Hajj is an important pillar of Islam However, exactly how much are aware of it?
So, we’ve compiled our most important Hajj information (in not in a particular order) to ensure that you be prepared with everything you must be aware of Hajj!
Table of Contents
Hajj is the Fourth Pillar of Islam
The act of performing Hajj can be really an Islamic and spiritual obligation It can be considered to be the 4th pillar of Islam.
According to the Holy Qur’an, Allah (SWT) orders Muslims to go to Makkah and to make it part of their religious practice at least once during their lives. In fact there’s an entire chapter (chapter) within the Qur’an named after Makkah!
The chapter in question, Allah (SWT) gives us the following:
“We set aside for Abraham the place of the House in which we said “Do not associate with Me and cleanse the My House to those who practice Tawaf, and pray and stand, as well as people who kneel and kneel. Also, proclaim to the masses the Hajj (pilgrimage) and they will be coming to you on foot, and on every camel that is lean; they will be coming from all distant lands to witness advantages for themselves and also mention their name to Allah on the days of their lives over the benefits He has given to them in the form of sacrificed livestock… Let the people… fulfill their vows, and then perform Tawaf in the old House. It has been decreed and who honors the holy ordinances of Allah is the most beneficial to him before the Lord of his soul. …”
Qur’an | 22:26-30
Let us all be able and able to perform Hajj, Ameen! Go here to learn everything you should know about Hajj.
Hajj is More Than 1,500 years old
The beginnings of Hajj actually go far earlier than the period of Muhammad the prophet Muhammad (peace and peace on Muhammad be upon him). The Hajj rituals actually go back to the year 2000 BCE!
If we consider the rites that are associated with Hajj which is traveling through Safa as well as Marwa to re-create the Hajar’s (the spouse of Ibrahim AS) journey in the search of water, it’s actually quite a long way back…
It is believed that the Kaaba is also has a long history dating back to 631CE. It is believed that the The Prophet Ibrahim (AS) constructed an edifice at the location of the Kaaba and worshippers of different faiths were allowed to visit the place. Mount Arafah was the location where Ibrahim (AS) was preparing for the sacrifice of his son.
In 632CE, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings on his soul) was the first to lead the official Hajj in 632CE, in which he led a large group of believers towards Kaaba. Kaaba in 632CE. He then destroyed the idols within the Kaaba and restored the Kaaba back to its initial purpose in Allah’s name. Allah (SWT).
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings on Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) as well as the first Muslims followed Hajar’s route across the hills between Safa as well as Marwa. They recreated the stoning ritual of Iblis (Satan) like the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was stoning when Iblis tried to persuade Ibrahim (AS) to defy Allah (SWT) at three different locations during the way. Ibrahim (AS) kept up his faith in Allah (SWT). Mount Arafah was also the place where the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessings be upon him) the last sermon.
In the course of his life the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon his soul) only did Hajj only once. In the years since, this custom is being carried on by Muslims all over the world for more than a millennium of years. Subhan’Allah – such history!
Hajj is Everyday On 8th 13th Dhul Hijjah
Hajj is celebrated in the month Dhul Hijjah – which translates to ‘the month for the pilgrimage’.
As per according to the Islamic calendar Hajj is performed during the same time in the lunar calendar every year. Therefore, the dates seem to move forward by about 11-12 days on the Gregorian calendar each year.
In this year’s edition, Dhul Hijjah runs from July 7th to the 11th/12th of July 2022.
Dhul Hijjah is a very significant month. It is not just the final month of the Islamic year, but also during this time, Muslims make Hajj, make Qurbani to those who are in need and commemorate Eid al-Adha before the new year starts.
The holy Day of ‘Arafah takes place on the 9th Dhul Hijjah and provides Muslims all over the world who are not participating in Hajj the chance to win an huge rewards through fasting and performing genuine du’a. The fasting that you perform on Arafah, the Day of Arafah can expiate your sins over two years!
The prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) stated:
“It cleanses the sins of the previous year and of the upcoming year.”
Hadith | Muslim
More than 2.5 Million Muslims Each Year Hajj
We know how well-known Hajj is however, how many people visit every year?
According to Saudi government’s figures for 2019, an astounding 2.5 million pilgrims took part in Hajj! Subhan’Allah…
With three times the number of worldwide visitors (1.9 million) in comparison to Saudi residents (Saudi or Non-Saudi) (634K) If you’re a Saudi-resident, you might be interested in finding out that the top single nation of non-Saudi pilgrims was actually Egyptian!
Alhamdulillah pilgrims hail from across the globe, with the majority of non-Saudi pilgrims coming to Asian (non-Arab) destinations(59 percent). With a staggering 35,355 pilgrims enrolled in 2019 The largest number of non-Saudi nationals are Egyptians who comprise more than 36 percent of non-Saudi pilgrims coming from Egypt.
Other countries with high percentages include Pakistan (12 percent), Yemen (10%), India (9.8%), Sudan (5.8%) and Bangladesh (4.3 percent).
We’re certainly an international Ummah, alhamdulillah!
After you’ve completed Hajj and performed Hajj, you’re referred to as an Hajji( Hajjah for women). Did not you learn that this title is also used as an act of respect for older people in the world of Arabic?
Almost 351,000 Staff Manage Hajj
With the number of people who travel across the country to Makkah for the Hajj There’s bound to be plenty of staff and facilities needed to serve the people.
In the year 2019, over 350,000 staff and volunteers were tasked with the provision of Hajj-related services. This included:
Health care
Communication services
Transportation
Services for supervision
From the time you book your Hajj until the moment you pass through the immigration controls and getting to home the Hajj needs a wide range of services.
It’s an enormous trip and will require a lot of assistance! Subhan’Allah…
You now have a few interesting facts regarding Hajj to discuss with your loved ones and friends, prepare yourself with the most important information about what you need to know about Hajj!
Information About The Prophet Muhammad
The Islamic tradition Muhammad is the prophet of Islam. Muhammad (peace and blessings on his soul) is the last prophet of a line of messengers commissioned through Allah (SWT) to teach Tawheed(monotheism). Every day, five times in Salah (prayer), Muslims recite the Shahada(declaration of faith):
Transliteration:
“Ashadu an la ilaha illa illa-ilah, wa ashadu anna muhammadan rasul ullah.”
Translation:
“There there isn’t a God other than God (Allah” – i.e. there is no god that is worthy of worship than Allah) And Muhammad is known as the messenger for Allah.”
The Quran is considered to be the highest sacred admonition in Islam and must be read in full understanding and with a clear understanding of its significance. Although it is true that the Prophet Muhammad was the world’s most adored prophet of Islam, Muslims recognize him to be a messenger and a person who received the revelation. He is not associated to God as such. Muslims are not permitted to worship anyone else than the sole God, Allah (SWT).
Here are some more details concerning Muhammad, the prophet. Muhammad (peace and blessings upon his name):
- Muhammad, the prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings on his name) was an orphan. His parents both passed away as an infant.
- Muhammad was the Prophet Muhammad (peace and peace be with him) was an illiterate
- Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was a prophet. Muhammad (peace and peace be with his soul) was well-known ( al-Amin(trustworthy)) for all who knew or heard of him.
- Prophet Muhammad (peace and peace be on him) was appointed prophet at the age of 40.
- Muslims are required to use the phrase “sallallahu alayhi wa salam”(SAW) , meaning peace and blessings be upon him when they speak of Allah’s Messenger Muhammad (SAW)
Five things that every Muslim should be aware of about Hajj
Hajj is among the most significant occasions in the Muslims life. May we be able to complete the Hajj during our lifetimes InshaAllah! It is comprised of a set of rites and ceremonies that are essential to adhere to to allow the holy pilgrimage to be legitimate. The rites and ceremonies of Hajj are infused with spiritual wisdom and offer the spiritual, emotional and physical challenge to Muslims who undertake the journey.
Here are some key details concerning Hajj:
- Every Muslim must complete Hajj for at minimum once during their life, so in the event that they are emotionally, physically and financially capable of doing this.
- Hajj is comprised of 18 steps
- Hajj was performed first by Ibrahim (AS) and later by his grandson, Prophet Ismail (AS)
- In the past, Hajj has had to be exiled due to the plagues
- Prior to the modern infrastructure around Kaaba, prior to the current infrastructure surrounding Kaaba, Masjid al-Haram was sometimes flooded. pilgrims were required to go all around Kaaba for a chance to do Tawwaf
