The annual Muslim pilgrimage of Hajj is nearing its peak. Millions of pilgrims, who have performed lesser hajj in the holy city of Mecca,are now moving to the desert plains of Arafat, near Mecca. They have once again entered the state of Ihram, during which they are prohibited from certain acts. Men have put on their simple white unstitched clothes; women too have their own Ihram clothes. The pilgrims chant an expression in Arabic which shows their intention to respond to God’s call to perform Hajj. Some pilgrims go to Mina, a tent city near Mecca , before heading to the plains of Arafat. Muslim pilgrims are performing the rites prophet Muhammad did over 1,400 years ago in his farewell pilgrimage, and spending a day in the plains of Arafat is one of those major rites of the hajj. The pilgrims are obliged to be in this plain from noon until sunset on the day of Arafah, which is on the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah , the last month of the lunar year. Many virtues have been enumerated for the day. Thousands of tents have already been set up here for hajj pilgrims and the necessary preparations are being made for the ritual. Just staying on the plains of Arafat suffices as part of the hajj rite; however,pilgrims try to use the opportunity to be in this holy place by praying and making supplications to God. After spending a day on the plains of Araft, the pilgrims will move to Masharol Haram or Muzdalafeh, a place near Mecca. They have to stay a night there as part of the Hajj ritual. They will spend the night praying and calling for forgiveness from God.
Posted on: Fri, 03 Oct 2014 01:07:25 +0000
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