ESL Blogs

More than two million pilgrims have arrived here in the holy city of Mecca. Today is the ninth of Thulhija, the great day of Hajj. It is called (Arafa) day.

What is the meaning of Hajj? Hajj means intending to visit something glorified or of high greatness. This is in the general meaning of the language. In Islam, it means going to the holy city of Mecca and visiting (kaaba) the grand mosque. The intention is very important before starting the rituals of Hajj. When you come to wear (Ihram) you should intend and it's better if you specify whether you are (mufrid), (mutamatii), or (garin). All able bodied Muslims are required to perform the pilgrimage once in a lifetime. (see my blog Hajj 2016)

People now are gathering on Mount Arafa, praying and supplicating to Allah. Crowds of people are standing there on the mount of Arafa to remind them of the day of resurrection. It means a reminder for the Day of Judgment. At this moment, there is no pride or arrogance. Pilgrims are wearing the same dress (ihram). Before sunset, the pilgrims will leave to the plain (Muzdalifa), and by the will of Allah, all the sins shall be wiped out.

Arafa day is a great day. For us here at home, we fast. Because fasting forgives the minor sins of this year and the coming one. Pilgrims will reach (Muzdalifa) and pray the two prayers of dusk and Ishaa combined. As we mentioned before, they collect the stones and at dawn, they worship Allah at (Almashaar Alharam), a mount in (Muzdalifa) and then they proceed to the plain of Mena. (for more details, see my previous blogs about Hajj 2015 - 2016)

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Going to Mena will be tomorrow on the tenth of Thulhijjah, the day of Eid Al-Adha. People will undertake plenty of rituals here. like throwing the stones at the big Satan area, (jamratul Agaba), slaughtering their sacrifices, and going to Mecca to perform (Ifadah Tawaf).