HAJJ: THE FESTIVAL OF SACRIFICE
By. Dr. Abul Hayat Ashraf
Hajj is a journey intended solely for Allah’s sake and for total submission to His Commands, with a deep sense of humility. Thus it creates a sense of duty, as the pilgrim prepares to sacrifice the comforts of life and brings about a spiritual revival.
However, Hajj is much more than just engaging in rituals, such as pelting of stones at the Jamarats, the donning of white Ihram to symbolize a unity of mankind, or the slaughtering of sheep. It is the spirit behind these acts that matters. As the Holy Quran tells us; It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah. It is your piety that reaches Him. We have thus made them subject to you that may glorify Allah for His guidance to you. And proclaim the goodnews to all those who do right.” (Surah Al-Hajj:37 )
This sacrifice is a thanksgiving for having being afforded the opportunity of performing both. Hajj and Umarah in one journey. Lapidation or the act of stoning Satan symbolizes a pilgrims determination to reject the evil plots that he hatches. It commemorates the sacrifice made by Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) at Allah’s Commands to sacrifice his son Ismaeel. The Satan tries to discourage him from his intention to carry out Allah’s command. By casting a stone at a devil, prophet Abraham reaffirmed his determination not to be led astray by the evil one. He (A.S.) chose the love of God over the love of self, Prophethood over fatherhood, loyalty to God over devotion to son and truth over reality. Prophet Abraham (A.S.) said to Ismaeel; “O my son! I see in a vision that I offer you in sacrifice. Now see what is your view” Surah As-Safat: 37:102) Ismaeel replied: “O my father! Do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah so wills, one of the steadfast”. (Surah As-Safat: 37:102)
Thus Allah in His mercy substituted a ram to be sacrificed in Ismael’s place. There is a great lesson for all of us in this episode. Man is always tempted by Satan to swerve from the path of rectitude in our daily life. It calls for great sacrifice on our path to prevent us from falling into the path set up by Satan. Thus the spirit of sacrifice that Hajj symbolizes needs to infuse every action of ours, throughout our lives and not just during the pilgrimage.
Trials and tribulations are a part of life. Be it the loss of life or property, all of us are tested in this life in order to determine how far we remain steadfast in Islamic belief. “To God we belong, and to Him is our return”
The Hajj that is graced by Allah’s acceptance, has a lasting effect on those who perform it. A deep spiritual transformation takes place in the individual, that can be observed in his or her life. The quintessence of the message that the Hajj conveys is the Oneness of Allah, the Islamic peace, solidarity and strength and the preparedness to sacrifice oneself in the path of Allah.
Ihram is a powerful demonstration of universal brotherhood that Islam preaches and an emphatic declaration whereby the pilgrim puts on one uniform, irrespective of their land, language, colour, caste, creed and proclaims one slogan. Here I am O Allah! Here I am. Here I am. You have no partner, here I am. Surely all praise, grace and dominion is Yours, and You have no partner”.
Eidul-Adha has come at a time when sincere efforts are being made to bring peace to a world shattered by flood, somewhere famine and epidemic diseases as well as social and ethnic cleansing. We appeal to all Muslim brothers and sisters to recall the teachings of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) and contribute toward building cordial and friendly relations among communities and usher in an era of peace and prosperity.
May the spirit of Haj lead us towards strengthening our convictions and our resolution to work for a healthy co-existence, putting aside our differences and re-in forcing brotherhood.