Hajj is a revered pilgrimage for Muslims

MUSLIMS from around the globe, including South Africa, will begin the Hajj pilgrimage tomorrow, satisfying one of the five obligations as a Muslim.

Over five days, pilgrims will complete rituals that were performed by Prophet Muhammed in remembrance of Abraham, his wife Hagar and their son Ishmael.

There is no place on Earth as respected, adored and sanctified as many people as Makkah.

By any objective criterion, this valley in the Hijaz district of Arabia is the most revered place on Earth.

Thousands of pilgrims circumambulate the sacred Kaba 24 hours a day throughout the year.

Going around the Kaba in an anti-clockwise direction and the Hajj pilgrimage is a journey of love and obedience to Almighty God.

However, Hajj has a much deeper meaning and objective.

It is not just the completing of rituals.

During Hajj many lessons are learnt from this spiritual pilgrimage and life-changing experience.

The oneness of Almighty God, love for Prophet Muhammed and his practices, the overwhelming spirit of togetherness and spirituality, the importance of being human and the fulfilling of human rights, collectively practised by millions of pilgrims are some of the important lessons pilgrims encounter and learn during this blessed journey of love.

Hajj has its own unique qualities and life lessons; everyone who performs Hajj knows how it impacts on the purpose of life.

MOHAMED SAEED | Pietermaritzburg