– Shahid Memon
The pilgrimage of Hajj is deeply rooted in the history of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be to him), who initiated it 4000 years ago. It was later revitalized by Prophet Muhammad (peace be to him) 1450 years ago and continues uninterrupted to this day.
Prophet Ibrahim’s message of monotheism, human unity, and total submission to God is crucial for addressing the challenges humanity faces today. His teachings emphasize accountability before God for all our actions in this world.
Hajj spans five days, during which pilgrims camp in open areas, spend a night sleeping on the bare ground under the sky, move between various stations at specified times, and ultimately arrive at the Holy Kaaba. The Kaaba, a cubic structure in the center of Islam’s Holiest Mosque, Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, was built by Prophet Ibrahim. He called people to pilgrimage here, making it the focal point of monotheistic worship.
Pilgrims perform Tawaf, circling the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction. This motion mirrors the natural order of the universe, where everything from electrons orbiting a nucleus to planets revolving around the sun moves in predetermined orbits, obeying the Creator’s laws. By performing Tawaf, pilgrims express their devotion to God and their commitment to align their lives with His will.
Religion aims to harmonize human will with Divine will. Islam teaches individuals to integrate with God and His creation, promoting harmony with the entire cosmos. The term “Islam” itself derives from the Arabic words “Silm” (surrender) and “Salam” (peace), signifying peace through submission to God.
“All that is in the heavens and earth have willingly or unwillingly submitted to God’s will, and to Him shall they all be brought back”
– Holy Quran (3:83)
Say: “Surely my prayer, all my acts of worship, my living, and my dying are for God alone, the Lord of the universe. He has no associates. Thus have I been commanded, and I am the foremost of those who submit to God.”
– Holy Quran (6:162-163)
Say: “O People of the Book, come to the common creed between us and you: that we worship none but God, and that we do not associate any partners with Him. Let us not take human beings as Lords besides God.” If they turn away, say: “Bear witness that we have submitted to God.”
– Holy Quran (3:64-65)
When Hajj is performed with genuine spirit and understanding, it transforms lives, fostering responsible living, peaceful coexistence with fellow humans, and harmony with all of God’s creation.
