The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 4) — Page 234
CH. 22 AL-HAJJ PT. 17 their needful acts of cleansing, and fulfill their vows, and go around the Ancient House. '2460 ثُمَّ ليَقْضُوا تَفَثَهُمْ وَلْيُوفُوا نُذُورَهُمْ Then let them accomplish. 30 وَلْيَطَوَّفُوا بِالْبَيْتِ الْعَتِيقِ عتق ancient) is derived from) العتيق a other countries, to copy one another's good points and profit by one another's experience and also to cooperate with one another in many other ways. Mecca being God's appointed centre of Islam, the Pilgrimage can serve as a sort of a United Nations Organization for the whole Muslim world. All other religions have failed to produce such forum for the exchange of international ideas and programmes. But it is regretted that Muslims have not yet awakened to the realization of Mecca being an international capital for the whole Muslim world. These are some of the material benefits and advantages to which reference has been made in the words, "that they may witness its benefits;" and the words "and may mention the name of Allah," refer to the great spiritual benefits which Muslims can and should derive from the Pilgrimage to Mecca. See also 3:98. 2460. Important Words: They say, i. e. the slave became free means, the wine became old and good. means, free from slavery or emancipated; old; beautiful; excellent (Lane & Aqrab). Commentary: The words, "and go round the ancient House," refer to the last ṭawāf or circumambulation round the Ka'bah. The seven circuits round the Ka'bah correspond to seven prayers of Abraham which he uttered when, with the assistance of his Ishmael, he was building the Ka'bah. The prayers are given in 2:129-130 and are as follows: son 1. "Our Lord make us submissive to Thee; 2. "and make of our offspring a people submissive to thee; 3. "show us our ways of worship; 4. "turn to us with mercy; 5. "raise up among them Messenger from among themselves; a 6. "who may recite to them thy Signs, may teach them the Book and wisdom; (accomplish their needful acts of cleansing). (tafathun) is infinitive noun from (tafatha) which In view of the three meanings of the means, he left off shaving his pubes root word, the expression and in consequence became dirty. would mean, free, excellent and a he removed his very old House. The epithet 'free' uncleanliness. The Quranic expression implies a prophecy that no hostile then let them power will ever be able to conquer it. accomplish their needful acts of It shall always remain free. The shaving and cleansing (Lane & Aqrab). | second epithet, i. e. excellent, signifies ,means قضی تفته ,means ليقضوا تفثهم 2148