Hajj/Pilgrimage of Islam

Hajj is not just a journey; it’s a spiritual odyssey that every Muslim aspires to undertake. This annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, holds profound significance in Islam and is a manifestation of faith and unity among Muslims worldwide. But what exactly makes Hajj so special, and why is it a mandatory religious duty?

 

Historical Background

The origins of Hajj trace back to the Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim), who, along with his son Ishmael (Ismail), built the Kaaba as a house of worship to God. The rituals performed during Hajj commemorate significant events in their lives, including Hagar’s desperate search for water for her son Ishmael and Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.

 

The Five Pillars of Islam

Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the core acts of worship that define a Muslim’s faith and practices. The Five Pillars include Shahada (faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). As the final pillar, Hajj represents the ultimate act of worship and submission to Allah.

When Does Hajj Take Place?

Hajj occurs annually during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, specifically from the 8th to the 12th days. The culmination of the pilgrimage is on the 9th day, known as the Day of Arafat, which is considered the most important day of Hajj.

Preparations for Hajj

Preparing for Hajj involves more than just packing bags. Pilgrims must engage in spiritual preparation through prayers and seeking forgiveness. Physically, they need to ensure they are fit for the journey, and financially, they must have the means to support the pilgrimage without neglecting their family obligations.

The Journey Begins: Ihram

The first step of Hajj is entering the state of Ihram, a condition of spiritual purity. Pilgrims don simple white garments—two unstitched cloths for men and modest attire for women. In this state, pilgrims must adhere to specific prohibitions, such as refraining from quarrels, avoiding perfumes, and not cutting hair or nails.

The Significance of Mecca

Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, is home to the Kaaba, the cube-shaped structure at the center of the Masjid al-Haram. The Kaaba is considered the “House of Allah,” and Muslims around the world face its direction during their daily prayers.

 

Rituals of Hajj: Step by Step

Tawaf: Circling the Kaaba

Tawaf involves walking seven times counterclockwise around the Kaaba, symbolizing the unity of believers in the worship of the One God. This act is performed multiple times during Hajj, beginning and ending with the kissing or touching of the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad).

Sa’i: The Walk Between Safa and Marwah

Sa’i commemorates Hagar’s frantic search for water for her son. Pilgrims walk briskly seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, reflecting on Hagar’s perseverance and trust in God.

Wuquf at Arafat

On the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, pilgrims gather on the plains of Arafat, standing in prayer and contemplation from noon until sunset. This standing, known as Wuquf, is considered the climax of Hajj, where pilgrims seek forgiveness and make supplications.

Muzdalifah: The Night Under the Stars

After Arafat, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah, where they spend the night under the open sky, collecting pebbles for the next day’s ritual and engaging in prayers and reflection.

Ramy al-Jamarat: Stoning of the Devil

In Mina, pilgrims throw pebbles at three pillars, known as Jamarat, symbolizing the rejection of evil. This act reenacts Abraham’s defiance of Satan’s temptation to disobey God.

Eid al-Adha: The Festival of Sacrifice

Eid al-Adha, celebrated globally by Muslims, marks the culmination of Hajj. Pilgrims perform the ritual sacrifice of an animal, commemorating Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son. The meat is distributed among family, friends, and the needy.

Concluding the Pilgrimage

Tawaf al-Ifadah

Following the stoning ritual, pilgrims perform Tawaf al-Ifadah, another circumambulation of the Kaaba, symbolizing the purification and renewal of their faith. This is followed by other rites, including the shaving or cutting of hair for men and the trimming of hair for women, marking the end of the state of Ihram.

Modern Hajj: Challenges and Solutions

With millions of pilgrims attending Hajj each year, logistical and safety challenges are inevitable. The Saudi government has invested heavily in infrastructure, crowd control, and health services to ensure a safe and organized pilgrimage. Despite these efforts, managing such a large congregation remains a complex task.

Spiritual and Personal Impact

Hajj is a transformative experience, leaving pilgrims with a renewed sense of spirituality and commitment to their faith. Many describe it as a journey of self-discovery, reflection, and deep connection with Allah. The sense of unity and equality felt during Hajj is unparalleled, as pilgrims from all walks of life come together in worship.

Quranic Verses on Hajj

1.     Surah Al-Baqarah (2:196) “And complete the Hajj and ‘Umrah for Allah. But if you are prevented, then [offer] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And do not shave your heads until the sacrificial animal has reached its place of slaughter. And whoever among you is ill or has an ailment of the head [making shaving necessary must offer] a ransom of fasting [three days] or charity or sacrifice. And when you are secure, then whoever performs ‘Umrah [during the Hajj months] followed by Hajj [offers] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And whoever cannot find [or afford such an animal] – then a fast of three days during Hajj and of seven when you have returned [home]. Those are ten complete [days]. This is for those whose family is not in the area of al-Masjid al-Haram. And fear Allah and know that Allah is severe in penalty.”

 

2.     Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197) “The pilgrimage is [during] the well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of Ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do – Allah knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allah. And fear Me, O you of understanding.”

 

3.     Surah Al-Baqarah (2:198) “There is no blame upon you for seeking bounty from your Lord [during Hajj]. But when you depart from Arafat, remember Allah at al-Mash’ar al-Haram. And remember Him, as He has guided you, for indeed, you were before that among those astray.”

 

4.     Surah Al-Hajj (22:27) “And proclaim to the people the Hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass.”

 

5.     Surah Al-Hajj (22:28) “That they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known days over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. So eat of them and feed the miserable and poor.”

 

6.     Surah Al-Hajj (22:29) “Then let them end their untidiness and fulfill their vows and perform Tawaf around the ancient House.”

 

7.     Surah Al-Hajj (22:32) “That [is so]. And whoever honors the symbols of Allah – indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.”

 

8.     Surah Al-Imran (3:97) “In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.”

 

9.     Surah Al-Baqarah (2:125) “And [mention] when We made the House a place of return for the people and [a place of] security. And take, [O believers], from the standing place of Abraham a place of prayer. And We charged Abraham and Ishmael, [saying], ‘Purify My House for those who perform Tawaf and those who are staying [there] for worship and those who bow and prostrate [in prayer].

 

Hadiths on Hajj

1.     Sahih Bukhari 1520 The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity or transgression will come back as if he were born anew.”

 

2.     Sahih Muslim 1349 The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The reward for an accepted Hajj is nothing less than Paradise.”

 

3.     Sunan Ibn Majah 2922 The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Hasten to perform Hajj (the obligatory pilgrimage) for none of you knows what may happen to him.”

 

4.     Sahih Bukhari 1519 Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Perform Hajj and ‘Umrah consecutively, for they remove poverty and sin as the bellows removes impurity from iron.”

 

5.     Sahih Bukhari 1521 Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever performs Hajj for Allah’s pleasure and does not have sexual relations with his wife, and does not do evil or sins then he will return (after Hajj free from all sins) as if he were born anew.”

 

6.     Sahih Muslim 1337 Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “From one Umrah to another is expiation for what comes in between, and Hajj Mabrur (the accepted Hajj) brings no reward less than Paradise.”

 

7.     Sunan An-Nasa’i 2626 Narrated Ibn Abbas: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Perform the Hajj and Umrah consecutively, for they remove poverty and sin as the bellows removes impurity from iron.”

 

8.     Sahih Bukhari 26 Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The guests of Allah are three: the Ghazi (the warrior who fights in Jihad), the Hajj (pilgrim who performs Hajj), and the Mu’tamir (pilgrim who performs Umrah).”

 

9.     Sahih Muslim 1348 Narrated Aisha: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah.”

 

10.  Sahih Bukhari 1773 Narrated Ibn Umar: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Islam is built on five [pillars]: testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing the prayer, paying the Zakat, performing Hajj, and fasting in Ramadan.”

 

11.  Sahih Muslim 1218 Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The performance of Umrah is expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous one. And the reward of Hajj Mabrur (the one accepted by Allah) is nothing except Paradise.”

 

12.  Jami’ at-Tirmidhi 739 Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Perform Hajj and Umrah consecutively; for they remove poverty and sin as the bellows removes impurity from iron.”

 

Conclusion

Hajj is more than a religious obligation; it is a profound spiritual journey that embodies the core values of Islam. From its rich historical roots to the deeply symbolic rituals, Hajj connects millions of Muslims to their faith, their community, and their Creator. For those who undertake this sacred pilgrimage, it is an experience that resonates for a lifetime.

FOR MORE ARTICLES CLICK HERE: WWW.URDUSMILE.COM 

https://medium.com/me/stats/post/41a038383219

Hajj: Quotes from the Quran and Hadiths