(MENAFN- Gulf Times) More than 2mn Muslims from around the world began the Haj pilgrimage at Islam's holiest sites yesterday.
Haj is first an act of worship that Muslims are obliged to fulfil if they are able. Its reward is the greatest that one can hope to attain: forgiveness and entrance into Paradise. However, the Haj in the end is not just an individual or self-centred ritual. Indeed, one feels anything but alone on Haj. It is certainly a time for self-reflection and assessment, but where else will a Muslim get to see up close and personal his or her brethren from all parts of the globe in one place in their various conditions? Where else will there be such a gathering of scholars and their students? Where else will one be able to see the condition of the Muslims in such a dramatic microcosm?
How can any conscious Muslim who is thoughtful and not just going through the motions not reflect and try to understand that what is going on around him represents the Islamic Ummah? Haj gives one a chance to know first-hand what their brethren are going through around the globe.
It is a gathering of scholars as well that one should take advantage of on those days when not involved in the rites of Haj. Often we hear of these men and we read about or from them and others. Haj is often an opportunity chance to actually see and hear from them.
Forgiveness is a great part of Haj and that means not only one seeking forgiveness from their Lord, but striving to forgive those who have perhaps wronged them in the past. Overlooking the faults is a necessary component of life itself and magnified on Haj because if one is unable to put it into practice they will not be able to get along either.
Patience is a virtue that if someone does not possess they will get plenty of chances to exercise. Understanding the many levels of the Ummah will assist the pilgrim to have a well-balanced view of their Haj experience. If one feels superior or suffers from arrogance, Haj should humble them if they go with sincerity but the person will not be able to tolerate others who looks down upon them and they will lose any of the lessons or sweetness of the Haj.
Haj is a time of great reminder that we must all return to our Creator. When one sees the multitudes, the throngs of ihraam-garbed pilgrims, how can the imagery of the Resurrection not come to mind?
One can see the huge potential in this Ummah, its diversity and become anxious for its fulfilment and victory. One must however arm themselves with knowledge to be able to clearly distinguish truth from falsehood and correct practice and beliefs from innovations. All of that will allow the pilgrim to come away from the Haj really feeling as though they have participated in greatest conference on earth.
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