast majority of 'rich' countries struggle to give even 0.3% of their GDP as charitable aid.
Allah (Ta'ala) says in the Qur'an:
Take alms from their property that you may purify and sanctify them and pray for them. Verily your prayers are a comfort for them (9:103)
How beautiful Islam really is in its extraordinary ability to achieve social equilibrium between rich and poor. Whilst Zaxat is enjoined on those who are wealthy, Allah (Ta'ala) asks the poor to pray for the Zakat givers, and says that their prayers are a comfort to the Zakat givers.
Zakat is never considered a favour by the rich to the poor. Rather it is a right of the poor over the rich.
Allah (Ta'ala) says in the Qur'an:
In their wealth there is a known share for the beggars and the destitute (70:24-25)
Hence Zakat is unlike conventional charity in that it is not voluntary. In fact withholding it is tantamount to depriving the poor of their God-given right. Similarly it is not a tax, as it is a major act of worship to Allah, whilst a tax is purely fiscal consideration.
The Importance of Zakat
Allah (Ta'ala) mentions Zakat with Salat in no less than 82 verses of the Holy Qur'an. Such is the status of Zakat. Examples include:
Establish regular prayer and give Zakat (73:20)
Be steadfast in prayer, give Zakat and bow your heads with those who bow down (2:43)
In a hadith of the Prophet (sall'Allahu alayhi wa salam), he says:
If someone is given wealth by Allah but does not pay its Zakat, that wealth will appear to him on the Day of Judgement in the form of a bald serpent with 2 horns encircling him and squeezing him all day, then holding him by the lips and telling him 'I am your wealth, the treasure which you hoarded'
In another hadith the Prophet (sall'Allahu alayhi wa salam) states:
Zakat is never intermingled with another amount of wealth without destroying it and rotting it
Aquiring and implementing the knowledge of zakat is therefore at the core of Islamic belief and practice.
The Ulema have stated the benefits from discharging the obligation of Zakat hs both an outer and an inner dimension.
The outer dimension is primarily the purification of a muslim's wealth. Zakat has many meanings, but in this context its root verb means 'to purify' or 'to increase'. Hence Zakat serve as a filter to keep out impurities from a believers wealth and then for that wealth to increase in a manner in which it is pleasing to Allah.
The benefit of the inner dimension is more concerned with suppressing our ego, and quelling those ugly tendancies which lurk in us all such as gree, miserliness, the desire to hold onto material wealth and refusal to help those less financially fortunate than ourselves.
Zakat also serves as a timely reminder that wealth belongs to Allah, and then when giving Zakat, one expresses his gratitude for the material bounty Allah has bestowed upon him.
Who is required to pay Zakat and who is entitled to receive Zakat?
Zakat must be paid by all Muslims who own wealth and are: sane, mature, own assets in excess of the Nisab (this will be discussed further in another post insha'allah), possess sufficient wealth to take care of their basic needs (including dependants)
Islam never imposes an unfair burden on any soul, and therefore a person's basic necessities take priority over paying Zakat. So much so that if the cost of basic necessities when deducted from assets dictates that the Nisab level is note reached, then no zakat is payable. All praise be to Allah Whose infinite mercy continually showers us all.
As for those whom is able to receive zakat, Surah 9 Ayah 60 details the eight categories of individuals entitled to receive the Zakat. The opinion of the contemporary Ulema is that some of the categories are not found in present society (e.g. those in bondage)
The primary recipients of Zakat are the poor and destitute. These are defined as those people who do not possess the Nisab in addition to their basic necessities
There are also a few other categories of persons specifically NOT allowed to benefit. These are:
1) A Hashimi
2) The payers son or grandson
3) The payers father or grandfather
4) The payers spouse
All other relatives are allowed to receive Zakat and in fact are more deserving of it than the general poor public by virtue of family ties.
When giving Zakat, it is not necessary to inform the recipient of the nature of the funds. Some people may be embarrassed in receiving Zakat funds, despite being in desperate need of them.
The 4th Pillar of Islam:
The Importance of Saum (fasting) in Ramadhan
Fasting in the month of Ramadhan is compulsory on every Muslim adult. The Arabic word sawm is used for fasting. The word sawm (plural siyam) literally means 'to refrain', but as an Islamic term, it means refraining from food, drinks and sexual activity from dawn to sunset. Allah says in the Quran, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2-183):
'O you who believe, siyam is prescribed on you as it was prescribed to those before you so that you may become self-restrained.'
The importance of Siyam in Ramadhan is clearly expressed in several sayings of the Prophet (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam). It is reported by Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam) said:
'He who fasts during Ramadhan with faith and seeks his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven; he who prays during the night in Ramadhan with faith and seeks his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven; and he who passes Lailat al- Qadr in prayer with faith and seeks his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven.'
(Bukhari and Muslim)
Fasting in Ramadhan is practiced by Muslims all over the world. The most significant aspect of Siyam is the development of Allah-consciousness (Taqwa) in the heart and the soul of a fasting Muslim. One must abstain from immoral behavior and attitude as well. Refraining from food and such is essential during fast but it is not sufficient. The Prophet of Allah (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam) is reported to have said:
'If one does not abandon falsehood in words and deeds, Allah has no need for his abandoning of his food and drink.'
(Al-Bukhari)
WHO IS EXEMPT FROM SAWM?
Fasting is mandatory on every Muslim who is sane, adult, able and resident. The following exemptions apply:
The insane;
Children who are not adolescent yet;
The elderly and chronically ill for whom fasting is unreasonably strenuous; Such persons are required to feed at least one poor person every day in Ramadhan for which he or she has missed fasting.
Pregnant women and nursing may postpone the fasting at a later time;
The ill and the travellers can also defer their fasting.
Allah says in the Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqara:
'But if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period should be made up by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties.'
Women during the period of menstruation or of postchildbirth confinement. Fasting during these periods is forbidden and should be made up later, a day for a day.
DURATION OF SAWM:
Fasting starts everyday in Ramadhan at the break of dawn, which is also the start of the Salatul Fajr time. Fasting ends at sunset or with the call of Salatul Maghrib.
VALIDITY OF FASTING:
The validity of fasting depends on the following:
Abstaining from food, liquids and sexual activity from dawn to sunset.
The intention to fast must be made every day before dawn. The intention(niyyah) may be made during night before going to sleep or it can also be made at the time of Suhoor before dawn. Suhoor is eating before fasting. It should be as close to Fajr time as possible. Prophet Muhammad (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam) says:
'Partake Suhoor, for there is blessing in Suhoor.'(Bukhari, Muslim)
It is desirable to break the fast as soon as possible after sunset. Breaking the fast with dates or water is a tradition of the Prophet (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam). Following is one of the Du'a for breaking fast:
Allahumma laka sumtu wa 'ala ridhqika aftartu (O Allah! For You did I fast and with Your bounties did I break the fast.)
The things which invalidate fast are of two kinds. The first one requires Qada (only making up missed days), the other one not only requires Qada but also Kaffarah(a penalty).
The following are the things that require Qada only:
Eating or drinking intentionally. This includes non-nourishing items taken by mouth.
Deliberately causing oneself to throw up.
The beginning of menstruation or post-childbirth bleeding even in the last moment before sunset.
Ejaculation for reasons other than sexual intercourse.
Intending to break the fast before sunset even if one changes his mind, since intention is one of the pre-requisites of the validity of fasting.
Eating, drinking or having intercourse after dawn on the mistaken assumption that it is not dawn yet. Similarly, engaging in these acts before Maghrib on the mistaken assumption that it is already sunset.
Things that not only require Qada but also Kaffarah are the following:
Sexual intercourse during fasting (dawn to dusk). The penalty is to fast an additional period of 60 continuous days. If one is not able to do so then he must feed sixty poor people-one average meal each.
Before the days of the Prophet Muhammad (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam), slavery was a common practice in the Arab world. Islam eliminated slavery from the society in a very short period of time. A useful approach was to allow people to free a slave as a charity or as a penalty for a sin. Thus during the time of the Prophet (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam), setting a slave free was the penalty one must pay as a kaffarah, if he or she had a slave.
What does not break the fast:
If anyone forgets that he is fasting and eats or drinks, he should complete his fast, for it is only Allah who has fed him and given him drink. (A Hadith from Muslim).
Unintentional vomiting.
Swallowing things which are not possible to avoid, such as one's saliva, street dust, smoke, etc.
Brushing the teeth.
Injection or intra-venous which is solely medical and not nutritional.
Breaking of fast under exceptional conditions:
Muslims are permitted to break the ordained fast of Ramadhan when there is danger to their health. In this situation a Muslim should make up his fast later at any other time of the year.
The 5th Pillar of Islam:
The Importance of Hajj
History of Hajj
Hajj started with Ibraheem (alayhi salam) who left his legacy both in the Hanifiyah, the pristine religion of Islam and in Hajj. The legacy of Ibraheem (alayhi salam) was his millah, way, of true submission to Allah. He was the first one who used the word "Islam". He named anyone holding to the same faith as him a Muslim meaning the one that surrenders and submits to the will of the Creator, Allah. We read in Surat al-Hajj:
"And strive in His cause as you ought to strive, (with sincerity and under discipline). He has chosen you, and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion; it is the way of your father Abraham. It is He who has named you Muslims, both before and in this (Revelation); that the Messenger may be a witness for you, and you are witnesses for mankind! So establish regular Prayer, give regular Charity, and hold fast to Allah! He is your Protector, the best to protect and the Best to help!" (22:78)
His submission and total surrender to the Will of Allah is related to his establishment of Hajj. Even if Ibraheem (alayhi salam) did not remain in Makkah to the end of his life, he laid the foundations of the Ka'bah in the middle of Makkah valley as well as the principles of Tawheed, genuine monotheism, in the heart of his son Ismaeel (alayhi salam). The latter was also a prophet and a messenger of Allah, who kept the promise to preserve and guard Ka'bah as well as the Islamic faith. Later on, one of his descendents through Kedar - the second son of Ishmael as prophesied in Genesis 25:13 and a few other places - Muhammad (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam), who was also a Hanif, rejected the idolatry and paganism brought to Makkah and called to the same faith as his forefathers Ibraheem (alayhi salam) and Ismaeel (alayhi salam). He was chosen by Allah to be the last Messenger sent as Mercy to the world. He restored that legacy, Islam, and preserved the Ka'bah from the alien beliefs and practices. He reminded people of the religion of Ibraheem (alayhi salam) and its tenets and called everyone to the religion of Ibraaheem (alayhi salam).
The building of the Ka'bah was by Ibraaheem and his son Ismaeel (alayhim salam). This house was named "Ka'bah" after its cubic shape. It is the center point for Muslims all over the world. When a Muslim wants to pray, he, or she, must face Qiblah - the direction towards Makkah. Hajj also cannot be performed except in Makkah and its vicinity. The al-Masjid al-Haraam, holy mosque, was the first mosque built in the world. It is today the most visited place on earth and that is why it is called al-Bayt al-'ateeq meaning the ancient house. One prayer in this mosque equals one hundred thousands prayers elsewhere as stated in a few authentic hadiths.
When Ibraaheem (alayhi salam) finished the construction of Ka'bah, he called people to Hajj and prayed to Allah to bless Makkah and its vicinity and to make people come visit it until the Day of Judgement though it was remote and in the desert.
"Remember Abraham said: "O my Lord! Make this city one of peace and security: and preserve me and my sons from worshipping idols. "O my Lord! They have indeed led astray many among mankind; he then who follows my (way) is of me, and he that disobeys me, but You are indeed Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. "O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley without cultivation, by Your Sacred House; in order, O our Lord, that they may establish regular Prayer: so fill the hearts of some among people with love towards them, and feed them with Fruits: so that they may give thanks." (14:35-7)
Allah (swt) always relates the story of Hajj and Ibraheem (alayhi salam) to Tawheed and Islam, which is the way of Ibraheem, Muhammad, and all the prophets (alahim salam).
"Remember We made the House a place of assembly for men and a place of safety. And take the Station of Abraham as a place of prayer; and We covenanted with Abraham and Isma'il, that they should sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in Prayer). And remember Abraham said: "My Lord, make this a City of Peace, and feed its People with fruits' such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day." He said: "(Yes), and such as reject Faith, for a while will I grant them their Pleasure, but will soon drive them to the torment of Fire, an evil destination (indeed)!" And remember Abraham and Isma'il raised the foundations of the House (with this prayer): "Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us: for You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. "Our Lord! Make of us Muslims bowing to Your Will); and of our progeny a people Muslim, bowing to Your (Will); and show us our places for the celebration of (due) rites; and turn unto us (in Mercy); for You are the Oft-Returning, Most Merciful. "Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own, who shall rehearse Your Signs to them and instruct them in Scripture and Wisdom, and sanctify them: for You are the Exalted in Might, the Most Wise." And who turns away from the religion of Abraham but such as debase their souls with folly? Him We chose and rendered pure in this world: and he will be in the Hereafter in the ranks of the Righteous. Behold! His Lord said to him: "Bow (your will to Me):" he said: "I bow (my will) to the Lord and Cherisher of the Universe." And this was the Legacy that Abraham left to his sons, and so did Jacob; "O my sons! Allah has chosen the Faith for you; then die not except in the state of submission (to Allah)" (2:125-32)
And talking about the first call to Hajj, Allah (swt) says,
"Behold! We gave the site, to Abraham, of the (Sacred) House, (saying): "Associate not anything (in worship) with Me; and sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or stand up, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer). And proclaim the Pilgrimage among people; they will come to you on foot and (mounted) on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways. That they may witness the benefits (provided) for them, and celebrate the name of Allah, through the Days Appointed, over the cattle which He has provided for them (for sacrifice): then eat thereof and feed the distressed ones in want. Then let them complete the rites prescribed for them, perform their vows, and (again) circumambulate the Ancient House. Such (is the Pilgrimage): whoever honors the sacred rites of Allah, for him it is good in the sight of his Lord" (22:26-30)
As we see here, Hajj was practiced before Prophet Muhammad (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam) came, but the latter removed the false worshipped idols and ended all pagan beliefs and practices, which had changed gradually the way of Ibraheem and Ismaeel (alayhim salam) as well as the Ka'bah's sanctity. Many rituals were innovated by people over time, but Prophet Muhammad (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam) showed his companions with every detail how to perform the best pilgrimage. He (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam) said:
"O people! Learn from me the way how to perform your Hajj rituals for I do not know if I will be able to make Hajj next year or not." [Muslim, An-Nassaa'i, Abu Dawud, and Ahmad].
Hajj: A station of Commemorations:
When we perform Hajj, we should relate the rituals to our forefathers and ancestors in faith: Ibraheem, Ismaeel, Haajar, and Muhammad (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam) as well as the first generations of Muslims. In Hajj, we commemorate them as well as their sacrifice, sincerity, dedication and patience, which constitute the main elements of their legacy. We should not perform Hajj only physically, but spiritually as well. We should try to understand the meaning of every thing we do and see what lessons we can draw. The following points are some reflections on the pillars of Hajj and some other rituals:
- In the state of Ihram we wear for a couple of days a seamless garment, which is exactly like a shroud. It is a symbol of total renunciation of worldly life in order to get purified and to raise the soul to a high spiritual level of consciousness of Allah and the Eternal life. It makes the pilgrim humble, equal to others, and helpless as if it is the Day of resurrection.
The restrictions of the state of Ihraam are very rigorous in terms of the way the pilgrim behaves with others, with himself, and with Allah and also in terms of using regular worldly things such as putting perfume, cutting one's hair…etc. This makes Hajj a school of discipline, taqwah and self-control. A school, which can produce righteous, decent, honest and hardworking people as the five daily prayers and the fasting of Ramadhan and the pillars of Islam do.
- In Tawaaf (Circumambulating around the Ka'bah) the pilgrims walk fast to commemorate the first generation of Muslims who came with the Messenger of Allah (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalm) to perform Hajj. When the Polytheists of Makkah started saying that the Prophet's companions were sick because they were effected by the fever of Madinah, the Prophet (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam) wanted to disappoint them and show the opposite. That is why men almost jog with short steps in the first three circumambulations and uncover their right shoulders during all the tawaaf.
We also imitate the angels who circumambulate around al-bayt al-Ma'amour - the filled house - above in the seventh Heaven as reported in many authentic hadiths.
When we kiss the Black Stone, which was brought from Jannah, we remember the other life and pray to Allah that Paradise will be our abode. In the Hadith , the Prophet (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam) said that when the Black Stone was brought from Jannah., it was very white, but it darkened and became black because of the sins of human beings. We kiss it because we saw the Prophet (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam) doing it and it is simply an act of following. The stone cannot bring any benefit or harm to us. All the rituals, the pillars of Islam and our lives should be established by following the best. If we understand deeply the meaning of "I bear witness that Muhammad is the servant and Messenger of Allah" as following the pattern of the model chosen by God Almighty, we will certainly reach Jannah through the straight path, which is drawn by that model practically.
- In as-Safaa and al-Marwah we commemorate Haajar (radi'Allah anhu), the mother of Ismaeel (alayhi salam) and the wife of Ibraheem (alayhi salam). She performed Sa'y when she was looking for water for her son. After she relied on Allah and assured Ibraheem (alayhi salam) that Allah won't leave them without help (he left with them some dates and water but soon it was finished after a couple of days…). She was certain that Allah would not forsake her and her son. In that remote place, water sprung out from under the feet of Ismaeel the baby. After the certitude she had, her strong faith in Allah, her sacrifice of searching for water by going back and forth between as-Safaa and al-Marwah, Allah answered her du'aa and blessed her with a water that run and never stopped in an arid and rocky land. She left a great legacy in sacrifice, piety, trust in Allah, and patience. Allah wants us to learn from her to the point that he made Sa'y between as-Safaa and al-Marwah one of the pillars of Hajj and Umrah. He says,
"Behold! As-Safa and al-Marwah are among the Symbols of Allah. So if those who visit the House in the Season or at other times, should compass them round, it is no sin in them. And if any one obeys his own impulse to Good, be sure that Allah is He Who recognizes and knows." (2:158)
- In Arafaat we commemorate the Success of Muslims over the pagans of Makkah. It was the success of truth over falsehood. There, the Muslim remembers that truth always prevails no matter how long it takes for falsehood and delusion to last and deceive. 'Arafaat is also the symbol of unity and solidarity because it is a pillar of Hajj that should be done by all the pilgrims in the same place and at the same time following the same way. The day of Arafah reminds us also of the Day of Judgement when we will all stand up waiting for the Just Judgement of Allah Almighty.
Arafaat is also another symbol of manifestation of Tawheed in terms of the unified collective standing of all the pilgrims at the same time in the same place. Moreover, when Prophet Muhammad (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam) performed Hajj he stood on Arafaat as his forefather Ibraheem (alayhi salam) used to do instead of standing on Muzdalifah as the Quraish pagans used to do because they believed they should not go beyond al-Haram boundaries. This was also another example of the distortion of the religion of Ibraheem and Ismaeel(alayhim salam).
- In the Stoning at al-Jamaraat, we commemorate Ibraaheem (alayhi salam) and remember how strong and firm he was against Shaytan - our enemy since the time of Adam (alayhi salam). We should remember how Satan does his utmost effort to distract us from doing what we're supposed to do to become closer to Allah and to enter Paradise. Allah has told us that Satan is our enemy and that we should be constantly in this life in a state of war with him:
"Then We said: "O Adam! Verily, this - Satan - is an enemy to you and your wife: so let him not get you both out of the Garden, so that you are landed in misery." (20:117)
"Verily Satan is an enemy to you: so treat him as an enemy. He only invites his adherents, that they may become companions of the Blazing Fire." (35:6)
We also reflect on the great sacrifices and trials Ibraahem (alayhi salam) had to undergo such as offering his son Ismaael (alayhi salam) that he had to wait for his birth for many decades. In the middle of joy and happiness for becoming a father, Allah wanted to see how strong was his commitment to Him. He ordered him to offer the most valuable thing he had; his only son at that time. Ibraheem and Ismaeel (alayhim salam) did not fail in that very difficult test and earned the pleasure of Allah. Allah called this trial a great one when He said, "For this was obviously a great trial."
"So when they had both submitted their wills (to Allah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (for sacrifice), We called out to him, "O Abraham! You have already fulfilled the vision!" thus indeed do We reward those who do right. For this was obviously a trial. And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice" (37:103-07)
The most important thing we should keep in our minds is that Allah knows better than we do even if we sometimes think that a certain action is not clear to us or does not make a sense to us and why do we have to perform it. Of course Allah orders only what is good and just for us and all mankind. We should accept and submit to Allah. As a matter of fact, one of the meanings of Islam is acceptance.
In commemorating this, the pilgrim should think whether he, or she, is ready to offer the dearest thing to his, or her, heart for the sake of Allah. This religion cannot survive in the hearts of people without sacrifices, devotion, sincere love, commitment, and dedication. Allah (swt) says:
"By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely) of that which you love; and whatever you give, of a truth Allah knows it well." (3:92)
Lessons and Reflections:
- Hajj is an act of Worship - not tourism or promenade - which requires a physical and spiritual preparation.
- It is a station of renewing Imaan as many other stations where sins are wiped out by forgiveness and where faith, trust, and love of Allah, His Messengers, and the believers increase. The pilgrim gets purified and comes out of his sins like a newborn baby.
- It is a school of training for Taqwah - consciousness of one's duties towards Allah -, good character and discipline like in the other schools of the pillars of Islam.
- It is a manifestation of brotherhood, equality and Unity. The Muslims are like different branches but from one tree. In Hajj, we learn how to develop the Spirit of Unity.
- It is an annual Muslim 'convention' attended by Muslims from different horizons, colors, races, and tongues… They exchange ideas and news and celebrate their unity in faith and diversity in culture. They meet in their center-point Makkah (Qiblah). Muslims always have to have a center-point and should be constantly focused on their noble goals.