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Muslims are one. Their geographical differences are
for their identity. In Islam our borders are open to each other. We live
on the land of Allah. We are one Umma with different languages and race.
No matter who we are, we recognize Allah as our means of sustenance on
earth as Arafa means recognition of this fact.
Arafat is the name of the desert and day of Arafa is the ninth day of
the month of Zul-Hajja, the day that everyone meets at this desert only
to see each other, to live together a day to recognize each other as
Arafa means to know - to be acquainted with Allah in being with each
other. It is the place of every Muslim in the simple clothing of two
pieces of white material.
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We know each other with the name of "Hajj" or one who is intending, not
by title or rank. It is the land of equality, no boundary but different
nations. No restriction of moving from one part to another.
All the nations are brothers and are together in this vast desert. In
the end of the day of Arafa, we all move to the valley of Muzdalifa or
Mash'ar (awareness). If in the vast desert of Arafat we were separated
and each group and nationality were by themselves, the valley of Mash'ar
brings everyone together because we are in Mash'ar (awareness) .
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The night of Mash'ar is to pick up war materials (stones) so you can
attack at dawn. We stay behind the boundary of Mina and pick up small
stones or pebbles for each battle with Satan. You will need 7 stones for
at least seven attacks on each evil or a total of 49 stones.
Hajj gives us a lesson of unity and togetherness and confrontation
against evils and those who are against the unity of mankind. We can be
united if we come together in Arafat (recognition) and reject evils in
Mina and follow the law of Allah in Mecca as the rejection of any Deity
is required to achieve Allah's will.
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The reality we see is that Muslims are one "Ummah" and one nation with
different languages and cultures and from different races and
boundaries. In this desert, Muslims are neighbors to each other and
spend a full day together as the World of Islam is one. We are not
divided and the line of Allah is extended to hold firm on it and be not
divided.
The "Dzikr" and the words prayer chanted by different groups of races
makes you of them. They may not speak your language but it shows and
express clearly that the Quran is our constitution and the tradition of
our beloved Prophet is our way of life. |