ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Hajj (The Pilgrimage) The Ka'aba Made of dark rough stones laid in a very simple manner with white chalk filling the fissures, the Kaaba is an empty cube - nothing else. You cannot but shiver and wonder about what you see here ... There is no one! There is nothing to view! An empty room (cube) is visible. Is that all?!! Is this the center of our faith, prayers, love, life and death? Questions and doubts arise in your mind. Where am I? What is here?

What you see is the antithesis of your visual imaginations of the Kaaba. You might have perceived it as an architectural beauty (like a palace) whose ceilings covered a spiritual silence. Another possible portrayal was that of a high tomb housing the grave of an important human being - a hero, genius, imam or prophet! No - instead it is an open square, an empty room. It reflects no architectural skill, beauty, art, inscription, nor quality; and no graves are found there.

There is nothing and nobody there to whom you can direct your attention, feelings and memories. You will realize that there is nothing and nobody there to disturb your thoughts and feelings about God. The Kaaba, which you want to fly over to come into contact with the "absolute" and "eternal", is the roof for your feelings. This is something you were unable to achieve in your world of fragmentation and relativity.

You could only be philosophical, but now you can see the "absolute", the one who has no direction - Allah! He is everywhere. How good it is to see the Kaaba empty! It reminds you that your presence is for the sake of performing Hajj. It is not your destination. Moreover, it is a guide to show the direction. Kaaba is only a cornerstone, a sign to show the road. Having decided to move toward eternity, you begin the Hajj. It is an eternal movement toward Allah not toward the Kaaba.

The Kaaba is the beginning and not the end - when no more can be done. It is the place where Allah, Ibrahim, Muhammad and people will meet. You will be present there only if your mind is not preoccupied with self-centered thoughts. You must be one of the people! Everyone is dressed in special garments. Being Allah's chastity and family you are honored by him. He has more enthusiasm toward this family than anyone else. However, the Kaaba, His property and His house is called the "house of people".

Lo! The first sanctuary appointed for mankind was that at Bekka (Mecca), a blessed place, guidance to the people.