Hajj and Ramadan-same time?
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As-Salaamu Alaikum muslims and forum all,
I have been away for a while, but hope to be able to get back to studying, learning and contributing here as before, insha Allah. For the meantime, I wanted to throw out a question for those who sincerely and seriously study these two topics. I had been studying them and have some material that I still need to study more in detail before pasting anything as some sort of "conclusion"; so I want to pose the following questions to anyone that has time to answer, insha Allah. Don't feel or take it as a conclusion, but rather as a question for thought asking for points of view to which ever way you understand the issue.
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Is it possible that Hajj and Ramadan both occur at the same time?
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Is it possible that those who are meant to fast Ramadan are only those who "witness" or are "present" for the Hajj?
Please take your time to consider all of the Quranic and scientific evidence. Of course I don't believe that Hajj is to Makkah either, but that's just me.
Thanks in advance for any of your thoughts and contributions, insha Allah.
As-Salaamu Alaikum, peace
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Salaam ImamQuranonly
I was preparing to write on this subject, especially concerning the "witnessing of the shahr". Thank God you did the search already ;D.
What I noticed, strangely enough (because I never noticed this before, although I read chapter 2 n times), is that the only two verses concerning "ramadaan/fasting" are immediately followed by the hajj" verses. Search for the word shahr (does it really need searching?) is the meaning "declaration/notification". We still used this meaning in our everyday language. In almost every Arabic country, the department of real estate (registration, reclamation) is called "alshahr al3eqaary notification/declaration of real estate".
Yes, I understand that fasting Ramadaan is during the declaration of hajj. Those witnessing it/living in the town/place where this declaration takes place should fast ten days. Those who come from afar fast three days during the hajj and seven when they return (to complete the count of ten).
I hope others actively participate for/against this opinion with their invaluacle input.
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As Salaamu Alaika Samia,
Thanks for your prompt reply as I may not be able to come back later today with my busy schedule. But I have been contemplating this and doing a small amount of research on it since I fasted Ramadan in July. It was during that time right after Fajr one day that I had this concept come to mind and proceeded to discuss it with my wife. I wanted to take it very slowly because of its complete implications. Although I don't have a problem with letting go of any previously conceived notions about Al Islam from the past when Al Quran reveals something different; when drastic ideas or changes come to mind from my studies, I like to take my time and try to make sure that it is what Allah is revealing to us in Al Quran and not just my own imaginative mind.
It will be very interesting to see points of view for and against this idea from Al Quran. Insha Allah some of those who really study the most and have become very knowledgeable will add to this thread in the very near future. As soon as I have some more time, and I have put together supporting ayaat, I will try to post more; if others haven't already by then said what I would say.
As Salaamu Alaikum, peace
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Peace IQ,
It is good to see you back on the forum.
- Is it possible that Hajj and Ramadan both occur at the same time?
What Saudi Arabia calls Hajj and what sectarians call Ramadan do not occur at the same time. If you are doubting that those are the real "hajj" and the real "ramadan" then the first step is to translate those words so that you can know what they really mean.
Peace,
Ayman
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As Salaamu Alaika ayman,
Thanks for the welcome back!
Peace IQ,
It is good to see you back on the forum.
What Saudi Arabia calls Hajj and what sectarians call Ramadan do not occur at the same time. If you are doubting that those are the real "hajj" and the real "ramadan" then the first step is to translate those words so that you can know what they really mean.
Peace,
Ayman
I am not in agreement with what Saudi Arabia, sunnis and shias called Hajj and Ramadan. So I am not doubting if those are the real hajj and ramadan, I am confident that they are not. My thinking, after studying these terms and issues from Al Quran, is more in line with the discussions that have occured in the threads on this forum, many of which you have posted on. I have read as many of them as my eyes can take, but I have just not posted anything on my research on the subject and issues yet; until this post.
In these two questions, I losely use the terms "hajj" and "ramadan" to refer to what some of those here at this freeminds forum have concluded are the real meaning of the two terms. My question is really in reference to what would be the "hajj" or "great debate" or however one wanted to translate it, and the fast during the "period" of "ramadan" which many here have concluded is after the summer solstice and lasts for 10 days.
If you could address the questions from that perspective, not considering what sunnis and shias believe, then your comments would be highly appreciated. Thanks for your time to respond the first time.
As Salaamu Alaikum, peace
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Peace IQ,
In these two questions, I losely use the terms "hajj" and "ramadan" to refer to what some of those here at this freeminds forum have concluded are the real meaning of the two terms. My question is really in reference to what would be the "hajj" or "great debate" or however one wanted to translate it, and the fast during the "period" of "ramadan" which many here have concluded is after the summer solstice and lasts for 10 days.
If you could address the questions from that perspective, not considering what sunnis and shias believe, then your comments would be highly appreciated. Thanks for your time to respond the first time.
When we look in the great reading, we see the following facts about "hagg"
- It has been going on since the time of Abraham, so definitely the people of the book would know about it.
- When we read the purpose of the "hagg" in 2228 we see that it is to witness benefits and to remember the name of the god on what he gave us from the livestock. We are told to eat from it and feed the poor. In fact, if we carefully read the whole passage from 2227-37, we can realize that 90% of it is about the livestock. So this "hagg" is primarily about eating and feeding others the livestock's meat.
- It is something that naturally attracts people and thus one can use as a tool to invite ALL people with.
So what do we call that which is described by points 1, 2 and 3 above? Is a debate the first thing that comes to mind? Of course not! Ironically, the answer is very easy to find and it was right in front of us the whole time. When we look up the word "hagg" in the Old Testament, we see that it means "feast" and this is how the people of the book understood it. The prophet didn't invent anything new. The concepts in the message that he delivered are universal concepts that have always been understood.
So when is the best time to have that feast?
Naturally, the best time for feasts is when livestock and crops are plentiful. The time when those things are most plentiful is from mid-summer to early fall. Interestingly, summer to early-fall is the same time when the hunting of most species of wildlife is restricted in most places around the world.
In ancient civilizations, feasts during the the mid-summer to early fall period naturally started after the night of the full-moon. The full-moon served as a marker that everyone from all over can witness. Additionally, from a practical point of view, the full-moon the night before the feast allowed farmers to work late at night to harvest the crops for the next day's feast. Hence, the term "harvest moon" to describe such full-moons.
Interestingly, one of the meanings of the word "shahr" in Lisan Al-3arab is "full-moon". This meaning is strongly supported by the etymology of the word and its use in the great reading.
From the great reading, we know that the feast can take place at the inviolable four full-moons. The main marker is the first of those full-moons, which is the scroching ("ramadan" full-moon. According to Classical Arabic dictionaries, the Arabic word ?ramadan? literally means ?scorching heat?. Like when you hear about ?scorching? coals, the word ?ramadan" invokes the imagery of ?heat? and ?reddish color?. So what is this hot and red full-moon?
The hottest times of the year start after the summer solstice when the sun is at its highest point. The sun and moon are on opposite sides of the earth. So the first full-moon after the summer appears much lower on the horizon (and thus reddish in color) than all the other full-moon during the hottest time of the year. Therefore, this full-moon naturally fits best the description of a ?scorching full-moon?.
For more information, please see
http//www.free-minds.org/articles/science/timing.htm
Peace,
Ayman
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- Is it possible that Hajj and Ramadan both occur at the same time?
Salamun Aalaikum All,
With regards to the first question, i believe that "shahr alharama"(the time you perform your Hajj) and ramadhan(the time that you fast) cannot occur at the same time. This is my reasoning.
i. Fasting acts as one of the options to punnish the people who hunt during the shahr al-haram. Because in ramadhan, we are already fasting, it is not logical for punnish somebody who is already fasting.
595 You, you those who believed, do not kill the hunting, and you are forbidden,and who intentionally killed it from you, so a reimbursement equal (to) what he killed from the livestock, (two) of (B) justice from you judges with it (as) an offering delivered (to) the Kaaba , or substitution (of) feeding (the) poorest of poor, or redemption (of) that (is) fasting , to taste his matter's bad consequences, God forgave on what preceded, and who returned (again), so God revenges from Him, and God (is) mighty , (owner) of revenge.
ii. - Somebody who is restricted to complete the Hajj and the visiting to God cannot shave his head because of sickness or mild harm from his head is to fast when the offerings reaches its destination
- Somebody who have completed visiting to Hajj, is to offer something easy as an offering, but if he doesnt finds it, he have to fast for total 10 days(where to fast depends on the location whether his family attend is at Masjidil Alharama).
2196 And complete the pilgrimage and the visiting to God, so if you were restricted , so what became easy, from the offerings , and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches its place/destination, so who was from you sick/diseased, or with him mild harm from his head so a ransom/redemption from fasting , or charity, or rituals or methods of worship/offerings , so if you became safe/secure, so who enjoyed with the visiting, to the pilgrimage, so what became easy/possible from the offering, so who does not find, so fasting three days in the pilgrimage, and seven(days) if you returned, that is ten complete (days), that (is) to whom his family was not present/attending, (at) the Mosque the Forbidden/Sacred, and fear and obey God, and know that God (is) strong (severe in) the punishment.
Because of there is an option to fast during the shahr alharama, imho, ramadhan and shar alharama does not overlap
salam
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Peace loli,
Excellent observations ! Thanks for sharing your understanding.
I concur with your understanding that the abstenance/sawm starting with "shahr ramdaan", and the time/period of "hajj" do not overlap, as you have logically proved from al-qur'aan.
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As Salaamu Alaikum loli and all,
Salamun Aalaikum All,
With regards to the first question, i believe that "shahr alharama"(the time you perform your Hajj) and ramadhan(the time that you fast) cannot occur at the same time. This is my reasoning.
i. Fasting acts as one of the options to punnish the people who hunt during the shahr al-haram. Because in ramadhan, we are already fasting, it is not logical for punnish somebody who is already fasting.
595 You, you those who believed, do not kill the hunting, and you are forbidden,and who intentionally killed it from you, so a reimbursement equal (to) what he killed from the livestock, (two) of (B) justice from you judges with it (as) an offering delivered (to) the Kaaba , or substitution (of) feeding (the) poorest of poor, or redemption (of) that (is) fasting , to taste his matter's bad consequences, God forgave on what preceded, and who returned (again), so God revenges from Him, and God (is) mighty , (owner) of revenge.
ii. - Somebody who is restricted to complete the Hajj and the visiting to God cannot shave his head because of sickness or mild harm from his head is to fast when the offerings reaches its destination
- Somebody who have completed visiting to Hajj, is to offer something easy as an offering, but if he doesnt finds it, he have to fast for total 10 days(where to fast depends on the location whether his family attend is at Masjidil Alharama).
2196 And complete the pilgrimage and the visiting to God, so if you were restricted , so what became easy, from the offerings , and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches its place/destination, so who was from you sick/diseased, or with him mild harm from his head so a ransom/redemption from fasting , or charity, or rituals or methods of worship/offerings , so if you became safe/secure, so who enjoyed with the visiting, to the pilgrimage, so what became easy/possible from the offering, so who does not find, so fasting three days in the pilgrimage, and seven(days) if you returned, that is ten complete (days), that (is) to whom his family was not present/attending, (at) the Mosque the Forbidden/Sacred, and fear and obey God, and know that God (is) strong (severe in) the punishment.
Because of there is an option to fast during the shahr alharama, imho, ramadhan and shar alharama does not overlap
salam
Fasting is given as a last resort for the expiation of violating Allah?s commandments during this time (Hurumun how many months?). Maybe you are contending that this time ?hurumun? is exactly the ?hajj?. Either way, your point does not preclude the additional days to fast for expiation to be made after the completion of the count of the days prescribed for ?shahru ramadan?, if it was indeed also the time for ?hajj?.
Also, if you notice, during this time, if an animal is killed, the first punishment is a reimbursement equal to what he killed from the livestock as an offering delivered to the Kaaba. If your logic was correct, how can a sacrifice be a punishment since we are to send sacrifices to the kaaba during hajj anyway? The same can be said about feeding the poor also
2226
{26}Transliteration Wa-ith bawwa/na li-ibraheema makana albayti an la tushrik bee shay-an watahhir baytiya liltta-ifeena waalqa-imeena waalrrukkaAAi alssujoodi
Literal And when We established/assigned to Abraham the House/Home's place/position, that do not share/make partners with Me (in) a thing, and purify/clean My House/Home to the circlers/walkers around,232and the standing/keeping up, and the bowing, and the prostrating.
Free-Minds And We have appointed to Abraham the place of the sanctuary "Do not set up anyone with Me, and purify My sanctuary for those who will partake, and those who will enforce, and those who kneel and prostrate."
Rashad Khalifa We appointed Abraham to establish the Shrine "You shall not idolize any other god beside Me, and purify My shrine for those who visit it, those who live near it, and those who bow and prostrate.
Yusuf Ali Behold! We gave the site, to Abraham, of the (Sacred) House, (saying) "Associate not anything (in worship) with Me; and sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or stand up, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer).2227
{27}Transliteration Waaththin fee alnnasi bialhajji ya/tooka rijalan waAAala kulli damirin ya/teena min kulli fajjin AAameeqin
Literal And inform/announce in the people with (about) the pilgrimage, they come to you walking and on every lean/thin, they come from every deep/far/long mountain path.
Free-Minds And call out to mankind with the Pilgrimage, they will come to you walking and on every transport, they will come from every deep enclosure.
Rashad Khalifa "And proclaim that the people shall observe Hajj pilgrimage. They will come to you walking or riding on various exhausted (means of transportation). They will come from the farthest locations."
Yusuf Ali "And proclaim the Pilgrimage among men they will come to thee on foot and (mounted) on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways;2228
{27}Transliteration Liyashhadoo manafiAAa lahum wayathkuroo isma Allahi fee ayyamin maAAloomatin AAala ma razaqahum min baheemati al-anAAami fakuloo minha waatAAimoo alba-isa alfaqeera
Literal To witness benefits/uses for them, and they mention/remember God's name in known days/times, on (for) what He provided for them from quadrupeds of land and sea excluding felines the camels/livestock, so eat from it, and feed the miserable/fallen in hardship, the poor/needy .
Free-Minds So that they may witness benefits for themselves and recall God's name in the appointed days over what He has provided for them of the animal livestock. So eat from it and feed the needy and the poor.
Rashad Khalifa They may seek commercial benefits, and they shall commemorate GOD's name during the specified days for providing them with livestock. "Eat therefrom and feed the despondent and the poor."
Yusuf Ali "That they may witness the benefits (provided) for them, and celebrate the name of Allah, through the Days appointed, over the cattle which He has provided for them (for sacrifice) then eat ye thereof and feed the distressed ones in want.Fasting is also a prescribed part of the hajj when it is unable to be completed at its prescribed time. So the same logic applies to it as you used for Ramadan; i.e. if your logic is correct, (that fasting can?t be an additional punishment or expiation for wrongdoing during Ramadan because we are already fasting; i.e. that it can?t even be added onto the count of days already prescribed), then fasting would not be a permitted punishment during Hajj since it is already prescribed here (although for the those who complete it after the prescribed timing)
2196
{196}
Transliteration Waatimmoo alhajja waalAAumrata lillahi fa-in ohsirtum fama istaysara mina alhadyi wala tahliqoo ruoosakum hatta yablugha alhadyu mahillahu faman kana minkum mareedan aw bihi athan min ra/sihi fafidyatun min siyamin aw sadaqatin aw nusukin fa-itha amintum faman tamattaAAa bialAAumrati ila alhajji fama istaysara mina alhadyi faman lam yajid fasiyamu thalathati ayyamin fee alhajji wasabAAatin itha rajaAAtum tilka AAasharatun kamilatun thalika liman lam yakun ahluhu hadiree almasjidi alharami waittaqoo Allaha waiAAlamoo anna Allaha shadeedu alAAiqabi
Literal And complete the pilgrimage and the visiting of God's House in other than the four forbidden sacred months to God, so if you were restricted/surrounded , so what became easy/possible , from the offerings , and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches its place/destination, so who was from you sick/diseased, or with him mild harm from his head so a ransom/redemption from fasting , or charity, or rituals or methods of worship/offerings , so if you became safe/secure, so who enjoyed with the visiting of God's House in other than the four forbidden/sacred months, to the pilgrimage, so what became easy/possible from the offering, so who does not find, so fasting three days in the pilgrimage, and seven(days) if you returned, that is ten complete (days), that (is) to whom his family was not present/attending, (at) the Mosque the Forbidden/Sacred, and fear and obey God, and know that God (is) strong (severe in) the punishment.
Free-Minds And complete the Pilgrimage and the visit for God. But, if you are prevented, then make what is affordable of donation, and do not shave your heads until the donation reaches its destination; but whoever of you is ill or has an affliction to his head, then he may redeem by fasting or giving a charity or a sacrifice. But if you are able, then whoever continues the visit until the Pilgrimage, then he shall provide what is affordable of donation; but for he who cannot find anything, then he must fast for three days during the Pilgrimage and seven when he returns; this will make a complete ten; this is for those whose family is not present at the Restricted Temple. And be aware of God, and know that God is severe in retribution.
Rashad Khalifa You shall observe the complete rites of Hajj andUmrah for GOD. If you are prevented, you shall send an offering, and do not resume cutting your hair until your offering has reached its destination. If you are ill, or suffering a head injury (and you must cut your hair), you shall expiate by fasting, or giving to charity, or some other form of worship. During the normal Hajj, if you break the state of Ihraam (sanctity) betweenUmrah and Hajj, you shall expiate by offering an animal sacrifice. If you cannot afford it, you shall fast three days during Hajj and seven when you return home - this completes ten - provided you do not live at the Sacred Masjid. You shall observe GOD, and know that GOD is strict in enforcing retribution.
Yusuf Ali And complete the Hajj or 'umra in the service of Allah. But if ye are prevented (From completing it), send an offering for sacrifice, such as ye may find, and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice. And if any of you is ill, or has an ailment in his scalp, (Necessitating shaving), (He should) in compensation either fast, or feed the poor, or offer sacrifice; and when ye are in peaceful conditions (again), if any one wishes to continue the 'umra on to the hajj, He must make an offering, such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford it, He should fast three days during the hajj and seven days on his return, Making ten days in all. This is for those whose household is not in (the precincts of) the Sacred Mosque. And fear Allah, and know that Allah Is strict in punishment.Here, we are told to complete/accomplish/fulfill ?alhajja waalAAumrata? for Allah. But if we can?t, we are to send a sacrifice and shave our heads; unless we are ill and/or cannot ?fafidyatun min siyamin aw sadaqatin aw nusukin? ?ransom/redemption from fasting , or charity, or rituals or methods of worship/offerings?. To me this sounds like exemption from the rituals and commandments, a mercy; not another way to punish the ill or those oppressed from performing the rituals.
Now we are told, so when/if you become secure or safe again, then he who continues the ?umrah? to the ?Hajj? should offer the sacrifice unless he can?t afford it; in which case he can fast for three days in or during the ?hajj? and seven days during their return. This makes it clear that this instruction is ONLY for those who are journeying/traveling to the ?hajj?, and not living at the ?site? as Allah continues to point out and mention. ?thalika liman lam yakun ahluhu hadiree almasjidi alharami? Thus further also establishing that the ?site? for the pilgrimage is ?almasjidi alHaraami?.
Now the keys here are ?tilka AAasharatun kamilatun?, for those who don?t reside in the vicinity and make the ?hajj? at the time that is DIFFERENT from the prescribed time.
So a person who has missed the rituals of ?hajj? during it?s prescribed time (? Shahru Ramadan?), assuming that the rituals include the fast?.are prescribed to just offer the sacrifice when completing the ?umrah? to ?hajj? once it has become safe/secure; or IF THEY CAN?T NOT AFFORD THE SACRIFICE, then to FAST in two periods the completed number of days; 3 while on Hajj and 7 when they return home to complete the count of ten.
The entire mentioning of ?fasting? in this ayat is for those who are PREVENTED from completing the ?hajj? and the ?umrah? for Allah during their normal timing. Also, the first ?fast? mentioned in this ayat is about being exempted from fasting if you are ill, and the second mention of fasting in this ayat is about fasting during a time other than the prescribed time for those who don?t live in the vicinity of the ?hajj?, but have journeyed there.
Therefore
ii. - Somebody who is restricted to complete the Hajj and the visiting to God cannot shave his head because of sickness or mild harm from his head is to fast when the offerings reaches its destination
This does not prove that Sharu Ramadan and ?Waatimmoo alhajja waalAAumrata lillahi? can not or are not at the same time because what is being referenced as an argument about fasting is outside the original time prescribed for the ?hajj?.
- Somebody who have completed visiting to Hajj, is to offer something easy as an offering, but if he doesnt finds it, he have to fast for total 10 days(where to fast depends on the location whether his family attend is at Masjidil Alharama).
Because of there is an option to fast during the shahr alharama, imho, ramadhan and shar alharama does not overlap
salam
This does not prove that Sharu Ramadan and ?Waatimmoo alhajja waalAAumrata lillahi? can not or are not at the same time because what is being referenced as an argument about fasting is outside the original time prescribed (?shahru ramadan?) for the ?hajj? as well and is only for those who don?t reside at the site for the ?hajj?.
It may be beneficial when trying to understand the two questions that I have put forward to look at the dissertation about Ramadan and fasting from the ayaat of Al Quran that begin with Sura 2 ayat 183 through, if taken together, ends at ayat 202.
There are many similarities described for ?Ramadan? and ?hajj?. Before we simply dismiss this possibility, let?s consider all the possibilities if possible. I am not saying either is right or wrong at this point. Just furthering the discussion of the questions.
I will ask them again for those interested in continuing the dialogue
As-Salaamu Alaikum muslims and forum all,
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Is it possible that Hajj and Ramadan both occur at the same time?
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Is it possible that those who are meant to fast Ramadan are only those who "witness" or are "present" for the Hajj?
Please take your time to consider all of the Quranic and scientific evidence. Of course I don't believe that Hajj is to Makkah either, but that's just me.
Thanks in advance for any of your thoughts and contributions, insha Allah.
As-Salaamu Alaikum, peace
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As Salaamu Alaikum again all,
In reference to the proposed questions..here are some points of view
2183
{183}
Transliteration Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo kutiba AAalaykumu alssiyamu kama kutiba AAala allatheena min qablikum laAAallakum tattaqoona
Literal You, you those who believed, it is dictated/ordered on you the fasting , as it is dictated/ordered on those from before you, maybe you fear and obey (God).
Free-Minds O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you as it was decreed for those before you perhaps you may be righteous.
Rashad Khalifa O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation.
Yusuf Ali O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint,-Clearly fasting is not a new concept for the believers, those who have trusting faith in Allah. It is a way of building conciousness towards Allah.
2184
{184}
Transliteration Ayyaman maAAdoodatin faman kana minkum mareedan aw AAala safarin faAAiddatun min ayyamin okhara waAAala allatheena yuteeqoonahu fidyatun taAAamu miskeenin faman tatawwaAAa khayran fahuwa khayrun lahu waan tasoomoo khayrun lakum in kuntum taAAlamoona
Literal Days/times counted/numbered, so who was from you sick/diseased or on (a) journey/trip/voyage, so numbered/counted from other days/times, and on those who (can) endure/tolerate/bear it a ransom/redemption (of) feeding a poorest of poor/poor oppressed, so who volunteered goodness/generosity , so it is best for him, and that you fast (it is) best for you, if you are knowing.
Free-Minds A few number of days. Whoever of you is ill or traveling, then the same number from different days; and as for those who can do so but with difficulty, they may redeem by feeding the needy. And whoever does good voluntarily, then it is better for him. And if you fast it is better for you if you knew.
Rashad Khalifa Specific days (are designated for fasting); if one is ill or traveling, an equal number of other days may be substituted. Those who can fast, but with great difficulty, may substitute feeding one poor person for each day of breaking the fast. If one volunteers (more righteous works), it is better. But fasting is the best for you, if you only knew.
Yusuf Ali (Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (Should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (With hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will,- it is better for him. And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew.Fasting for numbered/counted days; except for those ill or traveling. For these, fasting is to be done from different days; with the possible exception of those who can endure it.
2185
{185}
Transliteration Shahru ramadana allathee onzila feehi alqur-anu hudan lilnnasi wabayyinatin mina alhuda waalfurqani faman shahida minkumu alshshahra falyasumhu waman kana mareedan aw AAala safarin faAAiddatun min ayyamin okhara yureedu Allahu bikumu alyusra wala yureedu bikumu alAAusra walitukmiloo alAAiddata walitukabbiroo Allaha AAala ma hadakum walaAAallakum tashkuroona
Literal (The) month (of) Ramadan , which the Koran was descended in it, (is) guidance to the people, and evidences from the guidance and the Separator of Right and Wrong/Koran , so who witnessed from you the month, so he should fast it (E) , and who was sick/diseased or on (a) journey/trip/voyage, so numbered/counted from other days. God wills/wants with you the ease/flexibility and does not want with you the difficulty/hardship , and to complete the term , and to greaten/magnify God on what He guided you, and maybe you thank/be grateful .
Free-Minds A month in early autumn, in which the Quran was sent down as a guide to the people and a clarification of the guidance and the criterion. Therefore, whoever of you can observe the season, then let him fast therein. And whoever is ill or traveling, then the same number from different days. God wants to bring you ease and not to bring you hardship; and so that you may complete the count, and glorify God for what He has guided you, that you may be thankful.
Rashad Khalifa Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. GOD wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify GOD for guiding you, and to express your appreciation.
Yusuf Ali Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.Shahru Ramadana is clearly defined as the time for this fasting to be completed, for those who are ?shahida?(present/witness). And again it is stressed that those who are ill or on a journey, for their time to be made from other days.
2196
{196}Transliteration Waatimmoo alhajja waalAAumrata lillahi fa-in ohsirtum fama istaysara mina alhadyi wala tahliqoo ruoosakum hatta yablugha alhadyu mahillahu faman kana minkum mareedan aw bihi athan min ra/sihi fafidyatun min siyamin aw sadaqatin aw nusukin fa-itha amintum faman tamattaAAa bialAAumrati ila alhajji fama istaysara mina alhadyi faman lam yajid fasiyamu thalathati ayyamin fee alhajji wasabAAatin itha rajaAAtum tilka AAasharatun kamilatun thalika liman lam yakun ahluhu hadiree almasjidi alharami waittaqoo Allaha waiAAlamoo anna Allaha shadeedu alAAiqabi
Literal And complete the pilgrimage and the visiting of God's House in other than the four forbidden sacred months to God, so if you were restricted/surrounded , so what became easy/possible , from the offerings , and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches its place/destination, so who was from you sick/diseased, or with him mild harm from his head so a ransom/redemption from fasting , or charity, or rituals or methods of worship/offerings , so if you became safe/secure, so who enjoyed with the visiting of God's House in other than the four forbidden/sacred months, to the pilgrimage, so what became easy/possible from the offering, so who does not find, so fasting three days in the pilgrimage, and seven(days) if you returned, that is ten complete (days), that (is) to whom his family was not present/attending, (at) the Mosque the Forbidden/Sacred, and fear and obey God, and know that God (is) strong (severe in) the punishment.
Free-Minds And complete the Pilgrimage and the visit for God. But, if you are prevented, then make what is affordable of donation, and do not shave your heads until the donation reaches its destination; but whoever of you is ill or has an affliction to his head, then he may redeem by fasting or giving a charity or a sacrifice. But if you are able, then whoever continues the visit until the Pilgrimage, then he shall provide what is affordable of donation; but for he who cannot find anything, then he must fast for three days during the Pilgrimage and seven when he returns; this will make a complete ten; this is for those whose family is not present at the Restricted Temple. And be aware of God, and know that God is severe in retribution.
Rashad Khalifa You shall observe the complete rites of Hajj andUmrah for GOD. If you are prevented, you shall send an offering, and do not resume cutting your hair until your offering has reached its destination. If you are ill, or suffering a head injury (and you must cut your hair), you shall expiate by fasting, or giving to charity, or some other form of worship. During the normal Hajj, if you break the state of Ihraam (sanctity) betweenUmrah and Hajj, you shall expiate by offering an animal sacrifice. If you cannot afford it, you shall fast three days during Hajj and seven when you return home - this completes ten - provided you do not live at the Sacred Masjid. You shall observe GOD, and know that GOD is strict in enforcing retribution.
Yusuf Ali And complete the Hajj or 'umra in the service of Allah. But if ye are prevented (From completing it), send an offering for sacrifice, such as ye may find, and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice. And if any of you is ill, or has an ailment in his scalp, (Necessitating shaving), (He should) in compensation either fast, or feed the poor, or offer sacrifice; and when ye are in peaceful conditions (again), if any one wishes to continue the 'umra on to the hajj, He must make an offering, such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford it, He should fast three days during the hajj and seven days on his return, Making ten days in all. This is for those whose household is not in (the precincts of) the Sacred Mosque. And fear Allah, and know that Allah Is strict in punishment.Instructions are given here for those do not live at al masjid al harami and who are not able to complete the Hajj during the normal prescribed time. (when?) If they are prevented from doing so, they are to send a donatin and shave their heads, unless they are ill or have a head affliction; in which case they are either exempted from fasting, charity or a sacrifice; or depending upon one?s understanding here, they can redeem by fasting, giving charity or offering a sacrifice.
So does this mean that if you are prevented from the Hajj to begin with, that you can send a sacrifice, then shave your head. And if you can not shave your head, then you can fast, give charity or offer a second sacrifice?
Or does this mean that if you are prevented from Hajj to begin with, that you can send a sacrifice and shave your head; but if you are ill or have a head aliment, then you are exempt from fasting, giving in charity or sacrificing?
But, if they are able to continue on with the visit to the Hajj and complete the journey, then they don?t have to follow the above instructions, but instead are to offer what is affordable of a donation; and only if they can?t do/afford that, then they are to fast three days during the Hajj and 7 days on their return home in order to complete the full count of 10. (what full count? Why 10? Ayyaman maAAdoodatin? 2184 Days/times counted/numbered?)
{27}
Transliteration Liyashhadoo manafiAAa lahum wayathkuroo isma Allahi fee ayyamin maAAloomatin AAala ma razaqahum min baheemati al-anAAami fakuloo minha waatAAimoo alba-isa alfaqeera
Literal To witness benefits/uses for them, and they mention/remember God's name in known days/times, on (for) what He provided for them from quadrupeds of land and sea excluding felines the camels/livestock, so eat from it, and feed the miserable/fallen in hardship, the poor/needy.
Free-Minds So that they may witness benefits for themselves and recall God's name in the appointed days over what He has provided for them of the animal livestock. So eat from it and feed the needy and the poor.
Rashad Khalifa They may seek commercial benefits, and they shall commemorate GOD's name during the specified days for providing them with livestock. "Eat therefrom and feed the despondent and the poor."
"That they may witness the benefits (provided) for them, and celebrate the name of Allah, through the Days appointed, over the cattle which He has provided for them (for sacrifice) then eat ye thereof and feed the distressed ones in want.This ayat follows the command from Allah to call mankind to the Hajj (read from 2225) so that they may ?be present/witness? the benefits for them and remember Allah?s name in ?ayyamin maAAloomatin?, in the known/appointed days/times. Which days are the ones known and/or appointed for this? (2185? Shahru Ramadana?) Also consider
2189
{189}
Transliteration Yas-aloonaka AAani al-ahillati qul hiya mawaqeetu lilnnasi waalhajji walaysa albirru bi-an ta/too albuyoota min thuhooriha walakinna albirra mani ittaqa wa/too albuyoota min abwabiha waittaqoo Allaha laAAallakum tuflihoona
Literal They ask/question you about the crescents. Say "It is appointed times to the people, and the pilgrimage , and the righteousness is not that you come to the houses/homes from its backs, and but the righteousness (is) who feared and obeyed (God), and came (to) the houses/homes from its doors/entrances. And fear and obey God, maybe you succeed/win."
Free-Minds They ask you regarding the new moons, Say "They are a timing mechanism for the people as well as for the Pilgrimage." And piety is not that you would enter a home from its back, but piety is whomever is righteous and come to the homes from their main doors. And be aware of God that you may succeed.
Rashad Khalifa They ask you about the phases of the moon! Say, "They provide a timing device for the people, and determine the time of Hajj." It is not righteous to beat around the bush; righteousness is attained by upholding the commandments and by being straightforward. You shall observe GOD, that you may succeed.Yusuf Ali They ask thee concerning the New Moons. Say They are but signs to mark fixed periods of time in (the affairs of) men, and for Pilgrimage. It is no virtue if ye enter your houses from the back It is virtue if ye fear Allah. Enter houses through the proper doors And fear Allah That ye may prosper.?Al-ahillati? are ?mawaqeetu?(appointed times,timing mechanism)?lin-naasi wal Hajji? (for the people and the Hajj). Again, attention is put on the timing for the people and for the Hajj. Does anyone else see a connection?
Let me try to sum up a few points
- 2185 Shahru Ramadan is clearly defined as the time when the Quran was descended and marks the ?Ayyaman maAAdoodatin? counted/numbered times/days for fasting that is prescribed to those who have trusting faith in Allah and ?faman shahida minkumu alshshahra? so who witnessed(is present) from you the month?.
- 2185 Those who are ill or on a journey are to make up these days for Shahru Ramadan at other times, so to not be in difficulty but also to complete the count ?walitukmiloo alAAiddata?, thus most likely making the first part for those who live at the site (unless journeying) and/or are ?present? during this time at the site.
- 2189 Al-ahillati are a timing device for the people and the Hajj.
- Ayaat 2225 to 2228 describe Allah?s call to mankind to make the Hajj and be present/witness the benefits for them and remember Allah?s name in ?ayyamin maAAloomatin? known times/days.
- 2196 mention that for those who don?t live at the site of ?almasjid alharami?, that if they are able to complete the Hajj during other times than the prescribed time, that they should offer a sacrifice, or if they can?t afford it, to FAST 3 DAYS DURING THE HAJJ, AND 7 DAYS ON THEIR RETURN TO COMPLETE THE COUNT OF (fasiyamu thalathati ayyamin fee alhajji wasabAAatin itha rajaAAtum tilka AAasharatun kamilatun)
Possible conclusions
Since the first command in 2196 is to complete/fulfill/accomplish the rites of Hajj, these could be describing the fasting and feeding of the poor that are also described in 2184-185 and 2228. These seem to be the first commandments for those who ?live or are present/witness? at the site of ?almasjid alharami? during the ?shahru ramadan?.
The second and subsequent set of commandments seem to address those who are ill or journeying, or those prevented from completing the journey, or those who complete the journey at other times than the prescribed time; about how they are to fulfill the rites appointed by Allah according to His commandments.
Unless further evidence contradicts the possibility, it is possible that the fasting of ?shahru ramadan? is part of the ?hajj? rites/rituals. It would be incumbent upon those who live at site of ?al masjid al harami? and those that are present during ?shahru ramadan? at the site. Those who have difficulty in some capacity, journeying to or away from, or are prevented access to the site, have been given the ways and means of fulfilling the rites/rituals according to the commandments of Allah.
Although this is a big change in thinking from traditional or well excepted understandings, it would mean that fasting during ?shahru ramadan? is not for all those on earth, but only for those who are ?shahida? (present/witness) ?shahru ramadan? at the site of al masjidi al harami as part of the ?hajj? rites/rituals.
To fulfill/accomplish/perform the ?hajj? with it?s rites/rituals is a duty that all men owe to Allah who can afford the journey as can be noted from 396-97 and 22 25-37.
Your thoughts, comments, opinions, and other evidences from Al Quran to refute or agree with these possibilities are most welcomed. Surely, maybe I am missing something here. My feelings won't be hurt if I am wrong. )
As Salaamu Alaikum peace