The Hajj: One of the five pillars of Islam
In this context it would be worthwhile to refer to Ayat (Verse) 26 and 27 of Sura (Chapter) Hajj of the Quran wherein Allah "Rabbul Alameen" (Lord of the worlds) declares:
Ayat: 26 "Bechold! We gave the site, to Ibrahim, of the (Sacred) House, (saying) associate not anything (in worship) with Me, and sanctify of my House for those who compass it round or stand up, or prostrate themselves (there in prayer)."
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Ayat: 27 "And proclaim the pilgrimage among men: They will come to Three on foot and (mounted) on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways."
So, as enjoined by Almighty Allah in the aforesaid Ayat 27 of the Quran people came to the Sacred House (the Holy Ka'ba) from every quarter near and far "on account of temporal and spiritual benefits" as aptly observed by a world renowned commentator and translator of the Holy Quran Allama Abdullah Yusuf Ali.
After bestowal of Prophethood the holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) started preaching and propounding his religion Islam initially among the idolaters or polytheists of Mecca and he did so for full 22 years (610-632 AD), and as a result people accepted monotheism and discarded "Shirq" (partnership with Allah). Now, a question may reasonably arise that if the people in Mecca particularly the people living around Almighty Allah's Sacred House (Al-Ka'ba) responded to Hazrat Ibrahim's clarion call as clearly indicated in the aforesaid Quranic Ayat and discarded association of anything (in worship) with Allah, then how and when they switched over again to polytheism and started to associate partners with Almighty Allah?
Yes, during the interim period there was a time, that is, a time in between Hazrat Ibrahim's (AS) clarion call from the floor of the Holy Ka'ba and advent of Prophet Muhammad (SM) when the people of Mecca, Hejaz and elsewhere vigorously started worshipping idols. And who was solely responsible for this sudden and unexpected change from monotheism to polytheism or paganism in Arab society? He was a tribal chief namely, Amar bin Luhai who was renowned for righteousness, charity, reverence and care for religion, and was granted unreserved love and obedience by his tribesmen. He came back from a trip to Syria where he saw people worshipping idols, a phenomenon he approved of and believed it to be righteous since Syria was at that time the "custodian" of Messengers and Scriptures." He brought with him an idol ("Hubal") which he placed in the middle of Al-Ka'ba and summoned people to worship it.
About the institution of Hajj it may be further stated that right form the departure from his home town a pilgrim has to pass through certain very important stages and formalities before he reaches the Holy Ka'ba in Mecca and other concerned holy places in Saudi Arabia including the holy city of Medina. Wearing a special unsown loose dress called "Ehram" and after shaving his head the pilgrim reaches the Holy Ka'ba which he circumambulates six times. On the 9th day of the lunar month of Zilhajj all the pilgrims assemble in the vast plain of Arafah and there they offer their "Zohar" (mid-day) and "Asar" (afternoon) prayers together and while praying they supplicate Merciful and Benign Allah to forgive their sins.
Arafah, it may be specially mentioned here, has a special significance for here the holy Prophet (peace be upon him), delivered his famous and historic Farewell Pilgrimage Address standing on a hilltop. Addressing the vast concourse of the pilgrims he said inter alia: (i) "Do not join any partner with Allah, (ii) Adultery is a heinous crime, (iii) I leave behind two very important things for your guidance: Al-Quran and my Sunnah (sayings) and if you stick to them then you will not be in difficulty". And on the following day, that is, on the 10th day of the lunar month of Zilhajj all Hajees (pilgrims) sacrifice suitable animals in the name of Almighty Allah in commemoration of supreme sacrifice made by Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) by sacrificing his beloved son Hazrat Ismail (AS) as commanded by Almighty Allah. The sacrifice was, however, symbolic. After sacrificing animals the pilgrims once again visit the Holy Ka'ba in Mecca on the same day for going round it six times besides paying respect to the Sacred Mosque of the holy Prophet (Masjid-e-Nabobi) and his holy grave ("Rowza Mubarak") before they return to their respective homes.
Another important aspect of Hajj is that since Muslims from all over the world assemble in the holy city of Mecca as pilgrims it gives them a unique opportunity to exchange their views and discuss their problems with a view to finding solution.
Since Hajj is one of the (five) strong pillars ("Rokons") on which the grand edifice of Islam stands it is hoped all eligible and adult Muslims in Bangladesh will perform Hajj during this holy lunar month of Zilhajj with due solemnity and fervour.