CANADIAN MUSLIMS PARTICIPATE IN PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA
For immediate release
(Ottawa, Canada - 01/04/2006) - Thousands of Canadian Muslims will soon
take part in religious observances associated with the annual Hajj, or
pilgrimage to Mecca. Hajj is one of the "five pillars" of the Islamic faith. (The
other pillars include a declaration of faith, daily prayers, offering regular
charity, and fasting during the month of Ramadan.) Pilgrimage is a
once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who have the physical and
financial ability to undertake the journey.
When the main portion of the pilgrimage is completed, Muslims worldwide
gather for communal prayers on the first day (January 10**) of Eid
ul-Adha (eed-al-ODD-ha), the second of the two major Muslim holidays.
The obligatory and optional activities of Hajj include:
* Entrance into a state of self-control called ihram, during which
pilgrims are forbidden to harm living creatures, even insects or plants, or
raise the voice in anger. The state of ihram is signified (for men) by the
wearing of two pieces of unsewn white cloth. This clothing signifies the equality
of all before God. No specific clothing is prescribed for female pilgrims.
* Circling of the Ka'aba (Tawaf), the stone building Muslims believe
was originally built by Abraham and his son Ishmael. The Ka'aba is viewed
as the first sanctuary on earth dedicated to the worship of the One God. It is
a symbol of unity for Muslims because all prayers, wherever they are
performed, are oriented in the direction of the Ka'aba.
* The Sa'i, or "hastening" between two small hills near the Ka'aba, to
commemorate Hagar's search for water to offer her son Ishmael.
* The "Day of Arafah" (January 9**). Arafah is a mountain and its
surrounding empty plain near Mecca. On this day, the climax of the Hajj
season, pilgrims assemble for supplication to God.
* The stoning of three pillars representing Satan's temptation of
Abraham. The stoning indicates the pilgrim's rejection of evil deeds.
* Cutting the hair to symbolize the completion of Hajj.
* Sacrifice of an animal to help the poor, and in remembrance of
Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael at God's command. The meat is
distributed to relatives and to the needy.
(** Because the beginning of Islamic lunar months depends on the actual
sighting of the new moon, the start date for Hajj and Eid ul-Adha may
vary.)
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HAJJ Q&A
Q: WHAT DO MUSLIMS BELIEVE THEY GAIN FROM HAJJ?
A: The main benefit of Hajj for many people is the sense of
purification,repentance and spiritual renewal it instills.
Q: WHY DOES HAJJ BEGIN ON A DIFFERENT DAY EACH YEAR?
A: Because Dhul-Hijjah is a lunar month, it begins about eleven days
earlier each year.
Q: WHY DO MUSLIMS SACRIFICE A LAMB OR OTHER ANIMAL DURING THE FESTIVAL
OF EID UL-ADHA?
A: The sacrifice commemorates the Prophet Abraham's readiness to
sacrifice his son, identified in Islam as Ishmael, at God's request. This is not
a blood offering. In the Quran God states: "Neither their meat nor their
blood ever reaches God, but heedfulness on your part does reach Him."
(Chapter 22,verse 37) The meat is distributed to relatives and to the needy.
Q: IS HAJJ AN OBLIGATION ON ALL MUSLIMS?
A: Yes, but only for those who are physically and financially able to
make the trip.
Q: WHAT ARE THE MOST VISUALLY STRIKING ASPECTS OF HAJJ?
A: All pilgrims must do tawaf, or circling the Ka'aba. This obligation
creates a stunning scene as thousands of people circle the building at
all times of the day and night. Also, the standing at Arafah on the 9th day
of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah presents a scene in which several
million people all dressed alike and with the same intention to worship God,
gather on a barren plain.
Q: HOW SHOULD NON-MUSLIM FRIENDS AND CO-WORKERS INTERACT WITH SOMEONE
WHO IS GOING ON HAJJ OR CELEBRATING AT HOME?
A: Hajj is a high point in a Muslim's life. Questions are welcome and
congratulations are in order. Most communities welcome visitors at Eid
ul-Adha prayers. Just ask a Muslim friend to act as an escort and
guide.
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