Surah al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage ) 22 : 28

Overview (Verses 28 - 29)

The Pilgrimage Conference

The sūrah then mentions some aspects and objectives of the pilgrimage: “so that they might experience much that shall be of benefit to them, and that they might extol the name of God on the days appointed [for sacrifice], over whatever heads of cattle He may have provided for them. Eat, then, of such [sacrificed cattle] and feed the unfortunate pool: Thereafter let them complete the rites prescribed for them, fulfil their vows, and again walk around the Ancient House.” (Verses 28-29)

But the pilgrimage is also a conference at which all Muslims gather. In it they find the beginning of their community, going back ages in time to none other than their first father, Abraham (peace be upon him): “It is He who has chosen you, and has laid no hardship on you in [anything that pertains to] religion; the creed of your forefather Abraham. It is He who has named you Muslims, in bygone times and in this [book].” (Verse 78) There at the pilgrimage, they find the force that brings them all together, their qiblah to which they all turn as they stand up in prayer. They also find the banner under which they unite, namely, the banner of faith under which all distinctions of race, colour or nationality are non-existent. They sense their power, of which they may often be oblivious; that is the power of their unity which is capable of sweeping everything before it, when they are united by faith alone.

The pilgrimage is a conference where Muslims have the opportunity to get to know one another, discuss their affairs, coordinate their plans, group their forces, exchange commodities, information, experiences and other benefits. They organize their single well-integrated Muslim world once every year, under God’s banner, close to His House, in the light of devotion to Him alone and the memories outlined, in the best place, time and atmosphere.

It is to this blessing that the verse refers: “so that they might experience much that shall be of benefit to them.” (Verse 28) This applies to every generation according to its prevailing circumstances, needs, experience, and requirements. This is part of what God wants the pilgrimage to be, ever since He made it a duty incumbent upon all Muslims, and ordered Abraham to proclaim this duty to mankind.

The sūrah refers to some of the rituals of the pilgrimage and their purpose: “They might extol the name of God on the days appointed [for sacrifice], over whatever heads of cattle He may have provided for them.” (Verse 28) This is a reference to the animal sacrifice that pilgrims offer on the four days of `Īd. The Qur’ānic verse refers first to the practice of extolling God’s name at the time of the slaughter, highlighting the fact that the whole atmosphere is one of worship, and the purpose of the sacrifice is to get closer to God. Hence, the sūrah stresses the mentioning of God’s name at the point of sacrifice, as though such mention is the aim of the whole sacrificial ritual.

The sacrifice itself commemorates the sacrifice that was given as a ransom for Ishmael. Thus, it commemorates a sign given by God, and the act of obedience by His two noble servants, Abraham and Ishmael, in addition to the element of charity involved as most of its meat is given to the poor. The ‘heads of cattle’ mentioned in the Qur’ānic verse refer to camels, cows, sheep and goats that are normally sacrificed. “Eat, then, of such [sacrificed cattle] and feed the unfortunate poor.” (Verse 28) The order to eat of one’s sacrifice is one of permissibility and recommendation, while the order to feed the poor is one of duty and obligation. Perhaps the order that one should eat of one’s own sacrifice is meant to show the poor that it is wholesome and of a quality that the person offering it does not disdain to eat from.

The sacrifice signals the end of the state of consecration, or iĥrām, which means that the pilgrim may now shave his head, or cut his hair. Other iĥrām restrictions, such as prohibiting the plucking of armpit hair and nail cutting, are also relaxed. All this is referred to in this Qur’ānic verse: “Thereafter let them complete the rites prescribed for them, fulfil their vows...” (Verse 29) These vows are concerned with whatever people might have pledged to God, other than the sacrifice that is part of the pilgrimage rituals. “And again walk around the Ancient House.” (Verse 29) This is a reference to the ţawāf of ifāđah, which falls due after attendance at `Arafāt. This ţawāf is also different from the ţawāf of farewell which is offered shortly before departing from Makkah.

The Ancient House refers to the Sacred Mosque which God made immune from the power of all tyrants, and against collapse through the passage of time. It continues to be visited, ever since the time of Abraham, and will continue to be so for as long as God wills.