Ariana Jumper: A Brief History of the Hajj 12/4/09

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http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1864624,00.html

“A Brief History of the Hajj,” by Alyssa Fetini, describes this tradition in the Islamic faith. The Hajj is a pilgrimage to Mecca, which is the holy city in Islam. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam that once a year, Muslims make the journey to the holy city. It is recommended that at least once in a Muslim’s life he or she makes the journey if it is not possible to make the journey every year. Specifically, the journey takes five days and includes visits to Mecca, Arafat, Mina, and Muzdalifah. The pilgrims take part in rituals and pay tribute to Allah. Part of this journey is to circle the Kaaba counter-clockwise seven times.

The pilgrimage to Mecca can be seen as a dance. The pilgrims engage in movement and counter movement with Allah. The circling around the Kaaba is especially like a dance. There are specific movements and steps that are known to the pilgrims that help them to reach the wholly other.