THE lessons of the patriarch of religions and father of nations, Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) has left a message of humility towards God and man. His divine act of answering the call of the Creator and Lord of the Universe, even to sacrificing his most beloved and divine son, Ishmael (Ishmail) displays his total resignation to the will of the Creator, and brought him in close proximity to Allah – Lord of the Worlds.

Because of his conformity with his understanding of sacrifice, he knew that his first born, in his old age, for fourteen years, Ishmail, was truly his most beloved, so he made plans to take his life, with great pains, lamentations and sadness.  His journey is what is referred to as this Pilgrimage to Mecca.

The Hajj is named after the African Princess Hajar, who was betrothed to him by his wife Sarah, due to her inability to make children.  Through her, Prophet Abraham’s first born; Ishmail came into being as per the will of God.  He was greatly loved by Abraham, but when Sarah produced her off-spring, jealousy of the prowess of Ishmail entered her heart.  Also he was most loved by his Father Abraham.  The little Issac was always running after him, and she wanted Ishmail out of their lives.

God Almighty heard the cries of Sarah, and of Abraham, and promised Prophet Abraham a great nation through the Seed of Ishmail.  So the Lord instructed that he leave them in the wilderness of what is now Mecca, in Arabia.  The pains and suffering of her son sent Hajar in a frenzy of prayer, pain, until she became hysterical.  She had asked Prophet Abraham, did Allah say to leave us, and he could not look them in the eyes, feeling guilty, and then looked away and answered yes with a nod and rode away.  Then he realised that this was the Great Sacrifice God had wanted.  So in reality, this was the greater sacrifice, and the act of slaughter of animals is the lesser sacrifice.

Prophet Abraham knew the Lord will protect them.  Eventually, after prayer and lamentations, the earth opened and the Zam Zam well came into being, with healing powers, flowing to this day, from which Mecca came, and the Hajj is performed annually to honour this great lady of the ancients, marked in love and respect for posterity, and the sufferings of Abraham, who always stayed close to his beloved first born and beloved young wife, Hajar.

The Inter-Religious Organisation of Guyana, send greetings of peace and love to all Muslims, as we pray for the safe return of our Pilgrims, and all Pilgrims.  May the sacrifice of Prophet Abraham linger in the hearts of men for all times.