ABOUT 70 Muslims in Fiji have joined thousands of believers from other parts of the world on a pilgrimage to their holy city Mecca, for the hajj -- one of the five pillars of Islam.
According to the Fiji Muslim League, the believers left Fiji early this month and are expected back early next year.
"The most important way of worship performed in this month is hajj.
"It is obligatory for every adult Muslim who can afford, to go to Mecca during hajj, whether on foot or by any other carriage, once in a lifetime," the league said.
"Hajj is worship requiring at least five days to perform the proper way. Pilgrims generally travel to the hajj in groups, as an expression of unity.
Some airlines have special packages for Muslims going to Mecca. Ships are also available to take pilgrims there.
According to the league, a Muslim woman cannot travel to the hajj unless she is accompanied by a mahram -- husband or relative of a degree such as son, father or brother.
"If she does not find a mahram to accompany her, hajj is not obligatory for her."
However, the league said the woman must make a will in case she dies before performing the hajj. The will should indicate that her heirs arrange for her hajj-e-badal (to appoint a person to perform hajj on her behalf) out of her leftover property.
An individual is not required to perform the hajj a second time but can perform the nafl (optional hajj) many times.
