Question

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS THAT EACH STUDENT REFLECT ON THE HAJJ AS IF YOU WERE A MUSLIM.  

WHY WOULD IT BE IMPORTANT FOR MUSLIMS TO MAKE THIS SPIRITUAL PILGRIMAGE ONCE IN A LIFETIME? DOES THIS MEAN THAT A MUSLIM IS GUARANTEED INTO HEAVEN ONCE YOU HAVE MADE THIS TRIP TO MECCA? WHAT DOES THIS SPIRITUAL PILGRIMAGE MEAN TO A MUSLIM BELIEVER? DO YOU SEE SPIRITUAL VALUE IN SACRIFICING TO MAKE A TRIP OF THIS NATURE?

Answer 1

• Hajj literally means, “to continuously strive to reach one’s goal.” The Hajj, or Pilgrimage to Mecca, is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who have the physical and financial ability to undertake the journey.
• Performing the rituals of Hajj provides a reminder of how the great prophets and teachers of faith established a deep and personal relationship with God. As the pilgrim makes his supplications to God, he realizes that He is asking of the same God that answered the prayers of those before him. These reminders are an important part of strengthening one’s faith, trust and dependence in God.
• Eventhough I believe that God is everywhere and one can pray anytime and anywhere.I dont know if Hajj guarantees heaven to someone but it definitely provides peace being near to God.If your heart is clean and you do good deeds,thats all what is required.Having said that performing Hajj is an individual choice.
• The faithful hope that the Hajj will bring about a deep spiritual transformation, one that will make him or her a better person. If such a change from within does not occur, then the Hajj was merely a physical and material exercise devoid of any spiritual significance.
• As all great religions teach, we are more than mere physical creatures in that we possess an essence beyond the material world. Indeed, this is why all great religions have a tradition of pilgrimage.
• In the Islamic tradition, Hajj encapsulates this spiritual journey toward this essence. Hajj teaches one to show sincerity and humilty in one’s relationship with God. The result of a successful Hajj is a rich inner peace, which is manifested outwardly in the values of justice, honesty, respect, generosity, kindness, forgiveness, mercy and empathy.

Answer 2

Very good Muslim