Hajj: Journey to Mecca - A Spiritual Pilgrimage
The Arabic term for hajj means “to intend a journey.” The Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and is a mandatory pilgrimage that every Muslim, if financially and physically capable, must do at least once in their lives. This holy site is visited voluntarily by all Muslims as ALLAH has made it more important than any other location on earth.
The Hajj is a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca that takes place in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hajj. It is mandatory for all Muslims who are financially and physically capable to do the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. As stated in the Quran.
Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is a pilgrimage that holds immense significance for Muslims around the world. This sacred journey to the holy city of Mecca is a testament to the unity, equality, and devotion that define Islam.
Table of Contents
Allah says :
وَأَتِمُّوا۟ ٱلْحَجَّ وَٱلْعُمْرَةَ لِلَّهِ ۚ
And complete the Hajj or Umrah in the service of Allah. [Surah Al-Baqarah – 196]
According to another narrative, the Prophet (SAW) acknowledged it as one of the pillars of Islam.
حَدَّثَنَا عُبَيْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مُوسَى، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنَا حَنْظَلَةُ بْنُ أَبِي سُفْيَانَ، عَنْ عِكْرِمَةَ بْنِ خَالِدٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم “ بُنِيَ الإِسْلاَمُ عَلَى خَمْسٍ شَهَادَةِ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ، وَإِقَامِ الصَّلاَةِ، وَإِيتَاءِ الزَّكَاةِ، وَالْحَجِّ، وَصَوْمِ رَمَضَانَ ”.
Narrated Ibn ‘Umar:
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: that Islam is based on (the following) five (principles):
1. To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ).
2. To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly.
3. To pay Zakat (i.e. obligatory charity).
4. To perform Hajj. (i.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca)
5. To observe fast during the month of Ramadan.
[Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 8 In-book reference: Book 2, Hadith 1]
What is Hajj?
Hajj, in Islamic terms, refers to the annual pilgrimage to Mecca that all Muslims are obligated to undertake at least once in their lifetime, provided they are physically and financially able. It occurs during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah and is a deeply symbolic and ritualistic experience.
History of Hajj
The roots of Hajj trace back to the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham in Judeo-Christian tradition) and his son Isma’il (Ishmael). The Kaaba, the sacred structure at the heart of Mecca, is believed to have been built by Ibrahim and Isma’il as a house of worship for one God.
Over the centuries, the rituals associated with Hajj have evolved, but the fundamental essence of devotion and submission remains unchanged.
How Many Times Does the Quran Mention the Word Hajj?
The Holy Quran mentions the annual pilgrimage around twenty-seven (27) times. The name “Hajj” alone appears twelve (12) times in eight (8) verses across various chapters. Specifically, Allah SWT discusses the Hajj in the following chapters:
These chapters provide insights and guidance regarding the pilgrimage, emphasizing its significance and rituals.
Divine Revelation to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
The command for Muslims to perform Hajj was revealed to Prophet Muhammad through the Quran, specifically in Surah Al-Imran:
إِنَّ أَوَّلَ بَيْتٍۢ وُضِعَ لِلنَّاسِ لَلَّذِى بِبَكَّةَ مُبَارَكًۭا وَهُدًۭى لِّلْعَـٰلَمِينَ
“Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Mecca – blessed and a guidance for the worlds.”[Surah Ali ‘Imran – 96]
The divine order underscored the importance of Hajj as a means of seeking closeness to Allah and fostering a sense of unity among Muslims worldwide.
What is the significance of Hajj?
The ability of the Hajj to cleanse the spirit and atone for sins is one of the main reasons it is revered so highly in Islam. Muslims believe they may start again and atone for their previous offenses before Allah SWT by starting this trip and truly carrying out the required rites.
Muslims can use it to observe God, ask for pardon, confess their sins, and rejuvenate themselves, thereby developing a closer relationship with their Creator.
The rites represent the soul’s ascent to a higher plane of existence, discipline, and devotion to the divine. The Kaaba, the holy house of Allah, represents pilgrims’ unwavering devotion to the Almighty and their disengagement from worldly concerns as they stroll around it.
Proper Way of Performing Hajj
Hajj is a meticulous process involving specific rituals and steps, including the Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Kaaba, the standing at Arafat, the symbolic stoning of Satan at Mina, and the cutting of hair as a sign of purification. Pilgrims follow the path set by Prophet Muhammad, emulating his actions during his farewell pilgrimage.
Quranic Verses about Hajj
The Quran provides explicit guidance on Hajj, emphasizing its importance and the duty of Muslims to undertake this pilgrimage.
These verses highlight the spiritual and moral preparation required for the sacred journey.
وَإِذْ جَعَلْنَا ٱلْبَيْتَ مَثَابَةًۭ لِّلنَّاسِ وَأَمْنًۭا وَٱتَّخِذُوا۟ مِن مَّقَامِ إِبْرَٰهِـۧمَ مُصَلًّۭى ۖ وَعَهِدْنَآ إِلَىٰٓ إِبْرَٰهِـۧمَ وَإِسْمَـٰعِيلَ أَن طَهِّرَا بَيْتِىَ لِلطَّآئِفِينَ وَٱلْعَـٰكِفِينَ وَٱلرُّكَّعِ ٱلسُّجُودِ
And [mention] when We made the House [i.e., the Kaʿbah] a place of return for the people and [a place of] security. And take, [O believers], from the standing place of Abraham a place of prayer. And We charged Abraham and Ishmael, [saying], “Purify My House for those who perform ṭawāf1 and those who are staying [there] for worship and those who bow and prostrate [in prayer].”
إِنَّ ٱلصَّفَا وَٱلْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَآئِرِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ فَمَنْ حَجَّ ٱلْبَيْتَ أَوِ ٱعْتَمَرَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِ أَن يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا ۚ وَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًۭا فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَاكِرٌ عَلِيمٌ
“Indeed, as-Safa and al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs ‘umrah – there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers good – then indeed, Allah is appreciative and Knowing.”
يَسْـَٔلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلْأَهِلَّةِ ۖ قُلْ هِىَ مَوَٰقِيتُ لِلنَّاسِ وَٱلْحَجِّ ۗ وَلَيْسَ ٱلْبِرُّ بِأَن تَأْتُوا۟ ٱلْبُيُوتَ مِن ظُهُورِهَا وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱلْبِرَّ مَنِ ٱتَّقَىٰ ۗ وَأْتُوا۟ ٱلْبُيُوتَ مِنْ أَبْوَٰبِهَا ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ
“They ask you, [O Muhammad], about the new moons. Say, “They are measurements of time for the people and for Hajj.” And it is not righteousness to enter houses from the back, but righteousness is [in] one who fears Allah. And enter houses from their doors. And fear Allah that you may succeed.”
وَأَتِمُّوا۟ ٱلْحَجَّ وَٱلْعُمْرَةَ لِلَّهِ ۚ فَإِنْ أُحْصِرْتُمْ فَمَا ٱسْتَيْسَرَ مِنَ ٱلْهَدْىِ ۖ وَلَا تَحْلِقُوا۟ رُءُوسَكُمْ حَتَّىٰ يَبْلُغَ ٱلْهَدْىُ مَحِلَّهُۥ ۚ فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوْ بِهِۦٓ أَذًۭى مِّن رَّأْسِهِۦ فَفِدْيَةٌۭ مِّن صِيَامٍ أَوْ صَدَقَةٍ أَوْ نُسُكٍۢ ۚ فَإِذَآ أَمِنتُمْ فَمَن تَمَتَّعَ بِٱلْعُمْرَةِ إِلَى ٱلْحَجِّ فَمَا ٱسْتَيْسَرَ مِنَ ٱلْهَدْىِ ۚ فَمَن لَّمْ يَجِدْ فَصِيَامُ ثَلَـٰثَةِ أَيَّامٍۢ فِى ٱلْحَجِّ وَسَبْعَةٍ إِذَا رَجَعْتُمْ ۗ تِلْكَ عَشَرَةٌۭ كَامِلَةٌۭ ۗ ذَٰلِكَ لِمَن لَّمْ يَكُنْ أَهْلُهُۥ حَاضِرِى ٱلْمَسْجِدِ ٱلْحَرَامِ ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَدِيدُ ٱلْعِقَابِ
“And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah. But if you are prevented, then [offer] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And do not shave your head until the sacrificial animal has reached its place of slaughter. And whoever among you is ill or has an ailment of the head [making shaving necessary must offer] a ransom of fasting [three days] or charity or sacrifice. And when you are secure, then whoever performs ‘umrah [during the Hajj months] followed by Hajj [offers] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And whoever cannot find [or afford such an animal] – then a fast of three days during Hajj and of seven when you have returned [home]. Those are ten complete [days]. This is for those whose family is not in the area of al-Masjid al-Haram. And fear Allah and know that Allah is severe in penalty.”
ٱلْحَجُّ أَشْهُرٌۭ مَّعْلُومَـٰتٌۭ ۚ فَمَن فَرَضَ فِيهِنَّ ٱلْحَجَّ فَلَا رَفَثَ وَلَا فُسُوقَ وَلَا جِدَالَ فِى ٱلْحَجِّ ۗ وَمَا تَفْعَلُوا۟ مِنْ خَيْرٍۢ يَعْلَمْهُ ٱللَّهُ ۗ وَتَزَوَّدُوا۟ فَإِنَّ خَيْرَ ٱلزَّادِ ٱلتَّقْوَىٰ ۚ وَٱتَّقُونِ يَـٰٓأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ
“Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of Ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do – Allah knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allah. And fear Me, O you of understanding.”
لَيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ أَن تَبْتَغُوا۟ فَضْلًۭا مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ ۚ فَإِذَآ أَفَضْتُم مِّنْ عَرَفَـٰتٍۢ فَٱذْكُرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عِندَ ٱلْمَشْعَرِ ٱلْحَرَامِ ۖ وَٱذْكُرُوهُ كَمَا هَدَىٰكُمْ وَإِن كُنتُم مِّن قَبْلِهِۦ لَمِنَ ٱلضَّآلِّينَ
“There is no blame upon you for seeking bounty from your Lord [during Hajj]. But when you depart from ‘Arafat, remember Allah at al- Mash’ar al-Haram. And remember Him, as He has guided you, for indeed, you were before that among those astray.”
فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُم مَّنَـٰسِكَكُمْ فَٱذْكُرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ كَذِكْرِكُمْ ءَابَآءَكُمْ أَوْ أَشَدَّ ذِكْرًۭا ۗ فَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يَقُولُ رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا وَمَا لَهُۥ فِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ مِنْ خَلَـٰقٍۢ
“And when you have completed your rites, remember Allah like your [previous] remembrance of your fathers or with [much] greater remembrance. And among the people is he who says, “Our Lord, give us in this world,” and he will have in the Hereafter no share.”
وَمِنْهُم مَّن يَقُولُ رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةًۭ وَفِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ حَسَنَةًۭ وَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ
“But among them is he who says, “Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”
وَٱذْكُرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ فِىٓ أَيَّامٍۢ مَّعْدُودَٰتٍۢ ۚ فَمَن تَعَجَّلَ فِى يَوْمَيْنِ فَلَآ إِثْمَ عَلَيْهِ وَمَن تَأَخَّرَ فَلَآ إِثْمَ عَلَيْهِ ۚ لِمَنِ ٱتَّقَىٰ ۗ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّكُمْ إِلَيْهِ تُحْشَرُونَ
“And remember Allah during [specific] numbered days. Then whoever hastens [his departure] in two days – there is no sin upon him, and whoever delays [until the third] – there is no sin upon him – for him who fears Allah. And fear Allah and know that unto Him you will be gathered.”
About Hajj In Surah Al Hajj
وَأَذِّن فِى ٱلنَّاسِ بِٱلْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالًۭا وَعَلَىٰ كُلِّ ضَامِرٍۢ يَأْتِينَ مِن كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍۢ
Call ˹all˺ people to the pilgrimage. They will come to you on foot and every lean camel from every distant path,
لِّيَشْهَدُوا۟ مَنَـٰفِعَ لَهُمْ وَيَذْكُرُوا۟ ٱسْمَ ٱللَّهِ فِىٓ أَيَّامٍۢ مَّعْلُومَـٰتٍ عَلَىٰ مَا رَزَقَهُم مِّنۢ بَهِيمَةِ ٱلْأَنْعَـٰمِ ۖ فَكُلُوا۟ مِنْهَا وَأَطْعِمُوا۟ ٱلْبَآئِسَ ٱلْفَقِيرَ
so they may obtain the benefits ˹in store˺ for them, and pronounce the Name of Allah on appointed days over the sacrificial animals He has provided for them. So eat from their meat and feed the desperately poor.
ذَٰلِكَ وَمَن يُعَظِّمْ حُرُمَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌۭ لَّهُۥ عِندَ رَبِّهِۦ ۗ وَأُحِلَّتْ لَكُمُ ٱلْأَنْعَـٰمُ إِلَّا مَا يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْكُمْ ۖ فَٱجْتَنِبُوا۟ ٱلرِّجْسَ مِنَ ٱلْأَوْثَـٰنِ وَٱجْتَنِبُوا۟ قَوْلَ ٱلزُّورِ
That is so. And whoever honours the rituals of Allah, it is best for them in the sight of their Lord. The ˹meat of˺ cattle has been made lawful for you, except what has ˹already˺ been recited to you.1 So shun the impurity of idolatry, and shun words of falsehood.
Hajj According to Hadith
The pilgrims dress simply in white on the hajj. Men dress in seamless, unstitched garments, while women don headscarves and simple white gowns. The goal of wearing simply is to conceal any disparities in class and income. By removing all symbols of social standing, material prosperity, and pride, the Hajj helps Muslims understand the true significance of both life on Earth and the hereafter. Hajj is an opportunity to make up for past transgressions and failures.
It is mandatory for all financially and physically able Muslims at least once in their life.
According to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
“One who comes to this House for Hajj and avoids all lewdness and sins, he returns as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him.”
In the Holy Quran, several Ayahs offer valuable guidance on performing Hajj, illuminating the sacred pilgrimage’s essential rituals and practices. For example, Surah al-Baqarah teaches us how to perform Hajj righteously while highlighting allowed and forbidden acts.
Furthermore, Surah al-Imran states the significance of Makkah, calling it the first place where Allah SWT was worshipped by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
Hajj also conveys a powerful message of unity and brotherhood, which heightens the significance of Hajj in Islam. Because pilgrims are regarded as Allah’s guests, performing the Hajj is the simplest method to win Allah’s satisfaction. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) once spoke to the populace and said the following, according to Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him).
According to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
“O people! Allah has prescribed Hajj upon you, so perform it.
Benefits of Performing Hajj
While Hajj is primarily a spiritual undertaking, scientific studies suggest that it can have positive effects on the health and well-being of participants. The physically demanding rituals, such as walking and standing, contribute to increased physical activity, promoting cardiovascular health. The communal aspects of Hajj also foster social bonds, positively impacting mental and emotional well-being.
Among the main advantages of the Hajj are the following:
1: The Hajj heightens our awareness of Allah’s Oneness and makes us more God-centered.
In Islam, there is no divide. Whatever our ethnicity, religion, or colour, we all acknowledge Allah’s unity. Our understanding of our relationship with Allah, our Creator and Lord, is strengthened by the Hajj.
The notion of Allah (SWT) is not socially produced, despite what sociologists, social scientists, and religion studies specialists mistakenly believe. It is the articulation and illustration of the reality and truth of this planet as well as our existence.
The earth and our existence are as real and true as Allah’s. Adopting Allah (SWT) is equivalent to accepting the universe’s total truth and reality.
Offering sacrifices and carrying out the ceremonies and rituals of Hajj are all indications from God. By showing them respect, one might achieve piety and spiritual purity.
We unite and stand as one in front of the Kaba’ah during Hajj. All of this indicates our Lord’s Unity and Oneness, who has showered our lives with so much barakah.
2: The Hajj fosters in us a sense of oneness with all people.
Islam places a strong emphasis on liberty, equality, and global brotherhood and sisterhood by outlining the principles that lead to peace and heart-to-heart connection and cautioning against making mistakes that might sever brotherhood and sisterhood. It was devoid of caste hierarchy and rigidity. It introduced the idea of one God and demanded total submission to him.
3: There are spiritual benefits to the Hajj.
Numerous potent rites that awaken us to our relationship with the Divine and with one other are included in the Hajj. Every Hajj ceremony we carry out has profound spiritual significance.
Therefore, spiritually speaking, it’s a time for contact with your Creator, and for those who engage in it with attention and concentration, it lifts their spirits.
As followers of the One True God and human beings, we must never forget Allah at any point in our lives. at our houses, at our workplaces, even when we’re just strolling down the street, we must keep him in mind. However, the majority of us succumb to the demands of the Dunya (world) and forget who created us. The ultimate reminder of Allah is the Hajj.
Travellers should train themselves to become second-nature dhikr. This is only achievable if we follow the loving Prophet of Allah’s lead in his regular dhikr and supplications.
Dhikr is accompanied by thoughts of death. When pilgrims wear ihram clothing, which is similar to the shroud we are buried in, it serves as a reminder of their last trip. Dhikr and death recollection are the best ways to heal the rust that has collected in our hearts.
4: The Hajj teaches you self-control and patience.
Nevertheless, the Hajj is a physically taxing undertaking in addition to being an emotional and spiritual one for every pilgrim. It will most likely need a lengthy and taxing trip.
The ceremonies itself may be difficult since the pilgrim will have to endure intense heat and physical strain, especially during Makkah’s scorching summers and in the midst of large throngs of other pilgrims.However, one of the benefits of Hajj is to learn patience and to stay strong even when experiencing temptation or tiredness.
Conclusion
Hajj stands as a testament to the unity of the Muslim Ummah and the submission of believers to the will of Allah. Understanding its history, the divine origins, and the proper way of performing Hajj enriches the experience for those undertaking this sacred pilgrimage. Moreover, the scientific benefits further emphasize the holistic nature of Hajj, addressing both the spiritual and physical dimensions of a believer’s life.
