of hope, devotion, patience, and self-control. Willpower, discipline, unity, and brotherhood are also learned.The obligatory fast is intended for every adult Moslem, whether male or female, if he/she is mentally and physically able. If on a journey, the fast may be postponed, but the exercise is to be made up later. Exceptions to the fast are women during their “unclean” period (menstruation) or while nursing a child, and in case of travel and sickness for both men and women. Sheikh (sic) Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid, in Al-Siyaam 70 Matters Related to Fasting, states:It is better for a menstruating woman to remain natural and accept what Allaah has decreed for her by not taking any medication to prevent her from bleeding. She should be content with what Allaah accepts from her of breaking her fast during her period and making those days up later. This is how the Mothers of the Believers and the women of the salaf were (Al-Munajjid 66).Pilgrimage (Hajj)The fifth, and final, Pillar of Islam is an obligation to those within the faith that are able physically and financially. Similar to a Christian’s desire to journey to the “Holy Land,” the Hajj is the ordered pilgrimage of all able Moslems to the city of Prophet Mohammed’s birth, Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims who participate in the Hajj wear very simple garments that denote no status or wealth. Without the appearance of wealth, all people stand equal before God. Moslems pray for Allah’s forgiveness while they fulfill the “once in a lifetime” duty that is their pilgrimage to Mecca.In Islamic history, the Hajj commemorates the Divine rituals observed by Prophet Abraham and his son, Ishmael, who were the first pilgrims to the house of Allah on earth: the Ka’bah. It is also to remember, and anticipate, the great assembly of the Day of Judgment when people will stand equal before Allah. Moslems go to Mecca to glorify Allah...
