3 DAYS to AIDIL-ADHA and also 3 DAYS TO end of 2006
It is in fact coincidental when the end of year 2006 leaves with muslims celebrating Eidul-Adha and millions of muslims doing their haj pilgrimage in Mecca while millions of other believers celebrated NEW YEAR countdown.
Haj (Hajj) is significant because it provides an opportunity to Muslims from all parts of the world to meet at the holy city of Mecca and reiterate the commitment of making bonds of Islamic brotherhood much stronger.
Eidul-Adha as we muslims will celebrate on 31 december is the Commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son for God. It marks the end of the Pilgrimage or Hajj for the millions of Muslims who make the trip to Mecca each year
Undertaking Haj (Hajj) pilgrimage has its own rules. When a pilgrim lands in Makkah to perform Haj (Hajj), it becomes obligatory for a male hajji (Haj pilgrims are referred by this term) to wear only an ihram, a garment consisting of two sheets of white unhemmed cloth, the top draped over the torso and the bottom secured by a white sash; plus a pair of sandals. This exercise symbolically intends to create an equal footing among all pilgrims of Haj (Hajj) irrespective of their social status and other worldly distinctions. The ihram also symbolizes purity and absolution of sins. Female pilgrims are supposed to wear a simple white or black dress with a head covering. There is a particular place called miqat where Haj (Hajj) pilgrims change into ihram. Once the Haj (Hajj) pilgrims get into ihram robes, they are not supposed to shave, cut nails, or wear any kind of jewelry.
The greater Haj (al-hajj al-akbar) begins on the 8th day of the month of Zul al-Hijjah when pilgrims leave Makkah for the nearby town of Mina, where they spend the entire day. The next morning, on the 9th of Zul al-Hijjah, the Haj (Hajj) pilgrims march for Mount Arafat which is called the wuquf. After the sunset, Haj (Hajj) pilgrims are again on the move and they make their way for Muzdalifah, an area between Arafat and Mina, where pebbles are gathered for the stoning of the jamarat.
Next morning, they are back in Mina performing the first part of the stoning of the jamarat ritual, pilgrims throw seven pebbles at the large jamrah (wall) in Mina. After this, an animal is sacrificed. After this ritual, Haj (Hajj) pilgrims have the freedom to give up their ihram robes and can get their heads shaved which symbolizes rebirth. That is, pilgrim's sins have been cleansed by completion of the Haj (Hajj). Following day, Haj (Hajj) pilgrims are back in Makkah and visit the Masjid al-Haram to perform tawaf called the Tawaf az-Ziyarah (or Tawaf al-Ifadah) which is an obligatory part of the Haj (Hajj). The night of the 10th is spent back at Mina.
On the afternoon of the 11th, Haj (Hajj) pilgrims are supposed to stone all three jamarat in Mina. The same ritual must be performed on the following day. Haj (Hajj) pilgrims are then required to leave Mina for Makkah before sunset on the 12th.
Finally, before leaving Makkah, pilgrims perform a farewell tawaf called the Tawaf al-Wada. And this completes the entire Haj (Hajj) process.
Eidul-Adha brings across the meaning of sacrifices we muslims have to take. Sacrifices in terms of time, space, money and ourselves for the path to Allah. Therefore, we have to remind ourselves. To remind ourselves that we are Allah's servants, here on this earth, only to seek His Blessings. This is the beauty of Islam, the beauty of the ibadah that we perform. Millions of Muslims are bound together, in heart and in spirit. Each one, facing the same direction. Each one, uttering their promise to serve Allah. This is the strength that are given to us. Allah's Gift for the last ummah.
Do remember that The fact that we are born as muslims is a true blessing.
For Allah had stated in Surah Al-Maidah, verse 3:
"This day, I have perfected your religion for you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion."
So i can only hope that the turn of the new year will be a blessing for all muslims to change for the better and reflect all the deeds he/she has done over the last year.
