AFTER HAJ A Changed Personality

Islam put an end to these. In this context, the Quran, as the aboveverse tells us, forbade things like indecent speech, wicked conduct and quarrelling during Haj, things that are forbidden even in ordinary circumstances but which are to be avoided with particular care during Haj. One major reason for this is that because when an occasion demands travel and a large number of people coming together, the chances of such misbehaviour are greater. If a person is not fully conscious of such matters, it is possible that he may indulge in such activities, willingly or unwillingly. Since Haj involves travel and a large gathering, such misbehaviour is clearly and explicitly forbidden as these things destroy piety. A true believer is one whose life is driven not by lust, but, rather, by a higher purpose. He takes every care not to disobey God in any of his dealings. He abstains from confl ict with others. This is how a true believer should always behave, but during Haj when a person exemplifi es these traits, he shows himself to be a true haji. If he has really imbibed these values of piety that he should possess during Haj, he will desist from the sort of misdemeanour that above-quoted verse of the Quran refers to. Additional Precautions Things that are forbidden during Haj are also forbidden at other times, too. They are to be particularly abstained from, during Haj, but they must be avoided at other times as well. By stressing that we should be particularly careful about avoiding them during Haj, it is so that we are more conscious of such activities and develop the special capability to abstain from them at other times also. One of the most dangerous things that constantly threaten to undermine harmonious collective living is one’s tongue. When we are in our homes or in our workplaces, we are deeply engrossed in our personal aff airs. We forget the realities that exist beyond these levels. That is why people are encouraged to go to mosques every day to pray — so that for at least some time they come out of their personal environments, free their minds from irrelevant aff airs, and focus, with deep concentration, on God. Travelling for Haj is also like this. During Haj, one is taken out of one’s limited environment and is taken to