Hajj Season Begins in United Arab Emirates

The Hajj season is an annual Islamic event with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) participating along with Muslims from around the world. It usually falls within the Islamic lunar month of Dhu al-Hijjah, with the specific dates varying each year.

Historical Background

Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey. It commemorates the actions of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), his wife Hajar, and their son Ismail (Ishmael), including Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God's command.

Traditions and Observances

During Hajj, pilgrims perform a series of rituals: - Ihram: Pilgrims enter a state of spiritual purity. - Tawaf: They circumambulate the Kaaba in Mecca. - Sa'i: Pilgrims walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah. - Standing at Arafat: Pilgrims spend a day on Mount Arafat asking for God's forgiveness. - Stoning of the Devil: Pebbles are thrown at three pillars representing Satan. - The rites end with a celebration called Eid al-Adha, where an animal is sacrificed to commemorate Ibrahim's test.

What People Do

In preparation for Hajj, people from UAE engage in various activities:

• Attending seminars about performing Hajj properly according to Islamic teachings.
• Taking necessary vaccinations and medical check-ups as part of travel requirements.
• Engaging travel agencies specialized in arranging Hajj trips.
• Performing charitable acts as it is considered especially virtuous before undertaking the pilgrimage.

On returning from Hajj, pilgrims are often welcomed back into their community with celebrations and are given the honorific title "Hajji".