Kabah: Pilgrimage to Kabah - Spirit of Sacrifice  

By Saniyasnain Khan  

Kabah: Pilgrimage to Kabah - Spirit of Sacrifice  

Over 4,000 years ago God asked Abraham to build the Kabah (house of worship) at Mecca and to call upon all people to make the pilgrimage to the House of God. Thus, it came to be obligatory for every Muslim to go for Haj at least once, provided good health and financial position permitted it.

Over two million believers from all over the world gather every year in Mecca to perform this pious duty. The rites of Haj take about one week to complete, but the devout spend as many days as possible so that they may become spiritually enriched by the sacred atmosphere. All the acts and sites of Haj convey a spiritual message.

Pilgrims perform Haj not just to have their sins pardoned, but to become good human beings, learning to care for others and to appreciate God's marvellous gifts. The special clothing for Haj is known as ihram, which consists of two seamless white sheets. Women wear scarves covering their heads, along with their usual clothing. Wearing this is a sign that you are prepared to enter the sacred lands of Mecca in a chastened state of mind, in a manner appropriate to Haj . Ihram -clad pilgrims of all countries, races and stations in life look alike. After all, in the eyes of Allah, all men are equal.

The Kabah attracts more people than any other shrine in the world. Over a quarter of the world's population turns towards it to pray five times a day. Day and night, year after year, worship never stops here even for a fraction of a second. The pilgrims go around the Kabah several times, like the planets revolve around the sun.

We should be constantly aware of the Creator; we must avoid things He has banned and do good works that please Him; we must remember Him "while standing, sitting and lying down, and reflect upon the creation of the heavens and earth." (Qur'an 3:190-91).

Pilgrims walk to and fro between the two little hills called Safa and Marwa , recalling the great struggle of Abraham's wife, Hagar, and her total trust in God. Zamzam , the spring which gushed forth by God's will, saving the lives of Hagar and her baby Ishmael, is proof that trusting believers will be duly rewarded by the Almighty, perhaps even by a miracle.

As this water quenches the thirst of millions of pilgrims year after year, without its flow ever stopping, it signals God's immense power and love for His creatures. One of the most important rites of Haj is the throwing of tiny pebbles at the pillars at Mina, which represent Satan - this is symbolic of how we are to 'throw pebbles' at temptation, driving it away.

The most significant moments are at Arafat , the culmination point of Haj . Here the Prophet Muhammad announced that the really superior person is righteous and God-fearing, taking no pride in colour, creed or position. Assembling at Arafat is, for the pilgrims, like standing before God on Judgment Day. They stand in humility and prayer, concentrating only on God.

The most heartfelt prayers are offered for the forgiveness of one's sins as well as for the welfare of others. During the days of pilgrimage, the believers have to stay in tents, especially in Mina, for a few days. At Muzdalifa , the pilgrims stay overnight. Living in tents is a reminder of the plight of the homeless and the needy. The sacrifice of an animal at Mina (which is observed as the festival of Eid) recalls Prophet Abraham's readiness to obey God's command to sacrifice his beloved son.

The Qur'an says: "Truly, my prayers, my sacrifice, my life and death all belong to Allah, the Lords of the worlds." (6:162).

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See also: Kabah, Indian Festivals, Spiritual Guidance, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)