Hajj Promotes Universal Brotherhood

The institution of Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is the fifth pillar of Islam. Within the city of Mecca is the Ka’aba, a cubic structure which is regarded by Muslims as the first house made for the worship of God. It was first built by Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) and later rebuilt by Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) and his son Prophet Ishmael (peace be upon him). All Muslims around the world pray five times daily in the direction of this holy house of God.

The Holy Qur’an, the sacred book of Islam, explains the foundation of Hajj by stating, “And call to mind when We assigned to Abraham the site of the House and said, ‘Associate not anything with Me and keep My House clean for those who perform the circuits, and those who stand up and those who bow and prostrate themselves in Prayer; And proclaim unto mankind to the Pilgrimage.’ They will come to thee on foot, and on every lean camel, coming by every distant track.” – (22:27-28)

Hajj is a form of worship that unites all Muslims in the love of God. Due to this, all Muslims are required to perform a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime if economic and political conditions permit them to do so.

Sir Zafarullah Khan, the first foreign minister of Pakistan, wrote in his book Islam: Its Meaning for Modern Men, “[Hajj] should be a truly representative gathering of the whole Islamic world. In effect, it should be the World Assembly of Islam gathered together in spiritual association for the glorification of God and the promotion of human welfare.” True to this outlook, Hajj draws millions of Muslims from all corners of the earth for the sole purpose of worship of the one true God. The Hajj marks the largest single gathering of humanity on earth. In 2012 the number of pilgrims was close to 4 million.

Hajj fosters the spirit of equality of all peoples and races through the vision of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who first introduced this concept of human equality. Every year this pilgrimage brings together people of all distinctions including race, color, and rank. This spirit of equality is exhibited in the simple white clothes donned by the pilgrims. The men wear two pieces of white, unstitched material, while the women wear simple outfits that cover their bodies and headscarves to cover their hair. Thus, they are together standing side-by-side as brothers and sisters, equal in the sight of God.

Indeed the Holy Qur’an relates that, “In it [the Ka’aba] are manifest Signs; it is the place of Abraham; and whoso enters it, enters peace. And pilgrimage to the House is a duty which men — those who can find a way thither — owe to Allah.” – (3:98)

This verse states that Ka’aba is a great blessing and a boon for the whole of mankind and all people will find peace in this house of worship. As the Ka’aba is attributed to Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him), who is accepted as the father of monotheism, Hajj also symbolizes unity and common origin of the three greatest faiths – Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.

Millions of Muslims will be gathered together for the Hajj this year which will begin on October 1st. The pilgrims will journey to Mecca, Saudi Arabia for the sole purpose of worshipping their Creator. In this manner, Hajj is an integral component of Islam that promotes unity amongst all peoples.