Haj Strengthens Moral Character, Social Harmony

From Amirul Mohd Sajadi

MAKKAH, May 26 (Bernama) -- The Haj pilgrimage is not merely a journey to the Holy Land to fulfil the fifth pillar of Islam, but also a platform of spiritual training that shapes a righteous soul, strengthens moral character and produces a united society grounded in humanitarian values.

This was among the key messages in the Arafah Sermon for 1447H/2026 delivered by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan, today.

He said the gathering of millions of Muslims from various countries, races and backgrounds in the Holy Land proved that differences were not a barrier to unity, but rather a strength in building a harmonious and prosperous society.

“The Haj pilgrimage, which serves as a spiritual training ground, teaches, nurtures and instils the values of human dignity, justice and equality, tolerance and empathy, mutual assistance and compassion without prejudice or discrimination, and develops a righteous and spiritually strong soul,” he said.

According to him, the talbiyah recited continuously throughout the Haj season is a declaration of monotheism and absolute obedience to Allah, as well as a symbol of a servant’s readiness to respond to the call of God and to centre one’s life upon Him.

Zulkifli said Haj was also a journey back to one’s true nature, not merely a physical movement to the Holy Land but a transformation of the soul from negligence to awareness and from sin to Allah’s forgiveness.

He added that the pilgrimage also taught the meaning of peace and brotherhood, as pilgrims temporarily leave behind rank, status, and worldly pride to stand as equal servants before Allah SWT.

“It is as though Haj comes to remind humanity, which is too quick to divide, too fast to turn hostile and too preoccupied with defending its own groups, that brotherhood is far greater than differences,” he said.

He also explained that all prohibitions during ihram and throughout the stay in the Holy Land were, in fact, part of an educational process that should be brought back home.

According to him, rituals such as the stoning of the jamrah are not merely ceremonial acts but symbolic of casting away negative traits within oneself, particularly those that can harm others and disrupt social harmony.

Zulkifli said the moral character shaped through the Haj pilgrimage not only strengthens the relationship between humans and the Creator, but also reinforces ties among people, serving as a foundation for building a harmonious and prosperous Madani society.

“True progress of a nation is not measured solely by physical development or material advancement, but also depends on the development of the soul, character and morality,” he said.

Zulkifli added that a civilised society could only be built through good morals, patience, tolerance and the ability to embrace diversity within the framework of unity.

In this regard, he called on Muslims to make the Haj pilgrimage a turning point towards becoming more devout, knowledgeable and morally upright individuals who can contribute to the building of a society blessed by Allah.

-- BERNAMA