The Majestic Quran

22. Al-Hajj The Pilgrimage This is a late Makkan chapter (621 ce) that includes some verses revealed in Madinah. The central theme is the spiritual progress of humanity, connecting with God. The opening verses paint a terrifying image of Judgement Day, striking fear in the heart of the reader, to urge belief in resurrection. The Quran doesn’t use fear but employs reason to support its claim for resurrection. The seven stages of human life are one such line of rational evidence that reveals divine creative power. Secondly: “You see the dry lifeless Earth, and when We send down rain it stirs and swells, producing colourful pairs of plants” (5). The chapter points out that, “The creation of life is not an unusual accident, brought about by blind chance or by some unintelligible laws of probability. ” 1 The doubters are warned: disbelief is shrugging off one’s responsibility. The perennial question: “Why are there so many different religions?” Is tackled in the next section: “We prescribed rituals for every community to practise. So let them not argue with you over such matters. Instead invite them to your Lord” (67). God will pass His judgement on them. The Quran teaches that diversity in religions is part of a Divine plan. Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. It consists of several rites which were familiar to the Makkans since its establishment 4,000 years ago by their forefather Abraham . However, the Quran clarifies the spiritual significance of these rites; circling the Kaaba and slaughtering animals. These rites are not merely mechanical rituals,