Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim invited Muslims to embrace the simplicity conveyed in the haj to remain humble and not blinded by temporary worldly luxury.

Anwar said Muslims should not deviate from the goal.

“This world should serve as a bridge to the hereafter,” he said in his Aidiladha message today.

Anwar emphasised that the opportunity to travel to Mecca to perform the haj pilgrimage is one of the great blessings of Allah SWT to His servants and the haj is one of the pillars of Islam.

He highlighted that the haj has its spiritual purpose, aiming to transform the human soul to be more ascetic and simple.

He added that when wearing an ihram (ceremonially plain clothing worn by Muslims on pilgrimage) in plain white clothes, the congregation is taught the value of cleanliness and simplicity while letting go of all luxurious clothes and badges of honour.

Anwar said the same goes for the wuquf (ceremonial pause or halt in pilgrimage to Makkah) in Arafah, a gigantic gathering regardless of status and rank, transforming a sense of repentance and humility before Allah SWT.

“This is the uncontested pillar of haj strength, reflected through appreciation and practice,” he said.

In celebrating Aidiladha, the prime minister also reminded Muslims not to forget the asnaf (destitute) group by sharing Allah’s blessings and making them happy by performing sacrificial worship.

He also prayed for pilgrims who were in Mecca to obtain a mabrur (accepted) haj and return home safely.

- Bernama

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