Obverse. Photo © Heritage Auctions
  • 50 Pounds 1986, KM# 641, Egypt, Hajj
  • 50 Pounds 1986, KM# 641, Egypt, Hajj
Description

The Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims. Hajj is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey, and of supporting their family during their absence from home.

In Islamic terminology, Hajj is a pilgrimage made to the Kaaba, the "House of God", in the sacred city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The Hajj is a demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people, and their submission to God (Allah). The word Hajj means "to attend a journey", which connotes both the outward act of a journey and the inward act of intentions.

Obverse

Depicts an interior view of Kaaba in the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, surrounded by Muslims performing the hajj pilgrimage and the Shahada "There is no god but God. Muhammad is the messenger of God." within curled decorations.

The Kaaba ("The Cube") is a building at the center of Islam's most sacred mosque, Al-Masjid al-Haram (lit. 'The Sacred Mosque'), also known as the Great Mosque of Mecca, in Mecca, al-Hejaz, Saudi Arabia. It is the most sacred site in Islam. It is considered the "House of Allah" and has a similar role to the Tabernacle and Holy of Holies in Judaism. Wherever they are in the world, Muslims are expected to face the Kaaba when performing salat (prayer). From any point in the world, the direction facing the Kaaba is called the qibla.

The Shahada is an Islamic oath, one of the Five Pillars of Islam and part of the Adhan. The Shahada declares belief in the oneness (tawhid) of God (Allah) and the acceptance of Muhammad as God's messenger.

لا إله إلا الله محمد رسول الله

Reverse

Denomination divides dates (Gregorian and Hegira), legend "Arab Republic of Egypt" above with ornamentation around them.

جمهورية مصر العربية
خمسون جنيها
١٤٠٦ ـ ١٩٨٦

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Gold
Fineness 0.900
Weight 8.5 g
Diameter 24 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
State Mints of Baden-Wuerttemberg / Stuttgart (SMBW/F)

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