Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin on Hajj's significance

(CNN) -- About 2 million Muslims from more than 70 countries journey to the holy city of Mecca each year to make the spiritual pilgrimage known as the Hajj. The pilgrimage is one of Five Pillars of Islam that form the framework of Islamic life. All Muslims who are physically and financially able are expected to perform the Hajj at least once. The Hajj begins on the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah (month for Hajj), the 12th month of the Islamic year, and lasts for as long as six days.

Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin is an Islamic scholar. He is associate professor at Al-Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Saudi Arabia.

CNN moderator: Dr. Saifuddin, welcome to CNN.com

Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin: Thank you so much.

CNN moderator: What is the significance of the Hajj for a Muslim? Why is it so crucial?

IN-DEPTH The Hajj: Islam's Journey of Faith  • Key Hajj facts  • Pillars of Islam  • Hajj image gallery  • Flash map: The pilgrimage  • Video: Scenes of prayer CNN's Riz Khan reports:  • Spiritual meaning  • Logistical challenge  • Women and Islam

Saifuddin: First, you're actually responding to the call of the prophet Abraham and the prophet Mohammed to come and visit the first house ever put for worship on Earth by God the Almighty. Secondly, it's an opportunity to reflect upon oneself, and to meet many, many Muslims, as they are coming to do the same. And that shows the unity, the strength and the universality of Islam.

CNN moderator: If a Muslim is unable to perform the Hajj during his or her lifetime, is there another way perhaps to compensate for it?

Saifuddin: Well, yes. They could be helped by other Muslims to achieve this if they're not able to do it financially on their own. However, they still can come at any time of the year to perform what is called "small Hajj," and that is to come to Mecca, again, casting the Ishram, circumnambulating the Kaaba and running between Safa and Marwa. That would suffice for doing what is called "small Hajj."

Question from chat room: Perhaps you could explain what "casting the Ishram" is.

Saifuddin: Casting the Ishram is to be in the state of secretion. If the participant is male, they will be wearing two seamless pieces of clothes, and then they will keep that on until the ritual is over. Which, in reality, takes about a couple of hours, or even less.

Question from chat room: I will make my first Hajj next year and look forward to meeting people from the whole world. What is number of Muslims in the world now, more or less?

Saifuddin: Well, the Muslims in the world exceed the 1 billion figure. And the number is increasing on a daily basis, because Islam is considered the fastest-growing religion in the world.

Question from chat room: Why does the performing of Hajj go back 10 days every year?

Saifuddin: The Hajj is based on the lunar calendar, which is different than the Gregorian calendar. It's based on sighting the moon of the crescent every month, and that's why it may differ on the Gregorian calendar. But it would be more accurate in responding to the moon sighting on a monthly basis.

Question from chat room: Do you think shows like CNN’s "Q&A" help educate the non-Islamic world about the Hajj and the other important festivals of the Islamic faith?

Saifuddin: Yes, indeed. I think it's good, and it has done that in the past, and people do have questions and doubts on their minds, and they need these things to be clarified. So, "Q&A" and any other interactive program can help in that respect, provided that the guests would be well-qualified to answer the questions raised by viewers.

Question from chat room: May I inquire what is in the black room that all the Muslims pray to?

Saifuddin: This room, which you refer to, is called the Kaaba, and this is basically an empty structure with nothing inside. But it is a resemblance of the unity of Muslims that is the focal point within the world for all Muslims to face when they pray. Now, this ancient structure was built by Abraham and his son Ishmael. In some of the reports, it could have been built by Adam, the father of humanity itself, and then, after some passage of time and deterioration, it was rebuilt by Abraham and his son Ishmael and it has been there for all the past centuries until today. I must say that about five years ago, the Saudi government made a complete renovation of the Kaaba itself, especially replacing the roof and the walls, and solidifying the structure to bear the passage of time. So it is very well taken care of and well-maintained.

Question from chat room: Does anybody get a chance to enter Kaaba?

Saifuddin: There are some fortunate people who have been able to do it, and these are people who might be part of the dignitary or special guests. It would not be feasible for everyone to have this golden opportunity to enter inside the Kaaba.

Question from chat room: I am very much interested in performing Hajj basically due to the fact that it is a tremendous way of purifying the soul. But I was told that I may not perform it because I am not a Muslim.

Saifuddin: In order to perform Hajj, and to be allowed into the sacred territory of Mecca, one needs to embrace Islam. And, of course, with embracing Islam, you'll be spiritually purified in a great sense. And to get more purification of the soul, you'll be able to make the Hajj. However, there are some other worships that help purify the soul in Islam. This includes praying, supplicating, giving charity to the poor and the needy, being kind to parents, neighbors, and other people, helping the needy, caring for the orphans and so on. This will be both purifying the soul and raising the rewards of a person.

Question from chat room: I am a man of Jewish faith, and I want to convert to Islam. Should I do that while performing Hajj?

Saifuddin: You need to do that conversion before coming to the Hajj. This is very easy. There are no formalities in embracing Islam, except to study and learn what Islam is all about, and then to basically give a word testimony that there is no deity worthy of worship, except God, Allah, and Mohammed is the final messenger of Allah. Also start to learn how to practice the religion; this may take a little while.

Question from chat room: What is one of the most fascinating and mystifying facts about the Kaaba?

Saifuddin: The Kaaba itself is not a different structure of itself. But the historical significance is so great when you think of who built the structure, who made the circumnambulating around it and who have been there throughout the ages. Another important and significant point in regard to the Kaaba is that it is in the middle of the world geographically speaking. Adjacent to that, and exactly vertically up in heaven, there is a door above the Kaaba where every day, 70,000 angels come out to fulfill some commandments of God the Almighty, not to return to that place until the Day of Judgment. So, there is indeed very great significance and status of the Kaaba.

Question from chat room: What do you think Muslims can do to correct the misunderstanding of Islam by other non-Muslim nations?

Saifuddin: First, they need to know what Islam is from the two main sources; the Quran and the sayings of prophet Mohammed. Secondly, the Muslims need to be good examples of Islam by behaving Islamically. Thirdly, they need to be patient and deliver the message clearly and in the best way possible.

CNN moderator: Do you have any final thoughts to share with us?

Saifuddin: I would really thank all of the participants, and of course, all of you.

CNN moderator: Thank you for joining us today.

Saifuddin: Thank you. I appreciate your work and effort.

Check out the CNN Chat calendar
Post your opinion on our message boards

Over 2 million Muslims march in hajj climax
March, 4, 2001
Hajj pilgrimage reaches crescendo
March 4, 2001
Hajj pilgrims flock to Mina
March 3, 2001
Pilgrims begin prayers in Mecca
March 2, 2001
More than 1 million pilgrims arrive in Saudi ahead of hajj
February 28, 2001

Hajj
Islaam
Saudi Arabia Information

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.