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Essay / The role of the Hajj in the Muslim religion
Each religion has its tradition which brings its community together. Christianity has its masses every Sunday with the whole congregation. Judaism has Hanukkah and other holidays. But Muslims must perform an obligatory pilgrimage called Hajj. The Hajj is a trip to the Kaaba that Muslims must make at least once in their lives. This occurs from the 8th to the 12th day of the last month of the Islamic calendar. Millions of people come every year from all over the world. The Hajj creates a sense of community as many people with the same beliefs are all following the same path of faith. Say no to plagiarism. Get Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get Original EssayThe Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, a once-obligatory pilgrimage for able-bodied people. The ritual begins by circling the Kaaba seven times, then walking between two peaks seven times. The next day, pilgrims walk, cycle or take a bus to Mina. They stay in tents and prepare for the next day. The next day, they pray at Arafat and stone the pillars on their way back to Mina after sunset. When they return, they buy a goat or a sheep to sacrifice and give to the poor. Finally, the pilgrims circle the Kaaba seven times again. At the start of the Hajj, hundreds of thousands of people circle the Kaaba at the same time. This mixture of people of different races creates a sense of community because people are not seen as different, but all as one, performing deeds for their faith. Many people would never be able to see or know people from other parts of the world without the travel required by Islam. When they all do the same actions to show their faith, it shows people that they are not alone in their life journey and that they have a great community that will help them get through tough times. The stoning of Satan through the pillars also shows community because everyone is committed to keeping the devil away and they can help each other do so. Hajj not only strengthens faith, but it also brings the community together. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized document now from our expert writers. Get a Custom Essay Other religions have rituals to try to bring community together. , but people still argue over race or gender, and they are not always obligated to attend rituals. In Islam, Hajj is a necessary journey that also brings the congregation together as a whole. They see that they are the same as many others around the world. They see that their faith is what brings them together and they celebrate that with those around them..