Hajj Mubarak

Hajj- the beauty of this Holy Pilgrimage is one of the most soul enriching experiences and today millions of Muslims are being blessed with the divinity of this spiritual journey.

People who are blessed to have experienced this journey are considered the luckiest ones, and the ones who have not yet embarked on this journey wishes that if only once in their life time they can make this Pilgrimage then their lives in this world and the Hereafter shall be blessed with the Mercy of Allah.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his last Hajj sermon (known as Khutba-e-hajjatul-Wida) in the valley of mount Arafat.

It was the best example of eloquence, brevity, conciseness and the content of the message was as humane, rational and favorable to justice and equality as any message could be. The message delivered in the sermon was delivered more than fourteen centuries ago, but, it was still inclusive of all bases of equality and justice and is an essence of the true message and philosophy of Islamic faith.

 “O’ ye people! Allah says, O’ people We created you from one male and one female and made you into tribes and nations, so as to be known to one another. Verily in the sight of Allah, the most honored amongst you is the one who is most God-fearing. There is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab and for a non-Arab over an Arab or for the white over the black or for the black over the white except in God-consciousness.”

Describing the women rights in Islam, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. If they abide by your rights, then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers.”

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught the concept of Muslim brotherhood in the following words:

“O’ People! Every Muslim is the brother of every other Muslim, and all the Muslims form one brotherhood. And your slaves; see that you feed them with such food as you eat yourselves, and clothe them with the clothes that you yourselves wear.”

Thus, it can be appreciated that Islamic viewpoint on social equality, brotherhood, individual liberty and mutual cooperation is a guiding light for humanity and it has not gone through any progression to develop as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave to us such guiding principles fourteen centuries ago.

I pray that we as Muslims treasure this guidance and integrate this message into our lives.

Once again Hajj Mubarak…

Sonya Syed. (Day 492)