The sight is always amazing. Pilgrims standing shoulder to shoulder, of all shades and races, dressed in simple white, stripped of all kinds of worldly barriers, be they of wealth, profession, geography, class, education or other.
This enduring image of Hajj has become a hallmark of this Ummah’s unity in its diversity. But as we head towards the journey of a lifetime or watch loved ones leave for it in these next few days, the challenge remains: how do we retain this culture of unity that marks Hajj?
How do we keep the bonds of Islamic brotherhood intact to fulfill our goals as an Ummah, especially, in Mauritius where our diversity is even more marked than in other parts of the world?
It’s become cliché to say that Muslims have reduced Islam to rituals and forgotten other important tenets. While it is crucial to practice the five pillars of Islam, for instance, we cannot ignore other basic aspects of the faith that emphasize brotherhood.
To strive towards the Muslim unity is an obligatory duty, according to the Quran. “The Believers are but a single Brotherhood: So make peace and reconciliation between your two brothers; and fear God, that ye may receive Mercy.”
Use this time of pilgrimage on a personal basis, as well as within your family and community to remind Muslims of how the Hajj is a unifying factor for Muslims. Those who have performed Hajj and can attest to this fact. Sadly, as opposed to the spirit of brotherhood, disagreement within the community has weakened our community.
Unity and brotherhood lead to strength and victory, while disunity and disagreement lead to weakness and defeat. Powerful nations only succeeded because of unity among its members and integration of its efforts. History is the best witness to this rule. Hence, we find several texts in the Quran stressing this great principle and warning against disagreement and dispute, “And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and lose courage and your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”
Hajj is a great occasion where the Muslims’ unity appears in its most beautiful forms. All differences disappear, all barriers melt and Muslims gather in this imposing scene, which delights the souls and hearts.
Muslims from all over the world gather around this Ancient House, towards which they turn to perform the prayers five times a day, the House towards which they turn their souls and hearts during prayers in their faraway lands. Now, they gather around it to see, consult, love, and shake hands with each other. They took off those different and distinguishing clothes to wear a white uniform indicating the whiteness of their hearts, as well as the purity of their appearance and souls.
Indeed, these are magnificent moments when all pilgrims move from Mina to stand this great standing in ‘Arafah confirming the unity of place, time, clothes and destination.
There are unanimous manifestations of unity in Hajj, including:
- Unity of place and time:
Hajj is performed in a specific time and place and it is impermissible to be performed at any other time or in any other place. The Quran Says: Hajj is during well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein by entering the state of Ihraam, there is no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. The Prophet said: “Hajj is the standing at ‘Arafah.”
- Unity of rituals:
All pilgrims are required to perform the rituals of Hajj including Ihraam, Tawaaf, Saee between the Safa and Marwah, standing at Arafah, spending the night at Mina, stoning the Jamraat and so on. All pilgrims perform the same rituals, the thing that embodies and deepens brotherhood and love among them.
- Unity of aim and feeling:
All pilgrims come from every distant pass hoping for the Mercy of Allah The Almighty, fearing His punishment and raising their hands to implore Him and ask for His forgiveness, bounty and satisfaction. They have one Qiblah, one Lord, similar feelings and similar clothes. These manifestations of unity that take place in this blessed occasion maintain the feeling of unity and reinforce the feeling of brotherhood among Muslims. They also strengthen mutual sympathy and sharing in joy in addition to religious and worldly cooperation among Muslims.
Hajj is not only a spiritual obligation but also a powerful reminder of the unity, equality, and brotherhood that lie at the heart of Islam. It reinforces that, regardless of worldly differences, all Muslims are part of one global family devoted to Allah. Muslim brotherhood should occupy the minds of all Muslims, who aspire to a time when the Muslim nation will reunite to achieve superiority over the other nations and restore its leadership that the Muslims lost because of disunity and disagreement.
Bashir Nuckchady
