Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Islamic Teachings: Hajj

For 14 centuries, countless millions of Muslims, men and women, from the four corners of the earth, have made the pilgrimage to Makkah, the birthplace of Islam. In carrying out this obligation Muslims fulfill one of the five pillars of Islam. No annual event on the face of the globe, religious or non-religious, compares to hajj in terms of the sheer number of participants, duration of the event and the breadth of agenda. The annual Hajj begins in the twelfth month of the Islamic year. The Islamic year is lunar, consequently Hajj occurs throughout all seasons during one's lifetime.

In essence, hajj is man's evolution toward Allah; his return to Him. It is a symbolic demonstration of the philosophy of the creation of Adam (peace be upon him). It is a ritual that is designed to promote the bonds of Islamic brotherhood and sisterhood by showing that everyone is equal in the eyes of Allah. This ritual allows Muslims to feel real importance of life here on earth, and the afterlife, by stripping away all markers of social status, wealth, and pride. Hajj is a show of creation. It is a show of history and a show of unity. It is a show of Ummah, the community of Muslims. The pilgrimage to Makkah (the Hajj) is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who are physically and financially able.
Hajj is a duty unto Allah for mankind, for him or her who can find a way or means to get there (Quran 3:97).

Thus, to qualify, a Muslim must be sane and wise to understand what they are getting into, and able-bodied to go through this task, and lastly, have the means or resources to perform hajj. Pilgrims enter a state of sacredness where arguing and fighting, cutting a plant or even harming a fly is prohibited. They wear simple garments that strip away distinctions of class and culture, so that all stand equal before God.


Hajj shall be observed in the specified months. Whoever sets out to observe Hajj shall refrain from sexual intercourse, misconduct, and arguments throughout Hajj. Whatever good you do, GOD is fully aware thereof. (Quran 2:197)

 The rituals of Hajj date back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). They include visiting the Ka'bah and standing together on the wide plains of 'Arafat (a large expanse of desert outside of Makkah). Here pilgrims pray for God's forgiveness, in what is often considered a preview of the Day of Judgment. The Hajj provides a unique opportunity for Muslims to reflect on their lives, to refocus on God, and to return to their families and homes spiritually rejuvenated.


The close of the Hajj is marked by the Festival of Sacrifice, Eid al Adha. Pilgrims sacrifice a sheep or goat, commemorating Abraham's readiness to sacrifice his own son. The sacrificial meat is distributed to the needy. Muslims around the world celebrate this day with prayers, ritual sacrifice, and an exchange of gifts.


Experience the epic journey of Hajj through this movie.
(Muslims do not portray images of any prophets, as seen here in the depiction of prophet Ibrahim peace be upon him, due to fear of polytheism. Caution: some of the content in this movie does not represent true Islamic teachings, and some women are not wearing hijab. The purpose of this movie is to give a general picture of the Hajj experience.)