Kuala lumpur: The Haj pilgrimage is not merely a journey to the Holy Land to fulfill 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, 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. Dr. Zulkifli emphasized that the Haj pilgrimage serves as a spiritual training ground that teaches, nurtures, and instills the values of human dignity, justice, equality, tolerance, empathy, mutual assistance, and compassion without prejudice or discrimination. It develops a righteous and spiritually strong soul.
The talbiyah, recited continuously throughout the Haj season, is a declaration of monotheism and absolute obedience to Allah. It symbolizes a servant's readiness to respond to the call of God and to center one's life upon Him. Zulkifli stated that Haj is 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 teaches the meaning of peace and brotherhood, as pilgrims temporarily leave behind rank, status, and worldly pride to stand as equal servants before Allah SWT. Zulkifli highlighted that Haj serves as a reminder to humanity, which is often quick to divide and turn hostile, that brotherhood transcends differences.
He also explained that all prohibitions during ihram and throughout the stay in the Holy Land are part of an educational process that should be brought back home. Rituals such as the stoning of the jamrah are symbolic acts of casting away negative traits within oneself, especially those that can harm others and disrupt social harmony.
Zulkifli noted that the moral character shaped through the Haj pilgrimage not only strengthens the relationship between humans and the Creator but also reinforces ties among people. This serves as a foundation for building a harmonious and prosperous Madani society. He asserted that the 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.
In this regard, Zulkifli 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.