Saudi intellectual: “Hajj is a school for monotheism and freedom from atheism”

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Hajj pilgrimage is reaching its peak in the Muslim world bringing the opportunity for the Muslims from across the world to perform their religious duty and also get together in the biggest Muslim congregation to boost the solidarity in the Muslim nation.Saudi Muslim researcher, Mohammad al Mahfooz, in an interview stressed the importance of the ceremony for Disavowal of the Infidels during Hajj pilgrimage and realization of religious duties by all Muslims.Q: Are there any other pillars or principles for Hajj pilgrimage rather than what is stressed in the holy Qur’an? Are they counted as the secondary aims for the pilgrimage if there are any?A: There is no doubt that Hajj is one of the most important annual pillars of Islam. The divine rituals in this pilgrimage are important from two aspects: the first aspect is the religious aspect including performing the rituals and visiting the holy Ka’ba without which one cannot be said to have performed the pilgrimage.The second aspect includes the values and aims of this pilgrimage. One of the most outstanding values is the monotheistic aspect of the event when one confesses the sole power in the world is God Almighty; hence, it is important that one is liberated from diversions that might hinder his concentration on worshipping God.There is no doubt that there are many pressures in the contemporary life of the Muslims but what is aimed in Hajj pilgrimage is liberation from political, economic and social atheism.Therefore, Hajj, based on the second aspect, is a bridge to cross the oppressions when one is free from all kinds of political and social mandates.Hajj is the school for unity and liberation from all types of atheism.Q: Is it possible to reach an ideological unanimity on Hajj among Muslims? In your view who has the power to unify the view of all Muslims on the event?A: In the first sight there is unanimity on Hajj that this is a monotheistic ritual in a bid to confess to the oneness of God Almighty and rejection of humility and obedience of satans.In a deeper view, there are various types of political pressure which hinder the nature of Hajj and bring a gap between performing the rituals and the reality in the life of Muslims in contemporary world.However, performing the monotheistic aspect of the rituals help the unconscious mind of the Muslim community and brings them the understanding that the ceremony for disavowal of the infidels is not confined to ones words but it is a religious duty and will continue till the total liberation of Muslims from plots and diversions of the Muslims.Muslim scholars are the only people who can unify the views of the Muslims from Hajj and they are already struggling for informing the Muslim communities which have been penetrated by petrifying elements.Q: What is your view on the point that some governments are trying to empty Hajj from its true meaning?A: When the governments lead a totalitarian strategy regarding their nations, this is in fact in full contradiction with political and strategic authorities of the people. Naturally such governments try to distance Hajj and its monotheistic meaning which is confrontation with oppression and dictatorship. These governments know that Hajj will grow a love of justice, liberty and freedom from dictatorship in the hearts of the Muslims.These governments try to evacuate the monotheistic and liberal nature of Hajj.Q: What is your idea on those who question the advantages of Hajj as a collective Islamic congregation?A: Various social and individual advantages of Hajj cannot be denied. It is also recommended in Islamic guidelines since it provides the opportunity for Muslims to meet in a pure and holy place and discuss the issues of the Muslim world.Q: In your view is it proper to discuss current issues of the Muslim world like Bahrain and Palestine in Hajj?A: The atmosphere of Hajj necessitates Muslim issues to be discussed so that the determination and objectives of the nations are unified.Therefore, when Muslims pray towards the same direction, have to make the best of Hajj as an opportunity to meet and try for solving the problems of other Muslims. /129