Introduction
Pilgrimage is not just a journey to Makkah. It is a spiritual journey which readjusts a muslim’s heart. a pilgrim leaves the whole world behind him or her. male pilgrims take off their ordinary clothes. Therefore, they wear al-ihram instead. That’s why al-Ihram symbolizes equality and the sincere intention to please Allah. With every ritual of pilgrimage, a pilgrim learns a new lesson of obedience, submission and loyalty to Allah alone.
Al-Ihram, declaring the intention of al-hajj:
First, pilgrimage starts with al-Ihram. a pilgrim intends to get into the ritual of pilgrimage. Basically, a male pilgrim puts on white unsewn upper dress to screen his upper body part. In addition, he wears a lower unsewn white cloth to screen his lower body part. Sure this simple way of dress resembles wearing a coffin, the dress of a dead person. the message which this dress says: ((“ O, allah, I have come to you all alone, leaving everything behind me for your sake. please o allah, don’t reject men.”)) then the pilgrim starts repeating Talbiyah. the voice of monotheism soars high. the hearts shake out of love and piety.
The story of a mother & great patience:
Mainly, pilgrims remember lady hajar while she was jogging between the two hills of al-safa and al-marwa. In fact, she sought some water for her baby son Ismaeel. So, in the ritual of al-saee, we learn the value of hope and trust in Allah. Truly, Allah does not waste those who depend on him.
Arafat, the world’s greatest day:
Arafat, the soul & heart of pilgrimage Arafat is the soul and heart of pilgrimage. It is the day on which Allah’s mercy showers muslims and the sins are forgiven. Allah boasts his angels of his obedient servants.
Arafat, the world’s greatest day:
Arafat, the soul & heart of pilgrimage Arafat is the soul and heart of pilgrimage. It is the day on which Allah’s mercy showers muslims and the sins are forgiven. Allah boasts his angels of his obedient servants.
Throwing stones and slaughtering:
Throwing stones symbolizes pelting the devil. This confirms rejecting his insinuation in our life. Slaughtering and sacrificing animals stresses taking prophet Ibrahim as a good example on the part of muslims. This is because Ibrahim sincerely and devotedly obeyed his lord. For this reason, each ritual of al-hajj teaches us the lesson that we should be the servants of Allah alone.
Shaving & returning to normal clothes:
After the end of al-hajj rituals, a male pilgrim shaves or cuts short his head’s hair. This is an indication to the end of a stage of a pilgrim’s life; and the start of a purer stage of his or her life. Now the pilgrim is spiritually newly born.
Hajj Is Not Just Circling and Sa’i – It’s a Journey of the Soul
Pilgrimage is not just ritual.Pilgrimage is spiritual education. It teaches us modesty, patience and sacrifice. It makes us rearrange our priorities. Allah is first and foremost priority.
When you can’t do pilgrimage:
Even if you can’t do pilgrimage this year, do not miss the chance. Sincerely, come closer to Allah during these virtuous great days. Moreover, you can achieve this great goal by fasting, dua,takbeer, zikr, reading and reciting the holy quran.
