Thereafter, both father and son, were commanded by Allah (SWT) to build the Baitullah, the House of Allah in Makkah and Prophet Ibrahim (a.s) was commanded to call for the pilgrimage. Until today millions visit the house of Allah (SWT) and this will continue until the day of judgement.

Ayatul Qursiyy (verse of stool) is in Suratul Baqara (Qur‘an chapter two verses 255). The verse is used for several purposes, and one of it is for seeking divine protection from all evils, a verse which is relevant all the time most especially during this period when the worlds at large and Nigeria in particular is facing problem of security.

As flights carrying the Hujjaj arrive at at various airports, the ‘arrival halls’are packed and crowded with loved ones, family members, friends eagerly awaiting to welcome the new Al-hujjaj. Their eyes are glued, scanning, looking for their loved ones; and eventually, greetings laced with smiles began to pour. Returnees dressed in a thowb, head clean shaven, face glowing, further enhanced by the emulation of the blessed beard of the Noble Messenger of Allah (May peace be upon him) pushing a trolley atop which stands the containers bearing the blessed waters of Zam Zam flanked by his spouse who’s beauty now further enhanced by the donning of the Hijab; suddenly from nowhere children who had missed their parents emerge shouting, ‘Ummi, Ummi (Mummy), Abi, Abi (Daddy)’ as they run into the welcoming arms of their returning weary parents. Thereafter the elders from amongst family, friends and strangers wait to greet the Hujjaj and immediately request the dua (Supplication) of the Haji as per the directive of the Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him)

Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram (the 1st month of Islamic caledar). The famous practice of the Prophet (SAW) on the day is fasting that is named Ashura fast. This fasting emerged as a result of the fact that when the Prophet came to Medina, he found (the Jews) fasting on the day of ‘Ashura’ (i.e. 10th of Muharram). The Prophet said, “I am closer to Moses than they.” So, he (SAW) observed the fast (on that day) and ordered the Muslims to fast on it. But, he commanded the Muslims to be different from the Jews, who took it as a festival.

One unique thing about Islamic calendar is that it did not commence with something less significant event. With divine guidance, it started with the sacrifice of the early Muslims and the triumph of truth over evil. That is Hijrah.