Importance of Hajj

Being one of the five mandatory pillars of Islam, the act of Hajj can be defined as the annual pilgrimage to the house of Allah SWT in Makkah, Saudia Arabia., Muslims are expected to perform it at least once in their life. Every year, around 2 million Muslims visit the Holy Kaaba to perform Hajj (Pilgrimage), a five-day event taking place in Dhul Hajj (the last Islamic month). Performed in the sacred state of Ihram, Muslims are strictly forbidden to engage in any type of sin. Tis includes arguments, violence, sexual activity, and even trimming or cutting their hair and nails. Muslims are advised to adopt a calm demeanor throughout the pilgrimage. Read on to learn more about the importance of Hajj in Islam.

According to Islamic rules and regulations, literally meaning “to intend a journey,” Hajj is mandatory for every Muslim who has a sound mind and is financially and physically capable of performing Hajj once in their lifetime. Also, those who complete the pilgrimage add the title of Hajji to their name. Although there is no obligation on children to perform Hajj, if they want, they can participate in Hajj with their guardian or parents. Moreover, if someone is sick or suffering from a chronic disease, another person can be appointed as a “proxy” to perform Hajj on their behalf.

In the last month of the Islamic calendar, Hajj takes place in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Amongst all the five pillars of Islam, Hajj is the most divine ritual. It is compulsory for every Muslim who is financially and physically capable of actively participating in the sacred event. Hajj is performed annually from 8th to 12th Dhul Hajj while making sure that all religious rituals therein are completed according to the methods and conditions of Islam. Moreover, even today, Muslims strictly adhere to following the established pattern of Hajj set by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

When Muslims intend to perform Hajj, they are often reminded that the opportunity of pilgrimage is actually an invitation from Allah SWT to His house – the Holy Kaaba. Supporting the spirit of brotherhood, unity, and equality, the sacred event of Hajj brings together Muslims from all over the world. It is said that whoever performs Hajj with a pure heart returns home free from their lifelong sins. Apart from symbolizing positivity and kindness, Hajj being a re-enactment of obedience and sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to Allah SWT is the highest form of honour earned by a Muslim

On the importance of Hajj, Allah SWT mentions in the Quran, “When We made the House [i.e., the Ka’ba] 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 tawaf and those who are staying [there] for worship and those who bow and prostrate [in prayer].” (Qur’an 2:125)

In another place, the Holy Quran states the following about the importance of Hajj: “Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and guidance for Al-‘Alamin (the mankind and jinns). In it are manifest signs (for example), the Maqam (place) of Ibrahim (Abraham); whosoever enters it, he attains security. And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Kaaba) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision, and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allah], then Allah stands not in need of any of the ‘Alamin (mankind and jinns).” (Surah Al-Imran, 96-97)

“And complete the Hajj or Umrah in the service of Allah” (Al-Baqarah, Chapter #2, Verse # 196)

“But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness. We shall soon admit them to Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath, to dwell therein forever. Allah’s promise is the truth, and whose word can be truer than Allah’s?” (Qur’an 4:122)

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