Hajj is the fifth and final pillar of Islam, a sacred journey that every Muslim aspires to undertake at least once in their lifetime, provided they are physically and financially able. This obligation is a profound act of worship that brings us closer to Allah and strengthens our connection to our faith. The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) taught us that the reward for Hajj Mabroor—an accepted Hajj—is nothing less than Jannah (Paradise). It is a journey that cleanses the soul, purifies the heart, and serves as a reminder of the ultimate purpose of our existence: to worship Allah alone.
Hajj is deeply rooted in the legacy of our father Ibrahim (عليه السلام) and his unwavering devotion to Allah. The rituals performed during Hajj are a reflection of his life, his trials, and his trust in Allah.
When we pelt the Jamarat, we emulate Ibrahim (عليه السلام) rejecting Shaytan’s whispers as he obeyed Allah’s command to sacrifice his son. As we walk between the hills of Safa and Marwa, we remember the determination and faith of Hajar (عليها السلام), who sought water for her son Isma'il (عليه السلام). And on Yawmul-Eid, when we offer a sacrifice, we honor the ultimate test of Ibrahim’s obedience, commemorating his willingness to submit to Allah’s will with the intention to sacrifice his only son.
These acts are not mere rituals; they are acts of worship that link us to a legacy of faith, patience, and complete trust in Allah.
The act of slaughtering on Yawmul-Eid is a reminder of the importance of consuming food that is pure, permissible, and prepared in the name of Allah. Halal slaughter is not just a ritual but a form of worship and obedience to our Creator. Allah has decreed that before we slaughter an animal, we must invoke His name by saying "Bismillah", acknowledging that life belongs to Him and Him alone. This act reinforces our tawheed (oneness of Allah) and reminds us not to associate any partners with Him.
Halal food is not only a matter of physical nourishment but also spiritual well-being. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) emphasized the significance of consuming food that is lawful and pure, as it directly impacts our deeds and the acceptance of our prayers. Consuming haram food, on the other hand, can corrupt the heart and hinder our spiritual growth.
The connection between Hajj and halal food runs deeper than we might think. Just as Hajj teaches us submission to Allah and adherence to His commands, ensuring that our food is halal is another way of fulfilling His orders. Both acts reflect a Muslim’s dedication to living a life of obedience, purity, and remembrance of Allah.
Let us remember that the halal status of what we consume is not merely about following a set of rules, but about recognizing and honoring the bounties of Allah, and expressing gratitude through conscious choices. Whether it’s the sacrifice on Yawmul-Eid or the everyday meals we prepare for our families, every act of slaughter in the name of Allah serves as a reminder of our faith, our submission, and our ultimate purpose.
May Allah guide us to uphold these values in our daily lives and grant us the opportunity to perform Hajj and follow in the footsteps of Ibrahim (عليه السلام) and our beloved Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم). Ameen.
