Part of Concepts of Ahl as-Sunnah (series completed)
· Lesson 334 of 1251
Summary of Sunni concepts | Concept (332) | Among the fruits of seclusion and Hajj are their goals
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Transcript
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Summary of the Concepts of Ahl al-Sunnah
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From the Fruits and Objectives of Itikaf and Hajj
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Itikaf is remaining in the mosque with the intention of drawing closer to Allah Almighty.
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It aids in striving against the self and cultivating concern for the Hereafter,
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instead of being preoccupied with worldly life and its anxieties.
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Among the most noble fruits it yields are:
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First, freeing up time for self-reckoning,
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whereupon the person in itikaf becomes sincere in his repentance to Allah, and his soul finds peace and tranquility.
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Second, emptying the heart of the person in itikaf from worldly distractions and problems,
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and filling it with the remembrance of Allah Almighty.
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Third, finding solace and intimacy in the Speech of Allah,
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frequently reciting His Noble Book,
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and benefiting from the guidance yielded by reflecting upon it.
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Fourth,
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disengaging from people and their speech,
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thereby safeguarding one's tongue from the vices of backbiting, calumny,
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insult, mockery, and the like.
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Fifth,
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transitioning from a life of comfort among one's family
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to a state of temporary seclusion,
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marked by simplicity in clothing, bedding, and food,
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which opens his eyes to the true worth of this worldly life
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and yields vigor and diligence in worship.
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Sixth,
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training the self in patience and steadfast endurance,
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and habituating it to performing voluntary acts of worship,
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many of which are neglected when occupied with worldly life outside itikaf—
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such as observing the regular Sunnah prayers,
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arriving early for prayer,
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and catching the first row,
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among other virtues.
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As for Hajj,
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it is the fifth pillar of Islam for whoever is able to find a way thereto.
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What concerns us here
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is clarifying its objectives and fruits,
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not its description or detailed rulings.
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The primary objective of Hajj
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is realizing true servitude to Allah Almighty,
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in response to His saying:
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“Wherein are plain memorials (of Allah's guidance); the place where Abraham stood up to pray; and whosoever entereth it is safe. And pilgrimage to the House is a duty unto Allah for mankind, for him who can find a way thither. As for him who disbelieveth, (let him know that) lo! Allah is Independent of (all) creatures.” (3:97)
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Among its objectives and fruits as well is
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cultivating numerous deeds of the heart,
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such as the love and veneration of Allah Almighty,
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as He, the Exalted, said:
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“That (is the command). And whoso magnifieth the offerings consecrated to Allah, it surely is from devotion of the hearts,” (22:32)
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as well as hope in Him and fear of Him,
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where the pilgrim directs his hope purely to Allah alone,
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supplicating Him for all that he hopes from Him,
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and fearing, if he does not perform Hajj,
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that he might fall under the warning in the remainder of the aforementioned verse from Surah Ali 'Imran.
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“Wherein are plain memorials (of Allah's guidance); the place where Abraham stood up to pray; and whosoever entereth it is safe. And pilgrimage to the House is a duty unto Allah for mankind, for him who can find a way thither. As for him who disbelieveth, (let him know that) lo! Allah is Independent of (all) creatures.” (3:97)
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It also fosters reliance upon Him;
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for in Hajj there are stations wherein the servitude of submission and reliance upon Allah Almighty shines forth,
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as well as turning to Him in devotion and repentance.
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The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
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"Whoever performs Hajj to this House and avoids sexual relations and wickedness
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will return as sinless as the day his mother gave birth to him."
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Agreed upon.
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Among its objectives as well is
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establishing the remembrance of Allah.
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Summary of the Concepts of Ahl al-Sunnah