Dor Islam

4 Responses to “How do Hajj and Ashura differ & share similartities in their sprituality?”

1. Dropshortandduck Says:
   September 21st, 2010 at 1:42 am

   Pilgrims to paedophilia according to one answer so if it is a sacred night, was this for love making with a child by a very old man, then who really knows.

2. sameer s Says:
   September 21st, 2010 at 2:41 am

   What is the meaning of Azadari? It is the commemoration of the events related to Imam Husain (a.s). Now lets see if commemoration of events related to special ones of God is permitted by Divine law or not.

   Every Muslim repeats the following sentence in his daily prayers:

   Keep us on the right path. The path of those upon whom Thou hast bestowed favors.1

   It is obvious that if we are not cognizant of the circumstances, events and mode of life those people on whom divine blessings have descended, how can we tread their path? Thus this prayer could only be fulfilled when we participate in religious gatherings (Majalis) and learn about the detailed accounts of the chosen ones of God. We must also know what is the path of those on whom the wrath of God has descended and those who are astray. So that we may avoid such a path. Otherwise we shall be involved in ignorance and lack of knowledge. We would continue to chant this prayer like parrots without gaining anything.
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   1 Surah Fatiha 1:6-7

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   The great pillar of Islam is Hajj. From the beginning to the end, it is based on reliving of the events associated with the lives of Prophet Ibrahim, Prophet Ismail and Lady Hajrah (a.s). The 8th of Zilhajj is known as the `Iraum Tarwiyah’ and there are special rituals for this day. It is named thus because it was on that night that Prophet Ibrahim (a.s) saw in dream that he was sacrificing his son, Ismail on the orders of Allah, and the whole of next day he continued to reflect on his dream. Rituals prescribed for this day are in commemoration of this only.

   The 9″ of Zilhajj is known as (Yaumul Arafah’. It is only because on that night when Prophet Ibrahim (a.s) again saw that dream he became convinced that it was a command of God for him to slaughter his son. Rituals of this day are in remembrance of this realization and the plains where these rituals are performed are also named as the ‘plains of Arafat’.

   The 10′ Zilhajj is the most important day of the Hajj. Sacrifices are performed on this day. These sacrifices, ordered by the Quran, are reminders of the event of Prophet Ibrahim (a.s) who tried to sacrifice Ismail (a.s) and the Almighty Allah saved him and a ram was slaughtered in his place. Now these sacrifices are reminders of this same event and included among ‘signs of Allah’. The Almighty Allah says:

   And (as for) the camels, We have made them of the signs of the religion of Allah for you …1

   Performing `Sayy’ (jogging) between Mt. Safa and Mt. Marwah is an important Hajj ritual. It is nothing but commemoration of the incident when Ibrahim (a.s) left Lady Hajrah (s.a.) and Ismail (a.s) at Mecca and the water bag was exhausted, Lady Hajrah ran seven times between these two
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   1 Surah Hajj 22:36

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   mountains in search of water. Today this `Sayy’ is included among the rituals of Hajj and Mt. Safa and Marwah are included in ‘signs of Allah’:

   Surely the Safa and the Marwah are among the signs appointed by Allah …1

   Today Zamzam water is considered as the greatest `Tabarruk’2 of Hajj pilgrims. Why is this water blessed? Only due to the association of the event when Lady Hajrah was running here and there in search of water and Ismail (a.s) rubbed his heels on the ground in thirst and by the command of God a spring burst forth and by being related to the fact of Ismail (a.s) it became blessed and fortunate.

   PLACE OF IBRAHIM
   It is the stone on which Prophet Ibrahim (a.s) stood while raising the walls of the Holy Ka’ba and by miracle, his footprints became etched on this stone. Today that stone is having such significance that Almighty Allah says:

   Appoint for yourselves a place of prayer on the standing-place of Ibrahim.3

   Thus it is said:

   In it are clear signs, the standing place of Ibrahim …4

   The horns of the ram that was slaughtered in lieu of Ismail (a.s) were treasured in the Holy Ka’ba with respect. They continued to remain there during the time of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w) and the Righteous caliphs. Until the time
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   1 Surah Baqarah 2:158
   2 Benedictory gift of a holy place or occasion
   3 Surah Baqarah 2:125
   4 Surah Aale Imran 3:97

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   when Yazid ordered siege upon Abdullah Ibn Zubair and forces of Yazid shot burning missiles on the Ka’ba as a result of which the covering of the Ka’ba was burned down and a wall collapsed and all relics including these horns were destroyed in the fire. In the past communities also we see that the Bani Israel were in possession of the casket by the command of Allah, called the ‘Ark of Tranquility’. It contained relics of Prophet Musa and Prophet Harun (a.s) and their descendants. The casket was considered a lucky charm for Bani Israel. So much so, that it was placed in the forefront during armed confrontations. Once the casket was seized by enemies and Bani Israel had to undergo much degradations. In the second instance, under the leadership of Talut, when Almighty Allah gave other glad tidings, He also said:

   And the prophet said to them: Surely the sign of His kingdom is, that there shall come to you the chest in which there is tranquility from your Lord and residue of the relics of what the children of Musa and the children of Harun have left, the angels bearing it; most surely there is a sign in this for those who believe.1

   All these events clearly prove that not only is it better to establish the memory of the chosen ones of God, it is so important that most of the time, the Almighty Allah has included it among obligatory rituals. All things that became associated with the chosen ones of God were included among the signs of Allah. For example Safa, Marwah, animals of sacrifice etc, and reverence towards them is considered a sign of piety and their disrespect is made unlawful. Thus it is said:
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   1 Surah Baqarah 2:248

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   That (shall be so); and whoever respects the signs of Allah, this surely is (the outcome) of the piety of hearts.1

   Again it is said,

   0 you who believe! Do not violate the signs appointed by Allah nor the sacred month, nor (interfere with) the offerings …2

   Furthermore, it is also noteworthy that not only the remembrance of the Prophets, rather His Eminence, Hajrah, (who indeed was not a prophet, and she was also not infallible), her remembrance was also considered worthy of commemoration. And that too such events, which apparently have no relation to religion. For example, running in search for water for her thirsty child. In addition to this, articles contained in the ‘Ark of Tranquility’ from the relics of the progenies of Prophet Musa and Prophet Harun (a.s), are the heavenly tablets, the turban of Harun (a.s), and even his slippers, and that casket itself is the one in which Prophet Musa’s mother had kept him and put him into the River Nile.

   All these details clearly show that even the personal events of the chosen ones of God, and their personal effects have such importance before the Almighty that He has established their remembrance and made it obligatory duty. And including them in the ‘signs of Allah’ made respect towards them compulsory for all. Therefore we have to agree that to establish the remembrance of the events of the God’s chosen ones, is not against divine will. Rather it is actually in agreement with divine will. Now just think upon it. When the remembrance of the incomplete sacrifice is so much dear to God, that He made it incumbent, then what would be the
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   1 Surah Hajj 22:32
   2 Surah Maidah 5:2

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   position of the ‘great sacrifice’ of the beloved one of Allah (the Prophet Muhammad)? How can its commemoration be against divine will? If Shias had were also experts in tampering with Shariah after the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w), like Ahl al-Sunnah, keeping in mind the significance of Azadari of Husain (a.s) they would have made it an obligatory religious duty for all. But even after agreeing that it is a ‘new thing’ is there anybody who, after reading the above discussion can say that Azadari is against divine will? Indeed, we have to agree that the Azadari of Husain (a.s) is in accordance with divine practice, which He has always mentioned:

   …there is no altering of Allah’s creation …1

   Hajj remains obligatory year after year and this itself is the reply to those who say, what is the need to commemorate the martyrdom of Husain (a.s) even after so many years of its occurrence? This objection should first be leveled against rituals of Hajj that why are they still commemorated even after so many years?

   Those who object against Shias for observing seasonal mourning, should gain lesson from the specified timings of the remembrance of events of Ibrahim and Ismail (a.s).

   In the same way just as in remembrance of the proposed slaughter of Ismail (a.s) millions of sacrificial animals are slaughtered, honoring the mount of Husain (a.s) and paying respect to the horse designated to be a replica of that original mount cannot be against divine will, rather it is a very much recommended deed. Especially when it was a horse used in Jihad (Holy war). That too, such a horse which even though was hungry and thirsty since three days, it continued to fulfill
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   1 Surah Rum 30:30

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3. Mohammad K Says:
   September 21st, 2010 at 2:44 am

   you look too much here and there,and pay a little heed in Glorious Quran,ashura is innovation,and Hujj is NOT

4. Adam Says:
   September 21st, 2010 at 2:44 am

   Ashura is a day when we fast (actually better to fast the day before also) as Musa (as) did. There is no other religous signifigance to it at all…. You cant base what u say on one hadith.

   http://www.ahlelbayt.com for the truth on what the shia have corrupted from their own texts.

   Allah knows best

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