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)
The pilgrimage is truly amazing, and would be a very memorable and spiritual trip for many. It is hard to believe that 2-3 million pilgrems set out on it each year. Being very packed with people comes great dangers. It is sad to hear that so many deaths have occured on this pilgrimage, but those who die, do so with honor.
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