Hajj – A Demonstration of the Solidarity of the Muslim People
The famous Hajj is known as the largest annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is also known as the fifth pillar of Islam, a holy duty that much be carried out once in a lifetime by every Muslim who can afford to do so. Hajj can be simply defined as a tribute by the Muslim people pay to their god. The Hajj pilgrimage occurs from the 8th to 12th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th and last month of the Islamic calendar. The Islamic calendar is 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar used in other parts of the world.
The Hajj pilgrimage is primarily linked with the life of Islamic prophet Muhammad but the tradition of pilgrimage to Mecca is considered by Muslims to get back thousands of years to the time of Ibrahim. Every year thousands of Muslims from all parts of the world take part in Hajj pilgrimage to make their presence in front of Allah. During this pilgrimage, each person walks counter-clockwise seven times about the Ka’bah, the cube shaped building which acts as the Muslim direction of prayer, kisses the Black Stone in the corner of the Kaaba, runs back and forth between the hills of Al-Safa and Al-Marwah and throws stones in a sacrament Stoning of the Devil.
Pilgrims usually travel to Hajj in groups, as an expression of unity. Some tour operators have special packages for Muslims going to Mecca. Pilgrims can also opt for ship to perform Hajj.
There have many several incidents during the Hajj pilgrimage that have led to the loss of many hundreds of lives. Most of the incidents occurred during the stone pelting ritual during Hajj. During the 2006 Hajj pilgrimage on January 362 pilgrims died. After this incident, Saudi government has made several important improvements for pilgrims such as separate pathways for traveling to and from Al-Safa and Al-Marwa.
The British Hajj & Umrah Services is geared towards making this auspicious and spiritual Hajj journey of a lifetime a one that will Inshallah change your life for the better forever.