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DateLine Sunday, 23 December 2007

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Hajj: The festival of peace and sacrifice

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.

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Gamin Gamata - Presidential Community & Welfare Service
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