PROFOUND LESSONS FROM HAJJ FOR THE MODERN MUSLIM

 

Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is not only a physical exercise but has splendid spiritual experiences. Every year a large number of Muslims unite by their devotion and faith and embark on this sacred journey from all around the world. Alongside the customs and acts of worship, the Hajj teaches Muslims significant teachings about unity that have endured throughout history and provide insightful information for today's Muslims. We shall examine the unifying teachings that the Hajj teaches the faithful in this blog article as well as the transformational effect of the pilgrimage.

THE BROTHERHOOD OF HUMANITY

During Hajj, diverse groups of people from different backgrounds and local cultures unite by their faith or belief in Allah Almighty. it is a marvelous display of equality and unity. The simple white dress hides the race, social status, and nationality and all pilgrims stand in a row shoulder to shoulder, displaying unity, equality, and humility. This whole experience is a reminder to all, that in the eyes of Allah Almighty, "all individuals are equal", promoting the brotherhood of humanity among Muslims. A group of people from various walks of life participating in the same rites and traveling along the same spiritual path is proof of the Hajj's ability to unite people.

REMOVE BARRIERS

The Tawaf, or communal circle around the Kaaba, is performed by pilgrims during the Hajj. As pilgrims from all around the world gather at one focal point, this action denotes the erasure of all earthly barriers. The meaning of Tawaf instructs us to see over linguistic, cultural, and national boundaries to recognize the common thread of faith that binds Muslims all around the world. As pilgrims round the Kaaba, they see people from many racial and ethnic backgrounds coming together in worship and tearing down the barriers of prejudice and separation that predominate beyond the holy confines of Hajj.

MUTUAL SUPPORT AND COLLABORATION

Pilgrims depend on one another for help and collaboration throughout the Hajj. The difficulties encountered on the journey—physical demands, congested conditions, and shared facilities encourage pilgrims to help and show charity. This attitude of helping one another out emphasizes the worth of doing so, encouraging a sense of collective duty that goes beyond the journey. The connections made during Hajj help to reinforce the thread of solidarity across the Muslim community, whatever that may be by helping an old pilgrim or lending out supplies to other pilgrims.

GIVING UP EGO AND ARROGANCE

Each pilgrim must display humility on the Hajj. The removal of ostentatious clothing, donning of modest clothing, and the removal of worldly distinctions serve as reminders for people to put their egos aside and sincerely worship Allah. This modesty in Hajj promotes a stronger sense of togetherness and obedience to the Divine by imparting the important lesson of giving up the burden of ego and arrogance. The equality felt throughout Hajj acts as a sobering reminder that, regardless of one's status or accomplishments in the world, everyone is equal in Allah's eyes.

 

 

 

UNLEASHING THE SPLENDID SYMBOLISM OF SACRIFICE: LESSONS FROM EID-UL-ADHA

 

As the exuberant festival of Eid-ul-Adha is coming, we should delve deep into the theme of sacrifice and its profound symbolism in Islamic culture. Beyond the celebration and customary rituals, apprehending the true meaning of sacrifice can unleash the influential lessons that connect to all. Today, I will try my best to explore the compelling insights and interesting messages from the act of sacrifice,  to explain its importance and relevance to our lives in the fast-paced world.

The Sacrifice of Ibrahim: “A Testament of Adamant Faith”

The life of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) was full of continuous trials that demonstrates his faith in the oneness of Allah Almighty in the face of adversity. The biggest trial of his life was opposition by his family member on the rejection of the concept of polytheism. Instead of following the concept like the whole society, he questioned the validity of idols and commenced the personal journey to seek a higher power. His rejection to follow the religion of his ancestors led to great conflict and opposition but his belief in the concept of true Worthy authority remained unshaken and he consistently tried to spread the message of Allah Almighty. Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) followed the command of Allah Almighty and attempted to sacrifice his beloved son. All the trials were planned to check the faith of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) and for his personal growth. Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) never lost his courage and resilience to enlighten society with true faith. Now imagine the huge emotional turbulence, Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) has experienced on the command of Allah Almighty. He just identified that this command is from the high authority of wisdom and must be a better decision for my son’s life. The obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) to follow this command is unyielding.

The sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) teaches us the most beautiful and most important lessons;

1.  Believing in the Wisdom of Allah Almighty

Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) was able to submit to the will of Allah because he had a deep conviction that Allah's intentions were always superior to his own. Because of this trust, he was able to set aside his desires and comply with the order to sacrifice his adored kid. Similar to this, trusting in Allah's judgment can provide us comfort and direct us towards the greatest outcomes when we experience difficulties or discover ourselves in trying situations.

2. Perseverance and patience

Since Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) had a firm belief in Allah, his path was defined by patience and perseverance. He endured a great deal of opposition, rejection, and difficulty while maintaining his faith. Similar to this, when we face difficulties or setbacks, clinging to our faith in Allah's direction and relying on His might enables us to survive and conquer challenges, encouraging personal development and perseverance.

3. Increasing our faith

Our faith is strengthened and our relationship with Allah is deepened when we remain firm in our religion in the face of hardship. Prophet Ibrahim's (A.S) steadfast devotion in the face of various hardships showed his unshakeable dedication to Allah. Similarly, when we encounter challenges, clinging firmly to the presence of Allah.

The conclusion to summarize the lessons is;

1. When we remain confident in Allah's guidance amid difficulty, our trust and relationship with Him are strengthened.

2. We must hold firm to our convictions and have faith that Allah's purposes are greater than our own, just like Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) did.

3. Our unwavering faith gives us the fundamental character traits of patience and tenacity, which enable us to overcome obstacles and advance spiritually.

4. We find contentment and feel Allah's presence in our life when we have steadfast faith in Him and submit to His will.

 

The Significance of Compassion in Islam: Strengthening the Heart

 

Walking along the roadsides, seeing homeless poor children, old people on the footpaths. I know you feel more compassion for them and most of us say;

When I will be a rich or I will have a good income, I will help these people. Some more determined will say; I will eradicate this poverty and distress from the world. Some of us do prayer to Allah on that scene, that may Allah make them able to help these poor people or may Allah help these poor people. All these thoughts and actions are really good. ALHAMDULILLAH

But being students or jobholders and having a lot of thoughts in our mind or due to busy routine or schedule we never try to show compassion to these poor people that we all can do.

When small poor children see the hostility or cold-heartedness around them, they evolve and grow the same as they observe in their environment and this is how we are developing our society.

Showing compassion is the most fundamental teaching of Islam. The first Kalmah that, we say to read the Quran or to start anything; is بِسْمِ ٱللّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ‎  (bi-semi llāhi r-raḥmāni r-raḥīmi),  here we praise Allah by calling Him the most Merciful and Compassionate. Then the very first chapter of the Holy Quran contains 2^nd verse (ٱلرَّحْمٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ ); that is again praising Allah Almighty by calling Him Compassionate.

Our Prophet Muhammad has the title of Rahmatal-lil-Aalamin. The repetition of verses in the Holy Quran, having the word “reham" shows the importance of compassion. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) set a wonderful example of compassion and was the personification of this virtue.

The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said:

“I commenced the prayer, and I intended to make it long, but I heard a child crying, so I cut my prayer short because of the distress I knew his mother would be feeling.

The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) kissed the children, took the orphan boy to His home and one day a Bedouin came to the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and asked: 

"Do you kiss your sons?"

"I have ten children and I have never kissed any of them."

The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) looked at him and said:

“The one who does not show compassion will not be shown mercy.”

(Bukhari and Muslim)

 

This is how our prophet nurtured the hearts to develop more compassion in society. We all are living our lives depending on one another. If we will not be kind to each other, and to our environment, we may lose all the beauty of this life and most importantly the beauty of emotions or kindness. Try to show compassion to everyone, it will start controlling your anger and will make you happy in return.

Showing compassion is important and easy, let's show compassion to anyone, by just giving a cold-water bottle in this hot summer season. The person could be anyone, rich, poor, male or female. When you will do this, people may start developing the courage to show compassion to others as well. Let's try to nurture the heart. Let's try to make a bond of kindness, love, and respect.

“It is not the compassion of any one of you towards his friend, but it is compassion towards all people and compassion towards the common folk.” Reported by al-Tabarani; its men are rijal al-sahih.

Additionally, when compassion is practiced collectively, it has a contagious impact that leads to a more compassionate and peaceful society, where empathy and caring serve as the cornerstones of social cohesiveness and general well-being. In the end, adopting compassion as a way of life has transformative effects on both individuals and society as a whole.