Hajj is a vital religious responsibility for Muslims. If they can make the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, Muslims who are physically and financially able are required to perform the Hajj at least once in their lives. Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and a Muslim must perform it at least once in his lifetime.
The Five Pillars of Islam
The Five Pillars of Islam are the framework of Muslim life and are the declaration of faith, prayer, giving, indomitable, and pilgrimage to Mecca. These are Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), and pilgrimage (Hajj). The five pillars come into play in a Muslim’s everyday life by guiding his actions and beliefs.
Why is Hajj Important in Islam
Hajj is not merely a physical journey; it is a spiritual pilgrimage. It is a symbol of surrender to the will of God, humility, and repentance. Hajj is performed to let Muslims rejuvenate their Imaan, seek forgiveness, and reflect on their past deeds. It also emphasizes equality, as the pilgrims wear the same cloth, a seamless white towel, which removes any social or commercial benefits.
The Rituals of Hajj
There are several main rituals from which the hajj came.
- Ihram: The consecrated state for the Hajj pilgrimage. The pilgrims are all white, which is a symbol of purity.
- Al Tawaf: Going around the Kaaba seven times anti-clockwise. The Kaaba is the most sacred site in Islam, and this act symbolizes the bonding of the faithful together as they worship the One God.
- Sa’i: Walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah times over seven, as Hagar did to find water for her son Ishmael.
- Standing at Arafah: Pilgrims congregate on the vast plain of Arafat to pray and beg for pardon. This is regarded as the most obligatory component of Hajj.
- Ritual “Stoning of the Devil”: throwing pebbles at three pillars in Mina, named Jamarat al-Aqaba, symbolizing the time when Ibraham (Abraham) stoned the devil, a form of rejecting evil and temptation.
- The animal sacrifice: pilgrims perform a ritualistic sacrifice of an animal in remembrance of the prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of godly obedience. The meat is also distributed to the needy, reminding Muslims of the act of giving to charity.
Preparation for Hajj
The Hajj requires good preparation. The pilgrims should be able to take on the journey in spirit, body, and mind.
- Preparation of the spirit: Hajj is a beautiful transformation in that we seek forgiveness from everyone, settle our debts, and seek authentic repentance from our sins. They also learn the rites and prayers that are performed concerning the pilgrimage of Hajj.
- Preparation in Every Way Physical Preparation: The Hajj is physically demanding and designed to keep you on your feet for much longer than you may be used to, so practicing walking routinely is a good idea for maintaining good health.
- Financial Preparation: Hajj can be pretty expensive, so Muslims save money and budget in preparation for this costly pilgrimage.
Ihram: The State of Purity
Ihram is a state of spiritual purity and devotion to the sacred acts of pilgrimage. When they arrive in Mecca, pilgrims enter Ihram, the simple white garb that reflects their absolute purity and devotion before God. The more traditional men wear two white sheets, and more conventional women wear a modest dress that covers their bodies except for their faces and hands. Some prohibitions of Ihram are not cutting hair or nails, wearing perfume, and engaging in husband-wife relationships. The pilgrims have the purity of worship and mode of conduct in thought, word, and deed so that they may devote themselves to visiting and worshipping God.
Summary
Hajj is an incredible spiritual journey of great importance in Islam, and a Muslim must go to Hajj if he is in a position to do so. It is a time for hindsight, repentance, and revival of faith. Hajj is an essential religious obligation and a strong bond for all Muslims, connecting them worldwide. It is a reminder that the haves and the have-nots are equal to Allah and that in the eyes of Allah, there is no distinction between a king and a beggar.
Summary
Article Name
Why Muslims Perform Hajj
Description
Muslims perform Hajj to fulfill a religious obligation, seek spiritual renewal, demonstrate unity and equality, follow Prophet Muhammad's footsteps, and seek forgiveness and blessings from Allah.
Author
Fatima
Publisher Name
MOHID
Publisher Logo
