Hajj: Journey of a Lifetime by Shah Abdul Halim.
Publishe: Islamic Information Bureau Bangladesh, Dhaka. First Publication: June 2015. Cover Design: Mehedi Hasan. Calligraphy-Bismillah: Haji Noor Deen (China). Calligraphy: Haji Mamoun Sakkal, Printed by: The Print Master, Dhaka. Size DD 1/16. Page: 64. Price: Tk 200.
Shah Abdul Halim, a distinguished writer, researcher and journalist has a good number of works published in national and international journals. He contributes to prestigious national English dailies including The New Nation. He has to his credit some research books.
In the ‘Preface’ of the book Hajj: Journey of a Lifetime the writer has said, “…………….I believe it will encourage other visitors about the magnificent Kaaba, the experience of Hajj, and on the wonderful visit to Madinah al Munawarah. Such write-ups will be meaningful to understand the spirit of Hajj.”
The contents of the book include Kaaba, Kiswa, Kaaba door, journey, significance of Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i Hajr-al Aswad, Maqame Ibrahim, Hijr, Zamzam, Muna, Arafah, Mazdalifah, Jamarat, sacrifice, shaving, la sharika laka, laka wal mulk, hajjat al-wada, the benefits of Hajj, recommendations, minaret, gate, Kaaba surroundings, Tawaf, women using longer garment, niqab, allowing male hajis to use shoes, prayer in Maqame Ibrahim, khutba at Masjid al-Namirah, volunteers, transport, historical relies, museum, unity and brotherhood, conference, trade fair and book exhibition, washroom, Madinah al-Munawarah and concluding observation.
The writer has concluded his book mentioning the comment of Malcon X (converted Muslim on speciality of Hajj, which impressed him the most: “The brotherhood. The people of all races, colours, from all over the world coming together as one! It has proved to me the Power of One God.”
(The Autobiography of Malcom X)
The tragedy in the present day Muslim world is the absence of that ‘brotherhood,’ which has made the ummah vulnerable to all aggressions, oppressions. Let the Muslims materialise that spirit of Hajj in their lives to hope for a better future.
We expect wide circulation of the book.
– Literature Desk
