The Wisdom and Philosophy of Hajj and Its Hidden Secrets (Part 6)
Hajj is the immortalization of the characteristics, deeds, and teachings of Prophet Abraham (PBUH) and the renewal of his call.
Hajj, its rituals, the memories and events that encompass them, and the state in which the pilgrim finds themself—such as avoiding the manifestations, deeds, and actions that he performs; including Ihram, standing, offering, stoning, Sa’i, Tawaf, and prayer—are indeed the immortalization of the affairs and characteristics to which Abraham (PBUH) was dedicated. These characteristics include monotheism, negation of causes, trust in Allah Almighty, self-sacrifice, preference for obedience and His pleasure, rebellion against habits, customs, manners, fake standards, fabricated values, and the renewal of strong faith, deep love, and sublime self-sacrifice.
Hajj guarantees the survival of all these lofty concepts and divine values, contributing to the survival of both Islamic and human society, which transcends all limited and artificial ethnicities, races, and nationalities. It invites people to follow the path and method of Abraham (PBUH), to embody his spirit, and to continue his call at any time and place. (مِلَّةَ أَبِيكُمْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ هُوَ سَمَّاكُمُ الْمُسْلِمِينَ مِنْ قَبْلُ وَفِي هَذَا لِيَكُونَ الرَّسُولُ شَهِيدًا عَلَيْكُمْ وَتَكُونُوا شُهَدَاءَ عَلَى النَّاسِ فَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِاللَّهِ هُوَ مَوْلَاكُمْ فَنِعْمَ الْمَوْلَى وَنِعْمَ النَّصِيرُ) Translation: “(Follow) the religion of your father Abraham; He (Allah) has called you the submitters before and in this Quran, that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people; so establish prayer, pay the zakat, and hold fast to the religion of Allah; He is your Guardian, so He is the Best Guardian and the Best Helper.”
A New Title and a Turning Point in the Book of Humanity
The call and struggle of Abraham (PBUH) represent a new, bright, and shining chapter in the book of humanity, one that separates one history from another, dividing humanity into two eternal camps. One era ends, and a new era begins.
Allah Almighty has appointed an eternal leadership and a permanent religion for Abraham (PBUH) and his descendants, along with prophethood and guardianship over the world forever. He has charged his family and those who respond to his call with jihad for the truth, resistance against falsehood, inviting others to Allah Almighty, steering the ship of humanity through fierce storms and rebellious waves, and maintaining this shining light so it does not extinguish. This is the only constructive factor that Allah Almighty has established for the happiness of humanity—to protect it from destroying the world and itself, potentially leading it to hell.
Hajj as the Pillar of Humanity and the Source of Establishing People
Hajj and participation in this sacred season, the annual gathering of the followers of the nation of Abraham in Makkah, are pivotal for maintaining the connection between Abraham and his descendants, his spiritual children. The concepts, beliefs, and goals essential for the survival of both this nation and all of humanity are renewed through these experiences. Therefore, Allah the Most High has stated: (جَعَلَ اللهُ الْكَعْبَةَ الْبَيْتَ الْحَرَامَ قِيَامًا لِلنَّاسِ وَالشَّهْرَ الْحَرَامَ وَالْهَدْيَ وَالْقَلَائِدَ ذَلِكَ لِتَعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ يَعْلَمُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيم) Translation: “Allah has appointed the Kaaba, the Sacred House, a place of worship for mankind, the sacred month, and both marked and unmarked sacrifices, so that you may know that Allah knows what is in the heavens and what is in the earth, and that Allah is Knowing of all things.”
The Permanent Center and Base of Guidance, Reform, and Jihad
In turn, it is now the era of Islam and the eternal prophethood of Muhammad, during which this house became the base for guidance, spiritual radiance, and emotional nourishment around which the rituals of Hajj are performed. It nourishes feelings of compassion and ignites the embers of hearts, recharging them. Annually, the Islamic world gathers around it, receiving the religious message, paying the tax of love and obedience, and strengthening their attachment to this rope and foundation.
Around it, the greatest scholars, wise men, leaders, educated individuals, kings, rulers, the rich, and the poor converge with fervor and contemplation, embodying the reality that despite their dispersion, they are united; despite their numbers, they are cohesive; despite being scattered, they are focused; and despite their poverty and suffering, they are rich and affluent. In their weakness, they are nevertheless strong and powerful. After performing Hajj, they return to the world, striving to earn their living and fulfill their obligations.
Despite belonging to various nations and eras, differing in terms of civilizations and cultures, they gather at one focal point around a singular center. Their lives are marked by circumambulation, striving, worship, faith, belief, migration, and pauses for reflection. Their pivotal stops and shared spaces are Mina and Arafat. They are on a constant journey of continuous growth and knowledge until they depart from this world to meet their Lord.
Towards the Place of Migration of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and His Magnificent Mosque
Naturally, the Muslims, especially those who have traveled from far-off lands, after completing their Hajj and rituals, turn towards the place of migration of the last of the Messengers (PBUH), his final resting place, and the refuge of Islam. They long for the mosque where light radiates, where waves of guidance and knowledge emanate, and where the victory of Islam commenced. They flock toward Medina—where Islam took sanctuary, where the early chapters of its history unfolded, and where the soil is imbued with the tears and blood of the Sahaba. In this mosque, a single rak’ah is equivalent to a thousand rak’ahs in others, and they aspire to stand in the place where the martyrs, truthful individuals, and early pioneers once stood.
From Medina, they draw strength in faith, integrity, love, kindness, courage, and martyrdom for the cause of Islam, sending blessings and peace upon the Prophet (PBUH)—the Prophet who led humanity from darkness to light through his call and jihad, from the worship of servants to the worship of Allah, and from the constricted confines of this world to its vastness. Consequently, humanity first tasted faith and recognized the inherent value of each individual.
