The month of Dhul Hijjah is one of the holiest months of the Islamic year. It is a month of increased spirituality when we witness two very special events -Hajj and EidulAdha – all in devotion to Allah. Both events are deeply related with life of Prophet Abraham (May peace be upon him).
The holy Quran says: “Recall to mind that when his Lord put Abraham to test in certain things and he fulfilled all of them, He said, "I am going to make you the leader of mankind." Abraham humbly asked, "Does this promise apply to my descendants also?" He replied, "My promise does not apply to the transgressors.” (Quran 2:124)
The above verse directs towards the hardest sacrifices of Abraham he made to fulfil the commandments of Allah when he was tested in his belief, commitment, love and service towards his ‘creator- The Supreme Lord’. Life is a test and Abraham was the most tested but he cleared every test with flying colours. He remained connected with his ‘Master-The Lord Of The World’ pleasing and following His instructions, faith deeply rooted in his heart and actions and turning a blind eye towards worldly temptations, fear and anxieties despite living in this world in non-Monastic manner. One of the tests Abraham had to go through was a commandment to sacrifice his son. The faithful servant bowed down to that command too. But Allah saved the life of his son Ismail and replaced it with sacrifice of sheep. This sacrifice is universalised in remembrance of Ancestor of mankind Abraham and his son Ismail in the form of EidulAdha celebrated every year on the 10th day of the month of DhulHijjah. The sacrificial meat is distributed among the poor and needy to feed them and thank Allah for the provision of food arranged by ‘The Sustainer’ to mankind. However, the condition for acceptance of this sacrifice with Allah is taqwa– consciousness of Allah, purity of soul and commitment to sacrifice everything for Allah.
Hence the Holy Quran says: “(Note it well that) neither their flesh reaches Allah nor their blood, but it is your piety that reaches Him. Thus has Allah subjected these animals to you so that you should glorify Him for the guidance He has given you. And, O Prophet, give good news to those who do righteous works.” (Quran 22:37)
Allah secured the life of Abraham and events related to his tests for generations to come in the form of hajj and the place selected for this was Makkah where the first house for Worship of one Lord was built.
“Undoubtedly the first house of worship ever to be built for mankind is the one which is at Makkah: it was blessed and made the centre of Guidance for all people.” (Quran 3:96)
Abraham rebuilt the house along with his son Ismail which is called Kaba. While doing this they prayed to be obedient servant of Allah and requested to send a Messenger for generations to come to guide and purify them.
“And remember that when Abraham and Ishmael were raising the walls of the House, they prayed, "Lord, accept this service from us; You are All-Hearing and All-Knowing. Lord, make us Your Muslims (submissive servants) and also raise from our offspring a community which should be Muslim (submissive to Your Will). Show us the ways of Your worship and forbear our shortcomings: You are Forgiving and Merciful. Lord, raise up from among them a Messenger who shall recite Your Revelations to them and teach them the Book and Wisdom and purify their lives. You art All-Powerful and All-Wise.” (Quran 2:129)
Once the construction was complete Abraham gave a call for people to come for hajj as commanded by Allah.
“and make a proclamation to the people to come to you for Hajj from far and near, on foot and on lean camels so that they may witness the benefits that have been made available here for them.” (Surah 22:27)
Since then, people from all over the world visited Makkah to perform Hajj even before the birth of Prophet Mohammad. With the elapse of time, the rituals of hajj were also contaminated like the beliefs and actions of people did. These were then reformed and revived in the purest form by the final prophet of Allah Mohammad which are now followed to this day.
During Hajj Pilgrims enter into a state of spiritual purity known as Ihram that is aimed at shedding symbols of materialism, giving up worldly pleasure and focusing on the inner self over outward appearance.
The pilgrims visit places called Mina, then Arafat. Gathering at Arafat reminds one of the gathering during day of resurrection when every human being will have to stand before God for accountability. It also reminds of the last sermon the Prophet Mohammad delivered in his first and last hajjat mountain Jabal e Rehma.
Few noteworthy points from his sermon are as follows:
Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners.
Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you.
Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that he will indeed reckon your deeds.
Allah has forbidden you to take usury, therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. You have certain rights with regard to your women but they also have rights over you. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers.
All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a White has no superiority over a Black nor a Black has any superiority over a White except by piety and good action.
In the end, the Prophet recited this verse of Quran wherein Allah says: Today I have perfected your religion for you and completed My blessing on you and approved Islam as the way of life for you. (Quran 5:3)
From Arafat, the people head towards Muzdalifa, spend the night there and collect stones that will be used for symbolic stoning of the devil back in Mina where the devil tried to delude Abraham against the will of Allah at the time of his son’s sacrifice. The purpose of this stoning is that like Abraham we too need to overcome all delusions of the devil who is in constant effort to trap people and divert them from the way of Allah- the righteous way.
