Hajj and Eid-al-Hajj Mubarak

Hajj | Sin and forgiveness (Repent > Reform > Refrain)

A colleague re-inquired whether the Hajj pilgrimage is similar to Baptism in Christian traditions considered to be a form of rebirth, or hindus bathing in the river ganges. Whereby participating in a ritual they can rid themselves of sin(s) to return as a new born baby, absolved from sin, sinless?

Afraid not..!

Whilst we learn from oft-repeated Quranic verses God is Forgiving and Merciful. God created mankind not aimlessly but to test our souls and faith, determine our worthiness for the eternal afterlife. A testing ground as we learn from the verses of Adam and Eve and Satan. Consensus, we're to be judged upon our deeds and sins on Judgement Day. Accordingly, performing a pilgrimage or fasting or building a mosque or a well or etcetera, etcetera, does not lessen, eliminate or nullify our burden of sin(s). Wishful thinking. Except for 'Martyrdom/ To emigrate for Gods cause' - for which Paradise is Guaranteed according to The Quran.

Otherwise, we carry our burden of sins (and deeds) until we embrace death. Which serves well to keep us humbled, avoid complacency and ‘Re-sinning’, with egos in check to remain focused on our purpose in this Worldly Life - to worship God. It would be unwise to subscribe to the ‘SIN / CLEANSE / REPEAT’ psychology of make-believe somehow we managed to self-cleanse our souls of sin with a Deep Wash program or a Quick Rinse and Spin cycle. Neither is God’s forgiveness unconditional, transactional or available for Self-Application. Many Quranic verses remind us God is Free of need - Al-Ghani’.

Ignorance is bliss. We know not whether God has forgiven our wrongs until Judgement Day, it would be foolish to delude ourselves and jeopardise our souls to risk committing further sin devoid of responsibility. As a result, we live our days as better Muslims in repentance in hope and aspiration. With scope and opportunity to attain God’s forgiveness, repent and most importantly reform to correct our ways (4:17) and refrain from Re-sinning (4:146, 6:54, 16:119, 25:70 to reference but only a few of the many oft-repeated Quranic verses regarding Forgiveness of sin(s) to REPENT / REFORM / REFRAIN, thereby becoming righteous. Leaving it all until the last minute at death’s door would be adding insult to injury (4:18). A weak end-game with due consideration to our predetermined lives, unpredictable life-spans, little actual control over much but for our souls.

We also learn from The Quran we are each individually to be held accountable for our every action(s), deed(s) and sin(s), thought(s) and feeling(s) too. Unable to absolve ourselves by apportioning blame unto Satan, nor transfer and exchange for better or worse with anybody else or thing for that matter by the concept of intercession. Nor are we forced into sin, quite possibly evil forces tempted and whispered with an R.S.V.P (14:22). We succumbed, to take up the invitation, therefore the buck stops with us. We also learn from Quranic verses that we mustn’t despair regardless of sin. Giving us hope of forgiveness for most/ all sins with the proviso attached that we: > 1. Repent to God at the earliest (asap.. conscience comes a knocking), > 2. Reform to correct our ways, pronto, and > 3. Refrain from Re-sinning, desist.

After all, once was a mistake, perhaps ignorance or naivety or carelessness or temptation or whatever we call it – but twice is a choice.

Hajj – The pilgrimage to The House of God.

A call back to faith. A reminder. A remembrance. Akin to metal filings drawn back to a magnet source, Hajj offers a great opportunity for Muslims to turn back to The Quran and Chapter 22 Hajj for starters. From which we learn about the oneness of God and Hajj, its namesake. Serves well to whet the readers appetite, before taking a deep dive into The Quran to improve one’s faith and reflect upon our purpose and existence. Muslims are encouraged by God in the Quran to take time out from their lives and undertake the annual pilgrimage of Hajj to the Kaaba for whoever is able to find thereto a way. (Quranic verses Hajj 2:125+-158-203, 3:96-97, 5:1-2, 95-97, 9:3, 19, 17:1, Surah 22 Hajj). Not many have this year or last due to covoid-19 flu related travel restrictions.

We learn from The Quran the prophet Abraham (and his son Ishmael) was tasked with building the Kaaba (2:133). Also referred to as ‘The House of God’, ‘Al-Masjid-al-haram’, ‘The First House of Worship’ 3:96, ‘The Standing Place of Abraham’ 3:97, ‘The Sacred House’ or ‘The Ancient House’ and more recently ‘The Cube’. To raise its foundations 2:127 and to purify Gods House 2:125, 22:26.

A metaphorical reference rather than the actual House of God. Muslims believe God is beyond containment, beyond vision (6:103 and many others), also from the story of Moses on Mount Taha in Chapter 20 (Surah 20 Ta’Ha). Beyond imagination and beyond our capacity and comprehension. Except for what we learn about God in The Quran bestowed upon mankind for guidance, to give glad tidings and correct previous scriptures of the Bible/ Gospel (3:3, 9:111) Torah, Psalms (4,163, 17:55) and Abraham scrolls (87:19)- which became changed by man. For this reason God revealed The Quran in a special format and it remains unaltered today many centuries later (10:15, 41:42, 69:43-48), sealed and guarded (15:9, 56:78, 85:22), the best of hadiths (39:23). An almighty self-regulating Book with oft-repeated and diversified verses, preventing readers from being selective or cherry-picking and manipulation. To reflect upon the dispersed but themed verses collectively to find understanding - Peerless.

The Kaaba was constructed on the designated site to i) provide for Muslims a physical reminder of God and to worship only one God, ii) provide Muslims with a place of worship so they could perform Tawaf’ around the House (22:26,29) and stand, bow, prostrate in prayer iii) provide for Muslims from around the World with a direction of prayer - a Qibla (2:142-145, 10:87). To face towards the Kaaba wherever in the World they may be, to turn your faces towards it in prayer’. Many generations later Moses advises the same to the people of Egypt (10:87), as did every prophet until the end of prophethood with Muhammad upon deliverance of The Quran – The final scripture, Gods spoken word, preserved in perpetuity.

About Abraham

Muslims spend most of their lives studying hearsay about the Last of the Messengers and Seal of the Prophets – Muhammad Sawt aspiring to live how he may have done so. Through whom The Quran was bestowed upon mankind for guidance and instruction, as mercy and blessing, clarification of all things, a reminder. Reflecting upon the pair of themed verses about seas as ink and trees as pens of 18:109 and 31:27 we are assured The Quran is a Completed Book.

Like Christianity and The Bible, a book of two halves; ? Old Testament revealed by God (similar to The Torah and The Qurans stories of the prophets); ? New Testament – chiefly hearsay of disciples about the life and teachings of Jesus. All of which became altered by man for profit and exchange or favor. Islam too, can be learned from either The Quran - Gods spoken word in unchanged and preserved form; or the Hadiths - an increasing collection of stories and hearsay authored by the companions of the Prophet. Referred to as Sunnah – the life and teachings of Muhammad.

Hajj provides a great reason to revisit Islamic history and learn about Abraham from over 200 Quranic verses about him. Other prophets too (2:140, 3:84) all the way back to Adam - the first Muslim. Not to discriminate between them and to make no distinction between any of the prophets or messengers (2:136, 3:84, 4:150-152). Not to favoritise and prefer one over the others, but to honor and respect them all – Peace be upon all the messengers/ prophets (37:181). To reflect upon their life stories presented in the Quran which make firm the heart (11:20) and enhance faith. Each chosen by God to deliver Gods message, the same message to mankind; from Muhammad, Jesus the son of Mary, John, David, Moses, Joseph, Noah and many others in between. Teaching us through first-hand experiences how to live as Muslims in submission to God; handle trials and tribulations, adversity; remind us of the purpose of our existence - to worship God, keep faith, be righteous. Hence The Quran is described as a Cure and Healing (10:57, 17:82, 41:44).

From the Quran we learn Abraham is referred to as Gods intimate friend in 4:125. His character described as a man of truth (19:41), devoutly obedient and not associating anything or anyone with God (16:120, 121). Of sound judgement, a contented man, grateful and appreciative, of the righteous 16:122. Generous and hospitable, friendly and approachable. Humble and oft-returning to God in remembrance. An excellent example of a Muslim for mankind 60:4-6, forbearing and grieving, submissive to God 11:75. With a sound heart 37:84, determined with religious vision 38:45,46 Isac and Jacob too, among the outstanding.

Abraham finds God for himself (pre-Quran). Rejecting his forefathers cultures and traditions and his fathers ways – Azar rejected the sovereignty of one God. Instead contemplating, reasoning by reflecting upon nature and science, taking initiative to figure it out and finding logic. Abraham refused to follow the masses, taking the star (6:76) or the moon (6:77) or the sun (6:78 – 6:84) as deities. Despite being heavenly bodies and beyond man’s reach and capability, they each rest/ set/ decline. For Abraham God is omnipotent. Abrahams conviction in 2:258 – 2:260 and the parable of the 4 birds. God shows Abraham the realms of the heavens and earth (6:75).

We learn from Abrahams journey of finding God and stories contained within The Quran to Worship only One God, all praise is (over) due to God, not to take associates or intermediaries or equals to God, to distinguish between the fine line of respect and honor, to revere and worship, most importantly to Trust in Gods plan;-

To worship God alone. (Parents or Prophets are not Holy grail – The Quran is.)

The Abrahamic religions, including Islam remains a monotheistic religion - worship one God. Abraham was neither Jew nor Christian; he was a Muslim in submission to one God, not of the polytheists (2:135, 3:65-68, 95, 6:161, 22:78). Hajj reminds Muslims that all praise is (over) due to God alone, to refocus our worship and not to take prophets or messengers or saints or scholars as lords or intermediaries or intercessors (3:79,80). Not to take allies or protectors or helpers or chosen ones or guides other than God, doing so would be equivalent of taking the spiders web as a home, 29:41. In the least unwise, we learn from Chapter 29 The Spider (Surah Ankabut) and its namesake verse 41. Not to associate or revere anything or any person with God. Nothing compares.

The Quran explains God is Free of need and praise, All-Merciful and Gods mercy is unconditional. We see and hear and know regardless of man’s preference of God(s), association of partners, quality/ quantity of worship or lack thereof, religion, sin and contempt exercised through Free will; God nevertheless bestows mercy and blessings upon mankind in abundance via (un)apparent favors of health and intellect and hearts and family and children and wealth and provisions and existence, irrespective of faith – Predestination. We learn, if God were to hold man to account for wrongs, avenge the transgressed to unleash wrath and divine punishment, mankind and the world over would have ended already. On borrowed time.

Muslims are encouraged to invoke God alone (17:46, 39:45. 40:12) and to honor and respect the prophets/ messengers. To worship God alone, ‘La ilaha illallah’ translated as ‘There is no God but God’ forming the crux of the religion of Islam. Which Abrahams father Azhar rejected refusing to submit and associating others in worship. Abraham endeavors to guide his father aright and encourages them to find logic and reasoning from worshipping other deities following in his fathers ways in error. 9:114, 19:42-50, 21:52-71, 26:70-82, 29:16-25, 37:85-98, 43:26-27,

A running theme laid bare in The Quran, each and every prophet or messenger facing the same dilemma of man’s preference to old wives tales. Folklore and hearsay about Legends of the former peoples over the word of God, heedless of The Quran. Following their fathers ways in haste, adopting the traditions and culture of their forefathers in disobedience and denial of The Quran through arrogance or pleading ignorance. The perils of which are clearly set out in verse 7:40 the impossibility of entering Paradise through the Gates of Heaven until a camel passes through the eye of a needle. Beyond the forces of magnetism!

Abraham sets precedent to disobey his parents, refusing to follow in his fathers ways. We learn from many verses the importance for Muslims to find the right balance when respecting parents and lowering the wing of humility and compassion towards them in old age (17:22 – 25) as commanded by God, dating back to the commandments revealed to Moses on tablets during his 40 nights in isolation with God (2:51, 7:142). Not to be wretched tyrants in the examples of Jesus (19:32 ) and John (19:14). At the same time to find the right balance (31:15) to live by The Quran whilst rejecting any conflicting folklore, tradition and culture of our mothers and forefathers and to accompany them with kindness. From the Hajj verses Muslims are encouraged to remember God with a greater remembrance of their fathers. To read to understand the Quran and aspire to become learned in the same manner we recognize our own sons and children (2:146, 6:20). Muhammad expresses his grief regarding Muslims having abandoned The Quran in 25:30.

Mother, father – parents, family, grandparents and forefathers are not Holy Grail, The Quran is.

As we learn from Luqmans wisdom and counsel dispensed to his son throughout Surah 31 Luqman’ against himself as a parent, and not to obey them (29:8, 31:15). Demonstrated by Abraham, Muslims are encouraged to stand up against injustice, even against our own parents and family, be that for a stranger. Right is Right, Wrong is Wrong. No room for bias, discretion or compulsion in Islam. A wrong the size or weight of a mustard seed or a thread inside a date seed goes unnoticed before God, noted.

Religion, Islam particularly is not the same as a pupillage, training or apprenticeships in any other profession for that matter. Work shadowing to learn from experiences of peers, and the former peoples to talk like them, think like them, become them. Much easier in fact. Simply to read The Quran (www.quran.com, available in audio and all languages) and put to good and proper use the intellect, vision and faculties God bestowed upon us, to the best of our abilities. It’s hardly Rocket Science..!! Had God willed each and every soul would have been given its guidance, every city a warner/ reminder - instead The Quran was revealed as instruction and guidance for mankind empowered with free will.

To trust in Gods plan. Tawakul

A test of faith. Ever faced adversity, obstacles, unsurmountable challenges, odds stacked up against you – succeeded nevertheless? A peerless act of self-sabotage'. Ever wondered why and how? Despite their best endeavors to plan and conspire against you, to transgress, deceive and betray us. When things haven’t gone according to plan, nevertheless we still stand, if God wills. The virtue of Tawakal i.e predestination, divine intervention also referred to as serendipity or luck, to rely upon God and trust in Gods plan - Verily God is the best of Planners.

The silver lining. It could always be worse - for sure there’s someone out there somewhere being put through a harsher test of faith, reassuringly though no soul is burdened beyond its capacity. As we learn from the trials and tribulations endured by Job (Quran 21:83 and 38:42 detailed in The Book of Job : Bible; Old Testament). Or by Joseph as presented in The Quran Chapter/ Surah 12 his namesake. Famines and droughts, floods and rising sea levels and bush fires, earthquakes. Proxy wars and illegal invasions resulting in refugees, or the plagues of Egypt and illnesses, more recently the Covoid 19 flu pandemic – The World skipped a beat.

We learn from Chapter 17 The Night Journey’s (Surah Al-Isra) namesake and the opening verse Muhammad was transported from The Kaaba to Al-Aqsa mosque in Palestine (17:1) overnight. A journey of almost 1,000 miles which would have taken days, weeks by camel or horseback pre-planes and trains and cars or by sea. Further referenced in 53:1-18 and 81:19-24 (describing the two sightings of Angel Gabriel at the lote tree near the boundary of the Garden of Refuge, Paradise.)

Parting the sea into two and contending with the best of Pharaohs magicians and witchcraft (as Moses did in 26:63). To escape from the belly of a whale and live to tell the tale as Jonah did (4:163, 6:86, 10:98, 21:87, 37:139-148, 68:48-50). Or survive a burning hot fire unscathed as Abraham did - “O fire be coolness and safety upon Abraham” (21:69,70, 29:24, 37:97.98); powerful reminders of Divine Intervention. From The Quran we learn about the trials and tribulations of Abraham, to keep faith and trust in Gods plan. Not to become defeated, to appreciate the bigger picture and forces at play, sometimes beyond our comprehension, divine - to keep faith.

Abraham emigrates for the service of God, on to build the Kaaba as commanded by God along with is son Ishmael. Tried by his Lord with commands and he fulfilled them (2:124), tested with the sacrifice of his only son in old age was a great trial indeed (37:101-107: animals, Ram Not included). Reminder to Muslims about their children and wives and families, not to become distracted or diverted away from the remembrance of God (63:9 | 64:15) and The Quran.

Later Abraham leaves his family in an uncultivated valley near the Kaaba (14:37) at the mercy of God to provide for them and keep them safe, between Mount Safa and Marwa which forms part of the Hajj pilgrimage.

Put succinctly by Abraham in 26:78-82; it is God who created us and guides us; provides for us, feeds us and gives us drink; cures us when we’re ill; determines our death and afterlife; Whom we aspire will forgive us’. It’s a question of faith.

From Quran verses 11:69-74, 15:51-57 and 51:24-30 we learn about Tawakal and miraculous birth of Isaac when Abraham is old and his wife old and barren. "Kun Fayakun"; the miraculous birth and conception of Jesus born to his mother Virgin Mary (3:47,59 and 19:35), John born to Zachariya in old age (19:1-15), Adam and Eve and their progeny multiply, “Be and it is”. Teaching Muslim men and women who are barren or infertile spending thousands on fertility treatment and medical intervention, IVF etc, to opt for charity or adoption. Prophet(s) Muhammad was an orphan, Mary virgin, Jesus celibate and John abstained.

Not to resort to quick fixes and witchcraft, magic and spells, peer worshipping and jinns, or superstition; talismans and amulets, coffee cup and palm readings, on and on it goes. The Quran makes it very clear; any form of involvement in witchcraft and magic is unforgiveable sin (2:102). As is to revere anything or anyone in the worship of God. Rather to trust in Gods plan, keep faith and seek refuge in God.

Sell-outs. Not to compromise our faith, principles and values for Worldly gains; a better job title, bigger house, flashier car, catchment areas and private education, the bucket list goes on and on and on. Not to whip off that hijab for a training contract or promotion. Not to succumb to a pint or a few sips for conformity to close the deal or bonus. Not to stretch our hands and finances to keep up with the Jones’s or trying to live like Kings and indulge in vanities and luxuries. Non-conformity to the finance culture of western society, avoid interest (Riba) and debt, trading stocks and shares, gambling. To remain fair and just in our dealings. Not to confer favor to acquire more, but for Your Lord be patient’, be contented with our ranks, to work our positions. If we were supposed to be Billionaires or Multi-millionaires - would've been, as many have been, are and will become. Inherited wealth or not, God extends and restricts provision for whom He wills’. The Hereafter is better and more enduring than Worldly Life. Upon Your Lord rely’.

Verily God is near

Due to the Covid 19 Flu pandemic British Muslims and from across the World have been grounded by travel restrictions in force during 2020/ 2021. The annual pilgrimage of Hajj this year limited to 60k pilgrims already in Saudi, up from last years 10k pilgrims, a fraction of the yearly average of 2.5 million pilgrims in previous years.

More than ever, it’s reassuring to know God is Everywhere. We learn from the many and oft-repeated Quranic verses including 2:186 God is All-Seeing, All-Hearing, and All-Knowing.

God is closer to our jugular vein (50:16), God is with us wherever we are, supplemented and reinforced by many Quranic verses including a leaf falls not but God knows(6:59). There is no conversation between three but God is the 4th (58:6,7))

Therefore, it stands to reason our prayers and worship are heard and acknowledged by God from wherever we may be in the world. Along with our every thought, feeling and intention - Ever. Each and every one recorded, long after they’ve come to pass, distant memories, forgotten. To be presented as evidence on the day of judgement. Accordingly the pilgrimage of Hajj does not guarantee supplications answered by God or wishes granted based upon proximity to the Kaaba. It may be that God has a better plan for you and I, patience.

Unification.

Islam is one religion, one community, Ummah (21:92). The Hajj pilgrimage serves to unite Muslims from all around the world. To unify Muslims and celebrate diversity. Bringing together Muslims from different continents, nationalities and tribes - diversity created by God (49:13), into one place of worship, one congregation. (Re-) United.

Giving Muslims chance to check ourselves to set aside differences, stereotypes and prejudices developed from mans intervention - sectarianism and schisms, factions and castes and cults, politics and proxy wars. The blue and green eyed and black; all shades of white, brown and black skins; blonde haired and afro, diversity of languages and colors (30:22). Cast away biases and discrimination we may have developed through bad practice, business and politics, or inherited from forefathers, traditions and cultures.

A powerful reminder to humans, Muslims bleed the same.

The Quran encourages Muslims not to divide the religion into sects and schisms and denominations 6:65,159, 28:53, 30:32, 42:13. Rather to hold firmly to the rope of God all together (3:103-105) and encourages social cohesion, as one community (2:213, 10:19, 11:118, 16:93, 21:92, 23:52, 42:8, 43:33,) – Unity.

Equal before God:

To perform Hajj pilgrims enter into a state of Ihram - mental purity, a state of mind and physically represented by wearing the same garment, a one/two piece shroud of cloth. Akin to our arrival into this world as a baby wrapped in a piece of cloth, soon to depart from it into a coffin wrapped in a similar fashioned shroud, one piece. An important reminder for Muslims about the temporary nature of worldly life which we become engrossed with Vs the Hereafter – Eternal life. For every soul shall taste death. We see, taste, touch, hear, enjoy the experience this worldly life, it’s here, it’s now.

Perceiving the Hereafter requires greater thought, a test of faith. Free flowing rivers of milk and rivers of wine and rivers of honey in Paradise (47:15) requires imagination and belief, contemplation. Considering we know honey to be produced by bees from nectar of flowers, a labor intensive process. Similarly we know milk produced by cows from grazing all day, and wine produced from grapes pressed (and then alcholised through fermentation by adding yeast). Rivers of non-alcoholic wine? How? By contrast, drinking scalding water to severe bowels and intestines, remaining alive and human engulfed in the flames of eternal hell fire requires belief considering the human body would turn into ashes within a few hours. Let alone the concept of Eternity. Beyond our comprehension, enough for most to lose faith.

Moreso, we came into this world with nothing but our faculties of intellect, hearing, vision and hearts bestowed upon us by God, and we leave with nothing. Any wealth bestowed upon us by God and our ranks and properties and families and children and legacies are set aside, left behind, of no avail to us.

Polar opposites, attracted. Billionaires walking shoulder to shoulder with the working class, multi-millionaires walking alongside the poor. The rich and troubled walking with the poor but contented. Firm in belief and conviction from oft-repeated Quranic verses God extends and restricts provision for mankind to test our souls, our faith. The mu’min, mujahideen and the martyr alongside the deluded and many clinging onto worldly life, for dear life! Grandparents and grandchildren walking next to the barren and celibate. Disabled and the ill, doctors and athletes. Many shades of black brown and white, diverse and multi-generational.

Indistinguishable with heads shaven and hair trimmed. Women dressed with modesty and wearing hijab (24:31, 33:59) as requested. Free from the vanities and worldly possessions. Removing the expensive watches and jewelry and accessories, designer clothing amassed in this worldly life which begins to define us. Unidentifiable; stripped of status, caste, job titles, wealth and rank - the great equalizer.

Before God, none of it mattered. It seems it would have served us better given away as charity. Trade-off.

Charity and sacrifice

Integral to the pilgrimage of Hajj is to practice sacrifice and charity. Muslims are required to sacrifice livestock as charity to feed the poor as prescribed in the Quran; to feed the orphan, the traveler, the downtrodden, the needy person in misery. Subjected to us so that we may become grateful, contented and appreciative, humbled. To be charitable to strangers, not giving to anyone who has done a favor or to be rewarded, or giving to be seen giving to earn respect from others, but giving to purify the soul and seeking the countenance of God, as an act of worship, privately and publicly thereby encouraging others. The 700% (7 x 100) return rate offers a great incentive and beats any investment we could ever make (2:261) in Worldly life with the wealth entrusted upon us.

To mention the name of God upon the sacrificial animals/ livestock; camels and cattle and game of the land and sea, reminded it’s not the blood that reaches God, but one’s piety.

To glorify God and become grateful for Gods mercy upon mankind. Favor and blessings taken for granted in our everyday lives, both apparent and unapparent. We learn from the parable of Abrahams preparedness to sacrifice his only son Ishmael in old age to prove his faith, a great test of faith indeed. Surpassing the value of any monetary sacrifice possible, regardful to the cost of Hajj and personal sacrifices made by pilgrims. Living as Muslims in a Western society, there’s so much we can sacrifice in our day-to-day lives, downsize and scale back, humble ourselves and redirect the proceeds to charity as a means of worship of God. After all, our wealth was predetermined and bestowed upon us by God on trust to be distributed as charity, it seems most lost the plot trying to live like kings.

Moral compass

Hajj requires pilgrims to enter into a state of physical, mental and spiritual purity. To purify our souls and refrain from impure thoughts and sexual relations, resist temptation and refocus on God. Not to transgress and to forgive those who transgress against us. Develop compassion and sympathy for the less fortunate and oppressed, kindness and humility and empathy. Which of the favors of your Lord would you deny? Become contented and appreciative, aforementioned.

Not to fight or argue with anyone whilst performing rituals and Tawaf by circling the Kaaba in large crowds, testing the pilgrims patience and tolerance. Respect the rights of Gods creation, to keep calm and carry on, not to lose ones temper in testing times - let it go. Peace and reconciliation. Quranic verses remind the pilgrims, the best virtue one can practice and take along on the journey of Hajj is piety/ God-consciousness, to be mindful of God, obedience. To develop and practice a better version of ourselves, purified and re-focused - Not forget when pilgrims depart from Mount Arafat and leave Hajj, don’t forget to remember God, xzikkr.

Chance to reflect upon our daily lives and fix-up, recalibrate or fine tune our moral compass. Time out from the weekly routine and schedules, errands and chores. Break free from the addictions, bad practices and habits we may have developed from the rat-race, conformity to western society or peer group pressure. To reflect upon our life choices and integrity, re-distinguish between needs and wants. Redefine and correct our interpretations of Right vs Wrong, remove that blurry grey area which may have developed in-between by guilty consciences for justification.

Hajj reminds Muslims of the temporary nature of our lives, here today, gone tomorrow, or the day after, or the day after that… one day for certain. Muslims become deluded by vanities and amusement, possessions and properties, egos, reputation and legacy. Distracted away from the remembrance of God by children and wives (63:9 | 64:15), careers and employment, prestige and reputations, family, property and wealth. Hajj reminds Muslims before God, it mattered not. We took ownership of it all – forgetting it was all on trust to us from God to test our souls and each other. Man becomes infatuated, basking in the praise and craving respect and recognition of peers, reverence which was (over) due to God - we owned it! Squandering and hoarding, fluctuating between spendthrift and stinginess, arrogant and deluded in a pharaoh-like manner albeit on a smaller scale.

Reminding us of our principles and to stay true to our faith, to conduct ourselves in a fair and just manner, to stand up for injustice, be honest and truthful. Not to abuse power and discretion conferred upon us by our positions, ranks and influence. Not to allow bias and discrimination to influence our Judgement and decision making.

Put simply Hajj provides a great opportunity for pilgrims and Muslims alike to detox, become reacquainted with The Quran and fix-up, recalibrate or fine-tune our moral compasses and purify our souls through sacrifice, charity and fasting. To seek God’s forgiveness - Repent + Reform + Refrain, to Redeem ourselves. Refocus, to keep things simple and get the basics right – to worship God. An annual reminder to Re-evaluate our life choices and reflect upon our purpose in this Worldly Life - to attain the Hereafter.

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Any/ all references made above are to The Quran in numerical format of Chapter (Surah):Verse. In some places references provided are not exhaustive and further references to all/ any of the above available upon request.