Exploration of Hajj

Exploration of Hajj

Hajj means "inhabitation" and in Islamic terminology refers to the

pilgrimage to the mosque of the noble Ka'bah in the magnificent city

of Mecca. Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, it is one of the five basic

requirements of Islam. Muslims should make this journey at least once

in their lifetime, it is a duty for all Muslims to visit the Ka'bah

and stand before God on Mount Arafat. Hajj is the fifth pillar of

Islam. The true Hajj is to be made between the 8th and 13th of Dul

Hijjah, which is the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar.

Explain why a Muslim might take part in Hajj

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A fit and materially able Muslim man or woman is obligated to

undertake the Hajj once in his/her lifetime. This act combines the

pecuniary and bodily types of worship and symbolises the faithful

response of mankind to God's call Muslims go on Hajj to do the last of

the five basic duties that have been asked by God, and to follow the

example of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and to get their sins

forgiven. Before going on Hajj the person must be Muslim, the must be

sane and able to understand the spiritual importance of what they are

doing, they must be physically fit and they must be able to pay for

the journey without having to take the money from anyone else with

dishonesty. The whole area around the city of Mecca is a special area.

When the pilgrims arrive there, they do certain things in order to set

themselves apart from ordinary life, and put their hearts, minds and

souls in a proper state for what is to come. Male pilgrims replace

their clothes with two pieces of white cloth one aroun...

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...age, but some do out of choice. I think they

would agree that Hajj is unnecessary because you don't need to prove

yourself to God. As long as your devotion for Him remains, that's all

that matters. Some Muslims would not agree with this because it is

their duty to God, it's one of the five pillars. A Muslim who has

completed Hajj would feel cleansed and purified of sins. Therefore

they would lead a better life. A further point they make is that if

God orders it to be done then there must be a good reason for doing

it. I disagree. I think that if the Muslims feel Hajj is necessary, I

respect their feelings. But I also believe that they don't need to

show their devotion. This is because God is omniscient so He knows to

what lengths a Muslim would go for Him. So I believe that a true

pilgrimage is really a journey within.