|
|
|
All Muslims at least once in their lives perform a Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah, if their health and finances allow. The annual Hajj begins in the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar year, the month of Dhu Al-Hijjah when the greater Hajj must take place. The Islamic calendar was a lunar calendar, the months of the Islamic calendar started when the first crescent of a New Moon was sighted. The solar year is eleven to twelve days longer than the lunar year so Ramadan, for instance, migrates throughout the seasons. The first day of Ramadan in 2005 is October 4th; while, the first day of Ramadan in 2006 is September 17th. Some Muslims determine the beginning of the month by astronomical calculations; but some Muslims insist the month only begins when there is a physical sighting of the moon even though the Qur'an does not require one. The lesser Hajj may be performed anytime of the year. The Hajji (pilgrim) performs a series of ritual acts which symbolize the life of Prophet Muhammad. Before they make the journey to Makkah, pilgrims strip away class and cultural distinctions by wearing the ihram, a simple garment comprised of two sheets of white unhemmed cloth draped over the body along with a pair of sandals. Of Abrahamic (Ibrahim) origin, the rites of the Hajj, include a tawaf where pilgrims circle the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. Ibrahim was in the habit of standing at Maqam Ibrahim which was opposite the only door of the Kaaba called the Multazam.
Then the pilgrims walk seven
times back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwa reenacting the search
of Hagar for water and the revelation of the Zamzam spring by Allah. This completes the umrah or
lesser Hajj. Afterwards the pilgrims may remove the ihram and put on regular
clothing. Most of them also drink from the Well of Zamzam.
Many pilgrims then travel to Madinah to visit the Mosque of the Prophet before returning to Makkah. The pilgrims then put on the ihram once more and begin Al Hajjul Akbar or the greater Hajj. Pilgrims undertake a three to five day journey to the Hill of Arafat and spend an afternoon there. On the wide plain of Arafat, the pilgrims stand together from afternoon until sunset. Although no specific prayers are required, many pilgrims pray for God's forgiveness, talk to Allah, and think about the course of their lives. Next they travel to the city of Mina which is just outside of Makkah where they throw around fifty to seventy pebbles at the three pillars of Mina which symbolize the devil. Then, they perform a second tawaf around the Kaaba. One of the cornerstones of the four corners of the Kaaba was Al-Hajarul Aswad, the black stone, one of the holiest relics of Islam. Muslims believe that the stone was found by Ibrahim and his son Ismail when they were collecting stones to build the Kabaa. Some Muslims view the stone as nothing more than a stone. Some Muslims believe that during the time of Adam, the stone fell like a meteorite from the sky bringing with it a powerful purity that could cleanse the faithful of their sins. Originally thought to be dazzling white in colour, the stone turned black after absorbing sins for long period of time. Some Muslims think that the stone can only eradicate minor sins, and, that the stone will give favorable testimony on Judgement Day to Allah about those who have kissed it. The second Caliph kissed the stone before the assembly stating that he had also seen Allah's Messenger kissing the stone.
Most Hajj pilgrims nowadays
are not able to get close enough to touch or kiss the stone and must hail Al
Hajarul-Aswad (Hajar el Aswad) solemnly from a distance. After this is done, the
pilgrims have completed the requirements of Hajj, and, they have been cleansed
of their sins.
|
|
|
Explore 
Visit other 
Islam
Muslim Islamic Sunnah 
