Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful Peace be upon you, Once in a lifetime, Hajj and `Umrah are decreed for those who can afford it. Pilgrimage commemorates Abraham's exemplary submission to God (see: http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix9.html), and must be observed during the four Sacred Months—Zul-Hijjah, Muharram, Safar, & Rabi` I (12th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd months) (Quran 2:197; 9:2, 9:36). `Umrah can be observed any time. Like all other duties in Islam, Hajj has been distorted. Most Muslims observe Hajj only during a few days in Zul-Hijjah, and they consider Rajab, Zul-Qi'dah, Zul-Hijjah, and Muharram (7th, 11th, 12th, 1st months) to be the Sacred Months. This is a distortion that is strongly condemned (Quran 9:37). Hajj and 'Umrah Pilgrimage* [Quran 2:196] You shall observe the complete rites of Hajj and 'Umrah for GOD. ... . {footnote} *2:196 See the details of Hajj and 'Umrah in Appendix 15. The Four Months of Hajj (Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, Safar, & Rabi I) [Quran 2:197] Hajj shall be observed in the specified months.* Whoever sets out to observe Hajj shall refrain from sexual intercourse, misconduct, and arguments throughout Hajj. Whatever good you do, GOD is fully aware thereof. As you prepare your provisions for the journey, the best provision is righteousness. You shall observe Me, O you who possess intelligence. {footnote} *2:197 Hajj can be observed any time during the Sacred Months: Zul-Hijjah, Muharram, Safar, and Rabi I. Local governments restrict Hajj to a few days for their own convenience. See 9:37 References: Religious Duties: A Gift from God, http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix15.html#pilgrimage Pilgrimage (Hajj), http://www.masjidtucson.org/submission/practices/hajj/ Hajj in the Quran, http://www.masjidtucson.org/submission/practices/hajj/hajjverses.html Hajj and the Four Sacred Months, http://www.masjidtucson.org/submission/practices/hajj/foursacredmonths.html Peace.