Hajj literally means to
travel (i.e., towards God) and it also means an effort to
dominate something (the self, in this connection).
Conventionally this term is translated as 'pilgrimage,'
although this far from gives the exact significance of the
word Hajj. This is the third of the religious duties of a
Muslim. It is obligatory on every adult, man or woman, to go
once in his or her lifetime to Mecca in order to perform
there the great effort for annihilating the ego (fana),
i.e., assimilating one's self with the will of God. Those
who do not possess the material means of travel, are
exempted from it. But which Muslim would not collect, little
by little, the necessary amount for being able one day to
visit the centre of his religion, the Ka'bah or the House of
God? |
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Traditionally, pilgrims travel
to Hajj in groups with their friends or family, or people from
their local mosque as an expression of unity. A woman is
encouraged to go to Hajj in the company of a male mahram
(mainly father, brother or son) or with her husband. It is
also permissable for a woman to go in a group of other women
if no mahrams can make the trip.
During the Hajj, male pilgrims are required to dress only in a
garment consisting of two sheets of white unhemmed cloth, with
the top draped over the torso and the bottom secured by a
white sash; plus a pair of sandals. Women are simply required
to maintain their hijab with no other specific requirements. |
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The clothing is intended to
show the equality of all pilgrims in the eyes of Allah,
symbolizing the idea that there is no difference between a
prince and a pauper when everyone is dressed equally. The
Ihram also symbolizes purity and absolution of sins. This also
portrays simplicity. A place designated for changing into
Ihram is called a miqat. While the pilgrim is wearing the
Ihram, they cannot shave, cut their nails, wear deodorant or
perfume. An invocation, known as the talbiyah, is to be
chanted after the pilgrim makes his or her intention for the
Hajj. There are many
prohibitions which must be observed while in a state of Ihram.
For example, a pilgrim should not swear or quarrel, kill any
living thing or engage in sexual intercourse. |
