Hajj is the religious journey performed by Muslims at the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. There are 5 pillars in Islam, Islam and the Hajj is the last pillar of Islam. It is necessary for every Muslim who can afford it to perform Hajj at least once in their life. There are many Verses and Ahadis in Islam regarding Hajj.
Hajj takes place every year – during the month of Dhul Hijjah, which is the last and 12th month in the Islamic calendar. The journey of Hajj begins on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah and lasts on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. Hajj is compulsory for a Muslim who is financially, physically, and emotionally strong.
Verses About Hajj in the Quran:
There are many Verses regarding Hajj. In Surah Al-Imraan Allah SWT said:
“Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for humanity was that at Makkah – blessed and a guidance for the worlds. (3:96). In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find to it away. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds. (3:97) Qur’an | 48:27”
Ahadis About Hajj
The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, “Whoever performs Hajj for Allah’s pleasure and does not have sexual relations with his wife, and does not do evil or sins then he will return (after Hajj free from all sins) as if he were born anew.”
How long does hajj last?
The Hajj is performed for about five to six days, starting from the 8th to the 12th or 13th of Dhul Hijjah. When the new crescent moon is sighted, the month of Dhul-Hijjah Starts, and Eid al-Adha begins, which ends in 4 days.
The pilgrimage of Hajj consists of a series of ceremonies and customs or acts, some of which must be performed in order. Some customs or acts are physically demanding, as some practices in Hajj consist of traveling between and consists of walking about 5 15 km per day.
Hajj is a test of patience and personality. In fact, it is a spiritual, emotional, and physical challenge for Muslims, as it requires some preparation and practice because it is compulsory at least once in a lifetime.
Hajj offers Muslims the opportunity to refresh their Emaan, to forgive their Sins, and to draw closer to Allah (SWT).
Does hajj occur on the same dates every year?
Yes, Hajj occurs between the same dates every year. Hajj usually takes place between the 8th and the 12th or 13th of Dhul Hijjah every year. The exact date depends on the sighting of the moon. Dates in the Islamic calendar differ about 11-12 days, corresponding to the Gregorian calendar, because the Islamic Calendar operates on the lunar cycle.
Difference Between Hajj And Umrah
Pilgrimage of Hajj is compulsory and can be performed at least once a year in a specific period. Meanwhile, Umrah is an additional pilgrimage with respect to Hajj and can be performed at any time of the year. Also, Hajj consists of many practices and customs, while Umrah consists of few practices.
Place Of The Hajj
Hajj is performed in the city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The pilgrimage of Hajj consists of a series of practices and acts or customs, which is to be performed within 5 to 6 days and across several locations in the city of Makkah, which are:
- The city of Makkah
- The tent settlement of Mina
- Mount Arafah
- Muzdalifah
Who is excluded from hajj?
Hajj is compulsory for all Muslims to perform at least once in a lifetime. Islam is the religion of comfort; it doesn’t intend Hajj as a burden upon Muslims. Only those Muslims who can do Hajj are required to perform Hajj.
Following are some people who are exempt from Hajj:
- Only Muslim adults (whether male or female) are ordered to perform Hajj. It means that children are not required to perform Hajj.
- The very weak, sick, elderly, or, in short, physically weak Muslims are excluded from performing the pilgrimage of Hajj.
- The Muslim must be financially strong to perform Hajj. Financially weak Muslims are excluded.
History Of The Hajj
In 628 CE, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and the Muslims set out on the first Islamic Pilgrimage (Hajj) to again start the traditions performed by the Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was the first Prophet to begin the tradition of Hajj.
The story of Hajj began when Allah ordered Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to move to the barren desert of Makkah and to leave his wife Hajar and infant son Ismail (AS) there. They followed the order of Allah (SWT).
Hajar and Ismail (AS) ran out of resources in no time, and in an effort to find water, as the desert was hot and Ismail was crying for water, Hajar ran between the two hills of Safa and Marwa that are neighboring search of water or help. She ran between hills 7 times but returned to crying Ismail (AS) empty.
As the infant baby Ismail (AS) cried, he beat his legs on the ground, and a stream of water appeared from the ground by the command of Allah (SWT). This stream of water finished their thirst and became a resource for trading with other merchants. This stream of water is known as the Well of Zam Zam.
Then, prophet Ibrahim (AS) was ordered to return to his family years later in order to find the miracle of Allah and see that his family was still alive and indeed progressing. The camp that had been started with Hajar and Ismail (AS) was now transforming into a populated area, and today, this is known as Makkah.
Years later, Ibrahim (AS) was then ordered by Allah (SWT) to place a stone structure there as a mark known as the Kaaba. Ibrahim (AS) built it with the help of his son Ismail (AS) at the same spot it was first built by the Prophet of Allah and the first man on earth, Adam (AS).
Thousands of years later, when the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was given from Allah to restore the tradition of Ibrahim’s (AS), he worked on the command and this dedicated pilgrimage as Hajj today.
Conclusion
Hajj is the 5th and last pillar of Islam Islam, and it is complimentary for every Muslim who can afford it at least once in a lifetime. Hajj was done in the 12th Islamic month, Dhul-Hijjah. It consists of many practices and customs. If a Muslim gets a chance for Hajj, he gets a chance to clear his sin and refresh his Emaan!
