Introduction
Islam, one of the major religions in the world holds its own glory and fundamentals. Islam comprises of five pillars, one of which is Tawheed. Tawheed means to believe in the Oneness of Allah. The monotheism act of worshiping only one Allah is the building block of a Muslim. One who owns Tawheed by heart to gain felicity and Allah’s acceptance has an obligation to acquire other pillars too which include; Hajj.
Tawheed –the Root of Islam
Our last Prophet S.A.W devoted all his life to preaching Tawheed and to guide people towards the right path. He waged war and gone through all kinds of hardships against shirk (polytheism) and its exposition. All the five pillars of Islam confirms the importance of Tawheed and symbolize it, as Tawheed is the root of all the pillars.
“And indeed when we heard the Guidance (this Qur’an), we believed therein (Islamic Monotheism), and whosoever believes in his Lord shall have no fear, either of a decrease in the reward of his good deeds or an increase in the punishment for his sins” [Al-Jinn 72:13]
Hajj–A collective Announcement of Tawheed
Islam is based on the one principle, i.e. the Oneness of Allah (Tawheed) and total submission to Allah alone. Tawheed is the central model around which all the teachings of Islam religion revolve.It is the essence of all 5 pillars, and the rites of worship.
Hajj –being the reverent obligation passed on by Prophet Ibrahim, the most humble and faithful believer of Allah. The rites of Hajj are all emphasized on Tawheed and performed to enhance the spiritual experience of this concept.
Complete Submission to Allah – Talbiyah
The beginning of Hajj rituals starts with a proclamation known as ‘the Talbiyah’ where pilgrim declares the sincere compliance and submission to Allah and rejects all the false gods.
Labaik Allah Huma Labaik – The Constant Traverse
Circling around Kaba and traversing between Mount Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina, supplicating and remembering Allah, are also indications of Tawheed.
Almighty Allah said in Surah Baqarah; ayah 198-199,
Denunciation of Satan –Rami al Jamarat
The ritual of shaving heads, and tossing pebbles towards the jamarat pillars are expressions followed by Prophet Ibrahim in order to denounce the evil while proceeding the orders of Allah. This ritual expresses the total submission to Allah alone.
My Life and My Assets Belong to Allah –Slaughter of Sacrificial Animal
The sacrifice of animal is a sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim. This is a ritual where all that counts is your intention (Niyyah) where a believer hopes up of his slaughter get accepted by Allah. In Surah al Hajj, verse 37, Allah says;
“Neither their flesh reached to Allah nor their blood, but your devotion reaches Him. Thus, we supervised them to you so that you may glorify Allah for that He guided you. And O beloved! Give glad tidings to the righteous.”
Significance of Hajj
Hajj is an unmatched spiritual experience. The heavenly reward promised by Allah not only strengthen a Muslim, but helps toreshape a Muslim’s heart and soul with the accordance of Almighty Allah.
Allah, may He be exalted, said (interpretation of the meaning): “That they may witness things that are of benefit to them” [al-Hajj 22:28]. This includes both spiritual and worldly benefits.
Conclusion
Muslims believe in obligatory duty by Allah in order to devote their time and energy in gaining acceptance and felicity of their creator. With the firm belief of Tawheed (Oneness of Allah), Muslims try to comprehend their purpose of life and follow the teachings of Almighty Allah and Our last Prophet (PBUH). The exemplary guidance of rituals includes Hajj, which is another obligation. Hajj is seen as a spiritual merit that provides every Muslim in the world with the satisfaction of self- renewal. May we all get the best of guidance and keep ourselves reminded of the Day of Judgement.
