لَيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ أَن تَبْتَغُوا۟ فَضْلًا مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ ۚ فَإِذَآ أَفَضْتُم مِّنْ عَرَفَـٰتٍ فَٱذْكُرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عِندَ ٱلْمَشْعَرِ ٱلْحَرَامِ ۖ وَٱذْكُرُوهُ كَمَا هَدَىٰكُمْ وَإِن كُنتُم مِّن قَبْلِهِۦ لَمِنَ ٱلضَّآلِّينَ 198
Translations
There is no blame upon you for seeking bounty from your Lord [during ḥajj]. But when you depart from ʿArafāt, remember Allāh at al-Mashʿar al-Ḥarām. And remember Him, as He has guided you, for indeed, you were before that among those astray.
Transliteration
Laysa alaikum junāḥun an tabtaghū faḍlan min rabbikum, fa-idhā afaḍtum min ʿArafāt, fadhkirū-llāha ʿinda-l-mashʿari-l-ḥarām, wadhkirūhu kamā hadākum, wa-in kuntum min qablih lamin-al-ḍāllīn.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This verse permits pilgrims to engage in lawful trade and commerce during the Hajj pilgrimage, clarifying that seeking worldly provision is not sinful when performed alongside the sacred rites. It then instructs pilgrims to remember Allah abundantly at Muzdalifah (the sacred monument) after departing from Arafat, emphasizing constant remembrance of Allah for guiding them from previous ignorance. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi note this verse removes the misconception that Hajj requires complete abandonment of permissible worldly transactions, while maintaining the spiritual primacy of remembering and worshipping Allah.
Revelation Context
Revealed in Medina during the discussion of Hajj regulations, this verse addresses a concern among early Muslims about whether commercial dealings during pilgrimage were acceptable. It contextualizes the spiritual journey of Hajj within the broader Islamic framework that permits lawful livelihood, reflecting the balanced approach of Shariah between worldly and spiritual affairs.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said regarding Hajj: 'There is no Hajj without the tawaaf (circumambulation)' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 862). Additionally, Aisha (RA) narrated that the Prophet permitted trade during Hajj, demonstrating the practical application of this verse's permission (Sunan Ibn Majah 2923).
Themes
Key Lesson
Islam does not demand separation from lawful worldly pursuits; rather, believers can seek provision while maintaining spiritual awareness and devotion to Allah. The verse teaches that remembrance of Allah should permeate all our activities, transforming even mundane transactions into acts of worship through conscious intention and gratitude.