HAJJ and UMRAH (Pilgrimage to MECCA)

In this column, I would humbly like to elaborate the subject of Hajj and Umrah following my recent written writing concerning the Muslims pilgrimage to Mecca to perform Hajj which is in our religion the Fifth Pillar of Islam. There are numerous verses in Al-Qur'an and let us observe one of the surah Al-Baqarah verse 196:

Surah Al-Baqarah verse 196:[The Cow]

"And perform properly [i.e all the ceremonies according to way of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w], the Hajj and Umrah [pilgrimage to Makkah] for Allah. But if you are prevented [from completing them], sacrifice a Hardy [animal, i.e sheep, a cow, a camel], such as you can afford and do not shave your heads until the Hardy reaches the place of sacrifice. And whoever of you is ill or has an ailment in his scalp [necessitating shaving], he must pay a Fidyah [ransom] of either observing Sawn, [fast for three days] or giving Sadaqah [charity]- feeding six poor persons] or offering sacrifice [one sheep]. Then if you are in safety and whoever performs the Umrah in the month s of Hajj, before [performing] the Hajj, [i.e Hajj-at-Tamattu an Al-Qiran], he must slaughter a Hardy such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford, he should observe Saum [fast], three days during the Hajj and seven days after he return [to his home], making ten days in all. This is for him whose family is not prese.nt at Al-Masjid-Al-Haram [i.e not the resident of Makkah]. And fear Allah much and know that Allah is Severe in punishment.

From the above surah Al-Baqarah verse 196, those while those are going to perform Hajj and Umrah are reminded to complete the Hajj obligatory pilgrimage to Makkah while Umrah is the Optional visit to Makkah are solely for the cause of Allah SWT. So as to take the benefits and advantages of performing of Hajj and Umrah together, one should offer and make sacrifice which he can afford, but if he lack the means, he should fast for three days during the period of performing the Hajj and seven days on his return home making the total of ten days fasting in his home town. One should then be utmost fearful to Allah and know that Allah SWT is strict in retribution.

Allah SWT has given the Muslims a Qiblah, the direction of Prayer where we are required to face to establish our Prayer [Solat] and offer Supplication [ Doa'] wherever we are. We should duly understand and hold steadfastly some etiquette and behaviour such as refrain our tongue, slanderous abusing others while performing our Hajj and Umrah. In spite of the fact we should absolutely have the correct knowledge and with sincere intention to perform the Hajj or Umrah in Makkah once in our lifetime. Fostering good attitude and avoiding everything that can be nullified the Hajj, social and sexual relation, senseless talkings and arguing with other Muslims while performing Hajj and Umrah.

Further more, those who have the good intention to pilgrimage to Makkah to perform the Hajj should be physically and mentally fit and healthy good health condition. It is advisably to every Muslims to take the early steps that is for example to save the money to later finance the journey the pilgrimage to Mecca for the purpose of performing the Hajj and Umrah at an early age. As performing the Hajj is quite hazardous for the old aged people in complicated poor health conditions, it is appropriated for the young Muslims to perform the Hajj or Umrah which compel and require them to complete the Tawaf, [walk seven times counter-wise around the Ka'abah], Sai, [the walk of seven times back and forth between till of Safa and Marwah, journey to Arafat and Mina to throw eight pebbles in a ritual storming the Devils. The pilgrims then have to shave their heads and prepare a ritual of animal sacrifice and finally celebrate the three days festival of Eid-Adha.

I conclude to summarize that performing the Hajj in Mecca once in the lifetime to those Muslims who can financially afford the journey. As Hajj is the act of demonstration of solidarity of the Muslim of all races and creeds. Muslims performing the Hajj has the sole aim in their submission of Allah SWT alone. As for the performing of Umrah, Muslims can perform at any time of the year and is regarded as an Optional for the Muslims to do so. Performing Hajj and Umrah, Muslims are reminded to hold steadfastly abide to do Ihram, Tawaf, Sai' are to be completed while hair cutting and shaving as a norm and a last step to perform.

Hajj and Umrah with correct religious tenets and etiquette Allah Will expiate the Sins.