In honour of translation professionals, September 30 is globally marked as International Translation Day by the International Federation of Translators (FIT). This date was chosen because it coincides with the day of the feast of St. Jerome, who translated the Bible and is also considered the patron saint of translators.&nbsp;

The day is aimed at increasing awareness about the translation industry and languages that play an essential part in our society’s growth.&nbsp;

As per the United Nations, this day is a chance to honour the work of language specialists, who contributes significantly to fostering international understanding, improving communication and fostering cooperation among nations, as well as contributing to worldwide peace and security.

<a href="Also read | Social media star Khaby Lame makes India debut, partners with this brand">Also read |&nbsp;Social media star Khaby Lame makes India debut, partners with this brand</a>

The theme this year is “United in translation."

Though FIT has been observing this day since 1953, the first formal celebrations of the global translation day took place in 1991. However, it was on May 24, 2017, when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), through resolution 71/288, officially recognised September 30 as the date to celebrate International Translation Day.&nbsp;

There were 11 countries that were signatories to the draft resolution, including, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Paraguay, Qatar, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Vietnam.

UN's official site states, “St. Jerome was an Italian priest from the north-eastern region of the country who is most renowned for his efforts translating the New Testament from its Greek manuscripts into Latin. On September 30, 420, Jerome died near Bethlehem."

In honour of translation professionals, September 30 is globally marked as International Translation Day by the International Federation of Translators (FIT). This date was chosen because it coincides with the day of the feast of St.

In honour of translation professionals, September 30 is globally marked as International Translation Day by the International Federation of Translators (FIT). This date was chosen because it coincides with the day of the feast of St. Jerome, who translated the Bible and is also considered the patron saint of translators. The day is aimed at increasing awareness about the translation industry and languages that play an essential part in our society’s growth. As per the United Nations, this day is a chance to honour the work of language specialists, who contributes significantly to fostering international understanding, improving communication and fostering cooperation among nations, as well as contributing to worldwide peace and security. Also read | Social media star Khaby Lame makes India debut, partners with this brand The theme this year is “United in translation." Though FIT has been observing this day since 1953, the first formal celebrations of the global translation day took place in 1991. However, it was on May 24, 2017, when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), through resolution 71/288, officially recognised September 30 as the date to celebrate International Translation Day. There were 11 countries that were signatories to the draft resolution, including, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Paraguay, Qatar, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Vietnam. UN's official site states, “St. Jerome was an Italian priest from the north-eastern region of the country who is most renowned for his efforts translating the New Testament from its Greek manuscripts into Latin. On September 30, 420, Jerome died near Bethlehem."

International translation day 2021: Theme and significance

Observed on September 22 every year, the World Rose Day is dedicated to cancer patients all across the globe. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The purpose of celebrating this day is to bring happiness and hope into the lives of such patients. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

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It looks to remind them that they can emerge victorious in their battle against cancer with the help of determination and positivity. It also tells them that they are not alone in this fight. &nbsp;

History &nbsp;&nbsp;

World Rose Day is observed each year in the memory of 12-year-old Melinda Rose from Canada. According to reports, Rose was diagnosed with Askin's Tumour, a rare form of blood cancer, in 1994. She had died in 1996. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/university-of-florence-to-offer-masters-degree-in-coffee-414833" hreflang="en">University of Florence to offer masters degree in coffee</a>

Although the doctors had said that she might live only for a few weeks, Rose went on to keep fighting with the disease for over three years. &nbsp;&nbsp;

She spent the time in sharing letters, verses, poems, e-mails, etc with other cancer patients to cheer them up. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-hubble-telescope-captures-massive-eye-of-dying-star-414846" hreflang="en">NASA's Hubble Telescope captures massive 'eye' of dying star</a>

It seems her kindness and hope in the tough times became an inspiration for celebration of World Rose Day. &nbsp;

Significance &nbsp;

On this day, people offer roses, cards and gifts to cancer patients and their caregivers. This small gesture can play an important role in their difficult journey. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The fight against cancer is both physical and psychological, and events such as this day can give inner strength and motivation to the patients to keep moving forward. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Observed on September 22 every year, the World Rose Day is dedicated to cancer patients all across the globe. The purpose of celebrating this day is to bring happiness and hope into the lives of such patients.

Observed on September 22 every year, the World Rose Day is dedicated to cancer patients all across the globe. The purpose of celebrating this day is to bring happiness and hope into the lives of such patients. Watch: × It looks to remind them that they can emerge victorious in their battle against cancer with the help of determination and positivity. It also tells them that they are not alone in this fight. History World Rose Day is observed each year in the memory of 12-year-old Melinda Rose from Canada. According to reports, Rose was diagnosed with Askin's Tumour, a rare form of blood cancer, in 1994. She had died in 1996. Also Read: University of Florence to offer masters degree in coffee Although the doctors had said that she might live only for a few weeks, Rose went on to keep fighting with the disease for over three years. She spent the time in sharing letters, verses, poems, e-mails, etc with other cancer patients to cheer them up. Also Read: NASA's Hubble Telescope captures massive 'eye' of dying star It seems her kindness and hope in the tough times became an inspiration for celebration of World Rose Day. Significance On this day, people offer roses, cards and gifts to cancer patients and their caregivers. This small gesture can play an important role in their difficult journey. The fight against cancer is both physical and psychological, and events such as this day can give inner strength and motivation to the patients to keep moving forward. (With inputs from agencies)

World Rose Day 2021: History, significance and what you need to know

Leaders from more than 100 countries are in New York this week for the United Nations' annual high-level summit — a COVID-inflected, semi-locked-down occasion that takes place in one of the pandemic's hardest-hit cities.

It will be a departure from the UN General Assembly's last in-person meeting in 2019 — and far different, too, from last year’s all-virtual version.

President Joe Biden of the United States, Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro are among the heads of state expected to attend the summit from September 20 to 27.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, as well as France's Emmanuel Macron and Iran's new president Ebrahim Raisi, are among the no-shows.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-united-nations-general-assembly-history-significance-and-functions-414393">In Pics | United Nations General Assembly- History, significance, and functions</a> 
 
The following are the major issues that are expected to dominate discussions at the UN and on the sidelines this year:&nbsp;

Climate crisis:

In the run-up to November's major climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland, some 40 world leaders will attend a confidential meeting on climate change co-chaired by Guterres and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

"We need immediate action on cash, automobiles, coal, and trees," said Barbara Woodward, Britain's UN ambassador. 
She stated that this entails funding $100 billion to assist disadvantaged countries in dealing with climate change and obtaining ambitious emission reduction goals from countries.&nbsp;

COVID-19 vaccinations:

On Wednesday, Biden will host a virtual summit focused on taking tangible steps to stop the pandemic.

As many countries struggle to procure vaccines, Biden plans to call on world leaders to give one billion COVID-19 vaccines as a group, to inoculate 70% of the world in the following year.

According to an invitation made by the Biden administration, the US will also call for the contribution and delivery of one billion test kits by 2022, as well as an acceleration of a previously stated pledge of 2 billion doses. They're referred to as "draught targets" in the text.&nbsp;

Afghanistan:

The UN is in a pickle, having warned of a "humanitarian disaster" if aid does not continue to flow into the war-torn country.

Few countries want to recognise or assist the Taliban administration, which includes sanctioned terrorists and has a lengthy history of human rights violations, but they also don't want the withdrawal of international forces to trigger a refugee crisis or worsen existing problems.

In a meeting on Wednesday, the foreign ministers of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council — the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, China, and France — are likely to discuss Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Iran: Iran's new president will not attend, but Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian will represent the Islamic Republic. Talks over the UN-backed Iran nuclear deal have stalled, and the US and its Western allies have warned that time is running out to keep the accord alive.&nbsp;

Quad Alliance:&nbsp;

The leaders of three of America's closest Asian friends, including Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, will travel to Washington on Friday for the Quad bloc's first in-person meeting.

The Indo-Pacific alliance is largely viewed as an attempt to present a united face against China's regional ambitions, and the gathering is expected to draw Beijing's ire.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Leaders from more than 100 countries are in New York this week for the United Nations' annual high-level summit — a COVID-inflected, semi-locked-down occasion that takes place in one of the pandemic's hardest-hit cities.

Leaders from more than 100 countries are in New York this week for the United Nations' annual high-level summit — a COVID-inflected, semi-locked-down occasion that takes place in one of the pandemic's hardest-hit cities. It will be a departure from the UN General Assembly's last in-person meeting in 2019 — and far different, too, from last year’s all-virtual version. President Joe Biden of the United States, Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro are among the heads of state expected to attend the summit from September 20 to 27. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, as well as France's Emmanuel Macron and Iran's new president Ebrahim Raisi, are among the no-shows. In Pics | United Nations General Assembly- History, significance, and functions The following are the major issues that are expected to dominate discussions at the UN and on the sidelines this year: Climate crisis: In the run-up to November's major climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland, some 40 world leaders will attend a confidential meeting on climate change co-chaired by Guterres and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. "We need immediate action on cash, automobiles, coal, and trees," said Barbara Woodward, Britain's UN ambassador. She stated that this entails funding $100 billion to assist disadvantaged countries in dealing with climate change and obtaining ambitious emission reduction goals from countries. COVID-19 vaccinations: On Wednesday, Biden will host a virtual summit focused on taking tangible steps to stop the pandemic. As many countries struggle to procure vaccines, Biden plans to call on world leaders to give one billion COVID-19 vaccines as a group, to inoculate 70% of the world in the following year. According to an invitation made by the Biden administration, the US will also call for the contribution and delivery of one billion test kits by 2022, as well as an acceleration of a previously stated pledge of 2 billion doses. They're referred to as "draught targets" in the text. Afghanistan: The UN is in a pickle, having warned of a "humanitarian disaster" if aid does not continue to flow into the war-torn country. Few countries want to recognise or assist the Taliban administration, which includes sanctioned terrorists and has a lengthy history of human rights violations, but they also don't want the withdrawal of international forces to trigger a refugee crisis or worsen existing problems. In a meeting on Wednesday, the foreign ministers of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council — the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, China, and France — are likely to discuss Afghanistan. Iran: Iran's new president will not attend, but Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian will represent the Islamic Republic. Talks over the UN-backed Iran nuclear deal have stalled, and the US and its Western allies have warned that time is running out to keep the accord alive. Quad Alliance: The leaders of three of America's closest Asian friends, including Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, will travel to Washington on Friday for the Quad bloc's first in-person meeting. The Indo-Pacific alliance is largely viewed as an attempt to present a united face against China's regional ambitions, and the gathering is expected to draw Beijing's ire. (With inputs from agencies)

United Nations General Assembly 2021: Here's what to watch for

In Pics | United Nations General Assembly- History, significance, and functions

A fragile shield of gas, known as the ozone layer, protects the Earth from the harmful rays of the sun. However, this protective layer is threatened by industrial and other forms of pollution.

The thinning of the ozone layer, if left unchecked, will eventually expose humans to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, particularly the harmful UVB-type radiation, known to cause skin cancer and induce cataract formation.

To raise awareness about the need to protect this layer, the world observes International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone layer on September 16 every year.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/the-beautiful-aurora-may-be-depleting-the-ozone-layer-study-408127">Also read |&nbsp;The beautiful Aurora may be depleting the Ozone layer: Study</a>

Marking the global event, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, wrote on Twitter, “through joint climate action, we can win the race against the existential threat of climate change”. He also used the hashtag ‘OzoneDay'.

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The cooperation we have seen to successfully protect and heal the ozone layer is what we desperately need now to address the climate crisis. 
 
Through joint <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClimateAction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClimateAction</a>, we can win the race against the existential threat of climate change. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OzoneDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OzoneDay</a>
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) <a href="https://twitter.com/antonioguterres/status/1438344390078914569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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United Nations, on its official Twitter handle, wrote that the healing of the ozone layer was an example of how the world can come together to address global challenges, such as the climate crisis.

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16 September is <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldOzoneDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldOzoneDay</a> - a chance to celebrate that invisible layer that keeps us all safe from the sun. ☀️ 
 
We must keep protecting it. 
 
Find out more via <a href="https://twitter.com/UNEP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNEP</a>: <a href="https://t.co/7HWrOi0xZu">https://t.co/7HWrOi0xZu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeepingCool?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeepingCool</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForNature?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForNature</a> <a href="https://t.co/ys29I92rdh">pic.twitter.com/ys29I92rdh</a>
— UN Biodiversity (@UNBiodiversity) <a href="https://twitter.com/UNBiodiversity/status/1438501425214984192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The day dates back to Montreal protocol.

This one protocol regulates the production and consumption of nearly 100 man-made chemicals referred to as ozone-depleting substances (ODS).&nbsp;

It was adopted in 1987 and is the only UN treaty that has been ratified by all 198 member-states.&nbsp;

In the year 1994, the UN General Assembly declared September 16 as the International Day for the Prevention of the Ozone layer.&nbsp;

A united global effort meant that the hole in the ozone layer is healing. The Montreal Protocol's main objective is to protect the ozone layer by curbing global production and consumption of substances that deplete it.

"A united global effort to phase out ozone-depleting substances means that today, the hole in the ozone layer is healing, in turn protecting human health, economies and ecosystems. But, as this year’s World Ozone Day seeks to highlight, the Montreal Protocol does so much more – such as slowing climate change and helping to boost energy efficiency in the cooling sector, which contributes to food security", read the official website of the United Nations.&nbsp;

A fragile shield of gas, known as the ozone layer, protects the Earth from the harmful rays of the sun. However, this protective layer is threatened by industrial and other forms of pollution.

A fragile shield of gas, known as the ozone layer, protects the Earth from the harmful rays of the sun. However, this protective layer is threatened by industrial and other forms of pollution. The thinning of the ozone layer, if left unchecked, will eventually expose humans to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, particularly the harmful UVB-type radiation, known to cause skin cancer and induce cataract formation. To raise awareness about the need to protect this layer, the world observes International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone layer on September 16 every year. Also read | The beautiful Aurora may be depleting the Ozone layer: Study Marking the global event, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, wrote on Twitter, “through joint climate action, we can win the race against the existential threat of climate change”. He also used the hashtag ‘OzoneDay'. The cooperation we have seen to successfully protect and heal the ozone layer is what we desperately need now to address the climate crisis. Through joint #ClimateAction, we can win the race against the existential threat of climate change. #OzoneDay — António Guterres (@antonioguterres) September 16, 2021 × United Nations, on its official Twitter handle, wrote that the healing of the ozone layer was an example of how the world can come together to address global challenges, such as the climate crisis. 16 September is #WorldOzoneDay - a chance to celebrate that invisible layer that keeps us all safe from the sun. ☀️ We must keep protecting it. Find out more via @UNEP: https://t.co/7HWrOi0xZu #KeepingCool #ForNature pic.twitter.com/ys29I92rdh — UN Biodiversity (@UNBiodiversity) September 16, 2021 × The day dates back to Montreal protocol. This one protocol regulates the production and consumption of nearly 100 man-made chemicals referred to as ozone-depleting substances (ODS). It was adopted in 1987 and is the only UN treaty that has been ratified by all 198 member-states. In the year 1994, the UN General Assembly declared September 16 as the International Day for the Prevention of the Ozone layer. A united global effort meant that the hole in the ozone layer is healing. The Montreal Protocol's main objective is to protect the ozone layer by curbing global production and consumption of substances that deplete it. "A united global effort to phase out ozone-depleting substances means that today, the hole in the ozone layer is healing, in turn protecting human health, economies and ecosystems. But, as this year’s World Ozone Day seeks to highlight, the Montreal Protocol does so much more – such as slowing climate change and helping to boost energy efficiency in the cooling sector, which contributes to food security", read the official website of the United Nations.

International day for preservation of ozone layer: Significance and history

Phase 3 is the biggest phase in Elections 2019. Know about its significance.

IEW: Significance of Phase 3 of Lok Sabha Polls

Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, is a festival celebrated by the Hindus and Jains. According to the Hindu calendar, this auspicious festival falls on the third day of the Hindu month of Vaisakha.&nbsp

This festival is also celebrated as the birthday of Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. One might also find it interesting that on this day, Ved Vyas commenced writing the Mahabharata.

This year it is being observed on April 18.

Hindus believe that the day of Akshaya Tritiya is an auspicious one for buying gold and jewellery. One anticipates good fortune and success in financial areas while shopping or investing in gold during this time.

While Pandavas were in their exile, it was on this holy day that Lord Krishna blessed them with the Akshaya Patra or the vessel that never goes empty. Several notable personalities including Basaveshwara, Ramanujacharya, Adi Shankaracharya and Swami Chinmayananda were all born on Akshaya Tritiya.

Once Sudhama, the childhood friend of Krishna wished to meet Krishna later in his life after having fathered several children and suffering in poverty. Sudhama knew that Krishna always liked beaten rice (poha). Therefore he bundled some of it in a cloth and hung it on his back during a long and tedious journey to Krishna’s abode. Krishna gave his friend a royal welcome and had three mouthfuls of the poha that Sudhama got for him.

Sudhama did not ask for any favour during that time and thus returned home. To his utter surprise, the entire household was found transformed like a heaven overflowing with all wealth and prosperity that would suffice for more than a lifetime. Thus, it was on Akshaya Tritiya that Krishna blessed his poor devotee with such an incomparable wealth.

The auspicious timings for purchasing gold are as follows:

Morning 5.57 am to 9.09 am 
Morning 10.45 am to 12.21 pm 
Afternoon 3.33 pm to 06.45 pm 
Evening 8.08 pm to 12.20 am

Hindus believe that the day of Akshaya Tritiya is an auspicious one for buying gold and jewellery.

Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, is a festival celebrated by the Hindus and Jains. According to the Hindu calendar, this auspicious festival falls on the third day of the Hindu month of Vaisakha. This festival is also celebrated as the birthday of Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. One might also find it interesting that on this day, Ved Vyas commenced writing the Mahabharata. This year it is being observed on April 18. Hindus believe that the day of Akshaya Tritiya is an auspicious one for buying gold and jewellery. One anticipates good fortune and success in financial areas while shopping or investing in gold during this time. While Pandavas were in their exile, it was on this holy day that Lord Krishna blessed them with the Akshaya Patra or the vessel that never goes empty. Several notable personalities including Basaveshwara, Ramanujacharya, Adi Shankaracharya and Swami Chinmayananda were all born on Akshaya Tritiya. Once Sudhama, the childhood friend of Krishna wished to meet Krishna later in his life after having fathered several children and suffering in poverty. Sudhama knew that Krishna always liked beaten rice (poha). Therefore he bundled some of it in a cloth and hung it on his back during a long and tedious journey to Krishna’s abode. Krishna gave his friend a royal welcome and had three mouthfuls of the poha that Sudhama got for him. Sudhama did not ask for any favour during that time and thus returned home. To his utter surprise, the entire household was found transformed like a heaven overflowing with all wealth and prosperity that would suffice for more than a lifetime. Thus, it was on Akshaya Tritiya that Krishna blessed his poor devotee with such an incomparable wealth. The auspicious timings for purchasing gold are as follows: Morning 5.57 am to 9.09 am Morning 10.45 am to 12.21 pm Afternoon 3.33 pm to 06.45 pm Evening 8.08 pm to 12.20 am

Akshaya Tritiya 2018: Significance, importance and timing

Around <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/more-than-17-million-muslims-gather-for-start-of-hajj/2017/08/30/5f03d726-8d60-11e7-9c53-6a169beb0953_story.html?utm_term=.c7c4707d4140">1.7 million Muslims</a> have gathered this year in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage &ndash; <a href="http://www.dictionary.com/browse/hajj">the hajj</a>. The five-day pilgrimage <a href="http://www.cambridge.org/us/academic/subjects/history/middle-east-history/hajj-pilgrimage-islam?format=HB&amp;isbn=9781107030510#r1EAFLxwIhcoTB6d.97">is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation</a> for all Muslims who have the physical and financial ability to undertake the journey.

So, what is the hajj and what is its spiritual significance?

The fifth pillar

Millions of Muslims from diverse countries such as Indonesia, Russia, India, Cuba, Fiji, the United States, Nigeria and others congregate in Mecca during the last month of the Muslim lunar year.

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Pilgrims dressed in white garments. <a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/aljazeeraenglish/4123390204/in/photolist-7hnsfy-dqsVVf-7duYF4-8RpkCH-79riDe-f7bkTc-4Hh1A1-5VrCdR-5EQert-aECwxs-WfuiKx-5Zp6RG-5vEWkL-5Zp3Nd-UkvMJu-bbLaB4-baMrWa-dnXjRu-aaj4Pe-7yfUEo-6X522A-aNLLcn-dtNpmB-prVQPP-xpBTq-efCN2o-7ZiP1B-7ab1dG-7ab1du-eg4WRc-689Sed-fntKkM-RaUt4-5YD77K-7iU1uN-Sk6Z3y-5Xbum3-8UiyE8-vNjgG-pS5hEz-62kErs-dtw7BT-RtMFKv-5L8q5Y-5MNzJw-aECKRw-S8Wdyh-2jjQt-Jq48b-baj3MZ">Al Jazeera English</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/">CC BY-NC</a>
</figcaption>
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Pilgrims wear plain, white garments. Men drape seamless, unstitched clothing and women dress in plain white dresses and headscarves. The idea behind dressing simply is to mask any differences in wealth and status.

The pilgrimage is considered the fifth pillar of Islamic practice (the other four being the profession of faith, five daily prayers, charity and <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-ramadan-is-called-ramadan-6-questions-answered-77291">the fast of Ramadan</a>). In calling Muslims to perform the hajj, the Quran <a href="http://www.quranexplorer.com/quran/">says</a>,

&ldquo;Proclaim to men the Pilgrimage: they will come to thee on foot and on every lean camel, coming from every remote path.&rdquo;

The rites of the hajj are believed to retrace events from the lives of prominent prophets such as Ibrahim and Ismail.

The first day of the hajj

Pilgrims start by circling <a href="http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780195125580.001.0001/acref-9780195125580">the &ldquo;Holy Kaaba</a>,&rdquo; the black, cube-shaped house of God (at the centre of the most sacred mosque in Mecca), seven times.

The Kaaba occupies a central place in the lives of Muslims. In all parts of the world, Muslims are expected to turn toward the Kaaba when performing their daily prayers.

Specific rules <a href="http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780195125580.001.0001/acref-9780195125580">concerning going around</a> the Kaaba are prescribed for pilgrims. They may also kiss, touch or approach the Kaaba during the pilgrimage as a sign of their respect and continued devotion.

The Quran tells the story of Ibrahim&rsquo;s sacrifice, who when commanded by God, agreed to sacrifice his son, Ismail. Muslims believe the Kaaba holds the black stone upon which Ibrahim was called to sacrifice Ismail.

In performing the rituals, they join in a long line of pilgrims to Mecca &ndash; <a href="https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-life-of-muhammad-9780196360331?cc=us&amp;lang=en&amp;">including Prophet Muhammad</a> &ndash; who circled the Kaaba.

Pilgrims then proceed to a ritual walking &ndash; about 100 meters from the Kaaba &ndash; to hills known as &ldquo;Safa&rdquo; and &ldquo;Marwah.&rdquo; Here they re-create <a href="http://www.cambridge.org/us/academic/subjects/history/middle-east-history/hajj-pilgrimage-islam?format=HB&amp;isbn=9781107030510">another significant event</a> recorded in the Quran: when Ibrahim was granted a son by God through his Egyptian slave girl Hajar. After the birth of Ismail, God instructed Ibrahim to take Hajar and her newborn son out into the desert and leave them there. Ibrahim left them near the present-day location of the Kaaba. Ismail cried out with thirst and Hajar ran between two hills, looking for water until she turned to God for help.

God rewarded Hajar for her patience and sent his angel Jibreel to reveal a spring, which today is known as &ldquo;Zamzam Well.&rdquo; Pilgrims drink water from the sacred well and may take some home for blessings.

The second day of the hajj

<figure class="align-center "><img alt="" src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/files/184267/width754/file-20170831-22397-zsohp9.jpg" />
<figcaption>
Pilgrims praying on Arafat. <a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/aljazeeraenglish/4135906354/in/photolist-7itASf-7ipEj8-7m6S5M-4kgEVJ-7iw61y-8TRppx-97r2W7-arbDH-7iscY6-7ifhd9-7ygqjr-7hX95R-fBsJ1X-7ykfkW-7ygrB8-7ygrne-7ykeTq-an6Zn-8TULHS-5Hycc7-5HtS4v-7ykf8J-5Hu33g-5HtUxP-7ygrbR-5HyeCd-5HtTPn-5HyrAE-8TUqFh-7ygrRD-8TRKpi-5HtRhv-8TRnNz-8TREd4-7ykdSq-4qY7wP-an6Zo-arbS4-qXKmg2-dcec1H-8TRzCc-8TUp9s-8TRU4c-7rR3ib-8TUVES-8TRJ9r-8TRH3K-8TRSuH-8TUUFE-8TRx2n">Al Jazeera English</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a>
</figcaption>
</figure>

The hajj &ldquo;climaxes&rdquo; with a sojourn into the plains of Arafat near Mecca. There, pilgrims gather in tents, spend time with one another and perform prayers. Some pilgrims will ascend a hill known as the &ldquo;Mount of Mercy,&rdquo; where Prophet Muhammad delivered the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farewell_Sermon">farewell sermon</a> toward the end of his life.

They then proceed to an open plain near Mecca, often a highlight of the journey for many pilgrims. Muslims believe that the <a href="http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780195125580.001.0001/acref-9780195125580">spirit of God comes closer to Earth</a> in this place at the time of the pilgrimage.

As a scholar of global Islam, during my fieldwork, I have interviewed those who have gone on the hajj. They have described to me their personal experiences.

Many pilgrims, when standing in the plains of Arafat, <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=LkmkAwAAQBAJ&amp;pg=PA60&amp;lpg=PA60&amp;dq=a+close+communion+with+god+plains+of+arafat&amp;source=bl&amp;ots=xfljL0qqXO&amp;sig=ST3pnAIcye_QJ2ZbbcPA2gfMBIM&amp;hl=en&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjitdWOp4LWAhVDQiYKHamnA9QQ6AEIPjAG#v=onepage&amp;q=a%20close%20communion%20with%20god%20plains%20of%20arafat&amp;f=false">feel a close communion with God.</a>

Final three days

Afterwards, pilgrims move to Mina, also known as the Tent City, about five kilometres from the holy city of Mecca. Here, they reenact another part of the story of Ibrahim&rsquo;s test of faith in the sacrifice of his son.

They recall how Satan tried to tempt Ibrahim to disobey <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-muslims-celebrate-eid-twice-a-year-6-questions-answered-80949">God&rsquo;s call to sacrifice Ismail</a>. Ibrahim, however, remained unmoved and informed Ismail, who was willing to be sacrificed. To reenact Ibrahim&rsquo;s rebuff of Satan&rsquo;s temptation, pilgrims throw small stones at a stone pillar.

They then proceed to follow Ibrahim in the act of sacrifice. The Quran says just as Ibrahim attempted to kill his son, God intervened and a ram was sacrificed in place of Ismail. In remembrance, Muslims all over the world sacrifice an animal on this day. The <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-muslims-celebrate-eid-twice-a-year-6-questions-answered-80949">&ldquo;festival of the sacrifice&rdquo; is known as Eid al-Adha</a>.

<figure class="align-center "><img alt="" src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/files/184266/width754/file-20170831-2020-czju2i.jpg" />
<figcaption>
Pilgrims stoning the devil in Mina. <a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/aljazeeraenglish/4142094316/in/photolist-7iXrgk-7iXrAK-7iXrqk-7j2iPq-8U9pyc-7iXrtK-7iXrxn-7j2jd3-7j2jfj-7ykkpd-7j2iSQ-7j2jkf-7j2j7E-7iXrcV-7j2jFy-7j2jJU-7ykk2L-7iXr7Z-7iXriZ-7iXryR-7j2job-7j2iVd-7iBtP1-7j2jGS-7iXrSX-7ykhiS-7ygxAz-7iXrLe-7j2j2d-7ygwp8-8UbHdp">Al Jazeera English</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a>
</figcaption>
</figure>

Many pilgrims spend the next few days repeating the stoning at Mina (at least six more times) and going around the Holy Kaaba in Mecca (at least once more). Pilgrims also start to put on their everyday clothes <a href="http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780195125580.001.0001/acref-9780195125580">to indicate a transition to their worldly life</a>.

It is believed that a proper performance of the hajj can absolve Muslim pilgrims of any previous sins. However, Muslims also believe that just undertaking the pilgrimage is not enough: <a href="http://www.cambridge.org/us/academic/subjects/history/middle-east-history/hajj-pilgrimage-islam#O3cwEbjxDttkhEyF.97">It is up to God to judge the pilgrimage as acceptable or not.</a>

Creating one Muslim community

The hajj is a massive <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/08/world/meast/how-hi-tech-manages-millions-during-the-hajj/index.html">organisational project</a> for the Saudi authorities. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/08/world/meast/how-hi-tech-manages-millions-during-the-hajj/index.html">Issues concerning</a> crowd management, security, traffic and tensions constantly plague the successful organisation of the annual event. A deadly stampede in 2015 left <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/25/middleeast/hajj-pilgrimage-stampede/index.html">over 700 dead</a>.

There are other ongoing tensions as well: Some <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-shia-sunni-divide-78216">Shia</a> governments such as Iran, for example, have levelled <a href="http://www.alterinter.org/spip.php?article4502">charges alleging discrimination</a> by <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-shia-sunni-divide-78216">Sunni</a> Saudi authorities. Furthermore, this year, citizens of <a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/08/hajj-qataris-year-saudi-row-170825192148831.html">Qatar were not able to perform the hajj</a> following the decision by Saudi Arabia and three other Arab nations to sever diplomatic ties with the country.

To address such issues, <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=6VeCWQfVNjkC&amp;q=OIC#v=snippet&amp;q=OIC&amp;f=false">many Muslims have called</a> for the <a href="http://www.oic-oci.org/">Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC)</a>, an intergovernmental organisation, to put together an international, multi-partisan committee to organise the pilgrimage.

Perhaps that could help avoid regional or sectarian conflicts. The hajj, after all, is any individual Muslim&rsquo;s <a href="http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780195125580.001.0001/acref-9780195125580">single most</a> symbolic ritual act that reflects <a href="http://imjcr.com/journals/imjcr/Vol_3_No_1_June_2014/3.pdf">the ideal of unity</a>.

<img alt="The Conversation" height="1" src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/83284/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" width="1" />By requiring Muslims to do the same clothes, pray in the same spaces and perform the same rituals, the hajj creates a global Muslim community, with no class distinctions.

&nbsp;

This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/explaining-the-muslim-pilgrimage-of-hajj-83284">original article</a>.

The goal of hajj is to create a global Muslim community, with no class distinctions but citizens of Qatar can't undertake hajj this year.

Around 1.7 million Muslims have gathered this year in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage – the hajj. The five-day pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for all Muslims who have the physical and financial ability to undertake the journey. So, what is the hajj and what is its spiritual significance? The fifth pillar Millions of Muslims from diverse countries such as Indonesia, Russia, India, Cuba, Fiji, the United States, Nigeria and others congregate in Mecca during the last month of the Muslim lunar year. Pilgrims dressed in white garments. Al Jazeera English, CC BY-NC Pilgrims wear plain, white garments. Men drape seamless, unstitched clothing and women dress in plain white dresses and headscarves. The idea behind dressing simply is to mask any differences in wealth and status. The pilgrimage is considered the fifth pillar of Islamic practice (the other four being the profession of faith, five daily prayers, charity and the fast of Ramadan). In calling Muslims to perform the hajj, the Quran says, “Proclaim to men the Pilgrimage: they will come to thee on foot and on every lean camel, coming from every remote path.” The rites of the hajj are believed to retrace events from the lives of prominent prophets such as Ibrahim and Ismail. The first day of the hajj Pilgrims start by circling the “Holy Kaaba,” the black, cube-shaped house of God (at the centre of the most sacred mosque in Mecca), seven times. The Kaaba occupies a central place in the lives of Muslims. In all parts of the world, Muslims are expected to turn toward the Kaaba when performing their daily prayers. Specific rules concerning going around the Kaaba are prescribed for pilgrims. They may also kiss, touch or approach the Kaaba during the pilgrimage as a sign of their respect and continued devotion. The Quran tells the story of Ibrahim’s sacrifice, who when commanded by God, agreed to sacrifice his son, Ismail. Muslims believe the Kaaba holds the black stone upon which Ibrahim was called to sacrifice Ismail. In performing the rituals, they join in a long line of pilgrims to Mecca – including Prophet Muhammad – who circled the Kaaba. Pilgrims then proceed to a ritual walking – about 100 meters from the Kaaba – to hills known as “Safa” and “Marwah.” Here they re-create another significant event recorded in the Quran: when Ibrahim was granted a son by God through his Egyptian slave girl Hajar. After the birth of Ismail, God instructed Ibrahim to take Hajar and her newborn son out into the desert and leave them there. Ibrahim left them near the present-day location of the Kaaba. Ismail cried out with thirst and Hajar ran between two hills, looking for water until she turned to God for help. God rewarded Hajar for her patience and sent his angel Jibreel to reveal a spring, which today is known as “Zamzam Well.” Pilgrims drink water from the sacred well and may take some home for blessings. The second day of the hajj Pilgrims praying on Arafat. Al Jazeera English, CC BY-SA The hajj “climaxes” with a sojourn into the plains of Arafat near Mecca. There, pilgrims gather in tents, spend time with one another and perform prayers. Some pilgrims will ascend a hill known as the “Mount of Mercy,” where Prophet Muhammad delivered the farewell sermon toward the end of his life. They then proceed to an open plain near Mecca, often a highlight of the journey for many pilgrims. Muslims believe that the spirit of God comes closer to Earth in this place at the time of the pilgrimage. As a scholar of global Islam, during my fieldwork, I have interviewed those who have gone on the hajj. They have described to me their personal experiences. Many pilgrims, when standing in the plains of Arafat, feel a close communion with God. Final three days Afterwards, pilgrims move to Mina, also known as the Tent City, about five kilometres from the holy city of Mecca. Here, they reenact another part of the story of Ibrahim’s test of faith in the sacrifice of his son. They recall how Satan tried to tempt Ibrahim to disobey God’s call to sacrifice Ismail. Ibrahim, however, remained unmoved and informed Ismail, who was willing to be sacrificed. To reenact Ibrahim’s rebuff of Satan’s temptation, pilgrims throw small stones at a stone pillar. They then proceed to follow Ibrahim in the act of sacrifice. The Quran says just as Ibrahim attempted to kill his son, God intervened and a ram was sacrificed in place of Ismail. In remembrance, Muslims all over the world sacrifice an animal on this day. The “festival of the sacrifice” is known as Eid al-Adha. Pilgrims stoning the devil in Mina. Al Jazeera English, CC BY-SA Many pilgrims spend the next few days repeating the stoning at Mina (at least six more times) and going around the Holy Kaaba in Mecca (at least once more). Pilgrims also start to put on their everyday clothes to indicate a transition to their worldly life. It is believed that a proper performance of the hajj can absolve Muslim pilgrims of any previous sins. However, Muslims also believe that just undertaking the pilgrimage is not enough: It is up to God to judge the pilgrimage as acceptable or not. Creating one Muslim community The hajj is a massive organisational project for the Saudi authorities. Issues concerning crowd management, security, traffic and tensions constantly plague the successful organisation of the annual event. A deadly stampede in 2015 left over 700 dead. There are other ongoing tensions as well: Some Shia governments such as Iran, for example, have levelled charges alleging discrimination by Sunni Saudi authorities. Furthermore, this year, citizens of Qatar were not able to perform the hajj following the decision by Saudi Arabia and three other Arab nations to sever diplomatic ties with the country. To address such issues, many Muslims have called for the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC), an intergovernmental organisation, to put together an international, multi-partisan committee to organise the pilgrimage. Perhaps that could help avoid regional or sectarian conflicts. The hajj, after all, is any individual Muslim’s single most symbolic ritual act that reflects the ideal of unity. By requiring Muslims to do the same clothes, pray in the same spaces and perform the same rituals, the hajj creates a global Muslim community, with no class distinctions. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

What is the spiritual significance of hajj to a Muslim?

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