Pilgrim recalls unforgettable journey
By Mary Kaye Ritz
Advertiser Religion & Ethics Writer
| • | Eid al-Adha
Festival marking the Muslim day of sacrifice and celebrating the teachings of the prophet Ibrahim 9 a.m. prayers, followed by breakfast and daylong festivities Tomorrow Kapi'olani Park Muslim Association of Hawaii: 947-6263 |
 |
|
"When we stand to pray, we face Kaaba," Khalil said. "Those who haven't been there don't know what Kaaba is. Once you've been there, you can visualize. You can concentrate more while praying."
This year, to brief 10 people from Hawai'i on the pilgrimage they're now in the midst of, Khalil whipped up a PowerPoint presentation complete with visuals, urged each to travel light and advised them on vaccinations.
Many 21st-century advances may make the pilgrimage easier, but the custom of hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, actually goes back to pre-Islamic days, when people gathered in the historic city to trade and worship as well as to work out tribal differences.
Modern-day hajj hasn't always been without incident, however: The pilgrimage has been plagued by fires, stampedes and occasional riots. The risks are even greater this year, with Saudi authorities also worried about diseases and terrorism.
Muslims are expected to make the pilgrimage once in their lives if they are financially, mentally and physically able to do so. This year, about 2 million Muslims are in and around Saudi Arabia for the ritual, which lasts four to six days. Pilgrims circle the Kaaba, the large stone structure that Muslims face during their five daily prayers; pray at Mount Arafat; throw pebbles at three pillars symbolizing the devil; and slaughter a camel, sheep or cow to mark the beginning of Eid al-Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice.
In Hawai'i, the Eid (pronounced EED) will be celebrated at Kapi'olani Park tomorrow, according to Hakim Ouansafi, president of the Muslim Association of Hawaii.
Khalil, who manages Island Traditions Federal Credit Union, said his turn for the annual devotion came late in life, but it produced memories he'll never forget.
"My first glance at Kaaba, that was such an exciting moment," he said. "My whole of my life, I've been thinking of Kaaba when I pray. The first time I saw it with my eyes ... that excitement, I'll never forget."
His group got there early and visited prophet Muhammad's mosque in Medina. Then they returned for the pilgrimage, which includes the Day of Arafat.
This year, the Day of Arafat is being celebrated today in what Khalil called a "sample day of judgment."
"Everybody will stand there in front of the Creator. All they can do is ask for mercy and forgiveness," he said.
Pilgrims wearing white, two-piece outfits will climb Mount Arafat, he said. The white garments show equality, Khalil said: "No matter how rich, poor; black, white; coming from east, west — you are there, standing next to each other and all asking the Creator, the Allah, for forgiveness."
He and members of his group prayed until sunset, then return to Mecca to throw stones and circle the Kaaba, he said.
The event is not only cleansing, but helps Muslims focus the rest of their lives, Khalil said.
"During hajj, we avoid doing anything bad ... Once there, it's training," Khalil said. "We go there three weeks, hope you keep the same momentum. (You) ask for Allah for forgiveness, and come back with (a) clean sheet of records. It's up to us to keep it clean."
Associated Press contributed international hajj information to this report. Reach Mary Kaye Ritz at 525-8035 or mritz@honoluluadvertiser.com.
