Pilgrimage "Hajj": The Fifth High Grade of Al-Taqwa

By Mohammad Amin Sheikho and A. K. John Alias Al-Dayrani

What wisdom lies behind the pilgrimage?
What benefit comes from its strange rituals?
Why should the pilgrim dress in white, untailored cloth?
What is the wisdom of circumambulating a big stone named Al-Ka'ba?
What does the hajji (pilgrim) benefit from kissing the Black Stone?
What is the purpose of walking quickly to and fro between Safa and Marwa?
What is the importance of standing on a mountain named Arafat?
What is the purpose of throwing seven pebbles?
Can these seven pebbles destroy Satan, who is immaterial and invisible?
Why are animals slaughtered in these places?
If you are eager and interested to know the answers to these exciting questions, then let us sail forth into this research, which leads us to the straight path and ensures that there is no deviation from it. Thus we may live a life of eternal happiness. Let us seize the opportunity to gain a span of life compared to which our worldly life is not worth mentioning. Let us start now, for when death knocks at our door, regret will avail us nothing. At that time, how great will be the loss of those who turned away from their Provider!

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookRix
• Release date: Jul 19, 2017
• ISBN: 9783730996065

Mohammad Amin Sheikho

Mohammad Amin Sheikho (1890-1964 A.D / 1308-1384 A.H)Early YearsM. Amin Sheikho was born in al-Ward district in Sarouja Quarter, one of the historical districts of Damascus, in Syria which was called mini-Istanbul during the period of the Ottoman rule. He was raised in an Arab style house situated opposite the famous public al-Ward Bathhouse. This house stands there to the present day.M. Amin Sheikho was still young when his father, the merchant Ismael Sheikho, departed this world. Mohammad Saleem, the only and elder brother of Mohammad Amin, was assigned as a director of the Military School during the Ottoman rule.EducationAt the age of twelve the boy who was to become the great scholar was enrolled at al-Rashidiya School, he then went on to complete his studies in Amber, the Royal Ottoman Faculty in Damascus. He received many certificates of praise and commendation during the Ottoman rule and then under the reign of King Faisal in Syria. There are many copies of these certificates still preserved in trustworthy hands.AchievementsDuring the period of the Turkish rule, he was head of many police-stations in Damascus and its dependent counties. He was a shining example to all for his unfailing attention to duty, the vitality with which he approached every task, and the high level of achievement in many varied deeds which were of great benefit to mankind.During the French mandate he was appointed a director of the prisons of the citadel of Damascus.When the great Syrian uprising took place against the French forces, he helped the revolutionaries in every conceivable way until they placed the seal of the revolution in his trustworthy hands. Due to his subversive activities he fell foul of the French governor of Syria resulting in an order being issued for his execution; but the Almighty God saved him. During this period he was compliant in many attempts to overthrow French rule.He was the companion of Sheikh Amin Kuftaro for almost twenty years and following his death M. Amin Sheikho followed his footsteps and became the next in succession to guide and teach the disciples of the eminent sheikh.His assemblies were distinguished by the profound level of wisdom with which he imparted his teaching and guidance.He took great care to draw the attention of his followers to beware of the tales of the Israelites which defame the biography of the noble persons, the Envoys of God (pth), and of anything ascribed to them which conflicts their perfection and impeccability.In 1953, the famous coeval philosopher, Sir John Godolphin Bennett came from Britain to visit him. He remained in his company for three weeks that were filled with lengthy dialogues about the religion of Islam and its actuality.Sir John asked M. Amin Sheikho many questions about the exact definition of the ‘spirit’ and the difference between that and the ‘soul’, as well as asking for clarification about Godly Justice, a topic which he found difficult to comprehend. As a result of this visit, Sir John practised Islamic legislation and performed the prayers along with the followers of the scholar.This visit was referred to briefly in the autobiography of Sir John Bennett in his book Witness; but after his death, a book containing special personal recollections written by Sir John was published in 1975 under the title Journeys in Islamic Countries, wherein he spoke in detail about this meeting. In this book he gave a detailed account of the personality and character of M. Amin Sheikho, and of his lectures and disciples. He also mentioned the great benefits he had derived from his life-changing meeting with him.During his lectures M. Amin Mohammad Amin Sheikho pointed frequently to the belief in the return of Jesus Christ (pth), from the Islamic perspective. He also indicated the near advent of this significant world event as, according to his explanations, most of the conditions for this momentous Hour had been fulfilled.This was disclosed in his book: The Envoy of Peace Looms on the Horizon: the Return of Jesus Christ.In referring to his meeting with M. Amin Sheikho, Sir John made mention of this issue in his two books: Witness and Journeys in Islamic Countries.Professor Abdul-Kadir John, alias al-Dayrani, published the book Stories of M. Amin Sheikho wherein he writes in detail about many deeds performed by his teacher, Mohammad Amin Sheikho.One of His PupilsProfessor Abdul-Kadir John, alias al-Dayrani is the best known and most distinguished among the pupils of M. Amin Sheikho. He received a certificate of General Education (a Syrian certificate which included the study of nine different sciences). Prof. al-Dayrani collected and verified more than fifty books which were dictated by M. Amin Sheikho and written on his behalf. Therefore his name is always mentioned in association with the name of Mohammad Amin Sheikho.PublicationsM. Amin Sheikho dictated to his pupils many books about Islam in the Arabic language, some of which have been translated into English and French. The following are just some of these:1- Interpretation of the Great Qur’an (Lights of Descending & Realities of Meaning)2- Interpretation of Am’ma Section of the Qur’an3- Impeccability of Prophets4- Am’ma Encyclopedia (The Compassionate’s Gifts in Interpreting the Qur’an)5- Al-Amin Interpretation of the Great Qur’an (The Previous Nations)6- Visiting the Prophet (cpth) and the Effect of His Love in Elevating the Believing Spirit7- High Grades of Al-Taqwa (Seeing by Al’lah’s Light)—The Jewels of Rules in Explaining the Pillars of Islam8- The Sources of Spring Water in the World9- The Reality of Our Master Mohammad (cpth) Appearing in the Twentieth Century10- Proclaiming God’s Love (The Scientific and Qur’anic Motivations for Halal Slaughter)11- Islam... What is the Veil for? What is Divorce for? What is Polygamy for?12- The West has Liberated Man from Slavery—Did Islam not do the same?13- The Great Scientific Discovery—the Astonishing Reality of the Six Days and the Seven Heavens14- The Amazing Miracle of the Fundamental Verses of the Book in the Twenty-first Century15- Cupping: the Marvelous Medicine that Cures Heart Disease, Paralysis, Haemophilia, Migraine, Sterility and Cancer—A Prophetic Medical Science in its New Perspective16- The Reality of Tamerlane the Great Appears in the Twenty-first Century17- The Envoy of Peace Looms on the Horizon: The Return of Jesus Christ18- Secrets of the Seven Praising Verses19- Goodbye to the Doctor of al-Muqawqis (Cyrus, Patriarch of Alexandria)Radio and TV Programmes- Illuminative Speculations: al-Quds Radio Station broadcasting from Syria- Lights for Humankind: the Lebanese Radio Station al-Tawheed- Cupping, an Arabic Discovery Spreads All over the World and Cupping, a Prophetic Medical Science in Its New Scientific Perspective: Two documentary films which have been broadcast on many world satellite stations such as Iqraa TV, Sharjah, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and others- Proclaiming God’s Love (The Scientific and Qur’anic Motivations for Halal Slaughter): A documentary film that has been broadcast on Iqraa TV, and satellite stations in Al-Sharjah, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and others- The Descent of the Prophets: A computer programmeA Glimpse of his distinguished thoughts and viewsHe disclosed the true meaning of the letters (acronyms) that are reported at the beginning of the Fortresses of the Holy Qur’an, which was not understood by previous Muslim scholars and said that, “Al’lah knows best His Purpose behind them.”He disproved the stories which are ascribed wrongly to the noble Envoy Mohammad (cpth), such as the story of his being affected by the action of magic, the story of cutting his noble chest (cpth), and all that would put him (cpth) in the wrong.He elucidated that the noble Prophets are impeccable in all of their words, actions and deeds.- He was the first in the world to reveal the source of fresh spring and river water, which is the ice of the North and South Poles.- He gave an exact definition of the ‘human spirit’ and clarified the difference between that and the ‘soul’.- He differentiated between the ‘mind’ and ‘thought’.- He talked about al-Azal world, the very beginning of creation in the world of immaterial spirits, and demonstrated the Godly Justice in that world and the reason for the coming of mankind to this world.- He elucidated the wisdom in turning towards al-ka’ba when communicating with God (praying); he explained the reason for fasting and the meaning of the Night of al-Qadr (Evaluation) and how to attain it.- He interpreted from the noble Qur’an how to derive the proportion of Zakat (almsgiving), and determined it as 2.5%.- He revealed the wisdom folded in each ritual of the rites of pilgrimage.- He clarified the benefits of the medical Prophetic commandments about using an enema of amylum suspension, medicinal castor oil, and the application of leeches for medical purposes.- He called attention to certain eminent personalities who had been wronged by history. Specifically he spoke of Tamerlane the famous conqueror who is known to be a blood-thirsty warrior conqueror in the Middle East, while Asian peoples revere him and regard him as a holy man who had spread the religion of Islam in their countries. In this respect, a book was issued by M. Amin Sheikho under the title: The Reality of Tamerlane the Great.Mohammad Amin Sheikho and CuppingThe name of Mohammad Amin Sheikho is always referred to whenever ‘cupping’ is mentioned, for it is he who disclosed its correct rules. Following the death of M. Amin Sheikho his pupil, Prof. Abdul-Kadir al-Dayrani undertook scientific research about this operation with the participation of a large medical team composed of many professors and doctors specialised in various medical ailments. When the results of the analysis of the blood extracted by the cupping operation were declared and many patients were healed completely after being cupped, the procedure soon spread widely and had a wide following in many societies. The results were published in many magazines and journals, and as a result, many medical people began to apply the procedure according to the exact and correct conditions that had been laid down.Mohammad Amin Sheikho and the reason for Mentioning the Name of Al’lah over a CarcassHe emphasised the necessity of mentioning Al’lah’s Name aloud over animals as they are being slaughtered, for when they hear Al’lah’s Name their meat becomes pure and free of any microbes.Prof. al-Dayrani also subjected the ideas of his teacher, M. Amin Sheikho, in this field, to a scientific study. A great number of doctors and university professors carried out scientific research, the like of which had never been attempted before. They took many samples of the meat of cattle, some of which were slaughtered while mentioning Al’lah’s Name aloud over them, while others were slaughtered without the benefit of this blessing. A comparative analysis of the outcome was then carried out. The results of this study were also published in a book issued on behalf of M. Amin Sheikho, entitled, Proclaiming God’s Love (The Scientific and Qur’anic Motivations for Halal Slaughter.Mrs. Salma Estwani, the BBC correspondent in Syria at that time, announced the scientific results of this study and interviewed the doctors and researchers who carried it out.Also, after revealing these results, many signboards were posted in Damascus streets on which it was written, ‘How terrible! Is it true that we Syrians eat microbes through our food?’ And on the front of the citadel of Damascus, a large sign was displayed on which was printed: ‘The Great Syrian Humane Scholar Mohammad Amin Sheikho.’

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About the Book

Pilgrimage

— Hajj —

The Fifth High Grade of Al-Taqwa

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Authored by:

The great humane eminent scholar

Mohammad Amin Sheikho

(His soul has been sanctified by Al’lah)

1890-1964

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Checked and Introduced by

The Researcher and Thinker

Prof. A. K. John Alias Al-Dayrani

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Foreword by Prof. Abdul-Kadir John alias Al-Dayrani

1- Prof. A. K. John Alias Al-Dayrani

All praises are to God, the Provider of all worlds; best and perfect communication with Him and peace are through our master Mohammad (cpth)[1], the first guide and teacher over all creation. Oh God of all, our Provider! Glory to You, as Your lofty Majesty and high Prestige deserve to be glorified!

How could we fail to find You, our Provider, although Your firm Robe is always stretched out to us, so that we may cling to it at any moment?!

Verily, humanity has sunk into absolute ignorance, not seeking to know the real purpose behind this life and the fate to be faced after death. We have neglected to recognize the Creator of everything, and instead have exhorted our abilities and powers to explore and enjoy what is temporal and short-lived!

The fact is that this nation will find no way to be reformed except the way that reformed its first ancestors. This is the way that was followed by our great father Abraham (pth)[2].

Let us resort to the supreme guidance of our Prophet (cpth). Let him (cpth) be the sun of your life and a guide for all your affairs, for you will find none other than he is an imam and teacher for yourself. It is he alone who was able to reveal the reality of this life and the weighty purpose lying behind this creation. It is he alone who can answer all your questions about worship.

With relation to pilgrimage, the subject of our research in this book, people find no answer for many obscure questions, such as the following:

Why does Al’lah have the pilgrimage take place in an arid desert? In the old days, the pilgrim had to suffer great physical pain and face many dangers. Why was a waterless and treeless valley chosen as the place for this important event? Why did Al’lah not locate it in a green land of beauty and fascinating nature, instead of this wild and distant place that is devoid of people?

Why should the pilgrims take off all their clothes and dress strangely in white pieces of cloth, like a person who is bathing? This seems to be an odd appearance that can hardly be seen in any other country, and a very strange fashion that is worn by nobody else.

Why should this person be put through these hardships and stringent conditions, and not be allowed even to scratch their heads? They must wear special untailored clothes. They cannot have any arguments, disputes, no laughter, no joking and no chatting. If they scratch their heads, they must present a sacrifice (to slaughter a sheep and distribute it to the poor before completing the ritual).

What is the wisdom of circulating Al-Ka’ba, although it is just a big stone which can neither see nor hear, and which neither harms nor brings benefit? What is the purpose of walking fast? Is it related to worship and submission, or to pride and self-admiration, as they shake their shoulders like a proud fighter in the ranks of an army?

What does this person benefit from kissing the Black Stone, if it is just an ordinary stone? Is it really, as some people have claimed, a stone that comes from Paradise?

What is the purpose of walking fast between Safa and Marwah? Is it true that the Safa and Marwah ritual is but an imitation of the example of Ishmael’s mother (Ishmael is the father of the Arabs), when Abraham (pth) left them (mother and baby) in that isolated place, and she walked quickly to and fro between Safa and Marwah searching for water for her baby? Whereas Ishmael’s mother was troubled and afraid for her baby, the pilgrims were not in this frame of mind. Why do they walk quickly, and what are they searching for?

What is meant by Arafah? Why is Arafat essential to the pilgrimage? As Arafat is a small mountain in a large area surrounded by mountains, what is the relationship between the whole hajj and one small mountain among all the deserts and mountains of Saudi Arabia?

What is the purpose of throwing the pebbles? Is Satan standing chained in that place to be stoned by the pilgrims? Did Satan leave his favorite places, such as bars, nightclubs and brothels, and anywhere that you find great sinning and a lack of chastity, and is he instead tied up there to be pelted with small pebbles? Would these small pebbles destroy Satan, and is the corruption in the earth

Exterminated after they are thrown? Why are only seven pebbles thrown, and no more and no less?

Why are those animals slaughtered in those places? Would the money not be better for the inhabitants of those areas?

Such practices, which are merely the formal practices of worship, drove the western world to accuse Muslims of ignorance; for all that they see are millions of them following after millions of others, like hasty and ungovernable flocks!

Indeed, whenever you ask those same Muslims about the wisdom and the purpose of such deeds, they give you no answer except to say: these are religious obligations that should be performed in special places and on certain days!

This is what their fathers—the scholarly imitators—said, and they blindly follow them. They say: we have no knowledge about the wisdom or the aim of these acts. All that we know is that this is a Godly Command through which you display your worship of God. Our forefathers said so and we have only to obey, whether we understand or do not understand the reasons for these rituals. Therefore, follow us— you who questions us— without asking questions or making objections, otherwise you will be thrown out. It is forbidden to interfere in the jurisprudence of our scholars. We have only to imitate them!

Oh my Lord! Until when we shall keep straying, having lost the right path for us?!

Now, time has come full circle and it is the turn of truth to manifest itself. In this time, sun of Supreme Knowledge has risen with light, majesty, truth and perfection to disclose the reality of Islam and its loftiness. It is time for the false scholars to stand aside, and for error to be wiped out, for wisdom and illumination have shone through the tongue of the humane scholar Mohammad Amin Sheikho (God made his soul sanctified) to bring forth a scientific demonstration that enlightens hearts with the light of knowledge, thought, science and explanation.

He uncovered illuminative facts to us, which put an end to all forms of blindness and benightedness. He removed the veils from our hearts and minds and helped us to sense the greatness and sublimity of the rituals of pilgrimage, thus allowing us to drink from their supreme sources. All of this was inspired to him through the best of creation, Mohammad (cpth).

Let us now, dear reader, sail into this research which leads us to the straight path and ensures no deviation from it, so that we may live a life of eternal happiness. Let us seize the opportunity to gain a span of life, before which our worldly life is not worth mentioning. Let us start now, for when death knocks at the door, regret will avail us nothing, and how great will be the loss of those who turned away from their Provider!

— Prof. A. K. John Alias Al-Dayrani

Chapter One

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

In the previous books in this series, we have talked about faith, prayer (communication with Al’lah), Az-Zakat (purification) and fasting.

Now we turn to talk about the last thing referred to in the holy saying Islam is based on five pillars. This is when the Prophet (cpth) says: … and making the pilgrimage to the House by he who can do so.

2-It is He who has sent His Envoy with guidance and the religion of truth to proclaim it over all religions, even though those who obey other gods beside Al’lah may detest it

The Aim of Pilgrimage

The aim of making the pilgrimage is like that of fasting. It is to allow the believer to become illuminated by Al’lah’s Light. God says, revealing the aim of fasting, You who believe, fasting is decreed for you as it was decreed for those before you; so that you may come to acquire Al-Taqwa (seeing by Al’lah’s Light).

The Holy Qur’an,

Fortress 2, Al-Baqara (The Cow), verse 183

Some believers gain this illumination in Ramadan, the month of fasting, and then become even more illuminated by pilgrimage because piety—or seeing by Al’lah’s Light—grows exponentially, just like belief.

You may find a great distance between one believer and another, and between one who is pious and another who is less so. God says: The most pious shall be kept away from it (the blazing fire).

The Holy Qur’an,

Fortress 92, Al-Lail (The Night), verse 17

This demonstrates that there are believers who are pious and others who are even more pious.

Some believers may not gain their enlightenment in Ramadan. The pilgrimage, therefore, can serve as another opportunity for those who fail to gain piety