Chapter on Virtues of Hajj

Whoever prepares a mount for the Hajj is like one who ties a horse in the way of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic.

Al-Hasan ibn Mahbub narrated from Ali ibn Ri'ab, from Muhammad ibn Qays, who said: I heard Abu Ja’far عليه السلام narrating to the people in Makkah. Imam عليه السلام said: "The Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, prayed Fajr with his companions and then sat with them, speaking to them until the sun rose. One by one, the men began to leave until only two remained: one Ansari and one Thaqafi. The Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, said to them: 'I know that you both have a need you wish to ask me about. If you wish, I can inform you of your needs before you ask, or if you wish, you may ask me directly.' They said: 'You inform us, O Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, for that is clearer for our hearts, removes doubt, and strengthens our faith.' The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, said: 'As for you, O brother from the Ansar, you are from a people who "prefer others over themselves" (Surah Al-Hashr, 59:9). You are a city-dweller, and this Thaqafi is a Bedouin. Would you prefer to let him ask first?' He replied: 'Yes.' The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, said: 'As for you, O brother from Thaqif, you came to ask me about your ablution and prayer and what reward you gain from them. Know that when you strike your hands into the water and say, "In the name of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful," the sins committed by your hands fall away. When you wash your face, the sins committed by your eyes from what they looked at, and by your mouth from what it uttered, also fall away When you wash your arms, the sins fall away from your right and left sides. When you wipe your head and feet, the sins you walked toward with your feet fall away. This is the reward for your ablution. When you stand for prayer, direct yourself toward Allah سبحانه وتعالى, recite the Opening Chapter of the Book (Surah Al-Fatiha) and whatever is easy for you of other chapters, then bow and complete your bowing, prostrate and complete your prostration, recite the testimony (Tashahhud), and say the salutations (Tasleem), all the sins committed between the earlier prayer and the one you just performed are forgiven. This is the reward for your prayer. As for you, O brother from the Ansar, you came to ask me about your Hajj and Umrah and the reward you gain from them. Know that when you set out on the path of Hajj, mount your riding animal, and say, "In the name of Allah سبحانه وتعالى," each time your riding animal places its hoof down and lifts it, Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, writes a good deed for you and erases a sin from you. When you enter Ihram and say the Talbiyah (Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik), Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Blessed and Exalted, writes ten good deeds for you with every Talbiyah and erases ten sins from you. When you circumambulate the House seven times, you are given a covenant and a remembrance from Allah سبحانه وتعالى. Your Lord عز وجل feels shy to punish you after that. When you pray two units of prayer (Rak’ahs) at the Station of Ibrahim, Allah سبحانه وتعالى writes for you the reward of two thousand accepted prayers. When you walk seven circuits between Safa and Marwah, you are granted a reward from Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, equivalent to that of someone who performed Hajj on foot from their homeland and the reward of someone who freed seventy believing slaves. When you stand at Arafat until sunset, even if your sins were as numerous as the grains of sand in Alij or the foam of the sea, Allah سبحانه وتعالى forgives them for you. When you cast the pebbles at the Jamarat, Allah سبحانه وتعالى writes ten good deeds for each pebble for the rest of your life. When you shave your head, for each hair that is removed, a good deed is written for you for the remainder of your life. When you sacrifice your offering or slaughter your animal, for every drop of its blood, a good deed is written for you for the rest of your life. When you circumambulate the Kaaba seven times as part of the visitation (Tawaf al-Ziyarah) and pray two units of prayer at the Station of Ibrahim, a noble angel strikes your shoulders and says, 'As for what has passed, it has been forgiven for you, so start anew with good deeds for the next 120 days.'

It has been narrated: "The Children of Israel, when they offered a sacrifice, a fire would descend and consume the sacrifice of the one whose offering was accepted. Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Blessed and Exalted, made the state of Ihram in place of the offering."

Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib عليه السلام said: "There is no one who raises their voice in Talbiyah (Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik) except that everything to their right up to the ends of the earth and everything to their left up to the ends of the earth also proclaims the Talbiyah. Then the two angels say to them: 'Rejoice, O servant of Allah سبحانه وتعالى!' And Allah سبحانه وتعالى does not give glad tidings to a servant except with Paradise."

Whoever recites the Talbiyah seventy times during their state of Ihram with faith and sincere intention, Allah سبحانه وتعالى makes a thousand angels bear witness to their freedom from the Fire and freedom from hypocrisy. Whoever reaches the Haram, stops, performs a ritual bath (ghusl), takes their sandals in their hands, and enters the Haram barefoot in humility before Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, Allah سبحانه وتعالى erases one hundred thousand sins from them, records one hundred thousand good deeds for them, raises them by one hundred thousand degrees, and fulfills one hundred thousand of their needs. Whoever enters Makkah with tranquility and dignity, Allah سبحانه وتعالى forgives their sins, provided they enter without arrogance or oppression. Whoever enters the Sacred Mosque barefoot, with tranquility, dignity, and humility, Allah سبحانه وتعالى forgives their sins. Whoever looks at the Kaaba, recognizing its sanctity, Allah سبحانه وتعالى forgives their sins and suffices them in their concerns.

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام said: "Whoever looks at the Kaaba, recognizing its sanctity and our right and sanctity as they recognize its right and its sanctity, then Allah سبحانه وتعالى will forgive all their sins and suffice them in their concerns of this world and the Hereafter."

It has been narrated: "Whoever looks at the Kaaba continuously will have a good deed written for them and a sin erased from them until they turn their gaze away from it."

It has been narrated: "Looking at the Kaaba is an act of worship, looking at one's parents is an act of worship, looking at the Quran without recitation is an act of worship, looking at the face of a scholar is an act of worship, and looking at the family of Muhammad عليه السلام is an act of worship."

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, said: "Looking at Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib عليه السلام is an act of worship."

In another narration, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, said: "The mention of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib عليه السلام is an act of worship."

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام said: "Whoever visits this House, either for Hajj or Umrah, free from arrogance, returns from their sins as pure as the day their mother gave birth to them. Arrogance is to deny the truth and to attack its people, and whoever does so has contested Allah سبحانه وتعالى for His mantle."

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام said regarding the words of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, "And whoever enters it shall be secure" (Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:97): "Whoever visits this House knowing that it is the House that Allah سبحانه وتعالى has commanded and recognizes our right, the Ahlulbayt, with true recognition, shall be secure in this world and the Hereafter." It has also been narrated: "Whoever commits a crime and then seeks refuge in the Haram will not have the prescribed punishment (Hadd) carried out against them. However, they will neither be given food nor drink nor shelter until they leave the Haram, at which point the Hadd will be carried out. If someone commits a crime within the Haram that requires Hadd, they will be taken within the Haram itself because they have shown no regard for its sanctity."

Imam عليه السلام said: "Entering the Kaaba is an entry into the mercy of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, and exiting it is an exit from sins, making one protected for the remainder of their life, with forgiveness granted for all past sins."

Imam عليه السلام said: "Whoever enters the Kaaba with tranquility, meaning they enter it without arrogance or oppression, will have their sins forgiven."

Whoever arrives for Hajj, performs Tawaf around the House, and prays two Rak’ahs, Allah سبحانه وتعالى writes for them seventy thousand good deeds, erases seventy thousand sins from them, raises them by seventy thousand degrees, grants them intercession for seventy thousand needs, and records for them the emancipation of seventy thousand slaves, each valued at ten thousand dirhams.

In another narration: "This reward is for the one who performs Tawaf around the House after the sun has passed its zenith, bareheaded, barefoot, taking short steps, lowering their gaze, touching the Black Stone in every circuit without causing harm to anyone, and keeping the remembrance of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, continuously on their tongue."

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام said: "Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, has around the Kaaba one hundred and twenty mercies: sixty for those performing Tawaf, forty for those praying, and twenty for those merely looking at it."

It has been narrated: "Whoever performs Tawaf around the House is cleansed of their sins."

Abu Ja’far عليه السلام said: "Whoever prays two Rak’ahs at the Station of Ibrahim, it is equivalent to freeing six souls."

A single Tawaf performed before Hajj is better than seventy Tawafs performed after Hajj.

Whoever resides in Makkah for one year, performing Tawaf is better for them than prayer. Whoever resides for two years should alternate between Tawaf and prayer. Whoever resides for three years, prayer becomes better for them.

It has been narrated: "For those who are not residents of Makkah, performing Tawaf is better than prayer, while for the residents of Makkah, prayer is better."

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام said: "Fulfilling the need of a believer is better than performing Tawaf, and Tawaf, and Tawaf—up to ten times."

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام said: "The Yemeni Corner is our gate through which we enter Paradise."

Imam عليه السلام said: "Within it is a gate of Paradise that has never been closed since it was opened."

"Within it is a river from Paradise into which the deeds of the servants are cast.”

It has been narrated: "It is the right hand of Allah سبحانه وتعالى on His earth, with which He shakes hands with His creation."

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام said: "The water of Zamzam is a cure for whatever it is drunk for."

It has been narrated: "Whoever drinks their fill from the water of Zamzam will be granted healing through it, and an illness will be repelled from them."

The Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, used to request Zamzam water while he was in Madinah.

It has been narrated: "When the pilgrim performs Sa’y between Safa and Marwah, they are cleansed of their sins."

Imam Ali ibn Al-Husayn عليه السلام said: "The one who performs Sa’y between Safa and Marwah is interceded for by the angels, and their intercession is accepted."

It has been narrated: "Whoever wishes to increase their wealth should prolong their standing on Safa and Marwah."

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام said: "If you are able to pray all your prayers, obligatory and non-obligatory, at Al-Hatim, then do so, for it is the most virtuous spot on the face of the earth."

Whoever prays a single prayer in the Sacred Mosque, Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, accepts from them every prayer they have performed and every prayer they will perform until their death.

"And a single prayer in it (the Sacred Mosque) is equivalent to one hundred thousand prayers."

"And when the people settle in their places at Mina, a caller from Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, announces: 'If you desire My pleasure, then I am pleased with you.'"

It has been narrated: "When the people take their places at Mina, a caller announces to them: 'If you knew in whose presence you have settled, you would be certain of receiving abundance after forgiveness.'"

It has been narrated: "The Almighty, Glorious is His Majesty, says: 'A servant whom I have blessed and bestowed favors upon, yet does not visit Me in this place (the Kaaba) at least once every five years, is indeed deprived.'"

"And seven hundred Prophets have prayed in the Mosque of Al-Khaif at Mina."

"The Mosque of the Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, during his time, extended from the minaret in the middle of the mosque and beyond it toward the Qibla for about thirty cubits, as well as to its right, left, and behind it, approximately the same distance."

Whoever prays one hundred Rak’ahs in the Mosque of Mina before leaving it will receive the reward equivalent to seventy years of worship. Whoever glorifies Allah سبحانه وتعالى one hundred times in the Mosque of Mina, Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, will record for them the reward of freeing a slave. Whoever declares the oneness of Allah سبحانه وتعالى (La ilaha illa Allah سبحانه وتعالى) one hundred times in it will have the reward of giving life to a soul. And whoever praises Allah سبحانه وتعالى (Alhamdulillah) one hundred times in it will receive the reward equivalent to the revenue of the two Iraqs (al-'Iraqayn) spent in the way of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic.

"The pilgrim, when they stand at Arafat, is cleansed of their sins."

Abu Ja’far عليه السلام said: "No one, whether righteous or sinful, stands on those mountains (at Arafat) without Allah سبحانه وتعالى answering their prayer. As for the righteous, their supplication is answered for both their Hereafter and their worldly life. As for the sinful, their supplication is answered for their worldly life."

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام said: "There is no man from a region who stands at Arafat among the believers without Allah سبحانه وتعالى forgiving the believers of that region. And there is no man from a household who stands at Arafat among the believers without Allah سبحانه وتعالى forgiving the believers of that household."

Imam Ali ibn Al-Husayn عليه السلام heard a beggar asking people on the Day of Arafah. He said to him: "Woe to you! Are you asking anyone other than Allah سبحانه وتعالى on this day? Indeed, it is hoped that even what is in the wombs of pregnant women will be destined for happiness on this day."

Abu Ja’far عليه السلام would never turn away a beggar on the Day of Arafah.

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام said: "On the eve of Arafah, Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, sends two angels who examine the faces of the people. If they find a man who has accustomed himself to performing Hajj but is absent, one of them says to the other: 'O so-and-so, what happened to so-and-so?' The other responds: 'Allah سبحانه وتعالى knows best.' Then one of them says: 'O Allah سبحانه وتعالى, if poverty has kept him from Hajj, enrich him. If debt has kept him, relieve him of his debt. If illness has kept him, cure him. And if death has kept him, forgive him and have mercy on him.'"

Imam عليه السلام said: "When a person prays for their brother in their absence, a caller from the Throne announces, 'For you is one hundred thousand times the like of it.' But when they pray for themselves, they receive only one. Therefore, one hundred thousand guaranteed is better than one uncertain, as it is not known whether their personal supplication will be answered or not."

Whoever prays for forty of their brothers before praying for themselves will have their supplication answered both for them and for themselves.

Whoever passes between the narrow paths of Mina without arrogance, Allah سبحانه وتعالى will forgive their sins.

Indeed, on that night (the eve of Arafah), the gates of the heavens are not closed to the voices of the believers, whose supplications resound like the buzzing of bees. Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, says: 'I am your Lord عز وجل, and you are My servants. You have fulfilled My right, and it is incumbent upon Me to answer you.' On that night, He سبحانه وتعالى removes the sins of those whom He سبحانه وتعالى wills and then forgives those whom He سبحانه وتعالى wills to forgive.

"The pilgrim, when they stand at Al-Mash'ar (Muzdalifah), is cleansed of their sins."

The Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, said: "Choose the best of your sacrifices, for they are your mounts on the Sirat (Bridge)."

Umm Salamah, may Allah سبحانه وتعالى be pleased with her, came to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, and said: "O Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Day of Sacrifice is approaching, and I do not have the means to afford a sacrifice. Should I borrow and offer a sacrifice?" He صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم replied: "Borrow and offer a sacrifice, for it is a debt that will be repaid."

And the owner of the sacrifice is forgiven at the very first drop of its blood that falls.

Abu Ja’far عليه السلام said: "The practice of marking the sacrificial animal (Ish’ar) was deemed good because at the very first drop of its blood that falls, Allah سبحانه وتعالى forgives the person for that act."

"Whoever restrains their eyes, tongue, and hands during the Days of Tashreeq, Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, will record for them the reward of a Hajj in the following year."

The Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, said: "Casting the pebbles at the Jamarat is a provision for the Day of Judgment."

The Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, said: "When the pilgrim casts the pebbles at the Jamarat, they are cleansed of their sins."

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام said: "Whoever casts the pebbles at the Jamarat will have a major destructive sin removed for each pebble. When a believer casts it, the angel catches it. But when a disbeliever casts it, Satan says mockingly, 'You did not truly strike me.'"

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام said: "When a believer shaves their head at Mina and buries the hair, they will come on the Day of Judgment, and every hair will have a fluent tongue calling out the Talbiyah in the name of its owner."

The Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, sought forgiveness for those who shaved their heads three times and for those who trimmed their hair once.

It has been narrated: "Whoever shaves their head at Mina will have a light for every hair on the Day of Judgment."

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام was asked about the words of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic: "Then whoever hastens to leave in two days, there is no sin upon him; and whoever delays, there is no sin upon him" (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:203). Imam عليه السلام said: "They return forgiven, with no sin upon them."

It has been narrated: "They emerge from their sins as pure as the day their mother gave birth to them."

Imam عليه السلام said: "A servant remains within the sanctity of those performing Tawaf around the Kaaba as long as the hair from their shaving remains upon them."

It has been narrated: "The pilgrim, from the moment they leave their home until they return, is in the status of one performing Tawaf around the Kaaba."

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام said: "Whoever performs the Hajj of Islam has untied a knot of the Fire from around their neck. Whoever performs two Hajj will remain in goodness until they die. And whoever performs three consecutive Hajj, whether they perform another Hajj afterward or not, is regarded as one devoted to Hajj."

It has been narrated: "Whoever performs three Hajj will never experience poverty."

"Any camel on which Hajj is performed for three years will be made among the livestock of Paradise." It has also been narrated: "Seven years."

Imam Ali ibn Musa Ar-Ridha عليه السلام said: "Whoever facilitates Hajj for three believers has purchased their soul from Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, at its price, and Allah سبحانه وتعالى will not question them about how they earned their wealth, whether it was lawful or unlawful."

Whoever performs four Hajj will never experience the compression of the grave. When they die, Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, will transform the Hajj they performed into a beautiful form, the most excellent of forms, placed before their eyes. It will pray in their grave until Allah سبحانه وتعالى resurrects them, and the reward of that prayer will belong to them. Know that one Rak’ah of that prayer equals a thousand Rak’ahs of the prayer of humans.

Whoever performs five Hajj will never be punished by Allah سبحانه وتعالى. Whoever performs ten Hajj will never be subjected to an accounting by Allah سبحانه وتعالى. And whoever performs twenty Hajj will never see Hellfire, nor will they hear its roaring or its raging.

Whoever performs forty Hajj will be told, 'Intercede for whomever you wish,' and a door of Paradise will be opened for them through which they and those for whom they intercede will enter.

Whoever performs fifty Hajj will have a city built for them in the Garden of Eden. Within it will be a thousand palaces, each containing a thousand Houris from the maidens of Paradise and a thousand spouses. They will be made companions of Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, in Paradise.

Whoever performs more than fifty Hajj is like one who performed fifty Hajj alongside Muhammad and the Awsiya (successors), peace be upon them. Such a person will be among those whom Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, visits every Friday and will be among those who enter the Garden of Eden, which Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, created with His own hand, unseen by any eye and unknown to any creature. For every Hajj they perform, Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, builds a city for them in Paradise. Each city contains chambers, and in each chamber is a Houri from the maidens of Paradise. With every Houri are three hundred maidens, the likes of whom no one has ever seen in beauty and charm.

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام said: "Whoever performs Hajj one year and does not the next, alternating years, is considered among those devoted to Hajj."

Ishaq ibn Ammar said: I said to Abu Abdullah (Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq), peace be upon him: "I have resolved to perform Hajj every year, either by myself or by sending someone from my household using my wealth." Imam عليه السلام asked: "Have you firmly decided on this?" I replied: "Yes, I have resolved to do so." Imam عليه السلام then said: "If you do this, be certain of the abundance of wealth, or rejoice in the promise of abundant wealth."

It has been narrated: "No servant draws closer to Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, with anything more beloved to Him than walking to His Sacred House on foot. A single Hajj performed in this manner equals seventy Hajj. And whoever alternates between walking and riding their camel, Allah سبحانه وتعالى records for them the reward of both their walking and their riding. If a pilgrim's sandal strap breaks, Allah سبحانه وتعالى records for them the reward for every step they take barefoot until they wear another sandal."

"Hajj performed while riding is better than performing it on foot, because the Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, performed Hajj while riding."

The reconciliation between these narrations is found in: Abu Basir narrated from Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام where he asked him: "Is walking better or riding?" The Imam عليه السلام replied: "If a man is wealthy and chooses to walk to reduce his expenses, then riding is better."

Imam Hussain ibn Ali عليه السلام used to walk while the camels carrying the provisions and supplies were driven alongside him.

A man came to Imam Ali ibn Al-Husayn عليه السلام and said: "You have preferred Hajj over Jihad, while Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, says: 'Indeed, Allah سبحانه وتعالى has purchased from the believers their lives and their wealth in exchange for Paradise'" (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:111). Imam Ali ibn Al-Husayn عليه السلام replied: "Read what comes after it." The man continued: 'Those who repent, worship, praise...' (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:112) until he reached the end of the verse. Then Imam Ali ibn Al-Husayn عليه السلام said: "When you see these qualities (in people), then Jihad alongside them is better than Hajj."

Whoever performs Hajj seeking the pleasure of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, without intending to show off or gain reputation, Allah سبحانه وتعالى will forgive them completely.

The Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, said: "Whoever seeks both this world and the Hereafter, let them visit this House."

Whoever returns from Makkah intending to perform Hajj again the following year will have their lifespan increased.

Whoever departs from Makkah without intending to return has drawn near to their death, and their punishment approaches.

It is narrated from Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام that he said: "Do you see this mountain, Thafil? When Yazid ibn Muawiyah returned from his Hajj and set out toward Sham, he composed these verses: When we leave Thafil to our right, We shall never return for years to come, Neither for Hajj nor Umrah while we live. Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, caused him to die before his appointed time."

Abu Ja’far عليه السلام said: "No servant prioritizes a worldly need over performing Hajj except that they will see the pilgrims who have shaved their heads return before their own need is fulfilled."

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام said: "No man refrains from performing Hajj except due to a sin, yet Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, forgives more than He holds back."

He was asked about the words of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic: "So I will give in charity and be among the righteous" (Surah Al-Munafiqun 63:10). Imam عليه السلام said: "'I will give in charity' refers to giving charity, and 'be among the righteous' means performing Hajj."

Imam عليه السلام said: "Umrah to Umrah is an expiation for what occurs between them."

It is narrated from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family: "The reward for Hajj is Paradise, and Umrah is an expiation for all sins. The best Umrah is the Umrah performed in the month of Rajab."

The Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, said: "Every blessing will be questioned about by its owner, except for that which was used in battle or Hajj."

Abu Ja’far Imam Al-Baqir عليه السلام said: "Hajj and Umrah are two marketplaces from the marketplaces of the Hereafter. Those who adhere to them are the guests of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic. If He keeps them alive, they are kept without sin; and if He causes them to die, He enters them into Paradise."

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام was asked about a man in debt who borrows money to perform Hajj. Imam عليه السلام said: "Yes, it is more likely to help him repay his debt."

It is narrated from Ishaq ibn Ammar, who said: "I said to Abu Abdullah (Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq), peace be upon him: 'A man consulted me about performing Hajj, and he was in a weak financial state, so I advised him not to perform Hajj.' The Imam عليه السلام replied: 'How fitting it would be for you to fall ill for a year.' Ishaq said: 'And so I did fall ill for a year.'"

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام said: "Let none of you hinder his brother from performing Hajj, lest he be afflicted with a trial in this world, in addition to what is reserved for him in the Hereafter."

It has been narrated: "Hajj is superior to prayer and fasting because the one who prays is away from their family for only an hour, the one who fasts is away from their family for the daylight hours of a single day, but the one performing Hajj departs with their body, sacrifices their self, spends their wealth, and remains absent from their family for an extended period—not for any wealth they hope to gain or for trade."

It has been narrated: "One obligatory prayer is better than twenty Hajj, and one Hajj is better than a house filled with gold given in charity until nothing remains."

The Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, said: "There is no pilgrim who continues reciting the Talbiyah until the sun passes its zenith except that their sins disappear along with it. Hajj and Umrah drive away poverty just as the bellows remove impurities from iron."

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام was asked about a man who performs Hajj on behalf of another. "Will he receive any reward or recompense?" The Imam عليه السلام replied: "The one who performs Hajj on behalf of another receives the reward and recompense of ten Hajj. He is forgiven, along with his father, his mother, his son, his daughter, his brother, his sister, his paternal uncle, his paternal aunt, his maternal uncle, and his maternal aunt. Indeed, Allah سبحانه وتعالى is all-encompassing and generous."

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام said: "Whoever performs Hajj on behalf of another shares in the reward with them until the obligatory Tawaf is completed. After that, any deed performed is solely for the one performing the Hajj."

Ali ibn Yaqtin asked Imam Abu Al-Hasan عليه السلام about a man who entrusted the cost of one Hajj to five people. Imam عليه السلام replied: "One of them performs the Hajj, and all of them share in the reward." Ali ibn Yaqtin then asked: "Who is the Hajj attributed to?" Imam عليه السلام replied: "It is for the one who prayed in both the heat and the cold."

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام said: "If you included a thousand people in your Hajj, each one of them would receive the reward of a complete Hajj without anything being diminished from your own Hajj."

It has been narrated: "Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, grants a complete Hajj to the one who performs it and to those they include in it, and the one who includes others receives an additional reward for their act of kindness toward them." Whoever intends to perform Tawaf on behalf of another should say at the beginning of the Tawaf: "O Allah سبحانه وتعالى, accept this from [name of the person they are performing it for]."

Whoever performs Hajj on behalf of another should say: "O Allah سبحانه وتعالى, whatever hardship, fatigue, or dishevelment I experience, reward so-and-so for it and reward me for fulfilling it on their behalf." It has also been narrated: "They should mention the name of the person on whose behalf they are performing the Hajj when they slaughter the sacrificial animal. However, if they do not say anything, there is no blame upon them, for Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, knows all that is hidden." Whoever gifts a Hajj or Umrah to a relative, Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, records for them the reward of two Hajj and two Umrah. Likewise, whoever performs Hajj or Umrah on behalf of a close friend, their reward is doubled.

It has been narrated: "A single Hajj is better than freeing seventy slaves."

When the Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, was prevented from completing his journey (at Hudaybiyyah), a man came to him and said: "O Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, I am a wealthy man, and I reside in a place where none but I can manage my wealth properly. Inform me of something that, if I do it, will grant me the same reward as a pilgrim." The Prophet replied: "Look at that mountain," referring to Mount Abu Qubays, "Even if you were to spend in charity the equivalent of this mountain in gold for the sake of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, you would not attain the reward of a pilgrim."

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام said: "Whoever spends a dirham on Hajj, it is better for them than spending one hundred thousand dirhams on a rightful cause."

It has been narrated: "A dirham spent on Hajj is better than a million dirhams spent elsewhere. And a dirham that reaches the Imam is equivalent to a million dirhams spent on Hajj."

It has been narrated: "A dirham spent on Hajj is better than two million dirhams spent elsewhere in the way of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic."

"The pilgrim carries with them the light of Hajj as long as they do not commit a sin." The gift of a pilgrim is considered part of the expense of Hajj. One should not bargain over four things: the price of a shroud, the price of a servant or slave, the purchase of a sacrificial animal, and the fare for the journey to Makkah.

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام said: "Those in their graves wish they had a single Hajj, even at the cost of the world and all it contains."

It has been narrated: "The pilgrim and the one performing Umrah return like two newborns—one who died as an infant without sin, and the other who lived their life free from sin."

The pilgrim falls into three categories: The one with the greatest reward is a person whose past and his future sins are forgiven, and Allah سبحانه وتعالى protects them from the punishment of the grave. The next is a person whose past sins are forgiven, and they start anew in their remaining life with fresh deeds. The third is a person who is protected in their family and wealth. It has also been narrated: "This last category refers to the one whose Hajj is not accepted."

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام said: "Hajj is the jihad of the weak, and we are the weak."

The Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, said: "There are four whose supplications are not rejected until the gates of the heavens are opened for them and their prayers reach the Throne: the supplication of a parent for their child, the supplication of the wronged against the one who wronged them, the supplication of the one performing Umrah until they return, and the supplication of the fasting person until they break their fast."

"Whoever completes the recitation of the Quran in Makkah, whether from one Friday to the next, in a shorter period, or a longer one, Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, will record for them rewards and good deeds equivalent to every Friday that has passed since the beginning of the world until the last Friday that will occur. The same applies if they complete it on any other days."

Imam Ali ibn Al-Husayn عليه السلام said: "Whoever completes the recitation of the Quran in Makkah will not die until they see the Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, and their place in Paradise."

One tasbih (utterance of glorification) in Makkah is equivalent to the revenue of the two Iraqs spent in the way of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic.

"Whoever prays seventy Rak'ahs in Makkah, reciting in each Rak'ah 'Say: He is Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the One' (Surah Al-Ikhlas), 'Indeed, We sent it down' (Surah Al-Qadr), the verse of 'Subjugation' (Ayat Al-Sukhrah), and Ayat Al-Kursi, will not die except as a martyr. Feeding others in Makkah is like fasting elsewhere, and fasting one day in Makkah is equivalent to fasting a year elsewhere. Walking in Makkah is considered an act of worship of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic."

Abu Ja'far Imam Al-Baqir عليه السلام said: "Whoever resides in Makkah for a year, Allah سبحانه وتعالى will forgive their sins, the sins of their household, everyone for whom they seek forgiveness, their relatives, and their neighbors, wiping out the sins of the past nine years. They will also be protected from all harm for 140 years."

The one who sleeps in Makkah is like one who spends the night in worship in other lands.

The one who prostrates in Makkah is like one covered in their own blood in the way of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic.

Whoever looks after the family of a pilgrim with kindness in their absence will have a reward equal to that of the pilgrim, as though they themselves were touching the sacred stones.

Imam Ali ibn Al-Husayn عليه السلام said: "O group of those who have not performed Hajj, rejoice in the arrival of the pilgrims when they return. Greet them with handshakes and honor them, for this is an obligation upon you, and by doing so, you will share in their reward."

Imam عليه السلام said: "Hasten to greet the pilgrims and those performing Umrah and to shake their hands before sins mingle with them."

Abu Ja'far عليه السلام said: "Honor the pilgrims and those performing Umrah, for this is an obligation upon you."

Whoever removes an obstacle from the path to Makkah, Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Mighty and Majestic, will record a good deed for them."

Whoever dies while in a state of Ihram will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment reciting the Talbiyah for Hajj, forgiven by Allah سبحانه وتعالى.

Whoever dies on the way to or from Makkah will be safe from the Great Terror on the Day of Judgment.

Whoever dies in either of the two holy sanctuaries will be resurrected by Allah سبحانه وتعالى among the secure.

Whoever dies between the two holy sanctuaries will not have their record of deeds unfurled.

Whoever is buried in the Sacred Sanctuary will be safe from the Great Terror, whether they were righteous or sinful.

"There is no journey that affects the flesh, blood, skin, or hair more profoundly than the journey to Makkah, and no one completes it without enduring hardship."

Notes on the Pilgrimage of Prophets and Messengers, Peace Be Upon Them All: Abu Ja'far عليه السلام said: "Adam عليه السلام came to this House a thousand times on foot; of these, seven hundred were pilgrimages (Hajj), and three hundred were minor pilgrimages ('Umrah). He used to come from the direction of Sham (Syria) and performed the pilgrimage on a bull. The place where he stayed عليه السلام was the Hatim, which is the area between the door of the House and the Black Stone. Adam عليه السلام circumambulated the House for one hundred years before he looked at Hawwa (Eve). Archangel Jibril عليه السلام said to him, 'May Allah سبحانه وتعالى grant you life and bless you,' meaning that, 'May Allah سبحانه وتعالى bring joy to you.'"

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام said: "When Adam عليه السلام descended from Mina, the angels met him at Al-Abtah and said, 'O Adam, may your pilgrimage be accepted. Indeed, we performed pilgrimage to this House two thousand years before you.'"

Archangel Jibril عليه السلام descended with a tool from Paradise"—and it has been narrated—"a red ruby, and he circled it around Adam's head and shaved his head with it."

It has been narrated: "The length of Noah's عليه السلام ark was one thousand and two hundred cubits, its width was one hundred cubits, and its height into the sky was eighty cubits. He boarded it, and it circled the House (Kaaba) seven times and performed the sa'i (ritual walking) between Safa and Marwah seven times, and then it 'settled on Mount Judi.'"

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام was asked about who the "sacrificed one" (Dhabih) was, and Imam عليه السلام said: "Isma'il عليه السلام, because Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Mighty and Majestic, mentioned his story in His Book and then said: 'And We gave him glad tidings of Ishaq, a prophet from among the righteous.'" (Surah As-Saffat 37:112)

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام was asked: "Where did Ibrahim عليه السلام intend to sacrifice his son?" Imam عليه السلام said: "At the middle Jamrah. When Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام intended to sacrifice his son, Archangel Jibril عليه السلام turned the knife over, pulled the ram from Mount Thabir, pulled the boy out from underneath, and placed the ram in the boy's place. Then a call came from the left side of the Mosque of Khayf: 'O Ibrahim, you have fulfilled the vision. Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. This was indeed a manifest trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.' It was a ram, piebald, walking in black, grazing in black, looking in black, defecating in black, urinating in black, horned, and strong. It had grazed in the meadows of Paradise for forty years."

"And indeed, Ibrahim and Isma'il عليه السلام marked the boundaries of the Sacred Mosque, from Safa to Marwah. The people would perform Hajj starting from the Mosque of Safa."

It has been narrated: "Ibrahim عليه السلام marked the area between Al-Hazwara and Al-Mas'a."

It has been narrated: "When Ibrahim عليه السلام completed his rituals, Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Mighty and Majestic, commanded him to depart, so he left. The mother of Isma'il passed away, and he buried her in the Hijr and enclosed it with stones to prevent her grave from being stepped on. Isma'il عليه السلام remained alone. Later, Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Mighty and Majestic, gave permission to Ibrahim عليه السلام for the pilgrimage and the rebuilding of the Kaaba. At that time, the Arabs used to perform pilgrimage to the House, but it was in ruins, although its foundations were known. Isma'il عليه السلام, after the people departed, gathered stones and placed them in the interior of the Kaaba. When Ibrahim عليه السلام arrived, he and Isma'il uncovered the site and found it to be a single red stone. Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Mighty and Majestic, revealed to him: 'Place its construction upon it.' He sent down four angels to assist in the building. When the construction was complete, Ibrahim sat upon each corner and proclaimed: 'Come to the Hajj, come to the Hajj!' If he had called out, 'Come, O people, to the Hajj!' only those living at that time would have performed it. However, he proclaimed, 'Come to the Hajj!' and people responded while still in the loins of their fathers and the wombs of their mothers, saying: 'Here I am, O Caller of Allah سبحانه وتعالى! Here I am, O Caller of Allah سبحانه وتعالى!'" "So whoever responded (to Ibrahim's call) once will perform Hajj once, whoever responded ten times will perform ten Hajj pilgrimages, and whoever did not respond will not perform Hajj. Ibrahim and Isma'il عليه السلام were placing the stones and raising the foundations while the angels handed them the materials, continuing until the height reached twelve cubits. When they reached the location of the Black Stone, a voice called out to Ibrahim عليه السلام from Mount Abu Qubays, saying, 'O Ibrahim, I have a trust for you.' The mountain gave him the Black Stone, which he placed in its position. He then prepared two doors for the Kaaba, one as an entrance and the other as an exit, and constructed a threshold and a covering of palm leaves for the doors. At that time, the Kaaba was uncovered. Ibrahim عليه السلام departed after completing the structure of the House, while Isma'il عليه السلام remained there. Isma'il married a woman from the Amalekites, but he separated from her and then married another woman from the Himyar tribe, who was wise. This woman noticed the two doors of the House and said to Isma'il عليه السلام, 'Why do you not hang curtains over these two doors—one here and another there?' He replied, 'Yes,' and she made two curtains for the Kaaba, each twelve cubits in length. Isma'il عليه السلام hung them over the two doors." The woman admired the curtains and said, "Why do I not sew clothing for the Kaaba to cover it entirely? These stones are unsightly." Isma'il عليه السلام replied, "Certainly." She hurried to undertake this task and sent word to her people to help spin the thread. Thus, women began spinning thread for one another for this purpose. Whenever she completed a piece, she would hang it on the Kaaba. When the Hajj season arrived, only one side of the Kaaba remained uncovered. She said to Isma'il عليه السلام, "What should we do with this side?" So, they covered it with palm-leaf mats. When the Hajj season came, the Arabs saw the Kaaba in this adorned state and were impressed. They said, "We should offer gifts to the caretaker of this House." From that time onward, the custom of offering gifts (al-hady) began. Each tribe of the Arabs started bringing something to the Kaaba, whether silver or other items, until a large amount was gathered. They removed the palm-leaf mats and completed the covering of the Kaaba. They also hung two doors on the Kaaba. At that time, the Kaaba had no roof. Isma'il عليه السلام erected wooden columns, like the ones you see today, and roofed it with palm-leaf stalks, smoothing it with clay. The Arabs from the surrounding areas came to the Kaaba, entered it, and observed its structure. They said, "The caretaker of this House should receive more offerings." The following year, offerings were brought again, but Isma'il عليه السلام did not know what to do with them. Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Mighty and Majestic, revealed to him: "Slaughter (the offerings) and feed them to the pilgrims." The water of Zamzam dried up, and Isma'il عليه السلام complained to Ibrahim عليه السلام about the lack of water. Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Mighty and Majestic, revealed to Ibrahim عليه السلام and commanded him to dig. Ibrahim, Isma'il, and Archangel Jibril عليه السلام dug until the water appeared. Ibrahim struck the four corners of the well, saying "In the name of Allah سبحانه وتعالى" with each strike, and four springs gushed forth. Archangel Jibril عليه السلام said to Ibrahim عليه السلام, "Drink, O Ibrahim, and pray for your descendants to be blessed with this water. Pour it upon yourself and circumambulate this House. This is the water that Allah سبحانه وتعالى has provided for Isma'il and his offspring." As for the words of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Mighty and Majestic: "In it are clear signs, the station of Ibrahim"—one of these signs is that when Ibrahim عليه السلام stood on the stone, his footprints were imprinted on it. The second is the Black Stone, and the third is the dwelling of Isma'il عليه السلام."

It has been narrated: "Musa عليه السلام entered the state of Ihram from the sands of Egypt. He passed through Al-Rawha' with seventy Prophets, all of them wearing woolen cloaks. They were proclaiming, 'Here I am, Your servant and the son of Your two servants. Here I am!'"

It has been narrated in another report: "Musa عليه السلام passed through Al-Rawha' riding a red camel with a bridle made of palm fiber. He wore two woolen cloaks and was proclaiming, 'Here I am, O Generous One! Here I am!' Yunus, the son of Matta عليه السلام, also passed through Al-Rawha', saying, 'Here I am, O Reliever of great distress! Here I am!' Isa, the son of Maryam عليه السلام, passed through Al-Rawha' proclaiming, 'Here I am, Your servant and the son of Your bondwoman! Here I am!' Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) passed through Al-Rawha', proclaiming, 'Here I am, O Possessor of lofty ascensions! Here I am!' When Prophet Musa عليه السلام called out in talbiyah, the mountains responded to him. The talbiyah (proclamation) was named as such because it was Musa عليه السلام responding to the call of his Lord عز وجل, the Mighty and Majestic, saying, 'Here I am!'"

Zurara narrated from Abu Ja'far عليه السلام, who said: "Indeed, Sulayman عليه السلام performed Hajj to the House with the jinn, humans, birds, and winds, and he clothed the Kaaba with garments of fine Egyptian linen (Qibatiyya)."

Abu Basir narrated from Abu Abdullah عليه السلام, who said: "Indeed, Adam عليه السلام was the one who built the House, laid its foundation, and was the first to cover it with hair. He was also the first to perform Hajj to it. After Adam عليه السلام, Tubba' covered it with leather, then Ibrahim عليه السلام covered it with palm-leaf mats. The first to clothe it with fabric was Sulayman, the son of Dawud عليه السلام, who covered it with fine Egyptian linen (Qibatiyya)."

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام said: "When Musa عليه السلام performed Hajj, Archangel Jibril عليه السلام descended upon him. Musa asked him: 'O Archangel Jibril, what is the reward for one who performs Hajj to this House without a sincere intention and without lawful provisions?' Archangel Jibril replied: 'I do not know until I return to my Lord عز وجل, the Mighty and Majestic.' When Archangel Jibril returned, Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Mighty and Majestic, asked: 'O Archangel Jibril, what did Musa say to you?'—though Allah سبحانه وتعالى already knows. Archangel Jibril said: 'My Lord عز وجل, he asked me about the one who performs Hajj to this House without a sincere intention and without lawful provisions.' Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Mighty and Majestic, said: 'Return to him and tell him: I grant him My right and seek the satisfaction of My creation concerning him.' Then Musa asked: 'O Archangel Jibril, what about the one who performs Hajj to this House with a sincere intention and lawful provisions?' Archangel Jibril returned to Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Mighty and Majestic, and Allah سبحانه وتعالى revealed to him: 'Tell him: I will place him in the highest company with “the Prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous—what excellent companions they are.”'"

It is narrated that mut‘ah was revealed to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, at Marwah after completing the Sa‘y. He said: "O people, this is Archangel Jibril"—and he gestured with his hand behind him—"commanding me to order those who have not brought sacrificial animals to exit Ihram. If I had known beforehand what I know now, I would have done as I am commanding you. However, I have brought the sacrificial animals, and it is not permissible for the one bringing the sacrificial animals to exit Ihram 'until the sacrificial animals reach their place.'" Then Suraqah ibn Malik ibn Ju'shum Al-Kinani stood up and said: "O Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, you have taught us our religion as if we were created today. Is what you have commanded us specific to this year, or is it forever?" The Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) said: "No, rather it is for eternity." A man stood up and said: "O Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, we will return from Hajj with our heads dripping (with water from purification after relations)?" The Prophet replied: "You will never believe in this, ever." When Imam Ali عليه السلام was in Yemen, upon his return, he found that Fatima صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم (peace be upon her) had exited Ihram. Imam عليه السلام approached the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) seeking clarification and expressing concern about Fatima's صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم actions. The Prophet said to him: "I am the one who commanded the people to do so. And with what intention did you enter Ihram, O Ali عليه السلام?" Imam Ali عليه السلام replied: "With the same intention as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family)." The Prophet then said: "Remain in Ihram like me, for you are my partner in the sacrificial offering." The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) had brought one hundred camels for sacrifice. He allocated thirty-four of them to Imam Ali عليه السلام and sixty-six for himself. He صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم sacrificed them all with his own hand. From each camel, he took a portion of meat, cooked it in a pot, and both of them ate from it and drank its broth. The Prophet said: "We have now eaten from them all together." They did not give the hides, saddles, or ornaments of the camels to the butchers but instead donated them as charity.

Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib عليه السلام would take pride among the companions and say: "Who among you is like me? I am the partner of the Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) in his sacrificial offering. Who among you is like me? I am the one whose sacrificial offering the Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) slaughtered with his own hand."

It has been narrated: The Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) departed from Mina through the road of Dabb and returned through the path between the two mountain passes. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) would not return on the same path he had taken.

It has been narrated: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) performed twenty Hajj pilgrimages secretly. In each of them, he would pass through the two mountain passes (Al-Ma'ziman), dismount, and relieve himself.

It is narrated from Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Sinani and Ali ibn Ahmad ibn Musa al-Daqqaq, who both said: Abu al-Abbas Ahmad ibn Yahya ibn Zakariya al-Qattan narrated to us, saying: Bakr ibn Abdullah ibn Habib narrated to us, saying: Tamim ibn Buhlul narrated to us, from his father, from Abu al-Hasan al-Abdi, from Sulayman ibn Mihran, who said: I asked Ja'far ibn Muhammad عليه السلام, "How many times did the Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) perform Hajj?" Imam عليه السلام replied: "Twenty Hajj pilgrimages secretly, and in each pilgrimage, During each pilgrimage, he would pass by the Ma’zamain, where he would stop and relieved himself." I asked him: "O son of the Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, why would he dismount there to relieve himself?" Imam عليه السلام replied: "Because it was a place where idols were worshipped, and from there was taken the stone used to carve Hubal, the idol that Imam Ali عليه السلام threw from the top of the Kaaba after climbing on the back of the Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى (peace and blessings be upon him and his family). The Prophet ordered that it be buried near the gate of Banu Shaybah, which is why entering the mosque from the Gate of Banu Shaybah became a Sunnah." Sulayman then asked: "Why does the proclamation of 'Allahu Akbar' alleviate the burden at that place?" Imam عليه السلام replied: "Because the servant's saying, 'Allah سبحانه وتعالى is greater,' means 'Allah سبحانه وتعالى is greater than being like the carved idols or the gods worshipped instead of Him.' Indeed, Iblis and his devils narrow the passage for the pilgrims in that spot. When they hear the takbir (proclamation of Allah’s سبحانه وتعالى greatness), they flee with their devils, and the angels chase them until they fall into the green abyss." I asked: "Why is it recommended for a first-time pilgrim (Saroorah) to enter the Kaaba while it is not required for someone who has performed Hajj before?" Imam عليه السلام replied: "Because the first-time pilgrim is fulfilling an obligation and has been invited to Allah’s سبحانه وتعالى House; thus, it is proper for him to enter the House to which he has been invited, so that he may be honored within it." I asked: "Why is shaving the head obligatory for a first-time pilgrim but not for one who has performed Hajj before?" Imam عليه السلام replied: "To mark him with the symbol of the secure ones. Do you not hear the words of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Mighty and Majestic: You will surely enter the Sacred Mosque, if Allah wills, in security, with your heads shaved and [hair] shortened, not fearing [anyone]'?" I asked: "Why is the standing at Al-Mash'ar Al-Haram an obligation?" Imam عليه السلام replied: "So that by doing so, one may earn the right to tread in the central courtyard of Paradise."

Mu'awiyah ibn Ammar narrated from Abu Abdullah عليه السلام: "The person who was responsible for the sacrificial camels of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) was Najiyah ibn Jundab Al-Khuza'i Al-Aslami. The one who shaved the Prophet's head on the day of Hudaybiyyah was Khirash ibn Umayyah Al-Khuza'i, and the one who shaved his head during his Hajj was Ma'mar ibn Abdullah ibn Harith ibn Nasr ibn Awf ibn Awij ibn Adiyy ibn Ka'b. It was said to him while he was shaving the Prophet's head: 'O Ma'mar, the ear of the Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) is in your hand.' He replied: 'By Allah سبحانه وتعالى, I consider this a great favor from Allah سبحانه وتعالى upon me.' Ma'mar ibn Abdullah also used to comb the hair of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family). The two garments in which the Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) entered the state of Ihram were Yemeni garments—one from 'Abri and the other from Dhafar. He صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم ceased the Talbiyah (proclamation of 'Here I am, O Allah سبحانه وتعالى') when the sun passed its zenith on the Day of Arafah."

The Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) entered the state of Ihram wearing two garments made of cotton.

The Messenger of Allah سبحانه وتعالى (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) circumambulated the Kaaba, and when he reached the Yemeni Corner, He صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم raised his head toward the Kaaba and said: "All praise is due to Allah سبحانه وتعالى, who has honored and magnified you. All praise is due to Allah سبحانه وتعالى, who sent me as a prophet and made Ali an imam. O Allah سبحانه وتعالى, guide for him the best of Your creation and keep him away from the worst of Your creation."

Abu Ja'far, Imam Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Baqir عليه السلام, said: "When Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Mighty and Majestic, intended to create the earth, He commanded the four winds, and they struck the surface of the water until it became waves. Then it produced foam, which formed into a single mass of foam. He gathered it at the location of the House (Kaaba), then made it into a mountain of foam. From beneath it, He spread out the earth, and this is the meaning of Allah’s سبحانه وتعالى words: 'Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), blessed.' (Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:96) The first part of the earth to be created was the Kaaba, and from it, the earth was stretched out."

Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام said: "Indeed, Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Blessed and Exalted, spread the earth from beneath the Kaaba to Mina, then from Mina to Arafat, and then from Arafat back to Mina. Thus, the earth extends from Arafat, Arafat is from Mina, and Mina is from the Kaaba. Similarly, our knowledge is derived, one from another."

"Indeed, Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Mighty and Majestic, sent down the House (Kaaba) from the heavens, and it had four doors. On each door, there hung a golden lantern."

It has been narrated from Imam Musa ibn Jafar Al-Kadhim عليه السلام that he said: "On the 25th of Dhu al-Qa'dah, Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Mighty and Majestic, sent down the Kaaba, the Sacred House. Whoever fasts on that day will have the expiation of seventy years of sins. It is also the first day on which mercy was sent down from the heavens upon Adam عليه السلام."

Imam Ali ibn Musa Ar-Ridha عليه السلام said: "On the night of the 25th of Dhu al-Qa'dah, the earth was spread out from beneath the Kaaba. Whoever fasts on that day, it is as if they have fasted for sixty months."

Muhammad ibn Imran Al-'Ijli asked Abu Abdullah عليه السلام: "What was the location of the House (Kaaba) when the water existed, as mentioned in the words of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Exalted: 'And His Throne was upon the water'?" Imam عليه السلام replied: "It was a white expanse, meaning a pearl."

In a narration from Abu Khadijah, from Abu Abdullah عليه السلام: "Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Mighty and Majestic, sent the House (Kaaba) down to Adam عليه السلام from Paradise. It was a white pearl. Allah سبحانه وتعالى then raised it back to the heavens, leaving its foundation, which corresponds to this House (the Kaaba). Every day, seventy thousand angels enter it and never return to it again. Then Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Mighty and Majestic, commanded Ibrahim and Isma'il عليه السلام to build the House upon its foundations."

In a narration from Isa ibn Abdullah Al-Hashimi, from his father, from Imam Abu Abdullah عليه السلام, from his father عليه السلام: "The location of the Kaaba was a raised area of white earth that radiated like the light of the sun and the moon until one of Adam's sons killed his brother, and it darkened. When Adam عليه السلام descended, Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Mighty and Majestic, raised the entire earth for him to see and said, 'This is all yours.' Adam said: 'My Lord عز وجل, what is this radiant, white land?' Allah سبحانه وتعالى replied: 'This is My sanctuary on My earth, and I have made it incumbent upon you to circumambulate it seven hundred times every day.'"