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Hajj (pilgrimage) – The Fifth Pillar of Islam
Hajj: The Sacred Pilgrimage in Islam
Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a sacred pilgrimage that every Muslim must perform at least once in their lifetime—provided they have the financial, physical, and emotional ability to do so. This spiritual journey takes place annually at Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during the month of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar.
When Does Hajj Take Place?
Hajj begins on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah and concludes on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. Since the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, the dates of Hajj shift approximately 11-12 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
The Importance of Hajj in Islam
Hajj is not just a physical journey; it is a spiritual transformation that symbolizes faith, humility, and unity among Muslims. Pilgrims from all over the world gather in Makkah to perform a series of sacred rituals, following the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Undertaking Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who are able, offering a unique opportunity for spiritual renewal, forgiveness, and closeness to Allah.
- In the Holy Qur’an, Allah (SWT) commands Muslims to undertake this sacred pilgrimage, emphasizing its spiritual significance and obligation for those who are able.
لَّقَدْ صَدَقَ ٱللَّهُ رَسُولَهُ ٱلرُّءْيَا بِٱلْحَقِّ ۖ لَتَدْخُلُنَّ ٱلْمَسْجِدَ ٱلْحَرَامَ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ ءَامِنِينَ مُحَلِّقِينَ رُءُوسَكُمْ وَمُقَصِّرِينَ لَا تَخَافُونَ ۖ فَعَلِمَ مَا لَمْ تَعْلَمُوا۟ فَجَعَلَ مِن دُونِ ذَٰلِكَ فَتْحًۭا قَرِيبًا
Indeed, Allah will fulfil His Messenger’s vision in all truth: Allah willing, you will surely enter the Sacred Mosque, in security—˹some with˺ heads shaved and ˹others with˺ hair shortened—without fear.1 He knew what you did not know, so He first granted you the triumph at hand.
Muslims are obligated to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime, provided they have the means. However, those who are able may undertake this sacred pilgrimage multiple times to seek spiritual rewards and closeness to Allah (SWT).
How Long Does Hajj Last?
The Hajj pilgrimage takes place over five to six days, from the 8th to the 12th or 13th of Dhul Hijjah. The sighting of the new crescent moon marks the beginning of Eid al-Adha, a sacred festival that lasts for four days.
The Journey of Hajj: A Test of Faith and Endurance
Hajj consists of a series of rituals and rites, each performed in a specific order. It is a physically and spiritually demanding journey, requiring pilgrims to travel between locations, often walking 5km to 15km per day. Beyond the physical challenge, Hajj is a test of patience, humility, and devotion, making it a transformative experience for millions of Muslims worldwide.
For many, Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime journey, offering a profound opportunity for spiritual renewal, purification from sins, and a deeper connection with Allah (SWT).
Does Hajj Occur on the Same Dates Every Year?
Yes, Hajj always takes place on the same dates in the Islamic (Hijri) calendar—from the 8th to the 12th or 13th of Dhul Hijjah, depending on the sighting of the moon.
Why Do Hajj Dates Change in the Gregorian Calendar?
Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar, is one of the most sacred periods in Islam. Since the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, it is approximately 11-12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. As a result, Hajj appears to shift earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
Hajj vs. Umrah: What’s the Difference?
While Hajj is an obligatory pilgrimage with specific rites performed on fixed dates, Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year. Both journeys share some spiritual significance and rituals, but Hajj remains a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who are able.
Does Hajj Occur on the Same Dates Every Year?
Hajj is performed in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and involves a series of sacred rites and rituals over five to six days. Pilgrims travel between multiple holy sites in and around Makkah, each holding deep spiritual and historical significance.
Key Locations of Hajj:
- Makkah – The holiest city in Islam and home to the Kaaba at Masjid al-Haram.
- Mina – Known as the “City of Tents,” where pilgrims stay in preparation for key rituals.
- Mount ‘Arafah – The site of Wuquf (Standing at Arafah), considered the most important part of Hajj.
- Muzdalifah – A sacred area where pilgrims collect pebbles for the stoning of the devil (Ramy al-Jamarat) in Mina.
This spiritual journey unites millions of Muslims worldwide, fulfilling one of the Five Pillars of Islam and bringing them closer to Allah (SWT).
Who Is Exempt from Hajj?
Hajj is a sacred obligation for every Muslim who meets the necessary conditions. However, Islam does not impose hardship, and those who are unable to perform Hajj due to valid reasons are exempt.
Who Is Not Required to Perform Hajj?
- Children – Only adult Muslims (male or female) are required to perform Hajj. While children may accompany their families, it does not fulfill their obligation.
- Physically Incapable Individuals – Those who are weak, sick, elderly, or otherwise physically unable to complete the pilgrimage are exempt.
- Financially Unable Muslims – Hajj is required only if a person can afford it without financial hardship.
- A person in debt may still perform Hajj if:
- Their creditor permits it.
- They have enough time and means to repay the debt.
- The pilgrimage does not affect their ability to clear financial obligations.
- A person in debt may still perform Hajj if:
Hajj is not meant to be a burden, but rather a transformative spiritual journey for those who are able.
Brief History Of The Hajj
Hajj, the sacred pilgrimage, dates back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who first established its rituals by the command of Allah (SWT). However, it was Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) who reinstated this sacred journey, restoring the true essence of Tawheed (monotheism).
The Story of Hajj: From Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and the Command of Allah (SWT)
Allah (SWT) commanded Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to leave his wife Hajar and infant son Ismail (AS) in the barren desert of Makkah. They obeyed, demonstrating unwavering faith in Allah’s decree.The Search for Water: Safa and Marwa
As their resources ran out, Hajar ran between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times, desperately searching for water. At Allah’s command, baby Ismail (AS) struck the ground with his foot, causing a miraculous spring of water to gush forth—the well of Zamzam.The Birth of Makkah and the Kaaba
Years later, Ibrahim (AS) returned to find his family not just surviving but thriving. By Allah’s command, he and Ismail (AS) built the Kaaba—a sacred structure marking the spot for worshippers of one true God.The Kaaba and the Pagan Era
Over time, pagan Arabs took control of the Kaaba, filling it with idols and corrupting its purpose. However, with the revelation of Islam, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) restored the Kaaba to its original sanctity.The First Islamic Pilgrimage (Hajj)
In 628 CE, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions performed the first Islamic pilgrimage, reinstating the sacred traditions of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). This established Hajj as we know it today, one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Hajj: A Legacy of Monotheism and Devotion
The Kaaba remains the focal point of Muslim unity, symbolizing the oneness of Allah (SWT). Hajj is not just a physical journey—it is a spiritual revival, reconnecting believers with the legacy of pure monotheism (Tawheed).
When Was the First Hajj Performed?
The first Islamic Hajj pilgrimage took place in 628 CE, when Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and his companions performed it in accordance with Allah’s (SWT) command. This pilgrimage revived the sacred traditions originally established by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) millennia earlier, reaffirming the principles of Tawheed (monotheism) and spiritual devotion.
FAQs
Who is required to perform Hajj?
Hajj is obligatory for every Muslim adult who is physically, financially, and mentally capable of undertaking the pilgrimage. However, children, those with severe health issues, and those who cannot afford it are exempt.
What is the difference between Hajj and Umrah?
Hajj is a mandatory pilgrimage performed once in a lifetime (if one has the means), during specific dates in Dhul Hijjah. Umrah, on the other hand, is a voluntary pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year.
How long does Hajj last?
Hajj lasts for five to six days, from the 8th to the 12th or 13th of Dhul Hijjah, involving a series of rituals, including Tawaf, Sa’i, standing at Arafah, and symbolic stoning of the devil.
Why do Muslims perform Hajj?
Hajj is performed to fulfill one of the Five Pillars of Islam, seek forgiveness for past sins, and strengthen one’s faith and connection with Allah (SWT). It is a journey of spiritual purification and unity for all Muslims.
What should I pack for Hajj?
Essential items for Hajj include:
- Ihram clothing (for men) and modest attire (for women)
- Comfortable walking shoes (as Hajj involves extensive walking)
- Personal hygiene products (unscented, as per Ihram rules)
- A small bag for carrying essentials during rituals
- Medication and first-aid supplies
- A prayer mat, water bottle, and umbrella for sun protection
