Allah The Almighty Says (what means):

• {Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Makkah - blessed and a guidance for the worlds. In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House - for whoever is able to find thereto a way.} [Quran 3: 96-97]
• {And [mention] when We made the House a place of return for the people and [a place of] security. And take, [O believers], from the standing place of Abraham a place of prayer. And We charged Abraham and Ishmael, [saying], "Purify My House for those who perform Tawaaf and those who are staying [there] for worship and those who bow and prostrate [in prayer]."} [Quran 2: 125]

Al-Masjid Al-Haraam (the Sacred Mosque in Makkah) is the cradle of Islam and the Ka’bah is the place that Muslims circumambulate as an act of worship. The feeling of closeness to Allah The Almighty and Divine love that are manifested in it are disseminated around the world. This has the most beautiful effect on every Muslim individual who has a protective zeal for his religion and Ummah (Muslim nation). Thus, there is no wonder that Muslims respond to the call of Allah The Almighty and to the Messenger when they call the Muslims to that which enlivens their faith, instills the spirit of sincere affection and brotherhood in them, and protects them from the ignominy of division and dispute.

In spite of the distance of their countries and the plurality of their races, they gather under the banner of the Noble Quran, unified by the word of Islam. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And remember the favor of Allah upon you - when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers.} [Quran 2: 103]

Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)! How great it is to see pilgrims assuming Ihraam (the sacral state) and chanting Talbiyah (the cry of “Labbaykallaahumma Labbayk, Labbayka la Shareeka Laka Labbayk, Innalhamda wan Ni’mata laka wal Mulk, la Shareeka Lak”)! How beautiful are the white clothes of Ihraam, that indicate the whiteness and purity of the heart!

How wonderful it is to see them when they are performing Tawaaf (circumambulation), Rukoo’ (bowing), Sujood (prostration), Sa’y (walking) between mounts As-Safa and Al-Marwah that are from the rites of Allah The Almighty! How wonderful to see them trying to get to know one another and showing kindness to each other in the House of Allah The Almighty, gathering together in lessons of knowledge and guidance, and showing goodness to the needy. And whatever you do of good – indeed, Allah The Almighty is Knowing of it.

Allah The Almighty, perfect thanks and praise be to Him, has indeed perfected the religion, completed the favor, and chosen for us Islam as our religion. Imaam Ahmad, Al-Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Daawood, An-Nasaa’i, At-Tirmithi and Ibn Maajah reported from Taariq ibn Shihaab, may Allah be pleased with him, who said,

“A Jew came to ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, may Allah be pleased with him, and said, ‘There is a verse which you read in your Book; if it had been revealed to us Jews and we knew the day on which it was revealed, we would have taken it as a festival.’ He said, ‘Which verse is that?’ He said (reciting what means): “{This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.} [Quran 5: 3].’

‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said, ‘By Allah! I know when and where this verse was revealed to the Messenger of Allah . It was the evening on the Day of ‘Arafah on a Friday.’”

Ibn Jareer reported from ‘Eesa ibn Haarithah Al-Ansaari who said, “While we were sitting in the Deewaan, a Christian man said, ‘O Muslims, there is a verse that was revealed to you (Muslims), and had it been revealed to us, we would have taken that day and place (on which it was revealed) as a day of celebration, even if only two of us remain (what means):{This day I have perfected for you your religion.} [Quran 5: 3] Upon that Muhammad ibn Ka’b said, ‘It was revealed to the Prophet while he was standing at the mount on the Day of ‘Arafah, and it will be a celebration for Muslims, even if only one remains.’”

As for his saying, “While we are sitting in the Deewaan”, it refers to the Deewaan that ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, founded. ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, was the first to establish the department of the exchequer in Islam and the Christian man was a clerk in it (i.e., the Deewaan).

 Discovering the Bounties of Hajj - II

To be continued …