Ref: PR/AF/61/15
“Surely the first House which was appointed for mankind (as a place of worship) was that in Bakkah (Makkah), the blessed, and a source of guidance for the entire universe.” (Surah Ale Imran (3), Verse: 96)
HAJJ – A UNIQUE WORSHIP
Hajj is a bodily and spiritual journey. It is man’s migration towards Allah’s grace and pleasure.
Hajj is a form of worship, to which several factors are intertwined – Physical, material, spiritual and emotional.
Hajj is a physical and material form of worship in which the worshipper gives of himself both physically and materially and endures hardships and troubles in humility in the way of Allah, demonstrating his pure pristine servitude to Allah and his independence from any power other than Him. This pure goal of Hajj is the goal of any worship in Islam that is to be for the sake of Allah alone, regardless of any existing power other than Him. It is the utmost goal of man’s worship. Man’s conscience completely awakens and man is rendered, purified and cleansed of all evil and vice, provided sincerity of intention is involved.
Hajj is ordained and the Holy Our’an regards it as Allah’s right over His servants:
“In it are clear signs, the standing place of Ibrahim, and whoever enters it shall be secure, and pilgrimage to the House is incumbent upon men for the sake of Allah, (upon) everyone who is able to undertake the journey to it; and whoever disbelieves, then surely Allah is Self-sufficient, above any need of the worlds”. (Surah Ale Imran (3), Verse: 97)
HAJJ – A SYMBOL OF UNITY
The pilgrimage enables Muslims from all around the world, of different colors, languages, races, and ethnicities, to come together in a spirit of universal brotherhood and sisterhood to worship the One God together.
During Hajj, Muslims witness the most excellent example of equality, submissiveness, and brotherhood. This is accomplished by removing the outer difference and donning the dress of unity Ihram. The result is that all feel oneness among the human race, brotherhood and equality.
In performing Hajj, Muslims invalidate all the artificial boundaries established by human, regional, national and racial superiority complexes and egoism. Traveling across thousands of miles, they penetrate all barriers, and rise above all-man-made hurdles, in order to respond to Islam’s call of faith.
Hajj is the symbol of Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah [swt]) from the first moment the pilgrim enters Ihraam, Pilgrims repeatedly recite (Talbeeyah).
“Labbayka Allaahumma labbayk, labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk. Inna al-hamd wa’l-ni’mata laka wa’l-mulk, laa shareeka lak (Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty, You have no partner).”
Hajj is a wonderful opportunity for the Muslims to change and begin a new life style of uplifting spiritual well-being and be conscious of one’s responsibilities towards Allah (SWT) and towards their fellow human beings; many are in need of support, attention and care.
It is my humble appeal to all our community members to pay their Hukuk, Zakat and Sadaqah etc. through Africa Federation, whereby it is centrally managed. Funds are accordingly disbursed to the needy and deserving members of our community for their essential necessities through our Member Jamaats in Africa.
Importance of Charity in Islam
And keep up prayer and pay the poor dues (Zakat) and whatever good you send before for yourselves, you shall find it with Allah; surely Allah sees what you do. (Surah Al Baqarah (2) Verse: 110)
Greetings and Prayers:
On behalf of the Africa Federation Office Bearers, Trustees and Councilors, and on my own behalf, I extend our best wishes to the community members on the occasion of Eid al Adha – The Festival of Sacrifice – “Eid Mubarak”.
Let us pray for the pilgrims’ blessed journey and successful completion of the Hajj rituals and the Ziyarat of the Holy Prophet of Islam, his progeny and the faithful followers of Ahlulbayt (AS) in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah and their safe return to their homes, Ameen.
May I request you all to pray for peace, security and safety of all Muslims and for all the peace loving people wherever they are in all parts of the world.
Anwarali Dharamsi
Chairman