HAJJ+GROUP+4

Significance of the Hajj on the individual. The Hajj is embedded in the 5 Pillars of Faith, which support the key beliefs of the Islamic faith. Performing the 5 Pillars is an essential part of a Muslims life. In reference to attending the Hajj, fulfilling this obligation becomes evident to the adherent starting at the arrival to the Hajj and their intentions revealed by a short prayer said identifying submission "Oh Allah I am here in submission to glorify you and fulfill my duty". This is apart of the step of 'Mikat' which involves adherents changing into white garments also known as 'Ihram' leaving behind all materialistic valuables supporting a key belief of equality and intensions of fulfilling an obligation.
 * 1) **__Fulfilling an obligation.__**

2. **__Spiritual Journey__** Throughout the steps completed within the Hajj adherents embark on a spiritual journey which ultimately unifies the adherent to the oneness of Allah. Many examples portray the spiritual overtone of the Hajj. This includes the movement of adherents onto //'the plain of Arafat'// and the //'Mount of Mercy'.// Here pilgrims stand together and pray they believe that this is practice for their day of judgement when Allah will judge each of them and send them to either heaven or hell. This has a profound significance as it is a chance for pilgrims in a mass group to engage in an all night vigil and prepare and reflect on their life and what is to happen in the afterlife. This creates a strong tie in the idea of spirituality as it supports the religious dimension in which spirituality is engaged by. It creates a sense of //Ummah// within the global islamic community for adherents also.

3. **__cleansed of all sins__** Before an adherent enters the Hajj they must clear all debts and resolve any conflict. This prepares the adherent for the Hajj and the symbolic steps which enables the adherent to be cleansed of all sins and be "re-born" to eternally serve as a better muslim glorifying Allah and the wider Islamic community. Symbolic steps which address this idea include: 4. **__made connection with world wide tradition and foundation stories__**

5. **__given special consideration on the day of judgement as it is believed that the adherents is reborn spiritually and all sins are forgiven.__**

6. **__strengthens faith in islam.__**