The Hajj is the Pinnacle

The Hajj is the pinnacle of a Muslim’s religious life and practice.

Muslims are commanded to make a Hajj (or pilgrimage) at least once in their life – if they are able. Because the Islamic calendar is based on the moon’s cycle, the dates of the Hajj change each year. This year, the Hajj will be between 24 and 28 October 2013.

On those four days, over two million Muslims from all over the world will flock to Mecca to perform sacred acts and follow the steps of Muhammad, their prophet.

The pursuit of purity

Muslims go primarily on the Hajj to be cleansed of sin.

Muslims grow up inspired by the passionate stories from previous ‘Hajjis’ – those who have been on a Hajj. Young Muslim bloggers often ask if the Hajj will indeed cleanse them of their sins. Islamic teachers respond, ‘When the Hajj is performed properly and sincerely for Allah, he removes all sins’.

What does the Bible say?
In contrast, the Bible teaches that we are cleansed of our sins by the blood of Jesus, not by pilgrimage or acts of religious duty (Matthew 26:28, Acts 2:38, 1 John 1:7).

On one occasion, Paul, a devout man, zealous for the God of the Bible, had his life turned upside down while journeying to Damascus. He met the resurrected Jesus in a dramatic encounter and became a follower of Christ (Acts 9).

Pray with us that Christ intervenes powerfully in the lives of those earnestly seeking spiritual answers on their pilgrimage this year.