The Meaning of Hajj in Islam: A Journey of Faith and Devotion

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and is an annual pilgrimage of Muslims to the house of Allah in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. It is mandatory for Muslims once in a lifetime if they are financially stable and can afford the journey.

The five pillars of Islam are Shahadah, Prayer, Fasting, Zakat and Hajj. After fulfilling the first four pillars of Islam, it is necessary for Muslims to perform the fifth one as well if they qualify for it. The significance of Hajj is that it cannot be performed throughout the year; instead, it is performed once in a year in the month of Dhul Hijjah according to the Islamic calendar.

Muslims have a great connection with the house of Allah, and people from all around the world visit Makkah to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. Therefore, in this article we will discuss all about Hajj and the significance of Hajj in Islam and the life of a Muslim.

What is Hajj?

As mentioned above, Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and is performed in the month of Dhul Hijjah. However, there is a great historical background to the Hajj journey; let’s have a look at it:

Prophet Ibrahim PBUH travelled to Makkah with his wife Hajar. After some time, Allah Almighty ordered Prophet Ibrahim to build the Holy Kabah as the symbol of Monotheism.

The Kaaba was built by both father and son, Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail PBUH, and the Hajj pilgrimage is the continuation of their legacy.

Next, the well of Zamzam, which is very sacred in the eyes of Muslims, was revealed to Hajar when her son was crying and she needed something to quench his thirst.

While discussing Hajj rituals in detail, you will understand the connection of Prophet Ibrahim and his family with this sacred journey.

After this, our last Prophet Muhammad PBUH performed the Hajj pilgrimage only once, but it became the model for all the Muslims ever.

The importance of Hajj includes that it has a great connection with the Prophets of Allah, and it also brings us closer to him spiritually.

The Hajj rituals that were established by our Prophet Muhammad PBUH were:

• Tawaf
• Sayii
• Stoning the devil
• Shaving the Head

What are the rituals of the Hajj pilgrimage?

Ihram:

• The Hajj journey, first of all, begins with the “Ihram”. It is a spiritual state that marks the beginning of the ritual of Hajj. It begins when the person visits Miqat. In the state of Ihram, Muslims have to follow a few rules:
• Men must wear two pieces of unstitched white clothes, one around their waists and the other on one shoulder.
• Women do not have to wear any special clothing, just regular clothes that cover their full body apart from their face and hands.
• During Ihram you cannot cut nails.
• You cannot fulfil your sexual desire.
• You must not use perfumes.
• You must abstain from evil as you are ready to come before Allah.
• During Ihram, pilgrims recite “Talbiyah”; it is a prayer which shows your intention to perform Hajj for Allah (SWT).

The beauty of Ihram is that it shows the equality of all the pilgrims in front of Allah Almighty. Moreover, it is an unprecedented example of brotherhood irrespective of colour, caste and creed.

Tawaf:

When you arrive at Makkah, the first thing is that you perform Tawaf, which means walking seven times anticlockwise around the Holy Kaabah. The Tawaf starts and ends with the kiss of the Black Stone embedded in one of the corners of the Kaabah. Pilgrims also recite Talbiyah and point towards the Black Stone if they are unable to touch it.

After the completion of Tawaf, two rakahs are performed at the Muqam Ibrahim, or the place of Ibrahim, a place near the Kaabah.

Sayii:

After the completion of the Tawaf, pilgrims perform Sayii, which means walking or running seven times on the hills of Safa and Marwa near the Holy Kaabah. It is also done in remembrance of Hajar when she was looking for water for Prophet Ismail.

Mina:

Mina is a tent city outside the city of Makkah. Pilgrims spend a day in Mina and perform five prayers.

Arafat:

Next, the Day in Arafah is considered among important days because our Prophet Muhammad PBUH delivered his last sermon in Arafat.

The act of Wuquf is performed here, standing in front of Allah from noon to sunset.

Muslims all over the world fast on this day.

Muzdalifah:

After sunset in Arafat, pilgrims must now travel to Muzdalifah, where they must sleep under the stars and gather pebbles for the devil’s stoning.

Rami Jamarat:

Again pilgrims visit Mina and stone the devils. Pilgrims throw seven pebbles at each of the three columns, and this ritual is known as Jamarat al-Aqabah. It takes place on the 10th of Dhul Hajj, followed by 2 more days. However, on 10 Dhul Hijjah, Muslims all around the world celebrate Eid ul Adha.

The stoning of the devil reminds us how Prophet Ibrahim PBUH threw stones at the devil when he tried to divert him from heeding the command of Allah to sacrifice his son. The Satan interfered three times, and the Prophet threw pebbles at him.

Sacrifice:

After this, Muslims sacrifice an animal, either a lamb or a goat, symbolising Prophet Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice his only son for the sake of Allah.

Halq or shaving:

After the sacrifice of the animals, men shave their heads and women cut little hair.

Last tawaf:

Now pilgrims can end their state of Ihram, however, they return to Makkah to perform the last or concluding tawaf.

Madinah is not involved in Hajj, but due to its connection with Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), people visit Madinah and also pay their regards to the Holy Prophet.

Some people visit many Ziyarat spots that have great importance in our religion.

Other sacred places include the cave of Hira, the well of Zamzam, Masjid al Quba, Al Baqi cemetery and many more.

Hajj meaning in Islam refers to the act of worship performed once in a year to Makkah. This act of worship brings the pilgrim close to Allah, and he purifies himself as he seeks forgiveness for past sins. Therefore, it is a unique combination of rituals, historical significance and spiritual practice that strengthens faith and devotion.

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