In pictures | A journey through time... How was Hajj in ancient times?
Weather of Arabia - In ancient times, the Hajj journey began when a person intended to perform Hajj , was determined to do so, and began preparing several months before the Hajj season. In this article, travel with us through time to see how the pilgrims prepared for Hajj.
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The beginning of the ancient Hajj story
The pilgrim would prepare his camel by feeding it and taking care of it so that it would be able to withstand the hardships of the road. He would also collect the money he needed, despite the scarcity of money for many at that time, which forced him to redouble his efforts to buy the camel and secure a living during the journey and return, in addition to the value of the gift for those who were able and for whomever he chose. The ritual of enjoyment during Hajj.
Farewell to the family in preparation for the Hajj trip
The pilgrims from each home gather with their relatives and friends, and bid them farewell with groans mixed with burning tears. The pilgrims from each country set off on a well-known route to meet with the pilgrims from other regions, forming a cooperative group.
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The Hajj convoy begins
The departing woman was well prepared before departure. A “Shaddad” or “Masama” was placed on her back for the man to ride, and a “Howdah” or “Kawaja” was placed on the woman, which was like a chamber for her. It was made of wood and covered with cloth to allow her to sit comfortably and cover her from the eyes of men. .
The deceased was also provided with “supplies”, which are woolen bags hung on both sides of the vehicle to store simple belongings. The caravan would travel during the cold weather, and would stop when the sun became hot at noon to rest under the shade of the trees.
During the journey, the travelers ate their food separately with their household, after leaving the horse to graze around them. The food was usually a few dates with a drink of cold water from the filled waterskins, or kneading flour (wheat flour) and drinking water. The caravan continued its journey until nightfall, and the caravan would stop and make sense. Each mount so that it does not run away during the night, and some of them hold it close and cuddle it with their hand to sleep, especially in times of extreme cold, as it provides them with warmth.
Arrival to Mecca
Upon arriving in Mecca, the pilgrims perform their rituals by settling in Mina and then going to Arafat, where they sit in the open air without tents or houses, as the earth is their bed and the sky is their quilt. After that, they spend the night in Muzdalifah, and in the morning they go to Mina to stone Jamrat al-Aqaba and slaughter the sacrificial animal for whoever was performing tamattu or Compare.
The value of the sacrifice at that time did not exceed three riyals, and the pilgrims would eat from their sacrifice and enjoy meat that they had not tasted for months. After completing the Hajj, the pilgrims would dry the remaining meat by adding salt to speed up its drying. The dried meat was called “qafir,” and they would eat it on the way back, and there might be leftover meat for them to eat. Returnees with their families, to have a special and unforgettable taste.
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