Help: Brief interview with a Muslim regarding Pilgrimage?

You can ask in Ramadan section for more Muslims. My quick answers:

-1. What is a pilgrimage to you?

A form of worship.

-2. Would you also classify a pilgrimage as a celebration/festival?

After we complete, there is an "element" of celebration/festival, by sacrificing a livestock (in remembrance of Prophit Abraham and his son peace be upon them) and asking for God's acceptance.

-3. In your opinion, why do people get involved in pilgrimages?

Because it is compulsory once in a lifetime. Others do it for purely worship reasons. Many will do it to regain some spiritual strength. Others to seek repentance.

-4. Do you agree with the common objectives associated with pilgrimages?

Yes I do. I believe its a way to unite the Muslims. We also dress the same so that everybody is on the same level regardless of your worldly status. I'm sure there are many things that can be said.

These are my quick answers. I try to avoid being philosophical.

Pilgrimage to Mecca-the Hajj is the last of the 5 pillars of Islam. It is based on one ability either physically or financially to make such travel.

Those who does not have both is released of his/her responsibility. Those who are financially able but lack physical could substitute with another person by financing all expenses incurred.

It is not a celebration nor a festival.It is the rituals that enact the symbols(syiar) of Islam, performed in the Muslim month of Dzul-hijjah.

Besides being obligatory, it also offer many advantages and motivations for Muslims. Among them:

1.Praying in the vicinity of Masjidil Haram is 100,000 times better than that perform in an ordinary mosque.

2.All expenses incurred with be repaid and multiply by Allah in the Hereafter

4.Self-purifications and devoid of all past sins and dues except debts

5.To circumbulate the house that Abraham built and that he called for pilgrimage.

6.To appreciate the endurance of Hajar and Ismail who were left by Abraham on a barren track of land without any plant or water

7.To enact and appreciate as symbol- the temptation of Abraham by Ibliis when sacrificing his only son then.

8.To gather in Arafat to appreciate and enact the future gathering of the Hereafter (Masyar)

9.It is a place of blessing, of security and sanctuary as promised by Allah-pilgrims are guests of Allah

10. It is the place where God gave the spring well given to Ismail (also recorded in Genesis)

Of course, there are many others such as unity of ummah, opportunity for visits to other historical places etc,etc

I. It's Pagan.

2. Yes.

3. To have a jolly good time.

4. pilgrimages seem to unite people.