Islamic knowledge

Chapter 22/ Al Hajj

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Mesmerizing recitation of the chapter and English translation:

https://surahquran.com/sorah-english-22.html

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Chapter 22 of the Quran, Surah Al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage), as explained in Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi’s Tafheem-ul-Quran, addresses three primary audiences: the disbelievers (mushriks) of Makkah, wavering Muslims, and true believers. The surah, consisting of 78 verses, is a Medinan surah with some Makkan elements, emphasizing themes of monotheism, resurrection, accountability, and the significance of Hajj (pilgrimage). Below is a summary of its key themes and messages based on Maududi’s tafsir:

Key Themes and Summary:

  1. Warning of the Day of Judgment (Verses 1-10):
  • The surah opens with a vivid description of the Day of Resurrection, preceded by a tremendous earthquake that will disrupt the earth’s order, possibly due to its reverse rotation. This cosmic event underscores the reality of divine judgment.
  • It emphasizes Allah’s absolute truth, His power to resurrect the dead, and His dominion over all things, refuting the disbelievers’ denial of accountability.
  • The mushriks are warned sternly against their rejection of monotheism and their doubts about resurrection, urging them to reflect on the signs of Allah’s power in creation.
  1. Critique of Polytheism and Hypocrisy (Verses 11-25):
  • The surah criticizes those with wavering faith who turn away from Islam when faced with hardship, highlighting the folly of associating partners with Allah.
  • Verse 15 addresses despair, encouraging believers to remain steadfast and never lose hope in Allah’s mercy, reinforcing resilience in faith.
  • It contrasts the fate of disbelievers, who will face punishment, with the rewards for believers who remain steadfast.
  1. The Significance of Hajj (Verses 26-38):
  • The surah references the establishment of the Ka’bah and the proclamation of Hajj by Prophet Ibrahim, rebuking the Quraysh for their idolatrous practices at the sacred site.
  • It outlines the rituals of Hajj, emphasizing their spiritual purpose: to purify the soul, strengthen faith, and unite believers in worship of Allah alone. The surah explains the symbolism of sacrifices, which are meant to foster piety rather than mere ritualism.
  1. Struggle and Sacrifice for Faith (Verses 39-48):
  • Permission is granted to believers to defend themselves against persecution, marking a significant moment in Medinan life where fighting in self-defense was allowed. This reflects the struggle to establish Islam against opposition.
  • The surah underscores Allah’s support for those who strive sincerely, promising divine aid and victory for the believers.
  1. Universal Guidance and Accountability (Verses 49-78):
  • The surah addresses humanity broadly, urging all to follow the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and adhere to Islam as the straight path.
  • It emphasizes the unity of Allah’s message across prophets, calling for submission to Him alone. The surah also highlights the consequences of rejecting this guidance, with vivid depictions of the Day of Judgment.
  • The concluding verses encourage believers to strive, pray, give charity, and hold fast to Allah, reinforcing the importance of steadfastness and devotion.

Overall Message:

Surah Al-Hajj serves as a powerful reminder of Allah’s oneness, the certainty of resurrection, and the importance of sincere worship. It warns disbelievers and hypocrites while encouraging true believers to remain steadfast in faith, participate in the pilgrimage, and strive for Allah’s cause. The surah blends warnings, guidance, and reassurance, addressing both spiritual and practical aspects of a Muslim’s life.

For a detailed explanation, you can refer to Tafheem-ul-Quran by Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi, available at sources like http://www.englishtafsir.com.

Summary of Surah Al-Hajj (Chapter 22) from Tafheem-ul-Quran by Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi

1. Name and Period of Revelation

  • The surah is named “Al-Hajj” (The Pilgrimage) after verse 27, which discusses the rites of Hajj .
  • It is a mixed Meccan-Madinan surah:
  • Verses 1-24 were revealed in Mecca, shortly before the Hijrah (migration to Medina).
  • Verses 25-78 were revealed in Medina, likely in Zul-Hijjah of the first year after Hijrah, when Muslims were barred from Hajj by the Quraysh .

2. Key Themes and Messages

The surah addresses three groups:

A. The Mushriks (Polytheists) of Mecca
  • Warned of the Day of Judgment, described vividly with earthquakes, terrified mothers abandoning their infants, and people appearing drunk from fear .
  • Condemned for idol worship and rejecting Allah’s signs, despite clear proofs of His power in creation (e.g., human development from dust, revival of barren land) .
  • Reminded that false deities cannot save them from divine punishment .
B. The Wavering Muslims
  • Criticized for conditional faith—believing only in times of ease but abandoning Islam when faced with hardship .
  • Warned that this opportunistic faith leads to loss in both this life and the Hereafter .
C. The True Believers
  • Permitted to fight back against Quraysh’s oppression (verse 39), marking the first divine sanction for defensive warfare .
  • Affirmed their right to Hajj, as the Kaaba was built by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) for monotheistic worship, not idolatry .
  • Designated as Allah’s chosen witnesses (Ummah Wasat) and heirs to Ibrahim’s legacy, tasked with establishing prayer, charity, and justice .

3. Major Sections

  1. Resurrection & Divine Power (1-24):
  • Descriptions of the Hereafter and Allah’s sovereignty over life and death .
  • Contrast between Paradise for believers and Hell for disbelievers, where escape is impossible (verse 22) .
  1. Hajj and the Sanctity of the Kaaba (25-37):
  • The Kaaba’s history and the universal call to Hajj .
  • Condemnation of Quraysh for barring Muslims from worship .
  1. Permission for Jihad (39-41):
  • Allows fighting to end persecution and restore religious freedom .
  1. Final Admonitions (62-78):
  • Allah is the Ultimate Truth; idols are false (verse 62) .
  • Prophets are chosen from angels and humans (verse 75) .
  • Command to submit wholly to Allah (verse 78) .

4. Key Lessons

  • Divine Justice: Allah’s judgment is inevitable, and falsehood will perish .
  • Steadfastness: True faith requires perseverance through trials .
  • Universal Mission: Muslims must uphold justice and monotheism as Ibrahim’s successors .