Idul Adha for the Benefit of the Nation
The haj in 2022 is really special. First, because the wukuf at Arafah falls on a Friday, it is called the grand pilgrimage. Second, this year's haj is the first haj in the era of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The isbat meeting of the Ministry of Religious Affairs decided the beginning of the month of Zulhijah 1443 H to fall on 1 July 2022 and Idul Adha 1443 H to fall on Sunday, 10 July 2022.
Muslims in the country will celebrate Idul Adha with Eid prayers and slaughter the sacrificial animals (kurban). Meanwhile, Muslims who are in the Holy Land are at the peak of the haj pilgrimage.
The haj in 2022 is really special. First, because the wukuf at Arafah falls on a Friday, it is called the grand pilgrimage. Second, this year's haj is the first haj in the era of the Covid-19 pandemic. Various preparations from planning to implementation are carried out in a relatively short time, but still refer to health, security, safety, comfort and the best service for the congregation.
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Third, this is the first pilgrimage since I was given the mandate to lead the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Service to the congregation is the main orientation and the key to the success of the pilgrimage. I set a high standard in service to the congregation, so that it can be used as a benchmark for the following year, although I must admit, there are still some shortcomings that need to be corrected.
Haj spirituality
Haj is one of the oldest acts of worship, not only in Islam, but also in human civilization. Its history refers to Prophet Ibrahim AS who was nicknamed "Abul Anbiya" (father of the prophets), the central figure of the three major world religions, namely Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Rasulullah SAW described the relationship of the prophets as brothers from one father to another mother (ikhwatun min `allât); The religion is one, but the syariat (sharia) is diverse.
The prophets bringing the teaching of the three major religions are descendants of Prophet Ibrahim AS. Rasulullah SAW described the relationship of the prophets as brothers from one father to another mother (ikhwatun min `allât); The religion is one, but the syariat (sharia) is diverse.
Although the syariat is different, all prophets and apostles, since Noah AS to Prophet Muhammad SAW, carry the same mission from their God, which is to invite people to submit and surrender to only worshiping Allah SWT, according to the context of the times and conditions of their people (Surah Al-Syura: 13).
Haj is one of the pillars of Islam which invites the practitioner to glorify Allah SWT and not to associate partners with Him. Haj must be able to present an acknowledgment of the majesty and greatness of Allah SWT.
Therefore, all forms of practice that a person does during haj, from tawaf, sa'i, wukuf, throwing jumrah, to sacrifice of animals, must be felt as a form of glorification and acknowledgment of the greatness of Allah SWT. Whoever can feel it, indeed that is a form of piety of the heart (Surah Al-Haj: 32).
Muslim pilgrims gather around Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma (Mount of Mercy), southeast of the holy city of Mecca, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage amid the COVID-19 pandemic, on July 19, 2021. Muslim pilgrims gathered at Mount Arafat today in the high point of this year’s hajj, being held in downsized form and under coronavirus restrictions for the second year running. Just 60,000 people, all citizens or residents of Saudi Arabia, have been selected to take part in this year’s hajj, with foreign pilgrims again barred.
The most tangible manifestation of the piousness is the willingness in practicing it. For this reason, it is necessary to be serious about the pilgrimage, both physically (perfecting the pillars, obligatory and sunnah of haj) and mentally (by controlling the heart from all temptations). This effort is called jihad.
This is one of the secrets of Surah Al-Haj that is concluded with a call for jihad (Surah Al-Haj: 78). As a physical worship and retracing the life of Prophet Ibrahim AS, pilgrims must be able to present the deepest meanings in every haj ritual not just follow the steps of the mutawwif. During tawaf, for example, pilgrims must be able to interpret that Allah SWT is the owner of the peak of the universe. Nature rotates according to the will of the Almighty. Therefore, Muslims must follow His laws.
It starts with the story of Siti Hajar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim AS, who is trying hard to find a sip of water for her and her baby, Ismail AS.
Likewise with the sa'i ritual or jog from the hills of Shafa to Marwah seven times. It starts with the story of Siti Hajar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim AS, who is trying hard to find a sip of water for her and her baby, Ismail AS.
In a barren valley and alone, the woman who had just given birth was indefatigable in trying to find sustenance. The endeavor ended with God's grace in the form of zam-zam water which flowed from the stomping feet of baby Ismail AS.
A person who performs Haj must be able to feel that the life he is experiencing must be sought. It starts with Shafa which means 'clarity' and ends with Marwah which means “white sparkling stone”.
That is, life is not easy and everyone should try hard. All efforts must be started with good intentions and a clear heart, whatever our position and whatever our situation and condition. If that is done, the chances of finding a peaceful ending will be realized.
Peace that shines not only for oneself, but also for the environment. That is when the gift of Allah SWT in the form of zam-zam that refreshes his life will never be interrupted.
Sacrificial spirit
Muslims in the country who can afford it are required to provide sacrificial animals (kurban) and slaughter them. Sacrifice is part of the sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim AS that we must emulate, as illustrated in the haj syariat.
Muslim pilgrims gather around Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma (Mount of Mercy), southeast of the holy city of Mecca, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage amid the COVID-19 pandemic, on July 19, 2021. – Muslim pilgrims gathered at Mount Arafat today in the high point of this year’s hajj, being held in downsized form and under coronavirus restrictions for the second year running. Just 60,000 people, all citizens or residents of Saudi Arabia, have been selected to take part in this year’s hajj, with foreign pilgrims again barred.
Sacrifice has a deep meaning. First, the submission and sincerity of Prophet Ibrahim AS in carrying out His orders (transcendent). Whatever the command of Allah SWT, no matter how big the temptation, Prophet Ibrahim AS obeyed him.
Second, social care and concern for the environment. Haj is not just the worship of the rich and a private ritual. All worship performed by Muslims, including Haj, in addition to enabling them to approach Allah SWT (habl min Allah), must also have a social impact (habl min al-nas). Because of this, pilgrims who violate the prohibition on Haj or leave the pillars of Haj are given sanctions (dam) by paying and slaughtering livestock.
Third, sacrifice is not a matter of sharing meat with the community. Allah SWT also does not need the blood and meat of the sacrifice. One of the symbolic meanings in sacrificing is how Muslims destroy the animalistic traits that are in them. Greedy, selfish, wild, disobedient to the rules and others are animal desires that must be eliminated.
A Muslim pilgrim has his head shaved as a part of an obligation during the annual Haj pilgrimage amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in Mina, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia July 31, 2020.
In the national context, the spirit of sacrifice needs to be presented in the country. We all know that most of the national problems we face are because we are controlled by animal desires.
Apart from intending to always win, we also have a selfish attitude. We want to dominate in all things, then exploit them and, worse, we do it for personal and group interests only. The fate of the nation that is under the umbrella of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia cannot be left behind. Even animal passions can infiltrate religious practice. Intolerance, extreme religion, especially to the point of terrorizing others, is proof that lust can dominate religion.
People who misuse zakat, infaq and alms funds for personal needs and support extremist activities are also another proof that lust can permeate religious practice. Religion must be sincere and authentic, as taught by the Prophet Muhammad.
This nation invites great souls who are willing to make sacrifices for the sake of a more prosperous future for the nation. Enlightened souls on the pilgrimage. The souls who are willing to spare -- not just those who have advantages, even those who lack -- their spirit, thoughts and energy so that the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia remains intact and peaceful.
May all Indonesian pilgrims have a mabrur pilgrimage and our sacrifices be accepted by Allah SWT.
Happy Idul Adha 1443 H/2022 M.
Yaqut Cholil Qoumas
Yaqut Cholil Qoumas,Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs
(This article was translated by Kurniawan Siswo)
