hajj

• hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam
• hajj is pilgrimage
• hajj is one of the core practices of the faith
• the hajj shows devotion to allah and presents willingness to follow the example of prophet muhammad
• the hajj may be completed by any able bodied muslim however those who can not travel upon the hajj may be exempt due to age or illness
• hajj unites muslims from all over the world and allows for ummah to meet in congregation
• ummah wear white to symbolise purity and equality
• what is the spiritual meaning of the hajj?

  walking between the hills of safa and marwah remembers hagars deserpate search for water which showed faith and perseverance
• hagar found the zam zam well presented by allah which implies that he is omnibenevolent and loves humans. this may impact muslims to believe that allah is there for them
• standing on the plain of arafat may be considered to be the most important part of the hajj as they shall pray for forgiveness and reflect. it is also a sign of cleansing
• the most common hajj takes place in makkah
• some muslims such as shi'a muslims may go on a pilgrimage to karbala which is to remember the death of husain
• at makkah muslims will walk anti-clockwise around the ka'ba as a reminder that god is one, tawid, and is central in life
• the stoning of the devil represents ibrahim's resistance to evil