ARAFAT, 1 February 2004 — Standing in the plains of Arafat among the believers one is completely devoid of any other feelings but one’s closeness to Allah. Man has never been so close to his Creator! Here the faithful have direct communion with the Almighty.
For a journalist who has covered two wars, covering the ultimate peace was a unique experience. The silence was broken not by the crackling of the guns, but by the heartfelt chants of prayers for peace. There was just sheer submission to the will of the Creator with the soulful chants of Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik (O God here I am answering your call).
It was not only sheer bliss, but an experience that moves one to introspection. As reporters we are trained to detach ourselves from any event and be objective. But as we near Arafat, all such training is submerged by unique feelings that well from one’s heart.
From being an observer suddenly one is transformed into a participant. Yes, for professional reasons I am not in ihram and hence not a pilgrim, but very much part of the two million believers who are here to purify their souls and seek God’s mercy.
Standing on top of Jabal Al-Rahma (Mountain of Mercy) along with the pilgrims, one can see the glory of the Almighty empowers the entire existence. It is at this moment in time that I indeed do some soul-searching and find how weak and feeble I am. The bitter truth flashes before me that all my life I had misplaced priorities, forgetting that the Almighty “rewards those who do good deeds.”
This realization certainly generates guilt but not helplessness, as God is Benevolent and Merciful. All my fellow believers around me at the top of Jabal Al-Rahma were probably passing through the same healing emotions. Some were crying in devotion, some begging for mercy and seeking forgiveness for their sins. But at the same time serenity was writ on their faces, with the knowledge that their submission to the Will of Allah must have been rewarded by the Most Merciful.
Like me, many must have pledged with fresh resolve — not only to follow Islam in its true spirit but also to carry its message to the world — the message of peace, tolerance, love and harmony.
Certainly the pilgrims will be carrying this enormous responsibility on their shoulders on their journey back home. Each will be hoping to spread this message through his deeds and action. This will show the world that Islam is a religion of peace. Muslims are open and tolerant and not terrorists. Islam is a religion of giving and not taking — it gives shelter to the weak and destitute and does not take lives of the innocent.
This message has been Islam’s message. Only misguided elements have tried to distort this image. In the past too there have been many attempts to distort Islam, but it eventually emerged from such efforts unscathed.
It was on the plains of Arafat on this day that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) announced that Islam is complete. This declaration was for all of humanity. It was the completion of a new code of life defined in the Qur’an and Hadith and applicable to all people everywhere.
Today the talbiyah reverberating from the plains of Arafat is more of a pledge to the Almighty and His Messenger that the true spirit of Islam will be carried across the globe. It is a mission that has to be accomplished.
