Wakoof

Original Islamic painting by Saleha Contractor. 2020 Collection.

Hand-painted mixed media art on 48" by 48" Wood Panel. Only one piece.

Inspired by the Day of Arafah and the Last Sermon

Ayat

"And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near."

The Story

Arafah was the Day on which Allah perfected His religion. The Prophet Muhammad PBUH's farewell pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the most significant historical events. His last sermon delivered universal human values such as the sacredness of life and property, equality, justice, and peace.

Day of Arafah brings about intense emotions. Amidst a crowd of millions, each person experiences what's known as wakoof: everything seems to be at a standstill while you're in conversation with your Lord.

Hajj is the only place in the world where millions of people form a line in unity upon one call. The unity of the ummah is represented in a sequence of dots that is shaded by His glory. Each Muslim feels wholly exposed at Arafah in front of their Creator. They were invited back to their birthplace for the opportunity to be purified and cleansed. After all, our Rooh was born in Arafah.

Notice the path (journey), the exposed sermon, the radiant surrounding, the goosebumps, and a goal. It symbolizes the multi-sensory experience and the realization of His divine presence. Tears flow as humility takes over.

The day ends but every Muslim leaves with the best gift: the realization that it was always just them and Allah. That emotion is so addictive that, as humans, we long for wakoof. Remember, regardless of where you are, "...Indeed I am near".