Source: Religion News Service and Associated Press
By Omar Akour, who writes for the Associate Press
MECCA, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the annual hajj pilgrimage beginning Sunday (Aug. 19), as over 2 million Muslim faithful are ready to take part in the ultraconservative kingdom.
The pilgrimage represents one of the five pillars of Islam and is required of all able-bodied Muslims once in their life. In recent weeks, the faithful have arrived in Mecca from across the world, all chanting “Labayk Allahuma Labayk,” or “Here I am, God, answering your call. Here I am.”
The hajj offers pilgrims an opportunity to feel closer to God amid the Muslim world’s many challenges, including the threat of extremists in the Mideast after the Islamic State group was beaten back in Iraq and Syria and the plight of Myanmar’s Muslim Rohingya minority.
“My feeling is indescribable to perform the hajj,” said Imad Abdel-Raheem, an Egyptian pilgrim. “I also want to pray for all Muslim countries, for them to live free in all places, in Palestine and in Burma, in all places, in Afghanistan and in India.”
Maj. Gen. Mansour al-Turki, the spokesman of the Saudi Interior Ministry, told journalists Saturday that over 2 million Muslims from abroad and inside the kingdom would be taking part in this year’s hajj.
Men attending the hajj dress in only terrycloth, seamless white garments meant to represent unity among Muslims and equality before God. Women wear loose clothing, cover their hair and forgo makeup and nail polish to achieve a state of humility and spiritual purity.
Since arriving, many have circled the cube-shaped Kaaba in Mecca — Islam’s holiest site. The Kaaba represents the metaphorical house of God and the oneness of God in Islam. Observant Muslims around the world face toward the Kaaba during their five daily prayers.
Suggested Reading
Hajj and Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Hajj: Inside Mecca Documentary by National Geographic
Hajj: The Best Symbol for Our Universal Brotherhood!
Collection of Ideas to Overcome Sectarian Divide Among the Muslims
Who Speaks for the Flesh and Blood 1.6 Billion Breathing Muslim Souls?
November 2011 Alislam-eGazette: Universal Brotherhood in Islam and Hajj
November 2010 Alislam-eGazette: Universal Brotherhood and Hajj
November 2009 Alislam-eGazette: Hajj and Universal Brotherhood
Categories: Collection of articles, Hajj, Kaaba, Mecca, Mosque, pilgrims, Sectarianism, The Muslim Times