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*Surah Al-Baqara, Verse 197:*
الْحَجُّ أَشْهُرٌ مَّعْلُومَاتٌ فَمَن فَرَضَ فِيهِنَّ الْحَجَّ فَلَا رَفَثَ وَلَا فُسُوقَ وَلَا جِدَالَ فِي الْحَجِّ وَمَا تَفْعَلُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ يَعْلَمْهُ اللَّهُ وَتَزَوَّدُوا فَإِنَّ خَيْرَ الزَّادِ التَّقْوَىٰ وَاتَّقُونِ يَا أُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ
The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known (lunar year) months (i.e. the 10th month, the 11th month and the first ten days of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, i.e. two months and ten days). So whosoever intends to perform Hajj therein by assuming Ihram), then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj. And whatever good you do, (be sure) Allah knows it. And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness, etc.). So fear Me, O men of understanding!
*COMMENTARY*
The months well known: the months of Shawwāl, and Zhul-Hijja (up to the 10th or the 13th) are set apart for the rites of Hajj. That is to say, the first rites may begin as early as the beginning of Shawwāl, with a definite approach to Makkah but the chief rites are concentrated on the first ten days of Zhul-Hijja, and especially on the 8th, 9th and 10th of that month, when the concourse of pilgrims reaches its height. The chief rites may be briefly enumerated:
1. The wearing of the pilgrim garment (ihrām) from certain points definitely fixed on all the roads to Makkah after this the pilgrimage prohibitions come into operation and the pilgrim is dedicated to worship and prayer and the denial of vanities.
2. The going round the Ka'abah seven times (tawāf), typifying activity, with the kissing of the little Black Stone built into the wall, the symbol of concentration in the love of Allāh (Sub-haanahu wata'aala).
3. After a short prayer at the Station of Abraham (Qur'an chapter ii, verse 125), the pilgrim goes to the hills Safā and Marwa (Qur'an chapter ii, verse 158), the symbols of patience and perseverance.
4. The great Sermon (Khutba) on the 7th of Zhul-Hijja, when the whole assembly listens to an exposition to the meaning of Hajj.
5. The visit on the eighth, of the whole body of pilgrims to the Valley of Minā (about six miles north of Makkah, where the pilgrims halt and stay the night, proceeding on the ninth to the plain and hill of Arafāt, about five miles further north, which is also called the Mount of Mercy.
5. The tenth day, the Īd Day, the the day of sacrifice, when the sacrifice is offered in the Valley of Minā, the head is shaved or the hair trimmed, the tawāf al-Ifada and the symbolic ceremony of casting seven pebbles at the Jamarat is performed on the first occasion: it is continued on subsequent days, both rites are connected with the story of Abraham: this is the 'Id-ul-Adhhā'; note that the ceremony is connected with the rejection of evil in thought, word, and deed. A stay of two or three days after this is prescribed: these three days are called Tashrīq days.
It is recommended that pilgrims should come with provisions, so that they should not be compelled to resort to begging. But, as usual, our thought is directed at once from the physical to the spiritual. If provisions are required for a journey on the earth, how much more important to provide for the final journey into the future world? The best of such provisions is right conduct, which is the same as the fear of Allāh (Sub-haanahu wata'aala).
﷽
*Surah Al-Baqara, Verse 198:*
لَيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ أَن تَبْتَغُوا فَضْلًا مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ فَإِذَا أَفَضْتُم مِّنْ عَرَفَاتٍ فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ عِندَ الْمَشْعَرِ الْحَرَامِ وَاذْكُرُوهُ كَمَا هَدَاكُمْ وَإِن كُنتُم مِّن قَبْلِهِ لَمِنَ الضَّالِّينَ
There is no sin on you if you seek the Bounty of your Lord (during pilgrimage by trading, etc.). Then when you leave 'Arafat, remember Allah (by glorifying His Praises, i.e. prayers and invocations, etc.) at the Mash'ar-il-Haram. And remember Him (by invoking Allah for all good, etc.) as He has guided you, and verily, you were, before, of those who were astray.
*COMMENTARY*
Legitimate trade is allowed, in the interests both of the honest trader, who can thus meet his own expenses, and of the generality of pilgrims, who would otherwise be greatly inconvenienced for the necessaries of life. But the profit must be sought as from the "bounty of Allāh." There should be no profiteering, or trade "tricks." Good honest trade is a form of service to the community, and therefore to Allāh (Sub-haanahu wata'aala).
About midway between Arafāt and Minā is a place called Muzdalifah where the Holy Prophet offered up a long prayer. It has thus become a Sacred monument and pilgrims are directed to follow that example on their return. A special reason for this is given in the next commentary.
Certain arrogant tribes living in Makkah used not to go to Arafāt with the crowd but to stop short at Muzdalifah. They are rebuked for their arrogance and told that they must perform all the rites like the rest of pilgrims. There is equality in Islam.
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