Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

Once in a lifetime, Hajj and `Umrah are decreed for those who can afford it. Pilgrimage commemorates Abraham's exemplary submission to God (Appendix 9: http://masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix9.html), and must be observed during the four Sacred Months - Zul-Hijjah, Muharram, Safar, & Rabi` I (12th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd months) (Quran 2:197; 9:2, 36). `Umrah can be observed any time. Like all other duties in Islam, Hajj has been distorted. Most Muslims observe Hajj only during a few days in Zul-Hijjah, and they consider Rajab, Zul-Qi'dah, Zul-Hijjah, and Muharram (7th, 11th, 12th, 1st months) to be the Sacred Months. This is a distortion that is strongly condemned (Quran 9:37).

All worship practices, including Hajj, must be devoted to God Alone (Quran 6:162). Verses 62-67 of Sura 39 inform us that the practice of idol worship nullifies the person's works, no matter how great. Millions of pilgrims spend their life savings and endure tremendous hardships in response to their Lord's command to observe Hajj (pilgrimage). Unfortunately, the traditions of today's Islam lead thousands of pilgrims to Medina where they commit idolatry by visiting the tomb of Prophet Muhammad and pouring their hearts out in expressions of love and devotion.

The Qur'an teaches us clearly that the Prophet is dead (39:30), totally unaware (5:109, 16:21 & 23:100), and can never respond to anyone (35:14). Needless to say, going against all these Quranic teachings constitutes disobedience and opposition to God and His messenger Muhammad.

[Quran 2:196] You shall observe the complete rites of Hajj and 'Umrah for GOD ...

[Quran 2:197] Hajj shall be observed in the specified months.* ....

[Quran 6:162-163] Say, "My Contact Prayers (Salat), my worship practices, my life and my death, are all devoted absolutely to GOD alone, the Lord of the universe. He has no partner. This is what I am commanded to believe, and I am the first to submit."

[Quran 39:65] It has been revealed to you, and to those before you that if you ever commit idol worship, all your works will be nullified, and you will be with the losers.



References:
Pilgrimage: Hajj & `Umrah, http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix15.html#pilgrimage
Abraham: Original Messenger of Islam, http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix9.html
Wasting their money and effort: Muslim pilgrims by the thousands nullify their pilgrimage, http://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/1987/aug/page2.html
Tear Down the Prophet's Tomb, http://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/1989/feb/page3.html

Peace.