Observing the Rituals (Sha’a’ir)

As God Himself says: “… and whoever respects the signs of Allah, this is (the outcome) of the piety of hearts.” [1]

The Arabic word “Sha’a’ir” is the plural of “Sha’eerah” used in the Quran on different occasions and several meanings. One of them is used for the Hajj rituals including the stops (in certain places), circumambulation, and sa’iy (the running between Safa and Marwa). The second meaning is the camel which is fattened for sacrifice. The third meaning is the religion of God; and the fourth meaning would be anything signifying obedience to God for the performance of which man rises and any negligence of it is not permissible. In this relation, God says: “… do not violate the sings appointed be Allah.” [2] Therefore, when it is said one of the fruits and effects of piety is to observe religious rituals, it means that a pious man has to perform duties in relation to the religion that God has determined and the holy prophet (SAW) and the imams of guidance have elaborated, that too, with devotion and love. Even if one fails to perform such duties, he has to ask God to help and give him the blessing of its performance.

The above-said verse is used to show that the Hajj rituals being an example of the divine decrees is the result of piety of hearts, for when a heart is purified, it has the capacity to direct a man to act according to the rules of religion and decrees of God. Only a diseased heart disobeys and rebels against the path of guidance.