Chapter on the Reasons Behind Hajj

Man Lā Yaḥḍuruh al-Faqīh|Volume 2|Book 3|Chapter 1

Man Lā Yaḥḍuruh al-Faqīh

Volume 2, Book 3, Chapter 1

Chapter on the Reasons Behind Hajj
28 hadiths · 12 commentaries
Commentary 1

باب علل الحج قال الشيخ مصنف هذا الكتاب - رحمه الله -: قد أخرجت أسانيد العلل التي أنا ذاكرها عن النبي صلى الله عليه وآله وعن الأئمة عليهم السلام في كتابي جامع علل الحج.

The author of this book, Shaykh (may Allah (swt) have mercy on him), states: "I have compiled the chains of transmission for the causes (and wisdoms) of Hajj, which I will mention here, as narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) and the Imams (a.s), in my book titled Jami‘ ‘Ilal al-Hajj (The Compilation of the Causes of Hajj)."

Hadith 1

قَالَ اَلنَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اَللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَ آلِهِ: «سُمِّيَتِ اَلْكَعْبَةُ كَعْبَةً لِأَنَّهَا وَسَطُ اَلدُّنْيَا ».

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) said: "The Ka'bah was named 'Ka'bah' because it is the center of the world."

Hadith 2

وَ قَدْ رُوِيَ: أَنَّهُ «إِنَّمَا سُمِّيَتْ كَعْبَةً لِأَنَّهَا مُرَبَّعَةٌ وَ صَارَتْ مُرَبَّعَةً لِأَنَّهَا بِحِذَاءِ اَلْبَيْتِ اَلْمَعْمُورِ وَ هُوَ مُرَبَّعٌ وَ صَارَ اَلْبَيْتُ اَلْمَعْمُورُ مُرَبَّعاً لِأَنَّهُ بِحِذَاءِ اَلْعَرْشِ وَ هُوَ مُرَبَّعٌ وَ صَارَ اَلْعَرْشُ مُرَبَّعاً لِأَنَّ اَلْكَلِمَاتِ اَلَّتِي بُنِيَ عَلَيْهَا اَلْإِسْلاَمُ أَرْبَعٌ وَ هِيَ: سُبْحَانَ اَللَّهِ وَ اَلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ وَ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اَللَّهُ وَ اَللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ ».

It is narrated: "The Ka'bah was named 'Ka'bah' because it is cubical in shape. It became cubical because it is directly beneath the Bayt al-Ma‘mur, which is also cubical. The Bayt al-Ma‘mur became cubical because it is directly beneath the Throne (‘Arsh), which is cubical as well. The Throne is cubical because the foundational words upon which Islam is built are four: Subhan Allah (swt) (Glory be to Allah (swt)), Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah (swt)), La ilaha illa Allah (swt) (There is no god but Allah (swt)), and Allahu Akbar (Allah (swt) is the Greatest)."

Hadith 3

وَ سُمِّيَ بَيْتُ اَللَّهِ اَلْحَرَامَ لِأَنَّهُ حُرِّمَ عَلَى اَلْمُشْرِكِينَ أَنْ يَدْخُلُوهُ.

The House of Allah (swt), the Sacred (Bayt Allah (swt) al-Haram), was so named because it was made forbidden (haram) for the polytheists to enter it.

Hadith 4

وَ سُمِّيَ اَلْبَيْتُ اَلْعَتِيقَ لِأَنَّهُ أُعْتِقَ مِنَ اَلْغَرَقِ.

The House (Ka'bah) was named al-Bayt al-Atiq (The Ancient House) because it was saved (freed) from being submerged in the flood.

Hadith 5

وَ رُوِيَ: «أَنَّهُ سُمِّيَ اَلْعَتِيقَ لِأَنَّهُ بَيْتٌ عَتِيقٌ مِنَ اَلنَّاسِ وَ لَمْ يَمْلِكْهُ أَحَدٌ ».

It is narrated: "It was named al-Atiq (the Ancient) because it is a house independent of people and has never been owned by anyone."

Hadith 6

وَ وُضِعَ اَلْبَيْتُ فِي وَسَطِ اَلْأَرْضِ لِأَنَّهُ اَلْمَوْضِعُ اَلَّذِي مِنْ تَحْتِهِ دُحِيَتِ اَلْأَرْضُ وَ لِيَكُونَ اَلْفَرْضُ لِأَهْلِ اَلْمَشْرِقِ وَ اَلْمَغْرِبِ فِي ذَلِكَ سَوَاءً ».

The House (Ka'bah) was placed in the center of the Earth because it is the spot from beneath which the Earth was spread out, and so that its obligation could be equal for the people of both the East and the West.

Commentary 2

وإنما يقبل الحجر ويستلم ليؤدي إلى الله عز وجل العهد الذي أخذ عليهم في الميثاق. وإنما وضع الله عز وجل الحجر في الركن الذي هو فيه ولم يضعه في غيره لأنه تبارك وتعالى حين أخذ الميثاق أخذه في ذلك المكان. وجرت السنة بالتكبير واستقبال الركن الذي فيه الحجر من الصفا، لأنه لما نظر آدم عليه السلام من الصفا وقد وضع الحجر في الركن كبر الله عز وجل وهلله ومجده. وإنما جعل الميثاق في الحجر لان الله عز وجل لما أخذ الميثاق له بالربوبية ولمحمد صلى الله عليه وآله بالنبوة ولعلي عليه السلام بالوصية اصطكت فرائص الملائكة وأول من أسرع إلى الاقرار بذلك الحجر فلذلك اختاره الله عز وجل وألقمه الميثاق وهو يجئ يوم القيامة وله لسان ناطق وعين ناظرة يشهد لكل من وافاه إلى ذلك المكان وحفظ الميثاق. وإنما اخرج الحجر من الجنة ليذكر آدم عليه السلام ما نسي من العهد والميثاق. وصار الحرم مقدار ما هو لم يكن أقل ولا أكثر لان الله تبارك وتعالى أهبط على آدم عليه السلام ياقوتة حمراء فوضعها في موضع البيت فكان يطوف بها آدم عليه السلام وكان ضوؤها يبلغ موضع الاعلام فعلمت الاعلام على ضوئها فجعله الله عز وجل حرما. وإنما يستلم الحجر لان مواثيق الخلائق فيه، وكان أشد بياضا من اللبن فاسود من خطايا بني آدم، ولولا ما مسه من أرجاس الجاهلية ما مسه ذو عاهة إلا برء.

The Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) is kissed and also touched to fulfill the covenant taken with Allah (swt), the Almighty, in the primordial covenant. Allah (swt), the Blessed and Exalted, placed the Black Stone in its current corner because He took the covenant from humanity in that specific location. The tradition of glorifying Allah (swt) through takbeer (saying "Allahu Akbar") and facing the corner containing the Black Stone from the hill of Safa began because when Adam (a.s) looked from Safa and saw the Black Stone placed in the corner of the Ka'bah, he glorified and magnified Allah (swt) with takbeer, tahleel (saying "La ilaha illa Allah (swt)"), and tamjeed (praising). The covenant was placed in the Black Stone because when Allah (swt), the Exalted, took the covenant affirming His Lord (azj)ship, the Prophethood of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family), and the leadership (wasiyyah) of Ali (a.s), the angels trembled in awe. The first to hasten to acknowledge and affirm this was the Black Stone. Thus, Allah (swt) chose it, entrusted it with the covenant, and placed it as a witness. On the Day of Judgment, it will have a tongue that speaks and eyes that see, testifying on behalf of all who honored the covenant at that sacred place. The Black Stone was brought down from Paradise to remind Adam (a.s) of the covenant and pledge he had forgotten. The boundaries of the sanctuary (haram) are as they are because Allah (swt) sent down a red ruby for Adam (a.s), which was placed where the Ka'bah now stands. Adam would circumambulate it, and its light extended to the marked boundaries. The landmarks were established based on this illumination, designating the extent of the sanctuary. The Black Stone is touched because it holds the pledges of all creation. It was originally brighter than milk but became blackened due to the sins of humanity. Were it not for the impurities of ignorance that touched it, no afflicted person would touch it without being healed.

Hadith 7

وَ سُمِّيَ اَلْحَطِيمُ حَطِيماً لِأَنَّ اَلنَّاسَ يَحْطِمُ بَعْضُهُمْ بَعْضاً هُنَالِكَ».

The area known as al-Hatim was named as such because people crowd and jostle each other there, "crushing" (yahtim) one another in that space.

Commentary 3

وصار الناس يستلمون الحجر والركن اليماني ولا يستلمون الركنين الآخرين لان الحجر الأسود والركن اليماني عن يمين العرش، وإنما أمر الله عز وجل أن يستلم ما عن يمين عرشه.

As for why people touch (istilam) the Black Stone and the Yemeni Corner while not touching the other two corners of the Ka'bah, it is because the Black Stone and the Yemeni Corner are aligned with the right side of the Divine Throne (al-‘Arsh). Allah (swt), the Exalted, specifically commanded the touching of what is on the right side of His Throne.

Hadith 8

وَ إِنَّمَا صَارَ مَقَامُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ عَنْ يَسَارِهِ لِأَنَّ لِإِبْرَاهِيمَ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ مَقَاماً فِي اَلْقِيَامَةِ وَ لِمُحَمَّدٍ صَلَّى اَللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَ آلِهِ مَقَاماً فَمَقَامُ مُحَمَّدٍ صَلَّى اَللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَ آلِهِ عَنْ يَمِينِ عَرْشِ رَبِّنَا عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ وَ مَقَامُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ عَنْ شِمَالِ عَرْشِهِ، فَمَقَامُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ فِي مَقَامِهِ يَوْمَ اَلْقِيَامَةِ وَ عَرْشُ رَبِّنَا تَبَارَكَ وَ تَعَالَى مُقْبِلٌ غَيْرُ مُدْبِرٍ وَ صَارَ اَلرُّكْنُ اَلشَّامِيُّ مُتَحَرِّكاً فِي اَلشِّتَاءِ وَ اَلصَّيْفِ وَ اَللَّيْلِ وَ اَلنَّهَارِ لِأَنَّ اَلرِّيحَ مَسْجُونَةٌ تَحْتَهُ وَ إِنَّمَا صَارَ اَلْبَيْتُ مُرْتَفِعاً يُصْعَدُ إِلَيْهِ بِالدَّرَجِ لِأَنَّهُ لَمَّا هَدَمَ اَلْحَجَّاجُ اَلْكَعْبَةَ فَرَّقَ اَلنَّاسُ تُرَابَهَا، فَلَمَّا أَرَادُوا أَنْ يَبْنُوهَا خَرَجَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ حَيَّةٌ فَمَنَعَتِ اَلنَّاسَ اَلْبِنَاءَ فَأُتِيَ اَلْحَجَّاجُ فَأُخْبِرَ فَسَأَلَ اَلْحَجَّاجُ عَلِيَّ بْنَ اَلْحُسَيْنِ عَلَيْهِمَا اَلسَّلاَمُ عَنْ ذَلِكَ فَقَالَ لَهُ «مُرِ اَلنَّاسَ أَنْ لاَ يَبْقَى أَحَدٌ مِنْهُمْ أَخَذَ مِنْهُ شَيْئاً إِلاَّ رَدَّهُ» فَلَمَّا اِرْتَفَعَتْ حِيطَانُهُ أَمَرَ بِالتُّرَابِ فَأُلْقِيَ فِي جَوْفِهِ فَلِذَلِكَ صَارَ اَلْبَيْتُ مُرْتَفِعاً يُصْعَدُ إِلَيْهِ بِالدَّرَجِ وَ صَارَ اَلنَّاسُ يَطُوفُونَ حَوْلَ اَلْحِجْرِ وَ لاَ يَطُوفُونَ فِيهِ لِأَنَّ أُمَّ إِسْمَاعِيلَ دُفِنَتْ فِي اَلْحِجْرِ فَفِيهِ قَبْرُهَا فَطِيفَ كَذَلِكَ كَيْلاَ يُوطَأَ قَبْرُهَا».

The station of Ibrahim (Maqam Ibrahim) is situated to the left because Ibrahim (a.s) has a position on the Day of Judgment, as does Muhammad (saws) (peace be upon him and his family). The position of Muhammad (saws) is to the right of the Divine Throne, while the position of Ibrahim (a.s) is to its left. This earthly location of the Maqam Ibrahim corresponds to Ibrahim's position in the Hereafter, while the Throne of Allah (swt) (glorified and exalted) is ever-facing and not turned away. The Syrian Corner of the Ka'bah moves during the winter and summer, day and night, due to the winds trapped beneath it. The Ka'bah is elevated, and people ascend to it via steps because when Al-Hajjaj destroyed the Ka'bah, the people dispersed its soil. When they sought to rebuild it, a serpent emerged and prevented them from continuing. When Al-Hajjaj was informed, he consulted Ali ibn Al-Husayn (a.s), who instructed that everyone return the soil they had taken. After the walls were raised, the remaining soil was placed inside the Ka'bah, leading to its elevated state, requiring steps for access. As for why people circumambulate the Hijr Ismail without entering it, it is because the grave of Ismail’s mother (peace be upon her) is located within the Hijr. Circumambulating around it was established so that her grave would not be stepped upon.

Hadith 9

وَ رُوِيَ: «أَنَّ فِيهِ قُبُورَ اَلْأَنْبِيَاءِ عَلَيْهِمُ اَلسَّلاَمُ ».

It has been narrated that within the Hijr Ismail lie the graves of Prophets (a.s).

Commentary 4

وما في الحجر شئ من البيت ولا قلامة ظفر.

However, nothing from the House (Ka'bah) itself, not even a clipping of a fingernail, is present in the Hijr.

Hadith 10

وَ سُمِّيَتْ بَكَّةَ لِأَنَّ اَلنَّاسَ يَبُكُّ بَعْضُهُمْ بَعْضاً فِيهَا بِالْأَيْدِي.

It is named Bakkah because people crowd against one another there, pressing with their hands.

Hadith 11

وَ رُوِيَ: «أَنَّهَا سُمِّيَتْ بَكَّةَ لِبُكَاءِ اَلنَّاسِ حَوْلَهَا وَ فِيهَا ».

It is narrated that it was named Bakkah because of the weeping of people around and within it.

Commentary 5

وبكة هو موضع البيت والقرية مكة. وإنما لا يستحب الهدي إلى الكعبة لأنه يصير إلى الحجبة دون المساكين والكعبة لا تأكل ولا تشرب وما جعل هديا لها فهو لزوارها وروي أنه ينادى على الحجر: ألا من انقطعت به النفقة فليحضر فيدفع إليه.

Bakkah refers specifically to the area around the House (Ka'bah), while the surrounding settlement is called Makkah. Hadiyah (offering) is not recommended to be sent directly to the Ka'bah because it would end up with the custodians of the Ka'bah rather than reaching the needy. The Ka'bah does not eat or drink; any offering made for it is intended for its visitors. It is also narrated that there is an announcement at the stone: "Whoever has run out of provisions should come forward, and it will be provided to them."

Hadith 12

وَ إِنَّمَا هَدَمَتْ قُرَيْشٌ اَلْكَعْبَةَ لِأَنَّ اَلسَّيْلَ كَانَ يَأْتِيهِمْ مِنْ أَعْلَى مَكَّةَ فَيَدْخُلُهَا فَانْصَدَعَتْ ».

And it is narrated: "Indeed, Quraysh demolished the Kaaba because floods would come from the higher regions of Mecca, entering it and causing it to crack."

Hadith 13

وَ سُئِلَ اَلصَّادِقُ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ: عَنْ قَوْلِ اَللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ: « سَوٰاءً اَلْعٰاكِفُ فِيهِ وَ اَلْبٰادِ » فَقَالَ «لَمْ يَكُنْ يَنْبَغِي أَنْ يُصْنَعَ عَلَى دُورِ مَكَّةَ أَبْوَابٌ لِأَنَّ لِلْحَاجِّ أَنْ يَنْزِلُوا مَعَهُمْ فِي دُورِهِمْ فِي سَاحَةِ اَلدَّارِ حَتَّى يَقْضُوا مَنَاسِكَهُمْ فَإِنَّ أَوَّلَ مَنْ جَعَلَ لِدُورِ مَكَّةَ أَبْوَاباً مُعَاوِيَةُ ».

And it is narrated: Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq (a.s) was asked about the saying of Allah (swt), the Mighty and Glorious: “...wherein the residents and the visitors are equal...” (Surah Al-Hajj 22:25). Imam (a.s) replied: "It was not appropriate to construct doors on the houses of Mecca because the pilgrims had the right to stay with the residents in their courtyards until they completed their rituals. The first to place doors on the houses of Mecca was Muawiyah."

Commentary 6

ويكره المقام بمكة لان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله اخرج عنها، والمقيم بها يقسو قلبه حتى يأتي فيها ما يأتي في غيرها. ولم يعذب ماء زمزم لأنها بغت على المياه فأجرى الله عز وجل إليها عينا من صبر. وإنما صار ماء زمزم يعذب في وقت دون وقت لأنه يجري إليها عين من تحت الحجر فإذا غلبت ماء العين عذب ماء زمزم. وإنما سمي الصفا صفا لان المصطفى آدم عليه السلام هبط عليه فقطع للجبل اسم من اسم آدم عليه السلام لقول الله عز وجل: " إن الله اصطفى آدم ونوحا " وهبطت حوا على المروة فسميت المروة لأن المرأة هبطت عليه فقطع للجبل اسم من اسم المرأة.

It is discouraged to reside permanently in Mecca because the Messenger of Allah (swt), peace and blessings be upon him and his family, was driven out from it. Living there can harden one's heart to the extent that a person may commit deeds in Mecca similar to what they would commit elsewhere. The water of Zamzam was not originally salty, but it acted arrogantly toward other waters. Therefore, Allah (swt), the Mighty and Glorious, caused a spring of patience to flow into it. Zamzam's water becomes salty at certain times because a spring flows into it from beneath the stone. When the spring's water overpowers Zamzam's natural flow, its taste changes to salty. The name "Safa" comes from the "chosen one" (Mustafa), as Prophet Adam (a.s) descended upon it. The mountain was named after Adam because of Allah’s (swt) words: “Indeed, Allah (swt) chose Adam and Noah...” (Surah Aal-E-Imran 3:33). Hawa (Eve) descended upon "Marwah," and the mountain was named after her because it took part of the woman's (mar'ah) name.

Hadith 14

وَ حُرِّمَ اَلْمَسْجِدُ لِعِلَّةِ اَلْكَعْبَةِ وَ حُرِّمَ اَلْحَرَمُ لِعِلَّةِ اَلْمَسْجِدِ وَ وَجَبَ اَلْإِحْرَامُ لِعِلَّةِ اَلْحَرَمِ ».

"The mosque was made sacred because of the Kaaba, the sanctuary was made sacred because of the mosque, and Ihram became obligatory because of the sanctuary."

Hadith 15

وَ "إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى جَعَلَ الْكَعْبَةَ قِبْلَةً لِأَهْلِ الْمَسْجِدِ، وَجَعَلَ الْمَسْجِدَ قِبْلَةً لِأَهْلِ الْحَرَمِ، وَجَعَلَ الْحَرَمَ قِبْلَةً لِأَهْلِ الدُّنْيَا. وَإِنَّمَا جُعِلَتِ التَّلْبِيَةُ لِأَنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ لَمَّا قَالَ لِإِبْرَاهِيمَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ" وَأَذِّنْ فِي النَّاسِ بِالْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالًا "فَنَادَى فَأُجِيبَ مِنْ كُلِّ فَجٍّ يُلَبُّونَ".

"Indeed, Allah (swt), the Blessed and Exalted, made the Kaaba the Qibla for the people of the mosque, and He made the mosque the Qibla for the people of the sanctuary, and He made the sanctuary the Qibla for the people of the world. And the Talbiyah was instituted because when Allah (swt), Mighty and Majestic, said to Ibrahim, peace be upon him: 'And proclaim the Hajj to the people; they will come to you on foot' (Surah Al-Hajj 22:27), he called out, and it was answered by people from every distant pass, responding with the Talbiyah."

Hadith 16

وَ فِي رِوَايَةِ أَبِي اَلْحُسَيْنِ اَلْأَسَدِيِّ رَضِيَ اَللَّهُ عَنْهُ عَنْ سَهْلِ بْنِ زِيَادٍ عَنْ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ عُثْمَانَ اَلدَّارِمِيِّ عَنْ سُلَيْمَانَ بْنِ جَعْفَرٍ قَالَ: سَأَلْتُ أَبَا اَلْحَسَنِ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ عَنِ اَلتَّلْبِيَةِ وَ عِلَّتِهَا فَقَالَ «إِنَّ اَلنَّاسَ إِذَا أَحْرَمُوا نَادَاهُمُ اَللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ فَقَالَ «عِبَادِي وَ إِمَائِي لَأُحَرِّمَنَّكُمْ عَلَى اَلنَّارِ كَمَا أَحْرَمْتُمْ لِي» فَقَوْلُهُمْ لَبَّيْكَ اَللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ إِجَابَةٌ لِلَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ عَلَى نِدَائِهِ لَهُمْ.

In a narration from Abu Al-Husayn Al-Asadi, may Allah (swt) be pleased with him, from Sahl bin Ziyad, from Ja'far bin Uthman Al-Darimi, from Sulayman bin Ja'far, he said: "I asked Abu Al-Hasan (a.s) about the Talbiyah and its reason. Imam (a.s) said: 'Indeed, when people enter Ihram, Allah (swt), Mighty and Majestic, calls out to them, saying, "My servants and handmaids, I will make you forbidden upon the Fire just as you have entered Ihram for Me." Thus, their saying, 'Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik' (Here I am, O Allah (swt), Here I am) is a response to Allah (swt), Mighty and Majestic, for His call to them.'

Commentary 7

وإنما جعل السعي بين الصفا والمروة لان الشيطان تراءى لإبراهيم عليه السلام في الوادي فسعى وهو منازل الشياطين. وإنما صار المسعى أحب البقاع إلى الله عز وجل لأنه يذل فيه كل جبار.

And the Sa’y between Safa and Marwah was instituted because Satan appeared to Ibrahim (a.s) in the valley, so he hurried (in pursuit of him), and it became the dwelling place of devils. And the Mas’a (the area of Sa’y) became the most beloved place to Allah (swt), Mighty and Majestic, because every tyrant is humbled there."

Hadith 17

وَ إِنَّمَا سُمِّيَ يَوْمَ اَلتَّرْوِيَةِ لِأَنَّهُ لَمْ يَكُنْ بِعَرَفَاتٍ مَاءٌ وَ كَانُوا يَسْتَقُونَ مِنْ مَكَّةَ مِنَ اَلْمَاءِ لِرَيِّهِمْ وَ كَانَ يَقُولُ بَعْضُهُمْ لِبَعْضٍ تَرَوَّيْتُمْ تَرَوَّيْتُمْ فَسُمِّيَ يَوْمَ اَلتَّرْوِيَةِ لِذَلِكَ ».

The Day of Tarwiyah (8th of Dhul-Hijjah) was named so because there was no water in Arafat, and people would bring water from Makkah to quench their thirst. They would say to one another, 'Have you provided water for yourselves? Have you provided water for yourselves?' Thus, it was named the Day of Tarwiyah for this reason.

Commentary 8

وسميت عرفة عرفة لان جبرئيل عليه السلام قال لإبراهيم عليه السلام هناك: اعترف بذنبك واعرف مناسكك فلذلك سميت عرفة. وسمي المشعر مزدلفة لان جبرئيل عليه السلام قال لإبراهيم عليه السلام بعرفات: يا إبراهيم ازدلف إلى المشعر الحرام فسميت المزدلفة لذلك. وسميت المزدلفة جمعا لأنه يجمع فيها المغرب والعشاء بأذان واحد وإقامتين.

Arafat was named so because Archangel Jibr'il (a.s) said to Ibrahim (a.s) at that place: 'Admit your sin and learn your rites.' Hence, it was called Arafat. Al-Mash'ar (Muzdalifah) was named Muzdalifah because Archangel Jibril (a.s) said to Ibrahim (a.s) at Arafat: 'O Ibrahim, move closer (izdalif) to the Sacred Monument.' Therefore, it was named Muzdalifah. Muzdalifah was also called Jam’ because the Maghrib and Isha prayers are combined there with one Adhan and two Iqamahs."

Hadith 18

وَ سُمِّيَتْ مِنًى مِنًى لِأَنَّ جَبْرَئِيلَ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ أَتَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ فَقَالَ لَهُ تَمَنَّ يَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ وَ كَانَتْ تُسَمَّى مُنًى فَسَمَّاهَا اَلنَّاسُ مِنًى.

"It was named Mina because Archangel Jibril (a.s) came to Ibrahim (a.s) and said to him: 'Wish (tamanna), O Ibrahim.' It was initially called Munaa, and the people named it Mina."

Hadith 19

وَ رُوِيَ: «إِنَّهَا سُمِّيَتْ مِنًى لِأَنَّ، إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ تَمَنَّى هُنَاكَ أَنْ يَجْعَلَ اَللَّهُ مَكَانَ اِبْنِهِ كَبْشاً يَأْمُرُهُ بِذَبْحِهِ فِدْيَةً لَهُ ».

"It has been narrated that it was named Mina because Ibrahim (a.s) wished there that Allah (swt) would replace his son with a ram, commanding him to sacrifice it as a ransom for his son."

Hadith 20

وَ سُمِّيَ اَلْخَيْفُ خَيْفاً لِأَنَّهُ مُرْتَفِعٌ عَنِ اَلْوَادِي وَ كُلُّ مَا اِرْتَفَعَ عَنِ اَلْوَادِي سُمِّيَ خَيْفاً ».

"It was named Al-Khaif because it is elevated above the valley, and everything that rises above the valley is called 'Khaif.'"

Hadith 21

وَ إِنَّمَا صُيِّرَ اَلْمَوْقِفُ بِالْمَشْعَرِ وَ لَمْ يُصَيَّرْ بِالْحَرَمِ لِأَنَّ اَلْكَعْبَةَ بَيْتُ اَللَّهِ وَ اَلْحَرَمَ حِجَابُهُ وَ اَلْمَشْعَرَ بَابُهُ فَلَمَّا قَصَدَهُ اَلزَّائِرُونَ أَوْقَفَهُمْ بِالْبَابِ يَتَضَرَّعُونَ حَتَّى أَذِنَ لَهُمْ بِالدُّخُولِ ثُمَّ أَوْقَفَهُمْ بِالْحِجَابِ اَلثَّانِي وَ هُوَ مُزْدَلِفَةُ فَلَمَّا نَظَرَ إِلَى طُولِ تَضَرُّعِهِمْ أَمَرَهُمْ بِتَقَرُّبِ قُرْبَانِهِمْ فَلَمَّا قَرَّبُوا وَ قَضَوْا تَفَثَهُمْ وَ تَطَهَّرُوا مِنَ اَلذُّنُوبِ اَلَّتِي كَانَتْ لَهُمْ حِجَاباً دُونَهُ أَمَرَهُمْ بِالزِّيَارَةِ عَلَى طَهَارَةٍ ».

The standing was appointed at Al-Mash'ar and not within the Haram because the Kaaba is the House of Allah (swt), the Haram is its veil, and Al-Mash'ar is its door. When the visitors sought to approach, He made them stand at the door, pleading until He permitted them to enter. Then He made them stand at the second veil, which is Muzdalifah. When He observed their prolonged supplications, He commanded them to bring their sacrifices. Once they had offered their sacrifices, completed their rituals, and cleansed themselves of the sins that had served as barriers between them and Him, He commanded them to visit Him in a state of purity.

Commentary 9

وإنما كره الصيام في أيام التشريق " لان القوم زوار الله عز وجل فهم في ضيافته ولا ينبغي لضيف أن يصوم عند من زاره وأضافه.

Fasting during the days of Tashreeq was disliked because the people are the guests of Allah (swt), Mighty and Majestic, and are under His hospitality. It is not appropriate for a guest to fast while visiting and being hosted by their Host.

Hadith 22

وَ رُوِيَ: «أَنَّهَا أَيَّامُ أَكْلٍ وَ شُرْبٍ وَ بِعَالٍ ».

It has been narrated: 'These are days of eating, drinking, and marital relations.'

Commentary 10

ومثل التعلق بأستار الكعبة مثل الرجل يكون بينه وبين الرجل جناية فيتعلق بثوبه، ويستخذي له رجاء أن يهب له جرمه. وإنما صار الحاج لا يكتب عليه ذنب أربعة أشهر من يوم يحلق رأسه لان الله عز وجل أباح للمشركين الأشهر الحرم أربعة أشهر إذ يقول: " فسيحوا في الأرض أربعة أشهر " فمن ثم وهب لمن يحج من المؤمنين البيت مسك الذنوب أربعة أشهر.

The example of clinging to the curtains of the Kaaba is like that of a man who has committed an offense against another man. He clings to his garment and humbles himself before him, hoping that he will pardon his transgression. The pilgrim is free from having sins recorded against him for four months from the day he shaves his head because Allah (swt), Mighty and Majestic, granted the polytheists four sacred months, as He says: 'So travel freely throughout the land for four months' (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:2). Therefore, Allah (swt) granted the believers who perform Hajj to His House a remission from the recording of sins for four months.

Hadith 23

وَ إِنَّمَا يُكْرَهُ اَلاِحْتِبَاءُ فِي اَلْمَسْجِدِ اَلْحَرَامِ تَعْظِيماً لِلْكَعْبَةِ ».

Sitting with one's knees drawn up (ihtiba') in the Sacred Mosque is disliked out of reverence for the Kaaba.

Hadith 24

وَ إِنَّمَا سُمِّيَ اَلْحَجُّ اَلْأَكْبَرَ لِأَنَّهَا كَانَتْ سَنَةً حَجَّ فِيهَا اَلْمُسْلِمُونَوَ اَلْمُشْرِكُونَ وَ لَمْ يَحُجَّ اَلْمُشْرِكُونَ بَعْدَ تِلْكَ اَلسَّنَةِ ».

The Hajj was called 'Al-Hajj Al-Akbar' (the Greater Pilgrimage) because it was the year in which both Muslims and polytheists performed the pilgrimage, and the polytheists did not perform Hajj after that year.

Hadith 25

وَ إِنَّمَا صَارَ اَلتَّكْبِيرُ بِمِنًى فِي دُبُرِ خَمْسَ عَشْرَةَ صَلاَةً وَ بِالْأَمْصَارِ فِي دُبُرِ عَشَرَةِ صَلَوَاتُ لِأَنَّهُ إِذَا نَفَرَ اَلنَّاسُ فِي اَلنَّفْرِ اَلْأَوَّلِ أَمْسَكَ أَهْلُ اَلْأَمْصَارِ عَنِ اَلتَّكْبِيرِ وَ كَبَّرَ أَهْلُ مِنًى مَا دَامُوا بِمِنًى إِلَى اَلنَّفْرِ اَلْأَخِيرِ.

The Takbir in Mina after fifteen prayers and in the towns after ten prayers was instituted because when people depart during the first departure (on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah), the people of the towns cease the Takbir, while the people of Mina continue to say Takbir as long as they remain in Mina until the final departure (on the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah).

Commentary 11

وإنما صار في الناس من يحج حجة وفيهم من يحج أكثر، وفيهم من لا يحج لان إبراهيم عليه السلام لما نادى هلم إلى الحج أسمع من في أصلاب الرجال وأرحام النساء إلى يوم القيامة، فلبى الناس في أصلاب الرجال وأرحام النساء لبيك داعي الله لبيك داعي الله، فمن لبى عشرا حج عشرا ومن لبى خمسا حج خمسا ومن لبى أكثر فبعدد ذلك، ومن لبى واحدا حج واحدا، ومن لم يلب لم يحج.

As for why some people perform Hajj once, others perform it multiple times, and some never perform it, it is because when Ibrahim (a.s) called out, 'Come to Hajj,' those in the loins of men and wombs of women until the Day of Judgment heard the call. People responded while still in the loins of men and wombs of women, saying, 'Here I am, O Caller of Allah (swt), here I am.' Those who responded ten times will perform Hajj ten times, those who responded five times will perform it five times, and those who responded more will perform it accordingly. Those who responded once will perform Hajj once, and those who did not respond will not perform Hajj.

Hadith 26

وَ سُمِّيَ اَلْأَبْطَحُ أَبْطَحاً لِأَنَّ آدَمَ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ أُمِرَ أَنْ يَنْبَطِحَ فِي بَطْحَاءِ جَمْعٍ فَانْبَطَحَ حَتَّى اِنْفَجَرَ اَلصُّبْحُ وَ إِنَّمَا أُمِرَ آدَمُ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ بِالاِعْتِرَافِ لِيَكُونَ سُنَّةً فِي وُلْدِهِ وَ أَذِنَ رَسُولُ اَللَّهِ صَلَّى اَللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَ آلِهِ لِلْعَبَّاسِ أَنْ يَبِيتَ بِمَكَّةَ لَيَالِيَ مِنًى مِنْ أَجْلِ سِقَايَةِ اَلْحَاجِّ وَ إِنَّمَا أَحْرَمَ رَسُولُ اَللَّهِ صَلَّى اَللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَ آلِهِ مِنَ اَلشَّجَرَةِ لِأَنَّهُ لَمَّا أُسْرِيَ بِهِ إِلَى اَلسَّمَاءِ فَكَانَ بِالْمَوْضِعِ اَلَّذِي بِحِذَاءِ اَلشَّجَرَةِ نُودِيَ يَا مُحَمَّدُ قَالَ «لَبَّيْكَ» قَالَ أَ لَمْ أَجِدْكَ يَتِيماً فَآوَيْتُ وَ وَجَدْتُكَ ضَالاًّ فَهَدَيْتُ فَقَالَ اَلنَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اَللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَ آلِهِ «اَلْحَمْدُ وَ اَلنِّعْمَةُ وَ اَلْمُلْكُ لَكَ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ» فَلِذَلِكَ أَحْرَمَ مِنَ اَلشَّجَرَةِ دُونَ اَلْمَوَاضِعِ كُلِّهَا وَ أَمَّا تَقْلِيدُ اَلْبُدْنِ فَلِيُعْرَفَ أَنَّهَا بَدَنَةٌ وَ يَعْرِفُهَا صَاحِبُهَا بِنَعْلِهِ اَلَّذِي يُقَلِّدُهَا بِهِ وَ اَلْإِشْعَارُ إِنَّمَا أُمِرَ بِهِ لِيَحْرُمَ ظَهْرُهَا عَلَى صَاحِبِهَا مِنْ حَيْثُ أَشْعَرَهَا وَ لاَ يَسْتَطِيعَ اَلشَّيْطَانُ أَنْ يَتَسَنَّمَهَا ».

Al-Abtah was named 'Abtah' because Adam (a.s) was commanded to prostrate himself in the flat expanse of Jam’ until dawn broke. Adam was commanded to make this confession so that it would become a tradition among his descendants. The Messenger of Allah (swt), peace and blessings be upon him and his family, granted permission to Al-Abbas to stay in Makkah during the nights of Mina to provide water for the pilgrims. The Messenger of Allah (swt), peace and blessings be upon him and his family, entered Ihram from the tree (Dhul-Hulayfah) because, when he was taken on the Night Journey to the heavens, he was at the place opposite the tree and was called out, 'O Muhammad.' He (saws) replied: 'Here I am.' Then it was said, 'Did We not find you an orphan and shelter you? And We found you wandering and guided you?' (Surah Ad-Duha 93:6-7). The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, responded: 'All praise, blessings, and sovereignty belong to You; You have no partner.' For this reason, He (saws) entered Ihram from the tree instead of any other location. As for marking the sacrificial animals with necklaces (taqlid), it is so they can be recognized as sacrificial animals, and the owner can identify them by the sandal tied as their necklace. Marking (ish’ar) was commanded to ensure the animal's back would be forbidden for its owner to use once it was marked, and so Satan would not be able to mount it.

Hadith 27

وَ إِنَّمَا أُمِرَ بِرَمْيِ اَلْجِمَارِ لِأَنَّ إِبْلِيسَ اَللَّعِينَ كَانَ يَتَرَاءَى لِإِبْرَاهِيمَ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ فِي مَوْضِعِ اَلْجِمَارِ فَيَرْجُمُهُ إِبْرَاهِيمُ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ فَجَرَتْ بِذَلِكَ اَلسُّنَّةُ » وَ رُوِيَ «أَنَّ أَوَّلَ مَنْ رَمَى اَلْجِمَارَ، آدَمُ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ ثُمَّ إِبْرَاهِيمُ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ ».

The command to throw the pebbles (Ramy al-Jamarat) was given because Iblis, the accursed, would appear to Ibrahim (a.s) at the locations of the Jamarat, and Ibrahim (a.s) would pelt him with stones. Thus, it became a tradition. It has also been narrated that the first to throw the pebbles was Adam (a.s) followed by Ibrahim, peace be upon him.

Hadith 28

وَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اَللَّهِ صَلَّى اَللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَ آلِهِ: «إِنَّمَا جَعَلَ اَللَّهُ هَذَا اَلْأَضْحَى لِتَشْبَعَ مَسَاكِينُكُمْ مِنَ اَللَّحْمِ فَأَطْعِمُوهُمْ ».

The Messenger of Allah (swt), peace and blessings be upon him and his family, said: "Allah (swt) made this sacrifice (Adha) so that your needy may be satisfied with meat, so feed them."

Commentary 12

والعلة التي من أجلها تجزي البقرة عن خمسة نفر لان الذين أمرهم السامري بعبادة العجل كانوا خمسة أنفس وهم الذين ذبحوا البقرة التي أمر الله تبارك وتعالى بذبحها وهم أذينونة وأخوه ميذونة وابن أخيه وابنته وامرأته. وإنما يجزي الجذع من الضأن في الأضحية ولا يجزي الجذع من المعز لان الجذع من الضأن يلقح والجذع من المعز لا يلقح. وإنما يجوز للرجل أن يدفع الضحية إلى من يسلخها بجلدها لان الله عز وجل قال: " فكلوا منها وأطعموا " والجلد لا يؤكل ولا يطعم ولا يجوز ذلك في الهدي. ولم يبت أمير المؤمنين عليه السلام بمكة بعد أن هاجر منها حتى قبض لأنه كان يكره أن يبيت بأرض قد هاجر منها [رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله].

The reason why a cow suffices as a sacrifice for five individuals is that those whom the Samiri commanded to worship the calf were five people. They were the ones who slaughtered the cow that Allah (swt), Blessed and Exalted, commanded to be slaughtered. They were Azinunah, his brother Midhunah, his nephew, his daughter, and his wife. A young sheep (jadh') is acceptable as a sacrifice, but a young goat (jadh') is not because the young sheep can impregnate, whereas the young goat cannot. It is permissible for a person to give the skin of the sacrificial animal to the one who skins it, as Allah (swt), Mighty and Majestic, said: "Eat from it and feed others" (Surah Al-Hajj, 22:28). The skin is neither eaten nor fed, so this is allowed in sacrifice but not in offerings (hady). Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) did not spend a night in Makkah after migrating from it until his martyrdom, because he disliked spending the night in a land from which the Messenger of Allah (swt), peace and blessings be upon him and his family, had migrated.