Haj and the message of sacrifice in this time of COVID

Muslims across the world will celebrate the Eid-Al Azha (Haj Festival) on Wednesday, July 21. It will be the fourth austere festival in this pandemic situation in both the country and the world. The Government of Saudi Arabia has given permission only to Muslim pilgrims residing within the territory of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform Haj in Mecca and Muslim devotees from all around the world this year have unfortunately lost this rare and unique chance.

The Hajj festival is centred around the trials and tribulations encountered by Prophet Ibrahim, his wife Hajar and their son Ismael. Prophet Ibrahim had a strong faith in his Creator and was ready to sacrifice everything to gain the satisfaction of His God Almighty Allah. He had to transcend all hurdles which Almighty gave him as a test but he conquered with much sacrifice, patience and single-mindedness. There is a lesson for today’s society on how to face unexpected hidden perils, hardships and difficulties with courage and determination.

Haj is the last or the fifth pillar of Islam. The five pillars in Islam are, profession of faith (Shahadha), prayer (salat), alms (zakat), fasting (sawm), and pilgrimage (haj). Every adult Muslim who is blessed with health and wealth should perform this holy Haj once in their life time. Haj is the only obligatory duty of Islam which should be performed in the holy city of Mecca and Medina whereas the other four obligatory duties can be performed in the place they live.

We Muslims in Sri Lanka have a huge responsibility to accomplish all the rituals during the Haj festival as per the health guidelines given by the Health Ministry and authorities. It is mandatory that every citizen of Sri Lanka wears a face mask, maintains social distance and washes hands when going out to protect themselves and others around them from coronavirus. People should be vigilant and be aware of the current situation in the country and the world. The World Health Organisation and the Health Ministry of Sri Lanka particularly have warned about the new variants of coronavirus across the country. It would be better if people avoid visiting their relatives and friends during the Haj festival and completely avoid shaking hands and hugging friends and relatives in mosques and homes.

Basically the concept of Haj festival teaches us patience, tolerance and brotherhood. Hence, to honour the concept of Haj, sacrifice grand celebrations, excursions and family gatherings so as to save people and stop the surge and spread of the deadly COVID-19.

Eid Mubarak to all!

M. Jalaldeen Isfan

Via email