This paper intends to investigate the practices of Hajj undertaken by previous Prophets. It also attempts to extract the historical elements contained in Hajj. Prophet Ibrahim and his family (Hajar and Prophet Ismail) were the first to perform Hajj, filled with hardship and harsh conditions the Ibrahimi family successfully built the Kaaba and summoned all the people from across the globe to perform Hajj in Mecca. Today, some would say that the rapid development in Mecca that helps pilgrims to perform Hajj easier with less effort and hardship is considered the best practice for Hajj, but history might disagree with the statement. This will then become the base of the construction of the real meaning of Hajj best practices. Hence, this paper contributes in developing a standard for the meaning of Hajj best practices by analyzing the history of Hajj based on what is written in the Quran and Hadith related to previous prophets. This paper will be of assistance to recognize the meaning of Hajj best practices and introducing a benchmark of Hajj for all Muslims.
ABSTRACT
This paper intends to investigate the practices of Hajj undertaken by previous Prophets. It also attempts to extract the historical elements contained in Hajj. Prophet Ibrahim and his family (Hajar and Prophet Ismail) were the first to perform Hajj, filled with hardship and harsh conditions the Ibrahimi family successfully built the Kaaba and summoned all the people from across the globe to perform Hajj in Mecca. Today, some would say that the rapid development in Mecca that helps pilgrims to perform Hajj easier with less effort and hardship is considered the best practice for Hajj, but history might disagree with the statement. This will then become the base of the construction of the real meaning of Hajj best practices. Hence, this paper contributes in developing a standard for the meaning of Hajj best practices by analyzing the history of Hajj based on what is written in the Quran and Hadith related to previous prophets. This paper will be of assistance to recognize the meaning of Hajj best practices and introducing a benchmark of Hajj for all Muslims.
Keywords: Hajj, Spirituality, History
INTRODUCTION: CONTEMPORARY MEANING OF HAJJ BEST PRACTICES
For centuries, the biggest difficulty to pilgrimage was the long journey. According to Bianchi (2004), the distance multiplied the duration and expense of the journey while maximizing dangers such as shipwreck, disease, and exhaustion. In addition, pilgrims from far away regions were regarded as earners of extra blessings due to the added sacrifice. It is during the month of Zulhijja when pilgrims come to Mecca every year from every corner of the world. Most of them do not speak the same language but they are still able to exchange a few words in Arabic and English. According to Long (1979), administrating the pilgrims are one of the toughest problems. The Hajjis must be supplied with sufficient food, water, shelter, health, and sanitation facilities plus transportation for several weeks or more. Besides the materially things such as food and shelter, one of the most important thing to have during Hajj is sincerity. It means to perform Hajj just for the sake of Allah s.w.t. As stated by Faysal Al-Badani (2008), sincerity is one of the important acts of a man’s heart during Hajj. He further stated that according to Ibn al-Qayyim; whoever studies the aims of Islam will know the connection between the body and heart. At the same time he will also understand that without the actions of the heart, the actions of the body are worthless.
Nowadays most people think that the meaning of contemporary Hajj is about the comfort level of health and security during Hajj. One might say that public health and security is vital to ensure the success of mass gatherings during Hajj. Because Hajj presents an annual public health challenge due to its unexpected scenarios such as the various environments and the diverse background of the pilgrims. Researchers like Qanta (2009) believe the importance to improve the level of the comfort for health and to examine the potential opportunities to apply International guidelines for health reasons in Hajj’s environment. He said Hajj-related findings and outcome measurements will generally be valuable due to its supportive data. The technology in modern day Hajj is without doubt very important and without applying health and security based technologies and guidelines, Hajj would be seen as incomplete. Similar to the above mentioned research is Abdulaziz’s (2009) research on the “respiratory tract infection” during Hajj. This research is more concern on the level of comfort related to health of the pilgrims in Mecca. According to this research, the infection of respiratory tract is indeed a common illness and is responsible for many admissions in hospitals during Hajj. The disease is easily spread by close contacts among the pilgrims, as well as the crowding. This is a big problem for the pilgrims and for the people organizing the Hajj. He further stated, to ensure a better performance and a fresher feature during Hajj there is a need for future studies that concentrates on prevention and mitigation of these infections. Researchers like Abdulaziz (2009) and Qanta (2009) have high interests in improving Hajj based on technicalities and material aspects. They believe that the perfect Hajj is based on the exterior part rather than the inner part of the soul.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main focus of this research paper?
This paper investigates the Hajj practices of previous prophets and aims to extract historical elements embedded in Hajj. It also explores the contemporary understanding of Hajj best practices, comparing them with the historical significance and spiritual dimensions of the pilgrimage.
Who were the first to perform Hajj?
Prophet Ibrahim, along with his wife Hajar and son Prophet Ismail, were the first to perform Hajj. They faced hardships in building the Kaaba and inviting people to Mecca.
What is the contemporary view of Hajj best practices, according to the paper?
Some believe that the rapid development in Mecca, making Hajj easier with less effort and hardship for pilgrims, represents the best practice. However, the paper suggests that a deeper historical understanding might challenge this view.
What is the significance of sincerity in Hajj?
Sincerity, meaning performing Hajj purely for the sake of Allah, is emphasized as a crucial aspect of Hajj. According to Ibn al-Qayyim, actions of the body are worthless without the actions of the heart, highlighting the importance of inner sincerity.
What contemporary concerns are mentioned in relation to Hajj?
The paper highlights concerns related to public health and security during Hajj, particularly given the mass gatherings and diverse backgrounds of pilgrims. Research focuses on improving comfort levels, applying international health guidelines, and addressing issues like respiratory tract infections.
What is the criticism of contemporary Hajj research, according to the paper?
The paper suggests that some modern research prioritizes the material aspects of Hajj, such as health and security technologies, over the spiritual dimensions. It argues that the goal of Hajj is to develop both the body and the spirituality towards submission to Allah.
What health concerns are particularly highlighted?
The potential spread of infectious diseases, especially respiratory tract infections, is a significant concern due to close contact and crowding among pilgrims. The need for ongoing disease surveillance and data analysis is emphasized to better understand health risks.
What keywords are associated with the paper?
Hajj, Spirituality, and History.
- Quote paper
- Taha Omar (Author), 2013, On the best Practices of Hajj. A historical Analysis, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/267904
