THE SPIRIT OF HAJJ

THE SPIRIT OF HAJJ Man's Journey towards God I T is incumbent upon Muslims to perform Hajj, at least once in their lifetime, as long as they possess the means. As is clear from the following excerpts from the Quran and Hadith, Hajj (pilgrimage) is one important pillar among the five foundation pillars of Islam: Pilgrimage to the House is a duty to God for anyone who is able to undertake it (3: 97) The first House to be built for mankind was the one at Bakkah [Makkah]. It is a blessed place, a source of guidance for the whole world. (3: 96) “There are five basic pillars of Islam,” said the Prophet Muhammad: “To bear testimony that there is no deity save God, and that Muhammad is His Prophet; to establish prayer and pay the poor-due; to make pilgrimage to the House, and fast during Ramadan.” The root meaning of the word “Hajj” is “to set out” or “to make pilgrimage.” Canonically, it has come to refer to a Muslim act of worship, performed annually, in which the worshipper circumambulates the House of God in Makkah, stays a while in the plains of Arafat and performs other rites which together constitute Hajj—the act of pilgrimage. Hajj is a comprehensive act of worship, involving both financial outlay and physical exertion. Both remembrance of God and sacrifice for His sake are part and parcel of Hajj. Hajj is an act of worship in which the spirit of all acts of worship has, in some way or another, been brought into play. The sacred duties of Hajj revolve around the House of God in Makkah. What does the House of God represent to a believer? It brings to life a whole prophetic tradition, stretching from Abraham to Muhammad. The House of God stands as a model of true faith in God, and submission to the Master of the House. “The Prophets gave up everything and followed the Lord,” is the message that rings out from the Lord’s House; leave all and follow Him. They were obedient to His will; be you so also. They served His cause on earth; serve Him until you die, and you will prosper forever.” The journey to Hajj is a journey to God. It represents the ultimate closeness one can achieve to God while living in this world. Other acts