One of the five pillars of Islam central to Muslim belief is Haj. It is the pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim must make at least once in their lifetime if they are able to. This is a brief guide for you, dear reader, to know the concept of hajj in Islam, those who are obliged to do, its duration and time, and how it’s performed in general. Let’s start…
Here we will learn the following:
What is Hajj in Islam?
The Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, in the nowadays Saudi Arabia, that is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Hajj is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it at least once in their lifetime.
The Hajj takes place during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah and involves a series of rituals, including circling the Kaaba seven times, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa, and standing in vigil at the plain of Arafat. The Hajj is a time of spiritual reflection, unity, and community for Muslims around the world.
Hajj is about leaving worldly life behind and journeying toward the Creator in utter submission and humbleness to Him. During Hajj, the sight of millions of people from the East and the West, dressed in simple pure white garments, standing together, bowing together, and prostrating together before their Creator reflects a truly deep and rich spiritual experience.
Read: What is the importance of hajj?
Types of Hajj in Islam: Hajj Ifrad, Hajj Qiran, and Hajj tamattu Explained!
Who must participate in Hajj?
Adult Muslims who are in good mental and physical health, and have the physical and financial capability are required to perform the Hajj at least once in their lifetime.
How long is Hajj?
The Hajj lasts for five days, but it could take longer days depending on the time the Hajj spent before the day of Arafat. Typically taking place in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar and lasts for 5 days mainly.
Read also: Hajj Rituals – How to Perform Hajj in 10 Steps!
What, Where, Why And How Do Muslims Go During Hajj?
When is Hajj 2023?
Hajj 2023 is expected to take place from Jun 28th to July 3rd, subject to the sighting of the moon. However, the exact dates may vary depending on the Islamic lunar calendar of the Saudi Arabia.
What is hajj about?
Hajj is about fulfilling a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are able to undertake the journey at least once in their lifetime. It involves a series of rituals and prayers that commemorate the Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to Allah (God).
The pilgrimage typically lasts for five days and attracts millions of Muslims from all over the world.
Read: Is Muslim Hajj A Sign of Tawheed or Polytheism? – How Tawheed Is Manifested in Hajj Rituals
History of Hajj – 2023 Full Guide
What do muslims do on a Hajj?
Also, hajj has several steps:
1. Ihram:
The first step of Hajj is to enter into a state of Ihram, which involves wearing two seamless white garments for men and modest clothing for women. This is a symbol of equality and unity among all Muslims.
2. Tawaf:
After entering into Ihram, the pilgrims perform Tawaf, which involves circling the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction while reciting prayers.
3. Sa’i:
The next step is to perform Sa’i, which involves walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, in remembrance of Hajar’s (Hagar) search for water for her son Ismail.
4. Arafat:
On the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, the pilgrims gather at the plain of Arafat, where they spend the day in prayer and supplication, seeking forgiveness from Allah.
5. Muzdalifah:
After sunset, the pilgrims move to Muzdalifah, where they spend the night under the open sky, collecting pebbles for the next step.
6. Stoning of the devil:
On the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the pilgrims perform the ritual of stoning the devil by throwing pebbles at three pillars in Mina.
7. Sacrifice or Qurbani:
After stoning the devil, the pilgrims sacrifice an animal or Qurbani, usually a sheep or a goat, in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son.
8. Tawaf al-Ifadah:
After sacrificing the animal, the pilgrims return to Mecca to perform Tawaf al-Ifadah, which is similar to the initial Tawaf but is performed after completing all other rituals.
9. Final days of Hajj:
The final days of Hajj involve returning to Mina for two or three days, performing the stoning ritual again, and then returning to Mecca for a final Tawaf before the end of Hajj.
Read: Difference between hajj and Umrah.
Conclusion
Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. Curious to be a Muslim? Here is a simple guide about Islam. Don’t hesitate to start a conversation with our team right now to know more. Wish for you guidance and eternal happiness!
