Just a few days back, Muslims all over the world have celebrated Eid Al Adha with family and friends. Millions of pilgrims celebrated this Eid differently with Haj's various rituals. This .
The purpose of Haj is to commemorate the name of Alla. As the Holy Quran states, "You shall commemorate God for a number of days". Haj represents an appeal from pilgrims to the Almighty Allah; seeking forgiveness, mercy and acceptance as obedient worshipers.
Pilgrims of different backgrounds, nationalities and languages converge for the same religious cause. All men wear white and all women black. With no exception, all of them came to Mecca for the same reason and mission as that of Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and other pilgrims thousands of years back. Similar tasks, which have been performed in the past centuries are being performed today in the same locations.
Although Haj is a religious mission, it mirrors a social and spiritual unity for Muslims where all individual differences are set aside. It brings harmony and compassion among pilgrims despite the huge crowd. The feeling of being a pilgrim is unbelievably heartening. Pilgrims are sharing respect, empathy and support to each and everyone as if they are one family; brothers and sisters. It is very touching indeed. The way the pilgrims are united and coming together is undoubtedly magnificent.
They are sincerely worshiping the Almighty Allah in a different way unlike the usual prayers that are performed in masjids five times a day. Each day there, they are performing different tasks in which they become very serious in what they do and truthful with the prayers they say. Although the reason behind performing some tasks the way it is done is hidden, pilgrims are obliged to follow what the Prophets Mohammad and Ibrahim (PBUH) have performed ages ago.
Haj is the fifth essential pillar of Islam and only capable Muslims are requested to perform it. Those who are physically or financially unable to go for Haj can do it when they are ready or else assign someone but with certain serious conditions. Otherwise, many people might get an excuse, but they get deprived from the honour and big reward of going for Haj. All Muslims intending to go for Haj must be healthy and strong enough to sufficiently perform all the tasks required.
The reward granted by Allah to all pilgrims is that all their sins, faults and wrongdoings will be forgiven and rubbed out once they come back home from Haj. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said, "Whoever performs Haj and does not commit any obscenity or transgression shall return free from sins as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him". He also said, "The reward of a Haj mabroor is nothing but paradise".
As Haj pilgrims return from Mecca and Madina, they get Allah's reward to start a new clean chapter in life. Dear pilgrims, congratulations all on completing your hard mission and wish you a safe return home. May Allah bless all pilgrims, accept their Haj and reward them paradise.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
