Hajj — The Pilgrimage to Mecca

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, an annual pilgrimage to the Sacred House (al-Kaaba) in Mecca. It is obligatory once in a lifetime for every Muslim who has the physical ability and financial means to undertake it. Allah says: "And Hajj to the House is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, for those who are able to find a way there" (Quran 3:97). Hajj takes place during the 8th to 12th of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar.

The Rites of Hajj

The pilgrim enters the state of Ihram at the designated miqat (boundary point), donning two unstitched white garments (for men) and making the intention. From this point, certain acts are prohibited: cutting hair or nails, applying perfume, hunting, and marital relations. The pilgrim recites the Talbiyah: "Labbayk Allahumma labbayk" (Here I am, O Allah, here I am). On the 8th of Dhul Hijjah (Yawm al-Tarwiyah), pilgrims proceed to Mina. On the 9th (Yawm Arafah), they stand at the plain of Arafat in the most critical rite of Hajj. The Prophet said: "Hajj is Arafat" (Sunan al-Nasai).

Tawaf and Sa'i

After Arafat, pilgrims spend the night at Muzdalifah, then return to Mina for the stoning of Jamrat al-Aqabah on the 10th (Eid al-Adha). The sacrificial animal is slaughtered, heads are shaved or hair trimmed, and pilgrims perform Tawaf al-Ifadah, circling the Kaaba seven times. They then perform Sa'i between the hills of Safa and Marwah, commemorating Hajar's search for water for her son Ismail. The days of Tashriq (11th-13th) involve further stoning of the three Jamarat.

Types of Hajj

There are three forms: Tamattu (performing Umrah first, then Hajj with a new Ihram, most recommended by the Prophet), Qiran (combining Umrah and Hajj in one Ihram), and Ifrad (Hajj only). Those performing Tamattu or Qiran must offer a sacrificial animal (hady). The Hanafi school considers Qiran the most virtuous; the majority prefer Tamattu based on the Prophet's instruction to his companions.

The Spiritual Significance

Hajj is a profound spiritual journey representing the unity of the Muslim ummah. Pilgrims of every race, language, and social class stand side by side in identical garments, equal before their Lord. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever performs Hajj for Allah's sake and does not have sexual relations or commit sin, he returns free from sin as the day his mother bore him" (Sahih al-Bukhari). The standing at Arafat is a preview of the Day of Judgment, a reminder of accountability and the mercy of Allah.