Hajj aims to draw Muslims to God

Close to two million people from around the world will begin performing the first rites of the Islamic hajj pilgrimage, which calls for entering into a state of physical and spiritual purity.

The hajj is one of the world’s largest pilgrimages. It draws the faithful to the holy city of Mecca and areas around it for five days of rituals and prayers aimed at removing past sins and drawing Muslims closer to God.

The pilgrimage is required of all Muslims to perform once in their lifetime. To begin the hajj, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims circle the Kaaba in Mecca’s Grand Mosque.

In a sign of humility and equality before God, the pilgrims shed symbols of materialism.

The last sermon, which was delivered by Prophet Muhammad at the end of his final pilgrimage to Mecca and shortly before his death to more than 10 000 Muslims is considered as the prophet’s will to his companions and a universal message and teaching to his people. It is one of the earliest declarations of human rights in written history.

The prophet of Islam addresses some of the core universal values in a society where those values are forgotten.

All human beings are equal, racial supremacy is unacceptable, women have rights, socio-economic inequality is shameful and should be fought against.

In 23 years he restored the dignity of women, lessened the gap between the poor and the rich and more. Muslims and non-Muslims alike have found the Holy Prophet Muhammad’s life a continuous source of inspiration.

Naazneen Motala, Sherwood, Durban