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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Hajj, Manifestation of Unity Hajj, Symbol of Unity and Universality ========================================= Of all the rites of religion, Hajj is the greatest in its manifestation of unity and Tawhid. This is because the concept of unity, as expressed in creation, essentially involves the idea of universality.

Just as God, the One, is eternal, ubiquitous, and the sustaining Creator of mankind, His last word and final religion must rightfully be universal. Hence, Islam - the universal religion - is for all times, all places, and for all peoples. The Hajj clearly portrays this truth and the Ka’bah, its focal point, poignantly symbolises the same. Islam is for all times, past, present and future. For is not the Ka’bah the first place of worship?

In it are manifest signs [and] Abraham’s Station, and whoever enters it shall be secure. And it is the duty of mankind toward God to make pilgrimage to the House - for those who can afford the journey to it - and should anyone renege [on his obligation], God is indeed without need of the creatures”. (Qur’an 3:96-97) The word “Bakkah” means the place of confluence and congregation of throngs and it refers to the ground upon which the Ka’bah is built.

God says that the structure there was the first house to be set up for mankind and hence is as old as man himself. It is also the last point of convergence that man will have available to rally around during his spiritual epic and sojourn on this planet. The great-grandson of the Prophet (S), Imam J’afar al-Sadiq (‘a) said: لا يزال الدين قائماً ما قامت الكعبة Religion will withstand so long as the Ka’bah stands.1 Islam is for all places.

This is graphically symbolised in the Hajj by the influx of people from all different places on the earth towards Makkah. As such the Ka’bah is the centre whose circumference encompasses the entire world.