1 Teachings of Islam Expressed Through Hajj

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Personal Significance of Hajj The individual hopes to become, by performing Hajj, a better person in this world and increase his prospects of reward in the Hereafter. Teachings of Islam Expressed Through Hajj 3

Universal Significance of Hajj Hajj represents the largest of the concentric circle around which the Muslim institution of prayer is built. Teachings of Islam Expressed Through Hajj 4

Worship Through Hajj Hajj is a form of collective worship, and a way of establishing a connection with the monotheism and its human legacy symbolised by Abraham and the first human Adam. Teachings of Islam Expressed Through Hajj 5

Worship Through Hajj Muslims obey the call of God by turning up in millions at the time of pilgrimage. The central aims of worship, that is exalting, glorifying and praising God, occur individually and collectively. Teachings of Islam Expressed Through Hajj 6

Exalting God Muslims exalt God by showing up in mass, as though saying ‘You are greater than my self and above the whole of humanity; here we are ready to worship you in mass.’ Teachings of Islam Expressed Through Hajj 7

Glorifying God Pilgrims glorify God by going around the Ka’bah, as though saying ‘just as we are circling the one and only Ka’bah, the oldest place of worship on earth, we only obey you the Absolute One worthy of worship.’ Teachings of Islam Expressed Through Hajj 8

Praising God Pilgrims praise God through the collective supplication (du’a) and remembrance of God in the plains of Mt Arafat. Teachings of Islam Expressed Through Hajj 9

Hajj in the context of other pillars While shahadah detaches one from finite and false masters; Salat detaches one from the worldly affairs; Zakat detaches the worshipper from the pangs of material wealth; Fasting detaches the worshipper from the physical desires and emotional impulses; Hajj is a detachment from the load of sins and racism. Teachings of Islam Expressed Through Hajj 10

Equality of all Human Beings Hajj enables a Muslim to realise the universality of Islam as he or she sees Muslims from all over the world, from all nationalities and races. A pilgrim develops an acute sense of equality of human beings in practice rather then just theory. 11

Remembrance of the Day of Judgement During Hajj, masses are moving in unison and with a common dress stripped of all worldly possessions, enacting the Day of Judgement. 12 It is a gathering where the rich cannot be distinguished from the poor, the educated from the uneducated, the elite from the common.

Connecting Point For Muslims In addition to removing racism, pilgrimage is the greatest social event in the world. For centuries Muslims shared ideas, passed on experience and books when they met for Hajj. Teachings of Islam Expressed Through Hajj 13

Developing Mental Strength Many mental skills such as determination, perseverance, patience and control of human will are exercised and developed in trying conditions of the Hajj. Leaving everything behind for a long period of time provides the effect of true recreation for the mind and the spirit. Teachings of Islam Expressed Through Hajj 14

Importance of Physical Fitness Physical benefits are not neglected in pilgrimage. Hajj is very much a physical event. Going around the Ka’bah seven times and fast walk between Safa and Marwah gives Muslims ample exercise and reminds them of the need to be physically fit and also the value of good health. 15

Acknowledgements Authors Mehmet Ozalp Zuleyha Keskin © Affinity Intercultural Foundation 2009 Teachings of Islam Expressed Through Hajj 16

Copyright Affinity Intercultural Foundation claims copyright ownership of all information on this presentation, unless expressly stated otherwise. No information on this presentation may be used for commercial or other purposes unless Affinity Intercultural Foundation gives its prior written consent to the intended use. Disclaimer Though Affinity Intercultural Foundation believes reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this presentation, it may include inaccuracies or typographical errors. Affinity Intercultural Foundation takes no responsibility for such errors. Teachings of Islam Expressed Through Hajj 17