Alexander the Great performing Hajj in Kaaba. Copy of Firdawsi’s Shahnamah. Shirâz, mid. 16th century AD. Khalili Collections.Eid-e Qurbân Mubarak ✨
“Only truthful hands write true poems. I cannot see any basic difference between a handshake and a poem.” ~ Paul Celan
No, fasting on the last ten days of Hajj is not a requirement or a part of the Hajj rituals. However, fasting on the day of Arafah (the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah) is highly recommended for those who are not performing Hajj. It is believed that this fast can expiate the sins of the previous year and the coming year. As for the pilgrims (those who are performing Hajj), it is preferred for them to abstain from fasting on the day of Arafah as it is a very strenuous day and they need to conserve all their energy to perform the Hajj rituals.
Hajj, also known as the pilgrimage to Mecca, is considered to be one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is a sacred obligation for all able-bodied and financially capable Muslims who can afford it. It is a journey to the city of Mecca, which is located in Saudi Arabia, and takes place annually in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. During the pilgrimage, Muslims gather in Mecca and perform a series of religious rituals, including the tawaf (circumambulation) around the Kaaba, standing at the plain of Arafat, and throwing pebbles at the pillars representing Satan. The Hajj is considered to be a deeply spiritual and significant experience for Muslims, and it is an opportunity for them to reaffirm their faith and to strengthen their relationship with God.
The declaration of faith or Shahadah is an essential component of becoming a Muslim, but it is not the only requirement. To fully embrace Islam, one must also believe in the oneness of God, accept all of His prophets, including Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), perform regular prayers, give charity to the needy, fast during the month of Ramadan, and go for Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) if they are physically and financially able to do so. By fulfilling these obligations, a Muslim demonstrates that they are committed to their faith and their submission to God. In addition to these requirements, Muslims are also expected to abide by Islamic principles and values such as honesty, respect, kindness, and fairness towards others.
Expiate means to atone for a wrongdoing or sin, to make amends, or to redeem oneself. In Islam, expiation can refer to performing certain acts of worship or good deeds as a form of penance to seek forgiveness and remove the spiritual consequences of sins. The expiation can be in the form of offering charity, fasting, performing obligatory prayers and making Tawbah (repentance) to Allah (SWT). It is believed that sincere repentance and expiation can lead to forgiveness and a renewed sense of guidance and spiritual closeness to Allah.
There are four major schools of worship in Islam, also known as the Sunni schools of thought or Madhhabs. These are the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i and Hanbali schools. These schools of thought have developed over time and are based on the interpretation of the Quran, Hadith and Islamic jurisprudence by the scholars. While there are differences in their opinions and interpretations, they all share the same fundamental beliefs and principles of Islam. Additionally, there is also the Shia school of thought, which differs from the Sunni schools in some theological beliefs and practices.
The Day of Arafat is the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage, which is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The day falls on the 9th day of the Islamic lunar month of Dhu al-Hijjah.
On this day, millions of Muslims gather at the Plain of Arafat, a vast desert plain outside of Mecca, to perform one of the most important rituals of the Hajj pilgrimage - to stand in the presence of Allah (SWT), seeking forgiveness and mercy. According to Islamic belief, this is the day when Allah (SWT) forgives the sins of those who sincerely repent and seek forgiveness.
The Day of Arafat is considered to be one of the most significant days in the Islamic calendar, and it is a time for Muslims to reflect, seek forgiveness, and make supplications to Allah (SWT). For those who are not performing the Hajj pilgrimage, it is recommended to fast on this day, as it is believed to expiate sins of the previous year and the coming year.
Zakat is an Islamic financial obligation or a form of alms-giving and purification of wealth. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligated upon all able Muslims who can afford it. The word "Zakat" means "to purify" and "to grow", and this practice requires Muslims to donate a certain percentage of their wealth or possessions to the poor and needy.
Zakat is an important part of the Islamic faith because it serves as a means of providing economic justice and promoting social welfare. It encourages Muslims to be charitable and compassionate towards the less fortunate members of society, and it helps to establish a sense of community and solidarity among Muslims. Zakat also serves as a means of purifying one's wealth, which is seen as a form of spiritual purification and as a means of obtaining God's blessings and forgiveness.
By giving Zakat, Muslims are fulfilling their religious and social responsibilities, and contributing towards the development of their Muslim community. The money collected through Zakat is used to support various charitable causes, including the poor, orphans, widows, disabled, and other vulnerable groups in society, and thus, it helps to uplift those who are disadvantaged and marginalized.
Fiqh is a very important field of study in Islam, as it provides Muslims with the knowledge and guidance they need to conduct their daily lives in accordance with Islamic principles. It is based on the interpretation of the Quran and Sunnah, as well as the principles established by Islamic scholars and jurists throughout history.
Islamic law is often divided into two main categories: fiqh and Shariah. Shariah refers to the divine law as revealed in the Quran and Sunnah, while fiqh deals with the human interpretation and understanding of these laws.
Fiqh covers a wide range of topics related to the daily life of Muslims, including issues of worship, marriage and divorce, inheritance, business transactions, and criminal justice. It provides guidance on how to perform religious duties such as prayer and fasting, and how to navigate complex legal matters such as contracts and property law.
Fiqh is not a static field of study, but rather it continues to evolve with changing social and economic conditions. Islamic scholars and jurists are constantly reinterpreting Islamic law and principles in light of new challenges and developments in society.
Overall, the study of Fiqh plays a vital role in helping Muslims lead a righteous and just life, and it is an essential component of Islamic education and scholarship.
Fiqh is the study of Islamic jurisprudence, which refers to the understanding and application of Islamic laws and principles. It encompasses the study of Islamic legal principles and the interpretation and implementation of these principles in daily life. Fiqh covers topics such as worship (ibadah), business transactions (mu'amalat), family law (marriage, divorce, inheritance), and criminal law. The goal of Fiqh is to help Muslims understand how to lead a just and righteous life according to Islamic principles.
“Had We sent down this Qur’aan upon a mountain, you would have certainly seen it humbled and torn apart in awe of God. We set forth such examples for people so that they may give thought.” (59:21)
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Start listening from Chapter 2 (The Source of the Qur’aan) if you want to skip the introductions and definitions* and cut straight to the chase.
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