The Universal Lessons Of Hajj
By Faisal Kutty
Millions of pilgrims from all over the world are converging on Mecca this month. They will retrace the footsteps of
millions who have made the spiritual journey to the valley of Mecca since the time of Adam.
Hajj literally means, "to continuously strive to reach one's goal." It is the last of the five pillars of Islam (the
others being a declaration of faith in one God, five daily prayers, offering regular charity, and fasting during
Ramadan). It is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who have the ability.
The Hajj is a re-enactment of the rituals of the great prophets. Pilgrims symbolically relive Adam and Eve’s exile and
atonement after they were expelled from Heaven, wandered the earth, met again and sought forgiveness in the dessert.
They also retrace the frantic footsteps of Abraham’s wife, Hagar, as she ran between the hills of Safa and Marwa
searching for water for her baby (which God answered with the well of Zam Zam). Lastly, pilgrims also commemorate
Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son for God. God later substituted a ram.
Yet, the Hajj is more than these elaborate rituals. The faithful hope for a deep spiritual transformation, one that will
make them better. If such a change within does not occur, then it was merely a physical exercise devoid of any spiritual
significance.
All great religions teach that we are more than mere physical creatures in that we possess an essence beyond the
material. Indeed, this is why they all have a tradition of pilgrimage. In the Islamic tradition, Hajj encapsulates this
spiritual journey.
The current state of affairs -- within and outside the Muslim world -- greatly increases the relevance of the universal
messages inherent in the Hajj.
As Islamic scholar Ebrahim Moosa asks: “after paying homage to the two women Eve and Hagar in the rites of pilgrimage,
how can some Muslims still violate the rights and dignity of women in the name of Islam? Is this not a contradiction?”
Indeed, the Qur’an teaches: "I shall not lose sight of the labour of any of you who labours in My way, be it man or
woman; each of you is equal to the other.” (3:195)
Clearly, the white sea of men and women side by side performing tawaf (circling) around the Kaaba (the stone building
Muslims believe was built by Adam and rebuilt by Abraham and his son Ishmael) should lay to rest any claim that Islam --
as opposed to some Muslims -- degrades women.
The fact that millions transcending geographical, linguistic, level of practice, cultural, ethnic, racial, economic and
social barriers converge on Mecca, attests to the universality of Islam. The Hajj plants the seed to celebrate the
diversity of our common humanity. Pilgrims return home enriched by a more holistic outlook and with a new appreciation
for themselves and their surroundings.
One of the most celebrated Hajjis (one who has performed Hajj) is none other than African-American civil rights leader
El-Hajj Malik El Shabbaz, better known as Malcolm X. The man who was renowned for preaching that whites were "devils" --
especially the blond, blue-eyed ones -- profoundly reassessed his views during the Hajj. This transformation, of course,
sealed his break with the Black nationalist Nation of Islam.
Contrary to the teachings of the Nation, Malcolm concluded that Islam encompassed all of humanity and transcended race
and culture. He later said, "In my 39 years on this Earth, the holy city of Mecca had been the first time I had ever
stood before the Creator of all and felt like a complete human."
In Mecca, Malcolm mixed with, "fellow Muslims, whose eyes were the bluest of blue, whose hair was the blondest of blond,
and whose skin was whitest of white." In fact, he was so inspired, that, in letters back, he wrote, "America needs to
understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society the race problem."
Malcolm also understood that in order to truly learn from the Hajj, its spiritual lessons must extend beyond the
fraternal ties of Muslims to forging a common humanity.
In fact, Hajj links people across religions through the shared Abrahamic tradition but also the Islamic teaching of our
common origin. Indeed, the Qur’an teaches: “We created you from a single pair of a male and female (Adam and Eve), and
made you into nations and tribes that ye may know each other and not that you might despise each other. The most
honoured of you in the sight of God is the most righteous of you” (Al Hujurat: 13). This is at once a great celebration
of the diversity and unity of our humanity.
Humility to God and acceptance of His supremacy and control over all is another message of Hajj. People with their
divergent inner beliefs and practices are to be judged by God alone in His infinite wisdom. Indeed, the Qur’an
proclaims, "Let there be no compulsion in matters of faith, truth stands out clear from error." (2: 256)
A successful Hajj breeds inner peace, which manifests in the values of justice, honesty, respect, forgiveness, mercy and
empathy. And it is these values – all attributes of God almighty -- that are indispensable if we are all just to get
along in this world.
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Faisal Kutty is a lawyer, writer and doctoral candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School. He is also the vice chair of the
Canadian Council on American Islamic Relations. His articles are archived at www.faisalkutty.com.