Hajj - A Journey of a Lifetime The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is the largest pilgrimage in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so. The pilgrimage occurs from the 8th to 12th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th and last month of the Islamic calendar. Because the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar used in the Western world, the Gregorian date of the Hajj changes from year to year. The meaning of Hajj is to intend to go to Makkah to perform specific acts at a specific time [of the year]. It is the pilgrimage done to the Sacred House Kaabah at Makkah, which is considered as the first place of worship (masjid) appointed by Allah(Swt) for mankind. Hajj can be performed either for oneself or for the sake of another person who is unable to do it for specific reasons. The obligation for Hajj is only for once in a life time. Hajj is once, and for one who does more it is voluntary (Ahmad, Abu Dawud, an-Nasai)
Posted on: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 02:16:27 +0000