Sacred rituals performed differently

Eid Al Adha was observed by Muslims all over the world in various rituals and festivities with family, friends and neighbours.

In another form of celebration, over a million of pilgrims marked this Eid differently by performing the various rituals of pilgrimage (Haj) over the past week.

They have observed Eid in different practices in Mecca and the other sacred places. Pilgrims were really distinguished and honoured to perform this pillar of Islam, which is assigned to all Muslims at least once in lifetime.

As a must-to-do religious obligation, Haj is aimed to commemorate the name of Allah in those religiously special days when pilgrims are performing the various rituals of Haj there. This has been confirmed by the verse of Quran, "You shall commemorate God for a number of days".

In fact, Haj is an appeal from pilgrims to the Almighty Allah seeking forgiveness, mercy and acceptance as obedient worshipers. Days of Haj are very blessed and it is a good time to ask for other wishes in addition to seeking other merits.

Usually, activities of Haj are being practiced collectively in crowd where all pilgrims of different backgrounds, nationalities and languages converge for the same religious cause mostly at the same time or day.

They unite all the days wearing the same pieces of white clothes for men and black-coloured for women, starting from the eighth day of Dhu Al Hija, twelfth month of the Islamic Calendar. With no exception, all pilgrims came for the same reason and mission, which the Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and other pilgrims came for thousands of years back.

Similar rituals that have been performed in the past centuries and are being performed today.

Although Haj is a religious mission, it mirrors a social and spiritual unity for Muslims where all individual differences are standing apart. As well, Haj brings harmony and compassion among pilgrims despite their huge crowd all over the places.

The feeling of being a pilgrim is unbelievably thrilling and heartening. Pilgrims share respect, empathy and support to each and everyone as if they are one family; brothers and sisters. It is very touching indeed how they move around, performing their assigned tasks. The way the pilgrims are united and coming together is undoubtedly magnificent.

Pilgrims are sincerely worshiping the Almighty Allah in a different way unlike the usual daily prayers that are performed in Masjids five times a day. On each day they spend, they perform different tasks in which they become very serious and sincere with the prayers they chant. Although the reason behind performing some tasks the way it is done is spiritually non-obviously clear, pilgrims are obliged to follow what both Prophets, Mohammad and Ibrahim, have performed earlier during their days.

Despite Haj is the fifth essential pillar of Islam, only capable Muslims are requested to perform it at least once during their lifespan. Those who are physically or financially unable to go for Haj can do it afterward when they are ready; or else assign someone on their behalf, but with certain serious conditions.

Otherwise, many people might get an excuse, but they get deprived from the honour and big reward of going for Haj. All Muslims who are intending to go for Haj must be hale and hearty as well as strong enough to sufficiently perform all the rituals required.

The reward granted by the Almighty Allah to all pilgrims is that all their sins, faults and wrongdoings will be forgiven and rub out once they come back home from Haj.

The Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said, "Whoever performs Haj and does not commit any obscenity or transgression shall return free from sins as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him". He also said, "The reward of a Haj mabroor is nothing, but Paradise".