AFTER HAJ A Changed Personality

various places in Arabia over a period of several days. In this way, Haj removes one completely from one’s worldly environment so that one can completely concentrate on God. There are several religious traditions associated with Arabia. The Kabah is in Arabia — and a great many religious traditions, accumulated over several thousand years, are associated with it. Stories of the sacrifi ces of prophets have been written here. Here are memorials testifying to the divine blessings received by pious servants of God. Here are also signs of the lives of God’s last prophet and his companions. The ihram worn in Haj is a practical expression of the Islamic principle of human equality. Historical connections of this sort have given the places associated with Haj a unique sanctity and respect. As soon as one enters this area, an entire religious history comes to life in one’s mind and one’s religious spirit is enkindled. One begins to abide by one’s religious duties with greater seriousness and commitment. Because of the special historical importance of this area, God selected it to be an arena where people come to rehearse the Islamic way of life, so that when they go back to where they came from they can be better equipped and inspired to lead God-oriented lives. Among the things that are forbidden while on Haj are hurting anyone through one’s tongue and killing or wounding any animal. One is also to abstain from certain comforts and indulgences, such as wearing stitched clothes, using perfume and engaging in sexual relations. Being Careful While Speaking One of the most dangerous things that constantly threaten to undermine harmonious collective living is one’s tongue. The greatest hurt you can do to someone is through your tongue. Vast numbers of people gather together on the occasion of Haj, and hence situations which hold the possibility that people may lose control over their tongues and use them to hurt others. So, the training and instruction of being especially watchful of what one says is given emphasis to by people during Haj. Although not hurting others in words is an Islamic value during all times, during the Haj, it is made a mandatory condition. It is made into a necessary part of an Islamic act of worship, despite it being a general Islamic teaching that applies at other times, too.