Tuesday, October 22

What is the Hajj? How lengthy does it final? Who can participate?

More than 2.5 million Muslims from around the globe have arrived in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for this 12 months’s Hajj. 

After numbers had been diminished over the previous couple of years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, all restrictions have been lifted and it is anticipated to be the biggest pilgrimage in historical past.

This can even be the primary Hajj for girls who, if they need to take action, can carry out the pilgrimage with out a male guardian.

What is Hajj?

Hajj is the sacred pilgrimage carried out by Muslims on the holy mosque of Masjid al Haram in Mecca.

It is without doubt one of the 5 pillars of Islam, which implies that each Muslim ought to full it at the least as soon as of their lifetime – as long as they’ve the means to take action.

Hajj takes place throughout the identical interval every year – through the month of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth month within the Islamic calendar.

Hajj begins on the eighth of Dhul Hijjah and lasts till the thirteenth of Dhul Hijjah.

This 12 months, Hajj is happening between 26 June to 1 July 2023.

Muslim pilgrims walk before casting their stones at a pillar symbolising the stoning of Satan during the annual haj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia June 28, 2023. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY REFILE - QUALITY REPEAT
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Pic: AP

Muslim pilgrims walk before casting their stones at a pillar symbolising the stoning of Satan during the annual haj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia June 28, 2023. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany REFILE - QUALITY REPEAT
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Muslim pilgrims stroll earlier than casting their stones at a pillar symbolising the stoning of Satan. Pic: AP

How lengthy does Hajj final?

The Hajj pilgrimage is carried out over 5 to 6 days.

When the brand new crescent moon is sighted, Eid al Adha begins, which lasts for 4 days.

The pilgrimage includes a sequence of rites and rituals, a few of which should be carried out so as.

It might be bodily demanding, as pilgrims are required to journey between places all through, and may stroll between 5km and 15km per day.

Performing Hajj is a check of endurance and temperament – it’s a religious, emotional, and bodily problem, it could actually take some preparation and for a lot of, it’s a as soon as in a lifetime occasion.

However, it provides Muslims the chance to refresh their religious selves, cleanse themselves of their sins and draw themselves nearer to Allah.

Muslim pilgrims gather on the Mount of Mercy at the plain of Arafat during the annual haj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, June 27, 2023. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany
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Pic: AP

Muslim pilgrims gather on the Mount of Mercy at the plain of Arafat during the annual haj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, June 27, 2023. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany
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Muslim pilgrims collect on the Mount of Mercy on the plain of Arafat. Pic: AP

What is the Day of Arafah and why is it so necessary?

The Day of Arafah is a vital day for Muslims, as it’s a day of immense divine forgiveness, mercy and blessings.

It is a day of redemption for Muslims and a chance for purification and looking for Allah’s pleasure.

Muslims imagine that the Day of Arafah provides them a chance to cleanse their hearts and keep in mind their goal and vacation spot in life.

Arafah can be the day wherein the Prophet Muhammad made his farewell sermon throughout his last pilgrimage and bore witness that Allah perfected his faith, accomplished his favours upon his beloved Prophet Muhammad and permitted Islam as a lifestyle.

Muslim pilgrims pray outside Namira Mosque in Arafat, on the second day of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Around two million pilgrims are converging on Saudi Arabia's holy city of Mecca for the largest Hajj since the coronavirus pandemic severely curtailed access to one of Islam's five pillars. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)
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Muslim pilgrims pray exterior Namira Mosque in Arafa. Pic: AP

What is Eid al Adha?

On Eid al Adha, Muslims keep in mind the sacrifice made by the Prophet Ibrahim. In Islamic custom, Ibrahim was instructed in a dream to sacrifice his son Ismael for God.

In remembrance of his willingness to sacrifice and to assist the poor and needy, Muslims give their very own sacrifice which is named Qurbani.

Eid is marked by Muslims around the globe with celebrations, household gatherings and day without work work and faculty for these observing.

Content Source: information.sky.com