Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam is today

Muslims in Sri Lanka today celebrate the Hajj festival- the fifth and final pillar of Islam. It occurs in the month of Dhul Hajj which is the twelfth month in the Islamic lunar calendar. 

Issuing a message marking Hajj. President Maithripala Sirisena noted that as millions of Muslims around the world come together with the common purpose of religious observance to Mecca in the spirit of unity, the festival of Hajj brings the message of true value of reconciliation as aspired by humanity.

“Throughout human history, mass gatherings of people were held for religious rituals and activities that have preserved their religious traditions and strengthened co-existence among communities.The Hajj pilgrimage embodies the sacred link between the divine and human beings. On this momentous occasion, all devotees across the world transcend differences of nationality or status among them and come together in the spirit of unity to worship the God." President Sirisena added. 

In a world where people wage war against each other based on divisions among them, the festival of Hajj exemplifies the importance of the desire for co-existence among different communities.I wish all Muslims of Sri Lanka and around the world, who engage in the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city for Muslims to deliver the message of equality. Happy and peaceful Eid al-Adha.”

Meanwhile Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in a message marking Hajj called on all Sri Lankans to be united as a nation to ensure a better future for the country as the Hajj festival demonstrates the importance of unity and commitment in guiding the world to achieve long-lasting peace.

“Hajj pilgrimage is considered to be one of the five pillars of Islam, which should be performed by all Muslims, who are physically and financially capable, at least once in a lifetime. Hajj marks the end of the period during which Muslims across the globe journey to Mecca in Saudi Arabia to reassure their faith in God. The expenses for the journey will be borne from what they earned through labour." Premier noted.

The Hajj is a religious festival where the pilgrims from all walks of life come together and pray for world peace. The message of equality and unity that they send to the world is important to all nations.

Muslims also commemorate the offer made by Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice the life of his son, Prophet Ismail to God, during this festival. Hajj provides the entire world with the inspiration necessary for leading a life of charity in order to develop peace and collaboration among us.

The festival demonstrates the importance of unity and commitment in guiding the world to achieve long-lasting peace. Similarly, in Sri Lanka, we must be united as a nation to ensure a better future for our country.I wish all Muslims who come together for Hajj and all those who will be celebrating Eid-ul-Adha peace and prosperity!”

Reiterating that Hadji of festival reminds us of the importance of sacrificial life and the benefits that it could bring to the humankind, Opposition Leader R Sampanthan called upon the people of this Island Nation to come together to build a country that will cherish self-respect and allow people to live in harmony and peace, with an attitude of unselfishness and to seek the betterment of our future generation.

"Being one of the two festivals celebrated by the Muslims all over the world Hadji festival emphasizes the need to care for those who are poor and downtrodden and enable them to join the celebrations." Opposition Leader said in a message issued in view of Hajj festival today. 

Pix by G Kishanthan from Hajj prayers held at Jumma Mosque, Hatton