Maqasid al Hajj – Objectives of Hajj

Before turning any business plan into action, the objectives are clearly laid down. The knowledge of these objectives help the workers know about the target and the goal, and also act as a motivation and a boost for them. Otherwise, hiding the objectives leaves the worker confused whether why he is being made to what he is given, and makes him feel like a machine, which ultimately results in laziness and absenteeism.

Therefore, Allah informed us about the objectives of the acts of worship we do to clarify us the goal and to boost us.




Clarification of the goal helps us know whether the particular act of worship is being performed well or not. If we have not reached the goal, then obviously there is a need for improvement.

Sometimes, the objectives are mentioned, and other-times they are not mentioned. But a believer's heart remains satisfied that whatever Allah has commanded definitely has some wisdom behind it, whether one is able to grasp it or not. At-times, the objective of a certain act may not be mentioned, and left on us to discover, and this discovery increases the faith and firms the belief in Allah. 

Clarification of objectives also helps the believer identify the more important of the *options* available. For ex. choosing between memorizing the Qur'an and performing the Qiyam on the night of al-Qadr. If he knows that Qiyam is objective, then he will somehow motivate himself to stand for Qiyam. And another example could be choosing between calling to Tawheed and stopping from drinking alcoholic drinks. Informing him about the prohibition of alcohol may make him repel Islam, but once he understands Allah’s right to be worshipped and obeyed, everything will become easy. Thus, knowledge of the objectives also stops from taking wrong decisions.

Knowledge of the objectives help the da'ee (caller) to simplify and explain others. For example, a man may see Salah to be a burden. But when he is clarified that Salah is performed because this is the least that we must do to thank Allah for permitting to live this new day in life, with comfort much better than many others. And that Salah is not a burden rather a cure to burden, for a man may work how much ever he wants but the decision lies in the hands of Allah to choose the future. This thinking helps the da'ee to boost the worshipper to worship. 

Similarly it is difficult to give Zakat, specially for the owner of millions of Riyals. But if they are reminded that charity purifies the soul, and does not decreases any wealth, rather it blesses and multiplies. Without blessing of Allah, millions may be lost in a week, but with his blessing hundred Riyals may suffice a month! This will motivate them to give in charity in-spite of the difficulty and extreme love of wealth. This will make even the rulers to give Zakat, as it will decrease poverty in their land, and all the people alike would be happy of their rule and would support them. Thus, a study of the objectives behind other obligations and prohibitions would as well be very beneficial.

There are a group of heretics who make fun of Hajj and people who go for Hajj questioning why they leave the comfort of their homes only to sleep in other lands and tire themselves! 

The fact is that Atheism and Apostasy can be stopped by learning and teaching the maqasid (objectives) of the Shar’iah. Below are some of the objectives of Hajj which are mentioned in the Qur'an, books of Sunnah, and explanations of scholars:

1. Proclaim Tawheed and worship:

It is Allah who created us when we were nothing. Then, he gave us food and nutrition in the mother’s womb through amazing paths. He gave us sense organs though we did not ask for it. Accompanying a deaf or a blind man for merely a day becomes difficult, then how about putting ourselves in their shoes? Reflecting on this alone makes us thank Allah, and realizes us of his right to be thanked, praised and worshipped alone.

 This is why Allah has mentioned ‘dhikr’ (remembrance) through the ayaat related to Hajj in the Qur’an, emphasizing on its importance. But unfortunately, this is the least that many of us do. Thus, a major objective of Hajj  itself is lost. Thus, neither the pilgrim gets to taste the sweetness of Hajj without it, nor does he benefits much. But it may be asked, ‘If dhikr can be done throughout the year, then why does Allah wants us to visit all the way to Makkah for dhikr?’ The fact of the matter is that the more we remember Allah, the more our love for him increase. We tend to lose focus in the middle of work life, so Allah wants us to retire for some time and focus on remembering him.

 And because the very purpose of this life is to worship Allah, it makes complete sense that the very first and major objective of Hajj is to worship Allah. Thus, every ritual and act of worship performed during Hajj is what Allah wants us to do, and must be in accordance to how he want us to do., so as to achieve his pleasure to become among the successful ones.

2. Following the Sunnah:

What does it mean to testify prophet Muhammad as the messenger of Allah? What does it mean to take him as the messenger? The answer lies in the statement of Allah (subhanahu wata ala ): ‘And We did not send any messenger except to be obeyed by permission of Allah .’ [Nisa 4:64]

The prophet did not leave alone for Hajj, nor did he take merely a group of his companions. But he called out and invited people of all other tribes and cities to join him, and he would remind them saying: ‘Learn your rituals (by seeing me performing them), for I do not know whether I would be performing Hajj after this Hajj of mine.’ (Saheeh Muslim)

Thus, we learn that his objective was clear and explicit that we must take him as a role model in every field, and very strictly in our acts of worship. This was also seen in the famous incident when the prophet shaved his head and a group of his companions followed him. But others chose to merely trim it. So, he prayed twice for those who imitated him by shaving their heads, and only once for those who did not shave.

This was clearly understood by his companions, and those who followed them in guidance. They would rush to perform acts of Sunnah because it is Sunnah. The issue that concerns us is that we buy cars, but no one ever said: 'The bumper is not necessary. So I don't need it.' We write school exams, yet no one says: 'Passing marks are more than enough.' We always buy smartphones, yet no one ever said: 'The back cover is not necessary.' etc. But we are first ones to say: 'Sunnah is not obligatory, so I do not want to do it.' May Allah open our hearts to understand.

3. Honoring the limits set by Allah:

Allah says: ‘And whoever honors the symbols of Allah - indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.’ [Hajj 22:32] 

What is meant by honoring Allah, and honoring his symbols? 

Allah is so honorable that there is nothing as honorable as Allah; he is noble and high in his names, his attributes, and in everything without any limit. If such is his honor, then it certainly requires to be honored. Every act of worship is based on three pillars: Love (hubb), hope (rajaa’) and fear (khawf). If these three a gathered in a man, then he will be able to honor Allah. Love that motives you to fulfill the obligations, fear that makes you afraid of falling short, and hope and thinking well of Allah that keeps you balanced. 

Honoring Allah refers to the collection of these three. These three are the actions of the heart which lead to Taqwa. 

But note that Allah also said: ‘Indeed, as-Safa and al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah .’ [Baqrah 2:158] How does one honor the symbols of Allah? By kissing these lands or worshipping the lands? By Allah, that is not the case. What is meant by honoring these symbols of Allah is that we do not enter these lands to worship Allah except with much honor for Allah. So, you do not go to Safa except that your heart is humbled before Allah. The same goes for all the other symbols like Marwah, Arafah, etc. 

Allah wants us to humble ourselves. This is why when people gather at Arafah with humble hearts seeking his forgives, Allah asks the angels, ‘what are they seeking?’ The angels reply, ‘your forgiveness.’ And then, Allah forgives them all. From several righteous predecessors, we have reports of them humbling themselves in different ways. And one of them took hold of his beard and said, ‘O my Lord, my beard has become white worshiping you all life yearning for your forgiveness, will you now please forgive me?’

And Allah also says, ‘And whoever honors the sacred ordinances of Allah - it is best for him in the sight of his Lord.’ [Hajj 22:33]

Many reach Makkah for Hajj, but after few days they begin to count when they will be freed from the state of ihram, and when it will come to an end. But the one who honors  Allah will not be even able to think as such, and will repel such thoughts. Nor will he behave like those who wish to somehow finish the rites, by doing the minimum required. This understanding will help the believer to continue in this state throughout his life. 

4. Taqwa:

Allah begins the ayaat of Hajj and reminds in the end of the very first of these ayaat, ‘And fear (taqwa) Allah and know that Allah is severe in penalty.’ [Baqarah 2:196] And he ends these ayaat of Hajj reminding once again, ‘ And fear (taqwa) Allah and know that unto Him you will be gathered.’ [Baqarah 2:203] 

This is not mere coincidence, but Allah has repeated to show its significance. If a cook asks you to add salt to food, it means that there is a need for it. By Allah, if there was no need for mention of Taqwa in the ayaat of hajj, Allah would have not mentioned it repeatedly. 

Imam Ibn Rajab said, ‘Taqwa means that a person should make a fence between himself and that which is harmful. Taqwa (fear) of Allah means that a person should make a fence between himself and between Allah's Punishment, anger and displeasure by doing all that He has ordered and abstaining from all that He has forbidden.’ [Jami al-uloom wa al-Hikam].People of Taqwa are helped out of difficulties and supported with provision by Allah in ways one cannot imagine. Allah says, ‘Indeed Allah is with those who have Taqwa, and those who are doers of good.’ [Nahl 16:128]

This is why Allah also mentions with regards to udhiyyah (sacrifice), ‘Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety (taqwa) from you.’ [Hajj 22:37] For our Lord is not in need to be fed, rather he feeds us, and the meet is for us ourselves. 

To simplify and conclude, taqwa is the way of us humans dealing with our Lord. And Allah has already stated, ‘Is the reward for good [anything] but good? [ar-Rahman 55:60] The one who excels in his dealings with Allah, Allah will as well excel in his dealings. 

5. Unity and brotherhood:

Both these are call to love, and to leave everything that leads to disunity. Allah says, ‘And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. this Quran), and be not divided among yourselves, and remember Allah's Favor on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren (in Islamic Faith).’ [aal-Imran 3:103]

True unity is only possible through the Qur’an, and if everything on earth was spend for unity, nothing but Qur’an will unite the hearts. 

And the same call was of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) who said, "Do not desert (stop talking to) one another, do not nurse hatred towards one another, do not be jealous of one another, and become as fellow brothers and slaves of Allah. It is not lawful for a Muslim to stop talking to his brother (Muslim) for more than three days." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Note that this is contrary to many non-Muslim cultures where emotions that prevail in their society are class hatred, racial discrimination, regionalism and nationalism. A society without Islam is like a jungle even if the civilization therein shines; it is a distressed society because life is for the strongest, not for the best or the most pious. Survival for the fittest works here. Faith turns the darkness into a bright light and the dead into a living conscience. It turns weak people into rulers and slaves into masters who rule nations. 

So, you would find slaves like Bilal commanding and calling others for Salah, sons of slaves becoming the rulers of huge Muslim empires. And you would find that if one them had already made a sale and another purchaser came along, and his neighbor had not yet sold anything, he would tell him politely, “Go and buy what you need from my neighbor, for I had sold something but he has not made a sale yet.” On the contrary we are taught in our secular schools that a clever businessman is the one who is best able to sell his products, be it by fooling the customers in the name of ‘marketing’ or by somehow tarnishing the status of the competitors. Islam indeed liberates man from the chains of a secular world.
This is why the first thing our beloved prophet did after migration was to build a mosque, and then build the new society by making Quraish brothers with Ansar. This form of unity and brotherhood was not known to humanity ever before, and this was stronger than the bonds of blood-relations. 

This unity is first seen when the Muslims gather together in the sacred mosque. What an amazing view it is that very people who may be ready to kill each for a small piece of land or wealth have gathered together peacefully, and this is why Allah made this gathering an obligatory part of the religion for Muslims of all lands, irrespective of nationality, race or color. 

This unity is seen when thousands of worshipers gathered around the Ka’bah performing Tawaf, organize in a matter of seconds at listening to the Azan and set in lines without any prior special training. Thus, in it lies proclamation of the fact that Islam is a religion of organization. And this unity is also seen in rituals like that of wearing the same clothes through which rich cannot be differentiated from a poor, and other rituals like staying at the Muzdalifah together at the same time and leaving it at the same time, and so on. 

Other benefits also include getting to know the situation of the Muslims from trustworthy sources, since the Muslim can hear directly from his brother about the situation of his Muslim brothers in the land from which he has come. I did not even know that the Chinese government does not allows its citizens to have multiple children until our mother spoke to a Chinese lady sitting next to us in Mina, and she began crying. When my mom asked her about it, she replied that their government is so oppressive that they even interfere in personal family matters to the extent that they restrict them to having only one child. 

And those Muslims coming from lands where they are oppressed will feel at strength, and will terrify the disbelievers and followers of misguidance with this huge gathering of Muslims. Even though they are scattered and different, the simple fact that they come together despite those differences at a certain time and in a certain place in complete peace and harmony is indicative of their potential to unite at other times and in other places.

7. Visit to Makkah:

Visiting Makkah once is obligatory, as not only it is the sacred most land, but it also has memories of the prophet and his companions, and of prophet Ibraheem who built the house, which helps to pair a very strong bond with Islam and increases our faith in Allah.  
It is narrated in Saheeh Muslim that Ibn ‘Abbaas said: We traveled with the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) between Makkah and Madinah, and we passed by a valley. He said, “What valley is this?” They said, “The valley of al-Azraq.” He said, “It is as if I can see Moosa the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) putting his fingers in his ears beseeching Allah, reciting the Talbiyah and passing through this valley.” 

Then we traveled on until we came to a mountain pass. He said, “What mountain pass is this?” They said, “Harsha or Lift.” He said, “It is as if I can see Yoonus on a red camel, wearing a woolen cloak, the reins of his camel made from fibers of date-palm, passing through this valley reciting the Talbiyah.” 

Makkah is the most beloved land to Allah and his messenger, this is why Hajj cannot be performed anywhere but in Makkah. This is also clearly visible if one places focus on the speech of Allah:

"And how many a city which was unjust have We shattered." (21:11)

And he said:
"And how many a city have We destroyed that was insolent in its [way of] living." (28:58)

And he also said: 
"And how many a city did We destroy while it was committing wrong - so it is [now] fallen into ruin - and [how many] an abandoned well and [how many] a lofty palace." (22:45)

Allah (azzawajal) called those cities evil and oppressive. But when he mentioned Makkah, he said: 
"And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and [for] the oppressed among men, women, and children who say, "Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppressive people.. " (4:75)

Notice the sudden change? Allah called its people oppressive, and not the city itself. Why? Because Makkah is beloved to Allah. So, Allah disliked attributing oppression or anything evil to it.

The sacredness of Makkah is such that Umar ibn al Khattab (radiyallahu anh) said: It is better for me sin seventy times in any place rather than committing a sin in Makkah. 

And unlike every other land on this planet, there is no time when Salah is prohibited in Masjid al Haraam. Be it after Fajr, between Asr and Maghrib or any other time. This is because of the statement of the prophet said: ‘Do not prevent anyone from going round this House (the Ka'bah) and from praying any moment he desires by day or by night.’ [Abu Dawood]

And even thinking evil, or thinking to sin is prohibited, and requires istaghfaar and forgiveness of Allah. And this is specifically with Masjid al haram: "and [also] whoever intends [a deed] therein of deviation [in religion] or wrongdoing - We will make him taste of a painful punishment." (al Hajj 22:25)

Allah destroyed the people of Elephant just because they 'thought evil'.  So, how about the one who commit sins in Makkah. 

There are three scenarios of this:
1. The one who in some other land thinks of committing a sin in Makkah.
2. The one who thinks in Makkah to commit a sin in some other land
3. The one who thinks and commits the sin in Makkah itself. This is the worst scenario, and most deserving of punishment.

8. Forgiveness of Sins and Cultivation of the Soul:

The prophet said: ‘The reward for Hajj Mabroor is nothing but Paradise.’ [Saheeh Bukhari] But what is meant by 'Hajj Mabroor'? 

Hajj Mabroor has conditions, the first being as for every act: 'The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions.' [Saheeh Bukhari] The intention should be that we perform it as it is an obligation of Allah on us, and that it is one of the five pillars of Islam. 

And the other conditions like: 'Whosoever intends to perform Hajj, then he should not have sexual relations, nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly (or speak ill) during the Hajj.’ [s2:197] If he performs Hajj this way, then his Hajj will be Mabroor, certainly. This is Hajj Mabroor.

 If it is in accordance to the Sunnah, all evils are abandoned, and intention is pure, then it will be accepted. There shouldn't be any violations. We perform Hajj tens of times, but ask yourself: Which Hajj was performed without any violation? A lot of violations happen. Sometimes, we miss Salah, abuse others as well, abuse the people around for silly reasons, abuse the government when there is no benefit, etc. Our Hajj is full of such wrong acts, which causes deficiency, and it becomes doubtful if it would be accepted. 
But if a man performs Hajj fulfilling all the conditions, then he should be hopeful that Allah would certainly accept. Allah is not an oppressor! But the condition is that you think before taking every step. We shouldn't make any violations.

And our wealth should be pure. This is as well a condition. It is mentioned in the Hadith: “When the pilgrim, who journeys to Hajj, says. ‘Here I am! At your service.” If his wealth is lawful, the reply comes: 'Your call is approved, your wealth is lawful, May Allah forgive you.' But if his wealth is unlawful, it is said: 'Neither is your wealth is lawful, nor is your Hajj accepted, nor will Allah be pleased with you.' When it is established that Hajj is obligatory, your plan is certain that you will definitely go, then why not take the precautions from before to earn Halal so that your travel and hardship in Hajj does not goes waste?

 So, wisdom is if a man reminds and checks himself with all what was mentioned and earns lawful. When he will reminds himself that he has to perform Hajj, he will keep his earning lawful from the very beginning, and continue it for life-long. 

Many business men explicitly say that that their wealth has a lot of Haram mixed with Halal, so they are doubtful whether it will be accepted. So, their heart is a full of faith, and is at discomfort. But Allah has given the solution as well, that if you have consumed unlawful wealth, and you have not stolen or took someone's right, then if possible, calculate the unlawful wealth, separate it, and then live on the lawful wealth rest of the life.

 So the point is that, if a man reminds himself of Hajj, he will decide from the very beginning to earn lawfully to be able to perform a valid Hajj. Thus, Hajj would become a reason for earning Halal. Because if a man performs Hajj with unlawful wealth, then he'll never have the satisfaction of Hajj being accepted.

This is how the very reminder of Hajj cultivates the soul before performing it. And the cultivation continues after it as well, as the righteous predecessors would say, ‘The sign of acceptance of Hajj is a change or improvement in the lifestyle of the person.’

Hajj still has greater wisdom than that, such as learning humility, remembering the Hereafter, renewing faith through seeing the places of worship and destinations of invitation. What we have mentioned is just a drop in the ocean. Whoever contemplates the matter thoughtfully will surely learn many other lessons. That is because Allah Almighty says, ‘That they may witness benefits for themselves.’ [Quran 22: 28]

References:

Maqasid al Hajj by Shaikh Hassan Bukhari [www.YouTube.com]
Maqasid ash-Shar’iah by Shaikh Muhammad al Munajjid [www.YouTube.com]
Benefits and Rulings from the explanation of Bulugh al Maram [www.YouTube.com]
Effects and purposes of Hajj by Shaikh Yahya al Yahya [www.islamQa.info]
Lessons Drawn from the Obligation of Hajj [www.islamweb.net]

I searched a lot on objectives of Hajj and wrote in summary as well last year. These objectives include unity of Muslims, forgiveness of sins, etc. But I realise that these objectives must be attained by performing Hajj. Just because you can gain unity of Muslims or get forgiven through other ways does not mean that Hajj is no more required.

This is something very important for those who love reading on maqasid, because laymen give wierd fatawas based on maqasid. For example, a brother said that if a society has zero or low chances of rape, then women of this society may not be required to wear a niqab. This is invalid and the mistake of this brother must be obvious to you all.

However, the reality is that many students of knowledge and even some knowledgeable scholars today have had made such errors. I am not a dhahiri, and but I do not want to stand before Allah after changing His laws.

And the khateeb opened my eyes last week when he said: If deen was about maqasid the way many see, then I after travelling to Makkah would stay in front of the Ka'bah all the days of Hajj, and would not go to `Arafah. Because both mind and heart inclines towards Ka`bah not towards the open empty land of `Arafah.