KUALA LUMPUR, June 17 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim invited Muslims to embrace the simplicity conveyed in the Haj so that they remain humble and not blinded by temporary worldly luxury.
“Let us not deviate from the goal. This world should serve as a bridge to the hereafter,” he said in his Hari Raya Aidiladha message today.
Anwar emphasised that the opportunity to travel to Mecca to perform the Haj pilgrimage is one of the great blessings of Allah SWT to His servants, and the Haj is one of the pillars of Islam.
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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (centre) performing his Hari Raya Aidiladha prayers at Masjid Putra in Putrajaya, with over 20,000 congregants, on June 17, 2024. — Picture by BERNAMA[/caption]
The Haj has its own spiritual purpose, aiming to transform the human soul into one that is more ascetic and simple.
He added that when wearing an ihram in plain white clothes, the congregation is taught the value of cleanliness and simplicity while letting go of all luxurious clothes and badges of honour.
The same goes for the Wuquf in Arafah, a gigantic gathering regardless of status and rank, transforming a sense of repentance and humility before Allah SWT.
“This is the uncontested pillar of Haj strength, reflected through appreciation and practice,” Anwar said.
In celebrating Aidiladha, the Prime Minister also reminded Muslims not to forget the asnaf (tithe recipients) by sharing Allah's blessings and making them happy by performing sacrificial worship.
He also prayed for pilgrims who are currently in Makkah to obtain a ‘mabrur’ (accepted) Haj and return home safely.
— Bernama
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Muslim pilgrims cast their stones at a pillar symbolising Satan, during the annual Haj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia, on June 16, 2024. — Picture by REUTERS[/caption]
