Hajj... to Medina?

**princeps.omnis** · January 11, 2011, 09:35 AM

I figured this was the best place on TWC to ask...

So in Islam, the required pilgrimage to Mecca during the last month of the year is called the Hajj. However, Muslims make pilgrimages elsewhere, like Medina and Jerusalem. Do these non-Meccan pilgrimages have a different term? Which is to say, does "Hajj" refer exclusively to the pilgrimage to Mecca during Dhu al-Hijjah, or does one refer to pilgrimages to other places as "Hajj" as well?

Thanks

**Uber Patriot** · January 11, 2011, 02:43 PM

The main seven or so rites of the Hajj take place in Mecca or very nearby to it, this is the requirements to complete a Hajj. However many pilgrims extend their visit to go to the second holiest site in Islam, Medina. So probably if you went to Medina after Mecca you might call it a part of the Hajj, but not otherwise. As for anywhere else it's just a pilgriamage.

**white-wolf** · January 12, 2011, 01:06 AM

Muslims do make pilgrimages only to Mecca at only "Hajj" time. Elsewhere if they visit do not bring them the title "Hajji".

**Babur** · January 12, 2011, 06:55 PM

Originally Posted by princeps.omnis

I figured this was the best place on TWC to ask...

So in Islam, the required pilgrimage to Mecca during the last month of the year is called the Hajj. However, Muslims make pilgrimages elsewhere, like Medina and Jerusalem. Do these non-Meccan pilgrimages have a different term? Which is to say, does "Hajj" refer exclusively to the pilgrimage to Mecca during Dhu al-Hijjah, or does one refer to pilgrimages to other places as "Hajj" as well?

Thanks

It is only Hajj if the pilgrimage is during the month of Haj, otherwise it is called Umrah.

**The Noble Lord** · January 15, 2011, 01:40 PM

Originally Posted by Babur

It is only Hajj if the pilgrimage is during the month of Haj, otherwise it is called Umrah.

Correct.

**basics** · January 15, 2011, 04:08 PM

Can I ask what the purposes of these pilgrimages are?

**princeps.omnis** · January 15, 2011, 10:51 PM

Originally Posted by basics

Can I ask what the purposes of these pilgrimages are?

What the purpose is for me? I'm curious if there is a generic term for pilgrimage in Islam.

What the purpose is for others? Spiritual renewal, religious contemplation...

**Central Asian Qaghan** · January 16, 2011, 12:38 AM

Originally Posted by basics

Can I ask what the purposes of these pilgrimages are?

So you can bad mouth it when comparing it to Christianity?

It is a spiritual journey, a journey where one's spirit is re-newed.

**Babur** · January 16, 2011, 06:29 AM

Originally Posted by basics

Can I ask what the purposes of these pilgrimages are?

can I ask what is the purpose of pilgrimages to the Holy Land then?, each religion has its own traditions.

**princeps.omnis** · January 12, 2011, 08:55 PM

Thank you for the answers!

Is there some more generalized term for "pilgrim" and "pilgrimage" that one uses for those who go to Medina or Jerusalem? Basically, what is the term for a non-Meccan pilgrim/pilgrimage?

And if I made reference to the "extended Hajj," would you have any idea what I'm talking about? (One book said that when a Muslim goes to Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem, it is called the extended Hajj).