Self-Forgotten

appear the same due to wearing identical garments. The Ihram of Hajj is thus a practical demonstration of Islam’s principle that all human beings are equal. Those who wish to become true believers in God must remove all other “garments” from themselves and be clothed in a divine garment—the Ihram. When asked who the true pilgrim is, the Prophet Muhammad replied, “The one with dishevelled hair and a dust-covered body” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 3243). These words describe the true pilgrim. Dishevelled hair and a body covered in dust signify a person devoted to a purpose. When someone wholeheartedly dedicates themselves to a specific task, they have no time for adornment and embellishment. The directive in Hajj to intentionally adopt this appearance is essentially a strong lesson in leading a purposeful life. It means that a person should be so absorbed in fulfilling God’s purpose that they forget about their appearance and luxuries. They should forget temporary pleasures and become so engrossed in pursuing the higher purpose that their personal needs fade from their consciousness. Regarding the command to perform Hajj, the Quran states: “And take provision with you for the journey, but the best provision is piety. So fear Me, O people of understanding.” (2:197) The pilgrimage is in the appointed months. Whoever intends to perform it during them must abstain from indecent speech, from all wicked conduct, and from quarrelling while on the pilgrimage. Whatever good