Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj)

The Hajj is a pilgrimage to Mecca that all Muslims are encouraged to make at least once in their lifetime. Muslims from across the globe come to Mecca to perform and experience this pilgrimage. Some save up for a lifetime to make it just once, and others can afford to go much easier. There are certain requirements that must be met before setting off on one's journey, spiritual, religious, and logistical preparations. Those who can afford the trip and those who are physically capable of enduring the harsh conditions are required to make the journey. Due to the overwhelming number of prospective pilgrims one cannot just book a ticket and hope to begin their religious pilgrimage, you must first apply for a Hajj visa. It is said that the Hajj attracts 2-3 million Muslims around the world. The Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca consists of 5 steps: 

1) Arrival and change in Mikat- This is where the pilgrims will give up their clothes to create uniformity amongst all, you race, social status, nationality etc is left here, all the pilgrims will continue on indistinguishable before God.

 2) The city of Mecca (The Hajj rites in Mecca)- Muslims will circle around the Kabah seven times counter-clockwise, this is a form of prayer. 

3) Mina Valley and Plain of Arafat- The pilgrims are now on a 15 mile trek where they will stop four times along the desert path. On the 8th day the pilgrims will be in Mina Valley, they will stay overnight here and continue on to the Plain of Arafat, further distancing themselves from civilization. 

4) Muzdalifah- This is where the pilgrims move in masses into an open plain called Muzdalifah. Here they will rest, pray, eat, share their experiences with others and collect their pebbles they will need to throw at the Jamarat pillars.

5) Return to Mina Valley then back to Mecca (concluding the pilgrimage)- The Hajj population will perform their rite called "The Stoning", this is where they throw their pebbles at 3 pillars that represent Satan. In Mina Valley they are allowed to return to their original dress and some mark the end of their voyage by cutting their hair. In celebration of completion, they may now engage in a 3-day feast. Before returning back home, they make their 7 turns around the Kabah once more. 

Citations: 

PBS. "Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet."http://www.pbs.org/muhammad/vh_step5.shtml. (accessed May 26th, 2009)

Islam in Saudi Arabia

One hundred percent of Saudis are Muslim, all Saudis are required to practice Islam, it "governs their personal, political, economic and legal lives." As mentioned below, Saudi Arabia does not honor diversity in Religion, those who are not practicing Sunni Muslims are subject to persecution. 

Citation:  KWINTESSENTIAL. "Saudi Arabia- Language, Culture, Custom, and Etiquette." http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/saudi-arabia-country-profile.html (accessed May 26th, 2009)

Religious Relations

Islam is the official religion in Saudi Arabia. Their monarchy and Islamic based legal system does not support freedom of religion in their country, by law all citizens must be Muslim. The government enforces this law that all citizens must abide by Islamic beliefs and it is prohibited to publicly practice any non-Muslim religions. Even within the religion of Islam lies segregation and discrimination. Muslims are either Sunni or Shi'a, Shi'a Muslims being the minority and they too are punishable by law by the religious police known as the Mutawwa'in. 

Citation: U.S. Department of State. "Saudi Arabia, International Religious Freedom Report 2004." http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2004/35507.htm (accessed May 21, 2009)

Quba Mosque

Quba Mosque is the oldest and first mosque built in Saudi Arabia, located in Madina, in fact this mosque is known to be the oldest mosque in the world. Muslims believe that the Prophet Mohammad himself laid the first stones of this mosque.

Citation: ASIA ROOMS. "Quba Mosque in Saudi Arabia." http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/saudi-arabia/saudi-arabia-tourist-attractions/quba-mosque-in-saudi-arabia.html (accessed May 20th, 2009)

Saudi Arabia's Official Language

ARABIC is the official language of Saudi Arabia. The "Holy Book of Islam" or the Quran, is written in Arabic and with the spread of Islam worldwide, Arabic has also become a common spoken language.

Saudi Arabia was once apart of The Arabian Peninsula

Existing Stereotypes of Arabs

1) Women face inequality and oppression in Saudi Arabia

2) Arabs are commonly considered terrorists

3) "In the media, Arabs are portrayed as either bombers, billionaires or belly dancers" (Shaheen, Jack G, The TV Arab (Bowling Green State University Papular Ness,1984), 4.)

Facts and Geography of Saudi Arabia

• The capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia is Riyadh, it is located in the center of the Arabian Peninsula.
• "The kingdom of Saudi Arabia was founded in 1932 by Abdul Aziz ibn Saud, and it has been ruled by his descendants ever since." (http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761575422/saudi_arabia.html) (accessed May 18, 2009)
• The religion of Islam is the most prominent religion in this country.
• The abundance of oil and natural gas exits beneath its surface and this ultimately lead to their wealth after the ascertainment of oil.
• Saudi Arabia is made up of vast deserts, dry and hot climate with very little moisture or rainfall.
• Saudi Arabia contains "mountain ranges, flat coastal plains, and rocky remains of hardened lava flows."
• This country can be divided into four regions: 1) In the West is the mountainous highlands. 2) In central Saudi Arabia there are the rocky plateau. 3) In the East, where its fertile, lies the descending coastal plain. 4) Lastly, in the North and South, as well as parts of the East are the beautiful sandy deserts.
• Saudi Arabia has access to the Persian Gulf on the Eastern Hemisphere, and the Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba on the Western side.
• Saudi Arabia is neighboring the countries of Jordan, Kuwait, and Iraq to it's Eastern side, Oman and The United Arab Emirates to the Southeast, and Yemen directly south.

Arabic Map of Saudi Arabia and Surrounding Region

Map of Saudi Arabia