The Hajj and Islam

THE RELIGIOUS DIMENSIONS OF THE HAJJ

Each religion has its own specific characteristics and elements . The Islam religion also has its own set of beliefs , rituals , and traditions and one of these is the Hajj or the Holy Pilgrimage to the City of Mecca . This particular practice of Islam reflects all of Ninian Smart 's dimensions of religion as the practical dimension is reflected in the practices , the doctrinal dimension has basis in the Quran and the mystical or narrative dimension is based on the stories that surround other , attached practices of

the pilgrimage

The Hajj , the Muslim annual pilgrimage to the City of Mecca has its origins in ancient times when Abraham and Ishmael were both instructed by God to build the Holy Place ' What goes on during this pilgrimage are also based on earlier stories handed down by the Imams as to how Gabriel instructed Abraham to go about the ritual

In the context of Ninian Smart 's Dimensions of religion , the Hajj presents a ritual or practical dimension in its practice . This particular dimension is evident in the way the Hajj goes about . It has to be understood that prior to visiting the City of Mecca , many Muslims go through a fast . Although this is not necessary , some Muslims choose to do so to prepare themselves for the holy journey . This is the initial practical or ritual dimension of the Hajj . Upon arriving in the City of Mecca , the participants in this pilgrimage continue by praying during...