Muslim Pilgrimage (Hajj)

November 14-17, join with others around the world in praying for Muslims as they go on the Hajj (hahj), the annual pilgrimage to Islam’s holy sites in Saudi Arabia. Participating in this religious journey is one of the five pillars, or essential parts, of Islam. Muslims are expected to attend at least once during their life. An important aspect of the pilgrimage is seeking forgiveness for sins accumulated over a lifetime. According to the prophet Muhammad, Muslims who perform the pilgrimage properly will return home as newly born babies, freed from all sins.

Although most children do not participate in the pilgrimage until they reach puberty, they do join with followers of Islam worldwide in observing Eid al-Adha (eed ahl-ahd-hah), the Feast of Sacrifice. This ceremony coincides with the end of the Hajj. Killing a sheep or goat commemorates the time when Allah provided Abraham with a ram to sacrifice in place of his son.

You can stand for Muslim kids during this festival season.

1. First get God’s perspective by reading Psalm 51:5, John 2:29, and Galatians 2:16.
2. Next ponder the following: Do newborn babies start out having no sin? Who is the Lamb of God? According to the Bible, what is the only way we can be forgiven for a lifetime of sins?
3. Now pray that Muslim families will come to know Jesus, the God-given sacrifice for their sins. Need more prayer tools? Praying Through the Arabian Peninsula has a free 5-day prayer guide you can download and a short video that explains the ceremonies performed during the Hajj.

For more information on Muslim beliefs, click here and scroll down to the section on Muslims.