What is Hajj? | What is Hajj in Islam?

Hajj is a holy pilgrimage that must be performed by all Muslim to perform at minimum once during their lifetime. It is one of the five foundational pillars of Islam. Every year, millions Muslims all over the globe go to take part in the hajj in Makkah the modern day Saudi Arabia.

It occurs at the same date every year, during the holy month known as Dhul Hijjah – the 12th month of the Islamic Calendar. Hajj starts on the 8th day of Dhul Hijjah and lasts approximately five to six days, based on the moon’s sighting. If the crescent moon of the New Moon is visible, Muslims around the world celebrate the four-day celebration in the month of Eid al-Adha.

Muslims are required to follow the instructions of Allah (SWT) to perform the holy pilgrimage of Hajj as outlined in the Holy Qur’an:

Although Hajj is required for all Muslim however, it’s only necessary if they are able to perform it. There are certain conditions that make Muslims eligible to take part in Hajj as well as exempt from Hajj.

What is Hajj in Islam?

The holy pilgrimage of Hajj is made up of rituals and rituals – some of them in order – which provide an emotional, spiritual, and physical challenge to the person who is on the pilgrimage. For instance, a person is likely to walk between 5 to 15km a day, since Hajj involves a lot of walking between various places in and around Makkah. The majority of the Hajj is performed at Masjid al-Haram, where the Kaaba is situated.

Hajj can be described as an obligation to God and an essential pillar of Islam For many, it’s an once in a lifetime occasion. More than one time during your lifetime is permissible while in fervently looking for the pleasure of Allah’s (SWT) (which is a reference to “The Most Glorified, The Most Exalted’) pleasure.

The prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) stated:

“Whoever does Hajj to honor Allah and refrains from uttering any vulgar words or commit any sinful act is guaranteed to return (free from sin) the way his mother conceived her son.”

Web-Story: What is Hajj?

What Happens on Hajj?

Muslims who take part in the sacred Hajj pilgrimage Hajj must undergo various rituals and rites that each provide their own distinctive significance and wisdom.

These are steps for Hajj in a glance:

The18 Steps of Hajj In A Snapshot:
1. Preparation and Goal
2. State of Ihram
3. Tawaf x7
4. Safa and Marwa
5. Clip or shave hair (Umrah is over)
6. Praying and resting
7. State of Ihram
8. Get there at Mina
9. Day of ‘Arafah
10. Muzdalifah (under the sky at night)
11. Rami (stoning by the Devil)
12. Qurbani
13. Shave Head
14. Tawaf al-Ifadha
15. Rami (stoning of devil)
16. Night at Mina
17. Rami (stoning by the Devil)
18. Farewell Tawaf al-Wida

What is the reason why Muslims Go on Hajj?

Hajj is among the five pillars that make up Islam which means it is a requirement for all Muslim.

These are the five Pillars Of Islam:

1. Faith ( Shahada)
2. Prayer (Salah)
3. Almsgiving ( Zakat)
4. Fasting ( Sawm)
5. Pilgrimage ( Hajj)

In contrast to prayer, Alms and Fasting, Hajj is required of each Muslim only once in their life, as that they are physically emotionally, financially, and physically qualified. But, Muslims are permitted to perform the Hajj more than once provided they can afford it.

It is said that the Hajj ritual is one that tests of endurance and endurance. It is emotionally, spiritually as well as physically challenging. The sanctity of the pilgrimage provides an occasion like none other in becoming nearer with Allah (SWT) and a lot of Muslims across the globe strive to live their lives in pursuit of the opportunity to participate in Hajj.

How Do You Prepare For Hajj?

Although Hajj is primarily religious obligation but it can also be physically demanding. Preparing for Hajj is highly recommended for Muslims across the globe.

The average pilgrim walks between 5 and 15km per day, it is recommended to Muslims to get physically prepared for Hajj weeks ahead of time in order to ensure that the traveling that is required between destinations during the five-six-day journey isn’t a shock for the system. Being physically prepared is aid to the emotional and spiritually challenging aspect that are part of hajj.

Take a look at this steps-by-step instruction to perform Hajj and everything you should learn about how to prepare for it.

Difference Between Hajj and Umrah

Hajj And Umrah are both holy religious pilgrimages within Islam and are both based on the same characteristics as well as rituals, rites and ceremonies. However, there are a few major differences, among the most significant is that Hajj is considered to be the fifth foundational pillar of Islam and is required of all Muslim for as long as they are able to do it while Umrah is a non-required pilgrimage.

Here are a few more variations in Hajj as well as Umrah:

 Hajj is only performed during the period between 8th and 12th, or 13th Dhul Hijjah every year, while Umrah is able to take place at any point during the year.

 Hajj can last between 5 to 6 days (depending on the appearance on the night of the crescent moon) while Umrah is able to be done in the shorter timeframe and can be completed in a single day!  

 There are 18 steps to perform in Hajj, whereas there are far fewer in Umrah.