Hajj-one of the five pillars of Islam-is a sacred ibadah of Muslims which they are entitled to perform once in their lifetime if they are able to do so. As the name suggests, Hajj involves physical, spiritual and emotional challenges that test the patience of an individual and teach him a lesson of temperament and brotherhood in worldly affairs.
The spiritual and sacred event of Hajj takes place in Makkah, which is also the birthplace of Holy Prophet (PBUH). Every year, millions of Muslims from different parts of the world gather at the same place in Makkah to perform this sacred event. After the Holy Prophet (PBUH)’s last pilgrimage sermon in 632 AD, Hajj has become obligatory for every Muslim, once in their lifetime, if their financial conditions allow them to do.
Every year, the sacred event of Hajj takes place in the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah which is the 12th and the last month of Islamic calendar. It should be noted that the event of Hajj occurs between 8th and 13th of the last Islamic month every year.
During Hajj, Muslims revolve around the cube-shaped mosque, also known as “Khana Kaaba” – a sacred and holy site for Muslims – and perform Tawa’af. It should be noted that this black silk-clad stone has been built by Hazrat Abraham (AS) and his son Hazrat Ismaeel (AS). Even before Islam was spread, Muslims from different parts used to come to Ka’aba to perform their spiritual rituals. However, after the advent of Islam and since the Hajj made obligatory for the Muslims, it has become a ritual for Muslims to visit this holy site once every year and perform their obligatory duties.
Since then, the steps for performing Hajj, also called as “Manasik e Hajj” remain unchanged. As per the statistics, around two to three million people come to perform Hajj every year. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide of performing Hajj – the sacred institution of Islam:
Day 1: Intent and Ihram
The first and foremost step of Hajj is to have a pure intention of performing this spiritual duty and then entering into a sacred state of an individual i.e., Ihram. It should be worn when crossing “Miqat” or in other words, the outer boundaries of Makkah. However, it should be noted that Ihram consists of two unstitched pieces of cloth for males.
As far as the case of females is concerned, it should be anything in long and loose fitting. Most women prefer to wear long and loose abayas or long scarves while performing Hajj.
Not to mention, behind this physical appearance, the Muslims should also have to follow some other conditions for performing Hajj. This involves abstaining from any kind of sexual activity during these days and not to involve in activities that invoke feelings of anger and frustration. The code of conduct should be soft and calm, thus embracing the feelings of brotherhood for each other.
Also, if someone undergoes any injury during Hajj, the companions should help him and give him any first aid if required.
Tawa’af-e-Kaaba:
After intent and Ihram, pilgrims then start performing Tawa’af around Kaaba seven times. It means circling in anti-clockwise direction around the Holy Kaaba seven times.
Sa’i:
After Tawa’af, the pilgrims start running between the Holy hills of Safa and Marwa, which is also known as, “Sa’i”. However, it should be noted that this event has been done to commemorate the efforts of Hazrat Hajra (RA), wife of Hazrat Abraham (AS), who run between these hills to find water for his son, Hazrat Ismaeel (AS). As Hazrat Ismael (AS) scratch the hills with his blessed feet while yearning for water, the stream of water flown and hence, in this sacred event, the exemplary patience of a mother, Hazrat Hajra (RA), has been highlighted and commemorated by the pilgrims during Hajj.
Travelling to Mina:
After performing Sa’i, the pilgrims travel to Mina, also known as the ‘tent city’ outside the suburbs of Makkah to spend a day there. It should be noted that the time in Mina is mostly spent in prayers, supplications and remembering Allah. However, the journey from Makkah to Mina city is of 8 km or five miles which can be taken by bus or by foot as well, depending upon the choice of pilgrims to reach there.
Day 2: (Arafat and Muzdalfa)
A Day in Arafat:
After staying for a day in Mina, the pilgrims then start travelling towards Arafat from early morning. It is a journey of 15 km or nine miles from Mina and the pilgrims spent this day there at Mount Mercy. It should be noted that at Mount Mercy, the pilgrims spend their whole time in remembering Allah and praying and the act is known as “Wuquf”.
Staying on Arafat is considered as the most important ritual of Hajj. Not only for Hajj, the place also has an extraordinary importance. This is because the Holy Prophet (PBUH) delivered his last sermon of Hajj at the same place in 632 A.D. in which he outlined fundamental human rights which served as a base for whole of the world till date. The day is considered so important that most of the Muslims prefer to fast on this blessed day.
Journey to Muzdalfa:
After spending a day at Arafat, the pilgrims then start travelling to Muzdalfa where they have to spend a night under the sky. Muzdalfa is located around 11 km or seven miles from Arafat. It should be noted that during their stay at Muzdalfa, the pilgrims also have to collect 49 pebbles for throwing at the Shayta’an for the next day. It should be noted that they have to start their next journey before the sunrise to their next location.
Day 3:
Stoning the Devil:
This day is 10th Dhul-Hajjah which is also the day of Eid Al-Adha, celebrated by Muslims worldwide with great zeal and enthusiasm. On this day, the pilgrims first arrive back in Mina from Muzdalfa and for stoning the devil. They have to throw seven pebbles at the devil and the phenomenon is known as “Rami”. They throw pebbles at the largest of three columns of devil known as “Jamaraat al-Aqaba.”
It should be noted that the process of stoning the devil has historical importance. It stems from the event when Allah commanded Hazrat Abraham (AS) to sacrifice his own son, Hazrat Ismael (AS), in the way of Allah. However, the devil came in the way of Hazrat Abraham (AS) and start persuading him to not follow the command of Allah. At this moment, Hazrat Abraham (AS) throw pebbles at the devil to set him aside from his path and hence, the ritual has been performed by the pilgirms during Hajj.
This shows that whatever the situation is, always follow the command of Allah as it is for one’s own good and not fall prey into the temptations thrown by the devil.
Nahr:
After stoning the devil, the pilgrims sacrifice animals in the way of Allah to commemorate the example of Hazrat Abraham (AS) and Hazrat Ismaeel (AS). It could be anything, either a camel or a lamb or a cow, but it is advisable to distribute the meet towards the needy people who do not have means to do sacrifice.
Day 4 and 5:
On these days, the process of throwing stones at the devil remain continue by throwing seven pebbles at each devil starting in the following order:
- Jamaraat al-Ulaa (the small pillar)
- Jamaraat al-Wusta (the middle pillar)
- Jamaraat al-Aqaaba (the large pillar)
Day 6:
On this day, the 12th of Dhul Hijjah, men shave their heads which is known as “Halq” or trim their hair which is known as “Taqsir”. And women, on the other hand, cut their hair by the length of a fingertip.
Day 7: (Tawaaf-e-Widah/ The Farewell Tawaaf)
On this last day, the Muslims remove their Ihrams and many of them travel towards Makkah to perform the farewell Tawaaf and do Sa’i again. However, this marks the completion of their most sacred obligation i.e., Hajj. It should be noted that many pilgrims before travelling back to their homes prefer to go towards Madina where the Holy Prophet (PBUH) has been buried and to say greetings to Him (PBUH).
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