THE SIGNIFICANCE OF HAJJ AND EID-UL-KABIR
By Goke Alade and Abdulateef Oyebisi

 

Historically, Hajj as an institution was established during the second year of Prophet Muhammad's Hijrah otherwise known as Migration from Mecca to Medina.

The Holy Quran describes that the months in which Hajj Rites can take place as Shawwal, Dhul-Qa'da and Dhul Hijjah, that is the tenth, eleventh and the twelfth of the Lunar Months.

This implies that the Hajj Rites start as early as the beginning of Shawwal. However, the chief Hajj rites are concentrated on the 8 th , 9 th and tenth of Dhul-Hijjah; the Hajj Month or the twelfth month.

Hajj, the holy pilgrimage to Mecca, is the fifth pillar of Islam, which Almighty Allah says should be performed at least once in ones life time, subject to ability, capacity, capability and the safety of the routes.

The ritual duties performed annually by pilgrims in Mecca include the wearing of the pilgrims white garments called Ihram. Tawaf is the Circumambulation, going round, of the Kaa'ba seven times, with the kissing of the little black stone fixed into the wall.

The Black Stone symbolises the legacy of the era of Prophet Ibrahim with which he constructed the Kaa'ba, the first place of worship on earth, which in turn symbolizes the concentration of the love of God. Another essential duty performed is the prayer at the Makamah, the Station of Ibrahim; Herein the foot-hold of Prophet Ibrahim is boldly engraved.

The rites also involve running between the two valleys of SAFA and MAR'WA seven times, which reminiscent the patience and perseverance of Hajarah, known as Hagar; and drinking from Zam Zam water, the miraculous fountain that Allah used to lessen the suffering and quench the thirst of Ibrahim's second wife with the new baby in the wilderness.

The pilgrims thereafter move to the valley of Munna where they spend some nights and then move to Mount Arafat to commemorate the re-union of Prophet Adam and his wife Awaw. Mount Arafat is also known as Mountain of Mercy.

It is after the return of the pilgrims from Mount Arafat that other Muslims world over join them to slaughter rams as sacrifice to God, the following day, to commemorate The Great Sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, the Father of Faith.

This year's Eid-ul-Kabir, the festivity of Sacrifice also known as Eid-ul-Adha, the Big Festival corresponds to the 1431 after Hijrah.

About two point five million Muslims from across the world, including about ninety five thousand Nigerian pilgrims are taking part in this year's ritual.

The festival reached its climax on Tuesday with the pilgrims converging on Mount Arafat to perform the Hajj rites and the delivery of the Khutbah, the annual Sermon for the Hajj.

Prophet Ibrahim asked God to grant him a child and was blessed with Prophet Ismali who was born in Kaabah at Mecca after being childless for over ninety five years. Because of his honesty, humility and faith in God Almighty, Prophet Ibrahim took his son to Mount Arafat to sacrifice him to God as promised. God, having attested to Prophet Ibrahim's honesty and truthfulness, a worthy Servant, provided a Ram in place of Ismail. Prophet Ibrahim and his son returned home happily.

Today is being observed by Muslims as Eid-ul-Kabir day and it is essential not to lose sight of the significance of the Day, which includes the submission to the Will of Allah as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim. This is expected to be emulated by the Muslims.

The occasion provides another opportunity for Muslim faithful to rededicate themselves to the belief in only one God and re-establish their commitment to serve Him with all their hearts, believing that there is no other God to be worshipped except Almighty Allah.

Also critical is the observation of the five times daily prayers as at when due, giving of alms to the needy or the payment of Zakat and fasting in the month of Ramadan

Eid-ul-Kabir is a period for sober reflection and a time for stock-taking of what one has done in the past one year, rightly or wrongly. It involves efforts to improve on the good ones and avoid the pitfalls; being one's brother's keeper and be ready to forgive those who have offended us.

It is also a reminder of the Grand Assembly on the Day of Judgment when people would stand equal before God awaiting their final destiny.

As Muslims celebrate this year's Eid-ul-Kabir globally, it is instructive for world leaders to emulate the humility of Prophet Ibrahim, the Father of Faith and make the world a better place to live.

 

 

Broadcast on Wednesday November 17, 2010