Pilgrimage to Mecca Hajj
What is Pilgrimage to Mecca Hajj?
What is Hajj in Islam?
Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is obligatory for every Muslim to perform once in a lifetime if they are physically and financially able. Hajj occurs in the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah and is a journey of spiritual cleansing, devotion, and unity among Muslims.
Steps to Perform Hajj
Here’s a simple breakdown of how Hajj is performed:
Before Starting Hajj
- Prepare Yourself:
- Ensure you have made the intention (niyyah) to perform Hajj sincerely for Allah.
- Wear the Ihram (specific clothing for pilgrims):
- Men: Two white, unstitched sheets of cloth.
- Women: Modest clothing that covers the body, with the face and hands uncovered.
- Enter the state of Ihram by making the intention and reciting:
“Labbayk Allahumma labbayk…”
(Here I am, O Allah, here I am…)
Main Rituals of Hajj
- Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)
- Walk around the Kaaba (the black cube in Makkah) seven times in a counterclockwise direction.
- Recite prayers and dhikr (remembrance of Allah) during this.
- Sa’i (Walking between Safa and Marwah)
- Walk back and forth seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, located near the Kaaba.
- This reenacts the search for water by Hajar (the wife of Prophet Ibrahim) for her son Ismail.
- Journey to Mina
- On the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, go to Mina (a small town near Makkah) and spend the night there, praying and remembering Allah.
- Day of Arafat (Main Day of Hajj)
- On the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, travel to the plain of Arafat and spend the day in worship, prayer, and seeking forgiveness.
- This is the most important day of Hajj.
- Muzdalifah (Night Under the Open Sky)
- After sunset, travel to Muzdalifah and spend the night there. Collect small pebbles for the next ritual.
- Ramy al-Jamarat (Stoning the Pillars)
- On the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, go back to Mina and throw seven pebbles at the largest pillar (Jamarat), symbolizing the rejection of the devil.
- Qurbani (Sacrifice an Animal)
- Sacrifice a sheep, goat, or other permissible animal to honor Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah.
- Shaving/Cutting Hair
- Men shave their heads or trim their hair, and women cut a small portion of their hair.
- This symbolizes purification and humility.
- Tawaf al-Ifadah
- Return to the Kaaba and perform another Tawaf (circumambulation).
- Repeat Ramy al-Jamarat
- Over the next two or three days (11th to 13th of Dhul-Hijjah), throw pebbles at all three Jamarat (pillars) in Mina.
Ending Hajj
- Perform a final Tawaf called Tawaf al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf) before leaving Makkah.
Key Points to Remember
- Hajj is a journey of submission, patience, and worship.
- It reminds Muslims of the unity of humanity, as everyone dresses similarly and stands equal before Allah.
- It cleanses sins and brings immense spiritual reward.
“Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah and avoids all bad behavior will return (home) as pure as the day they were born.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1521)
Quran & Hadith References
References from the Quran
- Hajj is obligatory for Muslims
“…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.”
(Surah Al-Imran, 3:97) - Safa and Marwah are symbols of Allah
“Indeed, As-Safa and Al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So, whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs Umrah – there is no blame upon him for walking between them…”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:158) - Rituals and Remembering Allah at Arafat
“…But when you depart from Arafat, remember Allah at Al-Mash’ar al-Haram (Muzdalifah). And remember Him as He has guided you, for indeed, you were before that among those astray.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:198) - Sacrifice and Piety in Hajj
“…Their flesh and their blood do not reach Allah, but what reaches Him is piety from you…”
(Surah Al-Hajj, 22:37) - Fasting During Hajj
“…But if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days…”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:185)
References from Hadith
- Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam
“Islam is built upon five pillars: the testimony that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; establishing the prayer; paying zakat; Hajj to the House; and fasting in Ramadan.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 8; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 16)
- Reward of Performing Hajj
“Whoever performs Hajj and does not engage in obscene language or commit sins will return (as free of sin) as the day his mother gave birth to him.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1521; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1350)
- Hajj Removes Poverty and Sins
“Perform Hajj and Umrah consecutively, for they remove poverty and sins as the bellows removes impurities from iron.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 2887)
- Significance of Arafat
“Hajj is Arafat.”
(Sunan Abi Dawood, Hadith 1970; Jami’ at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 889)
- Equality in Hajj
“There is no difference between an Arab and a non-Arab, or between a white person and a black person, except in piety.”
(Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 23489)
- Final Tawaf of the Kaaba
“No one should leave (Makkah) until performing the last circumambulation around the Kaaba.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1327)
- Ihram (State of Purity for Hajj)
“When a person intends to perform Hajj or Umrah, he must enter into the state of Ihram and say, ‘Here I am, O Allah, here I am for Hajj or Umrah.'”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1553)
- Stoning of the Jamarat (Pillars)
“Take from me your Hajj rituals.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1297)
- Shaving of Head or Trimming Hair
“May Allah have mercy on those who shave their heads (in Hajj).”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1727)
