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| Sunday, 9 January 2005 |
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Over 2 million pilgrims perform Haj this year by S. H. A. Careem Over two million pilgrims from all parts of the world are expected to perform Haj this year says the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohamed Mahmood Al-Ali. He told the Sunday Observer that already 6,000 visas have been issued for Sri Lankans seeking to perform Haj.
The first batch of Sri Lankans left last Sunday and todate over 2000 pilgrims have reached Mecca from Colombo. All the pilgrims are expected to pray for the welfare of the people affected by the tsunami. Janaza prayers, special prayers for the dead, were conducted after Friday Jummah prayers in all Mosques throughout the world. There are several conditions which must be met before pilgrimage becomes a duty for any Muslim. If any of these conditions are not met, the person concerned is not necessarily required to offer pilgrimage. These conditions are; . To be an Adult: If a child offers pilgrimage, it is valid and both the child and his or her parents are rewarded for it. Pilgrimage in childhood however, cannot be a substitute for pilgrimage after one becomes an adult. . A slave is not required to offer pilgrimage. . A woman who intends to offer pilgrimage must be accompanied by either her husband or one of her Mahrams (those of her relatives who she cannot marry) or a group of reliable women. If she cannot fund such company she is not required to offer the Haj. No husband may prevent his wife from offering her first pilgrimage if she wants to do so. If he tries to prevent her she may undertake the journey without his permission. Any intending pilgrim must have sufficient physical strength to do all requirements of Haj. He or she must not be too weak to travel and fulfil the duties of pilgrimage. If he or she decides to go for pilgrimage he should do the following before he embarks on his journey. . Urge his family, friends and relatives to observe the Islamic teachings. . Write down any loans he owes to others or he has given to others. . Write his will . Seek repentance for his past sins and mistakes and pay back to others whatever is due to them. . Select the best of his money for the expenses of his journey. . Resolve to undertake his pilgrimage purely for Allah's sake with a desire for a blessful life. According to Islamic teachings there are three methods of performing 'Haj': Tamattu, Ifraad and Qiran. Tamattu: A pilgrim who wishes to perform Haj. Tamattu enters into the state of Ihram (consecration- men wearing an un-sewn two-piece garment and women observing Hijab - veil). When a pilgrim reaches Makkah he or she makes Tawaf (circumambulate around Ka'bah seven times) and perform Sa'yi for Umrah (7 circuits between Al-Safa and Al Marwah hillocks). Then shaves his head or chips hairs from his head. On the day of Tarwiyah, which is the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah, a pilgrim puts on his Ihram for Haj only and carries out rest of the Haj rituals. Ifraad: A pilgrim performing Haj Ifraad enters into the state of Ihram for Haj only. When he reaches Makkah he performs Tawaf on his arrival and Sa'yi for Haj. He doesn't shave his head or chip hair as he has not yet released himself from the state of Ihram. Instead he remains in Ihram till after he stones Jamrah Al-Aqabah on Eid day. It is permissible for him to propose his Sa'yi of Haj until after his Tawaf of Haj. Qiran: The pilgrim who intends to perform Haj Qiran wears Ihram with the intention for Haj or he wears Ihram, then makes intention for Haj before his Tawaf of Haj. The obligations on the one who is performing Haj Ifraad are the same as those who undertake Haj Qiran, except that the latter must slaughter an animal whereas the former is not obligated to do so. The best of the three forms is Tamattu. It's the form that the Prophet (Sal.) encouraged his followers to perform. |
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Haj is one of the five institutions of Islam. The performance of Haj is
an enjoined duty of a Muslim.
