By: Samsul Nizar
Professor and Head of STAIN Bengkalis
To complete the fifth pillar of Islam, guests of Allah are travelling from all over the world to the House of Allah. The mission of the Indonesian Hajj in 2023 is to be “elderly-friendly” because the vast majority of Allah’s visitors are elderly and require special care. In order for the community mission to function optimally, strategic policies are executed. It is a noble policy to accommodate dhuyuf ar-rahman (gracious guest) during Haramayn devotion. However, the implemented policies do not eliminate the need to introduce Allah’s servants to His might through a succession of lessons during worship. This refers to His words: “Verily the first house (of worship) built for mankind, is (the Baitullah) in Mecca which is blessed and a guide for all the worlds” (QS. Ali Imran: 96).
However, the meaning of Baitullah needs to be understood precisely so as not to misinterpret or misplace its true intent. Baitullah in a broader sense is a place honoured by Allah, not a “house” as humans need. This is because Allah does not need a place (Allah’s house). This refers to His words: “There are clear signs, (among them) the station of Ibrahim. Whoever enters it (the House of Allah) is safe. And (among) the obligations of man towards Allah are to make the pilgrimage to the House of Allah, for those who are able to travel there. Whoever denies the obligation of Hajj, then know that Allah is rich (in need of nothing) of all the worlds” (al-Imran: 97).
Indeed, the Baitullah holds mysteries and reveals the real truth of Islamic teachings. Mysteries that are sometimes unable to be unlogic and beyond human reasoning. But, all contain the truth of Divine power that is infinite and so clear. Although in some fiqh books, it is mentioned that the meaning of istitho’ah is in the aspects of cost (provisions), health (physical and spiritual), and safety of travel. However, at the level of reality, the three meanings of istitho’ah do not necessarily lead humans to be able to visit the Baitullah and place themselves as guests of Allah (dhuyuf ar-rahman) in the physical sense. Not a few of those who are rich in abundance of material but never arise the desire and spaciousness of time to go to the Baitullah, instead the poor who wish but arrive at the Baitullah. Not a few who are healthy and given the flexibility do not have time to visit, but the servant who is hobbled actually has the opportunity to kneel in front of the Baitullah. Not a few whose countries were hit by riots and prolonged wars, but still eager to go to the Baitullah.
The longing to visit the Baitullah is endless. Even though long queues must be passed, it never dampens the servant’s desire to reach Allah’s invitation. No matter how much it costs, as long as the invitation as a guest of Allah can be obtained. Everything is done out of faith, hope, and sincerity of heart to know and want to be known by Allah SWT. Although there are not a few who have “invested” to go to the Baitullah, but cannot visit because of their weakening physical condition or have been “picked up” by Allah to His lap. Through the sincerity of a servant who knows and wants to be known by Allah, all his “investments” are recorded by the inhabitants of the “sky” with gold ink. Indeed, it is proven that “investment” in Allah never reduces human needs in his life, it will even experience an increase and sufficiency.
However, strangely there are some servants who still calculate to “invest” with Allah. The cost of travelling to the House of Allah is still being calculated for the benefit of worldly life. As a result, he will experience a loss in this world because he counts on the Most Giving Substance and does not get the opportunity to be His guest.
Indeed, the Baitullah has a mystery that cannot be logical but can be proven real. There are several mysteries of the Baitullah that are neglected from the attention and study of servants, namely:
First, Visiting the Baitullah is only for “guests” who get His invitation (dhuyuf ar-rahman). Simple logic, every person gets an invitation for 2 (two) reasons, namely: (1) known by the inviter. (2) remembered by the inviter. These two reasons cause someone to get an invitation. But on the contrary, if the two reasons above are reversed (not known and not remembered), then whatever the status will never get an invitation or be invited. This simple logic becomes a medium for self-reflection on the mystery of the Baitullah. Although visiting the Baitullah is not limited to performing the Hajj pilgrimage, which is limited in time, in a broader space to perform Umrah. In essence, who attends the Baitullah is a gracious guest of Allah called dhuyuf ar-rahman which is full of mystery.
If the meaning of guest is an invitation in the context of the logic above, the mystery of the Baitullah should be able to destroy self-conceit, and shed tears of humiliation, and sadness beyond belief. Because, is it possible that Allah no longer knows and forgets the servant who may have forgotten and does not know Allah? Because, of the abundance of wealth, physical health, and safety of travel, they apparently have not been able to get “Allah’s invitation” to the Baitullah. Perhaps Allah does not know or forget the servant who has forgotten Him. If this happens, then try to introduce yourself as His servant and always remember Allah in every breath. Because, in a qudsi hadith from Abu Hurairah RA, the Prophet SAW said: “Allah says the following: I always fulfil the prejudice of My servant towards Me. If he has a good prejudice, then he will get good. But if he is prejudiced against Me, then he will get worse” (HR.Tabrani and Ibn Hibban).
This is clear from the Qudsi Hadith above. When servants sincerely remember Allah at all times, Allah will remember them. When a person always introduces himself as His servant, Allah will recognise him as a servant. When a servant remembers and introduces himself at the same time, Allah will remember and recognise him. Don’t let the choice be the opposite, remembering Allah as a trend or hoping for status and knowing Allah when you are in a tight spot.
However, it turns out that not all humans present in the Baitullah are “guests” invited by Allah. Simple logic, every invitation (party for example) has the name of the invited. However, there are some who attend precisely those whose names are not listed on the invitation. He attended for several reasons, including “piggybacking” on invited guests, changing the name on the invitation with his name, “buying” invitations, or other ways so that he could enter the party that was held. He or she does not care that what they do will take away the “meal rights” of other official guests. This is an unwise move on the part of both the giver and the recipient of the “fake invitation” and shows their true character.
In fact, when he meets the “host” who invites him, he will still be “unknown or not remembered” by the owner of the event (inviter). Gone is the sense of shame, only the dominance of “want” appears to be limited to being present. Naturally, if a guest model like this is unable to reap the “sweetness of the dish” as dhuyuf ar-rahman and does not make an impression on his character after returning. If being a guest of Allah has taken the rights of “real guests”, then it is increasingly evident in reality and has the heart to take the rights of others outside the context of worship and outside the Baitullah. For that, it is better to wait for the invitation that Allah intended for you, without taking the opportunity of His other guests.
Second, the magnetism of visiting the House of Allah is not the building of the House, but the magnetism of Allah, the Creator of His glorified building. This is because the Baitullah is only a creature. However, it is glorified because it is glorified by the Glorious One. For the sake of Hajar al-Aswad (black stone) as a creature glorified by Him and kissed by the Prophet Muhammad SAW. Indeed, longing for the Baitullah is a ladder to longing for the One Who Created the Baitullah. The motivation of a servant who longs when he is able to be chosen as a guest of Allah will feel the vibrations of Allah’s greatness, be known and remembered by Allah, and always submit to Allah’s rules. It is a loss for me when I am chosen to be a guest of Allah, but I am not wise to “use and behave” which does not show myself as a proper “guest of Allah”. It is a loss if there is still arrogance left, still carried away by status and degree, building a strong original nature that cannot be covered, expecting to be served without wanting to serve, accustomed to rah-rah without emotion, strengthening the side of hypocrisy, limited to paying debts of sin by hoping to double charity while in Haramayn, limited to gaining social status with the title of having been to the Baitullah, or other false traits.
Lucky for a wise servant to be a guest of Allah who maintains morals as His guest. Present with gratitude, confidential talks or hope with tears shed and full of regret, bowing down for all mistakes, present physically and spiritually united to one goal of servitude, and seeing all the expanses of Haramayn as a form of self and divine dialogue. Every breath is filled with praise and gratitude, every opportunity is filled to admit one’s mistakes begging for Divine forgiveness, and every practical activity is not aimed at obtaining rewards but hoping to achieve His love.
Third, the series as a guest of Allah needs to be supported by istitho’ah knowledge that supports and gives direction to the submission that must be done. When wearing ihram is not limited to changing outward coverings, saying talbiyah (answer or respond ) is not a song that is “played”, tawaf is not limited to walking around the Kaaba, kissing Hajar al-Aswad is not to be proud of or having an impact on hurting others, seeing Ibrahim’s maqam is not just a selfie to be published, entering Hijr-Ismail is not limited to praying under the golden gutter, praying the circumcision of tawaf is not limited to regular circumcision prayers, drinking Zamzam water is not only drinking the mineral water, Sa’i activity is not only a walk between Safa and Marwa hills, and tahallul (making something lawful or permissible) is not limited only to cutting a few strands of hair. But all activities have meaning and purpose in life. It builds the character of caring for others (not selfish), traces the struggle of the prophets and apostles in carrying out the mandate of Allah, sees the majesty of Allah and builds longing for Him.
In fact, wearing an ihram is a reminder of death that only wears white cloth. When ihram is worn, at the same time “switch off worldly desires” which makes the self-veiled to feel the greatness of the Divine. The activity of tawaf, which rotates counterclockwise, represents an increase in the servant’s yearning and hope and teaches life on the divine path so that the servant’s degree is raised to Him. In contrast to the clockwise direction’s downward motion, which eventually returns to the earth (death). Disclosing the significance and emotion of such a lesson to be taught to humans.
Because the worshipers are the guests of Allah, it is very fortunate for the servants who are mandated to “serve the guests of Allah”. A mandate that is certainly not limited to “being present and existing” or just carrying out routines, but “providing comfort, convenience, and happiness” to Allah’s guests with full sincerity. Of course, everything is in accordance with the duties and functions of the messengers who are mandated to serve God’s guests. However, it is a loss if the messengers put themselves in the position of asking to be served by the congregation (guests of Allah). An inverted position that will certainly be accounted for before Him later.
Fourth, the Haramayn (Mecca and Medina) are evidence of areas that are sanctified and protected by Allah. Only servants who purify themselves before heading to a holy place and always ask for Allah’s protection will enjoy (obtain) Allah’s purity and protection. The building of purity is based on the intention that is planted within. Confession of all sins with taubat an-nasuha (refraining from sin), and purity of the body and the expenses used. It would be wrong to bring servants who do not belong to the Haramayn. Because all will be shown by Allah for the policies taken. Because Allah’s promise is certainty and Allah never breaks a promise.
Fifth, the House of Allah bears witness to one’s true character. Indeed, the land of Haramayn will show the real “video of self-character”. Positive and negative characters are present. The disgrace of the servant shown is not to be opened or told, but to learn for self-improvement. While the disgrace of self does not need to be sought as a scapegoat for what happened but makes a form of Allah’s warning for the original character that has been hidden. As for when a good character is obtained, it is not to be proud of but to ask Him to preserve it and last forever. For those with negative character traits, it is not to be humiliated and ashamed, but to be a form of His love so that they can be improved with noble manners. While still given time to improve.
Indeed, the character that is radiated actually arises from the hidden inner movements (positive or negative) that are not “accommodated and contained” in the self. Everything is displayed like Allah’s “video clip” in the Mahsyar. Even though it is obvious, humans often deny and hide what Allah shows each servant.
Despite the clear meaning and purpose of heading to the Baitullah, people are often unable to escape the bonds of habit and social status. As a result, servitude is lost, “arrogance” is established, tawadhu’ is immersed by the glitter of worldly euphoria, patience is lost, ego is present, or other negative traits. In fact, the self is still in the Haramayn but the original character is loose without control, so it is unable to touch the “banquet of Allah and His Messenger”. When in Haramayn alone the character is so arrogant and justifies all means, furthermore when away from Haramayn. Miserable is the servant who is only able to present the physical, but without the spirit in the Baitullah. Blessed and fortunate are the servants who are able to present their bodies and spirits simultaneously. They will be His guests to enjoy the delicious “banquet” served by Allah and will be able to reveal the secrets of the mystery of the Baitullah.
Wa Allahua’lam bi al-Shawwab.
Translated by Riska Saputra, S.Pd
Alumni from the English Education Study Program at STAIN Bengkalis.
Master Student at Graduate Institute of Network Learning Technology in National Central University, Taiwan.
