The "HAJJ"(pilgrimage).
Hajj is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey and support their family during their absence12 Hajj is a way of showing submission to God and solidarity with fellow Muslims1 Hajj also involves cleansing one’s soul from worldly sins and seeking God’s forgiveness2
The main rituals of Hajj include:
Entering a state of ihram
which means wearing simple white garments and abstaining from certain actions such as cutting hair, shaving, wearing perfume, hunting, having sexual relations, etc. Ihram symbolizes purity, equality, and humility before God. Pilgrims enter ihram when they are about 6 miles (10 km) away from Mecca12
Performing tawaf
Which means circling seven times around the Kaaba, the cube-shaped building that is considered the house of God and the direction of prayer for Muslims. The Kaaba is located in the Great Mosque of Mecca, also known as al-Masjid al-Haram. Pilgrims try to touch or kiss the Black Stone, a sacred relic embedded in one corner of the Kaaba, or point to it with their hand. Tawaf is an act of worship and devotion to God.
Praying at the Maqam Ibrahim
which is a small structure near the Kaaba that marks the place where Abraham stood and prayed while building the Kaaba with his son Ishmael. Pilgrims also drink water from the Zamzam Well, which is believed to have been miraculously provided by God to Hagar and Ishmael when they were thirsty in the desert12
Performing sa’i,
which means walking or running seven times between two small hills called Safa and Marwah, located inside the Great Mosque. Sa’i commemorates Hagar’s search for water for her son Ishmael, before God revealed the Zamzam Well to them. Sa’i also represents human effort and trust in God’s help12
Going to Mina,
a valley outside Mecca where pilgrims spend the night in tents and pray. Mina is also known as the "City of Tents" because it hosts millions of pilgrims during Hajj12
Comments
Post a Comment