Hajj provides a gigantic platform to the Ummah to make known to the world its true character and nature and express its identity of view on social, political, cultural, ethnic, economic and foreign affairs and thus relate the message of Tauhid to the contemporary challenges being faced by the Islamic World. It is high time that acceding to the Quranic teachings we acknowledged the vitality and potential of Hajj and frustrated the designs of the enemies of Islam who are doing everything within their means to neutralize the impact of this great Islamic congregation. In the Holy Qur’an God Almighty says, "You are absolved to trade for livelihood betaking yourselves to Providence for His bounty. And when you throng back from Mount Arafat then thankfully praise God at the Sacred Mount-Muzdalifa-and thankfully extol His glorious attributes for steering you to the path of rectitude although initially you were lost in the maze of error." 2:198. "God has made the Ka’ba, the sacrosanct House, the Mecca of mankind and the aspiration of one’s life to visit for material and spiritual reformation.’ 5:97. Islam enjoins both the corporal and the spiritual aspects of human existence and considers both of them as important constituents of a great paragon of beauty called "the best make" 95:4 and all acts of omissions and commissions respecting the commands of God are called Ibadat. According to the Holy Qur’an when people say, "Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of the fire" 2:201 God says, "They shall have (their) portion of what they have earned, and Allah is swift in reckoning."

Even in the pre-Islamic times the month of Haj yielded tremendous benefits to the pagans as well as believing people of Arabia. People recognised sanctity of this month, and a general amnesty was declared for everyone that protected their trade and their caravans. It opened their markets and enabled them to exchange their merchandise freely. Islam further sanctified the peace and stability of Mecca and disciplined the life of Meccan during and after the month of Hajj for the whole year. It made all kinds of violence, bloodshed and aggression unlawful in the vicinity of Mecca. An absolute freedom from coercion, intimidation and fear was granted so that people pursued their intellectual, spiritual, economic and social etc. leanings in an atmosphere of peace and serenity. One cannot discount the fact that the Government of Saudi Arab is rendering invaluable services to Ummah by arranging for such a large number of Muslims across the globe to perform Hajj peacefully. At the same time, however, there is yet another greater responsibility laid on it to exploit fully the spirit of Hajj for aggrandising the stature, strength and dignity of Muslim Ummah through Hajj. Muslims come and display a great show of Muslim brotherhood, unity of the Ummah, and discipline.

Only these energies are to be channelled and given voice. Especially in the present times when Ummah is facing challenges of unknown magnitude we need to look at Hajj not only as a body of rituals but as an institution sustaining both power and virility as well as spirituality to Muslim Ummah. Hajj can yield tremendous political, cultural, social, economic and foreign policy benefits. Only we need to explore them. "…Surely Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change their own condition." 13:11.

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