RE Pilgrimage~ Muslim

Mecca in Saudi Arabia is Muhammad's birthplace. Muslims have a religious duty to go on Hajj at least once in their lifetime, if money and health allow. Once a year, in the month of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims of every colour, class and ethnic group stand before the Ka'aba (a shrine built by Prophet Ibrahim) in the center of the Grand Mosque. They wear simple white garments that represent the purity of heart (ihram) needed to worship Allah, and show that all Muslims are equal in his sight.

1. During Hajj, pilgrims perform, certain acts of worship. They circle the Ka'aba seven times, repeating prayers and some people try yo touch the black corner stone that Muhammad himself kissed.

3. They then sip water from a scared well (Zam Zam) that appeared in the desert to save Hagar and Ishmael from dying of thirst. Many bring water from the Zam Zam well home with them.

5. They climb Mount Arafat, the Mount of Mercy, to confess their sins, listen to a sermon and join in prayers.

7. A sheep or a goat is sacrificed, meat given to the poor, and the feast of Eid ul Ada ends Hajj. Muslims celebrate this throughout the world.

Hajj shows obedience and faith in Allah and the unity and equality of all Muslims. During Hajj, the Muslim must observe all the rules and rituals on obedience to Allah's will. It strengthens a Muslims faith and sense of identity with the worldwide community (ummah). It is a focus for the whole of a Muslim's life and belief.

Jerusalem: Jerusalem is a holy city for Muslims. In the 7th century CE the Dome of the Rock was built on the site of the second Jewish temple. The mosque contains a rock from where Muhammad ascended to heaven accompanied by the angel Jibril. Nearby is the Al-Aqsa (the farthest) Mosque, named after a chapter in the Qur'an in which Muhammad was transported to Jerusalem during hos Night Journey to heaven. Muslims hold these places in high esteem after Mecca and Madinah.