HAJ PILGRIMAGE

There are five compulsory acts of worship that are paramount to Islam. They are the Vow of truth, Salat (Prayer), Zakaat (Charity), Fasting and Haj (Pilgrimage).

Every healthy and affluent Muslim should undertake a pilgrimage to Mecca, once in his life time. This pilgrimage is known as Haj. People of different nationalities, languages and colours, gather in millions at Mecca during the month of Haj. The concept of one humanity upheld by Islam is explicit during Haj pilgrimage when the pilgrims have the same thought, carry the same prayer on their lips, and are uniformly dressed (the man using just two pieces of cloth – one to wear and the other to cover and the women covering all the parts of their bodies except their face and hands). A single humanity, where there is no discrimination between master or labourer, black or white, elite or lowly, native or foreigner, is symolized by the multitude of humanity that assemble for this holy pilgrimage.

The Quran says that Haj is an obligation for those who can afford it after taking care of family and fulfilling basic obligations.Personal health should not be constraint.Haj is an obligation only once in life time. Funds intended for performing Haj more than once are better diverted to help the poor and needy.

Through Zakat ( charity ) , one -fortieth of one's net value is to be spent annually to help the needy. 

A wealthy person is only a temporary custodian of funds.He or She has to meet God's expectations for their proper utilisation.The proof of genuine altruism is giving away something that one personally values and cherishes. In addition to material support , one can give ones energy , time , knowledge , skill or moral support.The scriptures warns those who perform religious rites but deny assistance to less privileged fellow thus jeopardising socio-economic balance and integration.