A BRADFORD community figure has made the trip to Saudi Arabia for a religious pilgrimage – and has explained its significance for those who may not know about it but are curious to learn.
Dr Javed Bashir, from Keighley, is in the Middle Eastern country to perform Umrah.
Umrah sees Muslims visit Mecca, Islam’s holiest city, and Medina, its second-holiest city.
In contrast to Hajj – which is a compulsory pilgrimage which can only be undertaken during specific dates – Umrah can be performed at any time of the year and is not mandatory, and is therefore considered as the ‘lesser’ of the two pilgrimages.
“I’m so blessed to be able to spend the last ten days of Ramadan in Mecca and at the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina”, said Dr Bashir, who works as a safeguarding consultant.
“It is an enriching experience to see people from all over the world joining to fast together and performing Umrah.
“Spending the last days of Ramadan in Mecca and Medina is a special experience and nothing compares to its immense value, religious significance and spiritual uplifting.”
Dr Bashir’s mother recently passed away from Covid-19, and he is performing the pilgrimage on her behalf.
“It is encouraged to perform Umrah on behalf of parents after their death”, he explained
“Performing the different acts of Umrah is an enlightening experience”, he added.
“This includes Tawaf [circling and walking around the Kaaba, the building at the centre of Masjid Al-Haram in Mecca] to the running between the mountains of Safa and Marwa, and finally the shaving of the head or cutting the hair”, he said.
“Men wear two sheets of unstitched white cloth, known as the Ihram, which leave parts of the body – the head and face, the arms, ankles and feet – uncovered.
“This means the clothing is universal in appearance and no one can be distinguished by their wealth or social status.
BELOW: Dr Javed Bashir wearing the Ihram in Mecca
“Women wear clothing that completely conceals their body, except for their hands and face.
“Upon seeing the Kaaba for the first time, Muslims raise their hands and make prayer with the utmost concentration and sincerity, as this is the holiest place in Islam.
“Tawaf involves circling the Kaaba seven times, anti-clockwise. Pilgrims should try to touch or kiss Hajr-e-Aswad (the black stone) which is in the first corner of the Kaaba where the Tawaf starts.
“May Allah give us all the strength and capability to perform this blessed pilgrimage, and may he answer our prayers.”
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