Showing posts with label Hajj. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hajj. Show all posts

Friday, October 14, 2011

Korban Jangan Jadi Upah

Korban Jangan Jadi Upah
Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin

 Dengan  Nama Allah, Yang Maha Pemurah, lagi Maha Mengasihani;
Segala Pujian dan  Kesyukuran hanya kepada Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala; Selawat dan Salam keatas Rasulnyai  Muhammad 

Menjelang musim hariraya korban, maka mungkin beberapa peringatan patut diulangi agar amalan korban kita benar-benar memenuhi tuntutan syarak. Antaranya, daging korban tidak boleh dijual oleh pembuat korban, sama ada dengan cara tukaran wang atau tukaran tenaga kerja. Apa sahaja transaksi yang membawa erti ‘menjual binatang yang telah dikorbankan’ samada dengan tukaran duit atau tenaga atau selainnya, adalah dilarang.

Ini kerana para fuqaha (sarjana fekah) bersependapat bahawa adalah haram hukumnya daging sembelihan korban (al-adhiyah) itu dijual.
 
Kata Ibn Rusy (rahimahullāh) di dalam Bidayah al-Mujtahid:

 “Pada pengetahuanku para ulama telah sepakat bahawa tidak diharuskan menjual daging korban” (1/703, Beirut: Dar al-Khair)

Upah Hasil Korban

Secara umumnya menjual daging korban oleh pembuat korban itu dilarang ini telah diketahui oleh kebanyakan kita. Namun ada yang terlupa bahawa syarak juga menetapkan bahawa memberi daging korban kepada penyembelih atau pelapah atau sebagai sebagai upah hasil kerja yang mereka lakukan adalah termasuk juga dalam hukum jual beli. Iaitu menjual daging untuk membeli tenaga kerja. Larangan memberikan daging atau selainnya sebagi upah kerja kepada penyembelih adalah termaktub dalam hadith-hadith yang sahih yang diriwayat oleh al-Bukhari dan Muslim. Daripada `Ali bin Abi Talib (radiallāhu`anhu), katanya:

“Rasulullah (sallallāhu `alayhi wa sallam) telah memerintahkan aku menyembelih unta-untanya (sembelihan ketika haji). Baginda (sallallāhu `alayhi wa sallam)  memerintahkan agar aku mensedekahkan daging, kulit dan apa yang menutupi belakang unta-unta itu (seperti pelana dan seumpamanya). Baginda (sallallāhu `alayhi wa sallam) juga memerintahkan agar aku tidak memberikan kepada al-Jazzar (penyembelih dan pelapah) sedikit pun darinya.” (Riwayat al-Bukhari; Muslim).

Di dalam riwayat al-Imam Muslim (rahimahullāh) ditambah dengan ucapan Saidina `Ali bin Abi Talib (radiallāhu`anhu): “Kami memberikan kepada penyembelih dan pelapah upah daripada (harta) kami sendiri”.

Ya, walaupun hadith di atas berkaitan dengan sembelihan haji namun sama juga hukumnya dalam masalah korban. Apa yang penting ialah larangan menjadikan sembelihan yang disembelih bagi melaksanakan suatu tuntutan ibadat sebagai bahan jual beli, iaitu membeli tenaga kerja dengan bayaran daging sembelihan korban atau al-hadi (sembelihan haji).

Ini telah dijelaskan oleh al-Imam as-Son'ani dalam Subulus as-Salam, katanya:

“Hadis ini menunjukkan bahawa disedekahkan kulit dan apa yang menutupi binantang korban sepertimana disedekahkan dagingnya. Ianya tidak boleh diberikan kepada penyembelih atau pelapah sedikitpun darinya. Ini kerana termasuk dalam hukum jualan disebabkan kedudukannya sebagai upah. Hukum sembelihan korban sama juga dengan hukum sembelih haji dimana daging dan kulitnya tidak boleh dijual juga tidak boleh diberikan kepada penyembelih dan pelapah sedikitpun daripadanya”. (4/148. Beirut: Dar al-Ma’rifah)

Larangan

Dengan hadith di atas jelas bahawa dilarang sesiapa yang melakukan korban memberikan daging atau apa-apa bahagian yang boleh dimanfaatkan dari binatang korban kepada penyembelih atau pelapah sebagai upah, seperti memberi daging atau kulit atau apa yang ada dibelakang binatang tersebut seperti pelana dan lain-lainnya. Sehingga al-Imam an-Nawawi dalam Syarh Sahih Muslim mengkritik pendapat Hasan al-Basri yang membenarkan diberikan kulit kepada penyembelih atau pelapah. Al-Imam an-Nawawi (rahimahullāh) terus mengulas ringkas pendapat ini dengan katanya:

“Pendapat ini telah memcampakkan (membelakangi) sunnah” (juz. 9 m.s. 435 Cetakan Dar al-Khair, Beirut)

Ketika mengulas Saiyidina Ali bin Abi Talib (radiallāhu`anhu) di atas, al-Imam an-Nawawi (rahimahullāh) menyatakan dalam Syarh Sahih Muslim:

“Hadis ini meminta agar kita tidak memberikan kepada penyembelih dan pelapah bahagian dari sembelihan korban kerana jika diberi kepadanya sebagai ganjaran kepada pekerjaannya sama ertinya dengan menjual satu juzuk darinya. Ini adalah tidak dibolehkan” (9/435 Cetakan Dar al-Khair, Beirut).

Maksud al-Nawawi (rahimahullāh) ialah dengan perbuatan ini bererti kita telah menjual daging korban sebagai tukaran dengan khidmat penyembelihan. Al-Imam al-Nawawi dalam kitabnya yang lain iaitu al-Majmu’ sekali lagi menegaskan pendirian al-Mazhab al-Syafi`ie, katanya:

“Telah sepakat al-Imam al-Syafi`i dan tokoh-tokoh mazhab al-Syafi`i bahawa tidak boleh sedikit pun dari sembelihan semasa haji dan `umrah dan sembelihan korban dijual. Samada ia korban nazar atau sunat. Ini termasuk daging, lemak, kulit, tanduk, bulu dan sebagainya. Tidak boleh pula kulit atau selainnya dijadikan upah untuk penyembelih...” (8/419-420. Beirut: Dar al-Fikr)

Kata al-Imam Taqiyuddin al-Syafi`ie (rahimahullāh) di dalam kitabnya Kifayah al-Akhyar:

“Tidak boleh dijadikan bahagian dari korban itu sebagai upah untuk penyembelih walaupun korban itu adalah korban sunat. (m.s 149. Beirut: Dar So`ab)

Kata al-Syeikh Muhammad Abd al-Qadir Abu Faris (rahimahullāh) dalam kitabnya Ahkam al-Zabaih fi al-Islam:

“Tidak halal (haram) bagi sesiapa yang melakukan korban memberi walaupun sedikit bahagian korban kepada penyembelih sebagai upah sembelihan atau melapah. (m.s. 143. Ctk. Jordan: Maktabah al-Manar)

Seperti yang ditegaskan tadi bahawa termasuk dalam larangan ini ialah memberikan bahagian korban kepada sesiapa sahaja yang terlibat dalam pengurusan korban atas dasar upah atau kerja yang dilakukannya.

Beri Upah Asing

Mungkin akan timbul persoalan apakah para petugas sembelihan tidak memperolehi apa-apa ganjaran dari kerja yang mereka lakukan? Kita perlu jelas bahawa hadis-hadis tersebut bukan melarang memberikan upah kepada para peneyembelih atau pelapah. Larangan dalam hadis-hadis berkenaan hanya jika upah itu diambil dari bahagian korban. Adapun jika upah itu berbentuk wang atau selainnya yang tidak dari bahagian korban maka itu adalah tidak termasuk dalam larangan, bahkan adalah sepatut kerja dan tenaga seseorang itu dibayar upah. Sebab itu dalam riwayat tambahan al-Imam Muslim yang disebutkan tadi, Saidina Ali bin Abi Talib (radiallāhu`anhu) menyebut: “Kami memberikan kepada penyembelih atau pelapah dari harta kami sendiri”. Ertinya mereka akan tetap mendapat ganjaran dari hasil kerja mereka melalui upah yang beri dari wang atau sebagainya tetapi bukan upah itu tidak diambil dari bahagian korban.

Setelah melihat penjelasan ringkas ini maka perlulah kita sedari kalaulah amalan ini diteruskan iaitu mengambil mana-mana bahagian dari binatang korban yang disembelih samada daging, kulit atau sebagai upah bererti kita telah merosak pahala korban yang dijanji. Kata Mustafa al-Khin dan Mustafa al-Bugha dalam Al-Fiqh al-Manhaji ketika menjelas fiqh korban di dalam mazhab al-Syafi`i:

“Tidak boleh untuk sesiapa yang melakukan korban itu menjual atau memberinya kepada penyembelih sebagai upah sembelihan, kerana ini mengurangkan apa yang dikorbankan dan merosakkannya”. (Juz 1 m.s.235. Ctk. Dar al-Qalam, Damsyik.)

Syarat Dibolehkan

Walau bagaimanapun pemberian kepada penyembelih dari bahagian korban dibolehkan sekiranya ia diberikan bukan di atas dasar upah. Perkara ini dapat diukur dengan diandaikan sekiranya penyembelih atau pelapah tidak melakukan kerja-kerja tersebut pun sememangnya bahagian tersebut ingin diberikan kepadanya. Sebaliknya jika diandaikan jika tidak kerana kerja yang dilakukan maka sudah tentu dia tidak memperolehi bahagian tersebut, maka ini dianggap sebagai upah. Ia merosakkan korban. Kata Wahbah al-Zuhaili dalam Al-Fiqh al-Islami wa Adillatuh:

“Jika diberi kepada penyembelih dari apa yang dikorban disebabkan kefakirannya atau sebagai hadiah maka ini tidak mengapa“. (juz. 3/ m .s.633. ctk. Dar al-Fikr, Damsyik.)

Ini seperti memberikan kepada penyembelih di atas dasar kemiskinan atau persahabatan yang sekirannya tanpa kerja yang telah dilakukan pun dia tetap akan diberikan. Dalam contoh yang lain, diberikan kepada penyembelih atau pelapah atau petugas upah mereka dalam bentuk wang umpamanya, kemudian ketika dibahagi-bahagikan daging kepada orangramai maka turut diberikan kepada penyembelih atau pelapah atas dasar pemberian biasa, setelah mereka memperolehi upah yang sebenar dalam bentuk wang. Perkara seperti ini tentulah dibolehkan kerana pemberian itu tidak lagi di atas dasar upah dari bahagian korban kerana upah yang sebenar telah mereka perolehi.

Kata as-Syaukani (rahimahullāh) dalam Nail al-Autar bahawa diriwayatkan daripada Ibn Khuzaimah dan al-Baghawi bahawa dibolehkan memberi bahagian korban kepada penyembelih jika dia adalah seorang yang fakir dan setelah diberi kepadanya upah yang lain (selain dari bahagian korban). (5/221. Beirut: Dar al-Jil)

Apa yang dikehendaki dari keterangan di atas, agar bahagian yang diperolehi oleh penyembelih atau pelapah atau petugas itu tidak disebabkan oleh kerja yang dilakukannya. Jika ini berlaku bererti telah melanggar larangan Rasulullah (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) dan membatalkan korban.

Setelah kita melihat dalil yang sahih iaitu larangan baginda Nabi (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) dalam hal ini serta ulasan yang jelas yang dibuat oleh para ulama, maka hendaklah kita menjaga agar tidak melanggarnya. Cara penyelesaiannya telah ditunjukkan oleh Saidina Ali bin Abi Talib (radiallāhu`anhu) di dalam hadith yang diriwayatkan oleh al-Imam Muslim (rahimahullāh) tadi iaitu kita memberikan upah dari duit kita sendiri bukan dari bahagian korban yang mengakibatkan rosaknya korban yang kita lakukan.

Sesungguhnya sikap bakhil atau mengambil kesempatan melepaskan diri dari upah wang ringgit kepada penyembelih atau pelapah dan seumpamanya dengan Cara memberikan daging atau bahagian korban kepada mereka adalah lambang ketidaktulusan.

[Via Minda Tajdid Disiarkan pada Nov 19, 2010 dalam kategori Ibadat ]

Thursday, October 6, 2011

The Blessed Day of ‘Arafah

The Blessed Day of ‘Arafah

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;
All the praise and Thanks are due to Allāh, the Lord of the al-ā’lamīn. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, sallallāhu alayhi wa sallam, is His Messenger.


The Day of ‘Arafah (the 9th day of Dzul-Hijjah)

After the sun rises on the Dzul-Hijjah 9, the pilgrims clad in their Ihram would converge at ‘Arafah for Wukuf [Grand Essembly]. The wukuf in ‘Arafah is a major pillar of the Hajj. As such the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallāhu ‘alaihi wassallam) stressed: "Hajj is [the assembly at] ‘Arafah." [An-Nasa'ie]

The importance of The Day of Arafah is correlated to the amount of forgiveness and mercy bestowed by Allāh Subhanahu wa Ta’ala on His pilgrims. The Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) spent the day at Arafah until almost sunset. Then the Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) said:

"O Bilal! Ask the people to be quiet and listen to me." Bilal (radiallahu`anhu) stood up and asked the people to be quiet and listen to the Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam). When they were quiet, the Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam)   said: "O People! A little while ago Gabriel (`alaihissalam) came to me, gave me salutations from Allah, and informed me that Allāh has forgiven those who spend the Day at Arafah…"  At this, Umar ibn Al-Khattāb (radiallāhu`anhu) stood up and asked:  "O Allāh's Messenger is this for us only?"  The Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam)   said:  "This is for you and for all those who will come after you, until the Day of Judgment…" Umar (radiallāhu`anhu) exclaimed: "How plentiful and blissful Allāh's bounties are!"

[At-Targhib wat-Tarhib and authenticated by Al-Albāni]

The Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam)   also said:

 "Allāh frees far more people from Hellfire on the Day of Arafah than on any other day. Allāh comes closer this day and proudly says to the angels: ‘what do these people want and seek?!'"

[Muslim]

The day surpasses other days in virtue and merit and therefore it is worth being discussed independently in order to clarify the aspects of its excellence and honor:

Firstly: It is the day of Allāh the Almighty perfected the religion and completed His favor.

It was narrated that the Jews said to ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattāb (radiallāhu`anhu):

"Indeed you recite a verse which if had been revealed to us we would have taken that day as a day of celebration." ‘Umar (radiallāhu`anhu) said, "Indeed I know where and when it was revealed, and where the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) was when it was revealed! [It was revealed] on the Day of ‘Arafah, while we were, by Allāh, on ‘Arafah." Sufyān said, "I am uncertain whether it was a Friday or not." Allāh Almighty Exalted Says (which means): “This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.” (Al-Māidah, 5:3)

[Al-Bukhāri]

Indeed, the Islam was perfected on that day because Muslims did not perform the obligatory Hajj before that day. Consequently, their religion was perfected by completing all the pillars of Islam. Also, Hajj was performed according to the methodology of Ibrāhīm (`alaihissalam) and polytheism and polytheists were excluded. On that day, none of the polytheists joined the Muslims.

As for completing the favor of Allāh Almighty, this was attained by the forgiving of the pilgrims' sins by Allāh the Almighty. The favor is not completed unless sins are forgiven, as Allāh the Exalted Said (what means) to His Prophet, (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam):

 “That Allāh may forgive for you what preceded of your sin and what will follow and complete His favor upon you and guide you to a straight path.”

 [Quran 48:2]

Secondly: It is a day of ‘Eid (Islamic festival).

 It is narrated on the authority of Abu Umāmah (radiallāhu`anhu) that the Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam), said:

"The day of ‘Arafah, the day of Nahr and the days of Tashrīq are our ‘Eids, for us Muslims. They are days for eating and drinking."

[Muslim]

Thirdly: Fasting the day expiates the sins of two years.

The Prophet (Sallallāhu alaihi wa sallam) said about the virtue of fasting the day of ‘Arafah (for non-pilgrims):

"It expiates (the sins of) the past year and the coming (year)." [Muslim]

Fourthly: It is the day of forgiving sins and exemption from Hell:

‘Aishah (radiallāhu`anha) narrated that the Messenger of Allāh, (Sallallāhu alaihi wa sallam), said:

 "Allāh exempts more of His slaves from Hell on the Day of ‘Arafah than on any other day, and Allāh draws near and proudly says to the angels, 'What do these people want and seek?'"

[Muslim]

Commenting on the Hadīth, Ibn ‘Abdul-Barr (rahimallah) said, "This indicates that their sins have been forgiven, as Allāh would not boast of sinful and wrongdoing people unless after their repentance and His Forgiveness. Allāh knows best."

The prescribed deeds on the Day of ‘Arafah.

Firstly: Fasting

The Prophet, (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: "…I hope Allāh that fasting the day of ‘Arafah expiates sins of the past year as well as the next year…." [Muslim]

Fasting during that day is prescribed only for those who are not pilgrims, as it is not permitted for pilgrims to observe fasting on that day. Controlling one's bodily organs from doing prohibited matters is asserted on that day.

 In a Hadīth narrated on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbās (radiallāhu`anhu) the Prophet, (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) said:

"On this day (i.e. the day of ‘Arafah) whoever guards his hearing, seeing and tongue will be forgiven."

It is known that guarding the body’s organs preserves one’s fasting and Hajj. Consequently, many factors which enjoin towards obedience and abandoning disobedience are collected.

Secondly: Frequent remembrance of Allāh and supplication

In a Hadīth, the Prophet, (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: "The best supplication is that of the Day of ‘Arafah, and the best thing that I and other prophets before me said, is: 'Lā ilāha illallāhu wahdahu la sharīka lah, lahul mulk wa lahul hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadīr (There is none worthy of worship except Allāh Alone and He has no partners, dominion and praise belong to Him, and He is over all things Omnipotent)." [At-Tirmidzi]

Commenting on the Hadīth, Ibn ‘Abdul-Barr (rahimallah) said, "The Hadīth stands as evidence that the supplications on the Day of ‘Arafah are most probably answered and that the best of remembrance of Allāh is to say, 'There is none worthy of worship except Allāh'."

Al-Khattābi (rahimallah) said, "The Hadīth means that the most frequent words with which the Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) used to commence his supplication and give it precedence over his request is praising Allāh Almighty. One who supplicates Allāh starts with praising Allāh the Almighty and says it before asking Allāh for anything and therefore praising in this Hadīth was called supplication."

Thirdly: Takbīr (saying Allāhu-Akbar)

As it is mentioned in the deeds of the ten days of Dzul-Hijjah, it is recommended to repeat Takbīr in all times and at every place where it is permissible to mention the Name of Allāh the Almighty. The scholars said that there are two types of Takbīr:

First: The Takbīr which is not restricted to a specific time, which is prescribed in every time during the night and day. It starts with the start of the month of Dzul-Hijjah and lasts until the last day of the Days of Tashrīq.

Second: The Takbīr restricted to a specific time, which is prescribed after prayers. According to the chosen opinion, Takbīr is said after all prayers, whether obligatory or voluntary. It is starts from Fajar (Dawn) prayer of the Day of ‘Arafah and lasts until the last day of the Days of Tashrīq.

Repeating Takbīr on the Day of ‘Arafah, the Day of ‘Eid as well as the Days of Tashrīq is both prescribed at all times, and this is the type which is not restricted to a specific time, and it is also prescribed after prayers and this is the type which is restricted to a specific time. 


[Via Islam Web  November 14, 2010]

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Types of Tawaf

Types of Tawaf

What are the types of Tawaf around the Ka`abah and what is the ruling on each one? 


In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;
All the praise and Thanks are due to Allāh, the Lord of al-ā’lamīn. There is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam is His Messenger.

There are categories of Tawaf for Hajj and ‘Umrah; some of them are wajib (obligatory) without which one's Hajj or `Umrah will be invalid, while others are voluntary or Sunnah. The Tawaf Al-Ifadah during Hajj also called Tawaf Az-Ziyarah (Tawaf of visiting). It takes place after the standing in `Arafah, on the day of Al-Adha or after it. It is one of the pillars or essential parts of the Hajj.

Each of these Tawafs must include seven circuits, after which the person offers two raka‘ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim, if possible; if he cannot do so then he may offer the Prayer in any other part of the mosque.

Clarifying the types of Tawaf and their ruling, the Standing Committee for Islamic Research and Ifta' states:

There are many types of Tawaf around the Ka‘abah:

1. Tawaf Al-Qudum (Tawaf of arrival) for the Hajj.

This is done by the pilgrim who has entered ihram for Hajj and by the pilgrim who is doing Qiran (joining `Umrah and Hajj), when he reaches the Ka‘abah. It is one of the obligatory duties or Sunnahs of Hajj but there is a difference of scholarly opinion about this.

2. Tawaf Al-Ifadah during Hajj, which is also called Tawaf Az-Ziyarah (Tawaf of visiting).

It takes place after the standing in ‘Arafah, on the day of Al-Adha or after it. It is one of the pillars or essential parts of the Hajj.

Sheikh Sayyid Sabiq states in his well-known book Fiqh As-Sunnah:

According to Imām Ash-Shāfi`ie and Imām Ahmad, Tawaf Al-Ifadah can be performed from midnight of the day of sacrifice, the 10th of Dzul-Hijjah, and its end is indefinite. A male pilgrim is not permitted to have sexual intercourse with his wife until after he has completed Tawaf Al-Ifadah. Delaying it beyond the 11th, 12th and 13th of Dzul-Hijjah does not obligate a person to slaughter an animal, but it is disliked.

The best time to perform this Tawaf is before noon on the day of sacrifice. According to Imām Abu Hanifah and Imām Mālik its time is from dawn on the day of sacrifice, though there is a disagreement among scholars concerning its end.

Abu Hanifah says that it must be performed during the days of sacrifice, and if a pilgrim delays it beyond these days he must slaughter an animal to atone for it. Imam Malik, on the other hand, is of the view that there is no harm in delaying this rite until after the 13th of Dzul-Hijjah, though doing it earlier (during the days of Tashriq) is better. Its time is until the end of the month of Dzul-Hijjah, and if it is performed after that time, then one must slaughter an animal in atonement. The Hajj of such a person will still be valid because according to Mālik, the whole month is included in the months of Hajj.

3. The Tawaf of `Umrah is one of the pillars or essential parts of `Umrah, without which it is invalid.

4. Tawaf Al-Wada` (the Farewell Tawaf).

Tawaf Al-Wada` is the Tawaf performed by the pilgrim just before leaving Makkah for his next destination.

It is obligatory, according to the more correct of the two scholarly opinions, for all pilgrims except women who are menstruating or experiencing post-partum bleeding, and the one who fails to do it must sacrifice an animal that is valid as an udhiyah.

A pilgrim is permitted to delay Tawaf Al-Ifadah till the time of Tawaf Al-Wada’ and to perform either of them.

In this regard, Sheikh Abdul  ‘Aziz ibn Bāz, the late Mufti of Saudi Arabia, stated:

There is nothing wrong in doing so. If a person delayed performing Tawaf Al-Ifadah and then when he wanted to travel he performed Tawaf Al-Ifadah after all other rituals of Hajj are done, his Tawaf Al-Ifadah suffices for Tawaf Al-Wada’ (Farewell Tawaf). If he performed both of them, it would be much better. However, if he performed one of them while having the intention that this Tawaf is the Tawaf required for performing Hajj, then it is enough and he does not have to perform Tawaf Al-Wada’. The same ruling applies if he performs one Tawaf while intending Tawaf Al-Ifadah along with Tawaf Al-Wada’.

[Fatawa Tata’laq bi-Ahkam Al-Hajj wal-‘Umrah, pp. 120-121]

5. Tawaf of Nazar (Tawaf to fulfill the vow)

If a person, who vowed to circumambulate the Ka`abah, wants to perform Tawaf to fulfill this vow, it is obligatory to do it.

6. Tawaf Sunnah (Optional Tawafs).

One may perform it any one time he likes doing it. It is comparable to naafil or supererogatory Prayers. Just as we perform two raka‘ahs of tahiyyatul-Masjid (Prayer of greeting) while entering a mosque, likewise we perform Tawaf as a form of greeting while entering Al-Masjid Al-Haram. Moreover, just as we are allowed to perform any number of naafil Prayers any time other than during the forbidden times, likewise, we are allowed to perform any number of optional Tawafs. While doing so, we need not follow it up with Sa`ie.

In e doing the optional Tawaf, it is best that you complete the full seven rounds.

Each of these Tawafs must include seven circuits, after which the person offers two raka‘ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim, if possible; if he cannot do so then he may offer the Prayer in any other part of the mosque. May Allah Almighty guide us all to the right path.

 And Allah Almighty Knows best.

[Via On Islam (Hajj and Umrah  2009-01-22; Excerpt with slight modifications from www.Islam-QA.com]

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Arafah: A Stand of Forgiveness


Arafah: A Stand of Forgiveness
Dalia Salaheldin

 Salam, I want to know about the importance and etiquette of standing on Arafah. Please tell me what supplications pilgrims say while standing there. Thank you. 

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful,
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.


It is a Sunnah to leave for Arafah after the sunrise of the 9th day of Dzul-Hijjah. This is while uttering takbir, which is saying: Allahu Akbar (God is the Greatest), tahlil, which is saying: Lā ilāha ila-Allāh (there is no God but Allah) and talbiyah, which is saying: “Labbayka Allāhumma labbayk. Labbayka La Shareeka Laka Labbayk. Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk. Labbayka La Shareeka Laka Labbayk. Innalhamda Wan-N’imata Laka Walmulk. Lā Shareeka Lak”. (Here I am at Your service.O my Lord, Here I am. No partner that You have. Here I am. Truly, The Praise and the Provisions are solely Yours, and so is the Dominion. There is no partner You have.)

The importance of this stand is related to the amount of forgiveness and mercy bestowed by God on His pilgrims. The Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) spent the day at Arafah until almost sunset. Then the Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said:

 "O Bilal! Ask the people to be quiet and listen to me." Bilal (radiallahu`anhu) stood up and asked the people to be quiet and listen to the Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam)   . When they were quiet, the Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam)   said: "O People! A little while ago Gabriel (peace be upon him) came to me, gave me salutations from Allah, and informed me that Allah has forgiven those who spend the Day at Arafah…"  At this, Umar ibn Al-Khattab (radiallahu`anhu) stood up and asked:  "O Allah's Messenger is this for us only?"  The Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam)   said:  "This is for you and for all those who will come after you, until the Day of Judgment…" Umar (radiallahu`anhu) exclaimed: "How plentiful and blissful Allah's bounties are!"

[At-Targhib wat-Tarhib and authenticated by Al-Albāni]

The Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam)   also said:

 "Allah frees far more people from Hellfire on the Day of Arafah than on any other day. Allah comes closer this day and proudly says to the angels: ‘What do these people want and seek?!'"

[Muslim]

In fact, the importance of standing on the Mountain of Arafah during the journey of Hajj is highly confirmed in the Prophet's (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam)   very words: "Hajj is Arafah." [An-Nasa'i]

Most scholars are of the opinion that the time to spend in Arafah begins from noon of the 9th day of Dzul-Hijjah until dawn of the 10th of Dzul-Hijjah. They mostly agree that any part of this period of time, day or night, may be spent in Arafah to fulfill its condition, as being an anchor of Hajj.

Staying at Arafah means physical, as well as mental presence in any part of Arafah. This is whether one is awake, asleep, riding, sitting, lying down or even walking.

It is recommended to seek forgiveness of Allah as much as possible, glorify Allah, and supplicate for one's well-being and welfare in this life and in the Hereafter. It is also recommended to supplicate for the welfare of others. This is to be done sincerely with fervor, attention and with hands raised humbly in supplication.

The Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) said:

"The best supplication is that of the Day of `Arafah, and the best thing that I and other Prophets before me said, is:

 "La ilaha illa allahu wahdahu la sharika lah, lahu al-mulku wa lahu al-hamdu wa huwa `ala kulli shai'in qadeer (There is no god but Allah alone. He has no partners. To Him belong the sovereignty and all praise. He has power over all things.)

[Al-Tirmidzi]

According to Sunnah, pilgrims should leave Arafah quietly and peacefully after sunset. The Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) left Arafah very peacefully and quietly, while saying:

"O people, walk calmly; rushing or making hast is not a virtue…"

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

The inner peace to be felt then is a reflection of the pilgrim's certainty that one has been accepted. This in itself is a sign of faith in Allah, because it is His promise to accept those whom are granted that blessed stand.

It is highly recommended for non-pilgrims to observe fasting on the Day of Arafah.

The Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) exhorted us to do good deeds during the first ten days of Dzul-Hijjah and fasting is one of those good deeds. Abu Qatadah al-Ansari (radiallahu`anhu) reported that:

"…. He (the Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) was asked about fasting on the day of Arafah, whereupon he (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: It expiates the sins of the preceding year and the coming year."

[Muslim]

He (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) also said: 

"There is no day in which Allah frees a greater number of His slaves from the Hellfire than the Day of Arafah."

  [Muslim]

As for pilgrims, they are not allowed to fast on the Day of Arafah so that they will be strong enough to worship and supplicate Allah on this great day.

Abu Hurairah (radiallahu`anhu) reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam):

“Forbade fasting on the day of Arafah for one who is actually at Arafah."

[Ahmad]

The Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam)   himself did not fast the Day of Arafah when he performed Hajj.


Umm al-Fadl bint al-Harith (radiallahu `anha) reported:

”Some people argued about the fasting of the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam)   on the day of Arafah. Some of them said that he (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam)   had been fasting, whereas the others said that he Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam)   had not been fasting. I sent a cup of milk to him while he (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam)   was riding his camel at Arafah, and he (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam)   drank".

[Muslim]

And Allah knows best.

[Via On Islam (Ask about Islam) 2010/10/21]

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Mustahabb to fast the first 8 days of Dzul-Hijjah

Mustahabb to fast the first eight days of Dzul-Hijjah


What is the ruling on fasting on the first eight days of Dzul-Hijjah for the pilgrims? I know that it is makruh for them to fast on the Day of ‘Arafah.
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, May blessings and peace of Allah be and be upon His Messenger.

“There are no days in which good deeds are more beloved to Allāh than these ten days.” 

Fasting on the first eight days of Dzul-Hijjah is mustahabb for pilgrims and others. It is because the Prophet (May blessings and peace of Allāh be upon him) said:  

“There are no days in which good deeds are more beloved to Allāh than these ten days.” They said: O Messenger of Allāh, not even jihad for the sake of Allāh? The Messenger of Allāh (May blessings and peace of Allāh be upon him) said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allāh, unless a man goes out with his self and his wealth and comes back with neither.”
 
[Narrated by al-Bukhāri (969) and al-Tirmidzi (757), from the hadīth of Ibn ‘Abbās (May Allāh be pleased with him) ]

In al-Mawsū’ah al-Fiqhiyyah it says:

The fuqaha’ are unanimously agreed that it is mustahabb to fast during the first eight days of Dzu’l-Hijjah, before the day of ‘Arafah. The Mālikis and Shāfi’is stated that it is Sunnah to fast on these days for the pilgrim too.” 

[Al-Mawsū’ah al-Fiqhiyyah (28/91)]  

In Nihāyat al-Muhtāj it says: 

It is Sunnah to fast the eight days before the day of ‘Arafah, as is stated in al-Rawdah, and that applies equally to pilgrims and others, but it is not Sunnah for the pilgrim to fast on the day of ‘Arafah, rather it is mustahabb for him not to fast then, even if he is able for it, following the example of the Messenger (May blessings and peace of Allāh be upon him), and so that he will have more strength for duā’” 

[Nihāyat al-Muhtāj (3/207)]  

And Allaah knows best.

[Via Islam QA (Fatwa No: 84271)]