True Story Cobbler's Hajj

It is related that a noted Muslim scholar Abdullah bin Mubarak, had a dream while he was sleeping near the Holy Kaaba in Makkah.

Abdullah bin Mubarak saw two angels' descend from the sky, and start talking to each other.

One of the angels asked the other: "Do you know how many people have come for Hajj this year?"

The other angel replied: "Six hundred thousand have come for Hajj."

Abdullah bin Mubarak had also gone for Hajj that year.

The first angel asked: "How many people's Hajj has been accepted?"

The second angel replied: "I wonder if anyone's Hajj has been accepted at all."

Abdullah bin Mubarak was grieved to hear that. He thought, "So many people have come from all over the world, crossing so many obstacles like rivers, jungles, desert and mountains, suffered so many hardships, and meeting so many expenses. Would their effort be wasted? Allah (SWT) does not let anyone's effort go to waste."

Abdullah bin Mubarak had thought only so far when he heard the other angel speak: "There is a cobbler in Damascus. His name is Ali bin al-Mufiq. He could not come for Hajj, but Allah (SWT) has accepted his intention of Hajj. Not only will he get the reward for Hajj, but because of him, all the Hajjis will be rewarded."

When Abdullah bin Mubarak woke up, he decided he would go to Damascus and meet that cobbler whose Hajj intentions carried such a lot of weight.

On reaching Damascus, Abdullah bin Mubarak inquired if anyone knew a cobbler named Ali bin al-Mufiq. The town people directed him to a house. When a man appeared from the house Abdullah bin Mubarak greeted him and asked his name. The man replied "Ali bin al-Mufiq."

Abdullah bin Mubarak asked: "What do you do for a living?"

Ali bin al-Mufiq replied: "I am a cobbler." Then Ali bin al-Mufiq asked the stranger's name that had come looking for him.

Abdullah bin Mubarak was a very well-known scholar of Islam, when Abdullah bin Mubarak introduced him self, the cobbler was anxious to find out why such a well known scholar was seeking him out.

When Abdullah bin Mubarak asked Ali bin al-Mufiq to tell him if he had made any plans to go for Hajj. Ali bin al-Mufiq replied, "For thirty years I have lived in the hope of performing the Hajj. This year I had saved enough to go for Hajj, but Allah (SWT) did not will it, so I couldn't make my intention translate into action."

Abdullah bin Mubarak was eager to find out how could this man's Hajj be accepted and blessed for all the people who went for Hajj that year when he didn't go for Hajj in the first place. While talking to the cobbler he could feel certain purity in his heart. Islam regards greatness not in wealth or in power, but in civility, in good manners and the goodness of heart.

Abdullah bin Mubarak further asked: "why could you not go on Hajj?" In order not to disclose the reason, Ali bin al-Mufiq again replied "it was Allah's (SWT) will."

When Abdullah bin Mubarak persisted, Ali bin al-Mufiq revealed: "Once I went to see my neighbour's house. His family was just sitting down for dinner. Although I was not hungry I thought my neighbour would invite me to sit down for dinner out of courtesy but I could see that my neighbour was grieved about something and wanted to avoid inviting me for dinner."

After some hesitation the neighbour told me: "I am sorry I cannot invite you for food. We were without food for three days and I could not bear to see the pain of hunger of my children. I went out looking for food today and found a dead donkey. In my desperation I cut out some meat from the dead animal, and brought it home so that my wife could cook this meat. It is Halal (lawful or permitted) for us because of our extreme condition of hunger, but I cannot offer it to you."

Ali bin al-Mufiq continued: "On hearing this, my heart bled with tears. I got up and went home, collected the three thousand dinars I had saved for Hajj, and gave my neighbour the money. I too had to go hungry but that was to save money for Hajj, but I thought helping my neighbour during his difficult times was more important. Although I still desire to go for Hajj if Allah (SWT) wills."

Abdullah bin Mubarak was greatly inspired by the cobbler's story and told the cobbler of his dream.

Allah (SWT) is merciful and shows mercy to those who do likewise to his creatures. This act of compassion on the part of the cobbler was so pleasing to Allah (SWT) that it not only earned him the reward of Hajj but was extended to all the people who came for Hajj.

Hajj is a journey that can ignite the soul to be reminded of the time it was created and takes it beyond the dimensions of this life to the time it will meet the creator.

The sincere performance of Hajj can transcend a person's day to day life into a spiritual awakening of the highest magnitude. A successful Hajj experience connects us to our creator and the greater compassion of humanity.

The Pilgrimage to Makkah, is one of the essential elements of the Islamic faith. It is obligatory on all believers provided they have the financial capability and physical ability to endure the challenges of the pilgrimage.

According to Islamic tradition the Holy Kaaba, a simple square cube structure in Makkah, was the first house of worship established to remind humanity of the One Supreme God. The structure was reconstructed by Prophet Ibrahim / Abraham (as) and his son Prophet Ismail / Ishmael (as) more than 3000 years ago.

And when We made the House (at Makkah) a destination for humankind and a sanctuary, (saying): Take as your place of worship the place where Abraham stood (to pray). And We imposed a duty upon Abraham and Ishmael, (saying): Purify My house for those who go around and those who meditate therein and those who bow down and prostrate themselves (in worship). Holy Quran (2:125)

The gathering of millions of faithful in Makkah during the days of annual pilgrimage, Hajj is a fulfillment of Prophet Abraham's prayer.

And remember Abraham said: "My Lord, make this a City of Peace, and feed its people with fruits, such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day." Holy Quran (2:126)

The Pilgrimage to Makkah is a sign of supreme significance. It was Prophet Ibraham's unconditional commitment to Allah (SWT) that led him to leave his wife Hagar and his infant son Ismael in this desolated desert. Prophet Ibrahim / Abraham (as) was reward for his unwavering submission to Allah (SWT), by a promise from Him to make this uninviting land into a place of promise and plenty.

Muslims who visit Makkah for Hajj become part of Allah's (SWT) promise to Prophet Ibrahim / Abraham (as). Like any other article of faith, the pilgrimage can become meaningless if it is regarded as an end in itself rather than a means for the attainment of a meaningful life.

How To Hajj its application and historical

Among all the acts of worship (furoo-e-deen), Hajj is the only worship, for which a complete surah (Surah Hajj) is revealed in the Holy Quran. Hajj is also the only worship, which, if started, must be completed and can not be left half-done, even if it is a Mustahab Hajj (unlike Mustahab Sawm, which can be broken anytime, if necessary, without any sin). The pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj) is one of the fundamental obligations in Islamic laws. The holy Qur’ãn has clearly mentioned this obligation.

In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful .

وَأَذِّن فِي النَّاسِ بِال'حَجِّ يَأ'تُوكَ رِجَالاً وَعَلَى كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَأ'تِينَ مِن كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍ .

"And proclaim that the people shall observe Hajj pilgrimage.

They will come to you walking or riding on various exhausted (means of transportation). They will come from the farthest locations." [22:27] These are the verses (in sequence) that deal with Hajj (Pilgrimage) in the Quran;

I seek refuge in God from Satan the rejected In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful [al-Baqarah 2:125]

وَإِذ' جَعَل'نَا ال'بَي'تَ مَثَابَةً لِّلنَّاسِ وَأَم'ناً وَاتَّخِذُوا' مِن مَّقَامِ إِب'رَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى وَعَهِد'نَا إِلَى إِب'رَاهِيمَ وَإِس'مَاعِيلَ أَن طَهِّرَا بَي'تِيَ لِلطَّائِفِينَ وَال'عَاكِفِينَ وَالرُّكَّعِ السُّجُودِ.

We have rendered the shrine (the Ka`aba) a focal point for the people, and a safe sanctuary. You may use Abraham's shrine as a prayer house. We commissioned Abraham and Ismail: "You shall purify My house for those who visit, those who live there, and those who bow and prostrate." [al-Baqarah 2:158] .

إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَال'مَر'وَةَ مِن شَعَآئِرِ اللّهِ فَمَن' حَجَّ ال'بَي'تَ أَوِ اع'تَمَرَ فَلاَ جُنَاحَ عَلَي'هِ أَن يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا وَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَي'راً فَإِنَّ اللّهَ شَاكِرٌ عَلِيمٌ.

The knolls of Safa and Marwah are among the rites decreed by GOD. Anyone who observes Hajj or `Umrah commits no error by traversing the distance between them. If one volunteers more righteous works, then GOD is Appreciative, Omniscient.

[al-Baqarah 2:189]

يَس'أَلُونَكَ عَنِ الأهِلَّةِ قُل' هِيَ مَوَاقِيتُ لِلنَّاسِ وَال'حَجِّ وَلَي'سَ ال'بِرُّ بِأَن' تَأ'تُو'ا' ال'بُيُوتَ مِن ظُهُورِهَا وَلَـكِنَّ ال'بِرَّ مَنِ اتَّقَى وَأ'تُوا' ال'بُيُوتَ مِن' أَب'وَابِهَا وَاتَّقُوا' اللّهَ لَعَلَّكُم' تُف'لِحُونَ.

They ask you about the phases of the moon! Say, "They provide a timing device for the people, and determine the time of Hajj." It is not righteous to beat around the bush; righteousness is attained by upholding the commandments and by being straightforward. You shall observe GOD, that you may succeed.

[al-Baqarah 2:196]

وَأَتِمُّوا' ال'حَجَّ وَال'عُم'رَةَ لِلّهِ فَإِن' أُح'صِر'تُم' فَمَا اس'تَي'سَرَ مِنَ ال'هَد'يِ وَلاَ تَح'لِقُوا' رُؤُوسَكُم' حَتَّى يَب'لُغَ ال'هَد'يُ مَحِلَّهُ فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضاً أَو' بِهِ أَذًى مِّن رَّأ'سِهِ فَفِد'يَةٌ مِّن صِيَامٍ أَو' صَدَقَةٍ أَو' نُسُكٍ فَإِذَا أَمِنتُم' فَمَن تَمَتَّعَ بِال'عُم'رَةِ إِلَى ال'حَجِّ فَمَا اس'تَي'سَرَ مِنَ ال'هَد'يِ فَمَن لَّم' يَجِد' فَصِيَامُ ثَلاثَةِ أَيَّامٍ فِي ال'حَجِّ وَسَب'عَةٍ إِذَا رَجَع'تُم' تِل'كَ عَشَرَةٌ كَامِلَةٌ ذَلِكَ لِمَن لَّم' يَكُن' أَه'لُهُ حَاضِرِي ال'مَس'جِدِ ال'حَرَامِ وَاتَّقُوا' اللّهَ وَاع'لَمُوا' أَنَّ اللّهَ شَدِيدُ ال'عِقَابِ.

You shall observe the complete rites of Hajj and `Umrah for GOD. If you are prevented, you shall send an offering, and do not resume cutting your hair until your offering has reached its destination. If you are ill, or suffering a head injury (and you must cut your hair), you shall expiate by fasting, or giving to charity, or some other form of worship. During the normal Hajj, if you break the state of Ihraam (sanctity) between `Umrah and Hajj, you shall expiate by offering an animal sacrifice. If you cannot afford it, you shall fast three days during Hajj and seven when you return home - this completes ten -provided you do not live at the Sacred Masjid. You shall observe GOD, and know that GOD is strict in enforcing retribution.

[al-Baqarah 2:197]

ال'حَجُّ أَش'هُرٌ مَّع'لُومَاتٌ فَمَن فَرَضَ فِيهِنَّ ال'حَجَّ فَلاَ رَفَثَ وَلاَ فُسُوقَ وَلاَ جِدَالَ فِي ال'حَجِّ وَمَا تَف'عَلُوا' مِن' خَي'رٍ يَع'لَم'هُ اللّهُ وَتَزَوَّدُوا' فَإِنَّ خَي'رَ الزَّادِ التَّق'وَى وَاتَّقُونِ يَا أُو'لِي الأَل'بَابِ.

Hajj shall be observed in the specified months. Whoever sets out to observe Hajj shall refrain from sexual intercourse, misconduct, and arguments throughout Hajj. Whatever good you do, GOD is fully aware thereof. As you prepare your provisions for the journey, the best provision is righteousness. You shall observe Me, O you who possess intelligence.

[al-Baqarah 2:198]

لَي'سَ عَلَي'كُم' جُنَاحٌ أَن تَب'تَغُوا' فَض'لاً مِّن رَّبِّكُم' فَإِذَا أَفَض'تُم مِّن' عَرَفَاتٍ فَاذ'كُرُوا' اللّهَ عِندَ ال'مَش'عَرِ ال'حَرَامِ وَاذ'كُرُوهُ كَمَا هَدَاكُم' وَإِن كُنتُم مِّن قَب'لِهِ لَمِنَ الضَّآلِّينَ.

You commit no error by seeking provisions from your Lord (through commerce). When you file from `Arafaat, you shall commemorate GOD at the Sacred Location (of Muzdalifah). You shall commemorate Him for guiding you; before this, you had gone astray.

[al-Baqarah 2:199]

ثُمَّ أَفِيضُوا' مِن' حَي'ثُ أَفَاضَ النَّاسُ وَاس'تَغ'فِرُوا' اللّهَ إِنَّ اللّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ.

You shall file together, with the rest of the people who file, and ask GOD for forgiveness. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[al-Baqarah 2:200-201]

فَإِذَا قَضَي'تُم مَّنَاسِكَكُم' فَاذ'كُرُوا' اللّهَ كَذِك'رِكُم' آبَاءكُم' أَو' أَشَدَّ ذِك'راً فَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَقُولُ رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّن'يَا وَمَا لَهُ فِي الآخِرَةِ مِن' خَلاَقٍ (200) وِمِن'هُم مَّن يَقُولُ رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّن'يَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ (201) Once you complete your rites, you shall continue to commemorate GOD as you commemorate your own parents, or even better. Some people would say, "Our Lord, give us of this world," while having no share in the Hereafter. [2:201] Others would say, "Our Lord, grant us righteousness in this world, and righteousness in the Hereafter, and spare us the retribution of Hell." [al-Baqarah 2:203]

وَاذ'كُرُوا' اللّهَ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَّع'دُودَاتٍ فَمَن تَعَجَّلَ فِي يَو'مَي'نِ فَلاَ إِث'مَ عَلَي'هِ وَمَن تَأَخَّرَ فَلا إِث'مَ عَلَي'هِ لِمَنِ اتَّقَى وَاتَّقُوا' اللّهَ وَاع'لَمُوا أَنَّكُم' إِلَي'هِ تُح'شَرُونَ.

You shall commemorate GOD for a number of days (in Mena); whoever hastens to do this in two days commits no sin, and whoever stays longer commits no sin, so long as righteousness is maintained. You shall observe GOD, and know that before Him you will be gathered.

[Al-Imran 3:96-97]

إِنَّ أَوَّلَ بَي'تٍ وُضِعَ لِلنَّاسِ لَلَّذِي بِبَكَّةَ مُبَارَكاً وَهُدًى لِّل'عَالَمِينَ (96) فِيهِ آيَاتٌ بَيِّـنَاتٌ مَّقَامُ إِب'رَاهِيمَ وَمَن دَخَلَهُ كَانَ آمِناً وَلِلّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ ال'بَي'تِ مَنِ اس'تَطَاعَ إِلَي'هِ سَبِيلاً وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ الله غَنِيٌّ عَنِ ال'عَالَمِينَ (97) The most important shrine established for the people is the one in Becca; a blessed beacon for all the people. In it are clear signs: the station of Abraham. Anyone who enters it shall be granted safe passage. The people owe it to GOD that they shall observe Hajj to this shrine, when they can afford it. As for those who disbelieve, GOD does not need anyone.

[al-Ma'idah 5:1]

يا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا' أَو'فُوا' بِال'عُقُودِ أُحِلَّت' لَكُم بَهِيمَةُ الأَن'عَامِ إِلاَّ مَا يُت'لَى عَلَي'كُم' غَي'رَ مُحِلِّي الصَّي'دِ وَأَنتُم' حُرُمٌ إِنَّ اللّهَ يَح'كُمُ مَا يُرِيدُ.

O you who believe, you shall fulfill your covenants. Permitted for you to eat are the livestock, except those specifically prohibited herein. You shall not permit hunting throughout Hajj pilgrimage. GOD decrees whatever He wills.

[al-Ma'idah 5:2]

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا' لاَ تُحِلُّوا' شَعَآئِرَ اللّهِ وَلاَ الشَّه'رَ ال'حَرَامَ وَلاَ ال'هَد'يَ وَلاَ ال'قَلآئِدَ وَلا آمِّينَ ال'بَي'تَ ال'حَرَامَ يَب'تَغُونَ فَض'لاً مِّن رَّبِّهِم' وَرِض'وَاناً وَإِذَا حَلَل'تُم' فَاص'طَادُوا' وَلاَ يَج'رِمَنَّكُم' شَنَآنُ قَو'مٍ أَن صَدُّوكُم' عَنِ ال'مَس'جِدِ ال'حَرَامِ أَن تَع'تَدُوا' وَتَعَاوَنُوا' عَلَى ال'برِّ وَالتَّق'وَى وَلاَ تَعَاوَنُوا' عَلَى الإِث'مِ وَال'عُد'وَانِ وَاتَّقُوا' اللّهَ إِنَّ اللّهَ شَدِيدُ ال'عِقَابِ.

O you who believe, do not violate the rites instituted by GOD, nor the Sacred Months, nor the animals to be offered, nor the garlands marking them, nor the people who head for the Sacred Shrine (Ka`bah) seeking blessings from their Lord and approval. Once you complete the pilgrimage, you may hunt. Do not be provoked into aggression by your hatred of people who once prevented you from going to the Sacred Masjid. You shall cooperate in matters of righteousnessand piety; do not cooperate in matters that are sinful and evil. You shall observe GOD. GOD is strict in enforcing retribution.

[al-Ma'idah 5:94]

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا' لَيَب'لُوَنَّكُمُ اللّهُ بِشَي'ءٍ مِّنَ الصَّي'دِ تَنَالُهُ أَي'دِيكُم' وَرِمَاحُكُم' لِيَع'لَمَ اللّهُ مَن يَخَافُهُ بِال'غَي'بِ فَمَنِ اع'تَدَى بَع'دَ ذَلِكَ فَلَهُ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ.

O you who believe, GOD will test you with some game within reach of your hands and your arrows (during pilgrimage). GOD thus distinguishes those among you who observe Him in their privacy. Those who transgress after this have incurred a painful retribution.

[al-Ma'idah 5:95]

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا' لاَ تَق'تُلُوا' الصَّي'دَ وَأَنتُم' حُرُمٌ وَمَن قَتَلَهُ مِنكُم مُّتَعَمِّداً فَجَزَاء مِّث'لُ مَا قَتَلَ مِنَ النَّعَمِ يَح'كُمُ بِهِ ذَوَا عَد'لٍ مِّنكُم' هَد'ياً بَالِغَ ال'كَع'بَةِ أَو' كَفَّارَةٌ طَعَامُ مَسَاكِينَ أَو عَد'لُ ذَلِكَ صِيَاماً لِّيَذُوقَ وَبَالَ أَم'رِهِ عَفَا اللّهُ عَمَّا سَلَف وَمَن' عَادَ فَيَنتَقِمُ اللّهُ مِن'هُ وَاللّهُ عَزِيزٌ ذُو ان'تِقَامٍ.

O you who believe, do not kill any game during pilgrimage. Anyone who kills any game on purpose, his fine shall be a number of livestock animals that is equivalent to the game animals he killed. The judgment shall be set by two equitable people among you. They shall make sure that the offerings reach the Ka`bah. Otherwise, he may expiate by feeding poor people, or by an equivalent fast to atone for his offense. GOD has pardoned past offenses. But if anyone returns to such an offense, GOD will avenge it. GOD is Almighty, Avenger.

[al-Ma'idah 5:96]

أُحِلَّ لَكُم' صَي'دُ ال'بَح'رِ وَطَعَامُهُ مَتَاعاً لَّكُم' وَلِلسَّيَّارَةِ وَحُرِّمَ عَلَي'كُم' صَي'دُ ال'بَرِّ مَا دُم'تُم' حُرُماً وَاتَّقُوا' اللّهَ الَّذِيَ إِلَي'هِ تُح'شَرُونَ.

All fish of the sea are made lawful for you to eat. During pilgrimage, this may provide for you during your journey. You shall not hunt throughout the pilgrimage. You shall reverence GOD, before whom you will be summoned.

[al-Tawbah 9:2]

فَسِيحُوا' فِي الأَر'ضِ أَر'بَعَةَ أَش'هُرٍ وَاع'لَمُوا' أَنَّكُم' غَي'رُ مُع'جِزِي اللّهِ وَأَنَّ اللّهَ مُخ'زِي ال'كَافِرِينَ.

Therefore, roam the earth freely for four months, and know that you cannot escape from GOD, and that GOD humiliates the disbelievers.

{al-Tawbah 9:36]

إِنَّ عِدَّةَ الشُّهُورِ عِندَ اللّهِ اث'نَا عَشَرَ شَه'راً فِي كِتَابِ اللّهِ يَو'مَ خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَات وَالأَر'ضَ مِن'هَا أَر'بَعَةٌ حُرُمٌ ذَلِكَ الدِّينُ ال'قَيِّمُ فَلاَ تَظ'لِمُوا' فِيهِنَّ أَنفُسَكُم' وَقَاتِلُوا' ال'مُش'رِكِينَ كَآفَّةً كَمَا يُقَاتِلُونَكُم' كَآفَّةً وَاع'لَمُوا' أَنَّ اللّهَ مَعَ ال'مُتَّقِينَ.

The count of months, as far as GOD is concerned, is twelve. This has been GOD's law, since the day He created the heavens and the earth. Four of them are sacred. This is the perfect religion; you shall not wrong your souls (by fighting) during the Sacred Months. However, you may declare all-out war against the idol worshipers (even during the Sacred Months), when they declare all-out war against you, and know that GOD is on the side of the righteous.

[al-Tawbah 9:37]

إِنَّمَا النَّسِيءُ زِيَادَةٌ فِي ال'كُف'رِ يُضَلُّ بِهِ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا' يُحِلِّونَهُ عَاماً وَيُحَرِّمُونَهُ عَاماً لِّيُوَاطِؤُوا' عِدَّةَ مَا حَرَّمَ اللّهُ فَيُحِلُّوا' مَا حَرَّمَ اللّهُ زُيِّنَ لَهُم' سُوءُ أَع'مَالِهِم' وَاللّهُ لاَ يَه'دِي ال'قَو'مَ ال'كَافِرِينَ.

Altering the Sacred Months is a sign of excessive disbelief; it augments the straying of those who have disbelieved. They alternate the Sacred Months and the regular months, while preserving the number of months consecrated by GOD. They thus violate what GOD has consecrated. Their evil works are adorned in their eyes. GOD does not guide the disbelieving people.

[al-Hajj 22:26-27]

وَإِذ' بَوَّأ'نَا لِإِب'رَاهِيمَ مَكَانَ ال'بَي'تِ أَن لَّا تُش'رِك' بِي شَي'ئاً وَطَهِّر' بَي'تِيَ لِلطَّائِفِينَ وَال'قَائِمِينَ وَالرُّكَّعِ السُّجُودِ (26) وَأَذِّن فِي النَّاسِ بِال'حَجِّ يَأ'تُوكَ رِجَالاً وَعَلَى كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَأ'تِينَ مِن كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍ (27) We appointed Abraham to establish the Shrine: "You shall not idolize any other god beside Me, and purify My shrine for those who visit it, those who live near it, and those who bow and prostrate."And proclaim that the people shall observe Hajj pilgrimage. They will come to you walking or riding on various exhausted (means of transportation). They will come from the farthest locations." [al-Hajj 22:28-29]

لِيَش'هَدُوا مَنَافِعَ لَهُم' وَيَذ'كُرُوا اس'مَ اللَّهِ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَّع'لُومَاتٍ عَلَى مَا رَزَقَهُم مِّن بَهِيمَةِ ال'أَن'عَامِ فَكُلُوا مِن'هَا وَأَط'عِمُوا ال'بَائِسَ ال'فَقِيرَ (28) ثُمَّ ل'يَق'ضُوا تَفَثَهُم' وَل'يُوفُوا نُذُورَهُم' وَل'يَطَّوَّفُوا بِال'بَي'تِ ال'عَتِيقِ (29) They may seek commercial benefits, and they shall commemorate GOD's name during the specified days for providing them with livestock. "Eat therefrom and feed the despondent and the poor." They shall complete their obligations, fulfill their vows, and visit the ancient shrine.

[al-Hajj 22:33]

لَكُم' فِيهَا مَنَافِعُ إِلَى أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى ثُمَّ مَحِلُّهَا إِلَى ال'بَي'تِ ال'عَتِيقِ.

The (livestock) provide you with many benefits for a period, before being donated to the ancient shrine.

[al-Hajj 22:36]

وَال'بُد'نَ جَعَل'نَاهَا لَكُم مِّن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ لَكُم' فِيهَا خَي'رٌ فَاذ'كُرُوا اس'مَ اللَّهِ عَلَي'هَا صَوَافَّ فَإِذَا وَجَبَت' جُنُوبُهَا فَكُلُوا مِن'هَا وَأَط'عِمُوا ال'قَانِعَ وَال'مُع'تَرَّ كَذَلِكَ سَخَّر'نَاهَا لَكُم' لَعَلَّكُم' تَش'كُرُونَ.

The animal offerings are among the rites decreed by GOD for your own good. You shall mention GOD's name on them while they are standing in line. Once they are offered for sacrifice, you shall eat therefrom and feed the poor and the needy. This is why we subdued them for you, that you may show your appreciation.

[al-Fath 48:27]

لَقَد' صَدَقَ اللَّهُ رَسُولَهُ الرُّؤ'يَا بِال'حَقِّ لَتَد'خُلُنَّ ال'مَس'جِدَ ال'حَرَامَ إِن شَاء اللَّهُ آمِنِينَ مُحَلِّقِينَ رُؤُوسَكُم' وَمُقَصِّرِينَ لَا تَخَافُونَ فَعَلِمَ مَا لَم' تَع'لَمُوا فَجَعَلَ مِن دُونِ ذَلِكَ فَت'حاً قَرِيباً.

GOD has fulfilled His messenger's truthful vision: "You will enter the Sacred Masjid, GOD willing, perfectly secure, and you will cut your hair or shorten it (as you fulfill the pilgrimage rituals) there. You will not have any fear. Since He knew what you did not know, He has coupled this with an immediate victory." To read commentaries about these verse, please, refer to Tafsir Al-Mizan by Allamah Tabatabai.

Sura 22 is called Al-Hajj. Read the whole Surah