Getting a raise from your employer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Getting a raise from your employer - Essay Example If you would like to meet to discuss this, please let me know. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work for you and I enjoy doing so. I hope you'll agree that, in the past years I've worked for you, I've become an integral member of your team and accomplished a great deal. Here are some highlights of how I have helped the department and the company in the past few years: You can consult anyone in my department regarding the truthfulness of the above mentioned claims and then consider recommending my salary raise. As you can see my salary is much below the industry averages which is very devastating considering the work I do for the department. In researching the salary.com website, it notes the median expected salary for a typical Customer Service Rep. in the Atlantic City area is $17,715 which is too high considering the salary I receive in this company(and that too when I do multitasking). I have always been proactive throughout my career and have gone out of my ways to help others in my department thus contributing to the company as a whole. I have literally lived for the company for the past five years and have enjoyed each and every moment working in it.

Malaria Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 3

Malaria - Essay Example According to statistics given by the Centers for Illness and Prevention, 1925 cases of malaria were detected. This constituted approximately 70% of the population that was affected. The 70% cases were from people who had tours to outside U.S predominantly West Africa and others from India. In U.S, only five cases were reported, and this was approximately 0.25% of the population. Of the five cases reported, one was as a result of blood transfusion, another one from a lab accident, one from a traveler and the remaining two cases from born children whose mother had traveled. Yes, there has been historical case of malaria in the U.S. Back in the year 1930’s, malaria was endemic and concentrated in the 13 states of America. For instance, in the year 1933, malaria had prevailed approximately 30% of the population in the Tennessee River Valley. Another instance of malaria outbreak was recorded in the year 1942, this was during the World War II. Malaria cases were heavily recorded in military base camps. The disease was handled and controlled. Programs like the National Malaria Eradication Program (NMEP) and centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), were initiated in the year 1947 and 1946 respectively, to suppress and help in the eradication of malaria. Preventive measures like spraying of insecticides, DDT, and application of the same to the interior walls of the houses, were used to thwart spreading of malaria. The goals and objectives of the public education plane to control malaria were as follows. One, educate the community about transmission and the causative agent of malaria. Two, provide methods and ways of reducing the spread of disease, in case there is an outbreak (Speybroeck, 2011). Three, give ways in which people can prevent malaria and eradicate it from their vicinities. Four, educate the public on the various organizations that have been established

Anchoring and Adjustment Essay Example for Free

Anchoring and Adjustment Essay Negotiator biases are an important part of knowing how to present a negotiation in the most positive light. Negotiators must also be flexible in offering that which the party or parties find acceptable. A bias to be discussed will be that of anchoring that part of a negotiation the negotiate is willing to accept. A second bias is that of framing the outcome for the party as enticing as possible. Availability of information will be the final bias discussed. In discussing these biases the goal is to become a negotiator capable of avoiding these through heightened awareness. Anchoring and Adjustment What is it about the product or presentation you are offering that is attractive to the other party that will create a positive outcome. The bias of anchoring and adjustment is applying appropriate value to the service, product, or presentation being offered. An example would be purchasing a product on e-bay. One of the attractions of bidding on e-bay, is the automatic bidding feature. The buyer places a particular value upon the product. The seller may or may not have a set price. For the purpose of this example, the seller has not set a particular price. The product is a prized, hard to find Christmas item that your three year old child must have. While you are willing to make a sacrifice, what is the sacrifice worth to you? The buyer puts into play a price that is reasonable to him/her. While also putting in the maximum amount he/she is willing to pay for the product. The minimum bid is placed at 500 dollars. A friend of yours knew you were seeking this particular item for your child and offers to sell the item for 750 dollars. An anchor has been set, a specific value on the item your child desires. One advantage is that you can see the condition of the item, where the e-bay seller has offered a picture. Framing Outcomes Framing outcomes presents a bit more complex bias in negotiation situation. Risk is introduced as a threat to the negotiation process. This bias is one in which the negotiator must be able to know the different types of risk and guess at the risk another party is willing to accept. In the example set above, all three risks could be put into action or play. The buyer could decide to be risk-neutral and attempt to bring the friends price to the acceptable offer of the maximum bid offered on e-bay. The second option is risk-averse which would be to accept the neighbors offer without negotiation, in other words the offer is accepted without challenge. The third option, risk-seeker would involve the person willing to accept the loss if the he/she is outbid on e-bay and thus the childs disappointment. Missing a cue such as the willingness to take risk could be vital in the outcome of the process. The neighbor in our scenario definitely has the advantage of the endowment effect. As owner of the desired item he/she is most likely placing a higher value on the prized Christmas toy that may be acceptable. The effect of ownership serves as a bias in that the item has come to have more value, in the mind of the seller. A situation which may leave the seller holding a useless toy, once the holiday season has passed. Availability of Information This would seem to be one of the most vital parts in negotiation. The negotiator should have most if not all the information that is possibly available. However, it seems likely, that this step though important could also be easily missed. The article pointed out that information can easily be misconstrued due to the attachment a person may or may not have to the process. Continuing in the example of the desired toy; How vital has it become in the buyers mind to attain the toy for the child? Have there been news reports showing long lines and large shortages of the availability of the toy? Have advertisements for the desired item been more frequent, thus making the item much more valuable to the child? How willing is the parent to avoid tears and disappointment on Christmas morning? In the process of negotiation the importance of information, must in some way, be mined by the negotiator to create the desired outcome. Knowledge is always a valuable thing, whether this is revealed to the relevant parties is not important. The negotiator should know about the parties being worked with, as well as the desired outcome and that which makes the outcome desirable. Conclusion Awareness of the biases in negotiation are important to the would be person who chooses to arbitrate or mediate in decision-making. The three problems outlined above are all important and complex. The arbitrator must have the skill of being able to know the value of that outcome which is most desirable and palatable. The negotiator should have an excellent working knowledge of human behavior and those actions that may come into play during a negotiation. The negotiator must be willing to study and learn, not only the process of negotiation, but what makes the desired outcome, just that? An arbitrator or mediator works toward an outcome agreeable to all parties, creating a win-win situation, known or unknown to the involved parties. Awareness of negotiator biases provides access to those traps a negotiator may become entangled. Through higher knowledge and awareness the would be negotiator should be able to avoid those biases before becoming a problem.

Corporate Social Responsibility And Recent Events Management Essay

Corporate Social Responsibility And Recent Events Management Essay Hopkins (2003) defined Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as treating the stakeholders of the firm, ethically or in a responsible manner. According to Wan-Jan (2006) is the best working definition that best depicts the concept of CSR. This definition depicts CSR both as an ethical stance and as a business strategy. This also conforms to the argument that CSR should not put emphasis on getting rewards or payback. The definition does not emphasize that practicing CSR should have its rewards. CSR is very important in this era of globalisation. Globalization is generally seen but not exclusively, as an economic process (Sparrow, Brewster Harris 2004). The level and pace of global economy change is still at its early stage, yet the pace of change of the economy is rapidly accelerating. This challenge is posed to international human resource management professionals to be become more complex and strong. Also, it has provided significant opportunities for organizations in reconfiguring their strategies in their respective supply chains as well as the globalization of their production systems. This paper shall discuss how CSR is an important concern for both society and corporations. This shall also argue whether or not CSR is an effective means of corporations in bolstering their reputation and provide responses to pertinent issues. Sample cases will be presented in order to provide evidences for the mentioned points of discussion. Corporate Social Responsibility On the recent events brought about by the earthquake in Haiti, Motorola Foundation, along with Motorola and its employees have donated cash and kind relief efforts to the victims of the said calamity. The foundation is the charitable and philanthropic division of Motorola. This organisation is responsible in making strategic grants, pushes strong partnerships with the community, fostering of innovation and engagement of stakeholders. This foundations focus its funding especially with the need in education, science and technology, engineering and math programming among others (CSR Digest 2010). The case of Motorola is one example that an organisation really paves way to have a separate division that focuses in CSR. Although as the description of the foundation reflected that its funds are especially focused in education particularly in science and technology, which is mainly the nature of Motorolas business (CSR Digest 2010). Another evidence for Motorolas focus in technology and development is its collaboration on the reference design for phones that have Blue tooth technology (Portable Design 2004). Herbert and Schantz (2007) argued that corporate actions of organizations are being subjected to more scrutiny than ever. There is an attempt to legitimize the roles of corporations and as seen in the corporate social responsibility as a part of a framework, which is triple bottom. In the study that they have conducted, credence values such as corporate social responsibility and business ethics are still intangible. Thus, the corporate brand becomes a guarantee for the social values that are being communicated. Johnson (1958) considers that one of the most important changes that took place in the recent generation of corporations is the development of a new role in the corporate citizenship with the corporation. The economic and social responsibility is hence being recognized. There are several measurement methods for CSR being implemented by different organizations. According to Sethi (1975), a structural framework to facilitate analysis of corporate social activities should have at least the following two properties. First, categories for classifying corporate activities should be stable over time, which makes historical comparisons possible. Second, the definitions of various categories should be applicable across firms, industries, or even social systems, making comparative analysis possible. CSR has also been described as a tool to build good corporate reputation. Lewis (2003) found that public perception on the role of companies in society has changed significantly. In late 1970s, two-to-one of the British public agreed that the profits generated by large companies make things better for their customers. In early 2000s, two-to-one disagree. At the same time, 80% of the public believes that large companies have a moral duty to society. But 61% believes that companies do not really care about the environment and social responsibility. The dissonance between what the public expects firms to do and what they think the firms are actually doing is worrying. But Lewis argued that companies have a new basis to regain public trust through exercising their CSR. Lewis believes that CSR can become a competitive edge/core competence for those companies who can exploit it properly. Porter too echoed the same opinion (Porter, 2003) when he stated that todays companies ought to invest in CSR as part of their business strategy to become more competitive. The extent of social responsibility of corporations, it is anticipated that there will be an increase in the resonance of corporate citizenship. It is also associated in the in the participation of a wider polity and aspirations that are normative. In the fulfillment of such demands, it is required from the society to give strong pressures as well as from the corporate leaders in order to bring about a true separation of economic spheres and politics. This is an implication in the reverse mechanism of routine mobilization (Barley, 2006). Implementation of Effective CSR Report through a Business Plan Strategic planning is the organizations projection its destination in a certain period of time and how the organization will go there (Farrah et al 2001). It is a systematized planning process that involves a number of steps identifying the current status of the organization, including its mission, future vision, operating values, operational needs, goals, and prioritized actions and strategies, action plans and monitoring plans. The most important concept of strategic planning understands that in order for an organization to succeed, every member should contribute in achieving it. Business development strategies are needed to achieve a sustainable development in an organization. There are seven steps in managing an organization according to sustainable development principles. These are performing a stakeholder analysis; setting policies and objectives for sustainable development; designing and executing an implementation plan; development of a supportive corporate culture; development of measures and standards of performances; preparation of progress reports; and enhancement of internal monitoring processes. There are ways suggested in improving the strategic planning of organizations. There are five suggestions namely: starting with the issues; the right people should be brought together; planning cycles should be adapted to the needs of each organizations; strategic performance management system should be implemented; and human resources should be integrated on the strategic plan. A CSR report will be created to evaluate all the economic viability of the company including the description and analysis of all the companys business prospects. It will define and focus the companys objective with the use of appropriate information and analysis. Also, the business plan can be used as a selling tool when dealing with important business relationships including investors, lenders and banks. The business plan can also reveal omissions and weaknesses on the companys operating processes. Finally, the business plan can be used to solicit suggestions and opinions from people in relation with the business processes and operations. The contents of the business plan are the companys vision statement, the people, the companys business profile, economic assessment, cash flow assessment and the companys marketing and expansion plans. The companys vision statement should be concise and state the companys purpose and goals. The people portion should have the most important individuals in realizing the set goals of the organization. The business profile should define and describe the business and the specific plans in carrying out the set goals. The segmented market on which the business aims to target should also be included. The necessary factors in a very effective business plan shall include a sound business concept, an identified and well understood market, a stable industry, capable management, a very able financial control, and a consistent business focus. Business plan implementation is a vital stage in business planning. Execution of the developed strategies should focus on two levers more powerful than structural change. These are clarification of the decision rights, specifying who the owner of each decision is and who should be responsible in providing the inputs. Another lever is ensuring the information flows wherein it is needed. The most important levers in the most successful strategy execution are the decision rights and information flow. In decision rights, every individual in the organisation should know which decisions and actions they are responsible for. Higher level managers and officers should know how to delegate operational decisions. In the flow of information, it should be ensured that important information in the competitive environment is quickly flowed in the corporate headquarters. In this way, the upper management can formulate quickly the best practices in the entire company. Also, the facilitation of information flow across organizational boundaries is very important. Lastly, managers and officers should help those field and line employees in understanding how their everyday choices affect the bottom line of the company. In a successful strategy execution, there are seven rules to follow. These are: keeping everything simple; challenging assumptions; same language should be spoken in the organization; resource deployments should be discussed early; priorities should be identified; performance should be monitored continuously; and execution ability should be developed. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) must be the steward of all the strategies that define the organisation and what will it become. As the companys chief strategists, the CEO should translate the business purpose into practice. You must be open to the possibility that this purpose might change. You should everyday watch the strategy which is your greatest opportunity in shaping the company as well as to outwit the competition. In the preparation phase of planning, the CEO should be the one determining the parameters; you should be clear in mind the scope of the planning. You should also be the one to determine the composition of the strategic planning team. The selection of the planning facilitator should also be in your responsibilities. Finally, the CEO should also set the climate for the strategic planning process. In the creative process phase of the session, you should be the one to formally open the activity. During the deliberation, it is your role to listen on what the team ahs to say and just ask two questions: is that where we want to go? and are these the people who will get us there?. As the session ends, it is also your duty to formally close the strategic planning session. In the implementation phase, you will be the overseer of the approved discipline. You should regularly check the teams performance on the formulated action plans. When the action plans are completed, it is your role to recognize the success of the entire team and appreciate their efforts for a job well done. The SBU managers and other functional executives shall perform very vital roles in the strategic planning process. The key roles include interpersonal roles which will serve as the plans figureheads, leaders and liaison officers; informational roles which functions to monitor, disseminate information and serves as a spokesperson for the respective business units; and decisional roles which serves as innovator, disturbance handler, allocates resources and negotiator. These managers will initiate and form the strategic planning process team. They will mobilize change through executive leadership. These strategies will be translated into operational terms which will be defined and executed by the SBU managers and functional executives. The formulated strategies will be aligned by these people into the goal of Lawrence Manufacturing. These officers shall motivate their people to make strategy everyones job. Finally, it is these peoples responsibility to monitor that the formulated strategy will be a continual process in the organization. To evaluate the individual departments performance, each officer will be required to practice the balanced score card system in monitoring their respective areas developments. The balanced score card is a part of the strategic planning process. Conclusion In an article written by Hagel, Brown, and Davison (2009) in Harvard Business Review, they have formulated ways in shaping strategies in this world that is constantly disrupted. According to this article, very few companies act proactively and adapt to shape their strategies. Strategists can attract a critical mass of participants by developing these strategies by means of opportunities are convincingly articulated to the participants; standards and practices are defined so that participation are easy and affordable; and the demonstration that the organizations have the conviction and resources for success and will not be in competition with the participants. In formulating a shaping strategy, the three elements should be considered. The first element is the shaping view. In order to achieve this element, five factors should be considered: the organizations view should express a long term direction and how it perceives change; the organization should clearly identify attractive business opportunities; opportunities should be seen as a broader economic, cultural, and technological force in the organization; views should have a sufficiently high level of allowing unexpected developments; and views should be aggressively and continually communicated within the organization. The second element of the strategy is a shaping platform. In order to achieve this component, there are five factors to be considered: the platform should promise financial benefits especially by reducing costs and increasing revenue generation; it should support a diverse set of participants and offering a values of opportunity; platforms should scale up in accommodating large numbers of participants; should likely generate increase in returns as the organization grows; and the platforms functionality should continually evolve and providing the participants to regularly engage in it. The third component of a shaping strategy is the shapers acts and assets. In order to achieve this component, six factors should be considered: shapers should be able to convince potential participants; shapers should be able to gain access to assets that will prove to participants the ability of sufficient resources; potential participants should be able to be assured that there will be no competition; senior management and other members of the executive level should have the tolerance to risk and the patience in committing the assets and in taking the essential actions in being successful; organizations should be capable of mobilizing and attracting enough number of participants; and the organizations top management should have the enough personality to build a shaping platform. Many evidences have been discovered and CSR has been perceived by many individuals as a social strand that is important for development. This is due in no small measure to the lack of formal study of the topic, despite the widespread debates it provokes. Moreover, it is a complex subject that currently lacks even a single broadly accepted definition. The field of comparative CSR, ultimately, addresses a research question of critical practical importance: how best to structure global enterprise to import best practice in CSR in order to produce economic development that is consistent with raising labor standards and encouraging environmental protection? Strike, Gao and Bansal (2006) have produced empirical evidence that clearly states the challenge, by virtue of their findings that international diversification of firms increases both CSR as well as corporate irresponsibility, given the difficulties of managing semi-autonomous subsidiaries in different countries. Other further comparative investigations are necessary in order to better understand the concept of CSR. Such research may provide an empirical and theoretical basis for developing policies to encourage CSR and for conceptualizing which kinds of pressures are likely to be effective in encouraging a positive relationship between international businesses and society. This i s also important in gearing towards globalisation. Based on estimation of a disaggregated model, they report that there is a positive relation between firm performance (measured using market value added) and strategic CSR and a negative relation between altruistic CSR and firm performance. Analysis of the strategic implications of CSR is hampered by cross-country/cultural differences in the institutions that regulate market activity, including business, labor and social agencies. Institutional differences lead to different expectations and different returns to activity. For firms operating in multiple countries/cultures this complicates the process of determining which activities to engage in and how much to invest. As the knowledge base of CSR develops worldwide, we will be better able to analyze and advise on CSR. We are in the Globalization era. Globalization takes place when there is acceleration in the movement of people, products and ideas. Today, companies are more international than ever. According to the United Nations, there are more than 60,000 multinational companies (Mott, 2004). As a company becomes an international corporation, the criticism against it for damaging the world increases, as does the expectation that the company take responsibility for these damages. The notion of corporate social responsibility is an important tool for corporations to use in response to various concerns about them in the globalization era (Rampton, 2004). Corporations and public relations/advertising practitioners have tried to respond to the criticisms by conveying CSR messages that they are contributing to society in various ways, both locally and globally (Alfonso Sharma, 2005; Prabu, Kline, Dai, 2005). Under the post national constellation of an emerging global order, we need a fresh view on the role of business in society. In our contribution (Scherer Palazzo, 2007), we were critical that many CSR scholars have largely neglected the consequences of that tectonic shift and still build on the idea of an intact national regulatory power. We described the growing positive and negative impact of corporations on democratic institutions and their participation in global processes of governance with and without government as the politicization of the corporation, and we proposed a new concept of political CSR. We have been criticized by Edward and Willmott for dismissing the concept of corporate citizenship. They advance several arguments in favor of that concept, which already includes concern in the advancement of corporations willingness and capacity in their participation in the public process (2007: 1109). Finally, CSR should be observed at all times by all organizations if possible. This will not only create a good image but also addressed the responsibility that we all have towards our community.

Battle of Bull Run Essay -- essays research papers

In Virginia the first battle of the Civil War was fought, near Manassas, Virginia railroad junction, after which the battle is called (or First Bull Run, named after the flowing stream on the battlefield, if of the Union point of view). The armies in this first battle were not prodigious by later Civil War principles. The Federal services under Brigadier General Irvin McDowell were well thought-out into four divisions, of about 30,000 men. These divisions were commanded by Tyler, Hunter, Heintzelman, and Miles. The Confederate command structure was to some extent more unmanageable, including two "armies", with no division structure and thirteen independent brigades under Bonham, Ewell, Jones, Longstreet, Cocke, Early, Holmes, Kershaw, Evans, Jackson, Bartow, Bee, Smith, and a cavalry brigade under Stuart. The Confederate Army of the Potomac was under the command of Brigadier General Pierre G. T. Beauregard, and the Army of the Shenandoah was controlled by Brigadier General Joseph E. Johnston. These two forces would be equivalent to McDowell's strength. The first battle of Bull Run (or first battle of Manassas) was the first major engagement of the Civil War. Federal troops led by General McDowell advanced towards Manassas Junction, where Confederate troops were dug in, overcrowding the road to Richmond. Both Confederate and Union troops were not prepared for battle. Union troops advanced on Confederate troops, practically breaking through, but at the last split second, Confederate reinforcements arrived on the battlefield and carried the day. Union troops were routed. As Washington filled with Union soldiers, the anxiety grew to take action. Horace Greely, the mercurial editor of the New York Herald Tribune kept up a persistent stream of editorials echoed throughout the Union " Forward to Richmond- Forward to Richmond.? Army Chief of Staff Winfield Scott put forth a arrangement to beat the confederacy. He called for a inclusive barricade of South, followed by a forceful army to take hold of the Mississippi and New Orleans. Only after all this was accomplished he suggested launching a significant attack against the center of the Confederacy. He opposed any gradually actions. The demands for action however, could not be deprived of. General McDowell came up with a plan for a direct att... ... The line had to be held. A few moments later General Johnson gave the order for a counterattack. The Confederate attack quickly broke the Union lines. Before long the retreat of the union army turned into a complete rout. It was impossible to stop the retreating soldiers from heading all the way back to the Potomac River. In the midst of the flight were hundreds of sightseers from Washington, including six senators and ten Congressmen. As Congressman Riddle stated: "We called to them, tried to tell them there was no danger, called them to stop, implored them to stand. We called them cowards, denounced them in the most offensive term, put out our heavy revolvers, and threatened to shoot them, but all in vain; a cruel crazy, mad, hopeless panic possessed them, and communicated to everybody about in front and rear. The heat was awful, although now about six; the men were exhausted their mouths' gaped, their lips cracked and blackened with the powder of the cartridges they had bitten off in the battle, their eyes starting in frenzy; no mortal ever saw such a mass of ghastly wretches."

The Birthmark :: essays research papers

Are you unhappy with your looks? If you are, then you should feel at home as a member of human kind. You can dye your hair and wear colored eye contact lenses. Humankind is the only place where one can receive a "boob-job" or have a tattoo put on your chest and then have it removed when you are ready for a change. An instant, effortless weightloss program? Just step into my office and we will discuss lyposuction. And while we are at it, we should discuss removing that†¦thing. It just doesn’t become you. As one can see, it seems quite easy in today’s world to redo nature’s intent. Yes, the field of medical science has greatly advanced within the confines of the past two hundred years or so. Skills and procedures that have been learned during this time can be used in such powerful ways. Anyone can become practically anybody else they choose—just a clip here, slice there, take fat cells from here and add them to there, and voila†¦a new person. However, Mother Nature as been around for quite a bit longer, and she knows what she is doing—leave her alone! Messing with nature’s intent is dangerous and I wouldn’t go there. Aylmer Chillingworth, a scientist in Hawthorne’s short story, "The Birthmark," has married a young woman, a certain Georgianna, despite the fact she possesses a birthmark upon the center of her left facial cheek. Aylmer feels that he has ignored this "ugly marking" long enough and decides he can "make her better." " ‘Geogianna,’said he, ‘has it never occurred to you that the mark upon your cheek might be removed?’" Of course, Mrs. Chillingworth has grown up from child to woman with this birthmark and she feels nothing of it. "To tell you the truth, it has been so often called a charm†¦" However, Chillingworth is just being the scientist that he is, and thinks he can fix this "†¦visible mark of earthly imperfection.’" Through many acts of persuasion and begging, Georgianna begrudgingly agrees to undergo the operation of removing the birthmark from her body. However, the op eration procedure is dangerous and, once the procedure is over with and Aylmer is happy with his work ("My peerless bride, it is successful! You are perfect!), Georgianna dies. "My poor Aylmer†¦You have aimed loftily;†¦Do not repent that†¦you have rejected the best that earth has to offer. Aylmer, dearest Aylmer, I am dying.

Islam – Hajj

Hajj Overview oPilgrimage is the supreme prayer for forgiveness of sins committed and the ultimate preparation for eternity oPilgrimage rituals which must be performed, eg circumambulation of the Ka’ba oThe rites of the Hajj symbolise the essential concepts of Islam and commemorate the trials of the Prophet Ibrahim and his family oHajj: The annual, week-long pilgrimage to Mecca (in modern-day Saudi Arabia), which is the fifth pillar of faith and is therefore an obligation as it is prescribed in the Qur’an.The complete Hajj occurs two months and ten days after Ramadan ends and culminates with ‘Id al-Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice). oIhram: The white garments are symbolic of human equality and unity before God, since all pilgrims are dressed similarly. Money and status are no longer a factor for the pilgrims— the equality of each person before God becomes foremost. oBefore they leave they must pay their debts, provide for for Hajj nd provide for any family t hat may be left behind. oThe rituals occur in and around Mecca. Before commencing Hajj or entering the holy area of Makkah the pilgrams must prepare themselves for the physical and spiritual journey ahead. This includes †¢Formal washing of the complete body †¢Making intention †¢Putting on the clothing consisting of two seamless pieces of white cloth for males. Females can wear what they like, provided its modest and covers body. †¢Attaining a state of Ihram, a state of purity, peace and honesty > refraining from sex, flirting, lustful thoughts, wearing shoes or socks. Reciting a prayer that the Hajj is for Allah alone > â€Å"here I am responding to your call O Allah. I am responding to your call. † oThen begins the physical journey of the pilgrim in Makkah. One that will take several days to complete. Significance oMuslims believe that the rites of Hajj were designed by God and taught by the Prophet Muhammad. oThe Hajj is designed to develop God conscious ness and a sense of spiritual rebirth. oIt is also believed to be an opportunity to seek forgiveness of sins accumulated throughout life. Prophet Muhammad had said that a person who performs Hajj properly ‘will return as a newly born baby [free of all sins]’. oIt is also an opportunity for Muslims from all over the world to come together to worship the One God. How Hajj Expresses the Belief of Islam oIncorpoates and expresses all the main articles of faith of Islam (beliefs about Allah, his messengers, Muhammad, the Qur’an, angels, Adam and eve the devil, life, death and the Day of Judgment to come. oTradition has it that Adam and Eve were forgiven by Allah near Mount of Mercy.In gratitude Adam built the first Ka’ba but this was washed away in the great flood. oIn the Qur’an there are many references to the Hajj and pilgrimage is mentioned many times. In fact Sura 22 is titled Al-Hajj †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"Proclaim the pilgrimage to the people. They will co me to you on foot and on every lean camel, they shall come from every deep ravine† Significance of Hajj for the individual and the community o‘The reward for an accepted Hajj is nothing less than paradise’ (Hadith) oMakes present the central beliefs of a muslims religion. It is an obligatory pilgrimage oThey get to see the very places where the Prophet Muhammad lived and to walk in his footsteps is inspirational and strengthening to faith oAn opportunity for spiritual rebirth and the removal of sins, to start again and ‘return like a newborn baby’ (Hadith) oThe rejection of Satan by stoning the three pillars is a physical act that reinforces a spiritual and psychological commitment to reject evil both now and into the future oThe pilgrims state of Ihram is one of purity and humility.Here they are at peace with Allah, with themselves, with other Muslims and with all of creation. This memory will stay with them and they will try to recreate this in thei r everyday lives. oWithin Hajj the unity and universality of Islam are highlighted and strengthened. oHajj is the largest annual peace gathering in the world with over 2 million people gathering each year to pray together and be at peace with each other and with creation. oHajj reminds all Muslims of the Day of Judgement when all will assemble and be judged on their intentions.Conclusion Islam, the world’s second most followed religion can be summed up in the two sentences: ‘There is no god but God’ and ‘Muhammad is the messenger of God’. Everyone and everything depends upon Allah and it is through the guidance of the Qur’an and the example set by the Prophet’s life that Muslims cultivate an understanding of God and surrender themselves to the will of God. The relationship between the individual and God and with the community is expressed in the living out of the five pillars and following Shari‘a.Throughout its history, there hav e been shifts in how Islam views signifi cant people and schools of thought, and the modern world has brought new challenges to Islamic jurisprudence in regard to ethical issues. Muslims living in Australia have not always found it easy to ‘live out’ their religion according to Shari‘a and have had to confront misconceptions about their beliefs and practices. Today, however, the practices of Islam are a normal part of Australia’s religious landscape.