(13) پنجاب کے دیہی علاقوں میں زائرین حج و عمرہ کے رخصت و استقبال کی رسومات ۔۔۔ ایک جائزہ

Abstract

Hajj is mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out
at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically
and financially capable of undertaking the journey, and can support
their family during their absence. It is one of the five pillars of Islam.
The Umrah is not compulsory but highly recommended. Umrah is a
great Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (PBUH). It is an act of worship
somewhat similar to Hajj, but with lesser rites and shorter duration.
Due to their importance, every Muslim wishes to perform Hajj and
Umrah in his life and people respect the persons who has performed
this, people carry out some rituals to respect and honor them. On this
occasion, near and dear ones congratulate them, arrange special meals,
present gifts and see off and receive them with great zest and zeal.
The pilgrims also response in positive manners and bring gifts for their
relatives. These rituals vary from area to area however some are
common. With the passage of time a great change is being observed in
these attachements. Islam allows Muslims to adopt such rituals which
are not against the basic principles, and does not appreciate the
practices which harm the mutual relations and Islamic cause. This
paper will highlight the rituals carried out by urban and rural areas of
Punjab at the departure and receiving of pilgrims of Hajj and Umrah
and analyze them in the light of Shariah.