Today (29) is the Hajj festival, which is celebrated with great fervour.
The main purpose of Hajj is to create equality and brotherhood by removing the existing gap and differences.
The Hajj ceremony symbolizes the Prophet’s dedication of his son Prophet Ismail to God.
According to the Islamic calendar, the tenth day of the twelfth month, which is Dhul Hajj is the day of Hajj.
The annual pilgrimage to Mecca by Muslims begins during this season.
It is considered as the fifth pillar of Islam.
It is considered obligatory for every wealthy and strong Muslim to perform it at least once in his lifetime.
It is estimated that more than two million pilgrims visit the Masjid Al Haram “Kahba” in Mecca every year.
The daily five-day prayers are performed by the devotees of Islam looking at this religious shrine.
Meanwhile, President Ranil Wickramasinghe has also issued a message on the occasion of the Hajji festival that has taken place today.
The message is shown below.