On the best Practices of Hajj. A historical Analysis

Research Paper (postgraduate) from the year 2013 in the subject Orientalism / Sinology - Islamic Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, course: SOCIAL SCIENCE, language: English, abstract: This paper intends to investigate the practices of Hajj undertaken by previous Prophets. It also attempts to extract the historical elements contained in Hajj. Prophet Ibrahim and his family (Hajar and Prophet Ismail) were the first to perform Hajj, filled with hardship and harsh conditions the Ibrahimi family successfully built the Kaaba and summoned all the people from across the globe to perform Hajj in Mecca. Today, some would say that the rapid development in Mecca that helps pilgrims to perform Hajj easier with less effort and hardship is considered the best practice for Hajj, but history might disagree with the statement. This will then become the base of the construction of the real meaning of Hajj best practices. Hence, this paper contributes in developing a standard for the meaning of Hajj best practices by analyzing the history of Hajj based on what is written in the Quran and Hadith related to previous prophets. This paper will be of assistance to recognize the meaning of Hajj best practices and introducing a benchmark of Hajj for all Muslims.