Hajj & ‘Eid ~ Pilgrimage and Celebration
| Khatib : | Sadullah Khan |
| Khutbah No: | 133 |
| Khutbah Date: | 01/21/05 |
[Qur'an 22:37]
Celebration
Islam teaches Muslims how to celebrate through ‘Eid. It is worship that brings Muslims together to remember Allah's bounties and celebrate His glory and greatness. The `Eids and their celebration in Islam carry a distinctive meaning and spirit. It is not a chance to immerse one’s self in wrongfulness, or to engage in prohibited acts. `Eid is an occasion to increase in good deeds. Each `Eid marks the conclusion of an important worship, ‘Eid-ul-Fitr = conclusion of the fast of Ramadaan; ‘Eid-ul-Adha = conclusion of pilgrimage and commemoration of Abraham’s example.
‘Eid is meant to be a commemoration that signifies one’s determination to continue in obedience and submission to Allah. In moments of extreme pleasure or sadness, a Muslim never forgets the Lord's greatness, might and glory. A Muslim's actions are always controlled by this continued dhikr/remembrance and awareness.
`Eid is a chance to multiply good deeds, bringing happiness and pleasure to the hearts of other Muslims, and by helping and supporting the poor and needy. Thus the `Eid is controlled and directed rejoicing that is of ultimate and definite benefit for the Muslims and those around them.
The Theater of Hajj
The essence of Hajj is the pilgrim’s evolution toward a higher degree of submission to Allah. The performance of Hajj is a show of the Ummah. It is a symbolic demonstration of unity and harmony; of equality and humility. It is a show of history, a show of the perpetuation of the Abrahamic legacy, a show of the Islamic ideology in action. Muslims from all over the world are encouraged to participate in this great "show" of Hajj. Everyone is considered equal where no discrimination on the basis of race, gender, age or social status is made. Allah is the transcendent stage manager of this annual show. The theme portrayed are the actions of the main characters involved ... Adam, Ibrahim, Hajar, Ismai’l and Muhammad (peace be upon them). The scenes are Masjid-ul Haram, Masa between the hills, the plain of Arafah, Mash’ar at Muzdalifah, and the vuicinity of Mina. Important symbols in this show are the Kaaba, Safa, Marwa, day, night, sunshine, sunset, and ritual of sacrifice. The clothing and make up are ihram, halaq and taqseer. Importantly, the multiple player of the roles in this "show" is only one; and that is YOU! Regardless of whether you are a man or a woman, young or old, you are the main feature of the performance. In accordance with the teachings of Islam - all are one and one is all. This revolutionary act reveals the clear horizon and freeway for migration to eternity towards the Almighty.
Purpose of Sacrifice on 'Eid
Islam broke away from longstanding traditions of appeasing an "angry God" and instead demanded personal sacrifice, moral submission and spiritual connection to the Divine. In Islam, all that is demanded as a sacrifice is one's personal willingness to submit one's ego and to Allah. "It is not their meat nor their blood, that reaches Allah: it is your piety that reaches Him: He has thus made them subject to you, that ye may glorify Allah for His guidance to you: And proclaim the Good News to all who do right" [Qur'an 22:37]. True purpose of sacrifice is not appeasing of higher powers, for Allah is Supreme, Free of all wants and Does not delight in flesh and blood. Sacrifice is a symbol of thanksgiving to Allah and of promoting goodwill by sharing sustenance with fellow human beings.