Imam Hussein’s ‘Unfinished Hajj’ from Viewpoint of Fiqh
Research shows that the Imam (AS) had not intended to perform Hajj then since the beginning.
Mohammad Soroush Mahalati has discussed the issue in an article, excerpts of which are as follows:
The “unfinished Hajj” refers to the last Hajj of Imam Hussein (AS) before the event of Karbala. According to some historical accounts, Imam (AS) left the Hajj unfinished in order not to be arrested by the agents of Yazid ibn Muawiyah. They say he changed his Niyya (intention) from Umrah Tamattu to Umrah Mufradah and on the 8th of Dhul Hajja left Mecca for Kufa. Some other accounts, however, say that Imam (AS) since the beginning had the Niyya of Umrah Mufradah and did not begin Hajj to leave it unfinished.
Imam Hussein (AS) entered Mecca at the beginning of the month of Sha’aban and remained there until the Yawm al‑Tarwiya (8th of Dhul Hajja). The first Fiqhi issue considered here is whether or not Imam (AS) became Muhrim for Hajj rituals and then changed Tamattu to Umrah later. It has been narrated from Imam Sadiq (AS) that Imam Hussein (AS) became Muhrim for Umrah not for Tamattu and then left for Iraq on Yawm al‑Tarwiya. Even in the month of Dhul Hajja one can perform Umrah if he does not want to perform Hajj.
The second issue considered from the perspective of Fiqh is that when Imam Hussein (AS) went to Mecca, some suggested that he remain in the holy city because it is a more secure place for him. But Imam (AS) said the sanctity of Ka’aba must be preserved. The question is which one was more important, the sanctity of the Imam (AS) or that of the Ka’aba?
Imam Hussein (AS) leaves Mecca to safeguard this rule. He is responsible for protecting security and cannot say that those who shed his and other people’s blood are to blame for breach of security. Actually both have a responsibility. Imam (AS) says he will leave to prevent anything that violates the sanctity of Mecca.
It has been narrated that on the night before leaving the holy city, Muhammad ibn Hanifa went to see Imam Hussein (AS) and told him: “Why are you going to go to Kufa, a city (whose people) treated your father like that and acted against your brother like that? Stay here in Mecca where you have a dignified life and are respected.”
Imam (AS) told him in response: “I am worried that the agents of Yazid might be planning to assassinate me and there may be shedding blood in the Haram (sanctity of Mecca). I must not contribute to it but must prevent it although they are unjust.”
Imam (AS) says he must preserve the sanctity of Mecca. Imam (AS) is sacrificed so that the core of religion remains. It is not going to be the case that he sacrifices these to save himself.
