Importance of Hajj in Islam

Outline one significant practice within Islam? The Hajj continually supports the concept of Islam and continues to validate the importance of the submission to Allah, acceptance of the Qur'an and respect to Muhammad to millions of Muslims worldwide. The word Hajj means to 'to set out for a definite purpose'. Taken place in the holiest city of Islam; Mecca - this was the death place of Muhammad and where he was approached by Allah many years ago. This pilgrimage is considered to be the most important journey in a Muslim's life; it is following the footsteps of their Prophet Muhammad and the words of the Qur'an, their most sacred book - the words of Allah written by Muhammad. The Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, making it an obligation for all Muslims to partake in at least once in their lives if possible. If fail to do so when being able to take the pilgrimage, it is considered to be a great sin. A Muslim must have reached the age of responsibility and be mentally able to take upon the journey, for them to be able to understand the significance of this pillar of Islam. They have to be able to afford the trip; no debts and must of earned the money through honest means. Also to be physically fit to embark on the pilgrimage as it requires a level of fitness to partake in some of the practices along the Hajj. For the men that have taken part in the Hajj, they take upon the title of Hajji and for females; Hajja. Men and women also have to wear the Ihram after 'purifying their bodies' - full bath. The Hajj involves; travelling towards 'Arafat on 8 Dhul Hijjah, 'Standing' at the Arafat from noon to dusk on 9 Dhul Hiija, 'Stoning the Devil' and making an animal sacrifice at Mina on 10 Dhul Hijja, cutting or shaving of the hair, making the Tawaf, the 'Circling' of the Ka'ba in Mecca and 'Stoning of the Devil' at Mina on 11,12 and 13 Dhul Hijja. The pilgrimage takes only 5-6 days however many Pilgrims come earlier to perform the Umrah which is the Lesser