Exploration of Hajj

Exploration of Hajj

Hajj, or pilgrimage to Makkah is a central duty of Islam whose origins

date back to the time of Prophet Abraham (PBUH). It brings together

Muslims of all races and tongues for one of life's most moving

spiritual experiences. For 14 centuries, countless millions of

Muslims, men and women from all over the world, have made the

pilgrimage to Makkah, the birthplace of Islam. In carrying out this

obligation, they fulfil one of the five "pillars" of Islam, or central

religious duties of the believer.

Before Muslims actually go on the hajj they have to prepare

dramatically. The hajj is a journey of a lifetime; it is one of the 5

pillars so it is compulsory (fard) although exceptions can be made to

this rule. The Qur’an calls Muslims to ‘complete the Hajj or ‘Umrah in

the service of Allah’. Hajj is the greater pilgrimage and can only be

taken in Dhul-Hijah, the twelfth month of the year (lunar calendar): -

whilst ‘Umrah is a lesser pilgrimage and can be taken at any time.

Sometimes a family or community collect enough money to send just one

person because they can not all afford to go, Allah would probably

accept this as he can see that an effort has been made and you only

have to go on Hajj if you can afford it and are able. Borrowing the

money in a loan or in some other form is not permitted and of course

it should not be gained dishonestly or by means, which are not

acceptable in the Islamic faith, such as gambling or stealing. Also if

Muslims are too sick to make the journey they can give their Hajj

savings to a substitute to go to Makkah in their place. The substitute

must have already have made the pilgrimage o...

... middle of paper ...

...de celebration of 'Id al-Adha, "the Festival

of Sacrifice." Men either shave their heads or clip their hair, and

women cut off a symbolic lock, to mark their partial deconsecration.

This is done as a symbol of humility. All Muslims, on finishing the

Hajj must perform Tawaf (circling the Kab'ah) a last time. This must

be the last thing that is done in Mecca.

Although this is the end of the hajj some Muslims may choose to stay a

little longer and perform some of the rituals again if they feel the

need to, the majority of Muslims will return to there respective homes

and feel spiritually refreshed, for many Muslims the experience will

change their whole life’s, they may change there whole lifestyle as

they now know that their slate is clean and they want to live the best

life possible to prepare themselves for paradise.