Shafaqna English- Here is a part of Dr. Ali Shariati’s book “Hajj (The Pilgrimage)” translated by Ali A. Behzadnia and Najla Denny, selected by Shafaqna.
Regardless of whether you are a man or a woman, young or old, black or white, you are the main feature of the performance. The role of Adam (AS), Ibrahim (AS) and Hajar (SA) in the confrontation between “Allah (SWT) and Satan” is played by you. As a result, you, individually, are the hero of the “show”.
Annually, Muslims from all over the world are encouraged to participate in this great “show” (Hajj). Everyone is considered equal. No discrimination on the basis of race, sex, or social status is made. In accordance to the teachings of Islam, ALL ARE ONE AND ONE IS ALL. The one who restores somebody’s life, has restored the life of all and the one who kills one, has killed all.
Yet the enemies of Islam continue to deliberately wage a campaign against Islam. They attack it by denying that Islam recognizes the human being as an individual endowed with special rights and values. In terms of the concept of Hajj, it is relegated to the status of a duty which has very little significance. As Imam Ali, the son of Kaaba says:
As if Islam is a lamb fur-coat that is put on inside out.
What have I personally learned from Hajj-me being so “little” and Hajj being so “great” in meaning? How far and what could I see from this experience? The following pages are the product of my humble efforts to answer these questions. My purpose is not to inform the reader what must be done during Hajj. This can be attained by referring to the book of rituals. Instead, I want to share with you my perceptions of the significance of Hajj. They should help you to understand why it is incumbent upon Muslims to perform this duty, or at least motivate you to think about Hajj.
Rejecting an Empty Philosophy
Life today (not life as it should be carried on) is an idle cyclical action a movement with no goal! A meaningless pendulum action starts with the day only to end at night and night starts only to disappear at dawn. In the mean time, man is busy watching the play of these black and white “rats” who chew the strings of our life until we die.
Life (as we live it) is like a theatre. Man watches these aimless nights and days. Indeed, what foolish play is conducted! When you are in need, you hope and struggle to overcome your needs. Yet once you achieve this, you view your past efforts humorously. What a senseless philosophy to live by!
Living on a day to day basis, the person lacks direction. His aim is only to live. What exists is a dead spirit in a living body. However, the Hajj experience alters this unhealthy condition! Once you decide to perform Hajj and take the necessary steps, you are on the road to the actualization of Hajj. Before going to Hajj you reside in your home calm and reposed. Upon entering the state of mind for Hajj, you arise and move away from your routine environment.
Hajj is the antithesis of aimlessness. It is the rebellion against a damned fate guided by evil forces. The fulfillment of Hajj will enable you to escape from the complex network of puzzles. This revolutionary act will reveal to you the clear horizon and free way to migration to eternity toward the Almighty Allah.
Depart from your home. and visit “Allah’s house”, or the “house of the people”! You, whoever you are, you are a man, Adam’s son, and a representative of Allah (SWT) on earth! You are a relative of Allah (SWT), Allah’s trustee, master of nature and a student of God. Allah (SWT) taught you the names. God made you from Divine Spirit and endowed you with special qualities. You were praised by God; God’s angels even prostrated to you. This earth and everything in it was made available to man. God became your “home mate”, with you at all times and watching all of your actions. Are you living up to God’s expectation?
Prophet (PBUH): Allah (SWT) is in the hearts of the believers
Thus Allah (SWT) Knoweth those who are sincere, and Knoweth those who feign. Qur’an 29:3
And that Allah (SWT) may know him who helpeth God and God’s messenger, though unseen. Qur’an 57: 25
Lo! We have placed all that is in the earth as an ornament thereof that we may try them: which of them is best in conduct. Qur’an 17: 7
Who hath created life and death that God may try you, which of you is best in conduct; and he is the Mighty, the Forgiving, Qur’an 67: 2
With the passage of time and the influence of various forces of the social system which disregard human rights and duties, your character has been changed. The vicissitudes of life have affected you to the degree that you became alienated and neglectful. Originally, with Allah’s (SWT) spirit in your heart, you were supposed to shoulder the responsibility of being Allah’s (SWT) trustee on earth. You were granted time as a means for fulfilling this task but you failed because the gift was used carelessly!
By the declining day, Lo! man is in a state of loss, Qur’an 103: 2-3
This is what is called life! But realistically speaking what has been accomplished? What constructive contributions have you made? What have you gained? So many precious years have been lost, yet who are you?
Oh trustee and vicegerent of Allah (SWT) on earth, you have turned to money, sex, greed, aggression, and dishonesty. You have regressed to the inferior status that you occupied before almighty Allah blew God’s spirit into you. Where is the spirit of Allah (SWT) now? O’ man, rise out of this decadent situation! Divorce yourself from this gradual death.
Leave your surroundings and go to the pure land. There you may face Almighty Allah under the inspiring sky of Mashar. The estrangement which you have experienced will be overcome. At last, you will find yourself!
Part of series: Hajj (The Pilgrimage) by Dr. Ali Shariati
Source: Al-Islam.Org