Pilgrimmage+to+Mecca

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Jackson Haight & Brian McVay

** Pilgrimage to Mecca **

=Preparation for The Haij= The pilgrimage to Mecca is a one time action, in which people should adequately prepare for scene it is most likely their only chance. It is so big of a deal that only in extreme circumstances such as an illness that people are excused from going, so most go. Before departing to Mecca, the purpose to going should be only for the purpose of worshiping God, and not for the pleasing or impressments of man. Everyone planning on departing to Mecca is responsible of holding certain moral standards before hand. Some standards are: Refraining from quarreling, violence, and sexual activity to keep their minds purified and prepared to enter the holy mosque. They are also responsible for resolving any differences with others in their lives whom they may have hurt in any way. They are expected to have been diligent in praying for at least 5 times a day everyday prior. Not only should they be prepared spiritually, but financially as well. Everyone is responsible for their expenses on the Haij. Travel, food and previous debts have to be paid off so that when people go to Mecca, there will be no distractions from having peace of heart and mind. A good state of physical and mental shape is required because of the demanding conditions in activities, rituals and surroundings. The surroundings are very tight with over 2 million people cramming into __one__ building, so people should be prepared for tight spaces. There are many physically active acts in rituals in which the following actions are done: Throwing rocks, running, long walks, etc. Men and women right before leaving will show their devotion, and willingness to be pure towards God by dressing in white covering from their ankles to their neck. The pilgrim will also recite a prayer that quotes, "Here I am, O God, at Thy Command! Here I am at Thy Command! Thou art without associate; Here I am at Thy Command! Thine are praise and grace and dominion! Thou art without associate// ." // (// Talbiyah prayer). // This shows humility, willingness and gratefulness towards God. They show that whatever God commands, they will follow. By this stage they are pure in hear enough to be worthy to enter the Mosque in Mecca.

=The Haij= In the Islamic Religion, it is an requirement, written in The Five Pillars to Pilgrimage to Mecca. When departing to Mecca, the purpose to going should be only for the purpose of pleasing God, not for pleasing or impressing others. Each year, over 2 million people Haij to Mecca performing many rituals and worship. During this time, people are strive to forget themselves, and remember and know of God better. The Haij takes about FIVE days, and each day is different in schedule filled with activities and rituals. Before the pilgrim does anything, he must bath and groom him/herself to be clean in the sight of God. Many rituals are taken place, and are symbolic of actions that were taken place in the past by an important person in Islamic History. Some are:


 * Running between Safa and Marwah**-Everyone participating will run between Safa and Marwah SEVEN times, because Hagar, Abraham's wife, did the same. People participate in it to show thanks towords God for His mercy and grace, and "pay homage to maternal love".


 * The Stoning of Satan-** Abraham, a Prophet, said to God that he could do anything he asked, and God tested him. He asked Abraham to sacrifice his son, in which Satan tried to persuade him not to do it. Abraham, being obedient, threw stones at Satan, chasing him away. People do it now to show to God that they will be obedient like Abraham, and to show that they will cast out Satan in their lives.


 * Circumambulation-** To give evidence of obedience to God, people visit the Ka'bah time to time to pray and be enlightened. People come in humility, that they can have answers to their prayers. Going also signifies that they are willing to sacrifice their time, work, or even themselfs for the purpose of giving or serving God. Going is a big, and significant comitment.

The Goal of the Haij hopefully is fulfilled by giving the person a spiritual high in their life, and a motivation to live a more honorabl and pure life. media type="youtube" key="-GyHPCobtQ0" width="410" height="334" align="right" =The Ka'bah (Mosque)= The Ka'bah is a small cubed building, and the impact on history and human beings is unmatched compared to many other buildings. The size of the Ka'bah is 39 feet 6 inches in height and total size comes to 627 square feet. The small but very religious building has been built and reconstructed by Prophets Adam, Ibrahim, Ismail, and Muhammad. Ka'bah is Arabic means "a high place with respect and prestige".When the Ka'bah was being built, it was constructed differently in 5 to even 12 times! After these many Prophets built this building, there was a lot of arguments that erupted about who would have the honor of putting the Black Stone in it's place. Finally, after a lot of arguments, Muhammad came up with an idea, He proposed a solution that everybody agreed on, which was they put the Black Stone on a cloak, the elders of each of the clans held on to one edge of the cloak and carried the stone to it's place. The Prophet picked up the Stone and placed it on the wall of the Ka'bah. There are some things some reporters to have seen in the building:

- there are a total of two pillars, but some say three - There is a table for personal belongings - There are two lamps hanging from the ceiling - The space can hold about 50 people - There are barely any lights in the inside - It is covered with marble everywhere - There are no windows - there is only one door

=Oppisition on The Haij=  Strongly criticizing the new Hajj Policy which was approved by the federal cabinet last days, members of the treasury benches--Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Awami National Party and opposition members of the Jamat-e-Islami staged walk out of the House. The house referred the report of the Standing Committee on Religious Affairs regarding new Hajj to the Prime Minister for consideration and implantation. Leader of the house, Syed Nayyar Hussian Bokhari and other PPP senators, however, went and bought the protesting senators back into the House. Taking part in the debate, the very well known professor Muhammad described the budget as anti-poor and anti-development. In addition to this opposition, The Pope, at Regensburg University in Germany had some criticism on Islamic leaders and traditions. One excerpt of his horrific talk was, "Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached...". No Muslim is allowed to draw Mohammed, led alone insult him. Such an innocent religion on peace and humility is being punished for no good reason. Because of this, Muslims have seen this, and unfortunatly have taken offence to this. There is now a huge grudge from the Muslims towords the Pope and his religion despite his apology. To see our sourses used, click here-