 |
| Mecca City |
Unfinished journey (58)
(Part fifty-eight, Depok, West Java, Indonesia, 10 September
2014, 11:39 pm)
The Saudi Arabian government is now working hard and
using all existing information systems to provide information of all forms of
information and this information Hajj 2014.
It is necessary to
remember the nearly three million pilgrims from around the world will gather in
Mecca in the Hajj season of this. That is why the government of Saudi Arabia
limits the number of pilgrims from various countries based on quotas, and only
allow each hajj pilgrims only once in five years, should not every year, except
Umrah (small Hajj).
All systems go for Haj
Saudi Arabia has launched a
major media campaign ahead of the annual pilgrimage to educate Saudis and
expatriate workers on the importance of obtaining Haj permits in order to help organize the largest gathering of
Muslims in a better way.
Makkah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah launched The
Right Way Is Haj With A Permit campaign in the city on Tuesday, aimed at
preventing squatting of pilgrims in public places and controlling their number
to avoid overcrowding in the holy sites.
Prince Mishaal, who is chairman of the Supreme Haj
Committee, said the city is geared up for the big event. “All sectors are
perfectly ready and we’ll not spare any effort in the service of the guests of
Allah,” he added.
The campaign aims to ensure that only persons with
permits perform the Haj and that pilgrims and service providers comply with
ethical and regulatory standards.
All related ministries and government departments are
participating in the campaign. The telecommunications sector, in its role as a
strategic sponsor, has also been helping to create public awareness.
“We are confident that we are striving, under the
direction of the Saudi leadership, to offer the best services at the holiest
locations on earth,” the governor said.
Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar said the permits have been
introduced to limit the numbers of pilgrims because of space constraints. This
could only be achieved by allowing individuals to perform Haj once every five
years.
“The introduction of the Haj permit is not to ban people
from repeatedly performing the pilgrimage. It is a regulatory step taken in
view of a threefold increase in the number of pilgrims which affects proper Haj
organization,” he said.
The prince also launched mobile and other handheld
communication devices designed to check Haj permits.
The campaign will feature promotions on satellite
channels, radio, roadside screens, commercial centers and hospitals.
History of Saudi Arabia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Part of a series on the
History of Saudi Arabia
Coat of arms of Saudi Arabia
Ancient Arabia
Early Islamic State
Rashidun Caliphate
Umayyad and Abbasid periods
Sharifate of Mecca
Ottoman rule
Emirate of Diriyah
Emirate of Nejd
Emirate of Nejd and Hasa
Sultanate of Nejd
Kingdom of Nejd and Hejaz
Unification
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Portal icon Saudi Arabia portal
v t e
The history of Saudi Arabia, as a state, began with its
foundation in 1933 by Abdulaziz Al Saud, although the human history of the
region that is now Saudi Arabia extends as far as 20,000 years ago. The region
has twice in world history had a global impact.[who?][citation needed] The
first was in the 7th century when it became the cradle of Islam. The second was
from the mid-20th century when the discovery of vast oil deposits propelled it
into a key economic and geo-political role. At other times, the region existed
in relative obscurity and isolation, although from the 7th century the cities
of Mecca and Medina had the highest spiritual significance for the Muslim
world, Mecca being the destination for the Hajj annual pilgrimage.
For much of its history most of the region has been
controlled by a patchwork of tribal rulers. The Al Saud (the Saudi royal
family) were originally minor tribal rulers in Najd in central Arabia. From the
mid-18th century, imbued with the religious zeal of the Wahabbi Islamic movement,
they became aggressively expansionist. Over the following 150 years, the extent
of the Al Saud territory fluctuated. However, between 1902 and 1927, the Al
Saud leader, Abdulaziz, carried out a series of wars of conquest which resulted
in his creation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932.
Since 1932, Abdulaziz, and, after his death in 1953, five
of his sons in succession have ruled Saudi Arabia as an absolute monarchy. His
immediate successor Saud, facing opposition from the rest of the royal family,
was replaced by Faisal in 1964. Until his murder by a relative in 1975, Faisal
presided over a period of growth and modernization fueled by oil wealth. Saudi
Arabia's role in the 1973 oil crisis and, the subsequent rise in the price of
oil, dramatically increased the country's political significance and wealth.
The reign of his successor, Khalid, saw the first major signs of dissent with
the seizure of the Grand Mosque in Mecca by Islamist extremists in 1979. Fahd
became king in 1982 and, during his reign, Saudi Arabia became the largest oil
producer in the world. However, internal tensions increased when the country
allied itself with the United States, and others, in the Gulf War of 1991. In
the early 2000s, the Islamicist opposition to the regime carried out a series
of terrorist attacks. Abdullah succeeded Fahd in 2005 and has instituted a
number of mild reforms to modernize many of the country's institutions and, to
some extent, has increased political participation.
Pre-Islamic Thamud dwellings carved into the cliffs at
Mada'in Saleh, Saudi Arabia
There is evidence that human habitation in the Arabian
Peninsula dates back to about 15,000 to 20,000 years ago.[1]
Archaeology has revealed some early settled
civilizations: the Dilmun civilization on the Persian Gulf, and Thamud north of
the Hejaz. The earliest known events in Arabian history are migrations from the
peninsula into neighbouring areas.[2]
There is also evidence from Timna (Palestine) and Tell
el-Kheleifeh (Jordan) that the local Qurayya/Midianite pottery originated
within the Hejaz region of NW Saudi Arabia, which suggests that the biblical
Midianites originally came from the Hejaz region of NW Saudi Arabia before
expanding into Jordan and Southern Palestine. [3][4]
The spread of Islam[edit]
Main article: History of Islam
Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, was born in Mecca in
about 570 and first began preaching in the city in 610, but migrated to Medina
in 622. From there, he and his companions united the tribes of Arabia under the
banner of Islam and created a single Arab Muslim religious polity in the
Arabian Peninsula.
The tribes of Arabia at the time of the spread of Islam
(expandable map)
Following Muhammad's death in 632, Abu Bakr became leader
of the Muslims as the first Caliph. After putting down a rebellion by the Arab
tribes (known as the Ridda wars, or "Wars of Apostasy"), Abu Bakr
attacked the Byzantine Empire. On his death in 634, he was succeeded by Umar as
caliph, followed by Uthman ibn al-Affan and Ali ibn Abi Talib. The period of
these first four caliphs is known as the Rashidun or "rightly guided"
Caliphate (al-khulafā' ar-rāshidūn). Under the Rashidun Caliphs, and, from 661,
their Umayyad successors, the Arabs rapidly expanded the territory under Muslim
control outside of Arabia. In a matter of decades Muslim armies decisively
defeated the Byzantine army and destroyed the Persian Empire, conquering huge
swathes of territory from the Iberian peninsula to India. The political focus
of the Muslim world then shifted to the newly conquered territories.[5][6]
Nevertheless, Mecca and Medina remained the spiritually
most important places in the Muslim world. The Qu'ran requires every
able-bodied Muslim who can afford it, as one of the five pillars of Islam, to
make a pilgrimage, or Hajj, to Mecca during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah
at least once in his or her lifetime.[7] The Masjid al-Haram (the Grand Mosque)
in Mecca is the location of the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site, and the Masjid
al-Nabawi (the Prophet's Mosque) in Medina is the location of Muhammad tomb; as
a result, from the 7th century, Mecca and Medina became the pilgrimage
destinations for large numbers of Muslims from across the Muslim world.[8]
Umayyad and Abbasid periods[edit]
Despite its spiritual importance, in political terms
Arabia soon became a peripheral region of the Muslim world, in which the most
important medieval Islamic states were based at various times in such far away
cities as Damascus, Baghdad, and Cairo. Most of what was to become Saudi Arabia
reverted to traditional tribal rule soon after the initial Muslim conquests,
and remained a shifting patchwork of tribes and tribal emirates and
confederations of varying durability.[9][10]
Muawiyah I, the first Umayyad caliph, took an interest in
his native Mecca, erecting buildings and digging wells.[11] Under his Marwanids
successors, Mecca became the abode of poets and musicians. Even then, Medina
eclipsed Mecca in importance for much of the Umayyad period, as it was home to
the new Muslim aristocracy.[11] Under Yazid I, the revolt of Abd Allah bin
al-Zubair brought Syrian troops to Mecca.[11] An accident led to a fire that
destroyed the Kaaba, which was rebuilt by Ibn al-Zubair.[11] In 747, a
Kharidjit rebel from Yemen seized Mecca unopposed, but he was soon defeated by
Marwan II.[11] In 750, Mecca, along with the rest of the caliphate, was passed
to the Abbasids.[11]
Sharifate of Mecca[edit]
Main article: Sharifate of Mecca
The Arabian Peninsula in 1914
From the 10th century (and, in fact, until the 20th
century) the Hashemite Sharifs of Mecca maintained a state in the most
developed part of the region, the Hejaz. Their domain originally comprised only
the holy cities of Mecca and Medina but in the 13th century it was extended to
include the rest of the Hejaz. Although, the Sharifs exercised at most times
independent authority in the Hejaz, they were usually subject to the suzerainty
of one of the major Islamic empires of the time. In the Middle Ages, these
included the Abbasids of Baghdad, and the Fatimids, Ayyubids and Mamluks of
Egypt.[9]
Ottoman Era[edit]
Main article: Ottoman era in the history of Saudi Arabia
Beginning with Selim I's acquisition of Medina and Mecca
in 1517, the Ottomans, in the 16th century, added to their Empire the Hejaz and
Asir regions along the Red Sea and the Al Hasa region on the Persian Gulf
coast, these being the most populous parts of what was to become Saudi Arabia.
They also laid claim to the interior, although this remained a rather nominal
suzerainty. The degree of control over these lands varied over the next four
centuries with the fluctuating strength or weakness of the Empire's central
authority. In the Hejaz, the Sharifs of Mecca were largely left in control of
their territory (although there would often be an Ottoman governor and garrison
in Mecca). On the eastern side of the country, the Ottomans lost control of the
Al Hasa region to Arab tribes in the 17th century but regained it again in the
19th century. Throughout the period, the interior remained under the rule of a
large number of petty tribal rulers in much the same way as it had in previous
centuries.[12]
The first Saudi State 1744-1818
Rise of Wahhabism and the first Saudi state[edit]
See also: Emirate of Diriyah and Wahhabi movement
The emergence of the Saudi dynasty began in central Arabia
in 1744. In that year, Muhammad ibn Saud, the tribal ruler of the town of
Ad-Dir'iyyah near Riyadh, joined forces with the religious leader Muhammad ibn
Abd-al-Wahhab,[13] the founder of the Wahhabi movement – a radical form of
Islam.[14] This alliance formed in the 18th century provided the ideological
impetus to Saudi expansion and remains the basis of Saudi Arabian dynastic rule
today. Over the next 150 years, the fortunes of the Saud family rose and fell
several times as Saudi rulers contended with Egypt, the Ottoman Empire, and
other Arabian families for control of the peninsula.[1][9]
The first Saudi State was established in 1744 in the area
around Riyadh and briefly controlled most of the present-day territory of Saudi
Arabia through conquests made between 1786 and 1816; these included Mecca and
Medina.[15]
Arabia in the 19th century
Second Saudi State
The second Saudi state 1824-1891, at its greatest extent.
Second Saudi State
The Rashidi realm 1830-1921, at its greatest extent
Concerned at the growing power of the Saudis, the Ottoman
Sultan, Mustafa IV, instructed his viceroy in Egypt, Mohammed Ali Pasha, to
reconquer the area. Ali sent his sons Tusun Pasha and Ibrahim Pasha who were
eventually successful in routing the Saudi forces in 1818 and destroyed the
power of the Al Saud.[1][9]
Return to Ottoman domination[edit]
See also: Emirate of Nejd and Al Rashid
The Al Saud returned to power in 1824 but their area of
control was mainly restricted to the Saudi heartland of the Najd region, known
as the second Saudi state. However, their rule in Najd was soon contested by
new rivals, the Al Rashid of Ha'il. Throughout the rest of the 19th century,
the Al Saud and the Al Rashid fought for control of the interior of what was to
become Saudi Arabia. By 1891, the Al Saud were conclusively defeated by the Al
Rashid, who drove the Saudis into exile in Kuwait.[1][9][9][16]
Meanwhile, in the Hejaz, following the defeat of the
first Saudi State, the Egyptians continued to occupy the area until 1840. After
they left, the Sharifs of Mecca reasserted their authority, albeit with the
presence of an Ottoman governor and garrison.[9]
Arab Revolt[edit]
Main article: Arab Revolt
By the early 20th century, the Ottoman Empire continued
to control or have suzerainty (albeit nominal) over most of the peninsula.
Subject to this suzerainty, Arabia was ruled by a patchwork of tribal rulers
(including the Al Saud who had returned from exile in 1902 – see below) with
the Sharif of Mecca having preeminence and ruling the Hejaz.[9][12][17]
In 1916, with the encouragement and support of Britain
and France[18] (which were fighting the Ottomans in the World War I), the
sharif of Mecca, Hussein bin Ali, led a pan-Arab revolt against the Ottoman
Empire with the aim of securing Arab independence and creating a single unified
Arab state spanning the Arab territories from Aleppo in Syria to Aden in Yemen.
Soldiers in the Arab Army during the Arab Revolt of
1916–1918, carrying the Flag of the Arab Revolt and pictured in the Arabian
Desert.
The Arab army comprised bedouin and others from across
the peninsula, but not the Al Saud and their allied tribes who did not
participate in the revolt partly because of a long-standing rivalry with the
Sharifs of Mecca and partly because their priority was to defeat the Al Rashid
for control of the interior. Nevertheless, the revolt played a part in the
Middle-Eastern Front and tied down thousands of Ottoman troops thereby
contributing to the Ottomans' World War I defeat in 1918.[9][19]
However, with the subsequent partitioning of the Ottoman
Empire, the British and French reneged on promises to Hussein to support a
pan-Arab state. Although Hussein was acknowledged as King of the Hejaz, Britain
later shifted support to the Al Saud, leaving him diplomatically and militarily
isolated. The revolt, therefore, failed in its objective to create a pan-Arab
state but Arabia was freed from Ottoman suzerainty and control.[19]
Unification[edit]
Main article: Unification of Saudi Arabia
In 1902, Abdul-Aziz bin Saud, leader of the Al Saud,
returned from exile in Kuwait to resume the conflict with the Al Rashid, and
seized Riyadh – the first of a series of conquests ultimately leading to the
creation of the modern state of Saudi Arabia in 1932. The main weapon for
achieving these conquests was the Ikhwan, the Wahhabist-Bedouin tribal army led
by Sultan bin Bajad Al-Otaibi and Faisal al-Duwaish.[16][20][21]
By 1906, Abdul-Aziz had driven the Al Rashid out of Najd
and the Ottomans recognized him as their client in Najd. His next major
acquisition was Al-Hasa, which he took from the Ottomans in 1913, bringing him
control of the Persian Gulf coast and what would become Saudi Arabia's vast oil
reserves. He avoided involvement in the Arab Revolt, having acknowledged
Ottoman suzerainty in 1914, and instead continued his struggle with the Al
Rashid in northern Arabia. In 1920, the Ikhwan's attention turned to the
south-west, when they seized Asir, the region between the Hejaz and Yemen. In
the following year, Abdul-Aziz finally defeated the Al Rashid and annexed all
northern Arabia.[10][16]
Prior to 1923, Abdulaziz had not risked invading the
Hejaz because Hussein bin Ali, King of the Hejaz, was supported by Britain.
However, in that year, the British withdrew their support and the Ikhwan
attacked the Hejaz, completing its conquest by the end of 1925. On 10 January
1926 Abdul-Aziz declared himself King of the Hejaz and, then, on 27 January
1927 he took the title King of Najd (his previous title was Sultan).
 |
| Kaba |
Abdulaziz Al Saud, founder of Saudi Arabia
By the Treaty of Jeddah, signed on 20 May 1927, the
United Kingdom recognized the independence of Abdul-Aziz's realm (then known as
the Kingdom of Hejaz and Najd).[10][16] After the conquest of the Hejaz, the
Ikhwan leaders wanted to continue the expansion of the Wahhabist realm into the
British protectorates of Transjordan, Iraq and Kuwait. Abdul-Aziz, however,
refused to agree to this, recognizing the danger of a direct conflict with the
British. The Ikhwan therefore revolted but were defeated in the Battle of
Sabilla in 1930,and the Ikhwan leadership were massacred.[21]
In 1933, the two kingdoms of the Hejaz and Najd were
united as the 'Kingdom of Saudi Arabia'.[16][20] Boundaries with Transjordan,
Iraq, and Kuwait were established by a series of treaties negotiated in the
1920s, with two "neutral zones" created, one with Iraq and the other
with Kuwait. The country's southern boundary with Yemen was partially defined
by the 1934 Treaty of Ta'if, which ended a brief border war between the two
states.[22]
Modern history[edit]
Main article: Modern history of Saudi Arabia
Abdulaziz's military and political successes were not
mirrored economically until vast reserves of oil were discovered in 1938 in the
Al-Hasa region along the Persian Gulf coast. Development began in 1941 and by
1949 production was in full swing.
Abdulaziz died in 1953. King Saud succeeded to the throne
on his father's death in 1953. Oil provided Saudi Arabia with economic
prosperity and a great deal of political leverage in the international
community. At the same time, the government became increasingly wasteful and
lavish. Despite the new wealth, extravagant spending led to governmental
deficits and foreign borrowing in the 1950s.[10][23][24]
However, by the early 1960s an intense rivalry between
the King and his half-brother, Prince Faisal emerged, fueled by doubts in the
royal family over Saud's competence. As a consequence, Saud was deposed in
favor of Faisal in 1964.[10]
The mid-1960s saw external pressures generated by
Saudi-Egyptian differences over Yemen. When civil war broke out in 1962 between
Yemeni royalists and republicans, Egyptian forces entered Yemen to support the
new republican government, while Saudi Arabia backed the royalists. Tensions
subsided only after 1967, when Egypt withdrew its troops from Yemen. Saudi
forces did not participate in the Six-Day (Arab-Israeli) War of June 1967, but
the government later provided annual subsidies to Egypt, Jordan, and Syria to
support their economies.[10][25]
During the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, Saudi Arabia
participated in the Arab oil boycott of the United States and Netherlands. A
member of the OPEC, Saudi Arabia had joined other member countries in moderate
oil price increases beginning in 1971. After the 1973 war, the price of oil
rose substantially, dramatically increasing Saudi Arabia's wealth and political
influence.[10]
Faisal was assassinated in 1975 by his nephew, Prince
Faisal bin Musaid.[26]
King Faisal was succeeded by his half-brother King Khalid
during whose reign economic and social development continued at an extremely
rapid rate, revolutionizing the infrastructure and educational system of the
country; in foreign policy, close ties with the US were developed.
The surviving insurgents of the seizure of the Grand
Mosque,1979 under custody of Saudi authorities. c. 1980.
In 1979, two events occurred which the Al Saud perceived
as threatening the regime, and had a long-term influence on Saudi foreign and
domestic policy. The first was the Iranian Islamic revolution. There were
several anti-government riots in the region in 1979 and 1980. The second event,
was the seizure of the Grand Mosque in Mecca by Islamist extremists. The
militants involved were in part angered by what they considered to be the
corruption and un-Islamic nature of the Saudi regime.[10][23][24][27] Part of
the response of the royal family was to enforce a much stricter observance of
Islamic and traditional Saudi norms. Islamism continued to grow in
strength.[10][23][24][27]
King Khalid died in June 1982.[10] Khalid was succeeded
by his brother King Fahd in 1982, who maintained Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy
of close cooperation with the United States and increased purchases of
sophisticated military equipment from the United States and Britain.
Following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990 Saudi
Arabia joined the anti-Iraq Coalition and King Fahd, fearing an attack from
Iraq, invited American and Coalition soldiers to be stationed in Saudi Arabia. Saudi
troops and aircraft took part in the subsequent military operations. However,
allowing Coalition forces to be based in the country proved to be one of the
issues that has led to an increase in Islamic terrorism in Saudi Arabia, as
well as Islamic terrorist attacks in Western countries by Saudi nationals – the
September 11 attacks in New York being the most prominent example.[10][28]
In 1995, Fahd suffered a debilitating stroke and the
Crown Prince, Prince Abdullah assumed day-to-day responsibility for the
government. In 2003, Saudi Arabia refused to support the US and its allies in
the invasion of Iraq.[10] Terrorist activity increased dramatically in 2003,
with the Riyadh compound bombings and other attacks, which prompted the
government to take much more stringent action against terrorism.[27]
In 2005, King Fahd died and his half-brother, Abdullah
ascended to the throne. Despite growing calls for change, the king has
continued the policy of moderate reform.[29] King Abdullah has pursued a policy
of limited deregulation, privatization and seeking foreign investment. In
December 2005, following 12 years of talks, the World Trade Organization gave
the green light to Saudi Arabia's membership.[30]
As the Arab Spring unrest and protests began to spread across
Arab world in early 2011, King Abdullah announced an increase in welfare
spending. No political reforms were announced as part of the package.[31] At
the same time Saudi troops were sent to participate in the crackdown on unrest
in Bahrain. King Abdullah gave asylum to deposed President Zine El Abidine Ben
Ali of Tunisia and telephoned President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt (prior to his
deposition) to offer his support.[32]
Hajj
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For other uses of "Hajj", see Hajj
(disambiguation).
Pilgrims at the Masjid al-Haram on Hajj in 2008
[hide]Islam
"Allahu" in Arabic calligraphy
Allahu in Arabic calligraphy
Beliefs[show]
Practices[hide]
Profession of faith Prayer
Fasting Alms Pilgrimage
Texts Laws
[show]
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[show]
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Related topics[show]
Portal icon Islam portal
v t e
The Hajj (Arabic: حج Ḥaǧǧ "pilgrimage") is an
Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and the largest gathering of Muslim people in the
world every year.[1][2] It is one of the five pillars of Islam, and a religious
duty which must be carried out at least once in lifetime by every adult Muslim
who is physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey, and can
support his family during his absence.[3][4] The state of being physically and
financially capable of performing the Hajj is called istita'ah, and a Muslim
who fulfils this condition is called a mustati. The Hajj is a demonstration of
the solidarity of the Muslim people, and their submission to God (Allah).[5]
The word Hajj means "to intend a journey" which connotes both the
outward act of a journey and the inward act of intentions.[6]
The pilgrimage occurs from the 8th to 12th of Dhu
al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. Because the Islamic calendar
is a lunar one which is eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, the
Gregorian date of Hajj changes from year to year. Ihram is the name given to
the special spiritual state in which pilgrims wear two white sheets of
unstitched cloth and abstain from certain things.[7]
The Hajj is associated with the life of Islamic prophet
Muhammad from the 7th century, but the ritual of pilgrimage to Mecca is
considered by Muslims to stretch back thousands of years to the time of Abraham
(Ibrahim). During Hajj, pilgrims join processions of hundreds of thousands of
people, who simultaneously converge on Mecca for the week of the Hajj, and
perform a series of rituals: each person walks counter-clockwise seven times
around the Ka'aba, the cube-shaped building and the direction of prayer for the
Muslims, runs back and forth between the hills of Al-Safa and Al-Marwah, drinks
from the Zamzam Well, goes to the plains of Mount Arafat to stand in vigil,
spends a night in the plane of Muzdalifa and throws stones at symbolic pillars
of Satan at Jamarat in a ritual Stoning of the Devil. The pilgrims then shave
their heads, perform a ritual of animal sacrifice, and celebrate the three day
global festival of Eid al-Adha.[8][9][10][11]
Pilgrims can also go to Mecca to perform the rituals at
other times of the year. This is sometimes called the "lesser
pilgrimage", or Umrah. However, even if one chooses to perform the Umrah,
they are still obligated to perform the Hajj at some other point in their
lifetime if they have the means to do so.
Contents [hide]
1 History
2 Rites
2.1 Ihram
2.2 Tawaf and sa'ay
2.3 First day of Hajj: 8th Dhu al-Hijjah
2.4 Second day: 9th Dhu al-Hijjah
2.5 Third day: 10th Dhu al-Hijjah
2.6 Fourth day: 11th Dhu al-Hijjah
2.7 Fifth day: 12th Dhu al-Hijjah
2.8 Journey to Medina
3 Arrangement and facilities
4 Transportation
5 Modern crowd-control issues
6 Significance
7 Number of pilgrims per year
8 Gallery
9 See also
10 Notes
11 References
12 Further reading
13 External links
History[edit]
A 1907 image of Masjid al-Haram with people praying
therein
File:Hajj.ogg
The Kaaba during Hajj
The present pattern of Hajj was established by
Muhammad.[12] However, elements of Hajj trace back to the time of Abraham
(Ibrahim), around 2000 BCE. According to tradition, Abraham was ordered by God
to leave his wife Hagar (Hājar) and his son Ishmael (ʼIsmāʻīl) alone in the
desert of ancient Mecca. Looking for shelter, food and water, Hagar ran back
and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times with her son. In
desperation, she laid the baby on the sand and begged for God's assistance. The
baby cried and hit the ground with his heel, and the Zamzam Well miraculously
sprang forth. Later, Abraham was commanded to build Kaaba (which he did with
the help of Ishmael) and to invite people to perform pilgrimage there.[13] The
Quran refers to these incidents in verses 2:124-127 and 22:27-30.[n 1] It is
said that the arch-angel Gabriel brought the Black Stone from Heaven to be
attached to Kaaba.[14]
In pre-Islamic Arabia, a time known as jahiliyyah, Kaaba
became surrounded by pagan idols.[15] In 630 CE, Muhammad led his followers
from Medina to Mecca in what was the first Hajj to be performed by Muslims
alone, and the only one Muhammad attended. He cleansed the Kaaba by destroying
all the pagan idols, and then reconsecrated the building to Allah.[16] It was
from this point that the Hajj became one of the five pillars of Islam.
During the medieval times, pilgrims would gather in big
cities of Syria, Egypt, and Iraq to go to Mecca in groups and caravans
comprising tens of thousands of pilgrims,[17] often under state patronage.[18]
Some Hajj caravans were to be guarded by soldiers because there were risks of
robbery or attack or natural hazards.[18][n 2] Muslim travelers like Ibn Jubayr
and Ibn Battuta have recorded detailed accounts of Hajj-travels of medieval
time.[19]
Rites[edit]
Diagram indicating the order of Hajj rites.
Fiqh literature describes in detail the manners of
carrying out the rites of Hajj, and pilgrims generally follow handbooks and
expert guides to successfully fulfill the requirements of Hajj.[20] In
performing the rites of hajj, the pilgrims not only follow the model of
Muhammad, but also commemorate the events associate with Abraham.[21] Male and
female pilgrims pray together during pilgrimage, a reminder that both men and
women will be standing together on the Day of Judgment.[22]
Ihram[edit]
When the pilgrims are about 6 miles (10 km) from Mecca,
they enter into a state of holiness – known as Ihram – that consists of wearing
two white seamless cloths for the male, with the one wrapped around the waist
reaching below the knee and the other draped over the left shoulder and tied at
the right side; wearing ordinary dress for the female that fulfills the Islamic
condition of public dress with hands or face uncovered;[23] taking ablution; declaring
intention (niyah) to perform pilgrimage; refraining from clipping nail, shaving
any part of the body, having sexual relation; using perfumes, damaging plants,
killing animals, covering head [for men] or the face and hands [for women];
making marriage proposal; or carrying weapons.[24][25] A place designated for
changing into Ihram is called a Miqat. The ihram is meant to show equality of
all pilgrims in front of God: there is no difference between the rich and the
poor.[26]
Tawaf and sa'ay[edit]
Direction of the Tawaf around the Kaaba
The pilgrims perform an arrival tawaf either as part of
Umrah or as an welcome tawaf.[27] They enter Masjid al-Haram and walk seven
times counterclockwise around the Kaaba. Each circuit starts with the kissing
or touching of the Black Stone (Hajar al- Aswad).[28] If kissing the stone is
not possible because of the crowds, they may simply point towards the stone
with their hand on each circuit. Eating is not permitted but the drinking of
water is allowed, because of the risk of dehydration due to the often high
humidity in Mecca. Men are encouraged to perform the first three circuits at a
hurried pace, known as Ramal, and the following four at a leisurely
pace.[23][28] There is an arced area called Hijr Ismail or Hateem on the
northern side of K'aba where tombs of Ismail and Hajar are believed to be
situated. During circumambulation for Tawaf pilgrims must include this Hateem
inside their path, otherwise their tawaf will be invalid. The completion of
Tawaf is followed by two Rakaat prayers at the Place of Abraham (Muqaam
Ibrahim), a site near Kaaba inside the mosque.[28] However, again because of
large crowds during the days of Hajj, they may instead pray anywhere in the
mosque. After prayer, pilgrims also drink water from the Zamzam well[29] which
is made available in coolers throughout the Mosque.[30]
Although the circuits around the Kaaba are traditionally
done on the ground level, tawaf is now also performed on the first floor and
roof of the mosque because of the large crowd.
Tawaf is followed by sa'ay, running or walking seven
times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. Previously in open air, the place
is now entirely enclosed by the Masjid al-Haram mosque, and can be accessed via
air-conditioned tunnels.[31] Pilgrims are advised to walk the circuit, though
two green pillars mark a short section of the path where they are allowed to
run. There is also an internal "express lane" for the disabled. As
part of this ritual the pilgrims also drink water from the Zamzam Well, which
is made available in coolers throughout the Mosque. After sayee, the male pilgrims
shave their heads and women generally clip a portion of their hair which
completes the Umrah and ends the restriction of ihram.
First day of Hajj: 8th Dhu al-Hijjah[edit]
On the 7th Dhu al-Hijjah, the pilgrims are reminded of
his duties. They again don the ihram garments and make intention for the
pilgrimage. The prohibitions of ihram start.
Mina[edit]
Tents at Mina
Plain of Arafat during Hajj, 2003
Pilgrims on Plains of Arafat on the day of Hajj
After the Morning Prayer on the 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the
pilgrims proceed to Mina where they spend the whole day and offer noon,
afternoon, evening, and night prayers. The next morning after Fajr prayer, they
leave Mina for Arafat.
Second day: 9th Dhu al-Hijjah[edit]
Arafat[edit]
Main article: Mount Arafat
On 9th Dhu al-Hijjah before noon, pilgrims arrive at
Arafat, a barren and plain land some 20 kilometers east of Mecca,[32] where
they stand in contemplative vigil: they offer supplications, repent on and
atone for their past sins, and seek mercy of God near Jabal al-Rahmah (The
Mount of Mercy) from where Muhammad delivered his last sermon. Lasting from
noon through sunset,[32] this is known as 'standing before God' (wuquf), one of
the most significant rites of Hajj.[24] At Masjid al-Namirah, pilgrims offer
noon and afternoon prayers together at noon time.[29] A pilgrim's Hajj is
considered invalid if they do not spend the afternoon on Arafat.[9][32]
Muzdalifah[edit]
Pilgrims must leave Arafat for Muzdalifah after sunset
without praying maghrib (evening) prayer at Arafat.[33] Muzdalifah is an area
between Arafat and Mina. Upon reaching there, pilgrims perform Maghrib and Isha
prayer jointly,[29] spend the night praying and sleeping on the ground with
open sky, and gather pebbles for the next day's ritual of the stoning of the
Devil (Shaitan).[34]
Third day: 10th Dhu al-Hijjah[edit]
Ramy al-Jamarat[edit]
Main article: Stoning of the Devil
Pilgrims performing Stoning of the devil ceremony at 2006
Hajj
Back at Mina, the pilgrims perform symbolic stoning of
the devil (Ramy al-Jamarat) by throwing seven stones at each of the three
pillars (jamarah) said to represent Satan.[35] On the first occasion when the
stoning is performed, pilgrims stone the largest pillar known as
Jamrat'al'Aqabah.[36] Pilgrims climb ramps to the multi-levelled Jamaraat
Bridge, from which they can throw their pebbles at the jamarat. On the second
occasion, the other pillars are stoned. The stoning consists of throwing seven
pebbles on each pillar.[9] Because of safety reasons, in 2004 the pillars were
replaced by long walls, with catch basins below to collect the pebbles.[37][38]
Animal sacrifice[edit]
After the casting of stones, animals are slaughtered to
commemorate the story of Abraham and Ishmael. Traditionally the pilgrims
slaughtered the animal themselves, or oversaw the slaughtering. Today many
pilgrims buy a sacrifice voucher in Mecca before the greater Hajj begins, which
allows an animal to be slaughtered in their name on the 10th, without the
pilgrim being physically present. Modern abattoirs complete the processing of
the meat which is then sent as charity to poor people around the world.[9][31]
At the same time as the sacrifices occur at Mecca, Muslims worldwide perform similar
sacrifices, in a three day global festival called Eid al-Adha.[10]
Hair removal[edit]
After sacrificing animal, another important rite of Hajj
is shaving head or trimming hair (known as Halak). All male pilgrims shave
their head or trim their hair on the day of Eid al Adha and women pilgrims only
cut the tip of hair.[25][39]
Tawaf Al-Ifaadah[edit]
Pilgrims performing Tawaf around Kaaba
On the same or the following day, the pilgrims re-visit
the Masjid al-Haram mosque in Mecca for another tawaf, known as Tawaf
al-Ifadah, an essential part of Hajj.[25] It symbolizes being in a hurry to
respond to God and show love for Him, an obligatory part of the Hajj. The night
of the 10th is spent back at Mina.
Fourth day: 11th Dhu al-Hijjah[edit]
At noon on the 11th (and again the following day), the
pilgrims again throw seven pebbles at each of the three pillars in Mina.
Fifth day: 12th Dhu al-Hijjah[edit]
On 12th, the same process of stoning of the Jamarat takes
place. Pilgrims must leave Mina for Mecca before sunset on the 12th. If unable,
they must perform the stoning ritual again on the 13th before returning to
Mecca.[29]
Tawaf al-Wida[edit]
Finally, before leaving Mecca, pilgrims perform a
farewell tawaf called the Tawaf al-Wida. 'Wida' means 'to bid farewell'.[9]
Journey to Medina[edit]
Though not a part of Hajj, pilgrims must choose to travel
to the city of Medina and the Al-Masjid al-Nabawi (Mosque of the Prophet),
which contains Muhammad's tomb.[31] The Quba Mosque and Masjid al-Qiblatain are
also usually visited.[40]
Arrangement and facilities[edit]
Making necessary arrangements each year for the growing
number of pilgrims poses a logistic challenge for the Saudi government who has,
since the 1950s, spent more than $100 billion to increase pilgrimage facilities.[18][41]
Major issues like housing, transportation, sanitation, and health care have
been addressed and improved greatly by the government by introducing various
development programs, with the result that pilgrims now enjoy modern facilities
and perform various rites at ease.[31] The Saudi government often sets quota
for various countries to keep the pilgrims’ number at a manageable level, and
arranges huge security forces and CCTV cameras to maintain overall safety
during Hajj.[18][42][43] Various institutions and government programs, such as
the Haj subsidy offered in India or the Tabung Haji based in Malaysia assist
pilgrims in covering the costs of the journey.[44] For 2014 Hajj, special Hajj
information desks were set up at Pakistani airports to assist the pilgrims.[45]
Transportation[edit]
Pilgrims generally travel to Hajj in groups. During the
early 19th century, the traditional overland pilgrimage caravans began to cease
as many pilgrims began arriving in Mecca by steamship which continued for some
time,[46] until after Egypt introduced the first airline service for Hajj
pilgrims in 1937.[47] Today, many airlines and travel agents offer Hajj
packages, and arrange for transportation and accommodation for the
pilgrims.[48] King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince
Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina have dedicated pilgrim terminals to
assist the arrival of pilgrims.[49][50] Other international airports around the
world, such as Indira Gandhi in New Delhi, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
in Hyderabad, Jinnah in Karachi and Soekarno-Hatta in Jakarta also have
dedicated terminals or temporary facilities to service pilgrims as they depart
and return home.[51] During Hajj, many airlines run extra flights to
accommodate the large number of pilgrims.[49]
Modern crowd-control issues[edit]
Because pilgrims’ number has largely increased in recent
years that often leads to some accidents, various crowd-control techniques have
been adapted to ensure safety. Because of the large numbers of people, many of
the rituals have become more symbolic. It is not necessary to kiss the Black
Stone, but merely to point at it on each circuit around the Kaaba. Throwing
pebbles was done at large pillars, which for safety reasons in 2004 were
changed to long walls with catch basins below to catch the stones.[37][38] The
slaughter of an animal can be done either personally, or by appointing someone
else to do it, and so forth.[23] But even with the crowd control techniques,
there are still many incidents during the Hajj, as pilgrims are trampled in a crush,
or ramps collapse under the weight of the many visitors. Mass gathering events
like the gathering of huge numbers of pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia's holy
sites during Ramadan and Hajj may give infections such as Middle East
respiratory syndrome the opportunity to spread.[52]
Significance[edit]
To the Muslims, Hajj is associated with religious as well
as social significance. Apart from being an obligatory religious duty, Hajj is
seen to have a spiritual merit which provides the Muslims with an opportunity
of self-renewal.[53] Hadith literature (sayings of Muhammad) articulates
various merits a pilgrim achieves upon successful completion of their Hajj.[n
3] After performing pilgrimage, a person becomes known as Hajji, and is held
with respect in Muslim society.[41] Hajj brings together and unites the Muslims
from different parts of the world irrespective of their race, color, and
culture which acts as a symbol of equality.[24]
A 2008 study on the impact of participating in the
Islamic pilgrimage found that Muslim communities become more positive and
tolerant after Hajj experience. Entitled Estimating the Impact of the Hajj:
Religion and Tolerance in Islam's Global Gathering and conducted in conjunction
with Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, the study noted
that the Hajj "increases belief in equality and harmony among ethnic
groups and Islamic sects and leads to more favorable attitudes toward women,
including greater acceptance of female education and employment" and that
"Hajjis show increased belief in peace, and in equality and harmony among
adherents of different religions."[54]
Malcolm X, an American civil rights activist, describes
the sociological atmosphere he experienced at his Hajj in the 1960s as follows:
There were tens of thousands of pilgrims, from all over
the world. They were of all colors, from blue-eyed blondes to black-skinned
Africans. But we were all participating in the same ritual, displaying a spirit
of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had led me to believe
never could exist between the white and the non-white. America needs to
understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society
the race problem. You may be shocked by these words coming from me. But on this
pilgrimage, what I have seen, and experienced, has forced me to rearrange much
of my thought patterns previously held.[55]
Masjid al-Haram panorama during Hajj, 2007.
Number of pilgrims per year[edit]
Before the World War ll, the number of pilgrims was
10,000 or less.[21] There has been substantial progress in the number of
pilgrims during the last 92 years, and the number of foreign pilgrims has
increased phenomenally by approximately 2,824 percent, up from just 58,584 in
1920 to 1,712,962 in 2012.[56] Due to fears of the MERS virus, attendance in
the hajj was lower in 2013 compared to 2012.[57][58] The Saudi government asked
the elderly and chronically ill Muslims to avoid the Hajj and have restricted
the number of people allowed to perform the pilgrimage.[59][60][61] Saudi
Health Minister Abdullah Al-Rabia said that authorities had so far detected no
cases of MERS among the pilgrims.[57][62] He also said that despite few cases
of MERS, Saudi Arabia was ready for 2014 Pilgrimage.[63] The following number
of pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia each year to perform Hajj.
Year Hijri year Saudi pilgrims Foreign pilgrims Total
1920 1338 58,584[56]
1921 1339 57,255[56]
1922 1340 56,319[56]
1996 1416 784,769 1,080,465 1,865,234[64][65]
1997 1417 774,260 1,168,591 1,942,851[65][66]
1998 1418 699,770 1,132,344 1,832,114[65][67]
1999 1419 775,268 1,056,730 1,831,998[65]
2000 1420 571,599 1,267,555 1,839,154[65]
2001 1421 549,271 1,363,992 1,913,263[68]
2002 1422 590,576 1,354,184 1,944,760[65]
2003 1423 610,117 1,431,012 2,041,129[65]
2004 1424 592,368 1,419,706 2,012,074[65]
2005 1425 629,710 1,534,769 2,164,469[65][69]
2006 1426 573,147 1,557,447 2,130,594[65][70]
2007 1427 746,511 1,707,814 2,454,325[65][71][72]
2008 1428 1,729,841[65][73]
2009 1429 154,000 1,613,000 2,521,000[74]
2010 1430 989,798 1,799,601 2,854,345[75]
2011 1431 1,099,522 1,828,195 2,927,717[76]
2012 1432 1,408,641 1,752,932 3,161,573[77]
2013 1433 700,000 (approx.) [78] 1,379,531 [79] 2,061,573
(approx.)
Gallery[edit]
The virtue of Hajj And Umrah
by
Shaikh Abdullah bin Abdul al-Azhim Khalafi
From Abu Hurayrah radi anhu, that the Prophet sallallaahu
'alaihi wa sallam said:
العمرة إلى العمرة كفارة لما بينهما, والحج المبرور ليس له جزاء
إلا الجنة.
"Umrah to Umrah is a sin between them, and the
pilgrimage Mabrur no reward for it than Paradise." [1]
From Ibn Mas'ud radi 'anhu, that the Prophet sallallaahu'
alaihi wa sallam said:
تابعوا بين الحج والعمرة فإنهما ينفيان الفقر والذنوب, كما ينفي
الكير خبث الحديد والذهب والفضة, وليس للحجة المبرورة ثواب إلا الجنة.
"Iringilah between Hajj and Umrah for both abolish
sin and indigence, as fire blower removes dirt (rust) iron, gold and silver,
and there is no reward for Hajj Mabrur but Heaven." [2]
From Abu Hurayrah, he said, "I heard the Prophet
sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam said:
من حج لله عزوجل فلم يرفث ولم يفسق رجع كيوم ولدته أمه.
'Whoever performs Hajj sincere for Allah Almighty without
cruel and kefasiqan, then he returned without sin as the time he was born by
his mother.' "[3]
From Ibn 'Umar' anhuma, from the Prophet sallallaahu
'alaihi wa sallam, he said:
الغازي في سبيل الله والحاج والمعتمر, وفد الله, دعاهم فأجابوه.
وسألوه فأعطاهم.
"People who fight for Allah and those who go for
Hajj and Umrah, is the delegation of God. (when) God's call to them, then they
fulfill His calling. And (when) they asked Him, then God granted (their
request). "[4]
Hajj Umrah Along Liability To Do It Once In a Lifetime,
For Every Muslim, Baligh, intelligent, Freedom And Able
Word of Allah Ta'ala:
إن أول بيت وضع للناس للذي ببكة مباركا وهدى للعالمين فيه آيات
بينات مقام إبراهيم ومن دخله كان آمنا ولله على الناس حج البيت من استطاع إليه سبيلا
ومن كفر فإن الله غني عن العالمين
"Verily, the first house built for the (place of
worship) is the man who was in Bakkah Baitullah (Mecca) blessed and a guidance
for all mankind. Him there are signs of real, (among) the station of Abraham;
whoever entered it (Baitullah's) men-so he was safe; pilgrimage is the duty of
man to God, that is (for) people are able to travel to the House. Whoever
denies (hajj obligations), Allah Rich, (does not require anything) of the
Worlds. "[Ali 'Imran: 96-97]
From Abu Hurayrah, he said, the Prophet sallallaahu
'alaihi wa sallam berkhutbah in our midst, he said:
أيها الناس قد فرض الله عليكم الحج فحجوا, فقال رجل: أكل عام,
يا رسول الله? فسكت, حتى قالها ثلاثا, ثم قال صلى الله عليه وسلم: لو قلت نعم, لوجبت,
ولما استطعتم. ثم قال: ذروني ما تركتكم, فإنما هلك من كان قبلكم بكثرة سؤالهم واختلافهم
على أنبيائهم, فإذا أمرتكم بشيء فأتوا منه ما استطعتم, وإذا نهيتكم عن شيء فدعوه.
"It is obligatory upon you the pilgrimage, then pay
the poor (the pilgrimage)." Then there is a saying, "Do every year, O
Messenger of Allah?" Then he was silent until the person to say it three
times, then the Prophet sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "If I say yes,
will undoubtedly become a liability and surely you will not be able to
(carry)." Then he said, "let me as I let you. Surely that destroyed
the people before you is a lot to ask and a lot of them at odds with the
Prophet. If I ordered something to you, then perform your as best you guys. And
when I forbid something, then leave. "[5]
From Ibn 'Umar anhuma, he said, "the Prophet
sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam said:
بني الإسلام على خمس, شهادة أن لا إله إلا الله, وأن محمدا رسول
الله, وإقام الصلاة, وإيتاء الزكاة, وحج البيت, وصوم رمضان.
"Islam is built on five pillars: (1) testament that
there is no god who is entitled diibadahi correctly but Allah and that Muhammad
is the Messenger of Allah, (2) establish the prayer, (3) practice regular
charity, (4) the pilgrimage to the House, and (5) Ramadan fasting. '"[6]
From Ibn 'Abbaas anhuma, he said, "the Prophet
sallallaahu' alaihi wa sallam said:
هذه عمرة استمتعنا بها, فمن لم يكن عنده الهدي فليحل الحل كله,
فإن العمرة قد دخلت في الحج إلى يوم القيامة.
"It is worship Umrah we have fun with it. Anyone who
does not have hadyu (animal sacrifice), then he should bertahallul overall,
because worship has entered the Umrah pilgrimage until the Day of Resurrection.
"[7]
From Shabi ibn Ma'bad, he said, "I went to 'Umar,
and I said to him:
يا أمير المؤمنين, إني أسلمت, وإني وجدت الحج والعمرة مكتوبين
علي, فأهللت بهما, فقال: هديت لسنة نبيك.
"O Commander of the Faithful, indeed I had converted
to Islam, and I'm sure that myself have compulsory Hajj and Umrah, and then I
started working on the second worship. 'Then he said,' You've got-the
instructions to implement the Sunnah of your Prophet. '"[8]
[Copied from the book Al-Sunna wal Wajiiz FII Fiqhis
Kitaabil Aziiz, Author Shaikh Abdul Azhim Badawai bin al-Khalafi, Indonesia
Guide Fiqh Complete Edition, Translators Team Tashfiyah LIPIA - Jakarta, Ibn
Kathir Library Publishers, Printed in Ramadan 1428 - September 2007M]
_______
footnote
[1]. Muttafaq 'alaih: Shahiih al-Bukhari (III / 597, no.
1773), Shahiih Muslims (II / 987, no. 1349), Sunan at-Tirmidhi (II / 206, no.
937), Sunan Ibni Majah (II / 964, no. 2888), Sunan an-Nasa-i (V / 115).
[2]. Saheeh: [Shahiihul Jaami '(no. 2901)], Sunan
at-Tirmidhi (II / 153, no. 807), Sunan an-Nasa-i (V / 115)
[3]. Muttafaq 'alaih: Shahiih al-Bukhari (III / 382, no.
1521), Shahiih Muslims (II / 983, no. 1350), Sunan Ibni MUnfinished journey (58)
(Part fifty-eight, Depok, West Java, Indonesia, 10 September
2014, 11:39 pm)
The Saudi Arabian government is now working hard and
using all existing information systems to provide information of all forms of
information and this information Hajj 2014.
It is necessary to
remember the nearly three million pilgrims from around the world will gather in
Mecca in the Hajj season of this. That is why the government of Saudi Arabia
limits the number of pilgrims from various countries based on quotas, and only
allow each hajj pilgrims only once in five years, should not every year, except
Umrah (small Hajj).
All systems go for Haj
Saudi Arabia has launched a
major media campaign ahead of the annual pilgrimage to educate Saudis and
expatriate workers on the importance of obtaining Haj permits in order to help organize the largest gathering of
Muslims in a better way.
Makkah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah launched The
Right Way Is Haj With A Permit campaign in the city on Tuesday, aimed at
preventing squatting of pilgrims in public places and controlling their number
to avoid overcrowding in the holy sites.
Prince Mishaal, who is chairman of the Supreme Haj
Committee, said the city is geared up for the big event. “All sectors are
perfectly ready and we’ll not spare any effort in the service of the guests of
Allah,” he added.
The campaign aims to ensure that only persons with
permits perform the Haj and that pilgrims and service providers comply with
ethical and regulatory standards.
All related ministries and government departments are
participating in the campaign. The telecommunications sector, in its role as a
strategic sponsor, has also been helping to create public awareness.
“We are confident that we are striving, under the
direction of the Saudi leadership, to offer the best services at the holiest
locations on earth,” the governor said.
Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar said the permits have been
introduced to limit the numbers of pilgrims because of space constraints. This
could only be achieved by allowing individuals to perform Haj once every five
years.
“The introduction of the Haj permit is not to ban people
from repeatedly performing the pilgrimage. It is a regulatory step taken in
view of a threefold increase in the number of pilgrims which affects proper Haj
organization,” he said.
The prince also launched mobile and other handheld
communication devices designed to check Haj permits.
The campaign will feature promotions on satellite
channels, radio, roadside screens, commercial centers and hospitals.
History of Saudi Arabia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Part of a series on the
History of Saudi Arabia
Coat of arms of Saudi Arabia
Ancient Arabia
Early Islamic State
Rashidun Caliphate
Umayyad and Abbasid periods
Sharifate of Mecca
Ottoman rule
Emirate of Diriyah
Emirate of Nejd
Emirate of Nejd and Hasa
Sultanate of Nejd
Kingdom of Nejd and Hejaz
Unification
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Portal icon Saudi Arabia portal
v t e
The history of Saudi Arabia, as a state, began with its
foundation in 1933 by Abdulaziz Al Saud, although the human history of the
region that is now Saudi Arabia extends as far as 20,000 years ago. The region
has twice in world history had a global impact.[who?][citation needed] The
first was in the 7th century when it became the cradle of Islam. The second was
from the mid-20th century when the discovery of vast oil deposits propelled it
into a key economic and geo-political role. At other times, the region existed
in relative obscurity and isolation, although from the 7th century the cities
of Mecca and Medina had the highest spiritual significance for the Muslim
world, Mecca being the destination for the Hajj annual pilgrimage.
For much of its history most of the region has been
controlled by a patchwork of tribal rulers. The Al Saud (the Saudi royal
family) were originally minor tribal rulers in Najd in central Arabia. From the
mid-18th century, imbued with the religious zeal of the Wahabbi Islamic movement,
they became aggressively expansionist. Over the following 150 years, the extent
of the Al Saud territory fluctuated. However, between 1902 and 1927, the Al
Saud leader, Abdulaziz, carried out a series of wars of conquest which resulted
in his creation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932.
Since 1932, Abdulaziz, and, after his death in 1953, five
of his sons in succession have ruled Saudi Arabia as an absolute monarchy. His
immediate successor Saud, facing opposition from the rest of the royal family,
was replaced by Faisal in 1964. Until his murder by a relative in 1975, Faisal
presided over a period of growth and modernization fueled by oil wealth. Saudi
Arabia's role in the 1973 oil crisis and, the subsequent rise in the price of
oil, dramatically increased the country's political significance and wealth.
The reign of his successor, Khalid, saw the first major signs of dissent with
the seizure of the Grand Mosque in Mecca by Islamist extremists in 1979. Fahd
became king in 1982 and, during his reign, Saudi Arabia became the largest oil
producer in the world. However, internal tensions increased when the country
allied itself with the United States, and others, in the Gulf War of 1991. In
the early 2000s, the Islamicist opposition to the regime carried out a series
of terrorist attacks. Abdullah succeeded Fahd in 2005 and has instituted a
number of mild reforms to modernize many of the country's institutions and, to
some extent, has increased political participation.
Pre-Islamic Thamud dwellings carved into the cliffs at
Mada'in Saleh, Saudi Arabia
There is evidence that human habitation in the Arabian
Peninsula dates back to about 15,000 to 20,000 years ago.[1]
Archaeology has revealed some early settled
civilizations: the Dilmun civilization on the Persian Gulf, and Thamud north of
the Hejaz. The earliest known events in Arabian history are migrations from the
peninsula into neighbouring areas.[2]
There is also evidence from Timna (Palestine) and Tell
el-Kheleifeh (Jordan) that the local Qurayya/Midianite pottery originated
within the Hejaz region of NW Saudi Arabia, which suggests that the biblical
Midianites originally came from the Hejaz region of NW Saudi Arabia before
expanding into Jordan and Southern Palestine. [3][4]
The spread of Islam[edit]
Main article: History of Islam
Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, was born in Mecca in
about 570 and first began preaching in the city in 610, but migrated to Medina
in 622. From there, he and his companions united the tribes of Arabia under the
banner of Islam and created a single Arab Muslim religious polity in the
Arabian Peninsula.
The tribes of Arabia at the time of the spread of Islam
(expandable map)
Following Muhammad's death in 632, Abu Bakr became leader
of the Muslims as the first Caliph. After putting down a rebellion by the Arab
tribes (known as the Ridda wars, or "Wars of Apostasy"), Abu Bakr
attacked the Byzantine Empire. On his death in 634, he was succeeded by Umar as
caliph, followed by Uthman ibn al-Affan and Ali ibn Abi Talib. The period of
these first four caliphs is known as the Rashidun or "rightly guided"
Caliphate (al-khulafā' ar-rāshidūn). Under the Rashidun Caliphs, and, from 661,
their Umayyad successors, the Arabs rapidly expanded the territory under Muslim
control outside of Arabia. In a matter of decades Muslim armies decisively
defeated the Byzantine army and destroyed the Persian Empire, conquering huge
swathes of territory from the Iberian peninsula to India. The political focus
of the Muslim world then shifted to the newly conquered territories.[5][6]
Nevertheless, Mecca and Medina remained the spiritually
most important places in the Muslim world. The Qu'ran requires every
able-bodied Muslim who can afford it, as one of the five pillars of Islam, to
make a pilgrimage, or Hajj, to Mecca during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah
at least once in his or her lifetime.[7] The Masjid al-Haram (the Grand Mosque)
in Mecca is the location of the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site, and the Masjid
al-Nabawi (the Prophet's Mosque) in Medina is the location of Muhammad tomb; as
a result, from the 7th century, Mecca and Medina became the pilgrimage
destinations for large numbers of Muslims from across the Muslim world.[8]
.gif) |
| Saudi Arabia map |
Umayyad and Abbasid periods[edit]
Despite its spiritual importance, in political terms
Arabia soon became a peripheral region of the Muslim world, in which the most
important medieval Islamic states were based at various times in such far away
cities as Damascus, Baghdad, and Cairo. Most of what was to become Saudi Arabia
reverted to traditional tribal rule soon after the initial Muslim conquests,
and remained a shifting patchwork of tribes and tribal emirates and
confederations of varying durability.[9][10]
Muawiyah I, the first Umayyad caliph, took an interest in
his native Mecca, erecting buildings and digging wells.[11] Under his Marwanids
successors, Mecca became the abode of poets and musicians. Even then, Medina
eclipsed Mecca in importance for much of the Umayyad period, as it was home to
the new Muslim aristocracy.[11] Under Yazid I, the revolt of Abd Allah bin
al-Zubair brought Syrian troops to Mecca.[11] An accident led to a fire that
destroyed the Kaaba, which was rebuilt by Ibn al-Zubair.[11] In 747, a
Kharidjit rebel from Yemen seized Mecca unopposed, but he was soon defeated by
Marwan II.[11] In 750, Mecca, along with the rest of the caliphate, was passed
to the Abbasids.[11]
Sharifate of Mecca[edit]
Main article: Sharifate of Mecca
The Arabian Peninsula in 1914
From the 10th century (and, in fact, until the 20th
century) the Hashemite Sharifs of Mecca maintained a state in the most
developed part of the region, the Hejaz. Their domain originally comprised only
the holy cities of Mecca and Medina but in the 13th century it was extended to
include the rest of the Hejaz. Although, the Sharifs exercised at most times
independent authority in the Hejaz, they were usually subject to the suzerainty
of one of the major Islamic empires of the time. In the Middle Ages, these
included the Abbasids of Baghdad, and the Fatimids, Ayyubids and Mamluks of
Egypt.[9]
Ottoman Era[edit]
Main article: Ottoman era in the history of Saudi Arabia
Beginning with Selim I's acquisition of Medina and Mecca
in 1517, the Ottomans, in the 16th century, added to their Empire the Hejaz and
Asir regions along the Red Sea and the Al Hasa region on the Persian Gulf
coast, these being the most populous parts of what was to become Saudi Arabia.
They also laid claim to the interior, although this remained a rather nominal
suzerainty. The degree of control over these lands varied over the next four
centuries with the fluctuating strength or weakness of the Empire's central
authority. In the Hejaz, the Sharifs of Mecca were largely left in control of
their territory (although there would often be an Ottoman governor and garrison
in Mecca). On the eastern side of the country, the Ottomans lost control of the
Al Hasa region to Arab tribes in the 17th century but regained it again in the
19th century. Throughout the period, the interior remained under the rule of a
large number of petty tribal rulers in much the same way as it had in previous
centuries.[12]
The first Saudi State 1744-1818
Rise of Wahhabism and the first Saudi state[edit]
See also: Emirate of Diriyah and Wahhabi movement
The emergence of the Saudi dynasty began in central Arabia
in 1744. In that year, Muhammad ibn Saud, the tribal ruler of the town of
Ad-Dir'iyyah near Riyadh, joined forces with the religious leader Muhammad ibn
Abd-al-Wahhab,[13] the founder of the Wahhabi movement – a radical form of
Islam.[14] This alliance formed in the 18th century provided the ideological
impetus to Saudi expansion and remains the basis of Saudi Arabian dynastic rule
today. Over the next 150 years, the fortunes of the Saud family rose and fell
several times as Saudi rulers contended with Egypt, the Ottoman Empire, and
other Arabian families for control of the peninsula.[1][9]
The first Saudi State was established in 1744 in the area
around Riyadh and briefly controlled most of the present-day territory of Saudi
Arabia through conquests made between 1786 and 1816; these included Mecca and
Medina.[15]
Arabia in the 19th century
Second Saudi State
The second Saudi state 1824-1891, at its greatest extent.
Second Saudi State
The Rashidi realm 1830-1921, at its greatest extent
Concerned at the growing power of the Saudis, the Ottoman
Sultan, Mustafa IV, instructed his viceroy in Egypt, Mohammed Ali Pasha, to
reconquer the area. Ali sent his sons Tusun Pasha and Ibrahim Pasha who were
eventually successful in routing the Saudi forces in 1818 and destroyed the
power of the Al Saud.[1][9]
Return to Ottoman domination[edit]
See also: Emirate of Nejd and Al Rashid
The Al Saud returned to power in 1824 but their area of
control was mainly restricted to the Saudi heartland of the Najd region, known
as the second Saudi state. However, their rule in Najd was soon contested by
new rivals, the Al Rashid of Ha'il. Throughout the rest of the 19th century,
the Al Saud and the Al Rashid fought for control of the interior of what was to
become Saudi Arabia. By 1891, the Al Saud were conclusively defeated by the Al
Rashid, who drove the Saudis into exile in Kuwait.[1][9][9][16]
Meanwhile, in the Hejaz, following the defeat of the
first Saudi State, the Egyptians continued to occupy the area until 1840. After
they left, the Sharifs of Mecca reasserted their authority, albeit with the
presence of an Ottoman governor and garrison.[9]
Arab Revolt[edit]
Main article: Arab Revolt
By the early 20th century, the Ottoman Empire continued
to control or have suzerainty (albeit nominal) over most of the peninsula.
Subject to this suzerainty, Arabia was ruled by a patchwork of tribal rulers
(including the Al Saud who had returned from exile in 1902 – see below) with
the Sharif of Mecca having preeminence and ruling the Hejaz.[9][12][17]
In 1916, with the encouragement and support of Britain
and France[18] (which were fighting the Ottomans in the World War I), the
sharif of Mecca, Hussein bin Ali, led a pan-Arab revolt against the Ottoman
Empire with the aim of securing Arab independence and creating a single unified
Arab state spanning the Arab territories from Aleppo in Syria to Aden in Yemen.
Soldiers in the Arab Army during the Arab Revolt of
1916–1918, carrying the Flag of the Arab Revolt and pictured in the Arabian
Desert.
The Arab army comprised bedouin and others from across
the peninsula, but not the Al Saud and their allied tribes who did not
participate in the revolt partly because of a long-standing rivalry with the
Sharifs of Mecca and partly because their priority was to defeat the Al Rashid
for control of the interior. Nevertheless, the revolt played a part in the
Middle-Eastern Front and tied down thousands of Ottoman troops thereby
contributing to the Ottomans' World War I defeat in 1918.[9][19]
However, with the subsequent partitioning of the Ottoman
Empire, the British and French reneged on promises to Hussein to support a
pan-Arab state. Although Hussein was acknowledged as King of the Hejaz, Britain
later shifted support to the Al Saud, leaving him diplomatically and militarily
isolated. The revolt, therefore, failed in its objective to create a pan-Arab
state but Arabia was freed from Ottoman suzerainty and control.[19]
Unification[edit]
Main article: Unification of Saudi Arabia
In 1902, Abdul-Aziz bin Saud, leader of the Al Saud,
returned from exile in Kuwait to resume the conflict with the Al Rashid, and
seized Riyadh – the first of a series of conquests ultimately leading to the
creation of the modern state of Saudi Arabia in 1932. The main weapon for
achieving these conquests was the Ikhwan, the Wahhabist-Bedouin tribal army led
by Sultan bin Bajad Al-Otaibi and Faisal al-Duwaish.[16][20][21]
By 1906, Abdul-Aziz had driven the Al Rashid out of Najd
and the Ottomans recognized him as their client in Najd. His next major
acquisition was Al-Hasa, which he took from the Ottomans in 1913, bringing him
control of the Persian Gulf coast and what would become Saudi Arabia's vast oil
reserves. He avoided involvement in the Arab Revolt, having acknowledged
Ottoman suzerainty in 1914, and instead continued his struggle with the Al
Rashid in northern Arabia. In 1920, the Ikhwan's attention turned to the
south-west, when they seized Asir, the region between the Hejaz and Yemen. In
the following year, Abdul-Aziz finally defeated the Al Rashid and annexed all
northern Arabia.[10][16]
Prior to 1923, Abdulaziz had not risked invading the
Hejaz because Hussein bin Ali, King of the Hejaz, was supported by Britain.
However, in that year, the British withdrew their support and the Ikhwan
attacked the Hejaz, completing its conquest by the end of 1925. On 10 January
1926 Abdul-Aziz declared himself King of the Hejaz and, then, on 27 January
1927 he took the title King of Najd (his previous title was Sultan).
Abdulaziz Al Saud, founder of Saudi Arabia
By the Treaty of Jeddah, signed on 20 May 1927, the
United Kingdom recognized the independence of Abdul-Aziz's realm (then known as
the Kingdom of Hejaz and Najd).[10][16] After the conquest of the Hejaz, the
Ikhwan leaders wanted to continue the expansion of the Wahhabist realm into the
British protectorates of Transjordan, Iraq and Kuwait. Abdul-Aziz, however,
refused to agree to this, recognizing the danger of a direct conflict with the
British. The Ikhwan therefore revolted but were defeated in the Battle of
Sabilla in 1930,and the Ikhwan leadership were massacred.[21]
In 1933, the two kingdoms of the Hejaz and Najd were
united as the 'Kingdom of Saudi Arabia'.[16][20] Boundaries with Transjordan,
Iraq, and Kuwait were established by a series of treaties negotiated in the
1920s, with two "neutral zones" created, one with Iraq and the other
with Kuwait. The country's southern boundary with Yemen was partially defined
by the 1934 Treaty of Ta'if, which ended a brief border war between the two
states.[22]
Modern history[edit]
Main article: Modern history of Saudi Arabia
Abdulaziz's military and political successes were not
mirrored economically until vast reserves of oil were discovered in 1938 in the
Al-Hasa region along the Persian Gulf coast. Development began in 1941 and by
1949 production was in full swing.
Abdulaziz died in 1953. King Saud succeeded to the throne
on his father's death in 1953. Oil provided Saudi Arabia with economic
prosperity and a great deal of political leverage in the international
community. At the same time, the government became increasingly wasteful and
lavish. Despite the new wealth, extravagant spending led to governmental
deficits and foreign borrowing in the 1950s.[10][23][24]
However, by the early 1960s an intense rivalry between
the King and his half-brother, Prince Faisal emerged, fueled by doubts in the
royal family over Saud's competence. As a consequence, Saud was deposed in
favor of Faisal in 1964.[10]
The mid-1960s saw external pressures generated by
Saudi-Egyptian differences over Yemen. When civil war broke out in 1962 between
Yemeni royalists and republicans, Egyptian forces entered Yemen to support the
new republican government, while Saudi Arabia backed the royalists. Tensions
subsided only after 1967, when Egypt withdrew its troops from Yemen. Saudi
forces did not participate in the Six-Day (Arab-Israeli) War of June 1967, but
the government later provided annual subsidies to Egypt, Jordan, and Syria to
support their economies.[10][25]
During the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, Saudi Arabia
participated in the Arab oil boycott of the United States and Netherlands. A
member of the OPEC, Saudi Arabia had joined other member countries in moderate
oil price increases beginning in 1971. After the 1973 war, the price of oil
rose substantially, dramatically increasing Saudi Arabia's wealth and political
influence.[10]
Faisal was assassinated in 1975 by his nephew, Prince
Faisal bin Musaid.[26]
King Faisal was succeeded by his half-brother King Khalid
during whose reign economic and social development continued at an extremely
rapid rate, revolutionizing the infrastructure and educational system of the
country; in foreign policy, close ties with the US were developed.
The surviving insurgents of the seizure of the Grand
Mosque,1979 under custody of Saudi authorities. c. 1980.
In 1979, two events occurred which the Al Saud perceived
as threatening the regime, and had a long-term influence on Saudi foreign and
domestic policy. The first was the Iranian Islamic revolution. There were
several anti-government riots in the region in 1979 and 1980. The second event,
was the seizure of the Grand Mosque in Mecca by Islamist extremists. The
militants involved were in part angered by what they considered to be the
corruption and un-Islamic nature of the Saudi regime.[10][23][24][27] Part of
the response of the royal family was to enforce a much stricter observance of
Islamic and traditional Saudi norms. Islamism continued to grow in
strength.[10][23][24][27]
King Khalid died in June 1982.[10] Khalid was succeeded
by his brother King Fahd in 1982, who maintained Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy
of close cooperation with the United States and increased purchases of
sophisticated military equipment from the United States and Britain.
 |
| Press Conference governor of Mecca |
Following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990 Saudi
Arabia joined the anti-Iraq Coalition and King Fahd, fearing an attack from
Iraq, invited American and Coalition soldiers to be stationed in Saudi Arabia. Saudi
troops and aircraft took part in the subsequent military operations. However,
allowing Coalition forces to be based in the country proved to be one of the
issues that has led to an increase in Islamic terrorism in Saudi Arabia, as
well as Islamic terrorist attacks in Western countries by Saudi nationals – the
September 11 attacks in New York being the most prominent example.[10][28]
In 1995, Fahd suffered a debilitating stroke and the
Crown Prince, Prince Abdullah assumed day-to-day responsibility for the
government. In 2003, Saudi Arabia refused to support the US and its allies in
the invasion of Iraq.[10] Terrorist activity increased dramatically in 2003,
with the Riyadh compound bombings and other attacks, which prompted the
government to take much more stringent action against terrorism.[27]
In 2005, King Fahd died and his half-brother, Abdullah
ascended to the throne. Despite growing calls for change, the king has
continued the policy of moderate reform.[29] King Abdullah has pursued a policy
of limited deregulation, privatization and seeking foreign investment. In
December 2005, following 12 years of talks, the World Trade Organization gave
the green light to Saudi Arabia's membership.[30]
As the Arab Spring unrest and protests began to spread across
Arab world in early 2011, King Abdullah announced an increase in welfare
spending. No political reforms were announced as part of the package.[31] At
the same time Saudi troops were sent to participate in the crackdown on unrest
in Bahrain. King Abdullah gave asylum to deposed President Zine El Abidine Ben
Ali of Tunisia and telephoned President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt (prior to his
deposition) to offer his support.[32]
Hajj
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Pilgrims at the Masjid al-Haram on Hajj in 2008
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v t e
The Hajj (Arabic: حج Ḥaǧǧ "pilgrimage") is an
Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and the largest gathering of Muslim people in the
world every year.[1][2] It is one of the five pillars of Islam, and a religious
duty which must be carried out at least once in lifetime by every adult Muslim
who is physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey, and can
support his family during his absence.[3][4] The state of being physically and
financially capable of performing the Hajj is called istita'ah, and a Muslim
who fulfils this condition is called a mustati. The Hajj is a demonstration of
the solidarity of the Muslim people, and their submission to God (Allah).[5]
The word Hajj means "to intend a journey" which connotes both the
outward act of a journey and the inward act of intentions.[6]
The pilgrimage occurs from the 8th to 12th of Dhu
al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. Because the Islamic calendar
is a lunar one which is eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, the
Gregorian date of Hajj changes from year to year. Ihram is the name given to
the special spiritual state in which pilgrims wear two white sheets of
unstitched cloth and abstain from certain things.[7]
The Hajj is associated with the life of Islamic prophet
Muhammad from the 7th century, but the ritual of pilgrimage to Mecca is
considered by Muslims to stretch back thousands of years to the time of Abraham
(Ibrahim). During Hajj, pilgrims join processions of hundreds of thousands of
people, who simultaneously converge on Mecca for the week of the Hajj, and
perform a series of rituals: each person walks counter-clockwise seven times
around the Ka'aba, the cube-shaped building and the direction of prayer for the
Muslims, runs back and forth between the hills of Al-Safa and Al-Marwah, drinks
from the Zamzam Well, goes to the plains of Mount Arafat to stand in vigil,
spends a night in the plane of Muzdalifa and throws stones at symbolic pillars
of Satan at Jamarat in a ritual Stoning of the Devil. The pilgrims then shave
their heads, perform a ritual of animal sacrifice, and celebrate the three day
global festival of Eid al-Adha.[8][9][10][11]
Pilgrims can also go to Mecca to perform the rituals at
other times of the year. This is sometimes called the "lesser
pilgrimage", or Umrah. However, even if one chooses to perform the Umrah,
they are still obligated to perform the Hajj at some other point in their
lifetime if they have the means to do so.
Contents [hide]
1 History
2 Rites
2.1 Ihram
2.2 Tawaf and sa'ay
2.3 First day of Hajj: 8th Dhu al-Hijjah
2.4 Second day: 9th Dhu al-Hijjah
2.5 Third day: 10th Dhu al-Hijjah
2.6 Fourth day: 11th Dhu al-Hijjah
2.7 Fifth day: 12th Dhu al-Hijjah
2.8 Journey to Medina
3 Arrangement and facilities
4 Transportation
5 Modern crowd-control issues
6 Significance
7 Number of pilgrims per year
8 Gallery
9 See also
10 Notes
11 References
12 Further reading
13 External links
History[edit]
A 1907 image of Masjid al-Haram with people praying
therein
File:Hajj.ogg
The Kaaba during Hajj
The present pattern of Hajj was established by
Muhammad.[12] However, elements of Hajj trace back to the time of Abraham
(Ibrahim), around 2000 BCE. According to tradition, Abraham was ordered by God
to leave his wife Hagar (Hājar) and his son Ishmael (ʼIsmāʻīl) alone in the
desert of ancient Mecca. Looking for shelter, food and water, Hagar ran back
and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times with her son. In
desperation, she laid the baby on the sand and begged for God's assistance. The
baby cried and hit the ground with his heel, and the Zamzam Well miraculously
sprang forth. Later, Abraham was commanded to build Kaaba (which he did with
the help of Ishmael) and to invite people to perform pilgrimage there.[13] The
Quran refers to these incidents in verses 2:124-127 and 22:27-30.[n 1] It is
said that the arch-angel Gabriel brought the Black Stone from Heaven to be
attached to Kaaba.[14]
In pre-Islamic Arabia, a time known as jahiliyyah, Kaaba
became surrounded by pagan idols.[15] In 630 CE, Muhammad led his followers
from Medina to Mecca in what was the first Hajj to be performed by Muslims
alone, and the only one Muhammad attended. He cleansed the Kaaba by destroying
all the pagan idols, and then reconsecrated the building to Allah.[16] It was
from this point that the Hajj became one of the five pillars of Islam.
 |
| Tents in Arafah deserts |
During the medieval times, pilgrims would gather in big
cities of Syria, Egypt, and Iraq to go to Mecca in groups and caravans
comprising tens of thousands of pilgrims,[17] often under state patronage.[18]
Some Hajj caravans were to be guarded by soldiers because there were risks of
robbery or attack or natural hazards.[18][n 2] Muslim travelers like Ibn Jubayr
and Ibn Battuta have recorded detailed accounts of Hajj-travels of medieval
time.[19]
Rites[edit]
Diagram indicating the order of Hajj rites.
Fiqh literature describes in detail the manners of
carrying out the rites of Hajj, and pilgrims generally follow handbooks and
expert guides to successfully fulfill the requirements of Hajj.[20] In
performing the rites of hajj, the pilgrims not only follow the model of
Muhammad, but also commemorate the events associate with Abraham.[21] Male and
female pilgrims pray together during pilgrimage, a reminder that both men and
women will be standing together on the Day of Judgment.[22]
Ihram[edit]
When the pilgrims are about 6 miles (10 km) from Mecca,
they enter into a state of holiness – known as Ihram – that consists of wearing
two white seamless cloths for the male, with the one wrapped around the waist
reaching below the knee and the other draped over the left shoulder and tied at
the right side; wearing ordinary dress for the female that fulfills the Islamic
condition of public dress with hands or face uncovered;[23] taking ablution; declaring
intention (niyah) to perform pilgrimage; refraining from clipping nail, shaving
any part of the body, having sexual relation; using perfumes, damaging plants,
killing animals, covering head [for men] or the face and hands [for women];
making marriage proposal; or carrying weapons.[24][25] A place designated for
changing into Ihram is called a Miqat. The ihram is meant to show equality of
all pilgrims in front of God: there is no difference between the rich and the
poor.[26]
Tawaf and sa'ay[edit]
Direction of the Tawaf around the Kaaba
The pilgrims perform an arrival tawaf either as part of
Umrah or as an welcome tawaf.[27] They enter Masjid al-Haram and walk seven
times counterclockwise around the Kaaba. Each circuit starts with the kissing
or touching of the Black Stone (Hajar al- Aswad).[28] If kissing the stone is
not possible because of the crowds, they may simply point towards the stone
with their hand on each circuit. Eating is not permitted but the drinking of
water is allowed, because of the risk of dehydration due to the often high
humidity in Mecca. Men are encouraged to perform the first three circuits at a
hurried pace, known as Ramal, and the following four at a leisurely
pace.[23][28] There is an arced area called Hijr Ismail or Hateem on the
northern side of K'aba where tombs of Ismail and Hajar are believed to be
situated. During circumambulation for Tawaf pilgrims must include this Hateem
inside their path, otherwise their tawaf will be invalid. The completion of
Tawaf is followed by two Rakaat prayers at the Place of Abraham (Muqaam
Ibrahim), a site near Kaaba inside the mosque.[28] However, again because of
large crowds during the days of Hajj, they may instead pray anywhere in the
mosque. After prayer, pilgrims also drink water from the Zamzam well[29] which
is made available in coolers throughout the Mosque.[30]
Although the circuits around the Kaaba are traditionally
done on the ground level, tawaf is now also performed on the first floor and
roof of the mosque because of the large crowd.
Tawaf is followed by sa'ay, running or walking seven
times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. Previously in open air, the place
is now entirely enclosed by the Masjid al-Haram mosque, and can be accessed via
air-conditioned tunnels.[31] Pilgrims are advised to walk the circuit, though
two green pillars mark a short section of the path where they are allowed to
run. There is also an internal "express lane" for the disabled. As
part of this ritual the pilgrims also drink water from the Zamzam Well, which
is made available in coolers throughout the Mosque. After sayee, the male pilgrims
shave their heads and women generally clip a portion of their hair which
completes the Umrah and ends the restriction of ihram.
First day of Hajj: 8th Dhu al-Hijjah[edit]
On the 7th Dhu al-Hijjah, the pilgrims are reminded of
his duties. They again don the ihram garments and make intention for the
pilgrimage. The prohibitions of ihram start.
Mina[edit]
Tents at Mina
Plain of Arafat during Hajj, 2003
Pilgrims on Plains of Arafat on the day of Hajj
After the Morning Prayer on the 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the
pilgrims proceed to Mina where they spend the whole day and offer noon,
afternoon, evening, and night prayers. The next morning after Fajr prayer, they
leave Mina for Arafat.
Second day: 9th Dhu al-Hijjah[edit]
Arafat[edit]
Main article: Mount Arafat
On 9th Dhu al-Hijjah before noon, pilgrims arrive at
Arafat, a barren and plain land some 20 kilometers east of Mecca,[32] where
they stand in contemplative vigil: they offer supplications, repent on and
atone for their past sins, and seek mercy of God near Jabal al-Rahmah (The
Mount of Mercy) from where Muhammad delivered his last sermon. Lasting from
noon through sunset,[32] this is known as 'standing before God' (wuquf), one of
the most significant rites of Hajj.[24] At Masjid al-Namirah, pilgrims offer
noon and afternoon prayers together at noon time.[29] A pilgrim's Hajj is
considered invalid if they do not spend the afternoon on Arafat.[9][32]
Muzdalifah[edit]
Pilgrims must leave Arafat for Muzdalifah after sunset
without praying maghrib (evening) prayer at Arafat.[33] Muzdalifah is an area
between Arafat and Mina. Upon reaching there, pilgrims perform Maghrib and Isha
prayer jointly,[29] spend the night praying and sleeping on the ground with
open sky, and gather pebbles for the next day's ritual of the stoning of the
Devil (Shaitan).[34]
Third day: 10th Dhu al-Hijjah[edit]
Ramy al-Jamarat[edit]
Main article: Stoning of the Devil
Pilgrims performing Stoning of the devil ceremony at 2006
Hajj
Back at Mina, the pilgrims perform symbolic stoning of
the devil (Ramy al-Jamarat) by throwing seven stones at each of the three
pillars (jamarah) said to represent Satan.[35] On the first occasion when the
stoning is performed, pilgrims stone the largest pillar known as
Jamrat'al'Aqabah.[36] Pilgrims climb ramps to the multi-levelled Jamaraat
Bridge, from which they can throw their pebbles at the jamarat. On the second
occasion, the other pillars are stoned. The stoning consists of throwing seven
pebbles on each pillar.[9] Because of safety reasons, in 2004 the pillars were
replaced by long walls, with catch basins below to collect the pebbles.[37][38]
Animal sacrifice[edit]
After the casting of stones, animals are slaughtered to
commemorate the story of Abraham and Ishmael. Traditionally the pilgrims
slaughtered the animal themselves, or oversaw the slaughtering. Today many
pilgrims buy a sacrifice voucher in Mecca before the greater Hajj begins, which
allows an animal to be slaughtered in their name on the 10th, without the
pilgrim being physically present. Modern abattoirs complete the processing of
the meat which is then sent as charity to poor people around the world.[9][31]
At the same time as the sacrifices occur at Mecca, Muslims worldwide perform similar
sacrifices, in a three day global festival called Eid al-Adha.[10]
Hair removal[edit]
After sacrificing animal, another important rite of Hajj
is shaving head or trimming hair (known as Halak). All male pilgrims shave
their head or trim their hair on the day of Eid al Adha and women pilgrims only
cut the tip of hair.[25][39]
Tawaf Al-Ifaadah[edit]
Pilgrims performing Tawaf around Kaaba
On the same or the following day, the pilgrims re-visit
the Masjid al-Haram mosque in Mecca for another tawaf, known as Tawaf
al-Ifadah, an essential part of Hajj.[25] It symbolizes being in a hurry to
respond to God and show love for Him, an obligatory part of the Hajj. The night
of the 10th is spent back at Mina.
Fourth day: 11th Dhu al-Hijjah[edit]
At noon on the 11th (and again the following day), the
pilgrims again throw seven pebbles at each of the three pillars in Mina.
Fifth day: 12th Dhu al-Hijjah[edit]
On 12th, the same process of stoning of the Jamarat takes
place. Pilgrims must leave Mina for Mecca before sunset on the 12th. If unable,
they must perform the stoning ritual again on the 13th before returning to
Mecca.[29]
Tawaf al-Wida[edit]
Finally, before leaving Mecca, pilgrims perform a
farewell tawaf called the Tawaf al-Wida. 'Wida' means 'to bid farewell'.[9]
Journey to Medina[edit]
Though not a part of Hajj, pilgrims must choose to travel
to the city of Medina and the Al-Masjid al-Nabawi (Mosque of the Prophet),
which contains Muhammad's tomb.[31] The Quba Mosque and Masjid al-Qiblatain are
also usually visited.[40]
Arrangement and facilities[edit]
Making necessary arrangements each year for the growing
number of pilgrims poses a logistic challenge for the Saudi government who has,
since the 1950s, spent more than $100 billion to increase pilgrimage facilities.[18][41]
Major issues like housing, transportation, sanitation, and health care have
been addressed and improved greatly by the government by introducing various
development programs, with the result that pilgrims now enjoy modern facilities
and perform various rites at ease.[31] The Saudi government often sets quota
for various countries to keep the pilgrims’ number at a manageable level, and
arranges huge security forces and CCTV cameras to maintain overall safety
during Hajj.[18][42][43] Various institutions and government programs, such as
the Haj subsidy offered in India or the Tabung Haji based in Malaysia assist
pilgrims in covering the costs of the journey.[44] For 2014 Hajj, special Hajj
information desks were set up at Pakistani airports to assist the pilgrims.[45]
Transportation[edit]
Pilgrims generally travel to Hajj in groups. During the
early 19th century, the traditional overland pilgrimage caravans began to cease
as many pilgrims began arriving in Mecca by steamship which continued for some
time,[46] until after Egypt introduced the first airline service for Hajj
pilgrims in 1937.[47] Today, many airlines and travel agents offer Hajj
packages, and arrange for transportation and accommodation for the
pilgrims.[48] King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince
Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina have dedicated pilgrim terminals to
assist the arrival of pilgrims.[49][50] Other international airports around the
world, such as Indira Gandhi in New Delhi, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
in Hyderabad, Jinnah in Karachi and Soekarno-Hatta in Jakarta also have
dedicated terminals or temporary facilities to service pilgrims as they depart
and return home.[51] During Hajj, many airlines run extra flights to
accommodate the large number of pilgrims.[49]
Modern crowd-control issues[edit]
Because pilgrims’ number has largely increased in recent
years that often leads to some accidents, various crowd-control techniques have
been adapted to ensure safety. Because of the large numbers of people, many of
the rituals have become more symbolic. It is not necessary to kiss the Black
Stone, but merely to point at it on each circuit around the Kaaba. Throwing
pebbles was done at large pillars, which for safety reasons in 2004 were
changed to long walls with catch basins below to catch the stones.[37][38] The
slaughter of an animal can be done either personally, or by appointing someone
else to do it, and so forth.[23] But even with the crowd control techniques,
there are still many incidents during the Hajj, as pilgrims are trampled in a crush,
or ramps collapse under the weight of the many visitors. Mass gathering events
like the gathering of huge numbers of pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia's holy
sites during Ramadan and Hajj may give infections such as Middle East
respiratory syndrome the opportunity to spread.[52]
Significance[edit]
To the Muslims, Hajj is associated with religious as well
as social significance. Apart from being an obligatory religious duty, Hajj is
seen to have a spiritual merit which provides the Muslims with an opportunity
of self-renewal.[53] Hadith literature (sayings of Muhammad) articulates
various merits a pilgrim achieves upon successful completion of their Hajj.[n
3] After performing pilgrimage, a person becomes known as Hajji, and is held
with respect in Muslim society.[41] Hajj brings together and unites the Muslims
from different parts of the world irrespective of their race, color, and
culture which acts as a symbol of equality.[24]
A 2008 study on the impact of participating in the
Islamic pilgrimage found that Muslim communities become more positive and
tolerant after Hajj experience. Entitled Estimating the Impact of the Hajj:
Religion and Tolerance in Islam's Global Gathering and conducted in conjunction
with Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, the study noted
that the Hajj "increases belief in equality and harmony among ethnic
groups and Islamic sects and leads to more favorable attitudes toward women,
including greater acceptance of female education and employment" and that
"Hajjis show increased belief in peace, and in equality and harmony among
adherents of different religions."[54]
Malcolm X, an American civil rights activist, describes
the sociological atmosphere he experienced at his Hajj in the 1960s as follows:
There were tens of thousands of pilgrims, from all over
the world. They were of all colors, from blue-eyed blondes to black-skinned
Africans. But we were all participating in the same ritual, displaying a spirit
of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had led me to believe
never could exist between the white and the non-white. America needs to
understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society
the race problem. You may be shocked by these words coming from me. But on this
pilgrimage, what I have seen, and experienced, has forced me to rearrange much
of my thought patterns previously held.[55]
Masjid al-Haram panorama during Hajj, 2007.
Number of pilgrims per year[edit]
Before the World War ll, the number of pilgrims was
10,000 or less.[21] There has been substantial progress in the number of
pilgrims during the last 92 years, and the number of foreign pilgrims has
increased phenomenally by approximately 2,824 percent, up from just 58,584 in
1920 to 1,712,962 in 2012.[56] Due to fears of the MERS virus, attendance in
the hajj was lower in 2013 compared to 2012.[57][58] The Saudi government asked
the elderly and chronically ill Muslims to avoid the Hajj and have restricted
the number of people allowed to perform the pilgrimage.[59][60][61] Saudi
Health Minister Abdullah Al-Rabia said that authorities had so far detected no
cases of MERS among the pilgrims.[57][62] He also said that despite few cases
of MERS, Saudi Arabia was ready for 2014 Pilgrimage.[63] The following number
of pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia each year to perform Hajj.
Year Hijri year Saudi pilgrims Foreign pilgrims Total
1920 1338 58,584[56]
1921 1339 57,255[56]
1922 1340 56,319[56]
1996 1416 784,769 1,080,465 1,865,234[64][65]
1997 1417 774,260 1,168,591 1,942,851[65][66]
1998 1418 699,770 1,132,344 1,832,114[65][67]
1999 1419 775,268 1,056,730 1,831,998[65]
2000 1420 571,599 1,267,555 1,839,154[65]
2001 1421 549,271 1,363,992 1,913,263[68]
2002 1422 590,576 1,354,184 1,944,760[65]
2003 1423 610,117 1,431,012 2,041,129[65]
2004 1424 592,368 1,419,706 2,012,074[65]
2005 1425 629,710 1,534,769 2,164,469[65][69]
2006 1426 573,147 1,557,447 2,130,594[65][70]
2007 1427 746,511 1,707,814 2,454,325[65][71][72]
2008 1428 1,729,841[65][73]
2009 1429 154,000 1,613,000 2,521,000[74]
2010 1430 989,798 1,799,601 2,854,345[75]
2011 1431 1,099,522 1,828,195 2,927,717[76]
2012 1432 1,408,641 1,752,932 3,161,573[77]
2013 1433 700,000 (approx.) [78] 1,379,531 [79] 2,061,573
(approx.)
Gallery[edit]
The virtue of Hajj And Umrah
by
Shaikh Abdullah bin Abdul al-Azhim Khalafi
From Abu Hurayrah radi anhu, that the Prophet sallallaahu
'alaihi wa sallam said:
العمرة إلى العمرة كفارة لما بينهما, والحج المبرور ليس له جزاء
إلا الجنة.
"Umrah to Umrah is a sin between them, and the
pilgrimage Mabrur no reward for it than Paradise." [1]
From Ibn Mas'ud radi 'anhu, that the Prophet sallallaahu'
alaihi wa sallam said:
تابعوا بين الحج والعمرة فإنهما ينفيان الفقر والذنوب, كما ينفي
الكير خبث الحديد والذهب والفضة, وليس للحجة المبرورة ثواب إلا الجنة.
"Iringilah between Hajj and Umrah for both abolish
sin and indigence, as fire blower removes dirt (rust) iron, gold and silver,
and there is no reward for Hajj Mabrur but Heaven." [2]
From Abu Hurayrah, he said, "I heard the Prophet
sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam said:
من حج لله عزوجل فلم يرفث ولم يفسق رجع كيوم ولدته أمه.
'Whoever performs Hajj sincere for Allah Almighty without
cruel and kefasiqan, then he returned without sin as the time he was born by
his mother.' "[3]
From Ibn 'Umar' anhuma, from the Prophet sallallaahu
'alaihi wa sallam, he said:
الغازي في سبيل الله والحاج والمعتمر, وفد الله, دعاهم فأجابوه.
وسألوه فأعطاهم.
"People who fight for Allah and those who go for
Hajj and Umrah, is the delegation of God. (when) God's call to them, then they
fulfill His calling. And (when) they asked Him, then God granted (their
request). "[4]
Hajj Umrah Along Liability To Do It Once In a Lifetime,
For Every Muslim, Baligh, intelligent, Freedom And Able
Word of Allah Ta'ala:
إن أول بيت وضع للناس للذي ببكة مباركا وهدى للعالمين فيه آيات
بينات مقام إبراهيم ومن دخله كان آمنا ولله على الناس حج البيت من استطاع إليه سبيلا
ومن كفر فإن الله غني عن العالمين
"Verily, the first house built for the (place of
worship) is the man who was in Bakkah Baitullah (Mecca) blessed and a guidance
for all mankind. Him there are signs of real, (among) the station of Abraham;
whoever entered it (Baitullah's) men-so he was safe; pilgrimage is the duty of
man to God, that is (for) people are able to travel to the House. Whoever
denies (hajj obligations), Allah Rich, (does not require anything) of the
Worlds. "[Ali 'Imran: 96-97]
From Abu Hurayrah, he said, the Prophet sallallaahu
'alaihi wa sallam berkhutbah in our midst, he said:
أيها الناس قد فرض الله عليكم الحج فحجوا, فقال رجل: أكل عام,
يا رسول الله? فسكت, حتى قالها ثلاثا, ثم قال صلى الله عليه وسلم: لو قلت نعم, لوجبت,
ولما استطعتم. ثم قال: ذروني ما تركتكم, فإنما هلك من كان قبلكم بكثرة سؤالهم واختلافهم
على أنبيائهم, فإذا أمرتكم بشيء فأتوا منه ما استطعتم, وإذا نهيتكم عن شيء فدعوه.
"It is obligatory upon you the pilgrimage, then pay
the poor (the pilgrimage)." Then there is a saying, "Do every year, O
Messenger of Allah?" Then he was silent until the person to say it three
times, then the Prophet sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "If I say yes,
will undoubtedly become a liability and surely you will not be able to
(carry)." Then he said, "let me as I let you. Surely that destroyed
the people before you is a lot to ask and a lot of them at odds with the
Prophet. If I ordered something to you, then perform your as best you guys. And
when I forbid something, then leave. "[5]
From Ibn 'Umar anhuma, he said, "the Prophet
sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam said:
بني الإسلام على خمس, شهادة أن لا إله إلا الله, وأن محمدا رسول
الله, وإقام الصلاة, وإيتاء الزكاة, وحج البيت, وصوم رمضان.
"Islam is built on five pillars: (1) testament that
there is no god who is entitled diibadahi correctly but Allah and that Muhammad
is the Messenger of Allah, (2) establish the prayer, (3) practice regular
charity, (4) the pilgrimage to the House, and (5) Ramadan fasting. '"[6]
From Ibn 'Abbaas anhuma, he said, "the Prophet
sallallaahu' alaihi wa sallam said:
هذه عمرة استمتعنا بها, فمن لم يكن عنده الهدي فليحل الحل كله,
فإن العمرة قد دخلت في الحج إلى يوم القيامة.
"It is worship Umrah we have fun with it. Anyone who
does not have hadyu (animal sacrifice), then he should bertahallul overall,
because worship has entered the Umrah pilgrimage until the Day of Resurrection.
"[7]
From Shabi ibn Ma'bad, he said, "I went to 'Umar,
and I said to him:
يا أمير المؤمنين, إني أسلمت, وإني وجدت الحج والعمرة مكتوبين
علي, فأهللت بهما, فقال: هديت لسنة نبيك.
"O Commander of the Faithful, indeed I had converted
to Islam, and I'm sure that myself have compulsory Hajj and Umrah, and then I
started working on the second worship. 'Then he said,' You've got-the
instructions to implement the Sunnah of your Prophet. '"[8]
[Copied from the book Al-Sunna wal Wajiiz FII Fiqhis
Kitaabil Aziiz, Author Shaikh Abdul Azhim Badawai bin al-Khalafi, Indonesia
Guide Fiqh Complete Edition, Translators Team Tashfiyah LIPIA - Jakarta, Ibn
Kathir Library Publishers, Printed in Ramadan 1428 - September 2007M]
_______
footnote
[1]. Muttafaq 'alaih: Shahiih al-Bukhari (III / 597, no.
1773), Shahiih Muslims (II / 987, no. 1349), Sunan at-Tirmidhi (II / 206, no.
937), Sunan Ibni Majah (II / 964, no. 2888), Sunan an-Nasa-i (V / 115).
[2]. Saheeh: [Shahiihul Jaami '(no. 2901)], Sunan
at-Tirmidhi (II / 153, no. 807), Sunan an-Nasa-i (V / 115)
[3]. Muttafaq 'alaih: Shahiih al-Bukhari (III / 382, no.
1521), Shahiih Muslims (II / 983, no. 1350), Sunan Ibni Majah (II / 964, no.
2889), Sunan an-Nasa-i (V / 114), Sunan at-Titmidzi (II / 153, no. 809), except
for (the end) of the Prophet sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam said:
غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه.
"And God would forgive his sins which have
then."
[4]. Hasan: [Shahiih al-Jaami'ish Shaghiir (no. 2339)],
Sunan Ibni Majah (II / 966, no. 2893).
[5]. Saheeh: [Mukhtasar Muslim Shahiih (no. 639)],
Shahiih Muslims (II / 970, no. 1337), Sunan an-Nasa-i (5/110)
[6]. Takhrijnya has passed on the Book thaharah.
[7]. Saheeh: [Irwaa-ul Ghaliil 982], Shahiih Muslims (II
/ 911, no. 1241).
[8]. Saheeh: [Irwaa-ul Ghaliil 983], Sunan an-Nasa-i (V /
142), Sunan Abi Dawood (V / 230, no. 1722), Sunan Ibni Majah (II / 989, no.
2970)(continoe)ajah (II / 964, no.
2889), Sunan an-Nasa-i (V / 114), Sunan at-Titmidzi (II / 153, no. 809), except
for (the end) of the Prophet sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam said:
غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه.
"And God would forgive his sins which have
then."
[4]. Hasan: [Shahiih al-Jaami'ish Shaghiir (no. 2339)],
Sunan Ibni Majah (II / 966, no. 2893).
[5]. Saheeh: [Mukhtasar Muslim Shahiih (no. 639)],
Shahiih Muslims (II / 970, no. 1337), Sunan an-Nasa-i (5/110)
[6]. Takhrijnya has passed on the Book thaharah.
[7]. Saheeh: [Irwaa-ul Ghaliil 982], Shahiih Muslims (II
/ 911, no. 1241).
[8]. Saheeh: [Irwaa-ul Ghaliil 983], Sunan an-Nasa-i (V /
142), Sunan Abi Dawood (V / 230, no. 1722), Sunan Ibni Majah (II / 989, no.
2970)(continoe)
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