– NazranaDarvesh
Panaji, Goa
The month of Dhul Hijjah is one of the holiest months of the Islamic calendar. It is a month of increased spirituality when we witness two very special events – Hajj and Eid al-Adha – all in devotion to Allah. Both the events are deeply related with the life of Prophet Ibrahim (May peace be to him).
The holy Quran says:
“Recall when Abraham’s Lord tested him in certain matters and when he successfully stood the test, He said: “Indeed I am going to appoint you a leader of all people.” When Abraham asked: “And is this covenant also for my descendants?” the Lord responded: “My covenant does not embrace the wrong-doers.” (Quran 2:124)
The above verse points towards the hardest sacrifices of Abraham he made to fulfil the commandments of Allah when he was tested in his belief, commitment, love and service towards his CREATOR- THE SUPREME LORD. The purpose of life is test and Abraham was the most tested but he cleared every test with flying colours. He remained connected with his MASTER – THE LORD OF THE WORLD – pleasing and following His instructions, faith deeply rooted in his heart and actions and turning a blind eye towards worldly temptations, fear and anxieties despite living in this world in a non-Monastic manner. One of the tests Abraham had to go through was commandment to sacrifice his son. The faithful servant bowed down to that command too. But Allah saved the life of his son Ismail and replaced it with sheep. This sacrifice is universalised in remembrance of ancestor of mankind. Abraham and his son Ismail in the form of Eid al-Adha celebrated every year on 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijjah. The sacrificial meat is distributed among the poor and needy to feed them and thank Allah for the provision of food arranged by THE SUSTAINER to mankind. However, the condition for acceptance of this sacrifice with Allah is taqwa – consciousness of Allah, purity of soul and commitment to sacrifice everything for Allah.
Hence the Holy Quran says:
“Neither their flesh reaches Allah nor their blood; it is your piety that reaches Him. He has subjected these animals (to you) that you may magnify Allah for the guidance He has bestowed upon you. Give glad tidings, (O Prophet), to those who do good.” (Quran 22:37)
Allah secured the life of Abraham and events related to his tests for generations to come in the form of Hajj in the same place i.e., Makkah, where the first house for worship of one Lord was built.
“Undoubtedly the first house of worship ever to be built for mankind is the one which is at Makkah: it was blessed and made the centre of Guidance for all people.” (Quran 3:96)
Abraham rebuilt the house along with his son Ismail which is called as Ka’abah. While doing this they prayed to be obedient servant of Allah and requested to send a Messenger for generations to come to guide and purify them.
“Recall when Abraham and Ishmael raised the foundations of the House, praying: “Our Lord! Accept this from us; You are All-Hearing, All-Knowing. Our Lord! Make us submissive to You and make out of our descendants a community that submits itself to You, and show us the ways of Your worship, and turn to us in mercy. You are Much-Relenting, Most Compassionate. Our Lord! Raise up in the midst of our offspring a Messenger from among them who shall recite to them Your verses, and teach them the Book and wisdom and purify them. Verily, You are the Most Mighty, the Most Wise.” (Quran 2: 127-129)
Once the construction was complete, Abraham gave a call for people to come for Hajj as commanded by Allah:
“and make a proclamation to the people to come to you for Hajj from far and near, on foot and on lean camels so that they may witness the benefits that have been made available here for them….”
(Quran 22:27-28)
Since then, people from all over the world used to visit Makkah to perform Hajj even long before the birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. As time elapsed, the rituals of Hajj were contaminated with corrupt beliefs and actions of people. These were later reformed and revived in the purest form by the final prophet of Allah, Muhammad (peace and blessings be to him) which are now followed to this day.
During Hajj, pilgrims enter into a state of spiritual purity known as Ihram that is aimed at shedding symbols of materialism, giving up worldly pleasure and focusing more on the inner self over outward appearance.
The pilgrims visit places called Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifa and Ka’abah during the five days. Gathering at Arafat reminds one of the gathering during the Day of Resurrection when every human being will have to stand before God for accountability. It also reminds of the last sermon that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ delivered in his first and last Hajj at mountain Jabal-e-Rehma.
A few noteworthy points from his sermon are as follows:
- Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners.
- Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you.
- Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that he will indeed reckon your deeds.
- Allah has forbidden you to take usury, therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived.
- You have certain rights with regard to your women but they also have rights over you. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers.
- All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a White has no superiority over a Black nor a Black has any superiority over a White except by piety and good action.
In the end the Prophet recited this verse of Quran wherein Allah says:
“Today I have perfected your religion for you and completed My blessing on you and approved Islam as the way of life for you.” (Quran 5:3)
Also Read: Prophet Ibrahim: A Timeless Model of Independent Thinking
From Arafat the people head towards Muzdalifa, spend the night there and collect pebbles that will be used for symbolic stoning of devil back in Mina. It is the same place where the devil tried to delude Abraham against the will of Allah. The purpose of this stoning is that like Abraham we too need to overcome all delusions of the devil who is in constant effort to trap people and divert them from the righteous way of Allah.
Other rituals of Hajj consist circumambulating round the Ka’abah while praising, supplicating, thanking and repenting to Allah. The circumambulation reminds that our life should revolve around the commandment of ONE TRUE GOD – OUR RULER. Placing God at the centre of all our affairs keeps our life balanced.
The reward promised by Allah for this obligatory act of Islam – Hajj is purifying from minor sins provided it is performed in true spirit.
