The purposes for which Allah has enjoined Hajj are many, among which are the following:

• It is the largest annual convention of faith, where Muslims meet to know one another, study their common affairs and promote their general welfare.

• It is also the greatest regular peace conference known in the history of mankind. In the course of Hajj, peace is the dominant theme. It is peace with God, with one’s soul and with one another. It is even peace with animals, birds and insects. To disturb the peace of anyone or any creature, in any way or form, is strictly prohibited.

• It is a wholesome demonstration of the universality of Islam, where brotherhood and equality of Muslims are fulfilled. Muslims dress in the same simple way, observe the same regulations and utter the same supplications at the same time, in the same way, for the very same end. There is no royalty, but loyalty – of all – to Allah. There is no aristocracy, but humility and devotion.

• It is also to commemorate the divine rituals, observed by Abraham and Ishmael (peace be upon them), whom are known to have built the Ka`bah for the practicing of monotheism and worshiping of Allah – the One and Only – on earth.

Worth mentioning also is that Hajj is, in many ways, the central event of the year, perhaps of a whole lifetime. It is the act in which the unity of Muslims is most fully expressed. This is in the sense that it is an example of all kinds of travel. It is also a market for exchanging news and ideas, brought from all over the Muslim world. Last, but not least, it symbolizes the unity of so many hearts seeking the pleasure of Allah.