Unity of Mankind
On 15 November 2010, about 2.5 million Muslims from all over the globe gathered in Mecca to perform what is called Hajj in Arabic language. The gathering of such a large number of people of different creed / color, speaking different languages and having a diverse cultural background at a small place for few days is an even that is unprecedented in any religion or even in the political culture of the world. The beauty of this event is its simplicity, candor and discipline.
Modesty
The participants, rich or poor, with highest status or from a common back ground, are dressed in the same attire which consists of two pieces of un-stitched cotton cloth, one worn along the lower part and the other covering upper part of the body. The women also participate wearing their own specified dress. Participation of women all along is a proof of the fact how Islam gives equal rights to women. The wearing of such a modest dress is meant to display the humbleness and docility of a person. All the pride, the pomp and show and the protocols are disdained in this place.
Peace
Mecca: The City of Peace
The message of this gathering is unity and peace for the world. Unity is displayed by the diversity of color, race, language and culture. Peace is manifested by the fact that the participants neither carry any weapon nor do they need to. Non violence is exhibited symbolically by imposing restriction on hunting within the limits of Mecca. Only the animals are slaughtered and used for supper. The participants do not indulge in any immoral or negative activity during their stay.
Submission to One God relieves man from the shackles of many other 'masters' & exploiters
The prayers that are recited related to the well being, peace and prosperity of the people. The gathering is not aimed against any nation, country or even the concept. The participants only pray for the welfare and safety from God. The scholar leading the prayers clearly denounced the terrorism, terming it totally against Islam. He quoted the famous verse fro the Quran, which means that killing of one human being unjustly is equivalent to killing of the whole mankind, and that saving the life of one person is equivalent to saving the whole mankind.
Mecca: A Place for the Mankind
Kaaba: The Center for Assembly of Mankind
It is interesting to note that where ever the discussion of Mecca, the Ka’aba (the cubical building in the center of the great mosque) or the Hajj is related in the Quran, the whole mankind, and not the Muslims only, is addressed. Some of the verses from the Quran relating to this place are:
“We made this house as a site of peace and security for the mankind”
“We made this house so that the mankind can get the right guidance for their prosperity”
“We made this house so that the mankind can stand on its feet (regain the exalted position of man).”
“This place will be an ‘open city’ for the local residents as well as for the people from far-off”
Future Prospects
The Hajj (the annual Islamic congregation) has lot of potential to contribute towards the cause of global peace. The people only need to understand the true spirit of this wonderful event. Hajj is not only a prayer, but has much more in its majestic concept for the humanity.
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