Heeding Allaah's limits is the highest degree of piety. It is an
indication of true belief, and a sign of perfect submission to Allaah.
The Prophet more than anyone else, was a strict observant of Allaah's
limits. He was the most devout of all, and used to glorify Allaah's
sanctities more than any one else, as was seen on many occasions
during Hajj. For example, when he offered Hady, out of consideration
for his companions he did not end his Ihraam, although he orderedthose
who did not offer Hady to end theirs, and to perform Umrah
simultaneously with the Hajj. However, having interpreted his order
merely as anon-obligatory permission, they kept their Ihraam.
Expressing their desire to stay in the state of Ihraam, some of them
said"Do we come to 'Arafah after having sex with our wives?" Upon
hearing this, the Prophet responded: "You know for sure that I am more
devout, more truthful, and more righteous than any of you. Yet, had I
not offered Hady, I would have ended my state of Ihraam. You,
therefore, should end your state of Ihraam." [Al-Bukhaari]
5- His tranquility and submissionto Allaah
Presence of the heart, and submissiveness to Allaah, Almighty, can be
attained only through tranquility and strict discipline of the senses.
The outer appearance in this regard, is an indication of the inner
reality. In his Hajj, the Prophet combined both elements: Firstly, he
attained a presence of the heart. Nothing could divert his attention
away from his rituals, or from showing submission and humility to
Allaah. Standing withhis hands raised close to his chest, he privately
offered his supplication for extended periods of time. Secondly, all
of the Prophet's senses were full of submission and surrenderto
Allaah, Almighty. He would walk quietly in reverence and tranquility
going about his rituals. Jaabir reported: "The Prophet performed
Al-Ifaadhah in tranquility." [Al-Bukhaari] Ibn 'Abbaas reported that
as he and the Prophet were moving together on the Day of 'Arafah, they
heard loud noises, clattering and roars of camels. The Prophet then
pointed hiswhip at the people and said: "Be quiet; haste is no
indication of righteousness!" [At-Tirmithi]
6- Doing plenty of good deeds
Not only did the Prophet enjoined good, he was also keen on doing the
same during the Hajj. This is manifest in his performance of all the
favorable Hajj rituals. He performed Ghusl (ritual body wash) before
assuming Ihraam, wore perfumeupon assuming and ending it,
[Al-Bukhaari], marked and garlanded the sacrificial animal, and
frequently recited talbiyah aloud until he had cast the
Jamaratul-'Aqabah ('Aqabah Stone). [Al-Bukhaari] He also started
Tawaaf as soon as he entered the House, [Al-Bukhaari],walked briskly
in Tawaaf, touched the two corners of the Ka'bah, offered two Rak'ahs
of Tawaaf behind Maqaam Ibraaheem (Ibraaheem's station), [Muslim],
supplicated Allaah on the hills of Safaa and Marwah, ran in the middle
of thevalley, supplicated upon touching the two corners and while
throwing the jamaraat [Al-Bukhaari]. There are many other acts that he
performed.
7- His moderation and equanimity
Islam encourages moderation and censures exaggeration. In fact
equanimity was the most significant attitude of the Prophet in the
Hajj. He abhorred exaggeration—he did neither too much nor too little.
Two acts of worship can be stressed in this regard. Firstly, he
adopted a happy medium between his acts of worship [Al-Bukhaari], and
his responsibility as a leader of the Muslims. However, he did not
neglect his duty to his wives and his household who needed care and
affection. Secondly, he also took equal care of his body and soul.
This is a very important point, as the awe-inspiring surroundings of
the Hajj may compel many people to observe the spiritual and entirely
forget the physical side of their being. The Prophet however, took
very good care of his body. For example, onTarwyah Day he moved closer
to Mina in order to be near 'Arafah [Muslim]; slept during the nights
of 'Arafah and Muzdalifah [Al-Bukhaari]; took breakfast on the Day of
'Arafah [Al-Bukhaari]; but did not offer supererogatory prayers
[Muslim]. He took shelter in adome made from camel hair erected
especially for him, moved between the sacred sites [Al-Bukhaari], and
performed some of the Hajj rituals riding oncamelback [Muslim].
Furthermore, he even had someone who served and helped him. [Ibn
Maajah]
8- Renouncement of the present life
The Prophet renounced the present life and rejected all that was not
vital for the Hereafter. There are countless examples of his
denunciatory attitude towards the present life. Listed are but a few:
He used an old, shabby camel saddled with a piece of velvet hardly
worth four Dirhams(silver currency). He allowed Usaamah Ibn Zayd to
ride behind him on his camel back from 'Arafah to Muzdalifah, and
allowed Al-Fadhl Ibn 'Abbaas to ride behind him from Muzdalifah to
Mina. [Al-Bukhaari]
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