Nov 1, 2011

Muslims believe that the most ancient centre of worship, the Kaaba, which was initially and originally built by Adam (the first man and Prophet on earth), in Mecca, and then the Prophet Abraham and his son, Prophet Ishmael (Peace be upon them all) rebuilt the Kaaba in their period, more than 3,500 years ago.

Kaaba (the cube shaped building) is the place which Muslims of the entire world turn toward when praying. The Hajj as a tradition subsisted even before the birth of Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him).

The skeleton of a Muslim’s life are five pillars of Islam; and Hajj, which is also known as one of the greatest religious observances in Islam, is the fifth of them. The others are the testimony to faith, prayer, giving Zakat (support of needy) and fasting during the month of Ramadan.

The Hajj is obligatory for Muslims once in a lifetime, who can physically and financially afford to perform. Allah says, “And (due) to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House (Kaaba) – for whoever is able to find thereto a way.” (Quran 3:97). The Arabic word Hajj means, to resolve to visit a holy place: Visiting the Kaaba in Mecca is therefore called Hajj.

The Hajj is performed from 8th to 12th day in the 12th and the last month of the lunar year. About two million people from every nook and corner of the globe go to Mecca to execute the largest pilgrimage in the world. Male pilgrims wear simple unstitched two-piece clothes only (called Ihram), hence stripping away their class, culture and geographical origin, so that all stand equal before Allah. Women’s Ihram is; any dress of any colour, which fulfills the Islamic conditions of normal dress.

Hajj, in one way symbolizes death i.e., our departure from this world. The pilgrim leaves all his belongings and worldly attachments i.e., home, properties, position, children, relatives, and friends behind, and set off alone to another world, presenting himself in the court of his Creator. However, some scholars describe this as a journey from outward to inward.

Hajj also symbolizes the practical portrayal of true love and glorification of international fraternity, which the pilgrim experiences after reaching Mecca, when he finds the atmosphere filled with piety and godliness. During the days of Hajj all pilgrims recite Talbia (supplication), "Here I am O Allah! Here I am! Here I am! There is no associate with you! Here I am! Certainly praise and glory is yours (and for you)! The Kingdom is also yours! There is no associate with you!”

There are series of rituals which are obligated for pilgrims to carry out and complete during Hajj and before celebrating Eid Al Adha. Some of them are; wearing Ihram, reciting of Talbia (supplication), circumambulation of the Kaaba i.e., circling the Kaaba seven times anti-clockwise, walking and running seven times between hillocks of Safa and Marwa, arriving at Mina, standing together in Arafat and asking for what they wish, and for His forgiveness, spending a night in the open at Muzdalifah, throwing stones at devils, sacrificing a sheep or goat at Mina, drinking of Zamzam water, praying at the station of Prophet Abraham etc.

At this juncture, it would be much appropriate to provide with the excerpts of Prophet Mohammed’s (Peace be upon him) sermon during his first and last Hajj as a prophet; called Hajjatul Wida (Farewell Pilgrimage), which is considered to be one of the most remarkable historical events in the minds of Muslims.

“All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; white has no superiority over black, nor does a black have any superiority over white; (none have superiority over another) except by piety and good action”.

“O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under a trust from God and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners.”

In the present time, following the tradition laid by Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him); the Grand Mufti delivers a “Hajj Sermon” from Nimra Mosque at Arafat. Last year, the Grand Mufti in his sermon renounced violence and terrorism in all its forms and said, “Those indulging in such acts are doing injustice to this great religion”.

The experience, pilgrims encounter during these five days, with respect to the spirit of intense devotion and holiness leaves an ineradicable influence on their minds, until their last breath.

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