“And proclaim that the people shall observe the Hajj. They will come to you walking or riding on various exhausted (means of transportation). They will come from the farthest locations.” [TMQ 22:27.8]

Alhamdulillah, just one year ago I had the privilege of accompanying my dear beloved parents to the hajj, and in so doing I not only fulfilled the fard on my neck but also a sense of responsibility I had towards my parents that I felt ever since I started practicing Islam.

For me there are two amazing events every year that really motivate me as a Muslim- Ramadhan, and the Hajj. The site of over 3 million Muslims congregating in Mecca to begin the journey of a lifetime is truly amazing. For the hujaj, those 5 days become the most unforgettable days of their lives. For first-timers, we finally get to see the places that the Prophet Muhammad SAW and the Sahaba once lived and carried the da’wah in; the overpowering sight of the Ka’aba for the first time is very emotional, and there is a renewal of our relationship with our creator. The physical hardship of the rituals are made easy by enjoying meals and light hearted moments with new friends from all over the world, and seeking refuge in ibadah during the early hours.

When we see people of all colours, nationalities and madhhabs, united as brothers and sisters with one common goal, it brings a tear to the eye and makes me wonder when the Muslim Ummah will attain true and lasting unity as one unified Ummah, in the political sense and not just the religious one. With Unity comes strength, for Abu Musa (May Allah bepleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “The relationship of the believer with another believer is like (the bricks of) a building, each strengthens the other.” He (SAW) illustrated this by interlacing the fingers of both his hands.

May Allah SWT bless this Ummah and accept the pilgrimage of the hujaj as hajj mabrur, and May he (SWT) bring about the true and lasting Unity that this Ummah so desperately needs- ameen!

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 9:59 pm and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.