Hajj Pilgrimage: Journey of a Lifetime

In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.

The Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. This journey to the 'House of God,' known as the Kaaba, symbolizes Islamic unity and complete devotion to Allah (SWT), drawing roots from the era of Prophet Abraham (AS). While performing the rituals of Hajj is obligatory for every capable Muslim who can afford both physically and financially undertake this pilgrimage, it must be noted that leaving home should not result in difficulties for their families.

God (SWT) instructs every capable Muslim who can afford it financially and physically to undertake the hajj at least once in their life. This annual pilgrimage to Mecca holds great importance and is mandatory for those who are fit enough both mentally and physically. Nevertheless, potential pilgrims must ensure they possess sufficient funds before embarking on this sacred voyage. The rituals of hajj honor the dedication and sacrifices made by Prophet Abraham (AS). During these observances, believers get special chances to ask for absolution, purify themselves spiritually, and reinforce their beliefs; these ceremonies take place exclusively from the eighth to the thirteenth day of Dhul-Hijjah. The word 'hajj' appears twelve times across eight distinct passages within the Holy Quran.

God (SWT) addresses the subject of pilgrimage in several chapters of the Quran: Surah Al-Baqarah, Surah Al-Imran, Surah Al-Ma'idah, Surah Al-Tawbah, Surah Al-Hajj, and Surah Al-Fath. There are numerous occasions where God (SWT) directly communicates with Muslims throughout these verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, you can find His directives at Verses 125, 158, 189, 196, 197, 198, 200, 201, and 203. In Surah Al-Imran, He emphasizes the significance of Hajj for Muslims through Verses 96 and 97. Within Surah Al-Ma'idah, key points appear in Verses 1, 2, 94, 95, and 96. For guidance related to Hajj, one should look into Surah Tawbah’s Verses 2, 36, and 37. Meanwhile, Surah Al-Hajj delves deeper into relevant topics via Verses 26, 27, 28, 29, 33, and 36. Lastly, Verse 27 from Surah Al-Fath touches upon this theme as well.

Reclaimed NNPC: A vital overhaul to restore Nigeria’s petroleum sector Impact of AfCFTA on Nigeria’s port facilities Era of contemporary myths

The Prophet (SAW) is attributed with numerous hadiths concerning the Hajj. This raises the question: What makes Hajj so significant? The subsequent compilation of hadiths illustrates how Muslims view Hajj and why it holds such importance for them:

The Hajj stands as an essential pillar amidst the various forms of devotion in Islam. As reported by Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet (SAW) stated: "Islam is based on five pillars: declaring that there is no deity except Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger, observing prayer, giving Zakat, fasting during Ramadan, and undertaking the pilgrimage to the Kaaba" (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Once in a lifetime, performing the hajj holds immense importance within Islamic practice; however, Muslims are required to undertake this significant journey just once during their lives. This reflects the practicality inherent in Islam, acknowledging the various stresses and challenges faced by those embarking on pilgrimage. As reported by Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him), one day the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) spoke to the congregation stating, "People, Allah requires you to fulfill the duty of Hajj." An individual then questioned, "Annually, O Messenger of God?" Remaining silent initially, the Prophet did not immediately affirm or deny. After being queried three times consecutively, he responded, "If I had agreed, it would indeed have turned out to be an annual requirement, but such persistence exceeds human capability." He further emphasized, "Let me proceed without interruption for as long as my silence remains unchallenged—do not press inquiries over matters left unsaid. Destruction befell previous communities due to excessive questioning coupled with opposition towards their prophets. Therefore, whenever I instruct compliance, adhere accordingly according to what lies within your reach, and similarly abstain from prohibitions placed forthwith." (Recorded in Sahih Muslim)

The pilgrimage known as Hajj is attributed to the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), who consistently sought knowledge about performing virtuous acts directly from him so they could prioritize their efforts based on these teachings. Narrated by Abu Huraira (May God be pleased with him): A person questioned the Prophet (PBUH) regarding which action was deemed most excellent. In response, he stated: "To believe in Allah and his messenger." When pressed for additional information, the Prophet replied: "Strive in the path of Allah," referring to Jihad. Further inquiry led to another answer where he mentioned: "A flawless Hajj" – an acceptable pilgrimage acknowledged by the Creator (as recorded in Bukhari and Muslim).

The Hajj, an esteemed yearly pilgrimage, encompasses particular rites and serves as a spiritually significant journey for Muslims who are both physically capable and economically able.

Key rituals

Purpose and Ihram: Upon entering a condition of Ihram, which signifies ritual purity, pilgrims declare their intent to undertake the Hajj.

During Tawaf, pilgrims walk around the Kaaba seven times.

During their pilgrimage, devotees walk or sprint back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwa a total of seven times.

Mina and Arafat: During their pilgrimage, devotees allocate time at Mina and the Arafat plains for prayer and contemplation.

Rami al-Jamarat (Stoning the Devil): During this ritual, pilgrims hurl stones at symbolic columns that represent Satan.

Qurbani (Sacrifice): During this ritual, pilgrims sacrifice animals.

During pilgrimage, pilgrims have their hair shaved off.

The concluding circuit around the Kaaba: Pilgrims complete their final walk.

The pilgrimage of Hajj is an inward voyage aimed at cleansing one’s spirit and drawing closer to Allah (SWT). It is thought to cleanse away sins, foster righteousness, and shape one's character, imparting lessons in endurance and steadfastness.

As the Hajj season has arrived, pilgrims have begun their sacred journey. They are converging in Mecca and other holy sites within Saudi Arabia, answering Allah’s (SWT) call to visit his house, the Kaaba—a summons issued by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and perpetuated by Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

This edition will be followed, God willing, by several others that will illuminate various aspects of the Hajj pilgrimage.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).