Monday 10 December 2012

Introduction to Fifth pillar of islam (Hajj)

                Introduction to Fifth pillar of islam (Hajj)
The Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) is the fifth of the fundamental Muslim practices and institutions known as the five pillars of Islam.
Hajj  is Compulsory (fardz),it is required of every financially stable Muslim,and also who has all sources for performing Hajj
make a pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah  in Saudi Arabia at least once in one's lifetime.
The reward for the Hajj is nothing less than Paradise.The Hajj is the ultimate form of worship, as it involves the spirit of all the other rituals and demands great sacrifice


 The Hajj is unique as it is the greatest gathering of mankind, that remains unparalleled in any part of the world. Over two million people, men and women of all different races, colours and nationalities come together for the worship of the one Supreme God in complete brotherhood and harmony. The white clothes that are worn during the pilgrimage are symbolic of perfect equality as no one person seems richer than the other. Rich and poor, Arab and non-Arab, black and white all gather together united by their common faith in one God, an ultimate expression of human brotherhood.

The rites of Hajj, which go back to the time of Prophet Abraham (PBUH) who built the Ka'bah, are observed over five or six days, beginning on the eighth day of the last month of the year, named Dhul-Hijjah ((month) of pilgrimage). These rites include cirmambulating the Ka'bah (Tawwaf), and going between the mountains of Safa and Marwah, as Hajjar (Abraham's wife (RA)) did during her search for water for her son Isma'il (PBUH). Then the pilgrims stand together on the wide plain of Arafah and join in prayers for God's forgiveness, in what is often thought of as a preview of the Last Judgement. The pilgrims also cast stones at a stone pillar which represents Satan. The pilgrimage ends with a festival, called Eid al-Adha, which is celebrated with prayers, , and the exchange of greetings and gifts in Muslim communities every where.

                                                     More about Hajj Click Here