Hajj, the Outward and Inward journey
by Arshad Gamiet
“A-úthu
billáhi minash shaytánir rajeem. Bismilláhir
rahmánir raheem.
Al hamdu lillahi nahmaduhu
wanasta’eenahu, wanastagh-firuhu, wanatoobu ilayhi, wana’oothu Billaahi min
shuroori an-fusinaa, wamin sayyi aati a’maalinaa.
May- Yahdillahu fa huwal
muhtad, wa may- yudlill falan tajida, lahu waliyan murshida.
Wa ash-hadu an Laa ilaaha
ill-Alláh, wahdahoo laa shareeka lah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhoo
warasooluh”
For a few precious days we participate in one of the greatest annual
events in human history. We complete the rituals whose origins go way back beyond the time
of Prophet Muhammad, sws, to the time of Prophet Ibráhím alyhis salaam, and even further back to the time of
Ádam, alayhis salaam. During these momentous
days, pilgrims remove their normal clothing, removing all outer signs of nationality, of
wealth and social status, and everyone wears the same simple sheets of white cloth, the ihrám. From the starting point or méqát, they chant those deeply stirring words, “labbaik, Allahumma labbaik, labbaik, Here I
am, O Alláh, Here I am!” They are answering the call of Alláh, which began with
the first time they recited their kalima shahádat.
Hajj is the response to Alláh’s call, His invitation, to visit His house, at least
once before we die. It is also the fulfilment of a promise that we all make. Every time we
recite our kalima shahaada, and we say, …”wa hajjul bayt, manis
tataw-‘a, ilayhi sabeelaa.” … It is part of our Declaration of
Faith that we promise to perform Hajj when we have the means to do so.
We then
perform tawaaf, walking round the Kaaba, which was purified of idols by Prophet
Muhammad, [sws] as soon as he returned to Makka from exile in Madinah. Praying at maqám Ibrahím, the Place of Prophet Abraham, alayhis salaam, and performing Sa-ai : we remember
how his wife Hajar ran in search of water for her infant son, Ismail. This is how the well
of Zamzam was found. To this day, for thousands of years, Zamzam has quenched the thirst
of millions who visit the House of Alláh. Later, we make our way to the great plain of
‘Arafát and spend the day of wuqoof in deep and passionate prayer, asking
Alláh to forgive us our sins, just as he forgave Adam, alayhis salaam, in that very place, on Jabal Rahma,
the Mount of Mercy: We seek atonement for our past sins, and await Alláh’s mercy. At
Mina and Musdalifah, we throw stones at the Jamra’at. This is an outer
expression of our inner resolve, to reject Shaitaan and all that he stands for. The whole experience of Hajj is rich in symbolism
and history. We are not mere spectators, but active participants in this prolonged act of
worship. When we do our daily prayers, it takes a few minutes of concentrated effort. When
we perform Hajj, it takes at from 7 to 10 days to complete all the rituals associated with
this great journey.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in
Islam, this year, we expect the Day of Wuqoof to be on Sunday/Monday. All the pilgrims
will be devoting this day to seeking Alláh’s Mercy. May I request that we all fast
on that day, so that even if we cannot be on Arafat in person, we can at least join those
pilgrims in spirit. Our fasting should be an act of solidarity and unity with the Muslim
Ummah, not only seeking forgiveness for ourselves, but also to seek Alláh’s mercy
and blessings for those who suffer hardship and distress everywhere.
“Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil
‘Aalameen. Was-salaatu was-salaamu alaa Khairil mursaleen. Muhammadin-nabeey-yil
Ummiy-yee, wa-‘alaa aalihee, wasah-bihee, aj-ma’een.
Ammaa
ba’ad:
Innalláha
wa malaaikata yusallúna alan nabi. Yá ay yuhal latheena ámanu sallú alayhi wasalli mú
tas leema. Allahumma salli alá Muhammad, wa ala áli Muhammad, kama salayta ala Ibrahim,
wa ala ali Ibrahim. Allahumma barik ala Muhammad, wa alaa áli Muhammad, kama barakta ala
Ibrahim, wa ala ali ibrahim. Fil ála meen, innaka hameedun majeed.”
Sub’
hanallahi wal hamdu lillah, wala hawla wala quwwata illah billah yu althi yual theem
What is the significance of
Hajj? What does Hajj really mean to us, and how does Hajj affect our lives, and our
destiny?
Hajj is both an outward and inward journey. It is an outward
journey, from our homes and families and familiar things, to the centre of Islam; It is
also an inward journey, to find our own centre. The outward journey to reach the Kaaba in
Makka, helps us to meet our Muslim brothers and sisters, from around the world. It must
also be our inward journey, to reach the Kaaba of our own heart and own soul. Here we need
to reflect, to take stock of ourselves. Where have we come from, and where are we going?
What have we done with our lives? How have we used the health, education, wealth and
opportunities, which Alláh has provided for our benefit? We ask these questions at every
level, but most importantly, at the spiritual level. Where have we come from, and where
are we going?
That is it! What could be more simple, more profound, more complete!
Our origin is from Alláh, and our destiny is to return to Him. About that we have no
choice. But how will we return? Will we return to him, eagerly, willingly, excited
to meet with our Lord, or will we return kicking and screaming, our hearts filled with
dread, heavy with guilt and remorse? Will we return in a manner that pleases Alláh, or
displeases him? Here we do have a choice, a most important choice. And the
wonderful news is that we still have time to make that choice, and to act on it.
Hajj is a journey of full of meaning and purpose. By wrapping
ourselves in 2 sheets of plain white cloth, the Ihrám, we symbolically prepare ourselves
for death; it is the only time we will wrap ourselves, in our own Burial Shroud. When we
die, someone else will do it for us. Here we remind ourselves of the fleeting nature of
our life on earth; yet it is also an opportunity to put matters right, to make a fresh
start; a chance for rebirth, and renewal. We can take a new look at ourselves, consider
the direction of our lives, and if needed, we can still rearrange our priorities.
Hajj brings together some of the fundamental teachings of Islam. The
concept of Tawhíd, the unity and oneness of
Alláh, is visibly expressed here, in a most powerful way. We see the oneness of Alláh,
through the oneness of those who worship Him. We see the essential unity that underpins
the great diversity of Muslims. Every race, every language, every colour of the human
species, is represented here. On Hajj, we are not merely passive witnesses and we are not
like couch potatoes watching TV. We are an active part of the great Ummah of Islam.
We see and experience the true brotherhood of all believers. Before
Hajj, we were used to praying and observing our Islamic duties in smaller groups. For
example, prayer, saláh, is a duty we all must observe, on time, 5 times a day. When we
are alone, we pray alone, but as soon as there is at least one other person, we are
encouraged to pray together. If we are near a mosque, we are encouraged to go there, and
join a larger group. Once a week, we attend Jum’a prayers, and twice a year, we join
even larger groups for the ‘Eid prayers. Finally, we are obliged, at least once in
our lives, to make the pilgrimage to Makka. Hence, Islam urges us to seek active
association in ever widening circles. So, clearly, Islam is not a religion of the loner or
the recluse. It fosters the idea of community, from gatherings of just 2 people at home,
to over 2 million on Hajj.
Hajj is therefore an extremely important act of collective worship.
Those who do not perform Hajj when they are capable of doing so, are considered to be no
better than Jews or Christians. In an authentic Hadíth, Prophet Muhammad said, “Whosoever
fails to complete his Hajj before his death, he dies as a Jew or a Christian.”
Despite our many different languages, races, cultures and social
backgrounds, we Muslims are all one. While in ihram, we cannot see any distinction between
rich and poor, high born or low born. The professor and student, the prince and the
farmer, the businessman and window-cleaner, all wear the same 2 sheets of plain white
cloth. In ihrám, there is no distinction
between anyone. We see ourselves exactly as Alláh sees us. Stripped of all our outer
pretensions, it is the inner person, the essential human being, that we have to cultivate,
strengthen and purify.
Hajj is a reminder of death. We are clothed in the same simple white
cloth that will cover us on our final journey to the grave. Hajj is therefore an
opportunity for new beginnings, for taking stock of our lives. It’s a wake up call.
When the angel of death comes to return us to our maker, we will have no opportunity to
delay, or to complete any unfinished business. Hajj is therefore an excellent time to
start setting things right.
Throughout the rites of Tawáf, and Saai, the journey to Mina,
Musdalifa and ‘Arafát, we seek Alláh’s mercy and forgiveness for our sins, and
we rededicate ourselves to His service. If those prayers are sincere, if we honestly and
truthfully turn away from our bad and shameful behaviour, and if we strive with great
effort to seek Alláh’s pleasure, then the Hajj becomes a significant milestone in
our lives. On Hajj we are able to reflect on our past deeds, from a distance, and consider
our future direction. Hajj is not only the completion of an important Islamic duty. A true
Hajji returns home with a solemn determination to steer his life in the direction that
pleases Alláh. He no longer is a slave of his own vain desires, but a true Ambassador of
Islam.
Someone we know may well be making their Hajj this year: Many will have left already. We pray for their safety and good health, May Allah take good care of them on their journey to Makka, Madinah and all the Holy Places. May Alláh accept their Hajj, and when they have completed their duties, may Allah return them safely to their homes, Insha-Allah.
May Allah Most Gracious, also accept
this prayer, that each and every one of us here, should find the means and the
opportunity, to perform our sacred duty, and complete our own Hajj, at Allah’s
invitation, in the near future.
Once more,
may I ask everyone to fast on the Day of Wuqoof which will be Sunday/Monday.
Ameen!
Aqeemus
salaah!