Mecca, Saudi Arabia

When we think of traveling for necessity we can usually assume that this is not travel for pleasure.  Necessary travel could occur for medical reasons or to escape war or poverty.  I would like to discuss travel that is necessary for religion.  To the best of my understanding a basis of Islam is the Five Pillars of Islam.  The five pillars are (1) the faith or belief in the oneness of God and the finality of the prophethood of Muhammad, (2) establishment of the daily prayers, (3) concern for and almsgiving to the needy, (4) self-purification through fasting, and (5) the pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca) for those who are able[1].  As part of their religion, Muslims take a necessary pilgrimage or hajj to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.  In 1999, approximately two million Muslims made pilgrimage to Mecca with about one million coming from Saudi Arabia and approximately 6,000 coming from the United States[2].  This trip is not for fun or sightseeing, but is a necessary part of being a Muslim.  Before, during, and after the pilgrimage there are necessary rights that are performed to complete the experience.  Before the pilgrimage Muslims enter a state of spiritual purity called ihram.  Once they reach Mecca the pilgrims enter the mosque and after that they perform prayers while circling the ka'aba (the cube-shaped stone building)[3].  The pilgrimage itself begins on the eighth day of the twelfth month of the Muslim lunar calendar[4].

[1] http://www.islam101.com/dawah/pillars.html

[2] http://www.religioustolerance.org/isla1.htm

[3] http://www.religioustolerance.org/isla1.htm

[4] http://www.religioustolerance.org/isla1.htm