Islam- The Hajj to Mecca
Christianity is not the only religion for pilgrimages. Many other religions have their own sacred sites that believers travel to each year. In Islam, the Hajj pilgrimage is not only of choice, but also of necessity. The Five Pillars of Islam are five duties that every Muslim must follow. These five duties are include a declaration of faith, charitable giving, fasting during the month of Ramadan, daily prayers, and the Hajj. The Five Pillars of Islam are an essential part of the Islamic religion and all Muslims are supposed to adhere to these duties.
The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, the sacred city of Islam, located in Saudi Arabia. The final stopping point is the Kaaba or ‘The Cube’, which is Islam’s most sacred site. This annual pilgrimage occurs between the 8th and the 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is the last month of the Islamic year. Every Muslim is required to complete the Hajj at least once during his or her life. If someone is physically unable to make the journey, he or she can fulfill his or her duty by sending someone in his or her place. The Hajj is a ritual that dates back to Abraham in 2000 BCE. The Islamic prophet Muhammad later made the journey himself while leading his followers from Medina to Mecca. This was when the Hajj became one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Practicing Muslims begin preparations for the Hajj during three specific months. Women may take the pilgrimage to Mecca, but they may not do it alone. They must be accompanied by an adult Muslim male. Once pilgrims reach Mecca, they enter ihram, which is a state of purity. Males must dress in two white pieces of cloth while women do not have clothing requirements. There are various rites and rituals that are then followed, including walking around the Kaaba seven times and touching or kissing the Black Stone in the Kaaba. The Hajj is the biggest annual pilgrimage in the world.
Masjid al-Haram or The Grand Mosque
Mecca is the capital of the Makkah Province in Saudi Arabia. It is a warm city all year round, so prepare to dress the part. During your pilgrimage, you will see the beauty of the Masjid al-Haram, also called the Grand Mosque. This mosque surrounds the Kaaba and is the largest mosque in the world. The Well of Zamzam is also a must-see inside the mosque. The Abraj Al Bait Towers are located across the street from the Grand Mosque and, upon completion, will be one of the tallest buildings in the world.
During your visit to Saudi Arabia, there are various other sights that you should try to experience. King Fahd’s Fountain, located on the coast of Jeddah, is the tallest water fountain in the world. Ta’if is about an hour from Mecca and is a summer resort area popular with tourists for its mild temperatures and pink palaces. The foods you will enjoy in Mecca include the traditional Saudi lunch, Kabsa (rice and meat), shwarma (flat, meat sandwich) and kofta (meatballs).
One very important fact to remember is that you must be Muslim to enter Mecca. Non-Muslims are not allowed inside the city for religious reasons. So if you are set on seeing the sacred city of Islam but you are not a Muslim, you might have to convert. Otherwise, you will just have to enjoy the rest of Saudi Arabia.
August 23 2010 12:58 pm | Uncategorized
veterinary technician on 23 Aug 2010 at 11:50 pm #
What a great resource!