Hajj: The Largest Annual Convention of Faith

Hajj: Allah declares in the Qur’an ” And announce to humanity (O Abraham), the pilgrimage and the people will be coming from all over the globe by any means of transportation.” [Qur’an 22:27]. Indeed, even after centuries of Prophet Abraham’s message to make the journey to Hajj is being listened to, with greater numbers than ever before. This is in the manner the intention was.

Hajj from a Perspective

In the context of an act , Hajj is fard and mandatory (on those who can): Human beings who are capable of making the holy pilgrimage are obliged by Allah to complete the journey in the direction of Ka’bah. [Qur’an 3:97]

It is significant, Hajj is a rukn or pillar of belief: Islam is built on five (pillars): declaring that no one is worthy of worship except Allah and also that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah The establishment of prayer, the offering of charity as well as fasting during Ramadan and the performing of religious pilgrimage to Ka’bah to those who can. [Bukhari]

In the tradition of Islam, Hajj is a perpetuation of the sunnate-Ibrahim (the tradition of prophet Abraham). This was the prophet Ibrahim who was instructed by Allah to proclaim: ” Proclaim the Hajj that people will travel from all over the globe, using every mode of transport to see the positive effects.” [Qur’an 22:27]

A virtue, one who successfully completes the Hajj is awarded Paradise. Prophet Muhammad declared: Whosoever performs the Hajj in a manner that is not soiled by improperness or vulgarity is returned from the pilgrimage in the same condition as on the day of his birth. [Bukhari]

Demonstration of the Muslim Fraternity

The Hajj is the largest annual religious gathering that sees millions of Muslims come together in the holy land of Islam, joining as streams of worshippers from all over the globe to form part of the ocean of Believers spiritually floating in human waves in the Ka’bah Tawwaf.

Every pilgrim is one drop in that ocean. A drop that is always wishing to be part of the ocean. An ocean that does not have a barriers of race, nor gender, nor color and age the passage of time.

The Hajj …

It demonstrates the universal Islamic brotherhood

informs pilgrims about the their spiritual and historical context that was the Prophet Ibrahim, Haajar, Prophets Isma’il and Muhammad (peace be on all of them).

recreates key aspects of our past

The ‘Grand assembly’ reminds us of that was held at Day of Judgment. Day of Judgment

The ceremony of performing prescribed rites ( manaasik) that are performed at specific times at certain places in a prescribed manner is intended to reflect an authentic demonstration of Muslim solidarity and brotherhood.

It helps the pilgrim become familiar with the historical, spiritual and physical world that was the home of Adam as well as Eve, Ibrahim, Isma’il, Haajar and of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them all).

Dimensions of Hajj

Every element of the pilgrimage is used as a symbol of religious action, as well as a social and historical knowledge that is practical and spiritual aspects:

Ihraam is a symbol of equality and humility

Haram ash-Sharif at Makkah is A blessed location within Makkah, City of Ibrahim, Isma’il, Haajar and Muhammad (peace be on them) as well as in the City of Revelation and the City of Ka’bah. Ka’bah.

Ka’bah – – sanctified emblem of unification, created to help humanity improve

‘ Arafah – is a reflection of The Day of Judgment, a Day of Fraternity and Forgiveness

Muzdalifah – training for battle against enemies both external and internal

Jamaraat on Mina – a symbolic fight against evil

Udhiyah means sacrifice that signifies selfless submission to Allah’s commands

Tawaaf is a wave on the oceans of mankind, glorifying Allah

Sa’yi re-enacts Haajar’s selfless hunt for water to feed her infant son Prophet Isma’il. father of the Prophet Muhammad .

Reflections on the lessons of Hajj

The premise of Hajj is the process of advancing toward greater obedience to Allah. The act of Hajj is a demonstration of the potential power of the community. It is a symbol of harmony and unity, of respect and equality.

The performing of religious rituals during specific times in particular places in a certain way and each event at each location has been designed to serve as an…