Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) literally means to set out for a place. However, Islamically it refers to the annual pilgrimage that Muslims make to Makkah, Saudi Arabia with the intention of performing certain rites in accordance with the method prescribed by God (Holy Qur’ān, Chapter 2, and Verse 28).
This Islamic tradition has entirely to do with the Prophet Abraham (may peace of Allah be to him), who is the Patriarch of all three monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Therefore, it is important to understand this tradition and benefit from its teaching. The details of these events are included in the Holy Qur’ān (Chapter 2; verses 125-140).
More than three million people travel to perform the Hajj every year. Hajj is not only the fifth pillar of Islam, it is duty Muslims owe to Allah. In order to qualify, a Muslim must be sane and wise enough to understand the meaning of every step and has resources to travel to perform the Hajj. Before departing for Hajj, all your debt must be paid off. Your hates and angers toward relatives or friends must disappear. A will must be drawn.
The Ka’ba (the House of God in Makkah) was built by Prophet Abraham with the help of his son Ismael. It is known as the first house built on earth for the worship of God. The Ka’ba is a cubical structure that is draped in black silk cloth embroidered with Qur’ānic verses, in the centre of grand mosque and at the epicentre of pilgrimage rites. All Muslims must face the direction of Ka’ba (Qiblah) during prayers, which is northeast from USA.
The rituals of Hajj include the following:
1. The donning of two pieces of white cloth (Ihram) for men, and removal of old clothes means removal of bad habits and practices; women wear their usual but simple dresses.
2. Circumambulation (Tawaaf) of Ka’ba – 7 times.
3. Running between 2 hills of Safa and Marwa to symbolise the Hagar’s (Bibi Hajira’s) frantic search for water and safety of the baby Ismael, when they were left in the desert on order of God who had guaranteed their safety.
4. Praying at plain field of Arafat – on the 9th of Zil-hijja (12th month of lunar calendar) called the Essence of the Hajj.
5. Trimming of hair after returning from the plains of Arafat.
The last two rituals include the stoning of Satan at 3 different places, which symbolises Satan’s attempt to prevent Prophet Abraham from sacrificing his only son, followed by sacrificing of animal which symbolises the sacrifice Prophet Abraham offered of his only son for the sake of God. This was a supreme act of faith and conviction in Allah. We should ask ourselves as to how far we can go in fulfilling the commandment of God?
Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice all for the sake of God is admired by all Abrahamic faiths. The theme of connecting the three religions as part of the Abrahamic religion runs all through the Holy Qur’ān. The Jews and Christians are referred to as People of the Book. On more than one occasion the following verses appear in the Qur’ān: “Verily those who believe and those who are Jews and Christians whosoever believes in God and the last day, and worked righteousness, on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve.” (5:69)
It is part of Muslim daily prayers to say, “May the blessings of God be upon Abraham and his progeny.” It is heartening to see that Hanukkah and Eid al-Adha are going to be celebrated within few weeks apart. Appreciation of this Abrahamic tradition may unite the Jews, Christians, and Muslims in attaining a peaceful co-existence.
This year Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Adha on Sunday, October 5, 2014, and in some countries including India on Monday, October 6, 2014. Prayers are followed by sacrifice of the animal. Three days of festivities continues with exchanging of gifts, visiting of family friends and eating of special sweets.
[ANIS ANSARI, MD, FASN, is President, Clinton Islamic Centre, Media Relation, Muslim Community of Quad Cities, Bettendorf, USA]