Jakarta, IO – This year’s Hajj culminates with four million pilgrims from around the world performing wuquf, the most important rite of Hajj, on Mount Arafat.
The meaning behind wuquf on Mount Arafat
Wuquf is performed on Mount Arafat, believed to be the place where Prophet Adam and his wife Hawa reunited after falling from Heaven because of having eaten the forbidden fruit. Wuquf is considered the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage.
Every Hajj pilgrim must understand three essential matters in Hajj: Zawal, Wuquf and Arafat. Zawal describes the time when the Sun begins its descent, shifting from day to night. In life, it depicts the journey of a human from the day he was born, his adulthood and the end of his life. Hajj pilgrims contemplate and self-reflect about what they have done with their lives, so they can evaluate what and how to build a more righteous and honorable life afterward.
Wuquf can be referred to as the intention or determination of a human being to become better than he was before, by lessening or stopping all misbehavior that can lead to sins.
Arafat reflects human conscience that constantly reminds them that the world is only temporary and part of a journey towards eternity in the afterlife. Each and every human deed in the world is always perceived by Allah and will be accounted for on the Day of Judgement.
Hence, wuquf on Mount Arafat is Allah’s way of reminding Muslims to do good deeds, be kind to others and seek His blessings to have a blessed journey on Earth.
Human unity
Standing on Mount Arafat for wuquf are people with various ethnic backgrounds, nations, countries and social statuses. One of wuquf’s most prominent meanings is the unity and equality of humans. Therefore, despite differences, all Muslims worldwide must unite as one. They must fight for unity because it is the only thing that can develop and foster Muslims’ growth. Without unity, even though large in numbers, Muslims will be considered weak and held in disdain by others.