Al-Hajj (ٱلْحَجّ)

 

Surah Al-Hajj belongs to the 17th Juz of the Quran, consisting of 78 verses and 10 Rukus. It is the 22nd surah with 2 sajdahs (prostrations) and as its name tells, the surah talks about the Pilgrimage (Hajj). A part of the surah was revealed to the Prophet (ﷺ) before hijrah in Makkah (Mecca), and the other part was revealed in Medina after hijrah. The surah addresses various groups of people of the time, including the non-Muslims of Makkah, the Muslims who are uncertain of their faith, and the genuine believers. 

The surah begins with a powerful reminder of the Day of Judgement, urging mankind to focus on our deeds and prepare for the Hour. It specifically mentions Abu Jahl and warns the hypocrites of the severe punishment waiting for them. The surah also compares the fate of believers and non-believers, stating the rewards for the believers and punishment for those who reject the message of Allah. Through this Surah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ calls the believers on a pilgrimage to Makkah, highlighting the importance of Hajj in strengthening faith and unity among Muslims. 

٢٢ - ٱلْحَجّ

22 - Al-Hajj

يٰۗاَيُّہَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُوْا رَبَّكُمْ۝۰ۚ اِنَّ زَلْزَلَۃَ السَّاعَۃِ شَيْءٌ عَظِيْمٌ۝۱
Ya ayyuha alnnasu ittaqoo rabbakum inna zalzalata alssaAAati shayon AAatheemun

English

Ahmed Ali

O YOU PEOPLE, fear your Lord. The great upheaval of the Hour will indeed be terrible.

1

يَوْمَ تَرَوْنَہَا تَذْہَلُ كُلُّ مُرْضِعَۃٍ عَمَّاۗ اَرْضَعَتْ وَتَضَعُ كُلُّ ذَاتِ حَمْلٍ حَمْلَہَا وَتَرَى النَّاسَ سُكٰرٰي وَمَا ہُمْ بِسُكٰرٰي وَلٰكِنَّ عَذَابَ اللہِ شَدِيْدٌ۝۲
Yawma tarawnaha tathhalu kullu murdiAAatin AAamma ardaAAat watadaAAu kullu thati hamlin hamlaha watara alnnasa sukara wama hum bisukara walakinna AAathaba Allahi shadeedun

English

Ahmed Ali

The day you see it every suckling female will forget her suckling, and every pregnant female will discharge her burden. You will see men drunk, yet it will not be intoxication. The torment of God will be severe.

2

وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَنْ يُّجَادِلُ فِي اللہِ بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ وَّيَتَّبِعُ كُلَّ شَيْطٰنٍ مَّرِيْدٍ۝۳ۙ
Wamina alnnasi man yujadilu fee Allahi bighayri AAilmin wayattabiAAu kulla shaytanin mareedin

English

Ahmed Ali

And yet there are men who contend about God without understanding, and follow every wayward devil

3

كُتِبَ عَلَيْہِ اَنَّہٗ مَنْ تَوَلَّاہُ فَاَنَّہٗ يُضِلُّہٗ وَيَہْدِيْہِ اِلٰى عَذَابِ السَّعِيْرِ۝۴
Kutiba AAalayhi annahu man tawallahu faannahu yudilluhu wayahdeehi ila AAathabi alssaAAeeri

English

Ahmed Ali

Who, it is inscribed, will beguile whoever follows him, and lead him to the torment of Hell.

4

يٰۗاَيُّہَا النَّاسُ اِنْ كُنْتُمْ فِيْ رَيْبٍ مِّنَ الْبَعْثِ فَاِنَّا خَلَقْنٰكُمْ مِّنْ تُرَابٍ ثُمَّ مِنْ نُّطْفَۃٍ ثُمَّ مِنْ عَلَقَۃٍ ثُمَّ مِنْ مُّضْغَۃٍ مُّخَلَّقَۃٍ وَّغَيْرِ مُخَلَّقَۃٍ لِّنُبَيِّنَ لَكُمْ۝۰ۭ وَنُقِرُّ فِي الْاَرْحَامِ مَا نَشَاۗءُ اِلٰۗى اَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى ثُمَّ نُخْرِجُكُمْ طِفْلًا ثُمَّ لِتَبْلُغُوْۗا اَشُدَّكُمْ۝۰ۚ وَمِنْكُمْ مَّنْ يُّتَوَفّٰى وَمِنْكُمْ مَّنْ يُّرَدُّ اِلٰۗى اَرْذَلِ الْعُمُرِ لِكَيْلَا يَعْلَمَ مِنْۢ بَعْدِ عِلْمٍ شَـيْــــًٔا۝۰ۭ وَتَرَى الْاَرْضَ ہَامِدَۃً فَاِذَاۗ اَنْزَلْنَا عَلَيْہَا الْمَاۗءَ اہْتَزَّتْ وَرَبَتْ وَاَنْۢبَتَتْ مِنْ كُلِّ زَوْجٍؚبَہِيْجٍ۝۵
Ya ayyuha alnnasu in kuntum fee raybin mina albaAAthi fainna khalaqnakum min turabin thumma min nutfatin thumma min AAalaqatin thumma min mudghatin mukhallaqatin waghayri mukhallaqatin linubayyina lakum wanuqirru fee alarhami ma nashao ila ajalin musamman thumma nukhrijukum tiflan thumma litablughoo ashuddakum waminkum man yutawaffa waminkum man yuraddu ila arthali alAAumuri likayla yaAAlama min baAAdi AAilmin shayan watara alarda hamidatan faitha anzalna AAalayha almaa ihtazzat warabat waanbatat min kulli zawjin baheejin

English

Ahmed Ali

If you have any doubt, O men, about being raised to life again, (remember) that We created you from dust, then a drop of semen, then an embryo, then a chewed up lump of flesh shaped and shapeless, that We may reveal (the various steps) to you. We keep what We please in the womb for a certain time, then you come out as a child, then reach the prime of age. Some of you die, some reach the age of dotage when they forget what they knew, having known it once. You see the earth all withered, then We send down rain upon it, and it bestirs itself, swells, and brings forth every kind of beauteous verdure.

5

ذٰلِكَ بِاَنَّ اللہَ ہُوَالْحَقُّ وَاَنَّہٗ يُـحْيِ الْمَوْتٰى وَاَنَّہٗ عَلٰي كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيْرٌ۝۶ۙ
Thalika bianna Allaha huwa alhaqqu waannahu yuhyee almawta waannahu AAala kulli shayin qadeerun

English

Ahmed Ali

That is so for God is the undeniable Reality. It is He who brings the dead to life, for He has power over everything.

6

وَّاَنَّ السَّاعَۃَ اٰتِيَۃٌ لَّا رَيْبَ فِيْہَا۝۰ۙ وَاَنَّ اللہَ يَبْعَثُ مَنْ فِي الْقُبُوْرِ۝۷
Waanna alssaAAata atiyatun la rayba feeha waanna Allaha yabAAathu man fee alquboori

English

Ahmed Ali

The Hour will come without a doubt, and God will raise those who are dead.

7

وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَنْ يُّجَادِلُ فِي اللہِ بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ وَّلَا ہُدًى وَّلَا كِتٰبٍ مُّنِيْرٍ۝۸ۙ
Wamina alnnasi man yujadilu fee Allahi bighayri AAilmin wala hudan wala kitabin muneerin

English

Ahmed Ali

Yet there are some who contend about God without any knowledge or guidance or enlightening Book,

8

ثَانِيَ عِطْفِہٖ لِيُضِلَّ عَنْ سَبِيْلِ اؘ۝۰ۭ لَہٗ فِي الدُّنْيَا خِزْيٌ وَّنُذِيْقُہٗ يَوْمَ الْقِيٰمَۃِ عَذَابَ الْحَرِيْقِ۝۹
Thaniya AAitfihi liyudilla AAan sabeeli Allahi lahu fee alddunya khizyun wanutheequhu yawma alqiyamati AAathaba alhareeqi

English

Ahmed Ali

Turning their backs that they may lead away from the path of God. For such there is disgrace in the world, and on the Day of Judgement We shall make them taste the torment of burning.

9

ذٰلِكَ بِمَا قَدَّمَتْ يَدٰكَ وَاَنَّ اللہَ لَيْسَ بِظَلَّامٍ لِّـلْعَبِيْدِ۝۱۰ۧ
Thalika bima qaddamat yadaka waanna Allaha laysa bithallamin lilAAabeedi

English

Ahmed Ali

That is on account of what you had done in the past; yet God is not unjust to His creatures.

10

Shaan e Nazool (Historical Background)

Surah Al-Hajj has a unique historical background, as it covers two distinct phases of the Prophet Muhammad’s صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ life. The initial part of this Surah covers the last days before he migrated to Medina, whereas the second part covers his initial days after his arrival in Medina. A small portion of this Surah was revealed right during his journey from Mecca to Medina.

·Last Days of the Meccan Period

The last phase of the Prophet's life in Mecca is marked by extreme opposition and persecution by the disbelievers (Quraysh). So, this part of the Surah is just like other Meccan Surahs of that period, where emphasis was on Tawheed, reality of the life after death, the Day of Judgment, and absolute power of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. Side by side, the powerlessness of idols is also discussed. Moreover, the creation of humans is also mentioned: how Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَى created them, gave them life, and then they die, and ultimately will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment. The purpose of this part of the Surah seems to be a word of encouragement and strength of faith for the Muslims, as well as admonishing the disbelievers, by warning them of the consequences of denial and rejection of the Divine Message.

·Initial Days of the Medinan Period

This part of the Surah follows the pattern of Madni Surahs, but since it marked the beginning of a new phase of Islam after Hijrah, it addresses some fundamental concepts. The Ka’aba, which was historically meant for Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ worship, was now being used for Idol worship. So, the second part (Medinan part) of this Surah starts with mentioning the true purpose of building the Ka'aba by the Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ. The Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ and Muslims are urged to restore the sanctity of the sacred house of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.

In the same context and going further, Muslims were permitted to take up arms and defend themselves and their religion. This was a defining moment in the early history of Islam because before that, Muslims were not allowed to take up arms. As a result, the Prophet and his followers began military preparations to defend their cause.

·Establishment of Islamic Community

With that express permission to take up arms side by side, some basic concepts were also introduced in the latter part of this Surah for the establishment of an Islamic community. In this context, Salah (Prayer), the performance of Hajj, and the process of sacrificing animals on this occasion are also discussed in complete detail.

Makki or Madni Surah

Surah Al-Hajj is mainly considered a Madani Surah because a significant part of it was revealed after the Prophet Muhammad's صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ migration to Medina. The first 24 verses were revealed in Mecca, whereas the last 50 or so were revealed in Medina. Some of the verses are believed to have been revealed during the Prophet’s journey from Mecca to Medina. Accordingly, the period of its revelation spans from the last days of the Prophet's stay in Mecca to the early days in Medina.

Place in the Quran

It is the 22nd Surah of the Quran and is placed in Juzz (Para) 17. It appears after Surah Al-Anbiya and before Surah Al-Mu’minun. In the order of revelation, it falls at number 103, whereas in the sequence of recitation, it is placed at number 22.

  • Number of Verses: Surah Al-Hajj has 78 verses.
  • Number of Ruku (Sections): Surah Al-Hajj is grouped into 10 Rukus (sections).

Significance of Surah Al-Hajj

Being the first Surah, most of which was revealed in Medina, Surah Al-Hajj is considered one of the most significant Surahs of the Quran, in which some very basic Islamic concepts, such as Jehad (fighting in the Way of Allah), Prayers, and Hajj, are outlined. Moreover, this is the only Surah in the Quran that contains two "verses of Sajdah". The 18th and 77th verses of this Surah are the verses of Sajdah.

Other significances of this Surah are summarized here:

·Clarity and Emphasis on Life After Death

Just as most Meccan Surahs do, the first part of Surah Al-Hajj specifically and categorically describes the reality of life after death. In response to the disbelievers' denial about its existence, it is emphasized that Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ holds the absolute Powers of Creation. He created humankind, gave them life and death, and ultimately, they would be resurrected to face the accountability on the Day of Judgment.

·Permission to Take up Arms to Defend Islam (Jehad)

This surah is considered to be the first where Muslims were granted to take up arms to defend themselves and their religion (Islam) and to fight in the Way of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. This was a turning point in the history of Islam, paving the way for Muslim dominance in the Arabian Peninsula and beyond.

·Reviving the Sanctity of Ka’aba

Through the verses of this Surah, the Meccans are reminded that the Ka'aba was established by the Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ for the Worship of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. But with the passage of time, Mushrikeen of Mecca had defied the very purpose of its establishment by filling it with their Idols and adopting wrongful practices. Muslims are urged to revive their sanctity by upholding the true concept of Tawheed.

·Teaching the Hajj Rituals 

Furthermore, the specific Hajj rituals are outlined in detail in this Surah. Apart from this, the concept of sacrificing animals on this occasion, along with the procedure for doing so, is also explained in this Surah.

·Patience, Gratitude, and Reflection

This Surah urges Muslims to practice patience and gratitude. It repeatedly demands that believers reflect on Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, including life, death, and natural phenomena such as rain and vegetation.

Themes and Subject Matter of Surah Al-Hajj (الْحَجُّ)

Surah Al-Hajj serves as a guide for Muslims, helping them elevate their faith by believing in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ alone, His messenger, and following the ethical conduct of Islam. The surah assures the believers of the great tidings and ultimate justice on the Day of Judgement. It also delivers the warnings and consequences for the mushriks of their actions in the hereafter. 

The main theme of the surah is to invite the Muslims to perform Hajj, which is the Holy Pilgrimage to Makkah in the month of Dhul Hijjah so that the mushriks know that Kaaba does not belong to them and is not their private property but the house of Allah built by His beloved Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). It highlights all the rituals of Hajj, including the sacrifice of animals and tawaf around the Kaaba. 

Like its predecessor, Surah Al-Anbiya, this surah also recounts the struggles and stories of past prophets to strengthen the Imaan of Muhammad (ﷺ) and his companions. Surah AL-Hajj also highlights the wavering believers who embraced the religion but are reluctant to face hardships. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ does not like such believers, and they will face the consequences of not helping the religion grow. The surah also mentions the hypocrites and has declared war against the infidels in case of self-defense.  

Surah Al-Hajj serves as a source to tell the Muslims who believe in Allah, His prophets, and the Day of Judgment about the rewards they will receive in the hereafter, and the Martyrs will attain a high position and reward. The main theme of the surah is based on following the commandments of Allah, believing in His Oneness, and fear of Allah. The surah also talks about the Day of Judgement, its horrors, and its preparations for the believers. 

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Al-Hajj (الْحَجُّ)

Surah Al-Hajj comes after Surah Al-Anbiya, which discusses the past prophets and their lives. Surah Al-Hajj has a message for both the Muslims and the mushriks. It provides guidance on worshipping Allah and believing in His Oneness, the Day of Judgment, and Allah’s superpowers. The surah reflects on signs of Allah and His power of creation, strengthening the connection of the believers with Allah. 

Surah Al-Hajj also describes the importance of Hajj and guidance about the main rituals without which Hajj is invalid. Since it also conveys the consequences for Muslims, Weak Muslims, and Mushriks, the surah is helpful for Muslims to improve their worship, fear Allah, and purify their intentions. It also helps Muslims to learn the principles of Islam and navigate their life according to it. 

The surah also has two prostrations, which are necessary for the Muslims who recite the verse to prostrate and submit their will to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ and strengthen their faith by prostrating towards the Lord of the Worlds. It is narrated by Uqbah ibn Amir (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) in a Hadith, which is graded as Da’if in Sunan Abi Dawud;

“I said to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ): Are there two prostrations in Surah Al-Hajj? He replied: Yes, if anyone does not make two prostrations, he should not recite them.” (Sunan Abi Dawud 1402, Book 7, Hadith 2).

 

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For those who have difficulty reading the Quran correctly according to Tajweed, listening to the recitation of the Quran by an authentic reciter (Qari) is highly beneficial. Correct recitation of the Quran, including Surah Al-Hajj, is a critical and sensitive matter, as even a small mistake in pronouncing a Quranic word may entirely lead to a different meaning. Similarly, a non-Arabic speaker may find it difficult to pronounce some Quranic words correctly. Moreover, you may sometimes prefer to listen to the Quran rather than read it yourself.

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FAQs:

Al-Hajj translates to “Pilgrimage”. Surah Al-Hajj takes this name from its 27th verse, where it is mentioned that after building the Ka’aba, the Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ was commanded by Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ to call humankind to come to this sacred place for the performance of Hajj.

Surah Al-Hajj comprises 78 verses.

Although there are no specific benefits associated with its recitation, Surah Al-Hajj offers significant benefits, just as the recitation of any other part of the Quran does.

You can recite Surah Al-Hajj anytime during the day or night. Its recitation is not restricted to any specific time.

All the Surahs of the Quran are available on the MuslimandQuran mobile application and website. So, you can listen to it online on any of your mobile devices or laptops.

This Surah was revealed at a very crucial stage of the Prophet's life. The period of its revelation spans from the last days of his stay in Mecca, just before the migration, to the first days in Medina. Therefore, it addresses both phases. The last days in Mecca were marked by extreme persecution and opposition by the Quraysh, even threatening the life of the Prophet. The initial verses of this Surah aim to strengthen and clarify the concepts of Tawheed, the reality of life after death, the Day of Resurrection, and the severity of the Day of Judgment. In the latter part of this Surah, revealed just after the Prophet migrated to Medina, some basic Islamic concepts are narrated, including the performance of Hajj and the sacrifice of animals on that occasion. Additionally, the idea of Jihad, fighting for the Cause of Islam, is also mentioned. It is considered to be the first time Muslims were permitted to take up arms to defend themselves and their religion, and fight in the Way of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. In this context, Surah Al-Hajj is considered to be a turning point in the earlier history of Islam, as it paved the way for the establishment of a Muslim State and Community in Medina and, more importantly, the revival of the sanctity of Ka’aba, by clearing it from Idols and establishing the true spirit of Hajj. The permission of Jihad ultimately facilitated the Muslim dominance in the entire Arabian Peninsula and beyond.