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When Pilgrims reach Makkah (Mecca), spot where Prophet Abraham (OWBP) first built a house to worship Allah, they are naturally elated and atmosphere is one of joy. There is a myriad of colors of Africans, many from Nigeria, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Bosnians, Arabs, and others from some 70 nationalities.
It is an amazing factor that despite jostling in streets, there is no confrontation. Every Pilgrim takes pride and rushes to help each other in a spirit of brotherhood and love, transcending all barriers of color. That they go by air, sea, road and camel caravan, makes no difference. It is only by undergoing rigors of Hajj that one can truly appreciate importance and significance of this annual event which brings together believers of all color, class and creed, all praying for forgiveness and reciting on an almost 24 hour basis, words... 'Labbayk, Allahuma Labbayk' (Here I come, Oh Lord, Here I come.), 'Labbayk la sharika Laka Labbayk' (Nothing is equal to you. Here I come, Oh Lord.), 'Innal Hamda Wanni'mat Laka Wal Mulk' (All Praise is Yours, all wealth is yours, all domain is yours), 'La Shaika Lak', (Nothing is equal to YOU.).
The rites of Hajj begin on eighth day of Zulhijjah, last month of Islamic Calendar, which coincides this year with February 21st or 22nd.
Before arriving in Makkah, men must put on their Ehram - two pieces of unstitched clothing, a prerequisite for Hajj. The two pieces of unstitched clothing worn by men serves to underscore fact that all Pilgrims were equal before their creator, irrespective of their mundane position of being a King, a President, leader of a country, professional, laborer, etc. Once they arrive in Makkah, their primary goal is to go to Haram ash-Sharif, surrounding Ka'ba. They seize opportunity of performing Umrah....the circumambulation of Holy Kaaba seven times and performance of Sai...walking briskly between Safa and Marwa, in recognition of plight of Hazrat Ebrahim's (Abraham) wife, Haga, when she rushed between two mountains in search of water for her baby. It was on this occasion when Haga was told to strike rock from which fresh water emerged. That water still flows today from well called ZamZam.
After this ritual, men have to trim their hai
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By Edwin Ali - Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent - at www.jetsettersmagazine.com
Edwin Ali Jetsetters Magazine. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com