The three-week course aims to serve those eager to learn how to perform hajj.
CAIRO — As part of its mission statement to better educate Muslims worldwide about their faith, IslamOnline.net is organizing a maiden three-week online training course to help those eager to learn how to perform hajj. 
"Hajj is a new experience to many pilgrims and therefore they need to learn more about hajj before taking up the journey," said Muhammad Fathi, a member of IOL's Shari`ah Department.
"The difficulty faced by non-Arab Muslims is even bigger. Simple and reliable information are pressingly needed and this is why we present this course."
The three-week course will not only educate participants on the ritual of hajj but also the spiritual and behavioral values that the pilgrimage stands for.
Registration for the online course started on Tuesday, November 14, at 12 noon KSA (9:00 GMT).
One of the five pillars of Islam, hajj consists of several ceremonies, which are meant to symbolize the essential concepts of the Islamic faith, and to commemorate the trials of Prophet Abraham and his family.
Every able-bodied adult Muslim -- who can financially afford the trip -- must perform hajj once in their lifetime.
Step by Step
Fathi said the three-week course gives a step by step guide to hajj.
The first week will cover how one can prepare both physically and spiritually before the pilgrimage.
It will also address ihram (state of consecration) specifically in terms of when, where and how to perform it.
In addition the similarities and differences between hajj and `Umrah will be thoroughly addressed.
The second week is specifically dedicated to tackling the rituals practiced before and during `Eid Al-Adha (`Eid of the Sacrifice) as well as the values and spiritual lessons inspired by them.
The last week takes up the rituals of the final days of hajj and the spiritual state that would accrue after the return. It also tackles the rulings related to traveling to Madinah and visiting the mosque of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
It also emphasizes the morality and spirituality that should mark the Muslim after hajj.
In each week the trainees will get tests and assignments that help measure their progress.
Discussion forums will also be opened to help trainees discuss their ideas, comments and questions.
Unique
Fathi said the three-week course will go beyond the rituals of hajj.
"The materials provided will not be restricted to juristic rulings and instructions on the rituals of hajj," he noted.
"Rather, the course is intended to enlighten the trainees on the spiritual and behavioral values that should pervade a Muslim's whole life. This is the true purpose and fruit of hajj."
So, the course will accord special attention not only to how a Muslim should behave during Hajj but also how he/she should behave after the spiritual journey.
"We believe in self-empowerment and educating eople before venturing into activities. Those joining the course will not only educate themselves but will provide offline guidance to others."
Launched in 1999, IslamOnline.net is considered the world's leading Islamic portal.
It received up to 500,000 page views per day in 2005 from 216 countries. Its average daily production is 182 items in both English and Arabic.
Capping years of hard work on the Internet, IOL was granted the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 9001/2000) certificate in management systems in December 2004
