Hajj is one of the greatest expressions of Tawheed (monotheism) in Islam—a journey that begins with inner sincerity and manifests in outward devotion. From its intention to its destination, rituals, and supplications, every part of Hajj declares the oneness of Allah and the rejection of all forms of polytheism. For those asking, “Is Muslim Hajj a sign of Tawheed or polytheism?”, the answer lies in the essence of Hajj itself: it is a living testimony of pure monotheism.
Tawheed, meaning belief in the Only One True God (Allah), is the foundation of Islam and the heart of Hajj. The Arabic word Ilah (God) conveys love, majesty, hope, and fear—qualities that drive a Muslim to submit entirely to Allah during this sacred journey. No wonder an accepted Hajj erases all past sins and promises Jannah (Paradise) in the hereafter.
How Tawheed Is Manifested in Hajj Rituals?
Tawheed (monotheism) is clearly illustrated in hajj rituals since every act performed during this sacred journey reflects pure monotheism (Tawheed)—from intention to execution, location to invocation. Following are the different manifestations of tawheed in hajj rituals:
1. Hajj Requires Pure Monotheistic Belief
Hajj is not accepted from those who associate partners with Allah. In fact, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) made it explicitly clear that no idolater or polytheist is allowed to perform Hajj:
No pagan is allowed to perform Hajj after this year, and no naked person is allowed to perform Tawaf of the Ka`ba.’ [ Bukhari & Muslim reported]
Also, the very condition to embark on Hajj is belief in Tawheed—sincere worship of Allah alone. A pilgrim must have the correct intention solely for the sake of the One True God. This foundational belief in divine oneness is the cornerstone of all Islamic worship, including Hajj.
2. The Destination of Hajj: The Sacred House of Monotheism
The Kaaba in Makkah, known as the Sacred House, is the focal point of Hajj and the symbol of monotheism on earth. It is the Qiblah (direction of prayer) for all Muslims worldwide. This holy site was built by Prophet Abraham, who upheld and preached Tawheed based on the divine command:
“And ˹remember˺ when We assigned to Abraham the site of the House, ˹saying,˺ “Do not associate anything with Me ˹in worship˺.” [Quran, 22:26]
The role of hajj destination in Muslim worship both point to its significance as a symbol of the oneness of God.
Read more: Is The Kaaba An Idol? Do Muslims Worship The Kaaba?
3. Prophet Abraham: The Caller to Hajj and Embodiment of Tawheed
Prophet Abraham, the founder of the Kaaba and caller to Hajj, exemplifies true monotheism. When commanded by God to invite people to pilgrimage, he obeyed without hesitation. His belief was firmly rooted in Tawheed as Almighty God describes him in the Quran:
“Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian; he submitted in all uprightness and was not a polytheist.” [Quran, 3:67]
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4. The Talbiyah: A Declaration of Divine Oneness
Pilgrims begin Hajj by reciting the Talbiyah, a powerful and repeated affirmation of Tawheed. It translates to:
“I am here at Your service, O Allah, You have no partner. Surely, all praise, blessings, and dominion belong to You. You have no partner.”
The Talbiyah signifies total submission, exclusive devotion, and love for Allah. It is not just a chant—it is the voice of Tawheed echoing from the hearts of millions of believers.
5. Tawaf Around the Kaaba: A Symbol of Devotion to the One God
Tawaf, the act of circling the Kaaba, reflects obedience and love for Allah alone. Pilgrims emulate the Prophet by performing it with reverence. During Tawaf, when passing the Black Stone, Muslims may kiss or touch it—not out of idol worship, but as an act of obedience. Caliph Umar famously said that he kissed the Black Stone only because the Prophet did so, knowing it neither harms nor benefits. This shows complete adherence to Tawheed and rejection of superstition.
Additionally, pilgrims offer two units of prayer after Tawaf, often reciting chapters that reinforce monotheism: Surah Al-Ikhlas and Surah Al-Kafiroon, which emphasize purity in belief and rejection of all forms of polytheism.
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6. Sa’i Between Safa and Marwa: Trust in One God
Walking between Safa and Marwa recalls the story of Hajar, the wife of Prophet Abraham, who ran between these two hills searching for water for her son Ishmael. This act commemorates her unshakable trust in Allah alone. The Prophet himself recited monotheistic supplications while performing Sa’i, reminding Muslims that these rituals are rooted in the remembrance of the One True God.
Whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) approached Mount Safa, he would recite:
Surely Safa and Marwah are among the signs of Allah. I begin by that which Allah began. He began (his Sa’y) at Mount Safa climbing it until he could see the House. He then faced the Qiblah repeating the words: There is none worthy of worship but Allah, and Allah is the Most Great….” [Muslim 2/888.]
Read this article if you want to learn more about Hajar’s story and her son, Prophet Ishmael (PBUH): The Story Of Prophet Ismail In Islam – Full Guide
7. The Day of Arafah: Declaring the Word of Tawheed
The Day of Arafah is the pinnacle of Hajj and the best occasion to proclaim the words of Tawheed. Prophet Muhammad said this is the best supplication he and the earlier Prophets recited:
The best invocation is that of the Day of Arafat, and the best that anyone can say is what I and the Prophets before me have said:
None has the right to be worshiped but Allah Alone, Who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise, and He is Able to do all things.” [At-Tirmidhi. Al-Albani graded it good in Sahih At-Tirmidhi 3/184]
Thus, on this day, millions of Muslims raise their voices in unified monotheism, seeking forgiveness and mercy from the One God.
Read more: The Day Of Arafat
8. Stoning the Jamarat: Rejecting Polytheism and Remembering Allah
The act of stoning the pillars (Jamarat) symbolizes the rejection of Satan and the temptations of polytheism. It is done while glorifying Allah (saying Takbeer) with every stone. The Prophet clarified that this act, along with Sa’i, is intended to establish the remembrance of Allah, not merely a symbolic gesture. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Stoning the Jimari [stone-thowing] and Sa’i between As-Safa and Al-Marwah are only done for the establishment of Allah’s remembrance.” [Jami` at-Tirmidhi; graded as good hadith]
Thus, Hajj is a profound manifestation of monotheism in every step, word, and ritual. From beginning to end, it reinforces the central tenet of Islam: worshiping Allah alone without any partners. Hajj is not only a spiritual journey but also a public declaration that Tawheed is alive in the hearts of Muslims and at the core of their most sacred rite.
What Is the Purpose of Hajj?
The primary purpose of Hajj in Islam is to establish Tawheed—the oneness of Allah—in the hearts of the believers. Hajj spiritually realigns the Muslim to direct all worship, devotion, and life goals toward the Creator alone. It is a journey of purification, submission, and transformation.
Hajj Reinforces Tawheed: The Foundation of Islamic Belief
At its core, Hajj serves to remind Muslims that their ultimate destination is Allah alone. Every act and ritual performed during Hajj revolves around the concept of monotheism, reaffirming that only Allah is worthy of worship.
Hajj Wipes Away Sins and Restores Purity
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said that hajj offers a chance to be reborn in purity by sincerely fulfilling its conditions:
“Whoever performs Hajj and does not have sexual relations, commit sin, or dispute unjustly, then he returns from Hajj as pure and free from sins as on the day his mother gave birth to him.”
[Agreed upon]
This Hadith shows that Hajj is a transformative experience—both spiritually and morally.
Hajj Is a Path to Allah’s Pleasure and Rewards
Another major objective of Hajj is to seek Allah’s reward for sincere obedience and devotion. Pilgrims exert physical, emotional, and financial effort to fulfill this obligation, all in pursuit of Allah’s pleasure.
Hajj Cultivates Taqwa and the Remembrance of Allah
Hajj trains the believer in Taqwa (God-consciousness). Every step—whether during Tawaf, Sa’i, or standing on the plain of Arafat—is a moment of remembrance, repentance, and reconnection with the Creator.
Hajj Marks a Turning Point in a Muslim’s Life
Ultimately, Hajj is a declaration of total submission and a renewal of faith. It signifies a turning point—where one leaves behind worldly distractions and reorients life around obedience to Allah.
Read more: What Is The Importance Of Hajj?
Conclusion
To conclude, Hajj is a profound act of worship that reinforces the belief in the oneness of Allah and renews a Muslim’s commitment to obedience and submission. It is a life-changing journey that purifies sins, builds Taqwa, and draws the believer closer to Allah. The article proves the clear manifestation of monotheism in different hajj rituals as follows:
- Only Muslims with pure monotheism are allowed to perform Hajj.
- Pilgrims direct themselves to the Kaaba—the symbol of Tawheed established by Prophet Abraham.
- Prophet Abraham, the model of monotheism, was the first to call humanity to Hajj.
- The Talbiyah (Here I am, O Allah) affirms Allah’s oneness and exclusivity in worship.
- Tawaf around the Kaaba and offering prayer at Maqam Ibrahim express full devotion to Allah alone.
- Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwa) is an act of trust in the Almighty One God inspired by Hajar’s reliance on Him.
- The Day of Arafah centers on the greatest statement of Tawheed: “None has the right to be worshiped but Allah.”
- Stoning the Jamarat represents rejecting falsehood and glorifying the Almighty One God with every throw.
Do you want to bear the same fruits that the pilgrims have? You have a golden chance to say the word of Tawheed and become a Muslim. By becoming a Muslim, your sins are forgiven, you come closer to your Creator, and reach the straight way of guidance. Wait for what? Our team can help you. Become a Muslim now. Life is too short!
