Hajj: The festival of peace and sacrifice
by Panchamee Hewavissenti
The warmth of Hajj is still entangling in the environment. Muslims
all over the world are still celebrating and commemorating the feast of
sacrifice.
In this feast Muslims from all over the world go to Mecca, the holy
city to perform the fifth pillar of Islam, Hajj. Allah says in the Quran;
" And proclaim the pilgrimage among people of the world : They will come
to you on foot and on back of swift camels from every distant quarter;
they will come to avail themselves of many benefits and to pronounce on
the appointed days, the name of Allah over the cattle which He has given
them.
Eat of their flesh yourselves, and feed the poor and the
unfortunate". (22;27,28)
When Muslims go for pilgrimage they say; " O, my Lord ! I have
accepted your call".
O, my Lord ! There is none worthy to be worshipped except You.
O, my Lord ! I do exalt You and do not associate anyone with You.
O, my Lord! Praise be to You, blessing comes from You and You are the
master of the Universe.
O, my Lord! You are one and eternal.
This house of worship was the first house of God on earth for
mankind. Allah says that in His holy book
"The first house of worship ever to be built (as sanctuary) for men
was that at Bakkah (Makkah), a blessed place, a beacon for the nations.
In it are clear signs and the spot where Ibrahim stood, whosoever enters
it attain security and safety".
Pilgrimage to the house is therefore a duty of men to God for all
those who can afford the journey.
The prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail were to raise the foundation
of Ka'ba. In this regard Allah says in the Quran, "And remember Ibrahim
and Ismail while raising the foundation of the House they said: "Our
lord! Accept this service from us; for You are the All hearing, the All
knowing".
The pilgrimage is an international convention for Muslims from all
over the world, irrespective of colour, nationality, language, social
status or economical level. More than two million Muslims from all over
the world get together in one place at one time once every year. They
discuss their local problems, share their views and ideas and come to
common terms and mutual understanding.
The concept of pilgrimage is a concept of peace. When Muslims perform
pilgrimage they should attain peace within themselves, peace with their
souls, peace with their Lord, peace within the local, and international
societies.
Muslims leave the city of Mecca with peace of mind and spirit, with
love for humanity. When they come back to their homes, they bring with
them peace and tranquillity.
The concept of pilgrimage is a concept of loyalty to Allah Almighty.
A Muslim entrusts all his loyalty to Allah alone. A Muslim has to pledge
to Allah and has to give an oath that he worships none but Allah. A
Muslim has to put the rules and regulations of Allah before his personal
opinion.
The ultimate wisdom of this feast is the concept of sacrifice. For
this reason it is called the Feast of Sacrifice, or Eid-Ul-Adha. This
concept of sacrifice is very important in Islam. A Muslim should try to
sacrifice his time, efforts, energy, knowledge, wealth and even his own
personal life in obedience to Allah's order.
This Feast of Sacrifice reminds the Muslim of the Prophet Ibrahim,
who was to sacrifice his own beloved child Ismail. And Allah blessed him
with a ram as a substitute.
For this reason, Muslims all over the world are requested to make a
sacrifice during the occasion of the Eid. It's not only a symbolic
remembrance, but a reality of sacrifice for the love of Allah.
"My Lord! Grant me a righteous son. So we gave him tidings of a
gentle son. And when his son was old enough to work with him( Ibrahim)
said; O my dear son, I've seen in my dream that I must sacrifice you. So
look, what do you think? He said; O, my father! Do that which you're
commanded, Allah willing, you shall find me of the steadfast.
When they had both surrendered to Allah, and he flung him down upon
his face, We called unto him: O, Ibrahim! You have already fulfilled
this vision. Thus do We reward the good. That verily was a clear test.
Then We ransomed him with a big sacrifice. And We left for him among the
later fold."
The rituals of the pilgrimage bring to our attention the concept of
brotherhood, equality, justice and universality. This can be observed
when one sees two million people gather at one place, performing the
same ritual, wearing the same white garments ( of clothing), addressing
themselves to the Eternal and Universal Lord.
When you're rejoicing the festivity of the Eid, please remember that
there're Muslims in your area who need your precious favour. There're
millions of Muslims all over the world who need your support, service
and attention.
When you celebrate the occasion of Eid, it's always a good thing to
exchange gifts, Eid cards among yourselves to cement the bond. It will
also promote love and goodwill among yourselves. You can also visit each
other, arrange Eid meals and so on.
There may be left overs of your sacrificed animal's flesh in your
house.
You can share them with your neighbours regardless they are Muslims
or non Muslims. Remember that you've to donate one third of it to the
needy, one third to your friends and neighbours and one third for you
and your family to enjoy. |