Celebrating the end of the Hajj

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26: These are the days of Eid — make tabir wherever you are, these are the days Eid, Allah U Arbar! (Allah is the Greatest!)

Today, Muslims everywhere, including Bermuda, are celebrating Eid al-Adha — the festival of the sacrifice.

Eid al-Adha marks the end of the Hajj, which is one of the five pillars of faith in Islam. The Hajj is also referred to as the Pilgrimage meaning “visit to the revered place”. Hajj means literally “to set out for a place”. For a Muslim, that place is the Holy City of Makkah.

The pilgrimage to Makkah is the most significant manifestation of Islamic faith and unity in the world. 

For those Muslims able to make the journey to Makkah, the Hajj is the peak of their religious life. Muslims whom successfully complete the hajj are known as Hajjis (males) or Hajjahs (females). 

About two and half million people go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe providing a unique opportunity for those of different nations to meet one another. 

Muslims from all walks of life, from every status; kings walk with paupers; wearing special clothes — simple garments which strip away distinctions of class and culture, so that all stand equal before God, all showing their loyalty to Allah, the Creator of us all.  

This assembly also signifies the gathering on the Day of Judgment, when all men will be equally judged.

Peace is the dominant theme. Peace with Allah, peace with one’s soul, peace with one another, peace with all living creatures. To disturb the peace of anyone or any creature in any shape or form is strictly prohibited. During hajj not even insects are killed.

The rites of the Hajj were laid down by Allah to mark historic events in the life of Prophet Ibrahim, which show his absolute and total submission to the will of Allah. 

Allah commanded the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), on one of his visits to see Haajar and Ishmael, to build the House of God (the Holy Kaaba). With the help of his son Ishmael, Ibrahim built the House of God on the ground where the Kaaba stands to this day.

The Archangel Gabriel brought from Paradise a stone, known as the Black Stone (Al-Hajar Al-Aswad), which was set into one corner of the Kaaba.

“Behold! We gave the site to Ibrahim, of the (Sacred) House, (Saying): “Associate not anything (In worship) with Me; And sanctify My House for those who compass it round or stand up or bow, or prostrate themselves (Therein in prayer).

“And proclaim the Pilgrimage among men: they will come to thee on foot and (mounted) on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways; then let them complete the rites prescribed them, perform their vows, And (again) circumambulate the Ancient House” Surah Al Hajj 22: 26-29.

The highlight, however is the collective prayer and the Eid kutbah followed by the sacrificial slaughter of a goat, sheep or cow, where the meat is donated to the poor with parts going to family and friends, following upon the tradition of Ibrahim. 

We pray for the safe return of every Hajjis and Hajjahs to their homes and may their Hajj be a benefit to them and to others. Ameen.

Please join us for celebrations in Bermuda at either Majids. For more information e-mail - [email protected]