In the Muslim religion, there are 5 pillars of Islam that one must follow during their lifetime as part of their religion. One of these pillars is to go to Mecca once during their life time, this journey is called a Hajj. The number of Americans going on this journey is increasing from year to year. You are only excused from this if their is a health problem, illness, or money problem that hinders you from going. This Hajj contains several ceremonies that symbolize the concepts essential to the Islamic faith and to the trials of prophet Abraham and his family. This hajj is suppose to free all sins and enables all Muslims to come together to worship their god together. The Hajj begins on the 8th day of the 12th month on the Muslim lunar calendar, also known as Dhul-Hijjah. First, the people partaking in this go to Mina and sleep there overnight. They then spend the 9th day with an empty plain, and spend the say with supplication and devotion. At night, they move to Muzdalifa, were they camp and pray. On the 10th day, they return to Mina and throw 7 pebbles at the pillar. This symbolized Satan's temptation of Abraham. Next, they sacrifice a sheep because this is what God did in order to save Abraham son. The mead is given to poor, friends, and family. They return to mecca and complete their journey by cutting their hair.
I think the idea of a Hajj is very interesting. The journey is very long, but I guess its worth it. It gives all Muslims the chance to really see where their heritage and culture comes from.
ReplyDeleteI found this to be very interesting. In a way it is similar to my faith. I am Roman Catholic and we live by the ten commandments, sort of how the Muslims follow the five pillars. I think that it is very cool how a religion so different from mine can have a few simliarities. I can't believe how long the journey is! But, I see that Muslims see it as very rewarding process.
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