K M Zubair :
No to racism divisions is a fundamental concept in Islam
Hajj has its own merits, its own beauty, and its own taste. Everyone who goes to Hajj knows how it feels like, and how effective impacts it has on the souls and hearts.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: “Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of pleasing Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor commits any evil deed, shall return from it as free from sin as the day on which his mother gave birth to him.”
When we speak of forgiveness of sins as in the Hadith mentioned above, we actually refer to minor sins. However, the contents of this Hadith have been noted in such numerous Ahadith that some Ulema are of the opinion that minor as well as major sins are included in this pardon from Allah.
Hajj symbolises the concept of ‘Ummatun Wahidaâ’ (One Ummah). The Muslims from all parts of the world who speak different languages and have different looks upon their faces, all perform the various obligatory acts together like the Tawaf around the Ka’ba, the running between Safa and Marwa, the stoning of the Jamarat, the wearing of the Ihram and, most importantly, stay at Arafat. Indeed the concept of one united Ummah with no distinction, with no racism or nationalistic divisions is a fundamental concept in Islam.
Another essential spiritual message of the Hajj is one of humility to God and His supremacy and control over all that we know. The multitude of people and their inner beliefs and practices are all to be judged by God and God alone in His infinite wisdom and full knowledge. Indeed, as the Holy Qur’an insists, “Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from error…..” (2: 256) The result of a successful Hajj is a rich inner peace, which is manifested outwardly in the values of justice, honesty, respect, generosity, kindness, forgiveness, mercy and empathy. And it is these values – all attributes of God Almighty – that are indispensable to us all if we are just to get along in this world.
The spiritual trip is not complete without a visit to Madinah and the Holy Prophet’s mosque, giving the pilgrims the wonderful opportunity to greet their beloved leader, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: “The prayer in this Masjid of mine is better than one thousand prayers elsewhere except in the Holy Masjid – of Makkah” And about the virtues of praying in this beautiful Masjid, the Holy Prophet said: “Whoever prays in this Masjid of mine forty prayers consecutively without missing one of them, it will be written for him an innocence from Hellfire, and a salvation from the Torment, and will be free from hypocrisy”.
Festival of sacrifice: Eid-Al-Adha, which ends the period of Hajj, is the celebration of sacrifice. During Eid-Al-Adha we remember the spirit of Prophet Ibrahim (Blessing of Allah be on him) and how he was willing to sacrifice the person (his son) he loved the most, because it was Allah’s command. Even the people who do not perform the Hajj think about what it symbolises and celebrate the festival and ritual of offering sacrifice of a lamb.
The meat from the sacrifice of Eid Al-Adha is mostly given away to others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor. The act symbolises our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah’s commands. It also symbolises our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We recognise that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others. It is very important to understand that the sacrifice itself, as practiced by Muslims, has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or using the blood to wash ourselves from sin. This is a misunderstanding by those of previous generations: “It is not their meat, nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him….” (Holy Qur’an 22:37)
The symbolism is in the attitude – a willingness to make sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the Straight Path. Each of us makes small sacrifices, giving up things that are fun or important to us. A true Muslim, one who submits his or herself completely to the Lord, is willing to follow Allah’s commands completely and obediently. It is this strength of heart, purity in faith, and willing obedience that our Lord desires from us.
