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Essay Exploration of Hajj

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Exploration of Hajj

Hajj, or pilgrimage to Makkah is a central duty of Islam whose origins date back to the time of Prophet Abraham (PBUH). It brings together Muslims of all races and tongues for one of life's most moving spiritual experiences. For 14 centuries, countless millions of Muslims, men and women from all over the world, have made the pilgrimage to Makkah, the birthplace of Islam. In carrying out this obligation, they fulfil one of the five "pillars" of Islam, or central religious duties of the believer.

Before Muslims actually go on the hajj they have to prepare dramatically. The hajj is a journey of a lifetime; it is one of the 5 pillars so it is compulsory (fard) although …show more content…

This shows that the importance of Hajj does not simply rest merely in travelling on the physical journey; it is considered a clean, spiritual mind-blowing mental journey as well. The women that go on hajj should also have a close male relative or friend as their Wakil or Mahram (guardian), to protect them.

Even though there are a lot of spiritual preparations we also have to look at the practical preparation that Muslims have to take, for a start they have to apply and receive a passport from the Saudi Arabian Embassy, they then have to apply for tickets to go to hajj, this can sometimes be a problem as the numbers of Muslims going on Hajj is getting greater every single year meaning that the health and safety has to be increased. Now only a certain number of people are allowed to go on Hajj each year, this means if the numbers are high and somebody has already been on hajj then they will be turned down and be asked to give somebody else a chance. They of course also have to organise some kind of accommodation while they are on the hajj even if only needed for a certain amount of time. Lastly what a Muslim may choice to have but it is not compulsory is a guide to take them around the sites and explain in depth the stories behind the rituals even

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