Ta'alim : Part XXXV

Once Umar radhiyallahu anhu (ra) was standing between Mount Safaa and Marwah. A group of people came along, alighted from their camels and proceeded to perform tawaaf around Ka'bah. They then came for the sa'ee between Safaa and Marwah. Umar radhiyallahu anhu inquired from them as to who they were. They replied that they were from Iraq. When Umar radhiyallahu anhu inquired as to whether they perhaps had any other intention, e.g. to claim an inheritance, to reclaim a debt to them, or for any other business purpose; they replied: "No". Then Umar ra said: "In that case restart your deeds (like people who have done no evil deeds)".

What Umar ra implied was that having come to the Holy House solely for Allah's sake, their previous evil deeds were forgiven. They can now start anew. The second point that becomes clear from the Hadeeth under discussion is that no evil word shall be spoken. The Ulamaa have explained that the word "rafath" (evil speech) includes every single form of words which are unseemly, nonsensical and unnecessary to such an extent that even the mention of sexual relations with one's wife is also included. To indicate or insinuate such actions with hand signs or the eyes, should be refrained from. All such actions and others which stir passions and lust are condemned.

The third point towards which attention is drawn is "fusooq", which here signifies every single form of disobedience to Allah's will. One should especially avoid any form of argument and dispute. In one Hadeeth our Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam has said: "The beauty of Hajj is attained by speaking amicably with others and to feed them." To argue with fellow Hujjaaj and to fight with them is the opposite of amicable speech. Hence it is the duty of a Haajji not to criticise his fellow Hujjaaj, to meet everyone with love, humility and humbleness, and to deal with them in a most friendly manner. Some Ulamaa have explained that to meet others in a friendly manner does not only mean that one should not hurt or trouble one's fellow men. It means that one should (without retaliation) bear and pardon the hurt that comes from their side to you.
The word safar (a journey) means in actual fact "to expose", "to make clear". The Ulamaa informs us that a journey is called safar in Arabic because on a journey one's character is exposed and becomes clear.