The Significance of Hajj for Muslims

Nov 1, 2011

Muslims believe that the most ancient centre of worship, the Kaaba, which was initially and originally built by Adam (the first man and Prophet on earth), in Mecca, and then the Prophet Abraham and his son, Prophet Ishmael (Peace be upon them all) rebuilt the Kaaba in their period, more than 3,500 years ago.

Kaaba (the cube shaped building) is the place which Muslims of the entire world turn toward when praying. The Hajj as a tradition subsisted even before the birth of Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him).

The skeleton of a Muslim’s life are five pillars of Islam; and Hajj, which is also known as one of the greatest religious observances in Islam, is the fifth of them. The others are the testimony to faith, prayer, giving Zakat (support of needy) and fasting during the month of Ramadan.

The Hajj is obligatory for Muslims once in a lifetime, who can physically and financially afford to perform. Allah says, “And (due) to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House (Kaaba) – for whoever is able to find thereto a way.” (Quran 3:97). The Arabic word Hajj means, to resolve to visit a holy place: Visiting the Kaaba in Mecca is therefore called Hajj.

The Hajj is performed from 8th to 12th day in the 12th and the last month of the lunar year. About two million people from every nook and corner of the globe go to Mecca to execute the largest pilgrimage in the world. Male pilgrims wear simple unstitched two-piece clothes only (called Ihram), hence stripping away their class, culture and geographical origin, so that all stand equal before Allah. Women’s Ihram is; any dress of any colour, which fulfills the Islamic conditions of normal dress.

Hajj, in one way symbolizes death i.e., our departure from this world. The pilgrim leaves all his belongings and worldly attachments i.e., home, properties, position, children, relatives, and friends behind, and set off alone to another world, presenting himself in the court of his Creator. However, some scholars describe this as a journey from outward to inward.

Hajj also symbolizes the practical portrayal of true love and glorification of international fraternity, which the pilgrim experiences after reaching Mecca, when he finds the atmosphere filled with piety and godliness. During the days of Hajj all pilgrims recite Talbia (supplication), "Here I am O Allah! Here I am! Here I am! There is no associate with you! Here I am! Certainly praise and glory is yours (and for you)! The Kingdom is also yours! There is no associate with you!”

There are series of rituals which are obligated for pilgrims to carry out and complete during Hajj and before celebrating Eid Al Adha. Some of them are; wearing Ihram, reciting of Talbia (supplication), circumambulation of the Kaaba i.e., circling the Kaaba seven times anti-clockwise, walking and running seven times between hillocks of Safa and Marwa, arriving at Mina, standing together in Arafat and asking for what they wish, and for His forgiveness, spending a night in the open at Muzdalifah, throwing stones at devils, sacrificing a sheep or goat at Mina, drinking of Zamzam water, praying at the station of Prophet Abraham etc.

At this juncture, it would be much appropriate to provide with the excerpts of Prophet Mohammed’s (Peace be upon him) sermon during his first and last Hajj as a prophet; called Hajjatul Wida (Farewell Pilgrimage), which is considered to be one of the most remarkable historical events in the minds of Muslims.

“All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; white has no superiority over black, nor does a black have any superiority over white; (none have superiority over another) except by piety and good action”.

“O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under a trust from God and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners.”

In the present time, following the tradition laid by Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him); the Grand Mufti delivers a “Hajj Sermon” from Nimra Mosque at Arafat. Last year, the Grand Mufti in his sermon renounced violence and terrorism in all its forms and said, “Those indulging in such acts are doing injustice to this great religion”.

The experience, pilgrims encounter during these five days, with respect to the spirit of intense devotion and holiness leaves an ineradicable influence on their minds, until their last breath.

 

Faheem Jawaid - Archives:

 

By Faheem Jawaid
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Comment on this article

  • Abdul Akher , Chennai-Riyadh

    Thu, Nov 10 2011

    It is quite heartening to see Daijiworld carrying articles on almost all aspects of life. A lot has been written and published on Hajj, but Faheem Jawaid's style and presentation is unique. My sincere salutes to both Faheem Jawaid and Daijiworld. Please keep it up.

  • ibrahim, Mangalore

    Wed, Nov 09 2011

    Justin LoboJesus Esa (pbuh) is not son of God he is one of Messenger of God Almighty like 124000 prophets and messengers sent all over world to deliver the message. Br Mustafa has given enough examples from scriptures. If you need more proof please provide your email id i will be able to send you convincing quotes from both Bible and Quran. Time is running out save yourselves from the sin of shirk associating creatures with Almighty God the Creator.

  • mustafa, ksa

    Wed, Nov 09 2011

    Justin Lobo, Bangalore
    What do you mean by Alpha and Omega?
    In fact Gospel of John 14:28 says my father is greater than I
    John 10:29 says my father is greater than all
    Matthew 12:28 I caste of devil with spirit of GOD
    Luke 11:20 I cast out devils with the finger of GOD
    John 5:30 By myself I can do nothing I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.

    Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is mentioned by name in the Song of Solomon chapter 5 verse 16:
    "Hikko Mamittakim we kullo Muhammadim Zehdoodeh wa Zehraee Bayna Jerusalem."(His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters
    of Jerusalem).
    Gospel of John chapter 16 verse 12-14:
    "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is
    come, he will guide you unto all truth: for he shall not speak of himself but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me".

    Dear friend show me a verse in bible where Jesus PBUH himself said I AM GOD AND WORSHIP ME.




  • Justin Lobo, Bangalore

    Tue, Nov 08 2011

    @ Ibrahim, Mangalore
    mustafa, mlr,
    Without reading from a translated Koran do I write my comment!
    It is for you to know correct meanings of Koran, not thakiya, deception.
    Jesus is the first and the last, 1:12
    The alpha and omega, Revelation 1:8
    The beginning and the end. Revelation 1:8
    See the suggested websites. God will give you wisdeom.

  • AFROZ ALI, karimnagar

    Tue, Nov 08 2011

    It was a Soul touching and informative article regarding Hajj.I congragulate u sir the way how u are expressing your valuable message.I always be pleased to read more articles in future.

  • siraj naqvi, mumbai//new delhi

    Tue, Nov 08 2011

    Faheem jawaid's write up gives wide ocverage and a lot of information on hajj. daijiworld deserves congratulations for it's focus on civic, religion and general interest issues.

  • SYED ABDUL MALEK, MAHBUBNAGAR / CHENNAI

    Tue, Nov 08 2011

    I OFFER MY RESPECTS TO MR. FAHEEM JAWAID FOR THIS ARTICLE ON HAJJ. I FOUND IT VERY MUCH EDUCATIONAL AND EDIFYING. INFACT, I CAME TO KNOW MANY THINGS ABOUT THE SIGNIFICANCE OF HAJJ, WHICH I WAS PREVIOUSLY UNAWARE OF. A MILLION THANKS TO YOU SIR!

  • Imtiaz Ali, Karimnagar

    Tue, Nov 08 2011

    Faheem Jawaid is simply fabulous in his writings. I appreciate his article on Hajj. Many more writings on various topics from Faheem Jawaid please.

  • M. Abubaker, Bangaluru

    Mon, Nov 07 2011

    Faheem Sahib, you are superb in all your writings. Please continue writing on various subjects to enlighten us with your knowledge.

  • Mohammed Jaleel, Khober:Saudi Arabia

    Mon, Nov 07 2011

    My Salaams to Mr. Faheem Jawaid for writing such an impressive article on the occasion of Hajj. I found it very informative and inspiring. Inshallah! I will perform Hajj next year. Eid Mubarak to one and all!

  • A. A. Sami, Vijayawada

    Mon, Nov 07 2011

    I did not see such relvant and appropriate information provided in any article written on this subject, during these days neither on net nor in print media. My congratulaions to Daijiworld and Faheem Jawaid.

  • WASEEM AKHTER, COCHIN

    Sun, Nov 06 2011

    WELL WRITTEN ARTICLE INDEED! THE QUOTES FROM PROPHET MOHAMMED'S (PBUH) DO CONVEY THE MESSAGE OF ACTUAL HUMANITY. PLEASE DO KEEP ON WRITING ARTICLES FAHEEM JAWAID. MAY ALLAH BLESS YOU.

  • GOOD ARTICLE, kUNJATHBAIL/ MANGALORE

    Sat, Nov 05 2011

    Masha allha good article . When the people are read this article they undterstand the benifit of Hajj. wish u all EID MUBARAK

  • MUSTAFA PANDI, GOONADKA SULLIA

    Fri, Nov 04 2011

    maasha allah very good article keep it up HAPPY EID AL AZHA everybody

  • Ibrahim, Mangalore

    Fri, Nov 04 2011

    Sylvia, Kuwait & Islah Kuwait
    From our great grand father Prophet Adam to Prophet Mohammed (pbuh)Almighy God has sent not less than 124,000 messengers all over the world to deliver the right message to man kind. Among them Prophet Moses Prophet Esa (Jesus) came just before last and final messenger Prophet Mohammed.

    They all delivered the same message about praying to only our Creator Almighty God. But we human being started worshiping creatures instead of creator which is the only sin Almighty God will never ever forgive as mentioned in the divine messages He has delivered to us thru messengers.

    Now please read these messages before commenting on which we do not have any knowledge. A person who has killed thousands of human being for no reason and a person who has saved thousands from disaster cannot be same, their individual account has to be settled before deciding his fate on the day of judgement, So we need to be grateful to Almighty God who created us and provided all the facilities to live a peaceful life here and hereafter.

  • S.M. Nawaz Kukkikatte, udupi

    Fri, Nov 04 2011

    Keep Writing.. EID MUBARAK

  • Afzal Peer, Bangaluru

    Fri, Nov 04 2011

    Very well written article Faheem Saab! You have given us the important features of Hajj with nicety. Salaam Namaste to you and Daijiworld!!

  • mohd mustafa, ullal

    Fri, Nov 04 2011

    MASHA ALLAH very Good article keep it up

  • arjun, Mangalore, india

    Thu, Nov 03 2011

    For believers Hajj is the ultimate spiritual experience. Only after you perform helping the poor and needy people in the society you can become a Haji. The goal in life should be to attain spiritual oneness with the creator. It is important that every one understands the value of performing this sacred pilgrimage.

  • Islah, Mlr

    Thu, Nov 03 2011

    Sylvia, Kuwait
    I totally agreed. Religion is a collection of belief systems. God never create the religion , but unfortunately you and me who created the religion. Some say my faith is true , some says yours, but eventually depends upon the individual like you and me to choose the right faith.

  • Ruben Falima, Mlr/Goa

    Thu, Nov 03 2011

    Very informative subject Faheem saab. Keep it up..

  • Sylvia, Kuwait

    Thu, Nov 03 2011

    This article has all mankind is from Adam and Eve. Even i believe . Do you know Adam was a Muslim or Christain.
    Religion doesnt take us to heaven, it is truth leads to heaven.

  • Rakesh, Mulky

    Thu, Nov 03 2011

    @Justin Lobo,Ritika,Edomond
    faithfreedom.org provides sufficient knowledge on all these religions and walid shoebats videos in youtube too.

  • mustafa, mlr

    Wed, Nov 02 2011

    Justin Lobo, Bangalore
    Read Bible and try to get translated copy of Quran to know about the religion. There r hundreds of anti christian sites and anti Islam sites available in the net. I think u r here in this forum to crate disturbance. Don't get brainwashed

  • Justin Lobo, Bangalore

    Wed, Nov 02 2011

    @Edmond Noronha, Kirem-Sharjah
    @Ritika Joseph, Riyadh
    Read http://www.abnsat.com online videos are availble.
    And IQ AL RASSOOLI you tube videos.
    You will have sufficient knowledge about christianity and Islam.

  • Mohammed, Dubai

    Wed, Nov 02 2011

    Masha Allah, good article. if you see on the day of arafa, there are more than 3 million people in that ground,its told that if the whole world gathers there, still arafa will have place to accommodate every one. This is a miracle. Allah tells in the quran that he made this world a expanding one, this was proved by scientist who got noble price for this. Quran had told this 1400 years back which is cant be known to any human at that time. Suban Allah.

  • Mohsin Hussain, Jalgaon

    Wed, Nov 02 2011

    The article is quite revealing, research-based and timely. Requesting Mr. Faheem Jawaid to write more articles in detail, separately on each ritual that is uted by pilgrims during Hajj. May Allah bless you Faheem Jawaid!!! Eid Mubarak to all Daiji readers!!!

  • Bulsam, Mangalore

    Wed, Nov 02 2011

    The scholars of Islam have differed on who built the Ka’aba. Some say that it was built by the angels. Others say Adam built the Ka’aba but over many centuries it fell into disrepair and was lost in the mists of time, to be rebuilt by Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael.
    The Ka’aba is almost an empty space with three pillars in a row with marbled floor and walls. There is one door and few ancient unlit oil lantern type lamps hanging from the ceiling. That’s all.

  • saifulla.H.S., GERUKATTE,ABU DHABI

    Wed, Nov 02 2011

    this is one of the wonderful article from Mr.Faheem Jawahid.many thanks to faheem for reveal this Article on daijiworld.hence many people realised what is the hajj & what it's motivation,although he has simply described how perform the hajj & what it's mandatory task to complete the Hajj.may Almighty Allah offer to us perform the Hajj once in our life.And may Almighty Allah Accept the Whole Muslims Hajj.Eid Mubarak to all Daijiworld readers & reporters.

  • Abdul Ahad, Aligarh=Khober

    Wed, Nov 02 2011

    Thanks Faheem Sahib for providing with the information on the significance of Hajj in detail. The huge gathering (between 2 to 2.5 million people) on the occasion of Hajj is simply astonishing and the way Saudi Govt. manages it, is yet an example of extraordinary effeciency. Thanks to Daijiworld to publish such article.

  • Tariq Ali, Warangal

    Wed, Nov 02 2011

    The article is extraordinarily informative. Many more such articles please.

  • Gul Mohd, New Delhi - Gurgaon

    Wed, Nov 02 2011

    The article is great. It covers the salient and prominent features of Hajj. Faheem Sahib, I liked your presentation of the topic very much. Keep it up.

  • Syed Talha Hussain, Hyderabad

    Wed, Nov 02 2011

    A very lucid article listing out the basic etiquettes of the pilgrimage. The excerpts clearly informs the world that Islam is a religion of equality and peace, a fact opposed by the "Secular" scoiety. Thank you, Mr. Faheem Jawaid for enlightening us.

  • Iqra Azmi, Mumbai

    Wed, Nov 02 2011

    The write up is quite impressive. The various rituals (which are quite symbolic) the pilgirms have to perform during Hajj, do have a different history behind them. I can understand that it was next to impossible for Mr. Faheem Jawaid to cover the historical background of each of them. In fact, each ritual requires an article for explanation. Eid Mubarak to all.

  • Ritika Joseph, Riyadh

    Wed, Nov 02 2011

    The article is very much enlightening and educational. Prophet's message is universal and an eye-opener. It speaks volumes for those you are logical and understanding. I appreciate Daijiworld for publishing such articles every now and then. Love you Faheem Jawaid !!!!

  • ShameemSiddik, Kurnool/Bern

    Tue, Nov 01 2011

    It was a real good read. I don't feel ashamed to admit that I myself did not know many things about Hajj before. Pls keep on writing articles like this and enlighten us with knowledge and wisdom. God bless you FJ!

  • salman, mangalore

    Tue, Nov 01 2011

    mashaallha,...good article fahim bhai,and "happy eid mubarak"to all

  • MUZAFFER AHMED, DAMMAM

    Tue, Nov 01 2011

    dear Fahim,

    good article for muslim and others for brothehood.
    muzaffer

  • lar, phil

    Tue, Nov 01 2011

    Happy EID in advance...

  • Asker, Warangal

    Tue, Nov 01 2011

    Very well written Faheem Bhai - Jazakallah.
    Definitely a very informative and heart touching article. Keep it up!!!
    May Allah bless you with knowledge and power to write many such articles which in turn helps in en-lighting the hearts and minds of many of our Muslim brothers

  • inam, india

    Tue, Nov 01 2011

    Appreciate the efforts by the writer to portray the inner and outer dimensions of Haj ... I pity those who have made it a occasion of showoff and travel ... it is intention that matters ... may Allah give us all the oppurtunity to perform this ultimate journey which has got unmatched benefits as compared to other journeys.Ameen

  • Anish, Dubai

    Tue, Nov 01 2011

    EID MUBARAK in advance for all my Muslim Friends

  • Harsha Malhotra, Mangalore/New Delhi

    Tue, Nov 01 2011

    well said Mr.Faheem Jawaid...descriptive information..i liked it very much..

    it's learned that during hajj many of illegal immigrants entering makka to perform 'hajj'..is it legal in the eyes of allah or illegal according to saudi rules!!..

    nothing has changed..earlier former qiblah of islam is in the direction towards al-aqsa mosque...and now towards kaaba..indeed great...


  • ibrahim, gonikoppal/sharjah

    Tue, Nov 01 2011

    Thanks mr.Faheem Bhai for your informative article..wish u a happy eid in advance.

  • Noor Ashfaq, Karkala/Sharjah

    Tue, Nov 01 2011

    Article conveys message of Hajj particularly the oneness of creator and universal brotherhood. As explained, ocean of mankind can be seen demonstrating equality before the creator and reminds us of final gathering in the hereafter. Most of the rituals which are performed symbolically during the days of pilgrimage recalls the acts of grat prophet Abraham who is revered by Jews, Christians and Muslims.Faith stands for peace/prosperity and let us pray and hope for the universal "Brotherhood".

  • Inumella, Hyderabad

    Tue, Nov 01 2011

    I want to know what is present inside the Kaaba - The cube building... Very Good article which preaches a lot and makes one think All Humanity is From One Source... how can all these religions, countries, sects division matter if we all share same blood in world...

  • Parvezseo, New Delhi

    Tue, Nov 01 2011

    Wow really nice Article..My knowledge increased about Hajj after reading this article...Thank you very very much...Love you....

  • Tauseef, Mangalore

    Tue, Nov 01 2011

    Subhanallah....Good one Faheem Saab...Informative article especially about the part about terrorism...Islam has always preached brotherhood but a few brothers keep misguiding in the name of jihad and ultimately the religion of peace itself is questioned...Keep writing Sir...God bless...

  • WASIM, UDUPI/DUBAI

    Tue, Nov 01 2011

    MASHA ALLAH. YA ALLAH HAME BHI HAJJ KI TAUFEEK ATA FARMA. AUR HUZOOR SALLALLAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM KI GUMBADE KHAZRA KI DEEDAAR NASEEB ATA FARMA... AMEEEN

  • Abdul Mughni, New Delhi - Jeddah

    Tue, Nov 01 2011

    Kudos to you Faheem Jawaid, for writing such an article on Hajj. You are too good, as usual, in doing justice to the topic. Excerpts quoted from Prophet's (pbuh) sermon of his Farewell Pilgrimage are much appropriate and thought provoking.

  • Edmond Noronha, Kirem-Sharjah

    Tue, Nov 01 2011

    Thank you Faheem, for sharing your thoughts on the Significance of Hajj and related rituals.
    This would surely enlighten all readers to be closely united in the practice of Universal Religion, "Brotherhood"

  • M. A. Hakeem, Gulbargah

    Tue, Nov 01 2011

    Very informative article on Hajj Mr. Faheem Jawaid. May Allah bless you! My Eid Mubarak to all readers of Daijiworld.


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