Transliteration:( Laisa 'alaikum junaahun an tabtaghoo fad lam mir rabbikum; fa izaaa afadtum min 'Arafaatin fazkurul laaha 'indal-Mash'aril Haraami waz kuroohu kamaa hadaakum wa in kuntum min qablihee laminad daaalleen )
"There is no blame upon you for seeking bounty [464] from your Lord (during Hajj). Then when you return from Arafaat [465], remember Allah at Al Mash'aril Haraam [466]. And remember [467] Allah as He has guided you, though before that you were among those who were astray [468]." (Kanzul Imaan Translation)
Permissibility of Seeking Bounty: The verse clarifies that it is permissible to engage in commercial activities (such as trading or hiring camels) during Hajj. This does not hinder the performance of Hajj rites. However, it is emphasized that these activities should not interfere with the completion of the religious duties of Hajj. If they become an obstacle, it is better to refrain from such activities to focus on the spiritual aspect of the pilgrimage.
Spiritual vs. Material Activities: The verse responds to critics who believed that material activities (like trade) should not mix with the spiritual aspects of Hajj. Islam permits lawful business activities as long as they do not disrupt worship.
Fard of Hajj: Arafat is a mandatory part of Hajj. The verse highlights that to complete the Hajj pilgrimage, one must go to Arafat on the 9th of Zil-Hijjah. It also shows that everyone—whether rich or poor—is required to attend Arafat, ensuring equality among the pilgrims.
Significance of Arafat: The name Arafat comes from the Arabic root word “‘Arafa” which means to know, recognize, or acknowledge. It is at Arafat that Prophet Adam and Hawwa (Eve) met and recognized each other. Similarly, it is here that pilgrims confess their sins openly, seeking forgiveness from Allah. The Day of Arafah is a significant day for seeking mercy and redemption.
Mash'ar al-Haram: After leaving Arafat, the pilgrims proceed to Mash'ar al-Haram, a sacred place near Muzdalifah. It is here that pilgrims stop to remember Allah. This site holds great importance during Hajj, as it is where Allah's remembrance is intensified.
Wajib Act: Staying at Muzdalifah and at Mash'ar al-Haram is wajib (obligatory) during Hajj, and it is a time for prayer and reflection.
Remembrance and Invocation: The verse emphasizes the importance of remembering Allah at designated places during Hajj, such as Arafat and Mash'ar al-Haram. The remembrance should be through the prayers and invocations as taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Constant remembrance helps in achieving spiritual goals and is an effective means of attaining closeness to Allah.
Gratitude for Divine Guidance: The verse concludes by reminding the believers to express their gratitude for the guidance provided by Allah, as they were once astray in their beliefs, practices, and worship. Allah’s mercy and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ saved humanity from misguidance. Believers are encouraged to recognize this great bounty and be thankful for the opportunity to follow the right path.
197. The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known months. So whosoever intends to perform Hajj therein (by assuming Ihram), then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj. And whatever good you do, Allah knows it. And take provisions for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness). So fear Me, O men of understanding!
Allah said:
(The Hajj is (in) the well-known months.)
This Ayah indicates that Ihram for Hajj only occurs during the months of Hajj. This was reported from Ibn `Abbas, Jabir, `Ata’, Tawus and Mujahid. The proof for this is Allah’s statement that Hajj occurs during known, specific months, which indicates that Hajj is not allowed before that, just as the prayer has a fixed time (before which one’s prayer is not accepted).
Ash-Shafi`i recorded that Ibn `Abbas said, “No person should assume Ihram for Hajj before the months of the Hajj, for Allah said:
(The Hajj is (in) the well-known months.)
Ibn Khuzaymah reported that Ibn `Abbas said, “No Ihram for Hajj should be assumed, except during the months of Hajj, for among the Sunnah of Hajj is that one assume Ihram for it during the Hajj months. ” This is an authentic narration and the Companion’s statement that such and such is among the Sunnah is considered as a Hadith of the Prophet , according to the majority of the scholars. This is especially the case when it is Ibn `Abbas who issued this statement, as he is the Tarjuman (translator, interpreter, explainer) of the Qur’an.
There is a Hadith about this subject too. Ibn Marduwyah related that Jabir narrated that the Prophet said:
(No one should assume Ihram for Hajj, but during the months of Hajj.)
The chain of narrators for this Hadith is reasonable. Ash-Shafi`i and Al-Bayhaqi recorded this Hadith from Ibn Jurayj who related that Abu Az-Zubayr said that he heard Jabir bin `Abdullah being asked, “Does one assume Ihram for Hajj before the months of the Hajj” He said, “No.” This narration is more reliable than the narration that we mentioned from the Prophet . In short, this statement is the opinion of the Companion, supported by Ibn `Abbas’ statement that it is a part of the Sunnah not to assume Ihram for Hajj before the months of the Hajj. Allah knows best.
Allah said:
(…the well-known months.)
Al-Bukhari said that Ibn `Umar said that these are Shawwal, Dhul-Qa`dah and the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. This narration for which Al-Bukhari did not mention the chain of narrators, was collected by a continuous chain of narrators that Ibn Jarir rendered authentic, leading to Ibn `Umar, who said:
(The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known (lunar year) months.) “which are Shawwal, Dhul-Qa`dah and the (first) ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.” Its chain is Sahih. Al-Hakim also recorded it in his Mustadrak, and he said,”It meets the criteria of the Two Shaykhs.”
This statement is also reported from `Umar, `Ali, Ibn Mas`ud, `Abdullah bin Az-Zubayr, Ibn `Abbas, `Ata’, Tawus, Mujahid, Ibrahim An-Nakha`i, Imam Ash-Sha`bi, Al-Hasan, Ibn Sirin, Makhul, Qatadah, Ad-Dahhak bin Muzahim, Ar-Rabi` bin Anas and Muqatil bin Hayyan. This opinion was preferred by Ibn Jarir who said, “It is a common practice to call two months and a part of the third month as `months’. This is similar to the Arab’s saying, `I visited such and such person this year or this day.’ He only visited him during a part of the year and a part of the day. Allah said:
(But whosoever hastens to leave in two days, there is no sin on him.)
In this case, one will only be hastening for one and a half days.”
Allah then said:
(So whosoever intends (Farada) to perform Hajj therein (by assuming Ihram),) meaning that one’s assuming the Ihram requires a Hajj, for the person is required to complete the rituals of Hajj after assuming Ihram. Ibn Jarir said that Al-`Awfi said, “The scholars agree that (Farada) `intends’ mentioned in the Ayah means it is a requirement and an obligation.” `Ali bin Abu Talhah said that Ibn `Abbas said: f
(So whosoever intends to perform Hajj therein (by assuming Ihram), ) refers to those who assume Ihram for Hajj and `Umrah”. `Ata’ said, “‘Intends’, means, assumes the Ihram.” Similar statements were attributed to Ibrahim, Ad-Dahhak and others.
Allah said:
(He should not have Rafath)
This Ayah means that those who assume the Ihram for Hajj or `Umrah are required to avoid the Rafath, meaning, sexual intercourse. Allah’s statement here is similar to His statement:
(It is made lawful for you to have Rafath (sexual relations) with your wives on the night of the fast.) (2:187)
Whatever might lead to sexual intercourse, such as embracing, kissing and talking to women about similar subjects, is not allowed. Ibn Jarir reported that Nafi` narrated that `Abdullah bin `Umar said, “Rafath means sexual intercourse or mentioning this subject with the tongue, by either men or women.” `Ata’ bin Abu Rabah said that Rafath means sexual intercourse and foul speech. This is also the opinion of `Amr bin Dinar. `Ata’ also said that they used to even prevent talking (or hinting) about this subject. Tawus said that Rafath includes one’s saying, “When I end the Ihram I will have sex with you.” This is also the same explanation offered by Abu Al-`Aliyah regarding Rafath. `Ali bin Abu Talhah said that Ibn `Abbas said, “Rafath means having sex with the wife, kissing, fondling and saying foul words to her, and similar acts.” Ibn `Abbas and Ibn `Umar said that Rafath means to have sex with women. This is also the opinion of Sa`id bin Jubayr, `Ikrimah, Mujahid, Ibrahim An-Nakha`i, Abu Al-`Aliyah who narrated it from `Ata’ and Makhul, `Ata Al-Khurasani, `Ata’ bin Yasar, `Atiyah, Ibrahim, Ar-Rabi`, Az-Zuhri, As-Suddi, Malik bin Anas, Muqatil bin Hayyan, `Abdul-Karim bin Malik, Al-Hasan, Qatadah and Ad-Dahhak, and others.
Allah said:
(…nor commit sin) Miqsam and several other scholars related that Ibn `Abbas said, “It is disobedience.” This is also the opinion of `Ata,’ Mujahid, Tawus, `Ikrimah, Sa`id bin Jubayr, Muhammad bin Ka`b, Al-Hasan, Qatadah, Ibrahim An-Nakha`i, Az-Zuhri, Ar-Rabi` bin Anas, `Ata’ bin Yasar, `Ata’ Al-Khurasani and Muqatil bin Hayyan.
Ibn Wahb reported that Nafi` narrated that `Abdullah bin `Umar said, “Fusuq ﴿or sin mentioned in the Ayah (2:197)﴾ refers to committing what Allah has forbidden in the Sacred Area.”
Several others said that Fusuq means cursing others, they based this on the authentic Hadith:
(Cursing the Muslim is Fusuq, while fighting him is Kufr.)
`Abdur-Rahman bin Zayd bin Aslam said Fusuq here means slaughtering animals for the idols, as Allah said:
(…or impious (Fisq) meat (of an animal) which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allah.) (6: 145)
Ad-Dahhak said that Fusuq is insulting one another with bad nicknames.
Those who said that the Fusuq means all types of disobedience are correct. Allah has also prohibited committing injustice during the months of Hajj in specific, although injustice is prohibited throughout the year. This is why Allah said:
(…of them four are sacred. That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein.) (9:36)
Allah said about the Sacred Area:
(…and whoever inclines to evil actions therein or to do wrong, him We shall cause to taste from a painful torment.) (22:25)
It is recorded in the Two Sahihs that Abu Hurayrah narrated that Allah’s Messenger said:
(Whoever performed Hajj to this (Sacred) House and did not commit Rafath or Fusuq, will return sinless, just as the day his mother gave birth to him.)
Allah said:
(nor should there be Jidal during Hajj) meaning, disputes and arguments. Ibn Jarir related that `Abdullah bin Mas`ud said that what Allah said:
(…nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj.) means to argue with your companion (or fellow) until you make him angry. This is similar to the the opinion that Miqsam and Ad-Dahhak related to Ibn `Abbas. This is also the same meaning reported from Abu Al-`Aliyah, `Ata’, Mujahid, Sa`id bin Jubayr, `Ikrimah, Jabir bin Zayd, `Ata’ Al-Khurasani, Makhul, As-Suddi, Muqatil bin Hayyan, `Amr bin Dinar, Ad-Dahhak, Ar-Rabi` bin Anas, Ibrahim An-Nakha`i, `Ata bin Yasar, Al-Hasan, Qatadah and Az-Zuhri.
Allah said:
(And whatever good you do, Allah knows it.)
After Allah prohibited evil in deed and tongue, He encouraged righteous, good deeds, stating that He is knowledgeable of the good that they do, and He will reward them with the best awards on the Day of Resurrection.
Allah said next:
(And take provisions (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness).)
Al-Bukhari and Abu Dawud reported that Ibn `Abbas said, “The people of Yemen used to go to Hajj without taking enough supplies with them. They used to say, `We are those who have Tawakkul (reliance on Allah).’ Allah revealed this Ayah:
(And take provisions (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness).)
Ibn Jarir and Ibn Marduwyah narrated that Ibn `Umar said, “When people assumed Ihram, they would throw away whatever provisions they had and would acquire other types of provisions. Allah revealed:
(And take a provisions (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness).) Allah forbade them from this practice and required them to take flour and Sawiq (a type of food usually eaten with dates) with them.”
Allah said:
(…but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness).) When Allah required mankind to supply themselves with what sustains them for the journeys of this life, He directed them to the necessary provisions for the Hereafter: Taqwa. Allah said in another Ayah:
(…and as an adornment; and the raiment of Taqwa, that is better.) (7:26)
Allah mentioned the material covering and then He mentioned the spiritual covering, which includes humbleness, obedience and Taqwa. He also stated that the latter provision is better and more beneficial than the former.
(So fear Me, O men of understanding!) meaning: `Fear My torment, punishment, and affliction for those who defy Me and do not adhere to My commands, O people of reason and understanding.’
(2:198) It is no offence for you to seek the bounty of your Lord during Pilgrimage.[218] When you hasten back from [Arafat then remember Allah at al- Mash[ar al-Haram (i.e. al-Muzdalifah), and remember Him in the manner He has directed you, for before this you were surely in error.[219]
218. This was another misconception entertained by the pre-Islamic Arabs. They considered it objectionable to do anything relating to one’s livelihood during the Pilgrimage. In their view earning one’s living was an act of pure worldliness and hence it was bad to indulge in it while engaged in the performance of a religious duty. The Qur’an refutes this and expounds the view that if a person strives to earn his living while observing fully the laws of God his action is tantamount to seeking God’s grace and bounty. See (Surah Al-Jumuah, ayat 10) It is no sin if a man sets out to seek God’s good pleasure and during the same journey tries to combine that purpose with the quest for permissible worldly benefits.
219. The Muslims were asked to give up all those polytheistic and pagan practices that had arisen among the Arabs during the Age of Ignorance and which ran alongside the worship of God thereby adulterating the latter. They were required to consecrate their worship and adoration to God alone according to the guidance He had now revealed through the Prophet.
[76]- i.e., profit from trade or business. [77]- Which is in Muzdalifah.
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