Haj festival

Muslims in Sri Lanka join the rest of the world to celebrate the Haj festival on September 24. Haj is one of the fundamental pillars of Islam. It is the duty of every Muslim to perform Haj at least once in lifetime. Haj is called the Festival of Sacrifice the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim, his wife Hajara and son Ismail to adhere to the commands of Almighty Allah in fulfilling his obligation.

Millions of Muslims the world over perform Haj in the holy city of Mecca to remember the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim. Over two million people from every corner of the globe gather at Mecca to perform Haj to respond to the original call of Prophet Ibrahim following on the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad.

Along with the profession of faith, daily prayers, a month-long annual fast and charity to the poor, Haj is one of the five tenets of Islam.

After attending special morning prayers on the Festival day Muslims visit friends and family. During the visits many people wear new clothes and special food is served to the guests and exchange greetings of Thakabal Allahu Minna Wa Minka, O Allah accept us and others,

After reaching Mecca, it is most heartening to see the vast desert of Mecca, in the midst is the Ka'aba where pilgrims make Tawaf (circuits) seven times reciting "O Allah! I beg of thee forgiveness and peace in the world and the next. O, Lord, give us good in this world and hereafter and save us from the torment of the fire".

The noteworthy feature is that all pilgrims wear identical simple and plain white unsewn clothes - be it king or layman, the powerful or the weak and stand together.

At Mount Arafat, Prophet Muhammed made the farewell sermon. Companions of the Prophet who were present at the sermon, carried the message - the light of Islam to every nook and corner of the world.

Compiled by : Ruzaik Farook