Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and a sacred pilgrimage that every capable Muslim must undertake once in their lifetime. Each year, millions of Muslims from every corner of the globe gather in Mecca to perform Hajj. The word ‘Hajj’ means “pilgrimage made to the Kaaba”. Muslims perform Hajj to cleanse their souls and reconnect with their faith. The Hajj rituals are performed over five to six days, from the 8th of Dhul Hijjah to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. The Hajj rituals were established by Prophet Muhammad PBUH but the ritual of pilgrimage to Kaaba in Mecca stretches back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Many pilgrims secure Hajj packages on government quota, while others prefer to choose private Hajj packages from authorized Hajj agencies. Allah has chosen Hajj as the fifth pillar of Islam and made it mandatory because it offers every capable Muslim an opportunity to reconnect with their faith and show their dedication. Here are a few key reasons why Hajj is performed.
An Act of Obedience to Allah’s Command
In the Holy Quran, Allah has made it compulsory for capable Muslims to perform Hajj. In the Quran, Allah has asked believers to undertake the pilgrimage if they have the means to do so. If you are financially stable and physically good enough to perform Hajj, then it’s your religious duty to perform it before things change. By performing Hajj, Muslims show Allah that they are obedient to His commands.
Spiritual Cleansing
Those who performed Hajj feel a difference in their selves. The pilgrimage offers Muslims a chance to seek Allah’s forgiveness and start fresh. Many hadiths show us that if Hajj is performed with pure intention, past sins are washed away, and pilgrims come pure like newborn babies.
Unity and Equality
Hajj symbolizes unity and equality. Pilgrims are required to follow the dress code when performing Hajj. Male pilgrims wear two white unstitched clothes, while female pilgrims wear an abaya or any modest dress. This uniformity in clothing shows that all Muslims are equal in the eyes of Allah.
Following in the Footsteps of the Prophets
Many Prophets have visited the Kaaba and performed rituals. Hajj commemorates the actions and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). It reminds us that by connecting with our faith through devotion, sacrificing what we love for Allah, and trusting Him completely, we can be saved from the fire of hell.
A Test of Commitment
Hajj is not an easy journey, it offers many physical and financial challenges. The journey is also a test of a believer’s commitment and determination to follow Allah’s set path.
How Hajj is Unique?
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, all the pillars are worship acts, each unique in its own way. Hajj is unique for several reasons:
Once-in-a-Lifetime Obligation: Unlike other prayers, Salaat (namaz) is offered five times a day, fasting in Ramadan, and zakat once a year. These acts are done repeatedly throughout a Muslim’s life because Allah has made these acts compulsory. Hajj is required only once for those who can afford it financially and physically. This makes it a special pilgrimage that turns the lives of the pilgrims.
Unity and Equality: Hajj is a gathering of millions of Muslims from all parts of the world. Every pilgrim is required to follow the dress code. Pilgrims wear simple white clothes and women can wear any modest dress. Theis simple dress code can help remove social and economic differences. This gathering in simple dressing is a powerful display of unity and equality.
A Journey of Self-Renewal: Hajj is more than just performing rituals. This sacred journey refreshes the pilgrim’s faith. When pilgrims travel to the sacred sites and perform Tawaf in front of the Kaaba, they feel that the thing they were missing in their lives is found.
Following the Footsteps of the Prophets: In Hajj, pilgrims visit sacred places and perform different rituals. The rituals performed during Hajj remind pilgrims of the sacrifices made by Prophet Ibrahim and his family.
Final Thoughts
Islam is based on five pillars. Each pillar is significant in its own way. The four pillars build a connection with Allah on a daily basis. Hajj offers a unique experience that brings Muslims of different cultural backgrounds to one place at one time. This gathering following one dress code highlights the unity and collective spirit of the Muslim Ummah. To make this Hajj journey a comfortable and seamless one, Hajj Companions’ carefully designed Hajj packages come into play. These all-inclusive Hajj Packages ensure pilgrims perform rituals solely focused on their worship acts rather than worrying about logistics.
