Most Stylish Opening Pakistani Batsman Ahmed Shehzad Is Performing Hajj
Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and is considered a significant religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey. Hajj takes place during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, specifically from the 8th to the 12th or 13th of the month.
During Hajj, Muslims from all around the world gather in Mecca to perform a series of rituals that commemorate the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the trials of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family. These rituals include:
Ihram: Pilgrims enter a state of consecration known as ihram, which involves wearing specific white garments for men and modest attire for women. The ihram signifies a state of purity and equality among all pilgrims.
Tawaf: Pilgrims perform the tawaf, which is the act of circling the Kaaba (a sacred structure at the center of the Grand Mosque) seven times in a counterclockwise direction. This symbolizes unity and the circumambulation of the divine presence.
Sa’i: Pilgrims then perform sa’i, which involves walking or running seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, commemorating the search for water by Hajar (Hagar), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham).
Mount Arafat: Pilgrims gather in the plain of Arafat on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, where they spend the day in prayer and reflection. This is considered the most crucial part of Hajj.
Muzdalifah: After sunset, pilgrims proceed to Muzdalifah, where they collect pebbles for the next ritual and spend the night under the open sky.
Stoning of the Devil: Pilgrims throw pebbles at three pillars, symbolizing the rejection of evil, at the locations of Mina.
Sacrifice: Pilgrims offer an animal sacrifice (known as Qurbani) to commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. The meat from the sacrifice is distributed among the needy.
Tawaf al-Ifadah: Pilgrims return to the Grand Mosque in Mecca to perform the final tawaf known as Tawaf al-Ifadah.
Farewell Tawaf: Before leaving Mecca, pilgrims perform a farewell tawaf to bid farewell to the Kaaba and the sacred city.
Hajj is considered a significant spiritual journey, and it promotes unity, humility, and equality among Muslims. It is a time of intense devotion, reflection, and seeking forgiveness. The completion of Hajj is often a life-changing experience for those who undertake it.
