Pilgrimages

[carolineizzy]

What does a Muslim actually do when they go on Hajj? Why do they do those things? Thx guys xx

[waimarie]

Hi carolineizzy, I would suggest you try www.hajcommittee.com. This web site gives an interesting and detailed explanation of why, what and wherefores of performing the haj. Islam is a fascinating religion and deserves serious reading. Although I am not Muslim, I lived in a Muslim country for over ten years and was treated with utmost courtesy by most people. As with most things, people generally respond positively if you show respect and interest in their customs and beliefs. I hope your interest in the subject brings a greater understanding.

[luckystrike]

Here is another link about 'The Hajj Journey'.

Basically Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia and to al-Jamarat, a series of three pillars representing the devil that they pelt with rocks to purge themselves of sin.

Muslims also seem to be fond of falling over luggage and being crushed; stampeding; and throwing rocks at anything but the pillars, which result in multiple deaths on an annual basis.

For example, in January of this year the Red Crescent had their work cut out when over 400 people were killed and over 1,000 we injured.

[MatthewBouley]

Hajj is an annual Muslim pilgrimage that takes place in Saudi Arabia. All pilgrims are to remain in a state of purity and simplicity during the Hajj as much as possible. This includes wearing simple clothes, which for men includes two pieces of white unseen cloth. Women are not restricted to a specific color but are also encouraged to wear non-elaborate clothing. Having arrived in Mecca, on day one pilgrims leave the city and head to an area called Mina where they spend the day in prayer. On the Day of Arafat, pilgrims spend the entire day on, or near, a hill known as Mount Arafat,Pilgrims spend a night in an area called Muzdalifa,The Jamarat is a ritual and symbolic stoning of the devil. Three pillars - small, medium and large - are stoned by pilgrims with the pebbles they collected on their route from Muzdalifa the night before. Pilgrims return to Mina for the first day of Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of the Sacrifice. This is the second of the two annual Islamic holidays,Pilgrims return to Mecca for the final tawaf - circling of the Ka'aba. The Ka'aba is an ancient stone structure in Mecca towards which all Muslims around the world face to pray five times a day.
Learn More About it Visit: http://www.hajis.co.uk/hajj-islamic-pilgrimage-mecca.asp