Radio Islam International | 09 Dhul Hijjah 1437/11 September 2016

As thousands of Muslims converge on Arafah for the spiritual climax of the Hajj, a Christian evangelical mission has mobilised its followers to ‘pray’ for Muslims performing the Hajj.

Praying Through the Arabian Peninsula(PTAP), as it is called, is an partnership of a number of global Christian missions, whose stated mission is “partnering together to seek to increase prayer for the Arabian Peninsula”.

Its official website highlights individual Muslim nations across the Middle East and goes on to specify “key prayer areas” for each of them, relevant to the country’s political, economic and historical background.

Regarding the Hajj, the grouping has issued a dedicated Hajj ‘prayer call’ that includes downloadable Hajj prayer guides and videos that offer advice on the different rites of Hajj, and the sort of evangelical prayers that should coincide with them.

PTAP references the thirst and promise of forgiveness that Muslims seek through the Hajj, but proceeds to claim that what is being sought can only be achieved through “knowing Jesus”, and hence the prayers for Muslims.

“Pray for their spiritual journey to include dreams and visions of Jesus,” instructs one of the prayer guides.

It goes on to specify prayers for Muslims to realise the “futility” of their rituals [Allah Forbid], and concludes:

“Continue to pray that Muslims will come to know Jesus.. Pray that many from all different people groups around the world would come to know Him. Pray that whole families would come to know Jesus and together walk with Him.”

Members of the said missionary group reportedly gather regularly twice a month in the UK to strategise for their mission.

Muslims already know Jesus

It is essential for all Muslims to believe in Sayyidina Isa(Jesus) AS as a Prophet of Allah, as an article of faith. Muslims acknowledge the numerous impressive miracles performed by this great messenger according to the will of Allah.

His story is mentioned in the Noble Qur’aan and the great status of his chaste mother is also firmly affirmed.

At its core, the message of Isa AS is no different from that brought by all other Prophets, calling to the Oneness of Allah. The Hajj itself is largely a commemoration of this Prophetic legacy, with many of its practices rooted in milestones from the life of Prophet Ibrahim(Abraham) AS.

The Ahadeeth indicate the Muslim belief that Sayyidina Isa AS will come down at the end of time, and that he will enter ihram for Hajj or ‘Umrah or both.

Muslim (1252) narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “By the One in Whose hand is my soul, the son of Maryam will certainly enter ihraam in the valley of al-Rawha’, as a pilgrim performing Hajj or ‘Umrah, or both.”

It was also narrated by Ibn Hibbaan (6820) under the heading, “Reports which state that ‘Eesa ibn Maryam will perform Hajj to the Ancient House after he kills the Dajjaal.”

For Muslims the day of Arafah represents the zenith for seeking of forgiveness of sins from Allah and attaining freedom from the Fire.

In Saheeh Muslim it was narrated from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There is no day on which Allaah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of ‘Arafaah. He comes close and expresses His pride to the angels, saying, ‘What do these people want?’”

Al-‘Abbaas Ibn Al-Midraas said, “The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam supplicated abundantly for the forgiveness and mercy of his Ummah on the night of ‘Arafaat … the next day he did the same in Muzdalifah. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam smiled when he finished. Some of the Sahaabah asked: “I sacrifice my father and mother for your sake, you smiled at a time which you never  smiled previously, may Allaah always make you happy, what made you smile?” he said, “I smiled because of the predicament of Satan, the enemy of Allaah. After Allaah accepted my supplications for my Ummah and forgave those who transgressed against themselves. Satan started pouring soil upon his head and crying out  for his own destruction, so I smiled at his grief” (Ahmad).