ABC IslamABC Islam

Course for BeginnersCourse for Beginners

CHAPTER 2CHAPTER 2

((Worship Worship ((`IBADAT`IBADAT   

11..            Deeds in Islam are of two Deeds in Islam are of two main categoriesmain categories : :

a.  `Ibadat, these are the rituals, a.  `Ibadat, these are the rituals, or devotional duties, of worship: or devotional duties, of worship:

Salat, Zakat, Siyam, and HajjSalat, Zakat, Siyam, and Hajj..

bb.. Mu`amalat, these include all life  Mu`amalat, these include all life activities related to the activities related to the

individual, family, society, or the individual, family, society, or the whole Ummah (Muslim whole Ummah (Muslim

Community at large), political, Community at large), political, economic, cultural, legal, economic, cultural, legal,

ethical…, national or ethical…, national or internationalinternational..

22..    Mu‘amalat when carried out in Mu‘amalat when carried out in fulfillment of Allah’s Shari`ah fulfillment of Allah’s Shari`ah

(Law) will be a sort of “Worship” (Law) will be a sort of “Worship” in the general sensein the general sense..

33..            In this pamphlet, Mu’amalat In this pamphlet, Mu’amalat will not be dealt with. You have will not be dealt with. You have to consult in each case either a to consult in each case either a

book of Fiqh (Islamic Law) or any book of Fiqh (Islamic Law) or any well informed Muslim scholar or well informed Muslim scholar or

authorityauthority..

44..            The practical Pillars The practical Pillars (Foundations) of Islam are Five(Foundations) of Islam are Five : :

A-   The two Shahadahs A-   The two Shahadahs (Confessions)(Confessions)

BB --   Salat (Prayer)   Salat (Prayer)

C-   Zakat (Poor Due)C-   Zakat (Poor Due)

D-   Siyam (Fasting)D-   Siyam (Fasting)

E-    Hajj (Pilgrimage)E-    Hajj (Pilgrimage)

1/21/2 - - THE TWO THE TWO SHAHADAHS SHAHADAHS

((((CONFESSIONSCONFESSIONSAshAsh--Shahadah means to say, with a Shahadah means to say, with a

firm belief firm belief ::in heart and mind, in heart and mind, the followingthe following

aa. . ’Ash-hadu ’an La ’ilaha ’illal-’Ash-hadu ’an La ’ilaha ’illal-LahuLahu , ,

((I bear witness that there is no I bear witness that there is no (true) god except Allah(true) god except Allah))

  Wa’ash-hadu ’anna Muhammadan Wa’ash-hadu ’anna Muhammadan rasulul-Lahrasulul-Lah . .

((and I bear witness that and I bear witness that Muhammad is Allah’s MessengerMuhammad is Allah’s Messenger))

2/22/2 - - SALAT (PRAYER)SALAT (PRAYER)We pray five times everydayWe pray five times everyday::

11      .      .Al-Fajr (Dawn) Prayer. Two Al-Fajr (Dawn) Prayer. Two Rak`ahs (Units). Its time starts Rak`ahs (Units). Its time starts

just after dawn and ends at just after dawn and ends at sunrisesunrise..

22..            Adh-Dhuhr (Noon) Prayer. Adh-Dhuhr (Noon) Prayer. Four Rak`ahs. Time starts just Four Rak`ahs. Time starts just after sun moves down from its after sun moves down from its

zenith and ends at the midpoint zenith and ends at the midpoint between zenith and sunsetbetween zenith and sunset..

33..            Al-`Asr (Late afternoon) Al-`Asr (Late afternoon) Prayer: Four Rak`ahs. Time Prayer: Four Rak`ahs. Time

starts after the end of Adh-Dhuhr starts after the end of Adh-Dhuhr Prayer and ends at sunsetPrayer and ends at sunset..

           44 . .The Maghrib The Maghrib ((SunsetSunset) ) PrayerPrayer: : Three Rak`ahsThree Rak`ahs. . Time starts just Time starts just

after sunsetafter sunset..

55..            The Isha’ (Evening) Prayer: The Isha’ (Evening) Prayer: Four Rak`ahs. Preferable time Four Rak`ahs. Preferable time starts when twilight disappears starts when twilight disappears and ends at midnight, but it is and ends at midnight, but it is

extendable until dawnextendable until dawn . .

  

ATAT--TAHARAH TAHARAH ((PURITY)PURITY)

11..            A Muslim must be pure and A Muslim must be pure and clean when he performs his clean when he performs his

prayer, (otherwise his prayers prayer, (otherwise his prayers will not be valid)will not be valid)..

22..            At-Taharah is of two types: At-Taharah is of two types: Wudu’, (Partial Ablution) and Wudu’, (Partial Ablution) and

Ghusl (full Ablution)Ghusl (full Ablution) . .

A) WUDU’ (Partial Ablution) which A) WUDU’ (Partial Ablution) which is performed as followsis performed as follows::

33..            Have Niyyah (clear intention) Have Niyyah (clear intention) that this wudu’ is for prayingthat this wudu’ is for praying..

44..            Say: "Bismil-Lahi r-rahmani r-Say: "Bismil-Lahi r-rahmani r-rahim" (in the name of Allah, rahim" (in the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful)Most Gracious, Most Merciful)..

55..            Wash the hands, rinse the Wash the hands, rinse the mouth and clean with water the mouth and clean with water the inside of the nose (sniffing and inside of the nose (sniffing and

and blowing out)and blowing out)..

66..            Wash the faceWash the face . .

77      .      .Wash the arms up to the Wash the arms up to the elbows (start with the right arm)elbows (start with the right arm)..

88..            Rub the head with wet hands, Rub the head with wet hands, and the earsand the ears . .

99      .      .Wash the feet up to the ankles Wash the feet up to the ankles (starting with the right foot)(starting with the right foot)..

1010 . .Say the two ShahadahsSay the two Shahadahs..

1111 . .No need for reapplying Wudu’ No need for reapplying Wudu’ as long as it has not been as long as it has not been

invalidatedinvalidated..

1212 . .Wudu' is invalidated by: Wudu' is invalidated by: Passing of excrement, urine, Passing of excrement, urine,

wind or by sleepingwind or by sleeping..

BB) ) GHUSL GHUSL ((Bathing or Full Bathing or Full Ablution)Ablution)::

::    A Muslim must apply Ghusl afterA Muslim must apply Ghusl after 1313 . .

aa--           Ejaculation of semen            Ejaculation of semen because of any normal reasonbecause of any normal reason . .

b-           Intimate intercourseb-           Intimate intercourse . .

c-            For women: End of c-            For women: End of Menstruation periodMenstruation period . .

d-           End of the childbirth d-           End of the childbirth periodperiod..

1414..Ghusl is washing the whole body Ghusl is washing the whole body with clean with clean ..waterwater

((CC ) )TAYAMMUM TAYAMMUM ((Dry AblutionDry Ablution

1515 . .In case of not having water for In case of not having water for Wudu' or Ghusl, or being unable Wudu' or Ghusl, or being unable to use it for any reason, apply the to use it for any reason, apply the

Dry AblutionDry Ablution::

1616 . .Hit the palms once on any Hit the palms once on any clean dustclean dust--containing materialcontaining material , ,

     1717 . .then rub the face once with then rub the face once with the palms, the palms, ((then the hands then the hands

((starting with the right handstarting with the right hand

HOW TO PERFORM SALAT HOW TO PERFORM SALAT ((((PRAYERSPRAYERS

11..            The best way for men is to The best way for men is to perform SZalat in congregation perform SZalat in congregation

with Muslims in the mosque. with Muslims in the mosque. There you will be given more There you will be given more reward by Allah and you will reward by Allah and you will

learn easily how to praylearn easily how to pray..

22..            In case of praying alone, abide In case of praying alone, abide by the following stepsby the following steps::

33      .      .Be sure that your body, Be sure that your body, clothes and place are cleanclothes and place are clean..

44..            Stand with face towards the Stand with face towards the direction of QIBLAH, that is the direction of QIBLAH, that is the direction of the Sacred mosque direction of the Sacred mosque in Makkah, in Al Hijaz (Saudi in Makkah, in Al Hijaz (Saudi

Arabia)Arabia)..

55..            Raise the hands to the Raise the hands to the shoulder level and say: “Allahu shoulder level and say: “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest)Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest)..

66..            Fold the hands on the chest, Fold the hands on the chest, the right hand over the leftthe right hand over the left . .

77      .      .Recite Al-Fatihah (The Recite Al-Fatihah (The Opening Chapter of Al-Qur'an) Opening Chapter of Al-Qur'an) and another chapter or some and another chapter or some

verses of Al-Qur'an (See verses of Al-Qur'an (See Appendix 1)Appendix 1)..

88..            Say: “Allahu Akbar” while Say: “Allahu Akbar” while making Ruku‘ (bowing and making Ruku‘ (bowing and

bending the body at a right angle bending the body at a right angle placing the palms on the knees)placing the palms on the knees)..

99..            Say in Ruku`: “Subhana Say in Ruku`: “Subhana rabbiyal-`adhim” (Glory be to my rabbiyal-`adhim” (Glory be to my

Lord, the Great!) three timesLord, the Great!) three times..

1010 . .Go back to the standing Go back to the standing position saying: “Sami`a l-lahu position saying: “Sami`a l-lahu liman hamidah! Rabbana wa liman hamidah! Rabbana wa lakal-hamd.” (Indeed, Allah lakal-hamd.” (Indeed, Allah

listens to one who praises Him! listens to one who praises Him! O! Our Lord! All praises be to O! Our Lord! All praises be to

You)You)..

1111 . .Then, you say “Allahu Akbar” Then, you say “Allahu Akbar” and immediately fall down to and immediately fall down to

make the first Sajdah make the first Sajdah ((ProstrationProstration) ) with forehead, with forehead, nose, palms, knees and toes nose, palms, knees and toes

resting on the ground, sayingresting on the ground, saying: : “Subhana rabbiyal 'A`la” “Subhana rabbiyal 'A`la” ((Glory Glory be to my Lord, Most Highbe to my Lord, Most High) ) Three Three

timestimes..

1212 . .Move from Sujud (Prostration) Move from Sujud (Prostration) position to sitting posture while position to sitting posture while saying; “Allahu Akbar!” While saying; “Allahu Akbar!” While sitting, say “Rabbi-ghfir li war-sitting, say “Rabbi-ghfir li war-

hamni” (O My Lord! Forgive me! hamni” (O My Lord! Forgive me! and have mercy on me!)and have mercy on me!)

1313 . .After this, another Sajdah is After this, another Sajdah is done in the same way with done in the same way with

“Allahu Akbar” uttered before it, “Allahu Akbar” uttered before it, and “Subhana rabbiyal 'A`la” and “Subhana rabbiyal 'A`la”

Three times during SujudThree times during Sujud..

1414 . .After completing the second After completing the second Sajdah, one “Rak‘ah” is Sajdah, one “Rak‘ah” is

completedcompleted . .

1515 . .Stand up saying “Allahu Akbar” Stand up saying “Allahu Akbar” in order to begin a new Rak‘ah, in order to begin a new Rak‘ah,

exactly as the first Rak‘ahexactly as the first Rak‘ah..

1616 . .After finishing the second After finishing the second “Rak‘ah” you sit down and recite “Rak‘ah” you sit down and recite

Part One and Part Two of “At-Part One and Part Two of “At-Tashahhud” (See Appendix 2)Tashahhud” (See Appendix 2)

1717 . .Finally you turn the face to the Finally you turn the face to the right hand side and say: “As-right hand side and say: “As-

Salamu `alaykum wa rahmatul-Salamu `alaykum wa rahmatul-lah” (Peace be upon you and lah” (Peace be upon you and

Allah's mercy!)Allah's mercy!)..

1818 . .Then you do the same to the Then you do the same to the left sideleft side . .

1919 . .Thus a two- Rak‘ah prayer is Thus a two- Rak‘ah prayer is completed, such as Al-Fajr completed, such as Al-Fajr

PrayerPrayer..

2020 . .As for the 4 Rak‘ah prayers As for the 4 Rak‘ah prayers such as Adh-Dhuhr, only the first such as Adh-Dhuhr, only the first part of At-Tashahhud is recited part of At-Tashahhud is recited

after completing the second after completing the second Rak‘ah. Then you stand up to Rak‘ah. Then you stand up to

perform two more Rak‘ahs in the perform two more Rak‘ahs in the same way, but without reciting same way, but without reciting any verses from Al-Qur'an after any verses from Al-Qur'an after

Al-FatihahAl-Fatihah..

2121 . .AlAl--`Asr and Al`Asr and Al--`Isha' prayers `Isha' prayers are performed exactly as Adhare performed exactly as Adh--

DhuhrDhuhr..

2222 . .In Al-Maghrib Prayer, the final In Al-Maghrib Prayer, the final Tashahhud and “As-Salam…” Tashahhud and “As-Salam…” come after the third Rak‘ahcome after the third Rak‘ah..

WHY WE PRAYWHY WE PRAY

11..            The Muslim observes his The Muslim observes his Prayers to show devotion and Prayers to show devotion and obedience to Allah, because obedience to Allah, because Prayer is one of the greatest Prayer is one of the greatest

forms of worship that Allah likes forms of worship that Allah likes His servants to offerHis servants to offer..

22..            To thank Him for creating us To thank Him for creating us in the best form of creationin the best form of creation . .

33      .      .Because He has guided us to Because He has guided us to the Deen (Religion) of Islamthe Deen (Religion) of Islam..

44..            Prayer is a chance for the Prayer is a chance for the Muslim to express to his Lord Muslim to express to his Lord whatever he feels and needs whatever he feels and needs

through Divine Words of Allah through Divine Words of Allah i.e. Al-Qur'ani.e. Al-Qur'an..

55..            To remember his Lord and not To remember his Lord and not forget His commands amid life forget His commands amid life

pre-occupationspre-occupations . .

66      .      .To ask Allah (Exalted) to give To ask Allah (Exalted) to give him aid and continuous guidance him aid and continuous guidance

in the darkness of lifein the darkness of life..

77..            To strengthen love and fear of To strengthen love and fear of Allah in the Muslim’s heart so Allah in the Muslim’s heart so

that he might remain sticking to that he might remain sticking to the Right Path of Islam, and its the Right Path of Islam, and its

laws and mannerslaws and manners..

88..            Gaining good rewards from Gaining good rewards from Allah and having our sins Allah and having our sins

forgivenforgiven . .

99      .      .To rejoice when he finds To rejoice when he finds himself on the Last Day pleased himself on the Last Day pleased with the great reward allotted to with the great reward allotted to

him in the Gardens of Blisshim in the Gardens of Bliss..

1010 . .Prayer is a unique training and Prayer is a unique training and developmental program which, if developmental program which, if

well and devotedly performed, can well and devotedly performed, can achieve for Muslims many valuable achieve for Muslims many valuable

physical, ethical and spiritual physical, ethical and spiritual gains such as cleanliness, health, gains such as cleanliness, health, order, punctuality, brotherhood, order, punctuality, brotherhood, equality, social consolidation,… equality, social consolidation,…

etcetc..

2/32/3 - - ZAKAT ZAKAT ((Poor Due, Poor Due, Alms)Alms)

WHAT IS ZAKATWHAT IS ZAKAT

The term “Zakat” originally The term “Zakat” originally meansmeans: : growth, and puritygrowth, and purity..

In Islamic Law, it means paying, In Islamic Law, it means paying, every lunar year, a certain every lunar year, a certain

percentage of your savings to to percentage of your savings to to be used in certain charitable be used in certain charitable

uses defined by Al-Qur'anuses defined by Al-Qur'an..

If you have, for that period, an If you have, for that period, an amount of money equal to the amount of money equal to the value of 85 grams of pure gold value of 85 grams of pure gold ((now 1985, is about $1000now 1985, is about $1000) ) or or

more, you must pay 2.5%more, you must pay 2.5%..

Zakat is paid for the poor and the Zakat is paid for the poor and the needy Muslims, for the needy Muslims, for the

wayfarers, for propagating Islam wayfarers, for propagating Islam or fighting for Islam, for helping or fighting for Islam, for helping

new Muslims or encouraging new Muslims or encouraging nonnon--Muslims to embrace Islam, Muslims to embrace Islam,

for those who are burdened for those who are burdened ..with with debts and are unable to pay themdebts and are unable to pay them

If you have articles of trade, you If you have articles of trade, you calculate their Zakat in the same calculate their Zakat in the same

wayway..

You can ask some Muslim scholar You can ask some Muslim scholar or refer to any good reference or refer to any good reference book to know more about Zakatbook to know more about Zakat..

WHY WE PAY ZAKATWHY WE PAY ZAKAT

11..            To show devotion to Allah To show devotion to Allah Who commanded us to do so and Who commanded us to do so and

informed us that He loves the informed us that He loves the charitablecharitable..

22..            To be grateful to Allah Who To be grateful to Allah Who provided us with wealth and provided us with wealth and

helped us to earnhelped us to earn..

33      .      .To mitigate the suffering of To mitigate the suffering of the needythe needy..

44..            To help in the betterment of To help in the betterment of the Muslim societythe Muslim society..

55      .      .To participate in propagating To participate in propagating Islam in the whole worldIslam in the whole world..

66      .      .To cure ourselves of To cure ourselves of selfishness and greedselfishness and greed..

77..            To make ourselves To make ourselves masters of our property not masters of our property not

slaves of itslaves of it..

88      .      .To purify our properties of To purify our properties of any unclean behavior in any unclean behavior in

earning themearning them..

99      .      .To have our properties To have our properties blessed by Allahblessed by Allah..

1010..    To deserve to be rewarded by To deserve to be rewarded by Allah with what is better in the Allah with what is better in the

HereafterHereafter..

1111 . .To keep our needy fellows away To keep our needy fellows away from envy and hatredfrom envy and hatred..

1212.. To help in protecting our To help in protecting our society from economic class society from economic class conflict, and to participate in conflict, and to participate in

solving the economic crisissolving the economic crisis..

1313..    You can pay your Zakat to You can pay your Zakat to "Zakat House", or to any "Zakat House", or to any

trustworthy Islamic organization trustworthy Islamic organization that collects Zakat and spends it that collects Zakat and spends it

in the right Islamic usesin the right Islamic uses . .

  

2/42/4 - - SAWM, or SIYAM SAWM, or SIYAM ((Fasting)Fasting)

11..            In Ramadan, the 9th month of In Ramadan, the 9th month of the lunar Islamic year, Muslims the lunar Islamic year, Muslims

fast in obedience to Allah’s fast in obedience to Allah’s command and in gratitude for command and in gratitude for Allah’s Grace for revealing His Allah’s Grace for revealing His Glorious Book, Al-Qur'an, in Glorious Book, Al-Qur'an, in

RamadanRamadan..

22..            Sawm (Fasting) is to abstain Sawm (Fasting) is to abstain from eating, drinking and from eating, drinking and

intimate intercourse from dawn intimate intercourse from dawn to sunsetto sunset..

33..            If sick or on a journey, a If sick or on a journey, a Muslim is permitted to break his Muslim is permitted to break his

fastfast . .

44      .      .If he breaks the fast, he has to If he breaks the fast, he has to make it up by fasting a number make it up by fasting a number

of days equal to the days in of days equal to the days in which he broke fasting in which he broke fasting in

RamadanRamadan..

55..            After the end of Ramadan After the end of Ramadan comes “Eid ul-Fitr” (the Holy day comes “Eid ul-Fitr” (the Holy day

of Breaking the Fast) which is of Breaking the Fast) which is the 1st day of Shawwal, the the 1st day of Shawwal, the month following Ramadanmonth following Ramadan..

66..            On the Eid morning, all On the Eid morning, all Muslims congregate, in open Muslims congregate, in open

grounds or in mosques, to grounds or in mosques, to perform “Eid Prayer” to express perform “Eid Prayer” to express their happiness and gratitude to their happiness and gratitude to

Allah for enabling them to Allah for enabling them to complete this duty of Fastingcomplete this duty of Fasting..

77..            Concerning this important Concerning this important duty, Allah saysduty, Allah says : :

ا (( ك�م� ي�ام� الص� ع�ل�ي�ك�م� ك�ت�ب� ن�وا ء�ام� ال$ذ�ين� ا �ي&ه� ا ي�اأ ك�م� ي�ام� الص� ع�ل�ي�ك�م� ك�ت�ب� ن�وا ء�ام� ال$ذ�ين� ا �ي&ه� ي�اأون� ت�ت$ق� ل�ع�ل$ك�م� ب�ل�ك�م� ق� م�ن� ال$ذ�ين� ع�ل�ى ون� ك�ت�ب� ت�ت$ق� ل�ع�ل$ك�م� ب�ل�ك�م� ق� م�ن� ال$ذ�ين� ع�ل�ى ((ك�ت�ب�

MeaningMeaning: ": "O you who believeO you who believe! ! Fasting is prescribed to you as it Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before was prescribed to those before

you, that you may you, that you may ((observeobserve) ) piety piety and selfand self--restraintrestraint." [." [AlAl--Qur'an Qur'an

2:1832:183]]

88..            Also, He saysAlso, He says : :

ه�د3ى (( ء�ان� ر� ال�ق� يه� ف� �ن�ز�ل� أ ال$ذ�ي ان� م�ض� ر� ر� ه� ه�د3ى ش� ء�ان� ر� ال�ق� يه� ف� �ن�ز�ل� أ ال$ذ�ي ان� م�ض� ر� ر� ه� ش�ن� م� ف� ان� ق� ر� ال�ف� و� د�ى ال�ه� م�ن� Bات�ي�ن�ب و� ن� ل�لن$اس� م� ف� ان� ق� ر� ال�ف� و� د�ى ال�ه� م�ن� Bات�ي�ن�ب و� ل�لن$اس�

ك�ان� و�م�ن� ه� م� ل�ي�ص� ف� ر� ه� الش$ ن�ك�م� م� د� ه� ك�ان� ش� و�م�ن� ه� م� ل�ي�ص� ف� ر� ه� الش$ ن�ك�م� م� د� ه� ش�ر� أ�خ� Bي$ام� أ م�ن� Hع�د$ة ف� Bر ف� س� ع�ل�ى و�

أ� ا ر�يض3 ر� م� أ�خ� Bي$ام� أ م�ن� Hع�د$ة ف� Bر ف� س� ع�ل�ى و�أ� ا ر�يض3 ((م�

MeaningMeaning: ": "Ramadan is the month in which Ramadan is the month in which was sent down Alwas sent down Al--Qur'an, as a guide to Qur'an, as a guide to

mankind, also clear mankind, also clear ((signssigns) ) for guidance for guidance and judgement and judgement ((between right and between right and wrongwrong). ). So, every one of you who is So, every one of you who is

present present ((at his home, village, or townat his home, village, or town) ) during that month should fast it, but if during that month should fast it, but if

any one is ill, or on a journey, the any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period prescribed period ((should be made upshould be made up) ) by by

other daysother days." [." [AlAl--Qur'an 2:185Qur'an 2:185]] . .

  

WHY WE FASTWHY WE FAST

11..            We fast in obedience to We fast in obedience to Allah’s command, and because Allah’s command, and because

Allah loves those who fastAllah loves those who fast..

22..            To show our gratitude to To show our gratitude to Allah’s Grace of sending down Allah’s Grace of sending down

His Guidance, Al-Qur'an, to guide His Guidance, Al-Qur'an, to guide us and the whole humanityus and the whole humanity..

33..            To thank Allah for making us To thank Allah for making us of those who believe in Al-Qur'anof those who believe in Al-Qur'an..

44..            And because He enabled us to And because He enabled us to memorize His Book, to recite it, memorize His Book, to recite it, to study and understand it, and to study and understand it, and

to benefit in its guidanceto benefit in its guidance..

55..            To develop control on our To develop control on our material desires Allah planted in material desires Allah planted in

our natureour nature . .

66      .      .To control ourselves in front To control ourselves in front of all things prohibited by Allahof all things prohibited by Allah..

           77 . .Fasting makes us remember Fasting makes us remember the needy who suffer from the needy who suffer from

hunger and deprivationhunger and deprivation. . Hence, Hence, to become more sympathetic to to become more sympathetic to them and help them with part of them and help them with part of what Allah what Allah ..has bestowed upon has bestowed upon

usus

88..            To check our engrossment in To check our engrossment in our desires, and increase our our desires, and increase our care for our spiritual entity care for our spiritual entity

through intensifying our deeds through intensifying our deeds and acts of worship in this month and acts of worship in this month

of Al-Qur'anof Al-Qur'an..

99..            To increase our share of To increase our share of sincerity, conscience, patience, sincerity, conscience, patience,

discipline, as well as many discipline, as well as many healthful benefitshealthful benefits..

1010 . .Above all these, the great Above all these, the great reward that Allah has promised reward that Allah has promised

to give us in the Last Dayto give us in the Last Day..

  2/52/5 - - HAJJ HAJJ ((THE THE PILGRIMAGE)PILGRIMAGE)

WHAT IS HAJJWHAT IS HAJJ

11..            Hajj is a journey to Al-Ka`bah Hajj is a journey to Al-Ka`bah (the sacred House of Allah) in (the sacred House of Allah) in

Makkah (Mecca) with the intention Makkah (Mecca) with the intention of obeying Allah’s command and of obeying Allah’s command and

performing certain prescribed rites performing certain prescribed rites there. (For the details of performing there. (For the details of performing

Hajj, you may consult any Islamic Hajj, you may consult any Islamic reference book on the subject)reference book on the subject)..

22..            Performing Hajj is obligatory, Performing Hajj is obligatory, once in a lifetime, upon every once in a lifetime, upon every mature Muslim, provided he is mature Muslim, provided he is able (physically and financially)able (physically and financially)..

33..            The whole journey of Hajj and The whole journey of Hajj and its rites confirm in a unique its rites confirm in a unique

form, the principles of Islam and form, the principles of Islam and commemorate Islamic milestones commemorate Islamic milestones

related to Prophets Ibrahim related to Prophets Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma`il and (Abraham), Isma`il and

Muhammad, (`Alayhimus-Salam)Muhammad, (`Alayhimus-Salam)..

44..            The rites of Hajj are The rites of Hajj are performed, in general, in the first performed, in general, in the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah (the last ten days of Dhul-Hijjah (the last

month of the Islamic Year)month of the Islamic Year)..

55..            On the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah the On the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah the culminating rite is performed at culminating rite is performed at

Mount `Arafat where all pilgrims, Mount `Arafat where all pilgrims, sometimes more than two sometimes more than two

millions, gathermillions, gather..

66..            Pilgrims’ stand at ‘Arafat to Pilgrims’ stand at ‘Arafat to declare their supplications to declare their supplications to

Allah and their repentance and Allah and their repentance and need of His Mercy and need of His Mercy and

ForgivenessForgiveness..

         77 . .This reminds us of the Grand This reminds us of the Grand Assembly Assembly ..on the Day of on the Day of

JudgmentJudgment

88..            The next day (the tenth) is the The next day (the tenth) is the great Eid ul-Ad-ha (The Feast of great Eid ul-Ad-ha (The Feast of Sacrifice) when pilgrims offer Sacrifice) when pilgrims offer

their sacrificestheir sacrifices . .

After slaughtering their sacrifices, After slaughtering their sacrifices, pilgrims go to Makkah and make pilgrims go to Makkah and make Tawaf (circumambulation) seven Tawaf (circumambulation) seven

times around Al-Ka`bahtimes around Al-Ka`bah..

99..            Muslims everywhere slaughter Muslims everywhere slaughter their sacrifices (of camels, cows, their sacrifices (of camels, cows, or sheep) after performing the or sheep) after performing the

Eid PrayerEid Prayer..

1010 . .These sacrifices were These sacrifices were prescribed in commemoration of prescribed in commemoration of

the great sacrifice of Prophet the great sacrifice of Prophet Abraham (`Alayhis-Salam) when Abraham (`Alayhis-Salam) when

he was about to slaughter his he was about to slaughter his only son, Isma`il, whom he loved only son, Isma`il, whom he loved much, when Allah ordered him to much, when Allah ordered him to

do so to test his loyalty and do so to test his loyalty and obedience to Himobedience to Him..

1111 . .After completing the acts of After completing the acts of Hajj, you can enjoy visiting the Hajj, you can enjoy visiting the Mosque of Prophet Muhammad Mosque of Prophet Muhammad

((SallalSallal--lahu `alayhi wa sallamlahu `alayhi wa sallam) ) in in AlAl--Madinah AlMadinah Al--Munawwarah Munawwarah ((the the enlighted townenlighted town) ) and attend some and attend some

Prayers therePrayers there. . The reward for The reward for praying at that Mosque is greatpraying at that Mosque is great..

1212 . .When in Al-Madinah Al-When in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, pay a greeting visit Munawwarah, pay a greeting visit to the Prophet’s tomb and to his to the Prophet’s tomb and to his noble Companions’ tombs, in the noble Companions’ tombs, in the

Islamically accepted formIslamically accepted form..

1313 . .Also visiting the Holy Al-Aqsa Also visiting the Holy Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem is Mosque in Jerusalem is

recommendable in Islam. May recommendable in Islam. May Allah help Muslims to rescue it Allah help Muslims to rescue it

from the sinful hands of its from the sinful hands of its occupiersoccupiers..

  

WHY WE PERFORM HAJJWHY WE PERFORM HAJJ

Purposes and lessons of Purposes and lessons of performing Hajj are so manyperforming Hajj are so many. .

Among them areAmong them are::

11      .      .Responding in obedience to Responding in obedience to Allah’s commandsAllah’s commands..

22..            To be grateful to Allah for His To be grateful to Allah for His Graces and Favors on us, such as Graces and Favors on us, such as

health, wealth and childrenhealth, wealth and children..

33..            To glorify Allah by visiting and To glorify Allah by visiting and making Tawaf (going around) His making Tawaf (going around) His

Sacred House, Al-Ka`bahSacred House, Al-Ka`bah..

44..(      (      Al-Ka`bah is the first House Al-Ka`bah is the first House built on earth for worshipping built on earth for worshipping

Allah, which Ibrahim – The Allah, which Ibrahim – The Friend – and his son Isma‘il Friend – and his son Isma‘il erected by the instruction of erected by the instruction of

AllahAllah.).)

55..            To pray at Al-Ka‘bah, which is To pray at Al-Ka‘bah, which is the Qiblah (direction) to which the Qiblah (direction) to which all Muslims turn their faces in all Muslims turn their faces in

the five daily prayersthe five daily prayers..

66..            To visit and stand in devotion To visit and stand in devotion to Allah at the Sacred Mountains to Allah at the Sacred Mountains such as Mount `Arafat. There, we such as Mount `Arafat. There, we

celebrate the praises of Allah, celebrate the praises of Allah, purify our souls and repent of all purify our souls and repent of all

sinssins..

77..            To see the places where To see the places where Ibrahim, the noble Friend and Ibrahim, the noble Friend and

Prohpet of Allah, and his first son Prohpet of Allah, and his first son Isma`il (`Alayhimus-Salam) Isma`il (`Alayhimus-Salam) stayed and worshiped Allahstayed and worshiped Allah..

88..            To visit the places where To visit the places where Prophet Muhammad (`Alayhis-Prophet Muhammad (`Alayhis-Salatu was-Salam) was born, Salatu was-Salam) was born,

brought up, received the Divine brought up, received the Divine Message, suffered and struggled Message, suffered and struggled

for spreading the light of Allahfor spreading the light of Allah..

99..            To meet our Muslim brethren To meet our Muslim brethren coming from all countries, and to coming from all countries, and to

see the actualization of see the actualization of brotherhood, equality, cooperation brotherhood, equality, cooperation

and love among Muslims and love among Muslims regardless of their differences in regardless of their differences in

nationality, color, standard of nationality, color, standard of living, and other worldly matters. living, and other worldly matters.

To see the universality of IslamTo see the universality of Islam..

1010 . .To practice patience, sacrifice, To practice patience, sacrifice, endurance, simplicity and other endurance, simplicity and other

spiritual capacities we are in spiritual capacities we are in urgent need ofurgent need of..

1111 . .To come back cleansed of our To come back cleansed of our sins, so as to start a new page in sins, so as to start a new page in our life, hoping to keep it free our life, hoping to keep it free

from sins until the end of life, so from sins until the end of life, so that we may be accepted and well that we may be accepted and well

rewarded by Allah in the rewarded by Allah in the HereafterHereafter..