Here I am.
O, Allah here
I am.
Here I am,
You have
no partner,
here I am.
Surely
all praise, grace
and dominion
are Yours, and
You have
no partner.
This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.
[Chapter 5:3]
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THE HAJJ (Pilgrimage to Makkah)
Makkah in Saudi Arabia is the holiest place on earth. Every year more than three million people from across the glove travel to Makkah to take part in the Hajj pilgrimage. Muslims believe in one God, Allah. There is none worthy of worship but Allah; there is no partner unto Him. He has power over everything. Islam is based on this concept which Allah has expressed in The Qur'an:
He is Allah, besides whom there is no other God, the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen. Allah is the Most Benficent, the Most Merciful. He is Allah, the King, the Holy, the One, Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Guardian, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Exalted be Allah from all that they associate as partner with Him. He is Allah, the Creator, the Originator of all things, the Bestower of forms. His are the most Gracious Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the All-Mighty and the Wise One. [The Holy Qur'an, Surah 59:22-24]
The Hajj, pilgrimage takes place on the 8th -10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. Allah says in The Holy Qur'an:
The Hajj is (in) the well-known (lunar year) months. So whosoever intends to perform Hajj therein by assuming Ihraam, then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during Hajj. And whatever good you do (be sure) Allah knows it. And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At_Taqwa (piety, righteousness, etc). so fear Me, O men of understanding!. [The Holy Qur'an, Surah 2:197]
It is mandatory for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform Hajj to makle the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. Allah says in The Holy Qur'an:
The Hajj, pilgrimage to the House (Ka'abah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah; those who can afford the expenses (for one's conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves then Allah stands not in need of any of the Mankind. [The Holy Qur'an, Surah 3:97]
Ka'abah is the first house of Allah on the earth. Allah reveals in The Holy Qur'an:
The first House (of worship) appointed for Mankind verily was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing and a guidance for mankind. In it are manifest signs (for example) the Maqaam (place) of Ibraheem (peace be upon him); whosoever enters it, he attains security. [The Holy Qur'an, Surah 3:96]
Masjid-al-Haram is the world's largest mosque, which surrounds the Ka'abah. Ka'abah is the place where Muslims all over the world turn to when offering their prayers.
Blessed be He in Whose hand is the sovereignty, and He has power over all things.
Who has created life and death, that He may test you which of you is best in conduct; and He is the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving. [Chapter 67:1-2]
Eid-al-Adha marks the close of the Hajj, which is celebrated with prayers and the exchange of gifts in Muslim communities everywhere.
Allah; there is no god but Allah, the Ever Living, the Eternal One. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. He is the Most Exalted, the Most Great. [The Holy Qur'an, Surah 2:255]
To Him belongs all what is in the heavens and the earth. And those (angels) who are near Him do not disdain to worship Him, nor they ever weary of His service. They glorify Him night and day, tirelessly never intermit. Have they (people) chosen earthly gods who (they think) can restore the dead (to life)? If there had been either in the heavens or the earth other gods than Allah, both (heaven and earth) would have been ruined. So glorified be Allah, the Lord of the Throne, far above what they attribute to Him. He cannot be questioned as to what He does, but they shall be questioned.
Have they chosen other gods besides Him? Say: “Bring forth your proof. This is the Message (the Quran) of those with me, and the Message (the previous Scriptures) of those before me.” But, most of them do not know the truth, and so they turn away. And We did not send any Messenger before you without inspiration to him: “There is no god but I; so worship Me (alone).” And yet they say, “The Compassionate God has begotten offspring.” Exalted is He! No, those (whom they so designate) are only His honoured servants. They do not speak before He speaks, and they only perform His commands. He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they cannot intercede for none, except for those whom He approves, and they tremble in awe of Him. And if any of them declares: “I am a god beside Him,” We shall requite such a one with Hell. Thus do We requite the wrongdoers. [The Holy Qur'an, Surah 21:19-29]
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