A true pilgrimage is really a journey within

Though if a true pilgrimage were just a journey within then there would be no need for the physical side of events such as the Sai and the Stand. Without doing the physical side of these events you would not be following the example of the Prophet Muhammad.

The physical part of the events also helps to make a pilgrim realise the pain, suffering and effort that other Muslims before them had to face. These events are supposed to trail all the way back to God, if you do not do them properly then you are not living by God’s intentions.

It is true to say that Hajj is a journey within for if you do not have the correct intention then there is no point in taking part. The same applies for the physical side though. If there was no physical side of Hajj then a Muslim may forget their experience. Plus only in extreme cases will a Muslim not find any of the events challenging.

The physical can aid the mental side of Hajj. Ihram for example means that a Muslim will put on their Ihram garments and be reminded mentally of the Day of Death and the Day of Judgement. This will make them realise they must be good in life and by doing this will help them become closer to God. The Stand’s physical side means you have to stand before God however this would mean nothing on its own as you would need the spiritual side to confess all of your sins and be truly repentant to God and be forgiven.

So it is true to say that Hajj is a journey within, but without the physical side there would be no links to the past or the Prophet Muhammad. That would also mean that there is no sacrifice on the body and if you are physically challenged then if you try you are at least showing God you have the correct intention and that you love him greatly.