10 Facts about the Hajj
Ten Facts about the Hajj - The fifth Pillar of Islam
The Hajj is an annual event on the Muslim calendar and ends with festival Eid ul Adha which means festival of sacrifice.
Each year thousands of Muslims make a pilgrimage to the Ka'aba in Mecca. This pilgrimage is called the Hajj.
The Hajj is a duty for Muslims and the fifth and final Pillar of Islam.
If they can afford it, every fit and able Muslim must go on the Hajj at least once in their life-time.
There is a lesser pilgrimage called Umrah and this can be performed when a pilgrim enters Mecca. This is optional and is an addition to the Hajj and not a replacement.
Most Muslims fly to Jeddah and get a bus to Mecca and they usually travel with very little luggage.
Muslims must be in a state of Ihram which means they must be pure. Muslims wear white clothing and must obey the following eight regulations:
- no marital relations
- no shaving or nail cutting
- no use of perfume
- no killing or hunting
- no fighting or arguing
- men cannot wear clothes with stitching
- women cannot cover their faces.
- a very simple white robe is worn by all pilgrims. This is called Ihram
The Hajj regulations aim to ensure the feeling of equality and brotherhood and they remove all signs of status and wealth. In Allah’s eyes everyone is equal.
At the Hajj Muslims remind themselves of the importance of life and they reflect on the purpose and meaning of their lives and renew their commitment to it.
The Hajj unites Muslims and strengthens their faith
