Al-Hajj

Al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage)
Chapter 22: Verses 27-28

SPECIAL NOTE: I have just received sms from a friend who has just arrived in Arafah. The weather is fine and the temperature is about 16 deg. C. Ibadah wukuf starts after dzuhur on 31/1/04.(about 5:30pm Malaysian time

Tomorrow is Eidul Adha ,1424. I am happy that my friends in Makkah and in London can celebrate it on the same day. May I wish you Eid Mubarak,wherever you are..

Before I went for my Haj, I don't feel as much joy as for Eidul Adha compared to Eidul Fitr.But now,my feelings improves because now I understand the significance of Haj through my personal experience.For those who have been there, you know what I am talking about. But for those who have not been there,try your best to go as soon as possible.

Below is an excerpt taken from Friday Nasiha #259.It will you to understand the benefits of Haj:

Benefits of Hajj
"And proclaim the Pilgrimage among men; they will come to you on foot and (mounted) on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways; That they may witness the benefits for them.”

The word "benefits" is in the indefinite, implying all types and numerous forms of benefits. Most notable among these benefits are the purification of the soul, refinement of character, refreshing of one's spirit and the spiritual training that takes place in the most honourable land on this earth.

In addition to the points made above, one may note some of the following effects of Hajj in the purification of one's soul:

1. There are a number of important historical events that the Hajj commemorates. These events should be a source of reflection as well as inspiration for the believers. These events include but are not restricted to the absolute trust of Abraham on Allah and the sacrifice of Abraham and Ismail.

2. One of the greatest ways to remove sins from one's being - and thus aid in the process of purification - is to perform the pilgrimage of Hajj.

3. In the Hajj, there is an opportunity for the Muslim to demonstrate his complete submission and obedience to Allah.

4. One practical aspect that occurs from the Hajj and that anyone who has performed the Hajj can testify to is that during the Hajj one can see the willingness of other humans to sacrifice for the sake of Allah.

5. Hajj helps us to realize the relationship between our faith and sacrifice. Islam is not about practicing those aspects of faith that one finds easy or pleasing.

6. Selfishness, arrogance, looking down upon others and greed are some of the dangerous diseases that despoil the soul. One must work valiantly to remove any remnants of these diseases. The Hajj is a helpful step in this process.

7. The Day of Arafah, which the Messenger of Allah described as the "essence of Hajj," is a moving experience that immediately brings thoughts of the Day of Judgement to one's mind.

8. Even the preparation for the journey to the Hajj and the pilgrim's farewells to his family and friends is a reminder to the believer that he is on a true, lifelong journey for which there is no return. In the same way that he must prepare for the Hajj journey in this life, he must always be prepared for that final journey by having the provisions of Taqwa (consciousness of Allah.)

9. All of the events that one performs at the Hajj and the historical and spiritual significance of the place in which the person performs them should have a profound effect on the believer. He should view his own life in the light of the lives of the Prophets. He should recognize his own shortcomings and the insignificance of the other aspects of this world that he gives preference to.

Source:
"Purification of the Soul" - By Jamal al-Din M. Zarabozo, pp. 251-263

Comments

[atok]

Yet to perform the Hajj, insyaAllah one day.

However, been watching live coverage from Sky News and CNN of the events, a great programme that they've been airing since past few years.

It's the SkyNews anchor lady, Liza Aziz reporting from there this year. For CNN, this annual award winning programme 'The Hajj: Islam's Journey of Faith', by Riz Khan has always been a brilliant piece.

IMHO, it's quite touching for us (the born muslims) to see our brothers and sisters; converted mat & minah salleh, pak hitam & mak hitam, performing this fardhu... it's broaden our world views a lot.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Adha.

[Adib]

Last night, I heard the news that 120 pilgrims died due to stampade and early this morning mt friend in Mina sms-ed to me that about 80 pilgrims had died.

When I was there last year,it also happened but the number was only about 10% of this year.From my experience, pilgrims themselves are a part to be blamed-they did NOT follow directions by Saudi authorities.Many a time, the herd mentality took over:-(

[gemma]

i dont really understand and i am not a muslim it must be really hard i am learning about your culture in school and i am in my last year i find it really interesting

[Adib]

Gemma,
Thanks for visiting my blog and taking time to leave a note here.I am a muslim and you are most welcome to learn about our religion(Ad-Din).