From ʿArafāt to Ghazā: The Revival of Hajj Consciousness 🕋

 🕋 From ʿArafāt to Ghazā:  The Revival of Hajj Consciousness

Hajj is not merely a journey—it is the foundation of a community built upon knowledge, collective decision-making, and conscious submission. One is recognized in ʿArafāt, reflects in Muzdalifah, is tested in Minā, and is spiritually revived around the Sacred House.

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ʿArafāt: The Place of Awareness and Revival through Decision

In the Qur’an, the word ʿArafāt is mentioned directly only once:

“When you stand at ʿArafāt during Hajj, remember Allah...”
(Surah al-Baqarah 2:198)

The word ʿArafāt stems from the root ʿarafa (عرف), which means:

• to know,

• to recognize,

• to become aware,

• to distinguish.

Thus, standing at ʿArafāt (wuqūf) is not a mere physical pause; it is:

• a conscious witnessing,

• an encounter with truth,

• a confrontation with one’s own self and reality.

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Trade, Remembrance, and Collective Decision in Hajj

The same verse continues:

“There is no blame upon you for seeking the bounty of your Lord [through trade].”
(Surah al-Baqarah 2:198)

This shows that Hajj is not merely ritualistic—it is a process of socio-economic awareness. During this time, people:

• engage in trade (not just material, but intellectual and spiritual exchange),

• gain knowledge,

• consult with the community (shūrā),

• make decisions,

• and take oaths on behalf of the ummah.

This brings us to the concept of ghazā.

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Ghazā (غزا): Moving with Knowledge, Acting with Resolve

In Arabic, ghazā does not only refer to military combat. It also means:

• setting out purposefully,

• advancing with clarity and intent toward a goal.

A ghāzī is someone who embarks on a journey with a sacred mission.
To engage in ghazā is to walk a path of inner and collective determination.

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• Standing at ʿArafāt marks the decision to begin that journey.

• Muzdalifah becomes the space where knowledge meets action.

• Minā is the realm of testing and perseverance.

• Qurbani (sacrifice) becomes the manifestation of both inner and social submission.

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ʿArafāt and Ghazā: Mobilizing the Conscience

In today’s context, this process can be understood as follows:

• ʿArafāt is the assembly for confronting truth, deliberation, and decision-making.

• Ghazā is the irreversible path walked by one who leaves ʿArafāt with awakened purpose.

• Hajj becomes a process in which:

  • people gather to learn,

  • issue a spiritual ultimatum to the world,

  • and finally, enact a transformation upon their own souls.

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Conclusion: A Summit of Knowledge, A Council of Decisions, A Call for Mobilization, A Submission of Conscience

Thus, Hajj is:

• a summit of awareness (ʿArafāt),

• a council of economic and political resolve (wuqūf),

• a call for social mobilization (ghazā),

• and a total submission of the heart (qurbani).