Muslim Pilgrimage
And complete the Hajj or Umrah in the service of Allah (2:196)
Meaning and Significance
The Ultimate Muslim Pilgrimage: Hajj is from the Arabic language, meaning “to intend a journey.” In Islam, it is the fifth pillar which is mandatory for every Muslim who can financially afford it, is sane of mind, and is healthy. It is an annual spiritual journey undertaken by Muslims from all over the world, which brings them the mercy and blessings of Allah. Muslims perform Hajj in the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, from the 8th Dhul-Hijjah to the 12th Dhul-Hijjah. Immediately after, Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Adha.
and publicly proclaim Pilgrimage for all mankind so that they come to you on foot and mounted on lean camels from every distant point. (22:27)
Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) performed the first and last Hajj almost 1377 years ago. Today all Muslims follow his Sunnah while performing it.
For a Muslim hajj holds great value and is a life-changing experience when performed with the purity of soul and intentions. This journey will take you on a roller coaster of spirituality and emotions. You will feel the highs of being close to our Maker and bowing down in front of Him in His grand home, and you will also feel the lows of how physically taxing and strenuous, yet rewarding and peaceful this incredible journey can be.
The Prophet has said:
Hajj purifies the sins, and the pilgrim becomes sinless as a newborn child. (Sahih Bukhari: 1521)
The History Of Hajj
What most Muslims don’t know is that the Almighty intended the rites of Hajj during the era of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), whom Allah SWT granted the task of constructing the Holy Ka’abah. Therefore, the origins of the hajj date back almost 2000 years to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Prophet Ismail (AS). While performing Hajj, Muslims perform symbolic rituals that commemorate the sacrifices made by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) when Allah Almighty instructed him to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail (AS). Prophet Ibrahim bravely made his way to do as he was instructed with Prophet Ismail by his side. The shaitaan tried at three spots to dissuade him. These are the places where Muslims perform Rami (stoning of shaitaan) during Hajj because Prophet Ibrahim also pelted shaitaan with tiny pebbles.
Allah was only testing Prophet Ibrahim (AS), and when he was about to sacrifice his son, Allah replaced him with a ram. In memory of this event, Muslims worldwide perform sacrifices on the three days of Eid-ul-Adha.
For you, the animals marked for sacrifice are benefits for a specified term; then their place of sacrifice is at the ancient House. (22:33)
The very first Hajj as we know it today was performed by Prophet Muhammed in 632 CE after he had regained control of the Holy Ka’abah from the Kuffar and destroyed all the pagan idols inside it.
In the plain of Arafat, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his final sermon, and from this day onward, Allah made it mandatory for every affluent and healthy Muslim to perform Hajj once in their life.
What is the Purpose of Hajj?
It is said that the zakat for the body of Muslims is to perform Hajj, as it is a physically exhausting activity, which is why it is recommended to go only if one is physically fit and healthy.
The purposes of Hajj are many and profound:
Tawhid
From the minute a Muslim dons the white Ihram worn during Hajj, he starts to chant the Talbiyah:
“Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Inna al-hamd wa'l-ni'mata laka wa'l-mulk, la sharika lak (Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty, You have no partner).'
These words are the essence of Hajj. Combined with the white Ihram, they remind a Muslim that he is here to please his Maker and he is his slave. It reminds one of the greatness of Allah and his power.
Sense of Connection with the Prophets of Islam
Whenever one visits Makkah and performs Hajj or Umrah, it reminds him that he is following the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Muhammed (PBUH). It is humbling to be in Prophet’s beloved city and stand on the same ground where they once stood to preach and call the Kufaar to Islam.
A reminder of the Day of Judgment
Rituals of Hajj, remind Muslims that this life is fleeting. It is a mere instance, and we must spend it according to Allah’s commands and the Prophet’s Sunnah. If we succeed, then Allah has promised us Jannah. It keeps a Muslim aligned with his purpose in the world: to live life according to Allah’s instructions.
Sense of Brotherhood
Hajj also gives a strong message of brotherhood and unity amongst all Muslims, strengthening its importance in Islam. When every hajji wears the same white Ihram, there is no difference between the rich and the needy, the elites and the commons, the white or the black. They are all the same before Allah, and the only difference is their Taqwa.
Forgiveness of All Previous Sins
Most Muslims understand this to be the primary purpose of Hajj. Embarking upon this journey with Ikhlaas, or purity of intentions and sincerity, ensures Allah will wipe away all previous sins.
As the Prophet (PBUH) said:
The reward of Hajj Mabroor (the one Allah accepts) is Paradise. (Sahih Bukhari: 1773)
In addition to these, there are many other purposes of Hajj, such as:
- Allowing the exchange of ideas and culture among Muslims from different countries
- Allowing Muslims time to spend with scholars to address various issues and questions
- Being able to truly submit to Allah and vow to remain on the right path
- Being able to visit places that were frequented by Prophet Mohammed (PBUH)
- Trying to develop some positive habits of ibadah and leaving any negative habits such as smoking, gossiping, backbiting, lying, etc.
Types of Hajj
There are three types of Hajj that Muslims can perform.
Hajj ul Ifraad
Hajj ul Ifraad is also known as the isolated Hajj; the residents of Miqat, Haram, and Jeddah perform Hajj-ul-Ifrad. When they make their intentions to perform Hajj, they do so only to perform Hajj, not to perform Umrah.
Hajj ul Qiraan
This type of Hajj is for pilgrims who are traveling from other cities. Hajj ul Qiraan is genuinely a blessing for Muslims who live far away from Makkah. It allows them to perform both Hajj and Umrah in a single visit. The Qarin (a person who performs Hajj ul Qiran) enters the state of Ihram, intending to perform both Hajj and Umrah. The pilgrim has to perform Umrah first and then proceed to Hajj.
Hajj ul Tammatu
Hajj-ul-Tamattu is the third type of Hajj. This is advised for the pilgrims traveling from other countries who have a prolonged stay in the Kingdom. The pilgrim performing this Hajj is referred to as Mutamatti. The pilgrim should perform Umrah before Hajj, but he is not obliged to perform the two rituals in the same Ihram. A Mutamatti enters the state of Ihram intending to perform Umrah only. Once they’ve completed the Umrah, they’ll exit the state of Ihram and re-enter a new Ihram when proceeding to Hajj on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah.
Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) advised this Hajj.
Who Can Perform Hajj?
Although Hajj is one of the five fundamental pillars of Islam, Allah al-Rehmaan has made it clear that certain circumstances must be fulfilled if a Muslim wants to perform Hajj. These are for the ease of the pilgrim.
- Only Muslim adults (male or female) must perform Hajj. This means that while children may go to Hajj, it is not required of them.
- The weak, sick, older, and physically or mentally incapable Muslims are exempt from Hajj.
- The Muslim must be financially able to perform Hajj. This means that a person in debt does not have to perform Hajj until he has cleared his debt – and must have the intention of doing so as a priority.
However, if one is in debt, they may still perform Hajj as long as:
1) The creditor permits it.
2) The debtor has time to pay off the debt.
3) Hajj does not affect their ability to pay off the debt.
The Muslim must be able to take care of any dependents he leaves behind for the whole duration of the Hajj.
And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah. But if you are prevented, then [offer] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. (2:196)
Steps of Hajj
Hajj At a Glance
Now that you know all the prerequisites of Hajj, let’s get down to business!
These are the main steps of Hajj:
- Ihram and Intentions
- Mina, aka “City of tents.”
- Mina to Arafat, 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah
- Muzdalifah
- Rami – Stoning the devil
- Nahr- halaq
- Tawaf and Saee
- Perform Rami 2 days
- Farewell Tawaaf
These are the rites and rituals of Hajj that need to be performed; otherwise, your Hajj will not be valid. Before we delve into details about these steps, let’s look at Ihram, a state of purity that a Muslim enters into before performing Umrah or Hajj.
The State of Ihraam and Purity of Intentions
The state of Ihram describes the niyyah and purity of intentions of a Muslim, into which he enters before proceeding for Umrah or Hajj. This ritual is necessary for Hajj or Umrah to be performed. For men, this means wearing the seamless white cloth with one piece wrapped around your shoulder and one around your waist. Ladies may wear any clothing of their choice but should ensure they observe the rules of the Hijab.
Once you are in Ihram, you and all the other pilgrims will be identical in front of Allah. There will be no distinction between rich and poor, which is also one of the fundamental purposes of Ihram.
There are some activities one cannot do while in Ihram:
- Hunting any animal
- Shooting or killing any animals or insects
- Destroying any trees or plantation
- Covering the face
- Applying perfume to women
- Using any scented soaps, deodorants, shampoo, etc
- Indulging in any sexual activity
- Abstaining from anger or fights
Once in the ihram, pilgrims recite the Talbiyah:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، انَّالْحَمْدَ، وَالنِّعْمَةَ، لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لا شَرِيكَ لَك Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty, You have no partner).’ (Muslim 2:841)
Mina, aka “City of Tents”
Situated 5 to 6 km from Makkah, Mina is a small tent city that comes alive during the hajj days. Arriving at the tent city of Mina, pilgrims should rest there until the following day. Starting with the noon prayer (Zuhr) and ending with the dawn prayer (Fajr), pilgrims recite all five Salahs while staying in Mina. Today, the land of Mina comprises modern tents equipped with all essential amenities. Muslims should recite both compulsory and non-compulsory prayers while staying at Mina.
Mina to Arafat, 9th Day of Dhul-Hijjah
On the morning of the second day of Hajj, the 9th Dhul-Hijjah, the pilgrims set out on foot towards Arafat while reciting Talbiyah at the top of their voices. Muslim pilgrims observe Zuhrain – a combination of Zuhr and Asr prayer with Qasar prayer upon reaching the plain of Arafat. Muslims may gather at Masjid Nimra, or they can remain in their places of stay to offer this prayer. This is known as Waquf – the act of standing before Allah (SWT) and Muslims observed this act near the Jabal al-Rahmah, or the Mount of Mercy, from noon to sunset. Here Muslims pray to the Almighty and ask for his forgiveness and mercy.
Located 14.4 km from Mina, Mount Mercy or Jabal al-Rahmah of the Arafat was where the beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) delivered the final sermon.
Muzdalifah
The pilgrims’ next destination for Hajj is Muzdalifah, a small town between Mina and Mount Arafat. Pilgrims leave Arafaat on foot again and arrive at sunset on the grounds of Muzdalifah; the pilgrims offer Maghribaen – a combined prayer of Maghrib and Isha. Muslims spend one whole night under the open sky. They rest after praying Ishaa and after praying Fajr on the morning of the 10th Dhul-Hijjah, they leave Muzdalifah. From the grounds of Muzdalifah, pilgrims collect 49 pebbles of similar sizes for the ritual of Rami (stoning of the Devil).
Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’i
The pilgrims now head back to Makkah to perform Tawaf al-ibadah and Sa’ee, running between the Safa and Marwa hills. Once done, Muslims return to Mina to perform the act of Rami.
Rami (Stoning the Devil)
After the Tawaf al-Ifadah, pilgrims return to Mina to perform Rami by stoning the Jamraat al-Aqabah. They throw stones at the column structure, which represents the shaitaan. They also perform the stoning of Jamrat in memory of the act of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was on his way to sacrifice his son Prophet Ismail (AS), but the shaitaan stopped him at these same spots to try to convince him not to go through with the act. The Prophet threw pebbles at shaitaan to ward him off.
The pilgrims perform Rami near noon on the 11th and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah.
Nahr
After the completion of Rami, on 12th Dhul-Hijjah, Muslim pilgrims perform the sacrifice of an animal; it can be a camel or lamb. The Saudi government carries out this service for pilgrims. Once completed, they are informed that their nahr has been done. They can now exit the Ihram, but only after halaq.
This is also the day for Eid-ul-Adha celebrations worldwide.
Jabir ibn Abdullah reported: I was present with the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, on Eid al-Adha at the place of prayer. When the Prophet finished his sermon, he came down from his pulpit, and a ram was brought to him. The Prophet slaughtered it with his own hand, saying, "In the name of Allah and Allah is the greatest. This is from me and those of my nation who cannot offer a sacrifice."
Halaq and Taqsir
Halaq means shaving the head, while Taqsir means shortening or clipping hair. After performing the sacred sacrifice, men get their heads completely shaved or cut. While women get a strand or lock of their hair chopped. The act of Halq and Taqsir symbolizes that a Muslim is wholly devoted to Allah, and worldly appearances do not matter to them.
Performing Rami 2 Days
In the next two days, the pilgrims will remain in Mina, and each day they will go to the Jamaraat for the stoning of the shaitaan. Each day they will throw seven pebbles from the ones they collected at Muzdalifah.
Farewell Tawaf
After completing all the rituals of Hajj, pilgrims return to the Holy Kaaba in Makkah to perform the “Tawaf al-Ifadah,” also known as the “Farewell Tawaf,” followed by Sa’I. This Tawaaf marks the official end of your Hajj! Mabrook, you are now called a Haaji and are blessed by Allah to have been given this opportunity.
From here, many Muslims visit Madina, the beloved city of our Prophet Muhammed (PBUH), to pay salaams at his Rowda.
Life After Hajj
Once you have returned to your homeland, life will resume with all its monotony, responsibilities, and duties. As a new hajji, you should remember Allah at all times and keep yourself attached to Allah and the Prophet by praying, fasting, reciting the Quran, and avoiding sins.
Remember that only some get called to His grand home and become His guests. And for the pilgrims who perform Hajj, Allah forgives all of his past sins:
O Amr! Do you not know that embracing Islam washes away all sins committed before it (during disbelief)? And that migration (Hijrah) washes away all sins committed before it. And that Hajj wipes out all sins committed before it”. [Muslim]
You are now a ‘Hajji’. This title brings with it some responsibility. You must uphold Allah’s commands at all times. Remember that Allah has blessed you. Remain conscious of Allah and try to follow the right path as described by the Prophet (PBUH).
It is best, however, to remain realistic. There will be times when you will slip and may commit a sin or two. Maybe you lied about something, indulged in some backbiting, or missed a prayer. Remember that Allah is Al-Rahmaan and Al-Raheem! Keep track of your wrongdoings and make them right by asking for His forgiveness sincerely. Allah will surely forgive you because Islam is about ease, not hardship!
“Allah intends for you ease, and does not want to make things difficult for you” [2:185]
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