What is hajj?
Hajj translates from Arabic as ‘to intend a journey’, thus giving the pilgrimage its name. Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca taken on by Muslims, it is a compulsion for every able muslim to do Hajj at least once in their life. Once they have completed Hajj, a Muslim man may call himself a "Hajji" and a woman herself a "Hajjah". Hajj is the Fifth Pillars of Islam. It reflects a Muslim's devotion, loyalty and belief in Allah and helps him/her grow spiritually and brings great rewards, benefits and complete forgiveness of sins.
There is no obligation for children to undertake Hajj as they are not yet considered able. Children may take part in Hajj with their parent/guardian and the rewards of the pilgrimage will be bestowed upon the child.
Spirituality And Hajj- The Hajj prompts Muslims to reflect and think over their lives. Modern lifestyles are hectic, but Hajj gives an opportunity to switch off from work and trivial issues. It also allows Muslims to reconnect with what is really important and focus on spiritual matters. The pilgrimage to Makkah reminds a person of their key belief in the equality of all humankind before Allah, because each person takes part on exactly the same basis.
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF HAJJ?
While following a route the Prophet Muhammad once walked, Muslims trace the rites of hajj back to the prophets Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS). In the Qur'an Prophet Muhammad is called the Seal of the Prophets, meaning he is the last and greatest of Allah's prophets. He is a role model for Muslims all over the globe. Therefore, to go on pilgrimage to Makkah and follow in the footsteps of Allah's Prophets is very important to Muslims.
Muslims believe Ibrahim’s (AS) faith was tested when God commanded him to sacrifice his only son Ismail (AS). Ibrahim (AS) was prepared to submit to the command, but then Allah put sacrificial animals in Ismail’s (AS) place each time Ibrahim (AS) tried to sacrifice his son!
Pilgrims also trace the path of Ibrahim’s (AS) wife bibi Hajra (AS), who ran between two hills seven times searching for water for her extremely thirsty son. Tradition holds that Allah then brought forth a spring that runs to this day known as ZamZam well.
HAJJ:
Ihram relates to the state of purity and equality before God (Allah) which all Muslims enter before going on Hajj. To symbolise this state, male pilgrims wear two lengths of white cloth, while female pilgrims wear ordinary clothes with hijab, but must keep their faces uncovered.
2. Tawaf, Safa and Marwa
On the first day of the Hajj, pilgrims do Tawaf walking around the Ka'bah while repeating prayers.Thousands of people do this at the same time and only a few are able to touch or kiss the Hijr-E-Aswad. If a pilgrim isn't able to touch the Black Stone, they hold up their hand to it as they pass.Walking around the Ka'bah with thousands of others represents equality of all Muslims. Muslims are recommended to complete a second Tawaf at the end of their pilgrimage.
Pilgrims do Sa'i (run between Safa and Marwa). This is to represent the search of Bibi Hajara (AS), Ibrahim's (AS) wife, for water for her son Ismail(AS).
3. Mina aka “City of tents” to Arafat
9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, Pilgrims travel from Makkah to Mina to spend the first night of the Hajj. The next morning they travel on to the plain of Arafat, where they stand on or near the Mount of Mercy from noon until dusk, praising Allah and asking Du'as.This is the climax of the Hajj, since Muslims believe that this rite represents what it will be like on the Day of Judgement when all of humanity will be judged by Allah according to their actions.
4. Muzdalifah and Rami (Stoning the devil)
Pilgrims spend the second night at Muzdalifah, where they collect small stones to use on the third day when they return to Mina. They throw these stones at three pillars called Jamarat, which represent the Devil.
Muslims believe that the Devil tried three times to persuade Ibrahim (AS) to disobey Allah when he ordered Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail. It also signifies that muslims make promises to fight the devil within themselves and to strive against temptation.
5. Eid ul-Adha and Nahr
At the end of the pilgrimage, Muslims celebrate the festival of Eid ul-Adha. This festival reminds them of Ibrahim's (AS) obedience when he was told by Allah to sacrifice his son, Ismail(AS). Muslims may sacrifice a sheep, a goat or a camel to symbolise the sacrifice in place of Ismail.
6. Farewell Tawaf
The next and the final step is the farewell Tawaf. Pilgrims reflect on their experience and thank Allah for everything, while doing Tawaf. On completing the Tawaf, pilgrims can proceed to collect their belongings, leave Kaaba by setting their left foot out first and making supplications while doing so. This final step marks the end of Hajj rituals.
I hope this article will be of help to my brothers and sisters trying to gain knowledge about Hajj. Get the most out of your Hajj pilgrimage with Bakhla Tours and Travels and take advantage of the special offers for Hajj packages 2022 and Umrah packages 2022
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