by Sarah Ganly

Created on: November 15, 2009   Last Updated: November 18, 2009

Once in a lifetime, all Muslims are required to make a pilgrimage to Mecca or Makkah; this pilgrimage is known as Hajj. It is the fifth pillar of the Islamic faith, and it is an extremely spiritual journey that means many things to the Muslim people. Hajj is performed because of obligation, honor, devotion, and love for Allah, and it is the most important journey a Muslim will make.

Muslims perform Hajj as a way of showing their devotion and love for God. Hajj is a form of penance; in fact it is the ultimate form of atonement in the Muslim religion. This pilgrimage is a sign of humbleness, and it is a way of becoming closer with God. Hajj is also a way of cleansing sins and renewing faith. The pilgrimage to Mecca is an intensely spiritual act that is performed in complete selflessness and honor of God, and it is the most spiritual journey that a Muslim will make in his or her life.

Hajj is the ultimate form of sacrifice for Muslims, and it is a way of showing piety and devotion to Allah. During Hajj they must dress in plain clothes and they must perform many rituals and traditions. This great journey shows praise and love of God through strength and faith. According to the Qur'an that those who have performed Hajj in a pure manner will return completely free of all sins. Hajj is the greatest test and show of a Muslim's faith.

Muslims are required to make the trip to Mecca as stated in the Five Pillars, but not all Muslims will be able to make this great and spiritual pilgrimage. Muslims who are not physically well and Muslims who do not have the means or funding to make a trip are exempt from this ritual. The Muslim god, Allah, is understanding and does not expect Muslims to travel to Mecca when they are ill or poor, and it is also not expected during times of war. The pilgrimage to Mecca is a sacred journey that must be taken by those capable, but it is not considered a sin for those who are unable to perform Hajj.

When Muslims make the pilgrimage to Mecca you might think they are visiting the sight of miracles or holy shrines and sacred temples, but they are visiting on particular place. Hajj is a journey to Kaaba which is found in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The Kaaba is a holy sanctuary that the Prophet Abraham built for the worship of God. This is also where Muslims face when offering their daily prayers, and it is the holiest place for Muslims because of its history.

There are five stations during the pilgrimage to Mecca, and each has special rituals and practices associated with them, but all of them are sacred, meaningful, and spiritual. When a Muslim nears and reaches a station a level of purity is entered; this state is known as ihram, and it causes certain normal actions of the day to be disregarded. Ihram brings a sense of purity, humility, and reverence to Hajj, and it allows those performing this pilgrimage to attain a more spiritual state in respect to the pilgrimage. In this way the Muslim performing Hajj is honoring God more fully and selflessly.

The pilgrimage to Mecca is an amazingly spiritual journey that is an honor for Muslims. It is the most important pilgrimage they will ever make, and it brings them closer to God. Hajj is an extremely spiritual and selfless exhibit of devotion that Muslims are honored to make.

Learn more about this author, Sarah Ganly.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.