Time to Reawaken

Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia; it is a one-time religious duty that all Muslims, who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey and support their families during their absence, must perform. The Hajj also provides Muslims with an opportunity for self-renewal. It is a profound act of submission and worship, designed to cleanse a person of sins, foster global unity among Muslims, and honour the legacy of Prophet Abraham.

A t the Hajj, the Muslim brotherhood is on display, and their solidarity with fellow Muslims and submission to God are fulfilled. The Hajj is associated with the life of the Islamic prophet Muhammad in the 7th c. AD, but the ritual of pilgrimage to Mecca, as stated in Muslim sources, dates to the time of Abraham. During Hajj, pilgrims join processions of millions of Muslims converging on Mecca to perform rituals.

As we understand from Abraham and other prophets, tawhid, the oneness of God, must sink deep within us. God repeatedly tested Abraham. He saw God in a dream, ordering him to sacrifice his only son, Ismail. When he was about to sacrifice his son, God was pleased and stopped him.


Muslims celebrate the survival of Ismail and Abraham's devotion by giving alms to the homeless and poor. Eid al-Adha (Bakr Eid) marks the end of Hajj. The Eid is celebrated by remembering sacrifices of Prophet Abraham, patriarch of all Abrahamic religions. Let his blessings shower on us.