Haj: Haj Is a Journey Into Yourself

By Fayyaz S Pathan

Haj Is a Journey Into Yourself

It is every Muslim's cherished dream to go on Haj, to undertake the spiritual journey to the holy city of Mecca. On their return, the successful pilgrims are known as Hajjis. When they embark on their journey, they are given a ceremonial and fond farewell by relatives and friends of all faiths. Haj is a commemoration of tests and trials experienced by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Hazrat Ismail, in the vicinity of Mecca.

Anyone who can afford to make the holy trip should proceed to Mecca without hesitation. The Ibn Majah says: "The person who makes up his mind to go on the pilgrimage should make haste to perform this obligation. It is possible that he may take ill; or his she-camel may get lost, or perhaps an event occurs which makes it impossible for him to go on Haj".

The Bukhari Hadith says: "Aisha stated: I said, ÔO Prophet! We consider jehad as the best deed'. The Prophet said: The best jehad (for women) is Haj Mabrur" or pilgrimage performed with all the proper rules and conditions in order to earn the pleasure of Allah.

A Haj pilgrim is expected to deeply reflect upon those portions of the Holy Qur'an, which describe the reality, importance and the sentiments created by the performance of Haj. Before proceeding towards this holy place, a careful study of the traditions of the Holy Prophet has to be undertaken, which deals with the rites and rituals of the Haj. Pilgrims wear two unsown sheets of cloth, Ihram, and a pair of sandals. The Ihram symbolises the humility and simplicity of a follower who is proceeding to the holy city of Mecca.

Wearing Ihram creates an ambience within, and pride and vanity disappear. Whatever impurities that may have sullied their souls due to indulgence in worldly pleasures vanishes, which brings a feeling of godliness and this dominates the internal and external selves of the pilgrims. Such is the power of the Ihram.

The Haj pilgrim has to be an adult; children are not allowed. The pilgrim should seek the permission of his parents, particularly when they are sick or old and should ask for their forgiveness. He must leave behind a regular and complete Will or Wasiyat. A debtor is forbidden to perform Haj unless he clears his debts or the creditor willingly writes off his debts. The Haj pilgrim is expected to leave sufficient money for the expenses of his family until his return; otherwise he isn't permitted to observe the Haj. He has to have the requisite money, which won't cause any financial crunch during the course of Haj; otherwise he isn't permitted to undertake the journey to Mecca (Makkah) as a Mutawakkil - that is, he cannot be dependent on God and be an encumbrance on other pilgrims.

The holy Qur'an says: "So when you have accomplished your Manasik - Ihram, Tawaf of the Ka'bah and As-Safa and Al-Marwah, staying at Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina, Ramy of Jamarat (stoning of the specified pillars in Mina) and sacrifice of Hady (animal) - remember Allah as you remember your forefathers or with a far deeper remembrance. But of mankind there are some who say: ÔOur Lord! Give us Your bounties in this world!' and for such there will be no portion in the Hereafter". (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 2:200).

The greatest gift that a Hajji can give his near and dear ones, is the holy water, Zamzam. This holy water is stored in Muslim homes and given to the ailing. A few drops are poured in the mouth of a person who is embarking on his final journey.