Author: M. Asim Ismail Zahi
The Wisdom and Philosophy of Hajj and Its Hidden Secrets (Part One)
Abstract
Among the most important directives of Islam is the Hajj (pilgrimage) to the Kaaba. Every Muslim, provided they meet specific conditions such as maturity, sound mind, financial ability, etc., is obligated to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime. Hajj is a significant, sublime, and emphasized program in Islam. Numerous verses in the Holy Quran are revealed about Hajj, and there is even a chapter (Surah) named after it.
This importance and status have led to Hajj being included among the subsidiary principles of religion. The most important and beneficial wisdom of Hajj is the expression of servitude and submission to Almighty Allah, evident in all the acts of Hajj, such as Ihram (state of consecration), Tawaf (circumambulation), Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwa), and sacrifice. By entering Ihram and severing attachments to worldly possessions, the pilgrim (Haji) is freed from all detrimental constraints and dependencies, preparing for ascension into spiritual and mystical realms. Hajj also magnificently displays the unity of the Islamic Ummah. Every Muslim is obligated to participate in this grand display by relinquishing the constraints and shackles of life and abstaining from all routines.
Introduction
Hajj has long held special importance among Muslims. Every year, hundreds of thousands of eager Muslims from all corners of the world travel to the holy lands of Mecca and Medina, enduring hardships and difficulties to reach the Miqat (designated boundary for entering Ihram). Chanting “Labbaik” (Here I am at Your service), they prepare to perform the Hajj ritual. Hajj is one of the most important acts of worship in Islam, serving as a pillar that strengthens the bond of friendship among Muslims.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) considered Hajj a pillar and foundation of religion, and the Holy Quran deems those who abandon it as disbelievers. Prophet Abraham (PBUH) beseeched Allah to incline hearts toward this House (Kaaba). The acts and rituals of Hajj are passages in a training course for the spiritual journey of humankind toward Allah. The pilgrim in that land is a virtuous person who, alongside the angels in Bayt al-Ma’mur (the celestial Kaaba), circumambulates the House of Allah. He is like a moth that burns its wings in the love of the Beloved (Allah), chanting “Labbaik” (Here I am at Your service) until he attains union with the Beloved. The polluted and impure gain nothing by embarking on this path except with the intention of repentance and atonement for their sins. Allah will break those who violate the sanctity of this sanctuary and will reward the successful seekers of this path with Paradise. The broken-hearted find solace in this sanctuary. The enlightened ones in this land walk on the wings of angels and learn the correct way of living by following in the footsteps of Prophet Abraham (PBUH). Those who plead beneath the golden spout shed tears in anticipation of the descent of mercy.
Hajj is a complete act of worship that contains signs of other acts of worship as well. Like prayer, it has specific recitations and movements. Like fasting, it involves abstaining from certain things. Like jihad, it entails struggling against Satan (stoning of the Jamarat) and enduring hardships. And like Zakat, it includes spending wealth in the way of Allah and offering a sacrifice (Qurbani) in the presence of Allah.
Hajj
«وَأَذِنْ فِي النَّاسِ بِالْحَج يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالاً وَعَلَى كُلِ ضَامِرٍ يَأْتِينَ مِنْ كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍ * لِيَشْهَدُوا مَنَافِعَ لَهُمْ وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَعْلُومَاتٍ عَلَى مَا رَزَقَهُمْ مِنْ بَهِيمَةِ الْأَنْعَامِ فَكُلُوا مِنْهَا وَأَطْعِمُوا الْبَائِسَ الْفَقِيرَ ثُمَّ لْيَقْضُوا تَفَثَهُمْ وَلْيُوفُوا نُذُورَهُمْ وَلْيَطَوَّفُوا بِالْبَيْتِ الْعَتِيقِ». Translation: “And proclaim to mankind the Hajj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, coming from every remote path, that they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known days over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. Then eat of them and feed the miserable and poor. Then let them end their untidiness, fulfill their vows, and perform Tawaf around the ancient House.” (Quran 22:27-29)
Islam is a monotheistic and purified religion that does not involve intercession or representation. It is a religion of pure monotheism that does not believe in intercession between a servant and their Lord, except through the prophets and messengers of Allah. They serve as intermediaries between the Creator and creation, conveying the message, introducing the essence and attributes of Allah, explaining what is worthy of Allah Almighty, and guiding people to the right path.
Islam does not require a tangible and visible symbol upon which a person can focus their thoughts and dedicate their efforts to imagine a deity uncomprehended by the eyes, connecting with it in imagination and perception. In Islam, there are no intermediaries, mediators, manifestations, images, idols, temples, or priestly classes.
«وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُوا لِي وَلْيُؤْمِنُوا بِي لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ». Translation: “And when My servants ask you concerning Me, then surely I am near. I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he calls on Me, so they should answer My call and believe in Me that they may be led aright.” (Quran 2:186)
«فَاعْبُدِ اللَّهَ مُخْلِصًا لَهُ الدِّينَ. أَلا لِلَّهِ الدِّينُ الْخَالِصُ وَالَّذِينَ اتَّخَذُوا مِنْ دُونِهِ أَوْلِيَاءَ مَا نَعْبُدُهُمْ إِلَّا لِيُقَرِّبُونَا إِلَى اللهِ زُلْفَى». Translation: “So worship Allah, being sincere to Him in religion. Unquestionably, for Allah is the pure religion. And those who take protectors besides Him [say], ‘We only worship them that they may bring us nearer to Allah in position.'” (Quran 39:2-3)
Therefore, Islam is a religion that calls for purifying imagination and fancy, elevating the insight of thought, clarifying the will and intention, sincerity in action, and severing ties with everything else—so completely that no greater severance can be imagined. It demands an intellectual and doctrinal level that neither humanity, religions, philosophies, nor religious and rational systems have approached or come close to. Allah (SWT) has described Himself in a way that, in precision and grandeur, admits of no higher description: «لَيْسَ كَمِثْلِهِ شَيْءٌ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ البَصِيرُ». Translation: “There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing.”
Human need for something visible that directs their desire and fulfills their longing for veneration and closeness
Human nature seeks a natural disposition, and humans have always sought something they can see with their own eyes—something that directs their yearning, fulfills their hopes, and satisfies their intense desire for veneration and closeness.
Continues…
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