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 on their own behalf. Those that cannot make the journey, for genuine reasons, make the journey have only to declare that it is their niyyah, their sincere hurtful intention to go on hajj, and their duty is seen in the eyes of Allah. This shows that the importance of Hajj does not simply rest merely in travelling on the physical journey; it is considered a clean, spiritual mind-blowing mental journey as well.   The women that go on hajj should also have a close male relative or friend as their Wakil or Mahram (guardian), to protect them.

Even though there are a lot of spiritual preparations we also have to look at the practical preparation that Muslims have to take, for a start they have to apply and receive a passport from the Saudi Arabian Embassy, they then have to apply for tickets to go to hajj, this can sometimes be a problem as the numbers of Muslims going on Hajj is getting greater every single year meaning that the health and safety has to be increased. Now only a certain number of people are allowed to go on Hajj each year, this means if the numbers are high and somebody has already been on hajj then they will be turned down and be asked to give somebody else a chance. They of course also have to organise some kind of accommodation while they are on the hajj even if only needed for a certain amount of time. Lastly what a Muslim may choice to have but it is not compulsory is a guide to take them around the sites and explain in depth the stories behind the rituals even though they will or should already know the stories as they are in Makkah in the name of God.

The hajj takes place annually; it is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. Once in lifetime, each Muslims is expected to travel to Makkah, as long as they can afford it. The ka’bah is seen as Gods house. They believe it was first built by Adam and later rebuilt by the prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael. It is a simple cube-shaped building, covered in a black cloth, but Muslims believe it was the first ever place built just for the worship of God.

Each year, during the twelfth Islamic month, two million Muslims from all over the world go to Makkah. Non-Muslims are not allowed in the city. The hajj reminds all Muslims that they are equal in the eyes of God. So, as they near Makkah, the pilgrims change their clothes, a male Muslim must wear 2 sheets of unsewm white cloth. Women may wear their everyday clothes but must be covered from head to ankle. The white sheets are symbolic; they remind Muslims that they must be willing to give up everything for their God “Allah”. It is also a reminder that dead people are wrapped in similar sheets. After death, all fine clothes and wealth are of no value. The Ihram also has another significance, it reminds all Muslims that they must stay together and love each other in the name of Allah. It also builds a better atmosphere while on the pilgrimage as it brings all the Muslims into one.

The hajj lasts five days. In that time, each Muslim is expected to think of God constantly.

So on the first day of hajj the pilgrimage begins at Makkah. Each Muslim walks around the Ka’bah, starting at the black stone. Some pilgrims try to kiss or touch the stone as a sign of respect; if they cannot do this due to the large amount of people then they will raise their hand in salute to the stone. The stone is said to be from paradise and is black because of the sins that have been committed on the earth. Muslims should make Tawaf around the Ka'bah, as a gesture of greeting the mosque. This is done by circling the Ka'bah seven times in the counter clockwise direction, starting from the black stone with Takbeer and ending each circle at the Black Stone with Takbeer, keeping the Ka'bah to one's left. Then the pilgrim goes to Maqam Abraham (Abraham’s Station), and performs two rak'ah (prayer sequences) behind it, close to it if possible, but away from the path of the people making Tawaf. In all cases one should be facing the Ka'bah when praying.

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A typical prayer, which the Muslims try to speak a lot, is called “Talbiyah”. “Labbayka Allahummu, labbayk – Labbaka la shareeka Laka Labbayk. Inna – alhanda. Wan – ntinata Laka Walmuk. La Shareek Lak”.

 This is Arabic so has to be translated to be understood in English, it translates to “ Here I am, O Allah, here I am! I am here! O Allah without equal, here I am! Yours is the praise, the grace and the kingdom. No partner do you have. The pilgrims will try to say this prayer as much as possible.

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