Final answer:
An Ijtema is a large gathering of Muslims initiated by the Tablighi Jamaat movement in 1944. It involves lectures on Islamic principles and is held to foster unity and solidarity within the Islamic community. Unlike the obligatory Hajj pilgrimage, an Ijtema can be hosted in any location.
Step-by-step explanation:
An Ijtema is a large-scale religious gathering of Muslims, somewhat similar to the Hajj. However, it's not a core tenet of Islam like Hajj but is a practice initiated by Tablighi Jamaat, a Sunni Islamic missionary movement, in 1944. The word 'Ijtema' literally translates to 'gathering' in Arabic. During this event, Muslims congregate to listen to lectures on Islamic principles, engage in collective prayer, and to foster unity and solidarity within the Ummah (global Islamic community). While Hajj is a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, an Ijtema can be held anywhere.
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