The History of Hajj

I would like you to tell me about the history of Hajj and its rituals. For example, the Muslims perform saa’i, running between al-Safa and al-Marwah, which is what Haajar did. But with regard to the rest, I do not know their origins and I hope that you can tell me – such as the stoning of the Jamaraat, tawaaf, the standing at ‘Arafah, drinking the water of Zamzam, staying overnight in Mina and Muzdalifah, slaughtering the hadiy (sacrifice), etc. Thank you very much.
Praise be to Allaah.

One of the things on which there is scholarly consensus among all the Muslims, ancient and modern, past and present, is that Hajj or pilgrimage to the Sacred House of Allaah is one of the five pillars of Islam, as proven in al-Saheehayn from the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with them both) and others.

It is well known that Hajj, like other acts of worship, involves special actions, and each of these actions must be done in the prescribed manner, such as entering ihraam from the meeqaat, tawaaf, saa’i between al-Safa and al-Marwah, standing in ‘Arafah, staying overnight in Muzdalifah, stoning the Jamaraat, slaughtering the sacrifice, and the other well-known actions of Hajj. All of these actions should be done in accordance with the teachings of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). There are very many ahaadeeth which describe the Hajj of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him); these have been compiled by Imam Ibn al-Qayyim in Zaad al-Ma’aad and by al-Haafiz Ibn Katheer in his book al-Bidaayah wa’l-Nihaayah; these scholars have also explained the rulings derived from these ahaadeeth. The Muslim should pay attention to learning these rulings and acting upon them.
Then we should remember that the basic purpose of the actions of Hajj is to establish the remembrance of Allaah, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Then when you leave ‘Arafaat, remember Allaah (by glorifying His Praises, i.e. prayers and invocations) at the Mash‘ar-il-Haraam. And remember Him (by invoking Allaah for all good) as He has guided you, and verily, you were, before, of those who were astray.

Then depart from the place whence all the people depart and ask Allaah for His forgiveness. Truly, Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.

So when you have accomplished your Manaasik [rituals of Hajj], remember Allaah as you remember your forefathers or with a far more remembrance. But of mankind there are some who say: ‘Our Lord! Give us (Your Bounties) in this world!’ and for such there will be no portion in the Hereafter…

And remember Allaah during the appointed Days. But whosoever hastens to leave in two days, there is no sin on him and whosoever stays on, there is no sin on him, if his aim is to do good and obey Allaah (fear Him), and know that you will surely be gathered unto Him”

[al-Baqarah 2:198-203]

And it was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: “Tawaaf around the House and saa’i between al-Safa and al-Marwah and the stoning of the jamaraat were only prescribed so that the remembrance of Allaah may be established.” It was classed as mu’allaq by al-Bayhaqi (5/145) and narrated as a marfoo’ report, although there is some weakness in it.

So the Muslim venerates the rituals of Hajj because Allaah has commanded him to venerate them, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Thus it is and whosoever honours the Symbols of Allaah, then it is truly, from the piety of the hearts”

[al-Hajj 22:32]

Al-Bukhaari (1610) narrated that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with him) kissed the Black Stone and said, “Were it not that I had seen the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) kissing you, I would not have kissed you.”



Ibn al-Jawzi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said, whilst discussing and explaining the actions of Hajj:

“The background to these rituals is no longer present but the rulings remain in effect. These rituals may be confusing for some who see them and do not know the reasons for them, so they may say, ‘This does not make sense.’ I have explained the reasons for them as far as narrated reports go, now I will explain to you the meanings behind them.
Note that the basis for acts of worship is something rational and comprehensible, which is the submission of the slave to his Lord and obedience to Him. Prayer involves humility and submission, which is is what is meant by the word ‘ibaadah (worship).
Zakaah involves kindness and helping the poor, so its meaning is clear.
Fasting means suppressing the desires of the self so that it will be obedient to the One Whom it serves.
By honouring the House and going there, and establishing a sanctuary (Haram) around it are acts of veneration. Arriving there unkempt and disheveled is like a slave turning to his Lord in humility and submission, and that is clear. A person feels at ease performing rituals that he understands, and that motivates him to do them, but to achieve full submission there are some rituals that a person may not understand, so he will not be at ease and will not comprehend them. In this case the only motive is to obey the commands of Allaah. This is a greater form of humility and submission.” See Mutheer al-‘Azm al-Saakin (1.285-286).If this is understood, then much of the history of the actions of Hajj before the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is not known to us. In this case it does not matter if we do not know.And there are some things concerning whose history a few indications are narrated in some texts; we will mention some of these here:
1 – When was Hajj enjoined? When did Hajj begin

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):“And proclaim to mankind the Hajj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Hajj)”

[al-Hajj 22:27]

Ibn Katheer says in his commentary on this verse (3/221): This means: Proclaim (O Ibraaheem) the Hajj to the people, calling them to come on pilgrimage to this House which We have commanded you to build. It was mentioned that he said, “O Lord, how can I proclaim it to the people when my voice does not reach them?” He said, “Call and We will convey it.” So he stood in his maqaam (station) – or it was said, on the rock, or on al-Safa, or on Abu Qubays (a mountain) – and said: “O people, your Lord has taken a House, so come to it on pilgrimage.” And it was said that the mountains lowered themselves so that his voice could reach all parts of the earth and those who were still in the wombs or in men’s loins also heard, and everything that heard him, cities, nomad encampments and trees, and everyone whom Allaah has decreed should perform Hajj until the Day of Resurrection responded, (saying) Labbayk Allaahumma labbayk (Here I am, O Allaah, here I am. This is the summary of what was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas, Mujaahid, ‘Ikrimah, Sa’eed ibn Jubayr and others among the salaf. And Allaah knows best.

Ibn al-Jawzi, in his book Mutheer al-‘Azm al-Saakin (1/354) narrated something similar, but more briefly, and he attributed it to the narrators of Seerah.

This has to do with the history of the enjoining of Hajj before the sending of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). With regard to the enjoining of Hajj in Islam, there is some scholarly difference of opinion concerning that. It was said that it was enjoined in 6 AH, or in 7 AH, or in 9 AH, or in 10 AH. Imam Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) was certain that it was enjoined in 9 or 10 AH. He (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Zaad al-Ma’aad:

“There is no dispute that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not perform Hajj after he migrated to Madeenah apart from one Hajj, which was the Farewell Pilgrimage. And there is no dispute that that occurred in 10 AH… When the command to perform Hajj was revealed, the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) hastened to perform Hajj with no delay. Because the enjoining of Hajj came at a later stage, in 9 or 10 AH, one might say, How can you prove that the command to perform Hajj was delayed until 9 or 10 AH? We would say that the first part of Soorah Aal ‘Imraan was revealed in the year of delegations (‘aam al-wufood), during which the delegation from Najraan came to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and he made a treaty with them regarding their paying the jizyah, and the (ruling on) jizyah was revealed in the year of Tabook, 9 AH, when the first part of Soorat Aal ‘Imraan was revealed…”

Al-Qurtubi said in his Tafseer (2/4/92): Hajj was known to the Arabs. When Islam came, they were told about something they already knew and what was enjoined upon them was something they were familiar with…” See also Ahkaam al-Qur’aan by Ibn al-‘Arabi, 1/286. See also question no 32662

2 – Tawaaf around the House

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“and We commanded Ibraaheem (Abraham) and Ismaa’eel (Ishmael) that they should purify My House (the Ka‘bah at Makkah) for those who are circumambulating it, or staying (I‘tikâf), or bowing or prostrating themselves (there, in prayer)”

[al-Baqarah 2:125]

This verse indicates that tawaaf around the Ka’bah was known at the time of Ibraaheem (peace be upon him).
3 – Raml

Raml means walking quickly with short steps. This is Sunnah for men but not for women during the tawaaf of arrival (tawaaf al-qudoom), which is the first tawaaf performed when one arrives in Makkah.
How did raml begin?

Al-Bukhaari narrated in his Saheeh (2/469-470, 1602) and Muslim also narrated (2/991-992, 1262) that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came with his companions and the mushrikoon said, “There have come to you people who have been weakened by the fever of Yathrib. So the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded them to walk quickly (raml) in the first three circuits… According to another report, he said, “Walk quickly so that the mushrikeen will see that you are strong.”
4 – The water of Zamzam and saa’i between al-Safa and al-Marwah.


Al-Bukhaari narrated in his Saheeh (6/396-397, 3364) that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said:

Ibraaheem brought Haajar and her son Ismaa’eel when she was still breastfeeding him, to a place near the Ka’bah under a tree on the spot of Zamzam, at the highest place in the mosque. During those days there was nobody in Makkah, nor was there any water. So he left them there and left with them a leather bag containing some dates, and a small water-skin containing some water, and set out homeward. Ismaa’eel’s mother followed him saying, “O Ibraaheem! Where are you going, leaving us in this valley where there is no person whose company we may enjoy, nor is there anything (to enjoy)?” She repeated that to him many times, but he did not look at her. Then she asked him, “Has Allaah commanded you to do this?” He said, “Yes.” She said, “Then He will not forsake us,” and went back while Abraham proceeded onwards. When he reached al-Thaniyah where they could not see him, he turned to face the Ka’bah, and raising both hands, invoked Allah saying the following prayer:

“O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in an uncultivable valley by Your Sacred House (the Ka‘bah at Makkah) in order, O our Lord, that they may perform As-Salaah (Iqaamat-as-Salaah). So fill some hearts among men with love towards them, and (O Allaah) provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks”

[Ibraaheem 14:37]

Ismaa’eel’s mother went on breastfeeding Ismaa’eel and drinking from the water (she had). When the water in the water-skin had all been used up, she became thirsty and her child also became thirsty. She started looking at him (i.e. Ismaa’eel) tossing in agony. She left him, for she could not endure looking at him, and found that the mountain of al-Safa was the nearest mountain to her on that land. She stood on it and started looking at the valley keenly so that she might see somebody, but she could not see anybody. Then she descended from al-Safa and when she reached the valley, she tucked up her robe and ran in the valley like a person in distress and trouble, till she crossed the valley and reached al-Marwa where she stood and started looking, expecting to see somebody, but she could not see anybody. She repeated that (running between al-Safa and al-Marwa) seven times.

Ibn ‘Abbaas said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “This is the (origin of) the people’s saa’i (walking) between them between them (i.e. al-Safa and al-Marwa).” When she reached al-Marwa (for the last time) she heard a voice and she said to herself “Shh!” and listened attentively. She heard the voice again and said, “O, (whoever you may be)! You have made me hear your voice; have you got something to help me?”x Then she saw an angel at the place of Zamzam, digging the earth with his heel (or his wing), until water appeared. She started to make something like a basin around it, using her hand in this way, and started filling her water-skin with water with her hands, and the water was flowing out after she had scooped some of it.

Ibn ‘Abbaas said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said,“May Allah have mercy on the mother of Ismaa’eel(Peace Be Upon Him)! Had she let Zamzam (flow without trying to control it) (or had she not scooped from that water) (to fill her water-skin), Zamzam would have been a stream flowing on the surface of the earth.” And he said: “The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid of being neglected, for this is the House of Allah which will be built by this boy and his father, and Allah never neglects His people’…”

Ibn al-Jawzi said in his book Mutheer al-‘Azm al-Saakin (2/47): “This hadeeth explains the reason why it is called Zamzam, because when the water flowed, Haajar tried to control it (zammat-ha). The linguist Ibn Faaris said: Zamzam comes from the words zamamtu al-naaqah (I reined in the camel).
5 – The standing at ‘Arafah

Abu Dawood and al-Tirmidhi (883) narrated that Yazeed ibn Shaybaan said: We were standing in ‘Arafah in a place far from the mawqif [where the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) stood]. Ibn Mirba’ al-Ansaari came to us and said, “I am the messenger of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), who says to you: ‘Stay where you are (for it is also the place of standing), for you are standing in the area where your father Ibraaheem stood.’” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, 1688.
Many of the actions of Hajj stem from the time of Ibraaheem (peace be upon him), but the mushrikeen introduced some innovations which were not prescribed. When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was sent, he opposed them in that and explained what was prescribed for the actions of Hajj.

This is a brief look at the history of Hajj and the history of some of its rituals. For more information you could refer to the book of al-Haafiz ibn al-Jawzi (may Allaah have mercy on him) which is called Mutheer al-‘Azm al-Saakin ila Ashraf al-Amaakin – the whole of the first volume and the beginning of the second volume.

The questioner could also refer to Question no. 3748 for a brief look at the history of al-Masjid al-Haraam.

And Allaah knows best.

The reason why it is prescribed for Muslims to perform Hajj once in a Lifetime

We Muslims feel honoured and proud to be the slaves of Allaah, the One, the Self-Sufficient Master, Who begets not nor was He begotten, and there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him; He is our Lord and we have no Lord besides Him. Hence we respond to the commands of our Lord with the utmost humility and submit to His commands, for we know that He is the All-Wise and no wisdom is greater than His. We know that He is the Most-Merciful and there is none more merciful than Him, may He be glorified and praised. Hence we love Him in a way that demands that we obey His commands even if that is somewhat difficult for us. We feel proud, happy and content when we do that which He commands us to do.

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For if a human loves another person, he loves to serve him and that may make him happy. So what do you think about the Almighty Lord Who created us and grants us provision, and everything that we have is a blessing from Him? And His is the highest description. We owe everything to our Lord, so we must hasten to do all that He commands us to do, so that we might give back some small thanks for His great blessings. We can never thank Him enough, but by His grace Allaah the Most Generous accepts our small efforts and rewards us for them greatly.

For example, Hajj or pilgrimage. If a Muslim does Hajj in the manner required by his Lord, then Allaah has promised to forgive him his sins and admit him to Paradise, on condition that he does not spoil this action by committing any major action that would invalidate it and earn the anger of Allaah.

One of the great mercies that Allaah has bestowed upon this ummah (nation, i.e., the Muslims), is that Allaah has made obedience to His commands and the commands of His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) subject to the condition that one be able to do them. So long as a person is able to do them, then it is obligatory for him to do what is required of him, otherwise he is not obliged to do so and he is excused. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Allaah burdens not a person beyond his scope” [al-Baqarah 2:286] – i.e., He does not ask him to do more than he can bear.

Concerning Hajj in particular, Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka‘bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allaah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence)” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:97]

By His mercy He has enjoined this upon His slaves once in a lifetime, so that it will not be too difficult for them, but He urges those who are able to do Hajj and ‘Umrah more than once to do so. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Keep on doing Hajj and ‘Umrah, for they take away poverty and sins as the bellows takes away the impurity from iron.” (Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 2/4; this is a saheeh hadeeth as was stated by al-Albaani in al-Silsilat al-Saheehah, 1200).

This great act of worship was prescribed by Allaah so that we might praise Him and glorify Him, and thank Him for His great blessings and bounty. The purpose of Tawaaf around the Ka’bah is not simply to go around these stones! No, rather the reason is that Allaah has commanded us to go around it seven times and we obey Allaah by going around it seven times, no more and no less; rather we do what He has commanded us and we feel that we are His slaves, humbling ourselves before Him and praising Him and thanking Him for choosing us to be His slaves out of all of mankind who worship various gods, and may even worship themselves or their own desires.

The same applies to all the rituals of Hajj, and indeed to all the acts of worship that Allaah has prescribed for us. Praise be to Allaah, Who has honoured us with this great religion.

Moreover, your interest in asking about the Hajj at your young age indicates that you are keen to learn and find out. We advise you to learn more about Islam and to read about it, and to find out for yourself that it is the religion that suits the natural inclinations of man. This will set you on the path towards pleasing your Almighty Lord, Who created you and Who provides for you, and Who deserves that you should worship Him alone and none other.

Perhaps you know that our prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told us that his fellow-Prophet ‘Eesa (Jesus – peace be upon him) will come down at the end of time and will perform pilgrimage to this House, and he will declare his belief in Allah alone (Tawheed). We believe that this will happen as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told us, just as we believe that the sun rises in the morning. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “By the One in Whose hand is my soul, the son of Maryam (the son of Mary, i.e. Jesus) will certainly pronounce the Talbiyah for Hajj or for ‘Umrah, or for both in the valley of Rawha.” (Narrated by Muslim, 1252). The valley of Rawha’ is a place between Makkah and Madeenah.

[Translator’s note: The Talbiyah is a prayer recited by pilgrims going to Makkah. It may be translated as follows: “Here I am at your service, O Allaah, here I am. Here I am at Your Service, You have no partner, here I am. All praise and blessings are Yours, and all dominion. You have no partner.”]

We ask Allaah to open your heart to true guidance… Ameen.

| HAJJ | – THE GREATER PILGRIMAGE

Hadrat ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhuma reported that the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam has stated,

يا أيها الناس كتب عليكم الحج فقام الأقرع بن حابس فقال : أفي كل عام يا رسول الله؟ فقال : لو قلتها لوجبت ، ولو وجبت لم تعملوا بها ولم تستطيعوا أن تعملوا بها ، الحج مرة فمن زاد فهو تطوع
“‘O People! Allah has made Hajj incumbent upon you.’ Hadrat Aqra’ ibn Habis stood up and inquired, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Is it incumbent each year?’ The Messenger of Allah said, ‘If I say ‘yes’ then it would be made obligatory and incumbent upon you each year, and if it was to be made incumbent each year you would not be able to fulfill this religious duty. Thus, Hajj is only once in the lifetime and those who exceed this (do more than once) then the (extra) is nafl (optional).’” [Mishkat, Kitab al-Manasik, Page 221]

From this we understand that the Holy Prophet has full power, control and authority on Shari’ah and Sacred Islamic Laws. If the Messenger of Allah desired, he could have made Hajj obligatory and incumbent each year. For a detailed treatise on this topic please read: Muniyyat al-Labib Anna al-Tashri’a biyad al-Habib (1311AH ) by Imam Ahmed Rida Khan.

Hadrat ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhuma reported that the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam said,

من أراد الحج فليعجل
“He who intends to perform hajj should hasten to do so.” [Sunan Darimi, Vol. 2, Page 27]

Hadrat ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam said,

تابعوا بين الحج والعمرة فإنهما ينفيان الفقر والذنوب كما ينفي ‏ ‏الكير ‏ ‏خبث الحديد ‏ ‏والذهب والفضة وليس للحجة المبرورة ثواب إلا الجنة
“Make the Hajj and the Umrah follow each other closely, (wear the Ihram for Qiran, in which the intention of Hajj and ‘Umrah is done or perform both the Hajj and ‘Umrah consecutively) for they remove poverty and sins as a furnace removes impurities from iron, gold and silver; and Hajj which is accepted, its reward is Paradise.” [Sunan Tirmidhi, Abwab al-Hajj, Vol. 1, Page 167]

Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam said,

من خرج حاجا أو معتمرا أو غازيا ثم مات في طريقه كتب الله له أجر الغازي والحاج والمعتمر
“Anyone who went out (of his house) with the intention of performing Hajj, ‘Umrah or fighting in the Path of Allah, and then passed away as he was on his way, then Allah the Most Exalted shall forever write for him the reward of a Haji, one who performs ‘Umrah and a mujahid.” [Mishkaat, Kitab al-Manasik, Page 223]

Hadrat ibn ‘Abbas Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhuma reported that the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam has stated,

أن العمرة في رمضان تعدل حجة
“Performing ‘Umrah in the month of Ramadan equals (in reward) a Hajj.” [Baihaqi, Bab al-Umrah fi Ramadan, Vol. 4, Page 565]



Hadrat Abu Razin al-‘Uqayli Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu came to the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam and asked,

يا رسول الله إن أبي شيخ كبير لا يستطيع الحج والعمرة ولا الظعن قال : حج عن أبيك واعتمر
“My father is very old, he cannot perform Hajj and Umrah himself; nor can he ride on any conveyance. He said, “Perform Hajj and Umrah on behalf of your father.” [Sunan Abi Dawood, Baab al-Rajul Yahujju 'an Ghayrih, Vol. 1, Page 252]

Hadrat ibn ‘Abbas Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhuma reported that: A man came to the Holy Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam and said,

إن أختي نذرت أن تحج وأنها ماتت . فقال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم : لو كان عليها دين أكنت قاضيه؟ قال: نعم، قال : فاقض دين الله فهو أحق بالقضاء
“My sister vowed to perform the Hajj, but she died (before fulfilling it).” The Holy Prophet said, “Would you not have paid her debts if she had any?” The man said, “Yes.” So, the Holy Prophet said, “So pay Allah's Rights, as He is more entitled that His rights be fulfilled.” [Sahih Bukhari, Kitab an-Nudhur, Vol. 2, Page 991]

Hadrat ibn ‘Abbas Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhuma reported that the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam said,

لا تسافرن امرأة إلا ومعها محرم
“Never should any woman travel (even if it be for Hajj) without her mahram (to which she cannot marry i.e. marrying to him is Haram) [Sahih Muslim, Baab Safar al-Mar'ah Ma'a Mahram, Vol. 1, Page 434]

Hadrat ‘Ali Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam said,

‏من ملك ‏ ‏زادا ‏ ‏وراحلة تبلغه إلى بيت الله ولم يحج فلا عليه أن يموت يهوديا أو نصرانيا وذلك أن الله يقول في كتابه: ‏‏ولله على الناس حج ‏ ‏البيت ‏ ‏من استطاع إليه سبيلا
“If anyone possesses enough provision and an animal to mount on (or any other conveyance) to take him to the House of Allah and (despite this) does not perform the pilgrimage, there is no difference whether he dies as a Jew or a Christian. This is because Allah the Most Exalted has stated, ‘Pilgrimage to the House is a duty men owe to Allah, those who can afford the journey’.” [Sunan Tirmidhi, Baab Ma Ja'a minat Taghleedh, Vol. 1, Page 167]


IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. To perform Hajj to “show off” to others or pretence or to perform Hajj from wealth which is Haram (such that it was gained from Haram means) then it is Haram to go to perform Hajj. [al-Durr al-Mukhtar, Radd al-Muhtar, Bahar-e-Shari’at Vol. 6 Page 719]

2. If Makkah al-Mukarramah is situated at a distance of three days or more (normal walking distance which equals to approximately 57 ½ miles or 92 kilometres) from the place of residence of a woman who intends to perform Hajj then she must, (irrespective of being young or old,) accompany her husband or a “Mahram” (those relatives to whom it is Haram for the woman to marry; whether this prohitibiton is because of a blood-relation such as the son, brother, father or because of a foster relation or the in-laws, such as the father-in-law, or the son of his husband from his previous wife) [Bahar-e-Shari’at]

3. The husband or the “mahram” with whom the woman can go to perform Hajj has to be sane, mature and not a fasiq (transgressor). One cannot perform Hajj with an insane, immature or a fasiq. [‘Alamgiri, al-Durr al-Mukhtar, Bahar-e-Shari’at]

4. It is haram for a woman to go to perform Hajj without her husband or any “mahram”. If she does so, then she has accomplished the religious duty. However, a sin shall be written on every step she takes (to and fro). [Fatawa-e-Razawiyyah, Vol. 4, Page 691]

5. Some women go to perform Hajj with her spiritual guide (Peer) or a very old man (who are ghayr mahram for them). This is also unlawful and Haraam.



6. If there is no husband or “mahram” to accompany the woman, then it is not wajib for the woman to perform nikah (in order for a valid person such as her husband to accompany her to go to perform Hajj). [Bahar-e-Shari’at]

7. If one has an amount of money sufficient for him/her to perform Hajj, but not enough to bring gifts and souvenirs for friends and relatives on return, then to perform Hajj is still incumbent (obligatory) upon him/her. Not to perform Hajj because of the insufficient amount of money to bring gifts and toys is Haram. [Bahar-e-Shari’at]

8. The table below shows the rulings of each aspect of Hajj for a Mutammati’; which is Fard (obligatory), Wajib (necessary), Sunnah, or Nafl (optional):



9. The 5 days of Hajj (in brief):



10. A woman who is in her menstrual cycle (haiz) cannot perform Tawaf-e-Ziyarat (Tawaf-e-Ifada) on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. If she cannot perform this Tawaf on this date due to her menstrual cycle, then if she becomes ‘clean’ after this date until the sunset on the 12th of Dhul Hijjah, it is obligatory on her to perform this tawaf. If even after these dates, the woman has not become ‘clean’, but has become clean after these dates, then it is obligatory for her to perform this Tawaf.

a. If a woman who is in her periods (menstrual cycle) can take tablets to terminate the menstrual cycle, then she can do so. However, doing this shall cause harm to one’s health. Therefore, it is advisable not to do it. [Fatawa-e-Markazi Dar-ul-Ifta – 11th Year – 2006 - Page 35]

b. If a female can change her return date back to her country, in order for her to become ‘clean’ and thereafter perform this Fard Tawaf, then she should do so. Otherwise, if she returned back to her place of residence, not having performed this Fard Tawaf, then her Hajj is incomplete. She shall have to retrun in the “Months of Hajj” which are Shawwal, Dhul Qa’dah, first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah; and then perform the Fard Tawaf (Tawaf-e-Ziyarat). She shall also have to sacrifice an animal in the haram boundaries, as atonement for reutnring to her destination without having performed this obligatory Tawaf. [Fatawa-e-Faqih-e-Millat – Vol. 1 Page 349]



11. Those who have been blessed with performing Hajj and visiting the August Presence of the Holy Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam should (on return to their places) draw people closer towards religion; by giving them gifts which helps them to do so. Such gifts include giving books of the Ahl al-sunnah wa al-Jama’ah, Islamic lectures, Islamic CDs and so on. Unfortunately, however, most Hajis bring with them radios for their friends and relatives by which they, most of the time, listen to music; gaining sins upon sins upon sins, not only in their Book of Deeds but also in the Book of Deeds of the one who initially gave it to them. This same ruling applies to those people who bring gold rings and/or chains or any other jewellery item for men to wear. This is because it is unlawful (Haram) for males to wear any kind of jewellery (whether it comes from the two Holy Sanctuaries or any other place) made out of any metal whatsoever, except for one silver ring which has to have one stone, and which does not weight more than 4.23 grams.

Allah Most High states:

وتعاونوا على البر والتقوى ولا تعاونوا على الاثم والعدوان
“and help one another in (matters of) virtue and piety and do not mutually cooperatw in what is sinful and wicked…” [Surah al-Ma’idah, Verse 2]

12. A person who performed Hajj with pure Halal money (which was gained from Halal means), had a sincere intention (to perform Hajj solely for seeking the pleasure of Allah and His Beloved Messenger), did not fight, quarrel or argue in it, protected himself from all disobedincies and sins, and thereafter passed away (after having performed Hajj), but did not have the time to fulfil all of the Rights of Allah (Huququllah) or the Rights of His slaves (Huququl Ibaad), then in the situation of his/her Hajj being accepted, there is a high hope that Allah Ta’ala forgives all of His rights and through His mercy He shall forgive the rights of His slaves. There is also hope that on the Day of Resurrection Allah shall please all those whose right was upon the shoulders of this person, and protect this slave of His from contention as regards to the rights being unfulfilled. [A’jab al-Imdad fi mukaffirati Huquq al-‘Ibad – Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Rehmatullahi ‘Alayh – Fatawa-e-Razawiyyah – Vol. 24, Pages 459-476]

13. If a person stayed alive after having performed Hajj, and then as much as his/her capability, tried to fulfil the rights of Allah and the rights of His slaves; such as paying the Zakat which he/she did not pay for years that preceded; or performed the Qaza of prayers that were missed; or the fasts that had not been kept; or fulfilled the rights of those who owned that right by repaying the owner of the right or his/her next of kin, asked for forgiveness from the person to whom he/she had caused problems or had troubled; those who passed away before their rights were fulfilled, then he/she gave charity on behalf of them ; if anything remained unfulfilled from the rights of Allah and His slaves, then he did a wasiyyah (leave by will) near the time of death that the rights be fulfilled by taking that share from his/her own wealth and then giving it to the owner of the right. Conclusively, he/she tried their best to fulfil all the rights that were left unaccomplished, then there is even a greater hope for the forgiveness of such people. [A’jab al-Imdad]



14. Yes however, if one was neglectful in fulfilling these rights after having performed Hajj, and hence, he/she did not fulfill these rights then all these sins shall start to be written in his/her Book of Deeds. This is because prior to performing Hajj, the rights of Allah and His slaves still remained on his/her responsibility to fulfill, but they delayed in fulfilling these rights and on top of this, they neglected these rights even after performing Hajj. Thus, the Hajj performed will not be sufficient to eliminate these rights that have remained on his/her responsibility. This is because, yes, Hajj does remove the sins of not performing salaah and keeping fasts in their prescribed times. However, Hajj deos not eliminate the obligation of performing the qaza of the prayers that have been missed; or keeping fasts that have been missed.

15. A sign of a person’s Hajj being accepted is that the Haji becomes more ‘religious’ after Hajj than was before. [A’jab al-Imdad]

16. Nowadays, many people have become heedless of fulfilling the rights of Allah and His slaves for many years; such as they have not performed the Qaza for their missed prayers; or not kept the fasts that they had broken or not kept; or not payed the Zakat for their previous years. This is why we see them killing one another; seizing each others property; stealing other peoples wealth; causing problems and giving distress to others. it is great misunderstanding for such people to think that after having performed Hajj all of their sins have been eradicated. If the Rights of Allah and the Rights of His slaves have been left unfulfilled, even after having performed Hajj, then they have to be accomplished as soon as possible.

We ask Almighty Allah that He gives us the tawfiq and guidance to fulfil His rights and those of His slaves... Aameen!!

Misconception: Why do Muslims slaughter the animal in a ruthless manner by torturing it and slowly and painfully killing it?

The Islamic method of slaughtering animals, known as Zabiha has been the object of much criticism from a large number of people.

Before I reply to the question, let me relate an incidence about a discussion between a Sikh and a Muslim regarding animal slaughter.

Once a Sikh asked a Muslim, "Why do you slaughter the animal painfully by cutting the throat instead of the way we do with one stroke i.e. jhatka?" The Muslim replied"We are brave and courageous and attack from the front. We are marad ka baccha (macho men), you are cowards and attack from behind".



Jokes apart, one may consider the following points, which prove that the Zabiha method is not only humane but also scientifically the best:
1. Islamic method of slaughtering animal
Zakkaytum is a verb derived from the root word Zakah (to purify). Its infinitive is Tazkiyah which means purification. The Islamic mode of slaughtering an animal requires the following conditions to be met:

a. Animal should be slaughtered with sharp object (knife)

The animal has to be slaughtered with a sharp object (knife) and in a fast way so that the pain of slaughter is minimised.

b. Cut wind pipe, throat and vessels of neck

Zabiha is an Arabic word which means ‘slaughtered’. The ‘slaughtering’ is to be done by cutting the throat, windpipe and the blood vessels in the neck causing the animal’s death without cutting the spinal cord.

c. Blood should be drained

The blood has to be drained completely before the head is removed. The purpose is to drain out most of the blood which would serve as a good culture medium for micro organisms. The spinal cord must not be cut because the nerve fibres to the heart could be damaged during the process causing cardiac arrest, stagnating the blood in the blood vessels.
2. Blood is a good medium for germs and bacteria

Blood is a good media of germs, bacteria, toxins, etc. Therefore the Muslim way of slaughtering is more hygienic as most of the blood containing germs, bacteria, toxins, etc. that are the cause of several diseases are eliminated.
3. Meat remains fresh for a longer time

Meat slaughtered by Islamic way remains fresh for a longer time due to deficiency of blood in the meat as compared to other methods of slaughtering.
4. Animal does not feel pain

The swift cutting of vessels of the neck disconnects the flow of blood to the nerve of the brain responsible for pain. Thus the animal does not feel pain. While dying, the animal struggles, writhers, shakes and kicks, not due to pain, but due to the contraction and relaxation of the muscles defecient in blood and due to the flow of blood out of the body.

By Dr. Zakir Naik

The Last Sermon of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

The last sermon of the Prophet-peace be upon him- is known as Khutbatul Wada'. It is mentioned in almost all books of Hadith. Following Ahadith in Sahih Al-Bukhari refer to the sermon and quote part of it. See Al-Bukhari, Hadith 1623, 1626, 6361) Sahih of Imam Muslim also refers to this sermon in Hadith number 98. Imam al-Tirmidhi has mentioned this sermon in Hadith nos. 1628, 2046, 2085. Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal has given us the longest and perhaps the most complete version of this sermon in his Masnud, Hadith no. 19774.

This Khutbah of the Prophet-peace be upon him- was long and it contained much guidance and instructions on many issues. The Prophet-peace be upon him- gave this sermon in front of a large gathering of people during Hajj.

Whosoever heard whatever part of the sermon reported it and later some scholars put it together. It is a great khutbah and we should all pay attention to its message and guidance. Following are the basic points mentioned in this khutbah:



O People
Lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefor listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.

O People
Just as you regard this month, this day, this city as sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (interest); therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity.

Allah has Judged that there shall be no interest and that all interest due to Abbas Ibn ‘Abd al Muttalib (the Prophet's uncle) shall henceforth be waived.

Beware of Satan for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People
It is true that you have certain rights in regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives, only under Allah's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat you women well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.

O People
Listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat.

Perform Hajj if you can afford to.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black, nor a black has any superiority over a white- except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim, which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not therefor, do injustice to yourselves.

Remember one day you will appear before Allah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone. People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well therefore, O people, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and the Sunnah (Hadith), and if you follow these you will never go astray. All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listened to me directly. Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed your message to your people."

“…This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My Grace upon you, and have chosen Islam for you as your religion…” (Quran 5:3)

Visiting the Blessed Mausoleum of the Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam

I. Hadrat ibn ‘Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam said,

من زار قبري وجبت له شفاعتي
“Whoever visits my grave, my intercession is guaranteed for him.”

[al-Sunan al-Daraqutni (2:278) al-Kuna wa al-Asma’ al-Dulani (2:64), Majma’ al-Zawaid Haythami (4:2), al-Talkhis al-Habir Ibn Hajar al-Hafiz (2:267), Kanz al-‘Ummal (15:651), Jadhb al-Qulub – Shaykh ‘Abd al-Haq al-Dehlwi al-Muhaddith (204)]



II. Hadrat ibn ‘Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam said,

من جاءني زائرًا لاتحمله حاجة إلا زيارتي كان حقًا علي أن أكون له شفيعًا يوم القيامة
“Whoever visits me without any avowed purpose other than my visit, it is incumbent upon me to be his intercessor on the Day of Resurrection.”

[narrated by al-Tabarani in al-Awsat and al-Kabir (12:291) and al-Daraqutni and Majma’ al-Zawa’id al-Haythami (4:2) and Ittihaf al-Sa’dah al-Muttaqin Sharh Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din al-Zubaidi (4:416) and Tafsir al-Durr al-Manthur al-Suyuti (1:237) and Kanz al-‘Ummal Muttaqi al-Chishti al-Shadhili al-Hindi (Hadith no. 34928 (2:256) all references from Jami’ al-Ahadith



III. Hadrat ibn ‘Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam said,

من حج فزار قبري بعد وفاتي فكأنما زارني في حياتي
“Whoever makes pilgrimage then visits me after my death it is as if he visited me in my life.”

[narrated by al-Tabarani in al-Kabir (12:310) and al-Daraqutni (2:278) and al-Baihaqi in his al-Sunan al-Kubra (5:286) and in Mishkat al-Masabih Tabrezi (2756) and in al-Jami’ al-Saghir Suyuti (2:523) and Jadhb al-Qulub - ‘Abd al-Haq Dehlwi (205) and Ittihaf al-Sadah Zubaydi (4:416) and Kanz al-‘Ummal (5:135) and Majma’ al-Zawaid Haythami (4:2)]



IV. The Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam said,

من زارنى بعد موتى فكأنما زارنى فى حياتى
“Whoever visits my grave after my death is as those who visited me in my life.”

[Narrated by al-Tabarani in al-Kabir (12:406) and al-Awsat (1:94) and al-Daraqutni (2:278)]



V. Hadrat Anas ibn Malik said that the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam said,

من زارني في المدينة محتسبا كان في جواري وكنت له شفيعا يوم القيامة
“Anyone who visits me in Madinah for the sake of Allah is near me and I will intercede for him on the Day of Rising.”

[al-Baihaqi and others as mentioned by Imam Qadi al-‘Iyad in al-Shifa – Section 9 – “Concerning visit to the Prophet’s grave...”]



VI. Hadrat Nafi’ Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu said,

كان ابن عمر يسلم على القبر رأيته مائة مرة وأكثر يجئ إلى القبر فيقول السلام على النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم السلام على أبى بكر السلام على أبى ثم ينصرف، وروى ابن عمر واضعا يده على مقعد النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم من المنبر ثم وضعها على وجهه
“I saw that Hadrat [‘Abdullah] ibn ‘Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhuma used to come to the blessed grave a hundred times or more. He would say, ‘Peace be upon the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Peace be upon Abu Bakr.’” Then he would leave. Ibn ‘Umar was also seen to put his hand on the seat of the Prophet at the mimbar and then place his hand on his face [for blessings and Barakah].

[narrated in al-Shifa’ – Section 9, and mentioned by Imam Ahmed Rida Khan the great Muhaddith and Mufassir and the Reviver of the Islamic sciences in his treatise “Abar al-Maqal – Page 3 and Jami’ al-Ahadith – Vol. 2 Pg. 268]



VII. Hadrat ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhuma reported that the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam said,

من زارني في مماتي كان كمن زارني في حياتي، ومن زارني حتى ينتهي إلى قبري كنت له يوم القيامة شهيدا أو شفيعا
“whosoever visits me (my grave) after my death is as he has visited me in my life and I shall be an intercessor and witness for him on the Day of Resurrection.”

[Ittihaf al-Sadah (4:416) and al-Mughni Zain al-Din al-Iraqi (1:259) and Jadhb al-Qulub ‘Abd al-Haq al-Dehlawi (205)]



NOTES:

1. To perform the ziyarah (visit) of the blessed shrine of the Messenger of Allah is near to Wajib (being necessary). [Fatawa-e-Razawiyyah, Bahar-e-Shari’at]

2. To perform Hajj and not to visit the blessed shrine of the Beloved Prophet is a sign of wretchedness.
--
Extracted From
Anwaar al-Hadith, Chapter 7, Pages 275 to 277
by Hadrat Allama Mufti Jalal al-Din Qadiri al-Amjadi
English Translation: Mawlana Kalim al-Qadiri [Bolton - U.K.]

SACRIFICING ANIMALS-

All Praises is due to Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala, Peace and Blessings be upon the most perfect of creations, His Beloved Habeeb, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam his noble Family and the illustrious Sahaba Ridwanullahi Ta'ala Alaihim Ajma'een and all the pious servants of Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala.



| SACRIFICING ANIMALS |

I. Hadrat Zaid ibn Arqam Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu reported that the companions of the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam asked:

يا رسول الله ما هذه الأضاحى قال: سنة أبيكم إبراهيم. قالوا فما لنا فيها يا رسول الله قال: بكل شعرة حسنة. قالوا فالصوف يا رسول الله قال: بكل شعرة من الصوف حسنة
“O Messenger of Allah! What is this sacrifice?” He said, “It is the practice of your father Abraham.” They asked, “What is the reward for us in it?” He said, “For every hair, you will be rewarded.” They asked, “for the wool, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “For every strand of wool you will be rewarded.” [Sunan Ibn Majah, Vol. 1, Page 226, Hadith 3247]

II. Hadrat ‘Ayesha Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha reported that the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam has said,

ما عمل آدمى من عمل يوم النحر أحب إلى الله من إهراق الدم إنها لتأتى يوم القيامة بقرونها وأشعارها وأظلافها وإن الدم ليقع من الله بمكان قبل أن يقع من الأرض فطيبوا بها نفسا
“On the day of sacrifice no one does a deed more pleasing to Allah than the shedding of blood. The sacrifice will come on the Day of Resurrection with its horns, its hairs and its hooves; and the blood finds acceptance with Allah before it falls on the ground.” [Sunan Tirmidhi, Vol. 1, Page 275, Hadith 1572]




III. Hadrat Hanash Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu reported:

رأيت عليا رضي الله عنه يضحي بكبشين فقلت له : ما هذا ؟ فقال : إن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم أوصاني أن أضحي عنه فأنا أضحي عنه
I saw Hadrat ‘Ali sacrificing two rams. I asked him: “what is this?” He said, “The Messenger of Allah had enjoined me to sacrifice on his behalf; so I am sacrificing on his behalf.” [Mishkat, Page 128, Hadith 1642]

IV. Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam has said,

من وجد سعة فلم يضح فلا يقربن مصلانا
“Such a person who had the ability and means to sacrifice an animal, but (despite this) he did not do so; should never come near our Eidgah (place where the Eid prayers are performed).” [Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 18, Page 27, Hadith 8496]

V. Hadrat Umm-e-Salmah Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha reported that the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam has said,

إذا رأيتم هلال ذى الحجة وأراد أحدكم أن يضحى فليمسك عن شعره وأظفاره
“when you see the new moon of Dhul Hijjah and one of you intends to make sacrifice, he must not shave his hair, trim it, or clip his nails.” [Sahih Muslim, Vol. 2, Page 160, Hadith 5234]



IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. For the condition of sacrificing, the Malik-e-Nisab is the person who possesses 52 ½ tolas (620 grammes) of silver or 7 ½ tolas (88 grammes) of gold; or they have the same amount equivalent to either of the above item in value in business goods or non-business goods, which are not goods that are the basic necessities of life. The wealth and/or property should be ‘extra’/above one’s basic necessities (hajat-e-asliyyah).

2. Nowadays, the price of silver is less. The price of silver in current-day value is approximately £2 per tola. Therefore, anyone who possess the value of: £2 x 52 ½ tola = £105 - which exceeds his/her basic necessities and also the debt which is to be paid back – then it is wajib on such a person to sacrifice an animal.

3. Such a Malik-e-Nisab who has already sacrificed an animal on behalf of himself, and the following year he is still a Malik-e-Nisab then again it is wajib upon him to sacrifice an animal on his behalf. This ruling applies for each year (that sacrificing is wajib if a person is a Malik-e-Nisab). It has been stated in a Hadith: “It is wajib upon every household to sdacrifice an animal each year.”

4. If a Malik-e-Nisab sacrifices on behalf of someone else, instead of sacrificing an animal on behalf of himself (i.e. does not sacrifice an animal on his behalf), then he has committed a great sin. Thus, if he wants to sacrifice on someone else’s behalf, then he should make preparations to buy another animal and sacrifice it.

5. Some people who think that, “It is wajib only once in a lifetime to sacrifice an animal on one’s behalf” is farce and wrong, which has no proof; as it is wajib upon a Malik-e-Nisab to sacrifice an animal on his behalf each year.

6. In villages, it is permissible to sacrifice animals on the 10th of Dhu’l Hijjah after the break of dawn (Subh-e-Sadiq). However, it is Mustahab to sacrifice it after sunrise. [Fatawa-e-‘Alamgiri Vol. 5 Page 260]



7. It is not permissible to sacrifice animals before the Eid prayer in cities and towns. [Bahar-e-Shari’at]

8. Such a poor person - who cannot afford to sacrifice an animal - should also refrain from shaving or trimming hair and clipping nails; so as to resemble the pilgrims on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.

9. It is permissible for a resident of a city or a town to send his animal to a person living in a village; and have it sacrificed before the Eid prayer; and then have the meat sent back to him in the city or town. [al-Durr al-Mukhtar]

10. It is not permissible to give the skin or the meat of the sacrificed animal as the wage to the butcher or the one who has sacrificed the animal. [al-Durr al-Mukhtar]

11. It is not permissible to give the meat of a sacrificed animal to any infidel.

12. The method of sacrificing an animal is to lay it on its left, such that its face is towards the Qiblah and then place the right foot on its side and holding a sharp knife (concealed obviously from the animal or if it is blind-folded then there is no harm). The animal should be sacrificed using a sharp knife.



13. If the Qurban has been performed on behalf of someone who has passed away, then the meat cannot be eaten by the person himself nor can it be given to a rich person. It is wajib to give all the meat to the poor as sadaqah. [Bahar-e-Shari’at]

14. The animal’s skin, reins, saddle etc should all be given in sadaqah, one can use the skin for their own usage, such as to make the skin into a leather bag or a prayer mat. However, one cannot sell the skin to someone else, and then use the money for their own benefit. If this has been done, then the money received should be given as sadaqah.

15. Nowadays, people give the animal skin to Madrissahs and other Islamic institutions. This is perfectly permissible. If one sells the skin with the intention of giving the money received to the Madrissa, then this is also permissible. [‘Alamgiri, Bahar-e-Shari’at]

16. The skin of the sacrificed animal cannot be given to the Imam as his wage. Yes, however, it can be given to him as a gift or for his benefit. [Bahar-e-Shari’at]

17. A camel must be at least five years old; a buffalo should be at least two years old; and a sheep, lamb or a goat should be at least one year old. [al-Durr al-Mukhtar]

18. The animal intended to be slaughtered should be big and health, and should be free from any faults or defects. If there is a minor defect in the animal, then the Qurbani will count, but it is Makruh. If there is a major defect, then the Qurbani will not count. [al-Durr al-Mukhtar, Radd al-Muhtar, Fatawa-e-‘Alamgiri]

Some think that sacrificing one animal will suffice for one whole household; all of whom are Malik-e-Nisab. This is wrong. Each and every person from such a household should sacrifice an animal on their behalf. Yes, however, a household can share seven parts from a ‘large’ animal such as a camel, cow, buffalo etc.


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Extracted From
Anwaar al-Hadith, Chapter 10, Pages 323 to 328
by Hadrat Allama Mufti Jalal al-Din Qadiri al-Amjadi
English Translation: Mawlana Kalim al-Qadiri [Bolton - U.K.]