Introduction to Hajj
Hajj is the pilgrimage to Makkah; one of the most important cities of modern-day Saudi Arabia. It is obligatory for every Muslim to undertake the Hajj journey and perform its rituals once in a lifetime. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and a religious duty central to Islamic belief.
Hajj is performed in the month of Zil-Hajj which is the last month of the Islamic (lunar) calendar. Since the lunar calendar changes with respect to the solar calendar, the Hajj dates keep changing every year. Hajj takes place progressively across all seasons rather than at one specific time of the year.
Hajj comprises a series of rituals that must be performed in and around Makkah over 5-6 days. The rituals of Hajj date back to the time of Prophet Abraham. Our beloved Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessings be Upon Him) himself led the Hajj in 632 AD, the year of his death. Every year almost 3 million Muslims coming from all around the world perform Hajj to seek the blessings and forgiveness of Allah Almighty.
Importance of Makkah City in Islam
The city of Makkah holds the honor of being the birthplace of our Holy Prophet PBUH.
It is the city where he received the message of Islam and transformed it into the holiest city in the Islamic world.
Makkah has remained a sacred site since ancient times. Even before the advent of Islam, it was an important site of pilgrimage for the Arab tribes of North and Central Arabia. During the sacred months (Maah-e-Haraam), such as Zil-Hajj, violence was strictly forbidden within Makkah. This helped flourish trade and as a result, Makkah became an important commercial hub of the region.
The Holy Mosque is situated in Makkah (Masjid al-Haram) with the Ka’ba and the well of Zamzam at its heart. It is the exact place towards which Muslims pray every day. The Ka’ba, which literally means ‘The Cube’, is a square building that is otherwise known to Muslims as the ‘House of God.
Hajj Rituals
Hajj involves a series of rituals (components of Hajj) that take place in Makkah and its outskirts over five to six days. Here is a list of the main components of Hajj.
Ihram
The pilgrims must travel to one of the officially designated Meeqat, or ‘stated places’, a boundary where they must put on their pilgrimage clothes i.e. Ihram. The Ihram consists of two pieces of unstitched white cloth for men, and modest clothing for women. Ihram is not just a piece of clothing but represents the intention to perform Hajj in a peaceful manner.
Tawaf
The first ritual that a pilgrim performs is the Tawaf-e-Ziarat. Pilgrims walk around the Holy Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction while wearing Ihram. While they make rounds, they say prayers and chant Talbiyah.
Sa’i
Sa’i is an Arabic term that means “putting effort”. Sa’i involved traversing between the two hills of Safa and Marwah. The place at which this activity takes place is called Mas’a (the place of hurrying).
Both Safa and Marwah are near Haram and since the widening of the Holy Mosque, they are set within the Mosque. This ritual represents Hajra’s quest for water after being left in the desert by Abraham.
Wuquf ‘Arafat
In English, Wuquf means to stand. This ritual refers to the most important vigil that takes place from noon to sunset on the 9th of Zil-Hajj in the field of Arafat. This is the most important rite of the Hajj and Hajj cannot be completed without completion of this ritual.
At Muzdalifa
Muzdalifa is situated between Mina and Mount Arafat. Here, Muslims gather the pebbles and throw them at Jamraat pillars. It is the place where Azazel tried to distract Prophet Abraham from his Holy duty and Prophet Abraham disrupted his efforts by throwing pebbles at him. Following his tradition, Muslims gather and throw pebbles at the Jamraat. The pebbles are usually small in size.
At Mina
These pebbles are thrown at the three pillars set within the valley of Mina close to Makkah which represent the three instances when Satan attempted to distract Abraham. They are known as Jamrat al-‘Aqaba (the largest), Jamrat al-Wusta (the middle one), and Jamrat al-Sughra (the small one).
Eid al-Adha
The festival of sacrifice takes place on the 10th of Zil-Hajj every year and is celebrated with jubilation by the Muslim Ummah. It tends to be a great feast as Muslims make sacrifices and share their happiness with others.
Since the 10th of Zil-Hajj comes in Hajj days, the pilgrims must make a sacrifice. Another obligatory ritual is the Taqsir or Halq (cutting or shaving) of the hair. This act of devotion is symbolic and represents the shunning of worldly attachments and a new beginning.
Final Tawaf
The final Tawaf is generally known as “Tawaf-e-Wida” which means “The Farewell Tawaf.” it is performed by pilgrims just before leaving Makkah after the completion of Hajj. as the name implies, it is the final rite that is performed.
The journey to Hajj
When pilgrims embark on the Hajj journey, they follow in the footsteps of millions of Muslims before them. Before beginning their Hajj journey, pilgrims must settle all debts, make provisions for any dependents and ask forgiveness from others.
Let’s Plan Your Hajj Journey
Every Muslim must perform Hajj once in his lifetime. If you have not fulfilled this religious duty yet, then you must not wait for next year and perform it as soon as possible. Now that the covid-19 restrictions have been lifted, you should utilize this opportunity and fulfill your duty toward Allah. Check out our exclusive Hajj packages for the year 2023, so that we can begin preparations for your Hajj journey in advance. Shifting Hajj packages have been designed to facilitate our Muslim brothers and sisters residing in the UK. We can even customize your Hajj package and tailor it to deliver luxury services to you and your family.
