The Miracle of Zamzam From time to time Ibrahim would The Sacred Zamzam visit Makkah to meet his family, especially Zamzam is the name of the well in the courtyard of the Great in Makkah. Pilgrims to Makkah drink to see his young Ismail growing up in the the water of Zamzam which has a special sacredness; some After a while, baby Ismail began to cry for caused a miracle—a spring gushed forth beautiful surroundings of nature—in a believe it has healing properties. The Zamzan water is a water. But there was not a single drop of beneath the feet of Ismail. When symbol for the basic truth, that when all seems lost, new town in a lovely valley surrounded is still present, with healing and life for the soul. After the water to drink. Hagar ran helplessly from saw this from a distance, she shouted, by hills, away from the crowded cities exertion of the tawaf and sa‘y most pilgrims drink Zamzam one hill to another, but there was no “Zamzam” the sound made by rushing and relax at the nearby Zamzam area. Pilgrims drink Zamzam whose inhabitants at that time were throughout their stay in Makkah and often take home small water, nor any human being to give her water in the Babylonian language. mostly idol-worshippers. flasks and jerry cans as souvenirs for friends and relatives who are unable to make the themselves. Today, Zamzam water. Hagar came running and gave some water is pumped out in As the baby was crying desperately fresh spring water to the thirsty child to channels and provided through taps fitted with thirst and the mother was running drink. And so his life was saved. This in the Zamzam area, from one mountain to another, Allah spring later on became famous as Zamzam. which is accessible in underground galleries Ismail and his mother began to live Signs of Allah reached by a flight of in the valley and, because of the Zamzam steps near the Kabah. The two small hills, , symbol- Men and women have ize patience and perserverance. One of the pilgrim’s spring, more people gradually came to separate entrances. most important activities is the sa‘y — walking swiftly settle there, slowly building up a small between them seven times. Sa‘y means to struggle, or to do strenuous exercise. town, which was later called Makkah. It makes us remember the struggle of Hagar in the The desert, rushing anxiously from hill to hill, trying to in olden times. catch sight of a caravan that would have water for her dying child, and how suddenly from one hill she saw a spring gush forth near her child’s feet. Allah had provided for her and her son. Today the two hills are fully enclosed within the Sacred Mosque, and pilgrims make the seven rounds down mosaic tiled corridors. As shown in the picture, the ailing and disabled are wheeled in chairs down an aisle between the corridors.

The walkway between the two hills, Safa and Marwa

6 7 The Stoning Pillars The Prophet stayed in Makkah during A close-up view of Jamrah or the Hajj for 10 days. Afterwards he left for stoning pillar, in olden times. Madinah. At a place called Dhul Halifa he Riding on, he reached the Jamarat, the three people came to him, asking many rested for the night, and at sunrise entered pillars at Mina. He cast seven pebbles at questions about the pilgrimage. Some his beloved city—Madinah, the Radiant. each, saying “Allahu Akbar” each time. The said, “I delayed in doing so and so,” or “I When he first saw the city dwellings Prophet gave his second sermon at Mina. performed something before it was due,” from a distance, words of praise poured As in the sermon at Arafat, the Prophet and so on. Over and over the Prophet from his lips: “Allah is most High. There Œ told the pilgrims to respect told them: “No objection, no objection! is no deity save Him. He is One. No one is and care for each other, and follow ’s Objections are only for the person who His partner. He is Lord of everything. All word in the . wrongfully violates the honour of his praise belongs to Him and He empowers Afterwards the Prophet offered his fellow-man.” all things. We are returning repentant, sacrifices, shaved his head and took off the At Mina the Prophet spent three praying, prostrating ourselves, praising our —the pilgrims’ dress. That was the day more days for the throwing of stones. Lord. Allah has kept His promise.” of the feast—(today we remember that day as In the afternoon of the third day, the The Prophet died two months after Id al-Adha). Prophet moved to Makkah, where he performing his Hajj. On the same day, the Prophet rode to stayed in a tent and slept briefly. Before Makkah, performed tawaf, drank water at the morning prayer, he went to the Zamzam and returned to Mina. At Mina Sacred Mosque and performed the tawaf of Farewell.

Resting at Muzdalifa This open plain lies roughly half-way between Arafat and Mina. Here, until midnight, the massive crowd of pilgrims pray and rest, and each gathers tiny stones for the visit to Mina. The ancient town of Mina is where Ibrahim was tempted by , as he was on his way to carry out Allah’s order to sacrifice his son, Ismail. Satan tried to persuade Ibrahim to disobey God’s command, but Ibrahim would not be swayed. There are three stone pillars (jamarat) in Mina representing the , and pilgrims celebrate Ibrahim’s great faith by throwing seven stones at each of them. The Jamrah or the stoning pillar in present times, where pilgrims carry out the rites of stoning.

22 23 The Sacred Mosque of Makkah wonderful memories of the great men poor, black and white, young and old, of the past—the Prophet Ibrahim #, the met as equals. They go back, their faces Prophet Muhammad Œ, his Companions shining with hope and joy, for they have The Sacred Mosque of Makkah has magnificent structure itself seems to float and their wives, the great Caliphs, the carried out God’s command—the same been made larger over the years. Now on the ocean of pilgrims that surrounds it respected scholars and thinkers of — command that He gave to mankind many the spring of Zamzam and the Safa and as far as the eye can see. all who have undertaken the Hajj before centuries ago to go on the pilgrimage. Marwa hills are enclosed within its walls, As the pilgrims of different races, them. They will always remember that This was so that people could not only and there is enough space for one million speaking different languages, return great coming together, where rich and seek pardon for their sins, but could also pilgrims at a time. During Hajj this to their homes, they carry with them turn into better human beings. When they return, it is with the prayer that God may be pleased with their Hajj.

The Supreme Act of Worship The Prophet Muhammad Œ calls Hajj, the journey to God, the “supreme act of worship.” It is a way for to renew their religious enthusiasm and their faith in Allah. After this, the greatest act of the pilgrims’ life, they become like new human beings. In spirit, it combines all the other acts of worship, helping us to remember Allah and make sacrifices for His sake. On this we have to expend time, money and energy. But Hajj is not just going to and from Makkah. Hajj shows how close we can get to Allah in this life. While other acts of worship are about remembering God, Hajj is about reaching Him. Generally, when we worship God, we cannot see Him, but during Hajj, we come face to face with Him. When pilgrims stand before the House of God, it is like standing before God Himself. Then they are moved to walk around God’s House, like a butterfly circling a flower. The plain of Arafat, where the pilgrims spend one day, is like a picture of Judgement Day. The Quran says, “When the trumpet is blown, behold, from the graves they rush forth to their Lord.” (Surah Ya Sin, 36:51). And indeed, thousands and thousands of God’s servants flock in from all sides to witness the event. And what a great sight it is! All are dressed in the same, simple attire and “Lord, You alone are our Guardian. all recite the same words: “Here we are at Your service, The Sacred Mosque now encompasses fully 4,300,000 Forgive us and have mercy on us: You are Lord.” square meters (about 100 acres), including the rooftop the noblest of those who forgive. Ordain for Just as the Sacred Mosque in Makkah is the holiest, prayer areas and the open plazas surrounding the mosque. us what is good, both in this life and in the so is the worship that is performed there—as part of Although it comfortably holds around 2.5 millions ” the pilgrimage—the most important. It is not just the worshipers, during Hajj and more than twice as Hereafter. To You alone we turn. pilgrims’ duties during Hajj that make it important, but many pack into it and fill its adjoining plazas. (Al-A‘raf 7:155-156) the spirit in which they carry them out.

26 27 The Pilgrims Route Hajj at a Glance A few days before Hajj: This day is known, therefore, as FOURTH DAY: Yawm al-Wuquf, or The Day of 11th Dhul Hijjah Madinah Put on the pilgrim’s dress (ihram) Standing. In the evening move Stay in Mina and throw pebbles 277 Miles at one of the appointed places towards and say the at the Jamarat. This day and the called miqats. (If travelling by maghrib and isha prayers together. Madinah next two days are called Ayyam air, one may wear ihram before Rest there at night, and collect Jeddah al-Tashriq, which literally means, 45 Miles Makkah boarding the plane.) small pebbles for the stoning in Saudi “the days of drying meat.” Arabia Mina. Makkah Enter the Sacred Mosque of FIFTH DAY: Makkah and perform seven THIRD DAY: 12th Dhul Hijjah rounds (tawaf) of the Kabah, 10th Dhul Hijjah. Jabal al-Nur then walk briskly seven times Stay in Mina and throw pebbles Site of the first Go to Mina and throw small revelation of the between the Safa and Marwa at the Jamarat. Return the same stones there at one of the Quran hills. Trim hair and remove day to Makkah and perform Jamarat. Offer up a sacrifice Jabal al-Thawr ihram. tawaf, then drink the water Site of the cave and have the hair of the head of the Zamzam. This ends the where the Prophet FIRST DAY: clipped, trimmed or shaved. Hajj. took shelter during Go to Makkah and perform his migration 8th Dhul Hijjah. tawaf. (Also go back and forth Note: Those unable to leave Mina for Put on ihram again, Makkah on 12th Dhul Hijjah should between Safa and Marwa, if sa‘y stay at Mina for one more night. The and declare one’s intention has not been performed on 8th next day, on 13th Dhul Hijjah, after of performing Hajj. Perform Dhul Hijjah), then return to pelting the stoning pillars with stones, tawaf of the Kabah and sa‘y, they should leave for Makkah in the Mina. This day is called Yawm al- afternoon. if not performed earlier, and Nahr, or the Day of Sacrifice. Mina leave for Mina early in the The Stoning Pillars morning, reciting talbiya. Stay Site of the Prophet overnight in Mina. This day is Ibrahim’s sacrifice. known as Yawm al-Tarwiyah, or the Day of Reflection.

SECOND DAY: Muzdalifah 9th Dhul Hijjah. Arafat The pilgrims pray Go to Arafat and say the zuhr and Site of the Prophet here and stay over- Muhammad’s night. They also asr prayers together, combined Farewell Sermon. collect small stones and shortened. Here the pilgrims for throwing at the Stand here with devotion, participate in the stoning pillars in main Hajj rite, Mina. till sunset, praying and asking known as the Allah’s forgiveness. This act is Standing of Arafat. known as wuquf or standing.

32 33 Prayers from the Quran and the Hadith Lord, give us joy in our spouses and children and make us foremost among those who are conscious of You. (25 :74) O Allah, increase my wealth, my children Lord, give us patience and let us die in O Allah, put my religion in order for and bless me in what You have granted me. submission. (7:126) me, which is the basis of my affairs. Put Make my life longer upon your obedience, Lord, I stand in dire need of any good in order for me my worldly affairs which make my deeds the best and forgive me. which You may bestow upon me! (28:24) are the source of my livelihood. Put in (Related by al-Bukhari and Muslim.) order for me my life in the Hereafter, Our Lord, take us not to task if we forget, or lapse into error. Our which is my ultimate destination. Lord, charge us not with the burden Increase all that is good in my life and Lord, You alone are our Guardian. Forgive You laid upon those before us. Our make death a respite for me from every us and have mercy on us: You are the Inspire me, my Lord that I may be evil. (Related by Muslim.) Lord, do not burden us beyond what There is no deity which has the right noblest of those who forgive. Ordain thankful for Your blessing bestowed on we have the strength to bear. And to be worshipped except Allah alone, pardon us, and forgive us our sins, for us what is good, both in this life and me and my parents, and that I may do the Mighty, the Wise. There is no deity “When My servants question you about and have mercy on us, You alone are in the Hereafter. To You alone we turn. good works that will please You. Grant which has the right to be worshipped Me, tell them that I am near. I answer our Protector. And help us against (7:155-156) me good descendants. To You I turn and the prayer of every suppliant who calls to except Allah alone, Lord of the Mighty people who deny the truth. (2:286) to You I surrender myself. (46:15) Me; therefore let them respond to Me, and throne. There is no deity which has the believe in Me, that they may be rightly Our Lord! Send upon us Your mercy, and right to be worshipped except Allah alone, guided.” (Surah al-Baqarh 2: 186) show us the solution to our problem in the Lord of the Heavens, the earth and the right way. (18:10) Noble Throne. (Related by al-Bukhari O Allah, I seek refuge in You from and Muslim.) Lord, increase my knowledge. (20:114) Forgive us Lord, and forgive our weakness, laziness, cowardliness, meanness, brothers who embraced the Faith before senility and the punishment of the grave. us. Do not put in our hearts any malice O Allah, give my soul sufficient piety to Lord, grant me a goodly entrance and a O Allah, I hope for Your mercy, so do not Our Lord, we have heard the call towards the faithful. Lord, You are fear You, and purify it, as You are the best goodly exit, and sustain me with Your leave me to myself even for an instant. of one calling us to the true faith, Compassionate and Merciful. (59:10) one who can purify it. You are its Patron power. (17:80) Set all of my affairs in order. There is no Our Lord, do not cause our hearts to saying, “Believe in the Lord!” And we and Master. O Allah, I seek refuge in You believed. Our Lord, forgive us our sins deity which has the right to be worshipped go astray after You have guided us. from knowledge which is of no benefit, a and remove from us our bad deeds, except You alone. (Related by Abu Da‘ud Grant us Your own mercy; You are the heart which has no fear, an appetite which and take our souls to Yourself with and .) generous Giver. Lord, You will surely Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and the is insatiable and a supplication which is gather all humanity before You upon the righteous. Our Lord, grant us what lack of moderation in our doings. Make not answered. (Related by Muslim.) a day that will indubitably come. Allah You have promised us through Your Lord, I seek refuge in You from the our steps firm, and help us against those will not break His promise. (3:8-9) Messengers, and save us from disgrace promptings of all evil impulses. Lord, I on the ; You will seek refuge with You from their presence. who deny the faith. (3:147) never break Your promise!’(3:190-194) (23:98-99) O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the absence of Your favours, a change in O Allah, guide me and keep me to what Your granting me well-being, a sudden O Allah, I ask You for guidance, piety, is right. O Allah, I ask You for guidance vengeance wrought by You and all that Our Lord! We believe in what You uprightness and prosperity. (Related and to keep me on the right path. (Related have revealed, and we follow the Our lord, we believe; therefore forgive displeases You. (Related by Muslim.) by Muslim.) by Muslim.) Messenger; so write us down among us, and have mercy on us, for You are the those who bear witness. (3:53) Inspire me, Lord, that I may forever best of the merciful. (23:109) be grateful for the blessings You have SELECT B IBL IOGRAPHY Holiest Cities of Islam, bestowed on me and on my parents, and Hong Kong, Odyssey Amin, Mohammed. London, Stacey Heinemann Educational, My Lord, Forgive me! for I have sinned that I may do good works that will please Say ‘My prayer, my worship, my living, Books, 1997. You and include me through Your mercy Pilgrimage to Makkah, International, 1989. 1996. against my soul. (28:16) my dying are for Allah alone, the lord Stewart, Desmond and amongst Your righteous servants. (27:19) Nairobi, Camerapix, 1978. Kadi, Hamza. Makkah and Nawwab, Ni’mah Isamil. of all Being.’ (6:162) Amin, Mohamed. Madinah Today, “Hajj: The Journey of a Frika, Abdelaziz and Makkah, New York, Les Editions, j.a. Paris, 1980. Lifetime,” Aramco World, Guellouz Ezzedine. Makkah: Newsweek, 1980. The Muslim Pilgrimage, Khan, Maulana Wahiduddin. July-August 1992. London, Haqiqat-e-Hajj, New Delhi, Nomachi, Ali Kazuyoshi The Two Holy , O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil Allah, I ask You for well-being in this Lord, we have wronged our souls. Paddington Press, 1979. Al-Risala, 1986. and , Seyyed Hossein. London, which I have done and the evil which I life and the Hereafter. (Related by Pardon us and have mercy on us, or we Information Centre, Glassè, Cyril. Concise Makkah: The Blessed, have not done. (Related by Muslim.) al-Tirmidhi.) shall surely be among the lost. (7:23) Maqsood, Ruqaiyyah 1993. Encyclopaedia of Islam, Waris. Islam, Oxford, Madinah: The Radiant—The

38 39