Meaning of Quran

Al-Hajj | The Pilgrimage

With the name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Very-Merciful.

[22:1] O mankind, fear your Lord. Indeed the quake of the (destined) Hour is something terrible.

[22:2] The day you will see it, every suckling female will forget that which she suckles, and every female having pregnancy shall abort her fetus, and you will see people as if they are drunk, while they are not drunk, but Allah‘s torment is (so) severe.

[22:3] Among the people there is one who debates about Allah without knowledge, and follows every rebellious Satan,

[22:4] about whom it is destined that if someone takes him for a friend, he will misguide him and lead him to the torment of the Fire.

[22:5] O mankind, if you are in doubt about Resurrection, then (recall that) We created you from dust, then from a drop of semen, then from a clot, then from a piece of flesh, either shaped or unshaped, so that We manifest (Our power) to you. We retain in the wombs whatever We will to a specified term. Then We bring you out as babies, then (We nourish you) so that you reach your maturity. And among you, there is one who dies, and among you, there is one who is carried to the worst part of the age, so that he knows nothing even after having knowledge. And you see the land dry. Then once We send down water on it, it stirs and swells and puts forth every pleasant pair (of vegetation).

[22:6] That is because Allah is the truth, and that He gives life to the dead, and that He is powerful to do everything,

[22:7] and that the Hour (of Doom) has to come, in which there is no doubt, and that Allah will raise again all those in the graves.

[22:8] Among men there is one who debates about Allah with no knowledge, no guidance, and no enlightening book,

[22:9] turning his side away to lead (people) astray from the way of Allah. For him, there is disgrace in this world, and We will have him taste the punishment of Fire on the Day of Judgment.

[22:10] (and will say to him). All this is due to what your hands sent ahead, and that Allah is not unjust to His servants.

[22:11] And among men there is one who worships Allah (standing) on the verge: so if some good thing happens to him, he is satisfied with it, and if a trial befalls him, he turns his face back. He loses both this world and the Hereafter. That is the manifest loss.

[22:12] He prays to someone, instead of Allah, who can neither harm him nor benefit him. That is the error that takes him too far from the right path.

[22:13] He, rather, prays to someone whose harm is more likely than his benefit. Wretched is such a patron and wretched is such a companion.

[22:14] Surely, Allah will admit those who believe and do good deeds into gardens beneath which rivers flow. Surely Allah does what He intends.

[22:15] If someone thinks that Allah will never help him (the prophet) in this world and in the Hereafter, he should stretch a rope to the sky, then cut (Allah‘s communication) off (from the prophet) and see whether his effort can really remove what irritates (him).

[22:16] And this is how We have sent it (the Qur‘an) down as clear signs, and the fact is that Allah leads whom He wills to the right path.

[22:17] As for those who believe and the Jews and the Sabians and the Christians and the Magians and those who ascribe partners to Allah, Allah will judge between them on the Day of Judgment. Surely Allah is witness to everything.

[22:18] Have you not seen that to Allah prostrate all those in the skies and all those on the earth, and the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains, the trees, the animals, and many from mankind? And there are many on whom punishment has become due. And the one whom Allah puts to disgrace, there is none to give him respect. Surely Allah does what He wills.

[22:19] These are two opponents who have disputed about their Lord. As for those who disbelieve, garments from fire shall be tailored for them, and boiling water shall be poured from over their heads.

[22:20] whereby everything in their bellies, as well as the skins, will be melted.

[22:21] And for them there are hooked rods of iron.

[22:22] Whenever, in their anguish, they will intend to come out of it (the fire), they will be turned back to it, and (it will be said to them,). Taste the punishment of burning.

[22:23] Surely Allah will admit those who believe and do good deeds to gardens beneath which rivers flow. They will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold and with pearls, and their dress therein will be (of) silk.

[22:24] Guided they were to the good word (of faith) and guided they were to the path of (Allah,) the Praised One.

[22:25] Surely (We will punish) those who disbelieve and prevent (people) from the way of Allah and from Al-Masjid-ul-Haram (the Sacred Mosque), which We have made for all men, where residents and visitors are all equal. And whoever intends therein to commit deviation with injustice, We will make him taste a painful punishment.

[22:26] And (remember) when We pointed out for Ibrahim the place of the House (of Allah) saying, .Do not associate anything with Me as My partner, and purify My House for those who make Tawaf (circumambulation around it), and those who perform Qiyam (standing up in worship) and those who perform Ruku= (bowing down) and Sujud (prostration),

[22:27] and announce among people about (the obligation of) Hajj, so that they should come to you on foot, and on every camel turned lean, traveling through every distant hilly pathway,

[22:28] so that they witness benefits for them, and recite Allah‘s name in specified days, over the provision He gave them from the cattle. So, eat thereof and feed the distressed, the poor.

[22:29] Then, they must remove their dirt, fulfill their vows, and make Tawaf of the Ancient House.

[22:30] Having said that, whoever observes reverence of the things sanctified by Allah, it is good for him with his Lord. And permitted to you are the cattle, except those mentioned to you through recitation (of the verses). So refrain from the filth of the idols and refrain from a word of falsehood,

[22:31] standing upright for (the obedience of) Allah, not ascribing any partner to Him. Whoever ascribes a partner to Allah, it is as if he falls down from the sky, and either the birds snatch him, or the wind drives him away to a far off place.

[22:32] Having said that, if one observes the sanctity of the symbols of Allah, then such things emanate from the piety of the hearts.

[22:33] And for you there are benefits in them (the cattle) up to a specified time. Then their place of sacrifice is by the Ancient House.

[22:34] For every Ummah (religious community) We prescribed the act of sacrifice, so that they recite Allah‘s name over the provision He gave them from the cattle. So, your God is One God. Therefore, to Him alone you must submit. And give good news to those who turn to Him with humbleness –

[22:35] those whose hearts are filled with awe when Allah is remembered, and who observe patience against whatever befalls them, and who are steadfast in Salah, and who spend (in the way of Allah) out of what We have given to them.

[22:36] The big animals of sacrifice (like camels and cows) are made by Us among the symbols of Allah for you, in which there is much good for your benefit. So recite the name of Allah over them as they are lined up (for sacrifice). Then, once their flanks fall down (after slaughter), eat of them and feed the one who is content and the one who wishes to receive. Thus We have made them (the animals) subjugated to you, so that you may be grateful.

[22:37] It is neither their flesh nor their blood that reaches Allah, but what does reach Him is the taqwa (the sense of obedience) on your part. Thus He has made them (the animals) subjugated to you, so that you proclaim Allah‘s glory for the guidance He gave you. And give good news to those who are good in their deeds.

[22:38] Surely, Allah defends those who believe. Allah does not love any treacherous, ungrateful.

[22:39] Permission (to fight) is given to those against whom fighting is launched, because they have been wronged, and Allah is powerful to give them victory.

[22:40] (They are) the ones who were expelled from their homes without any just reason, except that they say. Our Lord is Allah.. Had Allah not been repelling some people by means of some others, the monasteries, the churches, the synagogues and the mosques where Allah‘s name is abundantly recited would have been demolished. Allah will definitely help those who help Him (by defending the religion prescribed by Him.) Surely Allah is Powerful, Mighty.

[22:41] (The ones who help Allah are) those who, when We give them power in the land, establish Salah, pay Zakah, bid what is Fair and forbid what is Unfair. And with Allah lies the fate of all matters.

[22:42] And if they reject you, so did reject the people of Nuh (Noah) and Ad and Thamud,

[22:43] and the people of Ibrahim and the people of Lut (Lot),

[22:44] and the people of Madyan as well. Musa was (also) rejected. So, I gave some respite to the disbelievers, then seized them. So how was My censure?

[22:45] How many towns have We destroyed, as they were wrongdoers! So, they are fallen down on their roofs, and (how many a) deserted well and (how many a) well-built castle!

[22:46] Have they not, then, traveled on earth so that they should have had hearts to understand with, or ears to listen with? The fact is that it is not the eyes that turn blind, but what turns blind is the hearts contained in the chests.

[22:47] They ask you to bring the punishment sooner, while Allah will never go back on His promise. In fact, one day with your Lord is like one thousand years according to your calculation.

[22:48] And how many towns were there to whom I allowed respite, while they were wrongdoers, then I seized them. And to Me is the final return.

[22:49] Say, “O people, I am no more than a plain warner for you”.

[22:50] So those who come to believe and do good deeds, for them there is forgiveness and dignified provision.

[22:51] As for those who strive against Our signs, trying to defeat (the prophet or the believers), they are the people of the Fire..

[22:52] We did not send any messenger before you nor a prophet, but (he faced a situation that) when he recited (the revelation), the Satan cast (doubts in the hearts of his opponents) about what he recited. So, Allah nullifies what Satan casts, then Allah makes His verses firm, and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

[22:53] (All this is allowed to be done) so that He may make what Satan casts a trial for those in whose hearts there is a disease, and whose hearts are hard, and surely the wrongdoers are in the utmost antagonism

[22:54] and so that those who have been given knowledge may know that it (i.e. the revelation recited by the prophet) is the truth from your Lord, and they may believe in it and their hearts may become humble towards it. Allah is the Guide of the believers to the straight path.

[22:55] Those who disbelieve will remain in doubt about it (the Qur‘an) forever, until the Hour (of Judgment) comes upon them suddenly, or there comes to them the punishment of a barren day.

[22:56] The kingdom, on that day, is for Allah. He will judge between them. So, those who believed and did good deeds shall be in gardens of bliss.

[22:57] As for those who disbelieved and rejected Our signs, they are the ones for whom there is a humiliating punishment.

[22:58] Those who left their homeland in the way of Allah, then were slain or died, Allah will certainly give them a good provision, and surely, Allah is the best provider.

[22:59] He will definitely admit them to an entrance they will be pleased with, and Allah is surely All-Knowing, Forbearing.

[22:60] Having said this, whoever afflicts (someone) with a punishment equal to what he was afflicted with (by the latter), and still, he (the former) is (again) subjected to aggression (by the latter), Allah will certainly help him. Indeed, Allah is MostPardoning, Most-Forgiving.

[22:61] That is because Allah makes night enter into the day and makes day enter into the night and that Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.

[22:62] That is because Allah is the truth and that whatever they invoke beside Him is false and that Allah is the High, the Great.

[22:63] Did you not see that Allah has sent down water from the sky, whereby the land becomes green? Surely, Allah is All-Kind, All-Aware.

[22:64] To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, and surely Allah is the All-Independent, EverPraised.

[22:65] Did you not see that Allah has subjugated to you everything on the earth, and the ships that sail at sea with His command? And He holds the sky so as it cannot fall on the earth except with His permission. Surely Allah is Very-Kind to the people, Very-Merciful.

[22:66] He is the One who gave life to you, then He brings death to you, then He will give you life (again). Surely, man is very ungrateful.

[22:67] For every Ummah (religious community) We have appointed a way of worship they are to observe. Therefore, they should never quarrel with you in the matter. And do call (them) to your Lord. Surely, you are on straight Guidance.

[22:68] And if they dispute with you, say (to them), “Allah is the best aware of what you do”.

[22:69] Allah will judge between you, on the Day of Judgment, about what you used to dispute.

[22:70] Do you not know that Allah knows all that is in the sky and the earth? Surely, that is contained in a Book. Indeed it is so easy for Allah.

[22:71] They worship, besides Allah, the objects for which He did never send down an authority (or proof) and about which they have no knowledge. And for the wrongdoers, there is no helper.

[22:72] When Our verses are recited to them in all their clarity, you (can) recognize disgust on the faces of the disbelievers. They seem to attack those who recite to them Our verses. Say, “Shall I, then, tell you about something more disgusting than that? The Fire! Allah has promised it to those who disbelieve. And it is an evil end”.

[22:73] O people, here is a parable set forth to you, so listen to it carefully: All those whom you invoke besides Allah can never create (even) a fly, even though they all join hands together for that. And if a fly snatches something away from them, they cannot release it from its possession. (Equally) feeble are the invoker and the invoked.

[22:74] They did not recognize Allah in His true esteem. Indeed Allah is Powerful, Mighty.

[22:75] Allah chooses messengers from angels and from men. Surely, Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.

[22:76] He knows what is in front of them and what is behind them, and to Allah all matters are to be returned.

[22:77] O you who believe, bow down in Ruku and bow down in Sajdah, and worship your Lord and do good deeds, so that you achieve success.

[22:78] Struggle for (seeking the pleasure of) Allah, a struggle that is owed to Him. He has chosen you and did not impose any hardship on you in the religion, the faith of your father Ibrahim. He (Allah) named you as Muslims earlier and also in this (Qur‘an), so that the Messenger becomes a witness to you, and you become witnesses to (other) people. So establish Salah, pay Zakah and hold fast to Allah. He is your patron. So, how excellent He is as a patron, and how excellent as a supporter!

Tafsir

Overview of Surah Al-Hajj

  1. Title and Position: Surah Al-Hajj is the 22nd chapter of the Quran. The title “Al-Hajj” translates to “The Pilgrimage,” reflecting the surah’s focus on the Islamic pilgrimage, Hajj.
  2. Verses and Structure: This surah contains 78 verses. It is known for its diverse themes, including the rituals of Hajj, the nature of life and death, the resurrection, and the struggle for faith.
  3. Themes and Messages: Major themes include the significance and rites of Hajj, the universal message of Islam, the realities of resurrection and judgment, and the call to moral and spiritual commitment.
  4. Significance in Islamic Thought: Surah Al-Hajj is significant for its comprehensive coverage of the Hajj, its emphasis on the unity of the Muslim community, and its profound reflections on faith, life, and the hereafter.

Detailed Explanation

  1. Rituals and Significance of Hajj: The surah details various aspects of the Hajj pilgrimage, linking it to the legacy of Abraham and the universal submission to God.
  2. Universal Message of Islam: It emphasizes Islam’s universal appeal, calling all people to worship one God and follow His guidance.
  3. Resurrection and Judgment: The surah vividly describes the Day of Judgment and resurrection, underscoring the reality of life after death and divine accountability.
  4. Moral and Spiritual Urgency: It urges immediate and sincere commitment to faith and good deeds, warning against the consequences of denial and complacency.
  5. Struggle and Perseverance in Faith: Surah Al-Hajj also addresses the struggles faced by believers, encouraging perseverance and trust in God’s wisdom.

FAQs

  1. Why is Surah Al-Hajj named after the pilgrimage?
    • The surah is named “Al-Hajj” because of its significant focus on the Hajj pilgrimage, an important pillar of Islam, emphasizing its spiritual and historical importance.
  2. How does Surah Al-Hajj describe the rituals of Hajj?
    • It describes the rituals of Hajj, linking them to the Prophet Abraham’s legacy, and highlighting their purpose in fostering devotion, unity, and submission to God.
  3. What does Surah Al-Hajj say about the Day of Judgment and resurrection?
    • The surah provides a powerful depiction of the Day of Judgment and resurrection, emphasizing the certainty of this event and the importance of preparing for it through righteous living.
  4. How does Surah Al-Hajj address the theme of universalism in Islam?
    • It underscores the universality of Islam’s message, calling all humanity to embrace monotheism and the prophetic guidance as a path to salvation.

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