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Summary
1)
The greatness of the Hajj gathering
2)
The benefits of Hajj
3)
The objective of
monotheism
4)
Warning against not
benefiting from Hajj
Fellow Muslims! Fear Allaah, for you are now in a
holy land and holy season; avail yourself of these two privileges so that you
may prosper.
Brethren
in faith! Social gatherings and assemblies, however high and noble their
objectives may be, can never reach the sublimity of the goal of this gathering
of pilgrimage to the House of Allaah in this sacred land, which Allaah has
sanctified, protected and bestowed with complete and comprehensive security in
which men, animals and plants are all guaranteed protection; (this land) in
which tranquility has descended and the banner of Islaam is raised. Allaah says
which means, “Indeed, the first House (of
worship) established for mankind was that at Bakkah
(i.e., Makkah) – blessed and a guidance for the
worlds. In it are clear signs (such as) the standing place of Abraham. And
whoever enters it (i.e., the Haram) shall be safe.
And (due) to Allaah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever
is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves (i.e., refuses) – then
indeed, Allaah is free from need of the worlds.'” (Aal-‘Imraan: 96-97)
Hajj is ordained so that it can serve as a meeting
point for the brothers (in faith), a gathering for devotees and a refuge for
the believers. They assemble there in answer to the call of Prophet Ibraaheem whom Allaah commanded thus, “…’Do not associate anything with Me and purify My House
for those who perform tawaaf (circumambulation of the
Ka’bah) and those who stand (in prayer) and those who
bow and prostrate. And proclaim to the people the Hajj (pilgrimage); they will
come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant
pass – That they may witness (i.e., attend) benefits for themselves and mention
the name of Allaah on known (i.e., specific) days over what He has provided for
them of (sacrificial) animals. So eat of them and feed the miserable and
poor.’” (Al-Hajj: 26-28)
Witnessing
things that are of benefit, which is among the most prominent goals of Hajj, is an issue firmly linked with
this obligation as it is one of its fruits. There are indeed countless benefits
which all relate to the realization of the improvement of one’s life in this
world and the next, elevation of the Muslim nation and the achievement of the
pleasure of Allaah. Promoting solidarity amongst Muslims, working towards their
unity and mending the broken relationships among them are some of the greatest
benefits of Hajj, which plays a great
role in preserving the Islaamic brotherhood that is
highly extolled and blessed by Allaah when He says which means, “The believers are but brothers…” (Al-Hujuraat: 10)
Indeed,
safeguarding this brotherhood and fulfilling its obligations are the major
means of protecting the unity of this Ummah so that it can stand strong
and formidable in the face of tribulations and in order to achieve glory, power
and succession in the land as promised by Allaah, when He says which means, “Allaah has promised those who have believed among you and
done righteous deeds that He will surely grant them succession (to authority)
upon the earth just as He granted it to those before them and that He will
surely establish for them (therein) their religion which He has preferred for
them and that He will surely substitute for them, after their feat, security,
(for) they worship Me, not associating anything with Me. But whoever
disbelieves after that – then those the defiantly disobedient.” (An-Noor: 55)
Brethren
in Islaam! The source of power of the Muslim nation that the pilgrim feels,
stems from (their belief in) the Oneness of Allaah, which is evident in every
ritual of Hajj. This feeling should
then make him follow the ways that will lead to the preservation of that power
by means of deep understanding of Islaam, sincerity and unrelenting efforts
(for the sake of their religion). Therefore, when the pilgrims are coming to
perform Hajj, it is essential for them to broaden their perspectives and
sense of understanding, in order to have true perception of the benefits of Hajj
and so that they may transform them from mere theories and wishes into
realities that will leave its positive and everlasting impacts on their lives.
Thus, the pilgrim should, while reciting the Talbiyah
(a prayer recited by pilgrims going to Makkah),
feel the real sense of liberation from the worship of fellow creatures to the
worship of the Creator alone, by answering Allaah’s
call and submitting to His authority.
It
is not proper for a Muslim, after he has responded to the call of Allaah (which
He proclaimed) through His friend Ibraaheem,
to, then, respond to the call of Satan who (only) invites to disunity among
Muslims. It is also not suitable for a Muslim to adopt the rites of other than
those of the Islaamic Faith, which he proclaimed in
the sites of forgiveness and mercy and by the House of Allaah, lest he be like
the one who apostatizes and breaks his covenant with Him.
Fear
Allaah and benefit from this great opportunity by fulfilling the goals of this
deed. Endeavor to make the best use of this period by witnessing the real
benefits of Hajj that are embodied in acts of worship. This will bring
you closer to your Lord and promote unity among Muslims and, as a result,
remove the aggression that Muslims in many countries are experiencing nowadays.
Allaah says which means, “Hajj is (during)
well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein (by
entering the state of Ihraam), there is (to be for
him) no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. And
whatever good you do – Allaah knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the
best provision is fear of Allaah. And fear Me, O you of understanding.”
(Al-Baqarah: 197)
Brethren
in faith! Observing the benefits of Hajj
is a great chance that must not be neglected. This is so because Allaah
ordained Hajj and ordered His
companion Ibraaheem to proclaim it amongst
people so that they may witness its benefits; how can the purpose, then, be
disregarded? When (and how) will the Muslim nation achieve its desired
objectives if it turns away from the benefits of this great obligation?
Therefore, fear Allaah and make good use of the opportunity
of this great pillar of Islaam and this blessed assembly, so as to be among the
prosperous and victorious people.