Hajj, meanings of Hajj, importance and Facts

 

Hajj, meanings of Hajj, importance and Facts

Hajj is the Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which every Muslim must make at least once in their lifetime ¹. The pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam and takes place between the 7th and 12th day of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic year ¹. Here are the steps of Hajj ²:

1. Ihraam & Talbiyah: Put on Ihram garments, which are two white seamless sheets for men and sewn clothes for women.

2. Entering Ihraam: Enter the state of purity and holiness with the intention to perform Hajj.

3. Stay in Mina: Proceed to Mina before Dhuhr Prayer on the first day of Hajj and stay overnight.

4. Day of Arafah: Offer Fajr Prayer in Mina, then leave for Arafat. Stay within the boundaries of Arafat until sunset, then leave for Muzdalifah.

5. Muzdalifah: Offer Maghrib and Isha Prayers together at Isha time.

6. First Day of Eid: Offer Fajr Prayer in Muzdalifah, then leave for Mina. Throw seven stones at Jamarah Al-Aqabah, then sacrifice an animal.

7. Tawaf Al-Ifadah: Shave or trim hair, then perform Tawaf of Kaaba.

8. Sa’yee of Safa and Marwa: Perform Sa’yee, then drink plenty of Zam-Zam water.

9. Second and Third Day of Eid: Stay in Mina, then go to all three Jamarah for stoning.

10. Tawaf-ul-Wada: Perform the farewell Tawaf of Kaaba.

Hajj: The Sacred Islamic Pilgrimage

*Meaning:* Hajj is the Arabic term for "pilgrimage" or "journey to a sacred place."

*Definition:* Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who can afford it physically and financially.

*Importance:*

- One of the five pillars of Islam

- A once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims who can afford it

- A symbol of equality and unity among Muslims

- A journey of self-reflection, forgiveness, and spiritual growth

*Facts:*

- Over 2 million Muslims from around the world attend Hajj every year

- Hajj is the largest annual gathering of people in the world

- The pilgrimage follows the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his wife Hajar

- The five-day journey includes various rituals, including circling the Kaaba, visiting the plains of Mina and Arafat, and symbolically stoning the devil

*Challenges:*

- High prices of visas and travel costs make it difficult for many Muslims to perform Hajj

- Limited quotas and strict regulations by the Saudi government

- Health and safety concerns due to large crowds and extreme weather conditions

- Financial burden and economic hardship for many pilgrims

*Current Difficulties:*

- High prices of visas, flights, and accommodations

- Strict visa requirements and quotas

- Long waiting lists and limited availability

- Health and safety concerns due to COVID-19 pandemic

Despite these challenges, Hajj remains a transformative and life-changing experience for Muslims worldwide, fostering a sense of community, compassion, and spiritual connection.