Hajj: Pilgrimage to mecca and its Significance in Islam

What is the Hajj pilgrimage?

The hajj is a pillar of Islam that all Muslims must do at least once in their lives. Hajj: the Pilgrimage to mecca is a physically tough pilgrimage that Muslims believe, It allows them to clean themselves of previous misdeeds and begin over before God. It occurs in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, the Islamic calendar & penultimate month.

Every year, millions of Muslims from all across the world travel to Mecca, regardless of where
they live. However, as part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, there are particular rules this year.

Why Do Muslims Go On Pilgrimage?

Currently, millions of Muslims throughout the world are preparing to go to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to participate in the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

But, if you’re wondering what the Hajj is and why Muslims travel to Mecca every year, this should clear things up. So, Hajj is one of Islam’s five essential pillars.

The following are essential actions in addition to Hajj:

• Salat – Muslims pray at certain times five times a day, according to the Shahadah, which is a profession of faith that every Muslim must make.
• Zakat is a religious practice in which believers donate a percentage of their earnings to aid people in need.
• During Ramadan, Muslims fast for a month.

What is the significance of Mecca?

Mecca is the birthplace of the Islamic religion. It is here that the Prophet Muhammad was born and where he got the first revelations from Allah (Allah is the Arabic word for God) that became the Koran, the Muslim sacred book.

The Kaaba, built by Prophet Abraham and his son Prophet Ishmael, is located in the city. Muslims pray in front of this hallowed structure, which is located within Mecca’s Great Mosque.

The Kaaba is Islam’s holiest place and represents God’s oneness.

Journey of Hajj:

While on the journey, Muslims perform a number of significant rites.

Two sheets of white cloth, worn in a specific manner, are necessary for men. Women must cover their heads but not their faces and wear traditional attire.

Muslims go around the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise fashion during the first part of Hajj. This is known as tawaf.

Muslims must then run seven times between two hills, Safa and Marwah, as part of the next ceremony.  When pilgrims return home, it is normal for them to bring water from Zamzam with them.

 Hajj For women and Children:

The Hajj is a challenging journey that necessitates a lot of effort. Women have their distinct status throughout the hajj; they may be pregnant, have their period, or suffer from extra difficulty due to their physical configuration.

The hajj occurs only once a year, in the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar; The hajj moves backward each year because the Islamic lunar calendar is 11 days shorter than the 365 days of the Gregorian calendar.

 Religious Significance of Hajj:

The hajj has very little to do with the Prophet Mohammed, which may surprise some people. Rather, it focuses on events in the life of the Prophet Ibrahim, sometimes known as Abraham.

According to the tale, God intervened at the last minute and commanded Abraham to sacrifice an animal instead, thus rewarding Abraham’s persistent faith.

Main rituals performed during the hajj:

The tawaf (meaning “circumambulation”) is the most well-known ritual, in which pilgrims circle the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise at the start and finish of the hajj. Although the actual reason for the number seven is unknown, many feel it has something to do with the motion of heavenly planets. In several religions, including Christianity and Judaism, the number seven is associated with the divine.

Hajj Package:

 Many companies around the world are providing packages of Hajj and Umrah. Qibla travels is one of the most valid and appropriate organizations. They are providing the best economic Hajj Packages and Umrah throughout the year.

Can non-Muslims do the hajj?

No. Although their belief in Abraham’s God but Christians and Jews are not allowed to perform the hajj.  Because Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the holy city of Mecca at all, according to the Saudi government.

What is the Hajj pilgrimage?

All Muslims who are physically and financially capable of doing the hajj must do so, but only if their absence will not cause hardship to their families.

What happens during a pilgrimage to Mecca?

During the Hajj, pilgrims join procession after procession of millions of people who converge on Mecca for the week of the Hajj and perform a series of rituals: each person walks counter-clockwise seven times around the Kaaba (a cube-shaped building and the direction of prayer for Muslims), trots (walks quickly) back and forth, and performs a series of rituals.