Hajj: Mere A Ritual or A Catalyst for Change?

Ishtiaq Ahmed

London: Hajj, one of the five tenets of Islamic belief and practice, is obligatory for all those who have the means to make pilgrimage to Makkah at least once in their lifetime for this purpose.

There are many valuable lessons inherent in the principle of the Hajj, two of which are the importance of unity and equality. Both of these considerations are of great relevance to Pakistan and the Muslim world of the present.

In the context of nation-building in Pakistan, unity is a natural outcome of equality and justice for all citizens across different racial, ethnic, cultural, religious and social divides.

Yet on all of these fundamentals, Pakistan more particularly and the Muslim world generally fails miserably. To make matters worse, we note a malaise of indifference and ambivalence to these core values of Hajj throughout Muslim societies. This should not be the case considering that about two million Muslims from around the globe participate in Hajj.

Only if a percentage of these were to take their regained sense of purpose back to their respective societies as catalysts for change, the Muslim world would not be short of the Islamic ideals of unity and equality.

Yet, the Muslim societies by large continue to side down to self-destruction and fragmentation on both of these principle features of the Hajj. The question arises: have we lost the true meaning and the purpose of Hajj which in reality was intended to refresh, infuse and revive the real sense of global Ummah trusted with the responsibility for commending good and forbidding evil for the protection and wellbeing of the global humanity.

Let us unpack both of these central themes- unity, and equality with the help of the Quranic text which is regarded by Muslims as the undisputed truth:

The Holy Quran emphasizes and explains the importance of unity for the Muslim ummah in no uncertain terms. In chapter 3, verse 103 reads “Hold tightly to Allah’s rope altogether, let nothing divide you”.

Togetherness is deemed a divine duty for invoking the blessings of Allah. Muslims are required to push aside their differences in pursuit of common goals of benefit to them and the wider society. The Quranic directive in this regard is characteristically unambiguous.

Yet we remain divided on multiple accounts, continuously failing ourselves and the wider society. The depth of our malaise is perhaps best illustrated by the following example which people of my age will most certainly recognize and acknowledge:

It is possible for countries in different time zones to be able to be at variance in sighting the moon and thus setting the dates for certain important religious occasions such as Ramadhan and Hajj accordingly. However, it is somewhat perplexing to find that different dates are set and observed in the same country, for example, Eidul Azha in the U.K. is being observed today and tomorrow by different schools of thought and affiliations.

In my youth days, the simple rule that was applied for determining the date and day for observing  Eidul Azha was that it followed the day of Arafah i.e the day when all the Hajj pilgrims are decreed to visit the grounds of Arafat in the vicinity of Makkah.

After offering the combined prayers of Zuhr and Asr there, they are directed to make their way to the plains of Muzalfa for the night and after fajar the following day return to Mina where they offer sacrifice of animals, come out of haram, etc.

It is on this day that the Muslims throughout the world performed Eidul Azha prayers and immediately after sacrifice animals in the Sunnah of the prophet Ibrahim. This was a standard routine that was followed unreservedly.

More recently, we are seeing Eidul Azha being observed on two different days by sections of the Muslim community with a day’s gap. This was certainly the case this time around in UK and has been the case in Pakistan and elsewhere in the past based on different interpretations and understanding of the rules governing Eidul Azha.

This is most certainly symptomatic of a bigger malaise gripping our religious society. It is becoming a ‘ great divide’ leaving ordinary Muslims confused and perplexed particularly the young people who, naturally,  beginning to show signs of defiance, choosing to ignore the lead from the Muslim scholars. It is indicating a worrying trend.

We as an Ummah are already precariously placed on many accounts.  To further add to our demise by alienating our young people would only go to exacerbate our already precarious situation. Our young people are increasingly being disfranchised by our religious and political leadership which does not provide a good omen for the future coherency of our society.

The other fundamental lesson inherent in the Haj is the principle of Equality. Men, women, and children of different ethnicities, nationalities and colours stand side by side, dressed in the same attire, standing and prostrating before their Maker on equal terms without the distinction of rank, class or status.

This is in keeping with the Quranic injunction which reads, “People, we created you from a male and female, and then made you into different races and tribes so you may know each other. Indeed, the most honourable in the sight of Allah is the most mindful of Allah, the knower, the Aware.(.49:13)

There can be no equality without justice. Believers are asked not to be passive. The emphasis on equality and justice in the Quran appears throughout: “ Believers stand up for fairness as Allah’s witnesses even if it’s against yourselves, parents or relatives, and regardless of whether a person is wealthy or poor. Allah has more right to your loyalty than they. Therefore, do not follow your desire instead of being just. If you distort the truth or refuse to give testimony, then remember Allah is aware of what you do.” (4:135).

The concept of equality and justice is not exclusive to the affairs internal to Muslims but also extends to non-Muslims. In fact, treating the followers of other religions justly and kindly is an article of faith in its own right. In matters of belief, the Quran stipulates “The truth is from your Lord; so whoever wants to believe, let him do so, and whoever wishes to deny, let him.” (18:29)

The Quran categorically prohibits Muslims from using any method of compulsion to influence the religious practices and beliefs of others. Muslims have the duty to make provision for the right of non-Muslims, permitting them to practice their faith without fear of violence and harassment.

The Quran stipulation   even goes further: “If Allah didn’t defend some people by means of others, then monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques where Allah’s name is regularly praised would have been destroyed”.  (22:40).The inferred duty is to protect and safeguard places of worships of all faiths indiscriminately.

The diversity in Muslim society is welcomed and encouraged. The Holy Quran addresses the issue of diversity in the following terms, “For every community in the past we established a law and way of life. Had Allah wanted, He would have made you one nation, but he chose to test you regarding what he gave you; so compete with each other in doing good works”

Hajj and Eidul Azha with all the inherent magnificence attributes and characteristics, are an opportunity for us  to reflect upon of our approach to life, our responsibilities and how we may dispense our obligations to our families, friends and society at large.

The Muslim societies by and large are in disarray, unable to achieve any level of unity and provide their citizens a meaningful sense of equality and justice. These attributes are essential for infusing loyalty, togetherness, national pride and confidence amongst citizens of all beliefs and ideals which we so much desire.

This is what is not being understood and planned for. We make day and night calls for unity using every communication facility at our disposal but these calls go in vain. Without giving all citizens a real sense of equality and justice there can be no national unity. Pakistan and Pakistanis must realise this basic truth.

Over two million Muslims from around the globe participate in Hajj annually. These include heads of states, political leaders, policy makers, bureaucrats and ordinary citizens. Pakistan is always well represented in numbers.

Only if a percentage of these were to take their regained sense of purpose back to their respective societies as catalysts for change, the Muslim world would not be short of the Islamic ideals of unity, equality and justice.

We look with hope to our brothers and sisters returning to Pakistan with their refreshed and heightened spiritual energy and commitment to make a real difference in helping our beleaguered nation to realise the Quranic ideals of unity, equality and justice for all. Along with your du’as , the nation needs your activism.