Hajj: The Sacred Pilgrimage in Islam

This section explains the Hajj. Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and represents a deeply significant religious obligation for Muslims. It is a pilgrimage that every Muslim who is physically and financially capable is required to undertake at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage takes place during the Islamic month of Dhu’l-Hijja, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The journey to the holy city of Makkah (Mecca), in Saudi Arabia, is a profound spiritual event, and it serves to cleanse the individual, bring them closer to Allah, and unite Muslims from all over the world.

Origins of Hajj

The origins of Hajj trace back to the time of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). According to Islamic tradition, Allah commanded Ibrahim to take his wife Hajira and his son Isma’il on a journey to Arabia. After arriving in a barren desert, Allah instructed Ibrahim to leave his family with only a small amount of food and water. As they ran out of supplies, Hajira, desperate to find water for her son, ran up and down two hills, Safa and Marwah, but found none. At that moment, she prayed to Allah, and miraculously, water gushed forth from the ground. This spring is known as the Zamzam well, and it remains an important feature of the pilgrimage to this day.

When Ibrahim returned, Allah commanded him to build the Ka’aba, a cube-shaped structure in the heart of Makkah, as a shrine dedicated to the worship of the one true God, Allah. Over time, however, the people of Makkah began to stray from the teachings of Ibrahim and began to worship idols at the Ka’aba. This deviation was corrected when the Prophet Muhammad restored the Ka’aba to its original purpose, reaffirming the worship of Allah alone. Today, the Ka'aba is considered the most sacred site in Islam and is located at the centre of the Great Mosque of Makkah.

Key Events of Hajj

The pilgrimage itself is made up of a series of key events and rituals that are carried out in a specific order. These events serve as a reminder of the trials faced by Ibrahim and his family, as well as the core teachings of Islam. Here are the main stages of Hajj:

Ihram:
Before starting their journey, Muslims enter a state of spiritual purity known as Ihram. This involves wearing a simple white garment—two pieces of cloth for men and a modest dress for women, which symbolises equality before Allah. Regardless of their background, ethnicity, or social status, all pilgrims dress in the same way, which reinforces the idea that everyone is equal in the eyes of God.

Tawaf:
Upon arriving in Makkah, pilgrims gather at the Great Mosque to perform the Tawaf, a ritual where they walk around the Ka’aba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction. This act of circling the Ka'aba represents the unity of believers in the worship of the one God. It is a powerful symbol of the pilgrim’s submission to Allah.

Zamzam Water:
After the Tawaf, pilgrims drink from the Zamzam well in remembrance of Hajira’s search for water. This water is considered to be sacred, and drinking from it serves as a reminder of Allah’s mercy and the importance of reliance on Him in times of hardship.

Safa and Marwah:
Pilgrims then visit the two hills of Safa and Marwah, located near the Ka’aba. Here, they walk between the two hills seven times, following the example of Hajira, who desperately searched for water in these very places. This ritual serves as a reminder of perseverance and reliance on Allah, as well as the importance of never giving up, no matter how difficult the circumstances.

Mount Arafat:
One of the most significant moments of the pilgrimage occurs at Mount Arafat, the site where the Prophet Muhammad gave his final sermon. Pilgrims stand in prayer, asking for forgiveness and supplication, and reflect on the significance of the Day of Judgment, which, according to Islamic tradition, will take place at Arafat. It is a day of profound spirituality, and many Muslims consider it a moment for their sins to be forgiven by Allah.

Muzdalifa:
After spending the day at Arafat, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifa, a valley between Arafat and Mina, where they spend the night under the open sky. At Muzdalifa, they collect pebbles, which are necessary for the next ritual.

The Stoning of the Devil:
The next day, pilgrims journey to Mina, where they carry out the Ramy al-Jamarat, or the stoning of the devil. Pilgrims throw pebbles at three stone pillars, which represent the devil’s attempt to tempt Ibrahim from his duty to Allah. This ritual symbolises the rejection of evil and the commitment to follow the path of righteousness.

Sacrifice:
The final major ritual of Hajj involves the act of sacrifice, which coincides with the celebration of Id-ul-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice. Pilgrims may sacrifice a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, and the meat is often distributed among the poor. This act honours the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Isma'il in obedience to Allah, though Allah intervened to provide a ram as a substitute.

Importance of Hajj

Completing Hajj is a significant spiritual journey, and those who successfully complete the pilgrimage are known as Hajji (for men) or Hajja (for women). The pilgrimage serves as a physical and spiritual cleansing, offering Muslims the opportunity to renew their faith and purify their hearts. It represents self-discipline, humility, and a deep submission to Allah, and it brings Muslims closer to their Creator.

The unity experienced during Hajj is profound. Muslims from all walks of life, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or social standing, gather together in Makkah for this common purpose. The equality symbolised by the Ihram and the shared rituals fosters a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood among Muslims from all over the world.

Some hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) emphasise the spiritual significance of Hajj, with one saying:
“He who performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity or wickedness will return as if he were born anew” (Sahih al-Bukhari 26:596).

This highlights the transformative nature of Hajj, as it offers Muslims the chance to begin anew, spiritually purified and forgiven for their sins.

Hajj is much more than a physical journey; it is a deeply spiritual experience that strengthens a Muslim’s faith, renews their connection with Allah, and reminds them of the values of self-discipline, equality, and community. It serves as a powerful reminder of the fundamental teachings of Islam, particularly the importance of submission to Allah and the rejection of all forms of evil. Through Hajj, Muslims from all around the world come together in worship and reflection, fostering a deep sense of unity and brotherhood within the global Muslim community.