Grand Eid-ul-Adha in Saudi Arabia, Haj in Makkah
by P A Hameed Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network - Saudi Arabia (SB) 

Saudi Arabia, Nov 28: Both citizens and residents alike across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is considered to be the cradle for two holy mosques and religious journey, Haj celebrated Eid-ul-Adha or Haj festival with full of zeal and religious fervour. 

All mosques and edgahs were jam-packed in the morning with the people for special prayers and sermon. Speciality of this year's Eid was that it coincidentally on a Friday, when it is normal for believers to gather in large numbers. Jumma prayer was held together with sermon at midday. This Eid is named for the "Carnival of Sacrifice" and "Day of Piligrimage in Makkah and hence it is not just a festival of gathering and wishes, but it denotes the portrayal of series of sacrifices, strength of mind and contemplation for the sake of the Almighty God. Sacrifice means not mere a theoretical concept, but a practical life of an honoured personality impressed in the history of Islam. 

Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (Pbuh) was a substitute for such sacrifice and self-control, who had strongly advocated the oneness of the GOD and led his life pragmatically in the true path of the Almighty, when the people of the time including his father, Azar, followed a deviated path practising all kinds of irrational and superstitious beliefs. Virtually, this Eid and Haj totally reflects the devotional and sacrificial deeds and endeavour of the Prophet and his son Prophet Ismail (Pbuh-Ismael).

Haj is one of the most significant mainstays of Islam for those who are wealthy and healthy. The Quran says: "And the Hajj pilgrimage to the House (Kaaba) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford expenses". If the prayers and fasting becomes the physical worships, Zakath become a wealth-concerned adulation, Haj has been the combination of both worships.

The pinnacle of Haj was held successfully at Arafath ground, flooded with the millions of piligrims arrived from all over the world. It is the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.) that-"No Haj is valid unless stay at Arafath for the specified time (usually from noon to dusk)". Saudi grand mufti, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Asheikh, who is also the Imam of Deerah Mosque in Riyadh, addressed the piligrims at Nemrah Masjid situated near Arafath Mountain, and delivered a Khutba (Religious Oration) emphasizing the importance of Haj rites and other important aspects of life and led two times' congregational prayers of noontime and evening together there. 

It has been officially announced that no hitch or unpleasant incident on the day of Arafath and on Saturday has been reported. Around more than three million piligrims across the globe gathered in Makkah this year for the Haj as Hajj is considered to be the largest gathering in the world. It is mostly reflection of life of two Prophets, father and son-Ibrahim and Ismail inlcuding Hajirah, the wife of Ibrahim. 

The test of Allah, the God, for the Prophet Abraham, abandonment of his child Ismail and his wife in a desert land of Makkah, her frantic search for water for the thristy child (which is now considered to be Sahee between Safa-and-Marwa, two mountainous places in Makkah, where the walking between them is one of the rituals of Haj or Umrah), commandment of the God to sacrifice Abraham's son, Ismail, and his readiness for the fulfilment of the God's order and finally, a symbolic sacrifice of goat in the place of Ismail, as both of them had successfully gone through the toughest test by the God. Jamrath pillar or bridge is the figurative place at Mina, where the pebbles are being thrown by the pilgrims for three days to Satan, who had ventured, but failed to mislead Abraham from following the God's diktat. The other rituals of Haj still continues for three days (i.e. Saturday and Sunday) and as such, all the pilgrims are still staying at Mina for the completion.

The Saudi Channel-2, which is telecasting round the clock on the special news being updated from all ritual places in Makkah televised live about the Royal Meet, which held on Saturday at Mina after Jumma prayer. Custodian of two holy mosques, King Abdullah addressed the country in English as he was receiving the Saudi Commanders, Security Forces and Haj Security Officers with full of honour and respect. In his speech, he said-" We respect all the pilgrims, who are here for performing one of the most important rites of Islam-, Haj, and who are also our guests. Moreover, we honour our security officials who are restlessly endeavoring for the welfare and betterment of our country. We also reiterate that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will not get involved in the internal affairs of other countries, but at the same time, the Kingdom will not allow anyone to muscle in our affairs. Prince Naif, interior minister and Prince Khalid, Makkah governor among others were present on the grand occasion. 

Suhail Kandak, who is constantly in contact with Daijiworld correspondent, and presently serving the pilgrims in Makkah along with other volunteers of the Indian Fraternity Forum said that most of Hajis were facing the Mutawaff related hitches including water and cleanliness .He also said that most of the Mutawaffs have not provided tea and hot water. Private Hajj tours were tryomg their best to provide good service to Hajis, but the pilgrims, who came under the Haj Committee in Karnataka State, were facing all the problems. He applauded the excellent arrangements and facilities made by the Saudi Authorities for the smooth functioning of rituals. Further, he appreciated the hard and committed service being done by all the members of IFF.

World Associaiton for Muslim Youths (WAMY), a prestigious government recognized organization, recognised the best services and commitments provided by IFF. 

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