A Spiritual Journey of Xerxes

Abstract

This narrative explores the profound transformation of Xerxes, the resurrected Son of Darius and conqueror of Athens, as he undertakes the Hajj pilgrimage, a journey central to the Islamic faith. Set in the modern era, Xerxes, once a symbol of ancient power and conquest, embarks on this sacred journey to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during the holy month of Dhul Hijjah. The story delves into the rituals of Hajj, including donning the Ihram, performing Tawaf around the Kaaba, walking between Safa and Marwah, standing at Arafat, collecting pebbles in Muzdalifah, and stoning the devil at Mina. Through each ritual, Xerxes experiences profound spiritual awakening, shedding the remnants of his imperial past to embrace humility, unity, and devotion to Allah. The narrative highlights the significance of Hajj as a spiritual duty emphasized in the Qur’an, showcasing its power to transform individuals by reconnecting them with the foundational tenets of their faith. Ultimately, Xerxes's journey symbolizes a return to the essence of religious devotion, illustrating the timeless and unifying nature of spiritual pilgrimage in the quest for inner peace and redemption.

  In the quiet of a moonlit night, the ancient King Xerxes, Son of Darius, awoke to a world that had long forgotten his name. The vast empires he once ruled were mere whispers in the annals of history. No longer burdened by the crown and the conquests that had defined his life, Xerxes felt an inexplicable calling—a pull towards a journey that promised redemption and spiritual awakening. This journey was the Hajj pilgrimage.

 

1. Origin and Significance

The Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, occurs annually in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during the holy month of Dhul Hijjah. For every Muslim able to undertake it, the pilgrimage is a spiritual obligation as emphasized in the Qur’an: “And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way.” (Qur’an 3:97). Xerxes, drawn by an inner compulsion, felt the significance of this duty even as an outsider to the faith, recognizing in it a path to humility and inner peace.

2. Ihram: Entering the Sacred State

Approaching the Miqat, Xerxes discarded the regalia of his former life and donned the simple white garments of Ihram. The two unstitched pieces of cloth symbolized purity and equality, a stark contrast to his days of opulence and power. As he abstained from cutting his hair and nails, and refrained from worldly distractions, Xerxes began to feel a profound transformation. The simplicity of Ihram stripped away his past, leaving him a humble pilgrim on a sacred journey.

3. Tawaf: Circling the Kaaba

Standing before the Kaaba, the cube-shaped building in Masjid al-Haram, Xerxes was overwhelmed with awe. He joined the throng of pilgrims, circling the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise. Each circuit symbolized unity, devotion, and submission to Allah. With every step, Xerxes felt a connection to something greater than himself, a unity with the millions of believers sharing this sacred moment.

4. Sa’i: Walking Between Safa and Marwah

Next, Xerxes embarked on the ritual of Sa’i, walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. This act retraced the steps of Hagar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), as she searched for water for her son Ismail. The back-and-forth journey was a test of endurance, but also a testament to perseverance and trust in Allah. Xerxes found himself reflecting on his own life’s trials and the faith that had sustained him through battles and betrayals.

5. Standing at Arafat

On the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, Xerxes stood on the plain of Arafat, where millions of pilgrims gather to pray and seek forgiveness. As the sun blazed overhead, he prayed with an intensity that surprised even him. The Day of Arafat was a time of deep reflection and supplication. Xerxes sought forgiveness for his past transgressions, feeling a divine presence wash over him, cleansing him of his ancient sins.

6. Muzdalifah: Collecting Pebbles

That evening, Xerxes travelled to Muzdalifah, where he gathered pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil. Under the open sky, he spent the night contemplating the vastness of the universe and his place within it. The stars above seemed to whisper ancient secrets, and Xerxes felt a deep sense of peace and purpose. Life’s fleeting nature became clear, and he pondered his true purpose.

7. Rami al-Jamarat: Stoning the Devil

With the dawn, Xerxes proceeded to Mina, where he performed Rami al-Jamarat, the stoning of the devil. Hurling pebbles at the three pillars representing Satan’s temptations was an act of defiance and reaffirmation of faith. Xerxes felt a renewed strength as he rejected the evils and temptations of his past, embracing a future defined by spiritual devotion.

8. Eid al-Adha: Sacrifice and Unity

Participating in Eid al-Adha, Xerxes offered a sacrifice, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. The act of sacrificing a sheep was humbling, reminding him of the unity and devotion of the pilgrims. It was a moment of communal celebration and spiritual renewal, reinforcing the bonds of faith and fellowship.

9. Tawaf al-Ifadah: Another Circumambulation

As the rituals of Hajj drew to a close, Xerxes performed Tawaf al-Ifadah, another circumambulation of the Kaaba. Each step was filled with gratitude and devotion. Xerxes felt an overwhelming sense of peace and closeness to Allah. The journey had transformed him in ways he had never imagined, renewing his spirit and his faith.

10. Tawaf al-Wada: Farewell Circumambulation

Before leaving Makkah, Xerxes performed Tawaf al-Wada, the farewell circumambulation. It was a poignant moment as he bid farewell to the sacred city. The lessons of humility, devotion, and faith that he had learned during Hajj would guide him for the rest of his days. As he left Makkah, Xerxes knew that he carried the spiritual lessons of Hajj with him, forever transformed by this sacred journey.

 

Summary

In this reimagined journey, Xerxes, the resurrected Son of Darius and conqueror of Athens, grapples with the contrast between his past and the present-day divisions in religion. As a former emperor, Xerxes was once the embodiment of absolute power, ruling over a vast, diverse empire where his word was law. His empire's unity was maintained through conquest and domination, often indifferent to the cultural and religious beliefs of the subjugated peoples.

 Upon his resurrection in the modern era, Xerxes is confronted with a world deeply divided along religious lines, unlike the multifaceted yet unified empire he once commanded. These divisions are stark and pervasive, marked by conflicts and misunderstandings among followers of different faiths.

Embarking on the Hajj pilgrimage, Xerxes experiences first-hand the unifying essence of Islam, a stark contrast to the religious fragmentation he observes in contemporary society. Through the rituals of Hajj, he witnesses the powerful sense of equality, humility, and shared devotion among millions of pilgrims, transcending national, racial, and social divides.

This spiritual journey profoundly impacts Xerxes, leading him to reflect on the nature of power, unity, and faith. He recognizes that true unity and peace come not through conquest and domination but through shared spiritual experiences and mutual respect. The Hajj teaches him that the core principles of religious devotion—humility, submission to a higher power, and communal harmony—are the true foundations of a cohesive society.

Xerxes’s journey underscores the potential for spiritual practices to bridge divides and foster a deeper understanding and unity among diverse peoples, offering a timeless lesson on the importance of faith in overcoming the divisions that fragment the modern world.