Haj is one of the 5 pillars of Islam, required to be performed once in a lifetime by able-bodied Muslims who are also financially able. Preparation for Haj includes asking for forgiveness from friends, relatives and acquaintances for any unresolved offenses we may have caused. Muslims often bid farewell by asking for everyone's good will and taking care of their obligations before they leave for Haj. One of the important aspects of the pilgrimage is making seven circles around the house of worship (Kaaba) rebuilt by Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him). It is said that the Kaaba originally was built by Adam — the common ancestor of all. It is also said: Angels worship God by circling His throne. Thus the circling of Kaaba, which we call tawaf, represents the “primordial form of worship,” even before we were created — like the electrons revolving in an atom or the planets revolving around the sun. Kaaba has a black stone encased in a white silver case as one of the corner stones, at the point we initiate circumventing the Kaaba. It is said that Angel Gabriel brought this stone from heaven when Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) started to build this House of Worship of One God. During Haj, men are mandated to dress in two pieces of un-sewn white cloth, one around their waist and one over their upper body, called “ahram” (similar to what Muslims are buried in upon their passing from this world). Dressed alike, divisions among people disappear as all pilgrims recite the same words in one language. We are praying together in Arabic. In English, it means: “I am here O Lord, the One and Only, Glory to You…” Malcolm X's views on race were transformed upon witnessing the sea of humanity echoing the same words, clothed alike. These are the words on our lips from the time we put on the ahram, as we must do that when we get within 40 miles of Makkah (which could mean that we take on the state of ahram often in the plane before it lands). After the tawaf, we drink from the well of zam zam that was created instantly by the will of God, according to our teachings, by Angel Gabriel, to quench the thirst of Abraham's first born, left in the desert by father Abraham with his mother, Hagar. Water provided sustenance for baby Ishmael in answer to Hagar's prayers. I saw millions of pilgrims drink from the well and wash their faces, hands and feet in ablution. I was amazed how this water flows freely. We then pray at the spot where footsteps of Abraham (peace be upon him) are preserved. Next, we retrace the steps of Hagar running between the two hills called Safa and Marwa, looking for water or some caravan to help her newborn baby, Ishmael. In the next few days, there are other rites we must perform. Millions of people move after the morning prayers on the 8th day of the lunar month Dhul-Hijjah towards the plains of Arafa and spend the night in the tent city of Mina along the way, just as the Prophet (peace be upon him) did more than 1,400 years ago. Next day, in Arafa, we gather where the Prophet (peace be upon him) gave his final sermon from a hill top. Muslims believe that the gathering in Arafa, clothed in white shrouds (no restriction for women but most cover themselves in white or plain color), represents the assembly of the resurrected humanity on the Day of Judgment. We pray more for forgiveness and for God's blessings. I prayed to God to grant me forgiveness and for my family, friends, and our communities and for peace in the world. Then the millions move again from the plains of Arafa to an area called Muzdalifa for night prayers where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) spent the night. We pick up pebbles from the desert to demolish the Satan who tried to mislead Ishmael and Abraham (peace be upon them) on three different occasions. So, the next day, armed with those pebbles, we return to Mina to perform the rites (you know all about the throwing of these pebbles, thanks to CNN) and we live in the tent city spending the next 2 nights — praying and meditating and discarding the evil (Satan). Next, we return to Makkah to do our farewell tawaf. Men will shave their heads. Yes, including me as we are supposed to be newly born free of all sins upon proper completion of the pilgrimage. At the end of the pilgrimage, we sacrifice a lamb in commemoration of the sacrifice made by Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him), in quest for submitting unconditionally to God's will. Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) also prayed to God to bless this area with a city and the fruits to eat. We witnessed the bustling humanity, abundance of the fruits and goods from all over the world in the city of Makkah. God answered his prayers and continues to bless the desert city to this day. We pray, we meditate, we shop, we taste the international cuisine, we catch a few holy germs (I was still coughing upon arriving back at my home airport) but overall it is a great soul-satisfying experience. My wife absolutely lost herself in it. We had a large American contingent plus Canadian, European, Asian and African brothers and sisters who traveled with us. During Haj, millions of people move from site to site over a period of days, which also makes one a very patient person. In spite of occasional mishaps, during this enormous gathering of pilgrims, Haj is God's miracle in itself.
— Article was originally published in www.readthespirit.com
