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Hajj: Difference between revisions
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The '''Hajj''' (حج) is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to [[Mecca]]. It is an obligatory duty (''[[fard]]'' الفرض) for physically and financially capable Muslims, and constitutes one of the [[Five Pillars of Islam]]. The pilgrimage takes place on the 12<sup>th</sup> month of the [[Islamic Lunar Calendar|Islamic calendar]], between the 7<sup>th</sup> and 13<sup>th</sup> day of ''Dhu al-Hijjah''. Those who fail, despite their capability, to complete the Hajj at least once during their life times may have others complete it on their behalf, so as to avoid [[Jahannam|torment in the hereafter]]. The ''Umrah'', on the other hand, is a voluntary and less ritually-intensive version of the Hajj that can be done at any time of the year. | The '''Hajj''' (حج) is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to [[Mecca]]. It is an obligatory duty (''[[fard]]'' الفرض) for physically and financially capable Muslims, and constitutes one of the [[Five Pillars of Islam]]. The pilgrimage takes place on the 12<sup>th</sup> month of the [[Islamic Lunar Calendar|Islamic calendar]], between the 7<sup>th</sup> and 13<sup>th</sup> day of ''Dhu al-Hijjah''. Those who fail, despite their capability, to complete the Hajj at least once during their life times may have others complete it on their behalf, so as to avoid [[Jahannam|torment in the hereafter]]. The ''Umrah'', on the other hand, is a voluntary and less ritually-intensive version of the Hajj that can be done at any time of the year. | ||
== Origins == | |||
The Hajj, along with the Ka'aba, the black stone, and many other aspects of [[Islam]], are most likely [[Pagan Origins of Islam|pagan in origin]] and lack explicit mention in Judeo-Christian scriptures. Islamic scriptures, however, teach that these practices extend thousands of years into the past, back to the time of Abraham, who they credit with having constructed the Ka'bah and founded Mecca. | |||
== Rituals == | |||
The main rituals include walking seven times around the [[Kaaba|Ka'aba]], touching the [[Black Stone]], traveling seven times between Mount Safa and Mount Marwah, [[Zamzam|drinking Zamzam water]], praying at Mount Arafat, spending a night at Muzdalifa, symbolically stoning the Devil in Mina, shaving or trimming one's hair, and sacrificing an animal.<ref>Hoiberg (2000), p.237–238</ref> The Hajj ends with the global three-day celebration of [[Eid al-Adha]], commemorating the attempted child sacrifice of Abraham. | The main rituals include walking seven times around the [[Kaaba|Ka'aba]], touching the [[Black Stone]], traveling seven times between Mount Safa and Mount Marwah, [[Zamzam|drinking Zamzam water]], praying at Mount Arafat, spending a night at Muzdalifa, symbolically stoning the Devil in Mina, shaving or trimming one's hair, and sacrificing an animal.<ref>Hoiberg (2000), p.237–238</ref> The Hajj ends with the global three-day celebration of [[Eid al-Adha]], commemorating the attempted child sacrifice of Abraham. | ||
==Incidents and Accidents== | ==Incidents and Accidents== | ||