Topic: Circumambulate
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وَإِذْ جَعَلْنَا ٱلْبَيْتَ مَثَابَةً لِّلنَّاسِ وَأَمْنًا وَٱتَّخِذُوا۟ مِن مَّقَامِ إِبْرَٰهِۦمَ مُصَلًّى ۖ وَعَهِدْنَآ إِلَىٰٓ إِبْرَٰهِۦمَ وَإِسْمَٰعِيلَ أَن طَهِّرَا بَيْتِىَ لِلطَّآئِفِينَ وَٱلْعَٰكِفِينَ وَٱلرُّكَّعِ ٱلسُّجُودِ
3:98; 22:27.
مَثَابَةً (Mathabah) 的含意是参观者应得参观报酬的地方; 或人们常去的场所 (مُفْرَدَات)。据传说 «古兰经» 本身也暗示, 天房原来是阿丹建的 (3:97), 并一度成为他后代的礼拜中心。之后, 人们分裂成不同的团体, 选定了不同的礼拜中心。伊布拉欣 (亚伯拉罕) 于是重建了天房, 并通过他的儿子伊司马仪 (以实玛利) 把天房继续作为他后代的礼拜中心。可是随着时间的消逝, 它实际上已变成了里面有数目多达360个偶像的一所偶像之堂--------差不多同一年中的天数一样。可是在穆圣降临时, 它又成了各民族的礼拜中心, 穆圣作为被指派给全人类的使者, 使阿丹之后分离的人们团结得一如兄弟。
كَعْبَة (Ka‘bah, 天房), 而且麦加城被宣布为和平与安全的地方。有史以来, 一些强大的帝国崩溃瓦解, 大片土地荒芜了, 但麦加的安定实质上从未受到扰乱。其他宗教的宗教中心从未声称, 而事实上也从未享有这样的安宁和免于遭受危险。可是麦加一直是一个安全可靠的地方。外来征服者从来没进过城。它始终保持在尊敬它的那些人手中。
اَلْمَثَابَۃُ: اَلْمَوْضِعُ الَّذِیْ یُثَابُ اِلَیْہِ اَیْ یُرْجَعُ اِلَیْہِ مَرَّۃً بَعْدَ اُخْرٰی (تاج العروس) یعنی مَثَابَۃ وہ جگہ ہوتی ہے جس کی طرف لوگ بار بار آئیں۔
اس جگہ عَھِدْنَا کے الفاظ ہیں اور عَھِدَ اِلَیْہِ کے معنے عربی میں اَوْصَاہُ کے ہیں یعنی تاکیدی حکم دیا۔
3:98; 22:27.
Mathabah signifies, a place paying a visit to which entitles one to reward; or resort of men (Mufradat). The Ka‘bah, as some traditions say and as hinted by the Qur’an itself, was originally built by Adam (3:97) and was, for sometime, the centre of worship for his progeny. Then in the course of time people became separated into different communities and adopted different centres for worship. Abraham then rebuilt it and it continued to remain a centre of worship for his progeny through his son Ishmael. But with the lapse of time it became virtually converted into a house of idols which numbered as many as 360—almost the same as the number of days in a year. At the advent of the Holy Prophet, however, it was again made the centre of worship for all nations, the Holy Prophet having been sent as a Messenger to all mankind, to unite those, who had become separated after Adam, into one common human brotherhood.
The Ka‘bah, and, for that matter, the town of Mecca, is declared to be a place of peace and security. Mighty empires have crumbled and large tracts of land laid waste since the dawn of history, but the peace of Mecca has never been materially disturbed. The religious centres of other Faiths have never claimed, and have, in fact, never enjoyed, such peace and immunity from danger. Mecca has, however, ever remained a place of security and safety. No alien conqueror has ever entered it. It has always remained in the hands of those who have held it in reverence.
3:98; 22:27.
Important Words:
مثابة (a resort) is derived from ثاب which means, he returned. ثاب الناس means, the people gathered together. ثاب المریض means, the patient returned to state of health. المثاب means, a place where people assemble; a place of resort; a place to which a visit entitles one to ثواب or reward (Mufradat & Aqrab). See also 2:104.
طائفین (who perform the circuit) is the plural of طائف which is derived from طاف meaning, he performed a circuit, he went round (Aqrab).
عھدنا (We commanded) is derived from عھد which means, he promised. عھد الی فلان means, he enjoined upon or commanded him and made it a condition for him (Aqrab).
عاکفین (who remain for devotion) is the plural of عاکف which is derived from عکف. They say عکف فی المکان i.e. he remained confined to a place, sticking to it. الاعتکاف and العکوف are words denoting a specified form of religious service in which the worshipper stays within the precincts of a mosque for a number of days which he passes in prayer and devotion (Aqrab & Mufradat).
مقام (station) is derived from قام i.e. he stood. مقام means, a place where one stands (Aqrab). Here it means the Ka‘bah, where Abraham stood worshipping God. مقام ابراھیم is also the name of a place near the Ka‘bah where, after making circuits around it, the pilgrims perform two rak‘ats of Prayer. It appears that after completing the construction of the Ka‘bah, Abraham said a prayer there in token of his gratitude to God; and it is to commemorate this prayer of Abraham that Muslims are required to perform two rak‘ats of Prayer there whenever they make circuits round the Ka‘bah.
Commentary:
The verse means that a promise was made to Abraham that the Ka‘bah would be made a مثابة or a place of reward and a centre where people would come together for worship. The truth of the first-mentioned part of the covenant, i.e. that the Ka‘bah is a place of reward, can only be recognized by believers who irresistibly feel the ennobling influence of a visit to the Holy Shrine. But the truth of the latter part of the prophecy, i.e. that it would become a resort for men, has been established by the facts of history during the past fourteen hundred years, being testified to even by the enemies of Islam. The Ka‘bah, as some traditions say and as hinted by the Quran itself, was originally built by Adam, and was, for sometime, the centre of worship for his progeny. Then in the course of time people became separated into different communities and adopted different centres for worship. Abraham then rebuilt the Ka‘bah and it continued to remain a centre of worship for his progeny through his son Ishmael. But with the lapse of time it was virtually converted into a house of idols which numbered as many as 360—almost the same as the number of days in a year. At the advent of the Holy Prophet, however, the Ka‘bah was again appointed the centre of worship for all nations, the Holy Prophet having been sent as a Messenger for all mankind. Thus, the nations which diverged after Adam were again brought together at the Ka‘bah which was made the spiritual centre for all humanity and for all time.
Again, the Ka‘bah, and, for that matter, the town of Mecca, is declared to be a place of peace and security. The truth of this prophecy is also beyond doubt. Mighty empires have crumbled and large tracts of land laid waste since the dawn of history, but the peace of Mecca has never been disturbed. The religious centres of other faiths have never claimed, and have in fact never enjoyed, such peace and immunity from danger. Jerusalem, Hardwar, Benares, etc., have all been conquered by alien conquerors and have been the scenes of much bloodshed and violence. But Mecca has ever remained a place of peace. No alien conqueror has ever entered it. The Sacred Town has always remained in the hands of those who have held it in reverence.
The commandment to purify the House of God refers not only to the outward cleaning of the House, but also to its purification from the abomination of idol-worship. The commandment was originally addressed to Abraham and Ishmael but it was finally and fully carried out by the Holy Prophet who, after the conquest of Mecca, cleared the Ka‘bah of all the 360 idols that had been placed there by the idolatrous Quraish.
d
3:98; 22:27.
79
مَثَابَةً (Mathabah) 的含意是参观者应得参观报酬的地方; 或人们常去的场所 (مُفْرَدَات)。据传说 «古兰经» 本身也暗示, 天房原来是阿丹建的 (3:97), 并一度成为他后代的礼拜中心。之后, 人们分裂成不同的团体, 选定了不同的礼拜中心。伊布拉欣 (亚伯拉罕) 于是重建了天房, 并通过他的儿子伊司马仪 (以实玛利) 把天房继续作为他后代的礼拜中心。可是随着时间的消逝, 它实际上已变成了里面有数目多达360个偶像的一所偶像之堂--------差不多同一年中的天数一样。可是在穆圣降临时, 它又成了各民族的礼拜中心, 穆圣作为被指派给全人类的使者, 使阿丹之后分离的人们团结得一如兄弟。
80
كَعْبَة (Ka‘bah, 天房), 而且麦加城被宣布为和平与安全的地方。有史以来, 一些强大的帝国崩溃瓦解, 大片土地荒芜了, 但麦加的安定实质上从未受到扰乱。其他宗教的宗教中心从未声称, 而事实上也从未享有这样的安宁和免于遭受危险。可是麦加一直是一个安全可靠的地方。外来征服者从来没进过城。它始终保持在尊敬它的那些人手中。
1
اَلْمَثَابَۃُ: اَلْمَوْضِعُ الَّذِیْ یُثَابُ اِلَیْہِ اَیْ یُرْجَعُ اِلَیْہِ مَرَّۃً بَعْدَ اُخْرٰی (تاج العروس) یعنی مَثَابَۃ وہ جگہ ہوتی ہے جس کی طرف لوگ بار بار آئیں۔
2
اس جگہ عَھِدْنَا کے الفاظ ہیں اور عَھِدَ اِلَیْہِ کے معنے عربی میں اَوْصَاہُ کے ہیں یعنی تاکیدی حکم دیا۔
a
3:98; 22:27.
132
Important Words:
مثابة (a resort) is derived from ثاب which means, he returned. ثاب الناس means, the people gathered together. ثاب المریض means, the patient returned to state of health. المثاب means, a place where people assemble; a place of resort; a place to which a visit entitles one to ثواب or reward (Mufradat & Aqrab). See also 2:104.
طائفین (who perform the circuit) is the plural of طائف which is derived from طاف meaning, he performed a circuit, he went round (Aqrab).
عھدنا (We commanded) is derived from عھد which means, he promised. عھد الی فلان means, he enjoined upon or commanded him and made it a condition for him (Aqrab).
عاکفین (who remain for devotion) is the plural of عاکف which is derived from عکف. They say عکف فی المکان i.e. he remained confined to a place, sticking to it. الاعتکاف and العکوف are words denoting a specified form of religious service in which the worshipper stays within the precincts of a mosque for a number of days which he passes in prayer and devotion (Aqrab & Mufradat).
مقام (station) is derived from قام i.e. he stood. مقام means, a place where one stands (Aqrab). Here it means the Ka‘bah, where Abraham stood worshipping God. مقام ابراھیم is also the name of a place near the Ka‘bah where, after making circuits around it, the pilgrims perform two rak‘ats of Prayer. It appears that after completing the construction of the Ka‘bah, Abraham said a prayer there in token of his gratitude to God; and it is to commemorate this prayer of Abraham that Muslims are required to perform two rak‘ats of Prayer there whenever they make circuits round the Ka‘bah.
Commentary:
The verse means that a promise was made to Abraham that the Ka‘bah would be made a مثابة or a place of reward and a centre where people would come together for worship. The truth of the first-mentioned part of the covenant, i.e. that the Ka‘bah is a place of reward, can only be recognized by believers who irresistibly feel the ennobling influence of a visit to the Holy Shrine. But the truth of the latter part of the prophecy, i.e. that it would become a resort for men, has been established by the facts of history during the past fourteen hundred years, being testified to even by the enemies of Islam. The Ka‘bah, as some traditions say and as hinted by the Quran itself, was originally built by Adam, and was, for sometime, the centre of worship for his progeny. Then in the course of time people became separated into different communities and adopted different centres for worship. Abraham then rebuilt the Ka‘bah and it continued to remain a centre of worship for his progeny through his son Ishmael. But with the lapse of time it was virtually converted into a house of idols which numbered as many as 360—almost the same as the number of days in a year. At the advent of the Holy Prophet, however, the Ka‘bah was again appointed the centre of worship for all nations, the Holy Prophet having been sent as a Messenger for all mankind. Thus, the nations which diverged after Adam were again brought together at the Ka‘bah which was made the spiritual centre for all humanity and for all time.
Again, the Ka‘bah, and, for that matter, the town of Mecca, is declared to be a place of peace and security. The truth of this prophecy is also beyond doubt. Mighty empires have crumbled and large tracts of land laid waste since the dawn of history, but the peace of Mecca has never been disturbed. The religious centres of other faiths have never claimed, and have in fact never enjoyed, such peace and immunity from danger. Jerusalem, Hardwar, Benares, etc., have all been conquered by alien conquerors and have been the scenes of much bloodshed and violence. But Mecca has ever remained a place of peace. No alien conqueror has ever entered it. The Sacred Town has always remained in the hands of those who have held it in reverence.
The commandment to purify the House of God refers not only to the outward cleaning of the House, but also to its purification from the abomination of idol-worship. The commandment was originally addressed to Abraham and Ishmael but it was finally and fully carried out by the Holy Prophet who, after the conquest of Mecca, cleared the Ka‘bah of all the 360 idols that had been placed there by the idolatrous Quraish.
a
3:98; 22:27.
144
Mathabah signifies, a place paying a visit to which entitles one to reward; or resort of men (Mufradat). The Ka‘bah, as some traditions say and as hinted by the Qur’an itself, was originally built by Adam (3:97) and was, for sometime, the centre of worship for his progeny. Then in the course of time people became separated into different communities and adopted different centres for worship. Abraham then rebuilt it and it continued to remain a centre of worship for his progeny through his son Ishmael. But with the lapse of time it became virtually converted into a house of idols which numbered as many as 360—almost the same as the number of days in a year. At the advent of the Holy Prophet, however, it was again made the centre of worship for all nations, the Holy Prophet having been sent as a Messenger to all mankind, to unite those, who had become separated after Adam, into one common human brotherhood.
145
The Ka‘bah, and, for that matter, the town of Mecca, is declared to be a place of peace and security. Mighty empires have crumbled and large tracts of land laid waste since the dawn of history, but the peace of Mecca has never been materially disturbed. The religious centres of other Faiths have never claimed, and have, in fact, never enjoyed, such peace and immunity from danger. Mecca has, however, ever remained a place of security and safety. No alien conqueror has ever entered it. It has always remained in the hands of those who have held it in reverence.
۞ إِنَّ ٱلصَّفَا وَٱلْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَآئِرِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ فَمَنْ حَجَّ ٱلْبَيْتَ أَوِ ٱعْتَمَرَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِ أَن يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا ۚ وَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَاكِرٌ عَلِيمٌ
22:33.
صفا اور مروہ مکہ میں دو پہاڑیاں ہیں۔
بِھِمَاکے معنے یہاں فِیْھِمَاکے ہیں‘ یعنی ان دونوں پہاڑیوں کے درمیان اِدھر سے اُدھر اُن قواعد کے مطابق جو سنت سے ثابت ہیں دوڑے۔
مدینہ کے لوگ صفا اور مروۃ کے درمیان سعی کرنے کو گناہ سمجھتے تھے (تفسیر کبیر جلد دوم ص ۳۰۷)۔
22:33.
As-Safa and Al-Marwah are the names of two hills near the Ka‘bah in Mecca, the first-mentioned being the nearer of the two. These hills stand as a memorial to Hagar’s great patience and extraordinary loyalty to God on the one hand and to God’s special care of her and her son, Ishmael, on the other. A visit to these hills deeply impresses the pilgrim with the love, fidelity to and power, of God.
The words, whoso does good beyond what is obligatory, do not refer to Hajj (Greater Pilgrimage), which under certain conditions is obligatory on every Muslim once in a life-time, but to ‘Umrah (Lesser Pilgrimage) which is not obligatory but only supererogatory. The words may also be considered to refer to any additional pilgrimage which a Muslim may perform, after he has performed the obligatory one.
22:33.
Important Words:
الصفا والمروة (As-Safa and Al-Marwah) are the names of two hills near the Ka‘bah in Mecca, the first-mentioned being the nearer of the two. Both Arabian history and the traditions of Islam connect these hills with the story of Hagar and Ishmael when Abraham left them near these hills under God’s command. Ishmael was yet a child, and when the scanty provisions ran out and he was in a pitiable condition for want of water, Hagar anxiously and repeatedly ran between these two hills in search of water and help, but none was found. When, however, she was in her seventh circuit, an angel of God called to her saying that God had brought forth a spring of water near her son and that she should go and look to it (Bukhari, ch. on Anbiya’). Thus the hills of صفا (Safa) and مروة (Marwah) became شعائر الله i.e. Signs of God worthy of due honour and respect in the sight of every true believer. The Bible also makes mention of مروة in a somewhat changed form (Gen. 22:2; also Enc. Bib. under Moriah) in connection with the sacrifice of Abraham’s son.
شعائر (Signs) is the plural of شعیرة which is derived from شعر meaning, he knew or he perceived. Thus شعیرة means: (1) anything by means of which another thing may be known; (2) a sign; (3) anything which is considered or is performed as a mark of submission to God; (4) the rites of pilgrimage and practices pertaining thereto (Aqrab).
حج (is on pilgrimage) means: (1) he sought a person or thing; (2) he went or repaired to a person or thing; (3) he went to a person again and again; (4) he visited a holy place; (5) he performed حج (Pilgrimage) to the Ka‘bah; (6) he overpowered a person in argument (Aqrab).
اعتمر (performs ‘Umrah) is derived from عمر which means, he occupied or tenanted a house; he worshipped God and prayed to Him. اعتمر means, he went to, or visited, a place. عمرة means, visiting a place; worshipping and praying to God; performing Lesser Pilgrimage in which some of the rites of حج are left out (Aqrab).
تطوع (does beyond what is obligatory) is derived from طاع i.e. he obeyed; he did an act willingly and voluntarily. The infinitive الطوع means: (1) obedience; (2) doing an act willingly without its being obligatory on one. تطوع means, he performed an act with effort and volition. تطوع خیرا means, he performed a good act which was not obligatory on him (Aqrab & Mufradat).
Commentary:
To a superficial observer the verse under comment dealing with the subject of Pilgrimage appears to have no connection with the preceding ones which deal with the subject of trials and sacrifices. But a deeper study will at once disclose a very close connection between the two. The preceding verses warned Muslims to be prepared for sacrifices and gave them the glad tidings that if they performed the required sacrifices willingly and patiently, God would bless them greatly and would show special mercy to them and would remember them with kindness and would provide guidance for them whenever needed. Now, in order to bring home to them the truth of this promise, He invites the attention of Muslims to the great sacrifice of Abraham near the site of As-Safa and Al-Marwah. Abraham obeyed His Lord and left his wife Hagar and his son Ishmael near these two hills of Mecca, which was then a most desolate tract. The seed was sown in a soil which was apparently the most barren of all soils, but how wonderfully it prospered! God was a most Loving and Faithful God who so fondly remembered His servants, Abraham and Ishmael, even after the lapse of 2,500 years, and Muslims can expect the same love and the same fidelity from Him, if they too love and obey Him. Safa and Marwah, as explained under Important Words above, are two hills which stand as a memorial to Hagar’s great patience and extraordinary loyalty to God on the one hand and to God’s special treatment of her and her son on the other. A visit to these hills makes the pilgrim deeply impressed with the love, fidelity and power of God.
The words, it is no sin for him, should not be taken to mean that performing the circuit between Safa and Marwah is only permissible and not obligatory. The expression is used simply to remove the aversion to such performance found among certain persons on the basis of the fact that heathen Arabs had placed two idols on these two hills (Muslim). God removed this erroneous notion by saying that it was no sin to perform the circuit between Safa and Marwah, which on account of the great sacrifice of Abraham, Hagar and Ishmael on the one hand and the resulting blessings of God on the other, had become شعائر الله i.e. great Signs of God. That the performance of these circuits is obligatory in both حج and عمرة(the Greater and the Lesser Pilgrimage) is clear from the practice of the Holy Prophet and his injunctions to his followers (Bukhari, ch. Al-Hajj).
The words, whoso does good beyond what is obligatory, do not refer to حج (Greater Pilgrimage), which under certain conditions is obligatory on each Muslim once in a lifetime, but to عمرة (Lesser Pilgrimage) which is not obligatory but simply supererogatory. The words may also be considered to refer to any additional حج or Pilgrimage which a Muslim may perform, after he has performed the one obligatory Pilgrimage.
As this verse mentions the subject of Pilgrimage only secondarily, we are not giving here a note on the rites and philosophy of which will be discussed when we come to the relevant verses.
e
22:33.
1
صفا اور مروہ مکہ میں دو پہاڑیاں ہیں۔
2
بِھِمَاکے معنے یہاں فِیْھِمَاکے ہیں‘ یعنی ان دونوں پہاڑیوں کے درمیان اِدھر سے اُدھر اُن قواعد کے مطابق جو سنت سے ثابت ہیں دوڑے۔
3
مدینہ کے لوگ صفا اور مروۃ کے درمیان سعی کرنے کو گناہ سمجھتے تھے (تفسیر کبیر جلد دوم ص ۳۰۷)۔
a
22:33.
165
Important Words:
الصفا والمروة (As-Safa and Al-Marwah) are the names of two hills near the Ka‘bah in Mecca, the first-mentioned being the nearer of the two. Both Arabian history and the traditions of Islam connect these hills with the story of Hagar and Ishmael when Abraham left them near these hills under God’s command. Ishmael was yet a child, and when the scanty provisions ran out and he was in a pitiable condition for want of water, Hagar anxiously and repeatedly ran between these two hills in search of water and help, but none was found. When, however, she was in her seventh circuit, an angel of God called to her saying that God had brought forth a spring of water near her son and that she should go and look to it (Bukhari, ch. on Anbiya’). Thus the hills of صفا (Safa) and مروة (Marwah) became شعائر الله i.e. Signs of God worthy of due honour and respect in the sight of every true believer. The Bible also makes mention of مروة in a somewhat changed form (Gen. 22:2; also Enc. Bib. under Moriah) in connection with the sacrifice of Abraham’s son.
شعائر (Signs) is the plural of شعیرة which is derived from شعر meaning, he knew or he perceived. Thus شعیرة means: (1) anything by means of which another thing may be known; (2) a sign; (3) anything which is considered or is performed as a mark of submission to God; (4) the rites of pilgrimage and practices pertaining thereto (Aqrab).
حج (is on pilgrimage) means: (1) he sought a person or thing; (2) he went or repaired to a person or thing; (3) he went to a person again and again; (4) he visited a holy place; (5) he performed حج (Pilgrimage) to the Ka‘bah; (6) he overpowered a person in argument (Aqrab).
اعتمر (performs ‘Umrah) is derived from عمر which means, he occupied or tenanted a house; he worshipped God and prayed to Him. اعتمر means, he went to, or visited, a place. عمرة means, visiting a place; worshipping and praying to God; performing Lesser Pilgrimage in which some of the rites of حج are left out (Aqrab).
تطوع (does beyond what is obligatory) is derived from طاع i.e. he obeyed; he did an act willingly and voluntarily. The infinitive الطوع means: (1) obedience; (2) doing an act willingly without its being obligatory on one. تطوع means, he performed an act with effort and volition. تطوع خیرا means, he performed a good act which was not obligatory on him (Aqrab & Mufradat).
Commentary:
To a superficial observer the verse under comment dealing with the subject of Pilgrimage appears to have no connection with the preceding ones which deal with the subject of trials and sacrifices. But a deeper study will at once disclose a very close connection between the two. The preceding verses warned Muslims to be prepared for sacrifices and gave them the glad tidings that if they performed the required sacrifices willingly and patiently, God would bless them greatly and would show special mercy to them and would remember them with kindness and would provide guidance for them whenever needed. Now, in order to bring home to them the truth of this promise, He invites the attention of Muslims to the great sacrifice of Abraham near the site of As-Safa and Al-Marwah. Abraham obeyed His Lord and left his wife Hagar and his son Ishmael near these two hills of Mecca, which was then a most desolate tract. The seed was sown in a soil which was apparently the most barren of all soils, but how wonderfully it prospered! God was a most Loving and Faithful God who so fondly remembered His servants, Abraham and Ishmael, even after the lapse of 2,500 years, and Muslims can expect the same love and the same fidelity from Him, if they too love and obey Him. Safa and Marwah, as explained under Important Words above, are two hills which stand as a memorial to Hagar’s great patience and extraordinary loyalty to God on the one hand and to God’s special treatment of her and her son on the other. A visit to these hills makes the pilgrim deeply impressed with the love, fidelity and power of God.
The words, it is no sin for him, should not be taken to mean that performing the circuit between Safa and Marwah is only permissible and not obligatory. The expression is used simply to remove the aversion to such performance found among certain persons on the basis of the fact that heathen Arabs had placed two idols on these two hills (Muslim). God removed this erroneous notion by saying that it was no sin to perform the circuit between Safa and Marwah, which on account of the great sacrifice of Abraham, Hagar and Ishmael on the one hand and the resulting blessings of God on the other, had become شعائر الله i.e. great Signs of God. That the performance of these circuits is obligatory in both حج and عمرة(the Greater and the Lesser Pilgrimage) is clear from the practice of the Holy Prophet and his injunctions to his followers (Bukhari, ch. Al-Hajj).
The words, whoso does good beyond what is obligatory, do not refer to حج (Greater Pilgrimage), which under certain conditions is obligatory on each Muslim once in a lifetime, but to عمرة (Lesser Pilgrimage) which is not obligatory but simply supererogatory. The words may also be considered to refer to any additional حج or Pilgrimage which a Muslim may perform, after he has performed the one obligatory Pilgrimage.
As this verse mentions the subject of Pilgrimage only secondarily, we are not giving here a note on the rites and philosophy of which will be discussed when we come to the relevant verses.
a
22:33.
184
As-Safa and Al-Marwah are the names of two hills near the Ka‘bah in Mecca, the first-mentioned being the nearer of the two. These hills stand as a memorial to Hagar’s great patience and extraordinary loyalty to God on the one hand and to God’s special care of her and her son, Ishmael, on the other. A visit to these hills deeply impresses the pilgrim with the love, fidelity to and power, of God.
185
The words, whoso does good beyond what is obligatory, do not refer to Hajj (Greater Pilgrimage), which under certain conditions is obligatory on every Muslim once in a life-time, but to ‘Umrah (Lesser Pilgrimage) which is not obligatory but only supererogatory. The words may also be considered to refer to any additional pilgrimage which a Muslim may perform, after he has performed the obligatory one.
وَإِذْ بَوَّأْنَا لِإِبْرَٰهِيمَ مَكَانَ ٱلْبَيْتِ أَن لَّا تُشْرِكْ بِى شَيْـًٔا وَطَهِّرْ بَيْتِىَ لِلطَّآئِفِينَ وَٱلْقَآئِمِينَ وَٱلرُّكَّعِ ٱلسُّجُودِ
2:126.
这节经文说明天房的所在地早在伊布拉欣时代之前就已存在。事实上, 天房是阿丹所建立的。这是世界上所建成的第一座朝拜的天房 (3:97)。到伊布拉欣时代早已成为废墟, 由于得到启示, 伊布拉欣发现了这一所在地。他和他的儿子伊司马仪, 神圣先知的伟大祖先重建了天房。
كَعْبَة(Ka‘bah) 在 «古兰经» 里有各种不同的说法, 如 “我的房子” (2:126和22:27); “禁房” (14:38); “禁寺” (2:151); “天房” (2:128, 159; 3:98; 8:36; 22:27); “古寺” (22:30, 34) 和 “经常朝拜的房子” (52:5) 等。这些不同的名称都说明了作为人们礼拜的最伟大中心 كَعْبَة (Ka‘bah) 的显赫名声。
这节经文可作为朝觐这一课题的引论, 它是这一章的中心论题。巡游禁寺是朝觐的最重要仪式。因此, 简要地介绍天房 كَعْبَة (Ka‘bah)的神圣与重要性可以作为朝觐课题的引论。
اس میں اسلامی عبادت کا نقشہ کھینچا گیا ہے جس میں قیام رکوع اور سجود ہوتا ہے۔ یہودی اور عیسائی نمازیں ان کا مجموعہ نہیں ہوتیں۔
2:126.
The verse shows that the site of the Ka‘bah had existed long before Abraham’s time. In fact, the Ka‘bah was built by Adam. It was the first House of worship built in the world (3:97). By the time of Abraham it had fallen into ruins and its site, having been disclosed to him by revelation, he and his son Ishmael, the Holy Prophet’s great progenitor, rebuilt it. See also {146}.
The Ka‘bah is variously mentioned in the Qur’an as "My House" (2:126 & 22:27), "The Sacred House" (14:38), "The Sacred Mosque" (2:151), "The House" (2:128,159; 3:98; 8:36; 22:27), "The Ancient House" (22:30, 34), and "The Frequented House" (52:5). All these different appellations point to the eminence of the Ka‘bah as the greatest centre of worship for mankind.
The words, keep My house clean, embodied both a commandment and a prophecy. The commandment was that the Ka‘bah was not to be polluted with idol-worship as it had been built for the worship of the One True God, and the prophecy lay in the fact that this commandment would be defied and the House of God would become a house of idols but would eventually be completely cleared of them.
This verse serves as an introduction to the subject of Pilgrimage which is the central theme of this Surah. Circumambulation of the Sacred Mosque is the most important ceremony of the Pilgrimage, so a brief reference to the sanctity and importance of the Ka‘bah forms a befitting introduction to the subject of Hajj.
2:126.
Commentary:
The Ka‘bah is variously mentioned in the Quran as بیتی i.e. My House (2:126 & 22:27), as البیت المحرم i.e. the Sacred House (14:38), as المسجد الحرام i.e. the Sacred Mosque (2:151), as البیت i.e. the House (2:128, 159; 3:98; 8:36; 22:27), as البیت العتیق i.e. the Ancient House (22:30, 34), as البیت المعمور i.e. the Frequented House (52:5) and as اول بیت i.e. the First House (3:97). All these different appellations point to the eminence of the Ka‘bah as being the greatest centre of worship for mankind.
The words "We assigned to Abraham the site of the House" show that the site of the Ka‘bah had existed before Abraham’s time. In fact the Ka‘bah was built by Adam and as it appears from 3:97, it was the first House of worship built in the world. By the time of Abraham it had fallen into ruins and its site having been disclosed to him by revelation he and his son Ishmael, the Holy Prophet’s great progenitor, rebuilt it.
The words "keep My House clean" embodied both a commandment and a prophecy. The commandment was that the Ka‘bah was not to be polluted with idol worship as it had been built for the worship of the One True God and the prophecy lay in the fact that this commandment would be defied and the House of God would become the house of idols but would eventually be completely cleared of them. The prophecy was fulfilled when at the Fall of Mecca the Ka‘bah was cleared by the Holy Prophet of all the abominations and of the 360 idols that were kept in it. Thus the commandment, in a way, embodied a prophecy about the advent of the Holy Prophet; and the rebuilding of the Ka‘bah by Abraham and Ishmael was, in fact, the first step towards the fulfilment of that great prophecy. See also 2:128-130.
d
2:126.
857
这节经文说明天房的所在地早在伊布拉欣时代之前就已存在。事实上, 天房是阿丹所建立的。这是世界上所建成的第一座朝拜的天房 (3:97)。到伊布拉欣时代早已成为废墟, 由于得到启示, 伊布拉欣发现了这一所在地。他和他的儿子伊司马仪, 神圣先知的伟大祖先重建了天房。
858
كَعْبَة(Ka‘bah) 在 «古兰经» 里有各种不同的说法, 如 “我的房子” (2:126和22:27); “禁房” (14:38); “禁寺” (2:151); “天房” (2:128, 159; 3:98; 8:36; 22:27); “古寺” (22:30, 34) 和 “经常朝拜的房子” (52:5) 等。这些不同的名称都说明了作为人们礼拜的最伟大中心 كَعْبَة (Ka‘bah) 的显赫名声。
859
这节经文可作为朝觐这一课题的引论, 它是这一章的中心论题。巡游禁寺是朝觐的最重要仪式。因此, 简要地介绍天房 كَعْبَة (Ka‘bah)的神圣与重要性可以作为朝觐课题的引论。
1
اس میں اسلامی عبادت کا نقشہ کھینچا گیا ہے جس میں قیام رکوع اور سجود ہوتا ہے۔ یہودی اور عیسائی نمازیں ان کا مجموعہ نہیں ہوتیں۔
a
2:126.
2458
Commentary:
The Ka‘bah is variously mentioned in the Quran as بیتی i.e. My House (2:126 & 22:27), as البیت المحرم i.e. the Sacred House (14:38), as المسجد الحرام i.e. the Sacred Mosque (2:151), as البیت i.e. the House (2:128, 159; 3:98; 8:36; 22:27), as البیت العتیق i.e. the Ancient House (22:30, 34), as البیت المعمور i.e. the Frequented House (52:5) and as اول بیت i.e. the First House (3:97). All these different appellations point to the eminence of the Ka‘bah as being the greatest centre of worship for mankind.
The words "We assigned to Abraham the site of the House" show that the site of the Ka‘bah had existed before Abraham’s time. In fact the Ka‘bah was built by Adam and as it appears from 3:97, it was the first House of worship built in the world. By the time of Abraham it had fallen into ruins and its site having been disclosed to him by revelation he and his son Ishmael, the Holy Prophet’s great progenitor, rebuilt it.
The words "keep My House clean" embodied both a commandment and a prophecy. The commandment was that the Ka‘bah was not to be polluted with idol worship as it had been built for the worship of the One True God and the prophecy lay in the fact that this commandment would be defied and the House of God would become the house of idols but would eventually be completely cleared of them. The prophecy was fulfilled when at the Fall of Mecca the Ka‘bah was cleared by the Holy Prophet of all the abominations and of the 360 idols that were kept in it. Thus the commandment, in a way, embodied a prophecy about the advent of the Holy Prophet; and the rebuilding of the Ka‘bah by Abraham and Ishmael was, in fact, the first step towards the fulfilment of that great prophecy. See also 2:128-130.
b
2:126.
1943
The verse shows that the site of the Ka‘bah had existed long before Abraham’s time. In fact, the Ka‘bah was built by Adam. It was the first House of worship built in the world (3:97). By the time of Abraham it had fallen into ruins and its site, having been disclosed to him by revelation, he and his son Ishmael, the Holy Prophet’s great progenitor, rebuilt it. See also {146}.
1943A
The Ka‘bah is variously mentioned in the Qur’an as "My House" (2:126 & 22:27), "The Sacred House" (14:38), "The Sacred Mosque" (2:151), "The House" (2:128,159; 3:98; 8:36; 22:27), "The Ancient House" (22:30, 34), and "The Frequented House" (52:5). All these different appellations point to the eminence of the Ka‘bah as the greatest centre of worship for mankind.
1944
The words, keep My house clean, embodied both a commandment and a prophecy. The commandment was that the Ka‘bah was not to be polluted with idol-worship as it had been built for the worship of the One True God, and the prophecy lay in the fact that this commandment would be defied and the House of God would become a house of idols but would eventually be completely cleared of them.
1945
This verse serves as an introduction to the subject of Pilgrimage which is the central theme of this Surah. Circumambulation of the Sacred Mosque is the most important ceremony of the Pilgrimage, so a brief reference to the sanctity and importance of the Ka‘bah forms a befitting introduction to the subject of Hajj.
ثُمَّ لْيَقْضُوا۟ تَفَثَهُمْ وَلْيُوفُوا۟ نُذُورَهُمْ وَلْيَطَّوَّفُوا۟ بِٱلْبَيْتِ ٱلْعَتِيقِ
Al-Baitul-‘Atiq means, free, excellent and very old House (Lane). The epithet 'free' implies a prophecy that no hostile power will ever be able to conquer it. It shall always remain free. The epithet, 'excellent' signifies that the Ka‘bah shall always occupy a position of honour in the world. The fact that the Ka‘bah is a very ancient house of worship in the world finds corroboration in another verse of the Qur’an (3:97). It was in existence long before Abraham brought his wife Hagar and his son Ishmael to settle in the barren, bleak and arid valley of Mecca (14:38). Noah is believed by some to have performed the circuit of the Ka‘bah (Tabari as quoted by Enc. of Islam). Historians of established repute and authority, including even some very hostile critics of Islam, have admitted that the Ka‘bah had been held sacred from time immemorial. Diodorus Siculus writing about the region now known as the Hijaz says: 'There is in this country a temple greatly revered by all the Arabs to which th
Important Words:
لیقضوا تفثھم (accomplish their needful acts of cleansing). تفث (tafathun) is infinitive noun from (tafatha) which means, he left off shaving his pubes and in consequence became dirty.
قضی تفثه means, he removed his uncleanliness. The Quranic expression لیقضوا تفثھم means, then let them accomplish their needful acts of shaving and cleansing (Lane & Aqrab).
العتیق (ancient) is derived from عتق. They say, عتق العبد i.e. the slave became free. عتیق الخمر means, the wine became old and good. عتیق means, free from slavery or emancipated; old; beautiful; excellent (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The words, "and go round the ancient House," refer to the last tawaf or circumambulation round the Ka‘bah.
The seven circuits round the Ka‘bah correspond to seven prayers of Abraham which he uttered when, with the assistance of his son Ishmael, he was building the Ka‘bah. The prayers are given in 2:129-130 and are as follows:
1. "Our Lord make us submissive to Thee;
2. "and make of our offspring a people submissive to thee;
3. "show us our ways of worship;
4. "turn to us with mercy;
5. "raise up among them a Messenger from among themselves;
6. "who may recite to them thy Signs, may teach them the Book and wisdom;
In view of the three meanings of the root word عتق, the expression البیت العتیق would mean, free, excellent and a very old House. The epithet 'free' implies a prophecy that no hostile power will ever be able to conquer it. It shall always remain free. The second epithet, i.e. excellent, signifies that the Ka‘bah shall always occupy a position of honour in the world. It has also been described as البیت الحرام (the Sacred House) in the Quran. The fact that the Ka‘bah is a very ancient House of worship in the world finds corroboration in another verse of the Quran (3:97) where it is said that it is the very first House founded for Divine worship. In 14:38 we find that the Ka‘bah was in existence long before Abraham brought his wife Hagar and his son Ishmael to settle in the barren, bleak and arid valley of Mecca. Noah is believed by some to have performed the circuit of the Ka‘bah (Tabari as quoted by Enc. of Islam). Historians of established repute and authority, including even some very hostile critics of Islam, have admitted that the Ka‘bah had been held sacred from time immemorial. Diodorus Siculus writing about the region now known as the Hijaz says that there is in this country a temple greatly revered by all the Arabs "to which the neighbouring peoples throng from all sides." "These words," says Sir William Muir, "must refer to the Holy House of Mecca for we know of no other which ever commanded the universal homage of Arabia… Tradition represents the Ka‘bah as from time immemorial the scene of pilgrimage from all quarters of Arabia so extensive an homage must have had its beginning in an extremely remote age" (Muir, p. ciii).
The fact seems to be that the Ka‘bah was first built by Adam and after that it was washed away by the great Deluge in the time of Noah and was later rebuilt by Abraham. See also 2:128-129.
2460
Important Words:
لیقضوا تفثھم (accomplish their needful acts of cleansing). تفث (tafathun) is infinitive noun from (tafatha) which means, he left off shaving his pubes and in consequence became dirty.
قضی تفثه means, he removed his uncleanliness. The Quranic expression لیقضوا تفثھم means, then let them accomplish their needful acts of shaving and cleansing (Lane & Aqrab).
العتیق (ancient) is derived from عتق. They say, عتق العبد i.e. the slave became free. عتیق الخمر means, the wine became old and good. عتیق means, free from slavery or emancipated; old; beautiful; excellent (Lane & Aqrab).
Commentary:
The words, "and go round the ancient House," refer to the last tawaf or circumambulation round the Ka‘bah.
The seven circuits round the Ka‘bah correspond to seven prayers of Abraham which he uttered when, with the assistance of his son Ishmael, he was building the Ka‘bah. The prayers are given in 2:129-130 and are as follows:
1. "Our Lord make us submissive to Thee;
2. "and make of our offspring a people submissive to thee;
3. "show us our ways of worship;
4. "turn to us with mercy;
5. "raise up among them a Messenger from among themselves;
6. "who may recite to them thy Signs, may teach them the Book and wisdom;
In view of the three meanings of the root word عتق, the expression البیت العتیق would mean, free, excellent and a very old House. The epithet 'free' implies a prophecy that no hostile power will ever be able to conquer it. It shall always remain free. The second epithet, i.e. excellent, signifies that the Ka‘bah shall always occupy a position of honour in the world. It has also been described as البیت الحرام (the Sacred House) in the Quran. The fact that the Ka‘bah is a very ancient House of worship in the world finds corroboration in another verse of the Quran (3:97) where it is said that it is the very first House founded for Divine worship. In 14:38 we find that the Ka‘bah was in existence long before Abraham brought his wife Hagar and his son Ishmael to settle in the barren, bleak and arid valley of Mecca. Noah is believed by some to have performed the circuit of the Ka‘bah (Tabari as quoted by Enc. of Islam). Historians of established repute and authority, including even some very hostile critics of Islam, have admitted that the Ka‘bah had been held sacred from time immemorial. Diodorus Siculus writing about the region now known as the Hijaz says that there is in this country a temple greatly revered by all the Arabs "to which the neighbouring peoples throng from all sides." "These words," says Sir William Muir, "must refer to the Holy House of Mecca for we know of no other which ever commanded the universal homage of Arabia… Tradition represents the Ka‘bah as from time immemorial the scene of pilgrimage from all quarters of Arabia so extensive an homage must have had its beginning in an extremely remote age" (Muir, p. ciii).
The fact seems to be that the Ka‘bah was first built by Adam and after that it was washed away by the great Deluge in the time of Noah and was later rebuilt by Abraham. See also 2:128-129.
1948
Al-Baitul-‘Atiq means, free, excellent and very old House (Lane). The epithet 'free' implies a prophecy that no hostile power will ever be able to conquer it. It shall always remain free. The epithet, 'excellent' signifies that the Ka‘bah shall always occupy a position of honour in the world. The fact that the Ka‘bah is a very ancient house of worship in the world finds corroboration in another verse of the Qur’an (3:97). It was in existence long before Abraham brought his wife Hagar and his son Ishmael to settle in the barren, bleak and arid valley of Mecca (14:38). Noah is believed by some to have performed the circuit of the Ka‘bah (Tabari as quoted by Enc. of Islam). Historians of established repute and authority, including even some very hostile critics of Islam, have admitted that the Ka‘bah had been held sacred from time immemorial. Diodorus Siculus writing about the region now known as the Hijaz says: 'There is in this country a temple greatly revered by all the Arabs to which th