Page 11 - Pakistan Link - July 30, 2021

OPINION JULY 30, 2021 – PAKISTAN LINK – P11

n By Mahasin D. Shamsid-Deen Making Going on Hajj Important again impatient with Covid. During Hajj, patience

Chicago, IL is brought along as essential gear. There is no
way to make it through the crowds without
s Muslims, we make intention for patiently waiting for your turn or patiently
and perform the Hajj because it is asking for help or even patiently dealing with
Athe fi ft h pillar of Islam, making it someone who has been overtaken by the trials
obligatory. It is one of the highest forms of of pilgrimage.
Ibada (worship) and when performed with The pilgrims perform acts of worship as

a sincere heart, Hajj is a chance to ask for- they renew their sense of purpose in the world
giveness for one’s mistakes and shortcom- and seek goodness and the pleasure of Allah.
ings of the past. And there are a couple million of us doing

Prophet Muhammed, peace and bless- this in fairly limited space and time. This can-
ings be upon him, said: “One who comes to not be accomplished without patience.

this House for Hajj and avoids all lewdness This time and these trials put the impor-
and sins returns as they were on the day their tance of patience foremost in our minds as
mother gave birth to them” (Bukhari & Mus- they always should be. Surely, Allah is most
lim). patient with humankind and our shortcom-
The last few years, however, have put the ings, so we must nurture patience within our-

Hajj into a different perspective. The experi- selves in deference to our Rabb (Lord).

ence has afforded us an opportunity to look “ O n l y those who are steadfast in pa-
within ourselves and really assess our remem- tience, only those who are blessed with great
brance (Dhikr), faith (Iman), patience (Sabr) righteousness, will attain to such goodness”
and humility (Hawnan). Faith in Allah - not Arrogance plan. We remember that when our beloved (Qur’an, 41:35).
In 2020, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prophet was driven out of Makkah with Abu
Remembering Our Connectedness practically closed down the annual pilgrim- Bakr (may God be pleased with him) to the We Stand Humbled

Making Hajj is very different from other age due to the pandemic. In 2021, the number cave of Thawr, neither the hasty journey, nor The situation of the past two years has
aspects of Islam. It is a deeply personal thing, who entered the holy precincts was reduced. having to hide was in his plans. From this we humbled us all as we were brought to a col-

yet also connected to every other believer The believer is reminded never to take the learn that the plans and intentions of all hu- lective status of having to be quarantined and
making the same journey. How symbolic and Mercy that Allah bestows on humankind for man beings – including the Prophet, are not confined. Being rich or highly educated did

significant it is to demonstrate that the strug- granted. Until Covid-19, Muslims all over the to be taken for granted. That is why we put not change that fact. During Hajj, the Haji

gles that we think are unique to us alone, are world were confident or had faith that making our trust and faith in Allah alone. (pilgrim) feels the significance of life here

in reality a collective struggle everyone expe- Hajj was available to us. We wrongfully, and Remember how the Unbelievers plotted on earth and in the hereafter. The pilgrim is
riences. let’s face it, arrogantly, assumed that the only against thee, to keep thee in bonds, or slay thee, stripped of all markers of social status, wealth,
During the COVID-19 pandemic we obstacle after having the intention, money, or get thee out (of thy home). They plot and and pride. Indeed, as the men don the Ihram,

each had to contend with our own personal time, and health would be an unfortunate cir- plan, and Allah too plans; but the best of plan- they cease to appear as individuals, but rather
fear, uncertainty, stress, economic challenges, cumstance that impacted us personally, like ners is Allah.” (Qur’an 8:30) emerge as servants of Allah, all alike. What
isolation, etc. Yet each of these emotions and a missed flight, last minute illness or emer- a beautiful and humbling experience. Indeed,

realities were mirrored and experienced by gency. Patience the tests we have collectively endured have

everybody else. We were all in it together. But Allah grants favor to whom He wills, The last two years have been nearly two humbled and reminded us all of just how
Likewise, we are all Muslims, practicing prevents whom He wills and Allah alone years – not a couple of days or months. Hu- meaningful and relevant the rites of Hajj are
the one true religion and struggling to submit is in control of everything. In Surah Fil we man beings had no control over the pandemic and thereby increased our desire to make this

to Allah, The Most High. That connectedness are taught how Allah decided the plans for or time. In the US many people grew inpatient wonderful journey.

is something we can never forget. Surely Al- the people of the Elephant. The Qur’an is a and gathered at weddings, funerals, spring And the servants of the Beneficent God

lah instructs us of this in the Holy Qur’an, guide, warning and inspiration. It should be break, and the holidays. Each time, just a few are they who walk on the earth in humble-
Surah Muminun (The Believers): applied to our daily understanding of life. weeks later, people became infected with the ness…” (Qur’an 25: 63).

“Surely this community of yours is one Our faith should solely be in Allah, not our virus and some unfortunately passed away https://www.soundvision.com/article/
community, and I am your Lord; so fear Me.” human-made circumstances or assumptions. due to the exposure. making-going-on-hajj-important-again?eTyp
(Qur’an: 23:52) Incidents, people, and even nature may not Collectively, many gained weight, expe- e=EmailBlastContent&eId=460028b8-4be9-
always allow us to do the things we want or rienced depression or even anger as we grew 4504-9199-c70c2d4da629

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