The Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca perform by Muslims, who should do this at least once in their lives. This forms one of the five pillars of Islam and brings great rewards, benefits and complete forgiveness of any sin from Allah (SWT).
The Hajj pilgrimage took place in the last month of the Muslim year, Dhul Hijjah, and the first day of Hajj took place on the eighth day of the month. Its purpose is to give Muslims the opportunity to begin anew in the eyes of Allah (SWT), to purify themselves of any possible sins as they seek the forgiveness of our gracious God by ending this difficult physical journey.
It was the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who initiated the pilgrimage as we know it today, when the pilgrims would go the same steps as Muhammad (PBUH) and Ibrahim (AS)
Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which also encompasses travel to Medina and Mount Arafat. Pilgrims will pray around the Kaaba at the centre of the Masjid al-Haram, the most important mosque in Islam.
What is Hajj in Islam?
The word Hajj, translated from the Arabic language, means ‘to travel’. The pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam and is considered one of the most sacred ceremonies that any Muslim can hope to perform.
This lasts five or six days, depending on the time of the journey. On the fifth day of Hajj (the 12th day of Dhul Hijjah), Muslims may leave Mecca, but not before the end of Tawaf al-Wadaa, meaning 'farewell', during which the pilgrims march around the Kaaba seven times opposite the clock.
Those who perform tawaf will try to touch and / or kiss the Kaaba as they surround it before leaving. The remaining Muslims on the sixth day they perform ritual throwing stone on devil (which is repeated on the fourth and fifth days of Hajj), when they throw seven stones at the three pillars of Mina.
In 2021, Saudi Arabia has ruled that Muslims who live outside of the country are once again barred from completing the Hajj pilgrimage, as was also the case in 2020 when only around 1,000 residents in Saudi Arabia were permitted. On 9 April 2022, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that one million international and domestic pilgrims will be given permission to perform Hajj 1443H; each country will be allocated a quota of pilgrims allowed to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Verses from Holy Quran
On the importance of Hajj, Allah SWT mentions in the Quran, “When We made the House [i.e., the Ka’ba] a place of return for the people and [a place of] security. And take, [O believers], from the standing place of Abraham a place of prayer. And We charged Abraham and Ishmael, [saying], ‘Purify My House for those who perform tawaf and those who are staying [there] for worship and those who bow and prostrate [in prayer].” (Qur’an 2:125)
In another place, the Holy Quran states the following about the importance of Hajj: “Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and guidance for Al-‘Alamin (the mankind and jinns). In it are manifest signs (for example), the Maqam (place) of Ibrahim (Abraham); whosoever enters it, he attains security. And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Kaaba) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision, and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allah], then Allah stands not in need of any of the ‘Alamin (mankind and jinns).” (Surah Al-Imran, 96-97)
“And complete the Hajj or Umrah in the service of Allah” (Al-Baqarah, Chapter #2, Verse # 196)
“But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness. We shall soon admit them to Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath, to dwell therein forever. Allah’s promise is the truth, and whose word can be truer than Allah’s?” (Qur’an 4:122)
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