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| The Hajj pilgrimage is symbolic of Muslim brotherhood and unity! |
As the month of Dhul Hijjah approaches; more than two
million Muslims from all over the world gather in Mecca to follow in the
footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and perform Hajj - one of the five pillars of
Islam! It was Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and His son, Ishmael, who constructed the
Kaaba; the most sacred site in Islam. It was the first house established on
Earth for the devotion of One Allah (SWT).
"Behold! We gave the site, to Abraham, of the
(Sacred) house, [saying], "Do not associate anything (in worship) with Me;
and sanctify My House for those who perform Tawaf or those who stand [in
prayer] and those who bow and prostrate." ~ Surah Al-Haj 22:26
"And proclaim the Pilgrimage among men; they will
come to you on foot and mounted on every kind of camel, lean on account of
journeys through deep and distant mountain highways.” ~ Surah Al-Haj 22:27
It is mandatory for Muslims, who are physically and
financially capable, to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime. Let’s
have a look at the rituals which make part of the Hajj pilgrimage:
Tawaf
(Circumambulation)
Tawaf is a key element of the Hajj rituals. Each pilgrim circumambulates around the Kaaba in Masjid Al-Haram seven times in anti-clockwise direction; beginning from the eastern corner in which the Black Stone is embedded.
Tawaf is a key element of the Hajj rituals. Each pilgrim circumambulates around the Kaaba in Masjid Al-Haram seven times in anti-clockwise direction; beginning from the eastern corner in which the Black Stone is embedded.
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| Pilgrims circumambulate around the Kaaba seven times in anti-clockwise direction! |
Sa'i
Sa'i
commemorates the events that took place in the life of Hajar, the wife of
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and mother of Ishmael. Pilgrims walk back and forth, seven
times, between the two small hills of Al-Safa and Al-Marwah as Hajar ran to search
for water for her son. No Hajj is complete with doing Sa’i that pays tribute to
Hajar’s devotion, her optimism and trust in Allah (SWT) and the Allah’s (SWT)
mercy in answering prayers.
Supplication
at Mount Arafat
Pilgrims go to the plains of Mount Arafat, to stand in vigil from noon to sunset on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijja. Arafat is where the Holy Prophet (PBUH) delivered His last sermon in 632 C.E., the year He left for the Heavenly abode!
Pilgrims go to the plains of Mount Arafat, to stand in vigil from noon to sunset on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijja. Arafat is where the Holy Prophet (PBUH) delivered His last sermon in 632 C.E., the year He left for the Heavenly abode!
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| Pilgrims go to Mount Arafat wearing ihram! |
Stoning the
Devil
Pilgrims collect stones at Muzdalfah to perform a symbolic stoning ritual in which they hurl pebbles at three walls known as Jamarat in the valley of Mina. This ritual exemplifies how the devil tried to tempt Prophet Ibrahim (AS) from not following Allah’s (SWT) command but the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) defied him by throwing stones at him on three occasions.
Pilgrims collect stones at Muzdalfah to perform a symbolic stoning ritual in which they hurl pebbles at three walls known as Jamarat in the valley of Mina. This ritual exemplifies how the devil tried to tempt Prophet Ibrahim (AS) from not following Allah’s (SWT) command but the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) defied him by throwing stones at him on three occasions.
This
exercise is a reminder to Muslims to be conscious of evil temptations and to
remain steadfast in serving Allah (SWT).
As Al-Ghazali, a mystic and
philosopher, once stated: “Declare your jihad on thirteen enemies you cannot
see - Egoism, Arrogance, Conceit, Selfishness, Greed, Lust, Intolerance, Anger,
Lying, Cheating, Gossiping and Slandering. If you can master and destroy them,
then will be ready to fight the enemy you can see.”
Qurbani
Qurbani (Udiyah in Arabic) commemorates the obedience and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) who was willing to sacrifice His son Ishmael. But Allah (SWT) intervened and spared His son by replacing him with a sheep; signifying that Allah (SWT) would never accept a human sacrifice in His name. The ritual sacrifice of an animal on Eid al-Adha epitomizes devotion to Allah (SWT) and commitment to give up (a weakness) or anything that is dear to us and willingness to help the poor and needy.
Qurbani (Udiyah in Arabic) commemorates the obedience and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) who was willing to sacrifice His son Ishmael. But Allah (SWT) intervened and spared His son by replacing him with a sheep; signifying that Allah (SWT) would never accept a human sacrifice in His name. The ritual sacrifice of an animal on Eid al-Adha epitomizes devotion to Allah (SWT) and commitment to give up (a weakness) or anything that is dear to us and willingness to help the poor and needy.
Unity in
Diversity
The Hajj is symbolic of Muslim brotherhood and unity; a unifying force in Islam which brings followers of diverse backgrounds together in worship of Allah (SWT).
The Hajj is symbolic of Muslim brotherhood and unity; a unifying force in Islam which brings followers of diverse backgrounds together in worship of Allah (SWT).
All pilgrims, whether a king or a peasant, black,
white, brown or any other color; hailing from whatever corner of the world, man
or woman; wear seamless garments known as ihram that remind Muslims of the
shroud that they will wear after death.
The entire process of Hajj pilgrimage serves as a reminder of unity of the believers that crosses all boundaries of ethnicity, gender and race.
The entire process of Hajj pilgrimage serves as a reminder of unity of the believers that crosses all boundaries of ethnicity, gender and race.
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