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Haj
Haj is one of the five institutions of Islam and the Haj is performed as an enjoined duty and its superiority. Haj isn't actually a festiavl. But Haj Celebration lies in the great piligrimage. Allah says:
“Haj pilgrimage to the House (Kaabah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the journey. And whoever disbelieves (i.e. denies Haj) then he is a disbeliever of Allah and Allah stands not in need of any of His Creatures.” (Surah Al-Imran 3:197)
This pilgrimage is of prime importance to Muslims and it is done at least once in a lifetime by every adult Muslim, man or woman. These people comprise of men, women and children who are free and of sound mind and who are able to undertake it. Every Muslim who has achieved the above must perform the Haj. It is believed that if he postpones his offering to his duty of going to Haj, he may die before he has fulfilled his duty. It is said that he confronts the God after neglecting going to the pilgrimage. It could also happen that a person who slackens and reaches old age and it becomes very difficult for a person to finish his duty of going to the Haj.
There are many conditions however, which has to be fulfilled before the pilgrimage is done. Here are the conditions.
- To be an adult: A person should be an adult or if a girl must have attained puberty. A child can go for the pilgrimage during childhood but it will not be a substitute for pilgrimage after someone turns into an adult.
- The person needs to have a very sound mind.
- To be free: A person who is a slave cannot go for the pilgrimage. A person who is meant to be free from all worries and who is at peace of mind can only go to Haj.
- To be aware that pilgrimage is a duty: Pilgrimage to Haj is a duty of every Muslim and this is applicable to people who even do not belong to a Muslim country.
- A woman who intends to offer pilgrimage: should have a man which could be her husband or she can have any other relative who she can’t marry. She can also go with a group of women. If such a company is not available, she is not required to give her offerings. If a woman takes the pilgrimage on own, she will not be relieved of her sins as she will be breaking the rules of Islam. A husband cannot refuse if a wife wishes to go a pilgrimage first and if the husband tries to do it, she can go to Haj without his permission.