The Spirit of Hajj

We are now in the final month of the Islamic calendar which is Dhul Hijja. And we all know the significance of this month, in that Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala has prescribed upon the believers the pilgrimage to Makkah. We read in the Quran that when Ibrahim (AS) had constructed the house of Allah, Allah had instructed him saying:

 

Wa adhdhin finnasi bil-Hajji

Proclaim the pilgrimage amongst humanity

 

In a tradition narrated by at-Tabari, it is mentioned that Ibrahim (AS) replied that how can I proclaim the call to all of humanity when my voice cannot travel to the far extents of the earth. And it’s related that Allah had the mountains humble themselves and the earth was rendered flat in its entirety and the voice of Ibrahim (AS) carried to every corner of the world and at that time those who were destined to respond, their response was sealed.

 

Hajj – History and Significance

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala when He created time, He made some times better than others and some months and days better than other months and days. And He did this out of His infinite compassion and mercy towards us so we would feel encouraged to increase ourselves in doing good deeds and that we would become more eager to worship Him.

 

Among the special seasons of worship are the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, which Allah has preferred over all the days of the year and in which Muslims from all over the world gather in Makkah to perform the rituals of pilgrimage. And we see people pouring in from all around the world reciting the same chant: 

Labbaykallahumma labbayk. Labbayka laa shareekalaka labbayk