FITH PILLAR OF ISLAM

الحج (Al-Hajj) – The Pilgrimage

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for every Muslim who is physically, mentally, and financially capable. It is a spiritual journey to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, performed during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. Hajj commemorates the trials of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), his family, and their devotion to Allah.

Quranic Basis

• “And proclaim to the people the Hajj (pilgrimage); they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass.” (Quran 22:27)

• “Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Bakkah [Mecca]—blessed and a guidance for the worlds.” (Quran 3:96)

Significance of Hajj

1. Submission to Allah:

• Hajj symbolizes complete submission to Allah’s will.

• It is a profound act of worship and unity.

2. Equality:

• Pilgrims wear simple white garments (Ihram) to signify equality, stripping away distinctions of wealth, race, and status.

3. Historical Roots:

• Hajj retraces the steps of Prophet Ibrahim, Hagar, and Prophet Ismail, highlighting their devotion and sacrifices.

4. Unity of Muslims:

• Millions of Muslims from around the world gather in Mecca, demonstrating global Islamic solidarity.

Conditions for Performing Hajj

1. Islam: Only Muslims are required and permitted to perform Hajj.

2. Sanity and Maturity: It is only obligatory for those who are of sound mind and have reached puberty.

3. Physical Ability: Must be physically capable of undertaking the journey and its rituals.

4. Financial Ability: Must have enough resources to cover the costs of Hajj without neglecting family responsibilities.

Rituals of Hajj

The pilgrimage spans 5-6 days, starting on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah:

1. Ihram:

• State of ritual purity marked by wearing two white seamless garments for men and modest clothing for women.

• Pilgrims enter Ihram at designated locations (Miqat) and recite the intention (Niyyah) for Hajj.

2. Tawaf:

• Pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction.

• This act signifies devotion to Allah as the center of their lives.

3. Sa’i:

• Walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, commemorating Hagar’s search for water for her son Ismail.

4. Mina (8th Dhul-Hijjah):

• Pilgrims travel to Mina, a tent city, and spend the day in prayer and reflection.

5. Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah):

• The most critical part of Hajj.

• Pilgrims stand in worship and supplication at Mount Arafah, seeking Allah’s forgiveness.

• Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“Hajj is Arafah.” (Sunan al-Nasa’i)

6. Muzdalifah:

• Pilgrims collect pebbles and pray under the open sky.

7. Rami al-Jamarat (10th-12th Dhul-Hijjah):

• Throwing pebbles at three stone pillars in Mina to symbolize rejecting Satan.

8. Qurbani (Sacrifice):

• Sacrificing an animal, following Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son.

• Meat is distributed to the poor.

9. Tawaf al-Ifadah:

• Another circumambulation of the Kaaba, signifying completion of Hajj.

10. Final Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada):

• Performed before leaving Mecca as a farewell act of worship.

Rewards and Importance

1. Forgiveness of Sins:

• The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever performs Hajj for Allah’s pleasure and does not have sexual relations or commit sin, he will return [after Hajj] as free from sin as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

2. Unity and Humility:

• Pilgrims experience the oneness of the Muslim Ummah, emphasizing equality and humility.

3. Spiritual Renewal:

• Hajj serves as a spiritual reset, fostering a closer connection with Allah.