Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, and it is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it an essential religious duty for all financially and physically capable Muslims. It takes place during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, with the main rituals beginning on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah and culminating on the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) and Eid ul-Adha (10th Dhul Hijjah).
Significance of Hajj:
- A journey of faith and devotion – Pilgrims follow in the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
- A demonstration of unity – Millions of Muslims from all over the world gather in Mecca to perform the same rites, regardless of nationality, race, or status.
- An opportunity for spiritual purification – Sincere performance of Hajj is believed to result in the forgiveness of past sins, making the pilgrim as pure as a newborn.
Key Rituals of Hajj:
- Ihram – Entering a state of spiritual purity by wearing simple white garments.
- Tawaf – Circling the Kaaba seven times in the Grand Mosque.
- Sa’i – Walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah, commemorating Hajar’s (RA) search for water for her son, Ismail (AS).
- Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) – The most important day of Hajj, where pilgrims stand in prayer at Mount Arafah, seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.
- Muzdalifah & Stoning of the Jamarat – Spending the night in Muzdalifah and throwing pebbles at symbolic pillars in Mina, representing the rejection of evil.
- Qurbani (Sacrifice) & Eid ul-Adha (10th Dhul Hijjah) – The slaughtering of an animal to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.
- Final Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada) – A farewell circumambulation of the Kaaba before leaving Mecca.
Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who can afford it and is considered a profound spiritual experience, allowing pilgrims to seek closeness to Allah, renewal of faith, and purification of the soul.
