Hajj - Pilgrimage To Mecca
The 5th pillar of Islam is to perform a pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca, in Saudi-Arabia, atleast once in a muslim's lifetime. This pillar is necessary for every Muslim, male or female, provided that he/she is physically plus financially able to perform so.
Requirements for performing the Hajj is absolutely be a Muslim, to be free, to be an adult or matured enough, to be of sound mind, as well as are able to afford the journey and maintain one's dependents back home for the duration. The reward for the Hajj is not less than haven.
The Hajj is the utmost form of worship, as it involves the spirit of all of the other rituals and demands of the believer great sacrifice. About this unique occasion, approximately two million Muslims from all around the globe meet one another in specific year. No matter what the season, pilgrims wear special clothing (Ihram) - two, very simple, unsown white garments - which strips away all variations of wealth, status, class and culture; all stand together and equal before Allah (God).
The rites of Hajj, which go back to the time of Prophet Abraham who built the Ka'bah, are observed over five or six days, starting on the 8th day of the last month of the year, called Dhul-Hijjah (pilgrimage). These rites include circumambulating the Ka'bah (Tawaf), and going between the mountains of Safa and Marwah, as Hajar (Abraham's wife) did during her search for water for her son Isma'il. Then the pilgrims stand collectively on the wide plain of Arafah and join in prayers for God's forgiveness, in what is often considered a preview of the Last Judgment. The pilgrims also cast stones at a stone pillar which represents Satan. The pilgrimage ends with a festival, called Eid Al-Adha, that is celebrated with prayers, the sacrifice of an animal, and the exchange of greetings and gifts in Muslim communities everywhere.
What exactly is Umrah?
In Arabic language, the word ‘Umrah is derived from I‘timaar which means a visit. However, ‘Umrah in Islamic terminology, means paying a visit to Ka’bah, performing Tawaaf (circumambulation) around it, walk between Safaa and Marwah seven times. A performer of ‘Umrah puts off his Ihraam by having his hair shaven or cut. ‘Umrah can be performed with Hajj and some other days as well.‘Umrah can be performed throughout anytime in the year, there isn't any fixed time for ‘Umrah.
The Pillars of `Umrah are 4:
a) Ihraam: that is assumed at the Meeqaat.
b) Tawaaf: around the House.
c) Sa'y: walking between As-Safaa and Al-Marwah, which includes 7 circuits.
d) Tahal-lul: which means appearing out of the state of Ihraam; becoming lawful that was previously prohibited during Ihraam.
During ‘Umrah, pilgrims don't go to Minaa, ‘Arafaat and Muzdalifah or throw pebbles on the Jamrahs (stone pillars representing devils) or offer animal sacrifice. These rites are simply just performed during Hajj.
EmoticonEmoticon