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to sit down for dinner out of courtesy but I could see that my neighbour was
grieved about something and wanted to avoid inviting me for dinner.”
After some hesitation the neighbour told me: “I am sorry I cannot invite you
for food. We were without food for three days and I could not bear to see the
pain of hunger of my children. I went out looking for food today and found a
dead donkey. In my desperation I cut out some meat from the dead animal,
and brought it home so that my wife could cook this meat. It is Halal (lawful
or permitted) for us because of our extreme condition of hunger, but I cannot
offer it to you.”
Ali bin al-Mufiq continued: “On hearing this, my heart bled with tears. I got up
and went home, collected the three thousand dinars I had saved for Hajj, and
gave my neighbour the money. I too had to go hungry but that was to save
money for Hajj, but I thought helping my neighbour during his difficult times
was more important. Although I still desire to go for Hajj if Allah (SWT) wills.”
Abdullah bin Mubarak was greatly inspired by the cobbler’s story and told the
cobbler of his dream.
Allah (SWT) is merciful and shows mercy to those who do likewise to his
creatures. This act of compassion on the part of the cobbler was so pleasing
to Allah (SWT) that it not only earned him the reward of Hajj but was extended
to all the people who came for Hajj.
Hajj is a journey that can ignite the soul to be reminded of the time it was
created and takes it beyond the dimensions of this life to the time it will meet
the creator.
The gathering of millions of faithful in Makkah during the days of annual
pilgrimage, Hajj is a fulfillment of Prophet Ibrahim’s prayer.
And remember Ibrahim said: “My Lord, make this a City of Peace, and feed
its people with fruits, such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day.” Holy
Quran (2:126)
The Pilgrimage to Makkah is a sign of supreme significance. It was Prophet
Ibraham’s unconditional commitment to Allah (SWT) that led him to leave
his wife Hajirah and his infant son Ismael in this desolated desert. Prophet
Ibrahim Ibrahim (AS) was rewarded for his unwavering submission to Allah
(SWT), by a promise from Him to make this uninviting land into a place of
promise and plenty.