 |
More young Muslims have been performing hajj in recent years. |
MAHARASHTRA, India – Adnan Lokhandwala and his wife Fatema can hardly wait for the day they will embark on their spiritual journey to Makkah to perform hajj, one of Islam’s five pillars.
“It is better to go on hajj when one is in one’s twenties and has fewer responsibilities,” Fatema, 28, told the TopNews website on Thursday, October 22.
“I know of couples who’ve gone on hajj directly after their marriage, instead of on a honeymoon.”
Sheikh Salim, a 27-year-old teacher in Pune city in the central-western Maharashtra state, agrees.
“Being young has advantages,” he asserts.
“When one is old and weak, it is difficult to walk long distances and deal with crowds,” maintains Salim, who will be leaving soon for hajj.
Every able-bodied adult Muslim -- who can financially afford the trip -- must perform hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, once in their lifetime.
Hajj consists of several ceremonies, which are meant to commemorate the trials of Prophet Abraham and his family.
It is expected to climax this year on November 26 when the faithful descend the Mount `Arafat.
New Trend
G. S. Ansari, chairman of the Maharashtra State Hajj Committee, notes that more young Muslims were keen on performing hajj in recent years.
“I’ve been observing this trend of younger people heading for hajj for the past 10 years.”
The trend gained more momentum over the past few years.
“Around 85 percent of pilgrims are in the age group of 25 to 55 years.”
About 160,000 Indian Muslims will reportedly be performing hajj this year.
India is home to 160 million Muslims.
“Youngsters from other countries have always been going on hajj,” notes S. Sheikh, a lawyer and social activist in Pune.
“But it was not common in India earlier.”
|
