KUALA LUMPUR: The unrivaled strength of performing the haj is reflected through the appreciation and practice of its rituals, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said while the opportunity to travel to Makkah to perform the haj was one of the greatest blessings from Allah to His servants, it must be noted that haj had its own spiritual objectives aimed at transforming a person to be more humble and modest.
"When donning the simple white ihram clothing, we are taught values of cleanliness and simplicity. All luxurious attire and honorary badges must be left behind.
"Similarly, when standing on the plains of Arafah, it is a massive gathering regardless of status, rank, and title, and this instills a sense of humility and submission before the Almighty.
"From this lesson, I invite Muslims to internalise the message of simplicity inherent in the haj rituals, to remain humble and not be mesmerised by the temporary allure of worldly wealth," he said in his Hari Raya Aidiladha message posted on Facebook, today.
He reminded Muslims not to deviate from the true purpose and said the world should be used as a bridge to the eternal hereafter.
Anwar also urged the people not to forget the less fortunate, and share God's blessings with them.
"I also pray that the pilgrims currently in the holy land achieve an accepted haj and return home safely."