THE ERROR AND FUTILITY OF THE “SPECIAL HAJJ PROGRAM”
Commenting on the recent merrymaking ‘hajj’ program conducted in Isipingo Beach, Durban, a Brother from Durban, proffering Naseehat says:
HAJJ PROGRAM: ISIPINGO BEACH
The above program scheduled for 12 April 2025 refers.
This bandah of defective understanding humbly puts forth our observation for Moulana’s consideration.
The program is viewed as being a direct alternative to the Al Ansaar Hajj seminar scheduled for the same day. One needs to first understand the underlying spiritual malady. The awaam attending their program, which is in existence for over two decades, view this as a highlight social gala event on the Islamic calendar. It is thereafter capped in the words of the organisers by a “scrumptious” lunch. The attendees appease the nafs under an “Islamic” hue. The program has evolved over the years into its current deplorable state. It is littered by deviants, modernists and misguided Ulama who believe that their presence and nasheehat to be of value.
The 2500 hajj quota is for the entire South Africa. How many of them are then for KZN and within reasonable vicinity of the Al Ansaar or the Isipingo program? A mere handful. The idea that the masses are coming to the program to learn or to cultivate the desire to go for Hajj is rather wishful thinking. We have seen the true colours of Ulama and the masses during the lockdown period.
This quota is a direct punishment for the disgusting behaviour of South Africans and other nationalities in the Holy Lands. The behaviour by them in Al Aqsa is also most vile. We are aware of South African nationals in the month of Ramdaan holidaying away in Al Aqsa, not performing salaah, not going to the haram shareef, shopping the nights away and eating out, abandoning taraweeh salaah and even going to Jewish jewellers there to buy jewellery.
What smattering of knowledge is going to be derived from their Ulama slots of several minutes each? The matter is further compounded by deviant ulama who are the guides of the travel agents on the Hajj journey. These scoundrels are only enlisted by the agents because of the demand by the pilgrims. The pilgrims are attracted to them hence the clamouring of agents for these Ulama.
Against this backdrop consider the Isipingo program. You cannot provide an “alternative” to the desire and soothing of the nafs. It is not palatable to them. They want the outing, the mixing, the fanfare, the silly information, the hollow stirring of emotions about the Holy lands, the lunch and the free gifts. Taqwa is an alien concept, and when for years Ulama have not imbued this into the masses, no understanding of Deen will be discerned. You are also bringing out of the home women who would not have been going to Al Ansaar’s seminar. The Isipingo program whilst at its fledging stage will most certainly in years to come go down the path of deviation and corruption. We need to look decades down the line and not be short sighted in an effort to provide an alternative.
So, what should the approach be under such circumstances? There is no shortage of appropriate means to gain the knowledge of Hajj in the age-old tradition of our pious predecessors. The Madrasah has had over the years numerous graduates here in SA and abroad. There are also many other Ulama who are linked to our Asaatizah for their Islaah. There are also many others and Imams in surrounding areas who would also be accepting of advice and willingness to assist our Ulama. A vast majority of these Ulama have possibly already been for Hajj and Umrah.
The likelihood is that in every community or suburb that there could be in light of the quota just 2 or 3 couples or family members who are accredited. The Madrasah could encourage those local Imaams or Ulama of that locality to conduct programs for them, ideally at that family’s home. Close relatives can also be in attendance. The madrasah could provide the literature and key topics. Thus, there is no need for bringing out the women from their homes, no need for a mass program. The program will also be much more beneficial as it will be individual attention, and the family can read basic literature before the program. The program could also be held over a few days or weekends to ensure a proper coverage of the rituals, which even at the Isipingo program cannot be achieved. There will be more sincerity for the attendees and Alim. Ideally, the Ulama should conduct the programs for their own families and relatives. If the hujjaj do not have a family Alim then they could contact, you and arrangements could be made. This method is closer to precaution, sincerity and a method to imbue Taqwa into the hujjaj. Thus, by you creating this method of taleem, it would create the culture of appropriate taleem for other aspects of Deen. It also allows the Ulama to thereafter utilise the same platform/method for any other pertinent issues that arise in future which you want to address. It will encourage taleem in other aspects of Deen under our Ulama and not just the customary taleem of Fazaail. However, it is not palatable to the nafs!
15 Shawwaal 1446 – 14 April 2025