At a large outdoor prayer service in Toronto, Dr. Jasser Auda reminded the gathering about the higher objectives of the Hajj.
“The main objective of Hajj for the individual is to mark a new beginning with Allah, by renewing the covenant, repenting from mistakes and giving people back their rights, and by remembering the afterlife, when everybody will be standing on a plain ground, nothing differentiates them except their heedfulness (taqwa) and good deeds,” said Dr. Jasser Auda who delivered the ‘Eid sermon at Woodbine Park in Toronto.
“As for the Ummah, Hajj confirms that Islam is much wider than the followers of Mohammad (peace be upon him). It is the Submission to God’s Will, from Adam to Mohammad, and especially the example of Ibrahim/Abraham (peace be upon him), the events of whose life literally defines the places and rituals of Hajj,” he added.
“Hajj is also a reminder of the unity and equality of believers, regardless of their race, nation or status. However, the Muslim Ummah suffers from the worst kinds of injustices, racism, tyranny, and disputes. Hajj is, therefore, an opportunity to consult (shura) on how to deal with these problems.”
In an impressive display of unity, Muslims of all ethnicities dressed in traditional clothing flocked to the large open-air celebration at Woodbine Park to offer the prayers and take part in an all-day festival.
“Hajj has an objective to remind us of the great people who passed through those holy places and their examples, despite the fact that current Muslim authorities have removed most of the holy places’ monuments and even removed some of the mountains to set up chains of luxury hotels and expensive malls. But luxury, entertainment, and status go against the very objectives of Hajj, and the core values of Islam that Hajj reminds us of,” added Dr. Auda.
Reference: aboutislam.net
