Hajj fosters piety and communal bond

It is also time to mark Eid Al Adha

Muslims all over the world marked Eid Al Adha, one of the most important festivals of Islam, last weekend.

New Zealand Muslims marked the event on November 28, with prayers, greetings and community and social service throughout the country.

Eid Al Adha also marks a Pilgrimage to Makkah and Madina, to perform the Hajj, the most sacred duty for every Muslim.

A Pilgrimage to Makkah and Madina in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia fulfills the life’s objective of every Muslim across the world and millions of people make it every year for the sheer piety and purity that the journey, congregation and prayers bring with them.

Men, women and even children undertake the journey to achieve purity of the soul and mind and despite the extremities of the weather and other conditions, Muslims look forward to the annual ritual with abiding anxiety.

While the spirit of sacrifice is evident throughout the life of a Muslim, pronounced more effectively during the Holy Month of Ramadan, the ‘oneness towards the Most Merciful Allah’ emerges with greater strength during Eid Al Adha.

Visiting Makkah Al Mukkaramah is a lifetime experience for pilgrims.

For those who long to learn about Islam, Makkah Al-Mukkaramah is the first Holy City of Muslims and is said to be at the earth’s mid-point. Also known as Umm Al-Qura, Al Balad Al-Amen (Secure City) and Al Balad Al Haram (Holy City), this is where millions of Muslims congregate to perform their Hajj every year.

It was in Makkah that Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was born, the Revelation was descended to him with the Holy Quran and from it, propagation for Islam was launched. The Holy Mosque, located in the centre of the city, comprising the ‘Holy Qabaa’ (or ‘Kaba’) and the ‘Maqam’ of Prophet Ibrahim and the Stone of his son Ismail (May God bless them) are important landmarks.

The ‘Zamzam’ well from which water is believed to be pouring through for hundreds of years and the ‘Safa and Marwah’ (between which Muslims travel back and forth seven times) form a part of the Hajj.

Near Makkah are the other holy shrines of Mina, Muzdalifa and Arafat where Mount Arafat is located. It is here that pilgrims spend the day of Arafah every year as the main ritual of Hajj.

Prayers, family activities, exchanging gifts and games for children are among the activities that follow the Morning Prayer on the first day of Eid Al Adha and over the years, the growing Muslim population in New Zealand has adhered to the traditional values of Islam.

Greetings from Us

The management and staff of Indian Newslink extend their greetings and best wishes to the Islamic community in New Zealand on the occasion of Eid Al Adha and wish those who have undertaken the Hajj a safe and fulfilling journey.

Muslim groups and individuals and organisations may send their festive photographs for publication to editor@indiannewslink.co.nz

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