subject: Hajj The Pilgrimage Of Equality [print this page] Imagine all colors standing shoulder to shoulder, imagine all races dressed as one, imagine all faces worshipping one God and imagine all hearts beating for one mission. The Hajj is one such experience, a pilgrimage to Makkah in Saudi Arabia that draws over 3000,000 worshippers to one venue, for one act, for one ritual that will rid hearts from inequality and that will bring about balance and peace like never before.
The Hajj is the Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca located in Saudi Arabia. Makkah stands as the epitome of Islam. It is the location of the sacred Kaaba, the direction towards which the rest of the world stands to pray. Almost every Muslim in the world partakes in Hajj one in their lifetime. The ritual makes up the final pillar of Islam and is mandatory among every Muslim who has the physical fitness and financial means to perform the pilgrimage. The Hajj is one pilgrimage that tugs the heartstrings of the world, it shows a unique solidarity among Muslims; where all men whatever status, class or creed dress in a two pieced white robe and nothing else. It is a ritual that brings together people of all walks of life in a union and solidarity which focuses on worship and nothing else.
The Hajj Pilgrimage occurs from the 8th to the 12th day of the Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The ritual although performed in this form by the Prophet Muhammed, stretches back thousands of years to the era of Abraham. A person performing Hajj is said to be in a state of Ihram for those many days and while in this state a series of rituals are performed which includes Tawaaf (circumventing the Kaaba) the Saai (Running in between two mountains in the Mosque Safa and Marwa, heading to the plains of Mount Arafat, Stoning the devil, finally males shave their head, sacrifice an animal and celebrate the global festival of Eid ul Adha.
Hajj is only one of the amazing features of Middle East. You can head further to UAE or Qatar to enjoy other sides of this area. Where ever you go choose to stay at the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East. These Middle East Hotels have all the luxurious amenities making it also the most popular among all UAE hotels.
