subject: Why people go for Hajj Pilgrimage to Mecca? [print this page] Hajj is known as the largest pilgrimage in the world. It is based on a pilgrimage that is very old since ancient times from the time of Muhammad in the 7th century. Hadith are narrations originating from the words and deeds of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. According to Hadith, the parts of the Hajj trace back to the time of Abraham, around 2000 BCE. Almost entire muslim community believe that the Prophet Ibrahim was ordered by Allah (God) to leave his wife Hajra and his infant son Ishmael alone in the desert. After the Ibrahim's departure, the child became thirsty, and Hajra ran back and forth seven times searching for water for her son. The baby cried and hit the ground and surprisingly water sprang forth. This source of water is today called the Well of Zamzam. However, some people believe that an angel scraped child's foot or the tip of his wing along the ground.
Previous to Muhammad's era, every year tribes from all around the Arabian Peninsula would converge on Mecca, as part of the pilgrimage. The actual conviction of the tribes was not relevant at that time, and Christian Arabs were as likely to manage as the pagans.
Pilgrims usually perform Hajj to Mecca in groups, as a symbol of their unity and solidarity. In order to help people perform Hajj successfully and conveniently, many airlines arrange special packages for Muslims going to Mecca. Ships also take pilgrims to Mecca so that they can perform Hajj.
During the Hajj processions, male pilgrims are required to be in a special dress, known as ihram. It is a garment consisting of two sheets of white unhemmed cloth. Muslims must wear ihram along with the top draped over the torso and the bottom by a white sash; plus a pair of sandals.
The British Hajj & Umrah Services is geared towards making this auspicious and spiritual Hajj journey of a lifetime a one that will Inshallah change your life for the better forever. Many people go in Hajj groups to perform Hajj to Mecca.
