THE WORD OF GOD

instructed Abraham to build the Kabah, and call people to pilgrimage. Abraham and his son, Ishmael together constructed the Kabah, the centre of monotheism, towards which people from all over the world would visit. Earlier, prophets were sent to a small community. Abraham was the first Prophet who travelled far and wide to spread the message of God. Also, the institution of prophethood continued among his descendants for the next four thousand years. The last Prophet, Prophet Muhammad, whose prophethood will continue undiminished in its influence till the Day of Judgement was among his descendants. What is Talbiyah? What is its significance? During Hajj, the pilgrims frequently recite the Talbiyah in the form of the following phrase: “Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayk la sharika laka labbayk, innal hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal mulk. La sharika lak.” (Here I am, O God, here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily, all praise, blessings, and dominion belong to You. You have no partner.) By saying these words repeatedly, a psychological state is cultivated within the pilgrim that greatness belongs to one God alone. All other forms of greatness pale into insignificance compared with the supreme greatness of God. This profound realization serves as the key to unity. Unity and solidarity cannot be achieved in an environment where each individual claims superiority over others. When individuals are ready to lose their personal sense of greatness in favour of another, this results in unity and solidarity. What are some of the rituals performed during Hajj? What is their significance? Tawaf: An important part of the Hajj is Tawaf which involves circumambulation around the Kabah. People from all corners of the world who gather in Makkah during the Hajj season commence their journey by performing the Tawaf around the Kabah. This act symbolizes a practical admission that their endeavours will revolve around a single focal point. They move in the same circle. This parallel can be drawn to the physical centrality observed in the solar system, where all the planets orbit around the Sun, the central point. Similarly, Hajj imparts the profound lesson that man should centre his life around the worship of one God and revolve within this divine circle. Sa’i: Afterward, the pilgrims proceed to perform Sa’i between Safa and Marwah. They start from Safa and walk towards Marwah, then return from Marwah to Safa. This process is repeated seven times, completing