The first House of worship appointed for men was that at Bakka: Full of blessing and of guidance for all kinds of beings:
In it are Signs Manifest; (for example), the Station of Abraham; whoever enters it attains security; Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah,- those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures. This is a quote taken out of the Qu’ran where Allah says that people owe to Allah and those who can afford this should go and perform Hajj but if any deny faith then Allah doesn’t need them.
Lo! The mountains As-Safa and Al-Marwah are among the indications of Allah. It is therefore no sin for him who is on pilgrimage to the House of Allah or visiteth it, to go around them. And he who doeth good of his own accord, lo! Allah is Responsive, Aware. This is another quote from Qu’ran where Allah says the mountains are amongst indication by Allah so therefore there is no sin for who is on pilgrimage but he who doesn’t, Allah is aware.
The basic aim of Hajj is to cleanse and purify the soul. A little deliberation shows that human beings have their relation with God on four bases.
The first is ‘Dhikr’. It means to enliven someone’s heart by remembering Allah.
The second is fidelity. This means obeying God and adapting our selves according to His will.
The third is piety and fear of God. This means that a man should fear God’s wrath and to save himself from the consequences faced by those who invited God’s wrath.
The fourth is love. It urges a person to help in the cause of God, makes him ready to protect the honour of the religion and makes him even sacrifice his life if ever need be.
2a different stages of Hajj
2b the problems whilst with performing Hajj
Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Saudi Arabia. It is brackish water obtained from bore holes and brought to the hotels in tankers drinking this could cause serious problems. Arthritis is also a big problem if not treated before departure to Hajj. Back strain is a common problem. Most people suffer some back pain during their lifetime. Back strains take time to heal sometimes up to a month. Prolapsed discs take longer to heal. Fungal infections of the feet cause extreme pain whilst walking this is a big problem whilst Hajj is being performed. Diabetics also can turn ill because there might be sugar in tea in take-aways so Diabetics need to take precautions whilst on Hajj because if not then there could be serious problems also the poor medical status in Saudi Arabia could cauase problems. High blood pressure sometimes causes problems but is not so common. Asthma is one of the most frequent problems on Hajj whilst going round the Ka’bah or the running between the two mountains. There is nothing worse than having pain during Hajj. It can take all your energy and concentration away. A toothache is one such condition that can cause intense pain. To find a dentist during the Hajj period will be very difficult. Some not so popular but still occur is diarrhea and vomiting this cause prevention of some events and if occurs their then it will be hard to find medicine. As men are not allowed to wear underwear, scuffing of the skin on the inner side of the thigh can occur especially if the person is over-weight. The sweat and the rubbing of the thighs and scrotum during walking can cause a very painful rash and excoriation of the skin in this area. Whilst throwing stones at the Satan they can bounce back or hit another person this can cause serious damage.
2c how are Muslims like before they go to Hajj?
Muslims are very excited before they go on Hajj and also they try to purify them selves before going on Hajj and are more forgiving and kind. After going on Hajj the Muslim are cleared of sins and therefore try to do fewer sins also they read the Qu’ran more and if possible try to read the ramaz more with makes them a better Muslim mentally and on the whole.
Are the physical actions of Hajj more important than the spiritual aspects of Hajj?
I think the physical side of Hajj is harder then the spiritual side because it takes a lot of effort to do the walking and circling of the ka’bah and running between the two mountains and the physical actions do take much more effort then the spiritual. Some could argue that the spiritual side is harder because you get very emotional like for example when begging for mercy from Allah Muslims get quite emotional so some could argue the case that the spiritual side is harder. When pilgrims go on Hajj they get the reward of all their sins being cleared and starting fresh, Muslims can achieve this by not going but if your able then the Qu’ran says you should go and if you don’t then Allah is watching. Spiritually Muslims become better people if they go because then they are purified and cleansed also free of sins. You aren’t a ‘lesser’ Muslim if you don’t go to Hajj once in your life in you can’t afford it but if you are wealthy enough and don’t go then think that that’s just selfish and then in that case they are a ‘lesser’ Muslim.
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 free of sins. Therefore they would lead a better life. Another point they make is that if God orders it to be done then there must be a good reason for doing it. They believe that God is present but they want to show their true love towards Allah.
Non-religious atheists and Muslims would think it was a waste of time. God is not present, he doesn't even exist.
I disagree, I think that if the Muslims feel Hajj is necessary, I think that’s o.k but I also believe that they don't need to show their love towards god. This is because God is everywhere so he knows to what lengths a Muslim would go for Him. So I believe that a true pilgrimage is really a journey within and some times a Muslim would try to show there love for Allah but not really mean it. Allah only cares bout there intention so there’s no point showing love if you don’t really want to.