Main Pillars of Hajj: A Guide to Performing the Sacred Rituals

Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It's obligatory for all able-bodied Muslims who can afford it. The pilgrimage takes place during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. There are 4 main pillars of the hajj and each requires specific rituals to be performed. Hajj concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Adha.  This obligatory pilgrimage symbolizes unity, equality, and devotion to Allah. There are several Ayaat about the importance of Hajj in the Quran.

 "And proclaim that the people shall observe Hajj pilgrimage. They will come to you walking or riding on various exhausts (means of transportation). They will come from the farthest locations."[Quran 22:27] 

Hajj is highly rewarding and there are many benefits for the pilgrims who perform it. Narrated by Abu Huraira: The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, "Whoever performs Hajj for Allah's pleasure and does not have sexual relations with his wife, and does not do evil or sins then he will return (after Hajj free from all sins) as if he were born anew." ( Sahih Bukhari, Book 26). Paradise is also promised to people who perform hajj and lead a sin-free life after that.

History of Hajj

The history of the Hajj dates back to the Prophet Ibrahim and his son Isma'il, who were given the order by Allah to build the Kaaba in Mecca. The rituals of the hajj represent Ibrahim's steadfast devotion to God. Prophet Muhammad conducted the Hajj in 632 CE, establishing its importance in Islam and imparting knowledge to Muslims on how to perform the Hajj. The pillars of Hajj and rituals to perform during Hajj were decided during the time of the Prophet (PBUH). Numerous rulers have made contributions to the organization of Hajj over the ages. Millions of Muslims take part in these events every year, which helps to strengthen the bonds of togetherness among Muslims around the world.

Who Should Perform Hajj? 

For Muslims who are physically and financially capable and have reached the age of maturity which is 12 years,  hajj is mandatory. This pilgrimage is one of the Five Pillars of Islam,  and Muslims who fulfill the requirements must make the journey at least once in their lives. This commitment does not apply to those who are incapable financially, or physically, or who are facing other major impediments.

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When do you perform Hajj?

Hajj occurs every year between the 8th and 12th of Dul Hijjah (the 12th month of the Islamic calendar). Since Muslims use a lunar calendar therefore the date of the hajj according to the Gregorian calendar varies every year. This year's Hajj dates are from June 14, 2024, to June 19, 2024.

How Many People Perform Hajj?

Performing Hajj is an important part of the Islamic faith. Any person who is able-bodied and has the financial means must perform Hajj. Due to covid-19 only a limited number of pilgrims were allowed to perform Hajj. However, in 2023, these restrictions were lifted, and around 1.8 pilgrims performed Hajj. This year we are expecting around the same amount of pilgrims to perform hajj.

What are the Pillars of Hajj?

Hajj is quite significant for Muslims as it is considered the fifth pillar of Islam. It is highly rewarding and a spiritually cleansing act. To perform hajj one must visit holy Kabbah located in Makkah. Upon reaching there you will be required to perform certain rituals which are obligatory. There are four pillars of Hajj that one must perform to complete their Hajj which are as follows. 

Ihram 

Ihram is the first Pillar of Hajj. It refers to the sacred state one must enter before performing various rituals of Hajj. Pilgrims enter into the state of Ihram by making the Niyah ( Intention) for Hajj and wearing Ihram clothes. Wearing Ihram clothes establishes a sense of equality among pilgrims and reminds them that in front of Allah, we are all equal, no human has any prejudice over the other. Note that pilgrims must assume Ihram before reaching miqat by performing wudu, cleansing their bodies, wearing ihram clothes, and making Niyah.

“Hajj shall be observed in the specified months. Whoever sets out to observe Hajj shall refrain from sexual intercourse, misconduct, and arguments throughout Hajj. Whatever good you do, God is fully aware thereof. As you prepare your provisions for the journey, the best provision is righteousness. You shall observe Me, O you who possess intelligence.”  [Quran 2:197]

 Sa’ee 

After performing tawaf, pilgrims are required to walk between the hills of Safa and Marwa 7 times. This ritual is known as sa’ee which is performed in remembrance of  Prophet Ibrahim’s AS wife Hajar who ran between these hills in search of water for her son Prophet Ismail AS. 

“The knolls of Safa and Marwah are among the rites decreed by God. Anyone who observes Hajj or `Umrah commits no error by traversing the distance between them. If one volunteers more righteous works, then God is Appreciative, Omniscient.” [Quran 2:158]

Waqfat Arafah 

Praying on the plains of Arafah is obligatory, if someone fails to perform this act their hajj will be considered invalid. These are the plains where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his last sermon about peace and unity. Praying together at this place brings a feeling of unity among pilgrims. This ritual of standing and praying on these plains starts from the noon of the 9th day of Dul Hijjah and continues till the dawn of the 10th day

Tawaf Al Ifadah

Tawaaf Al Ifadah refers to the act of pilgrims circumambulating around the Holy Kaaba 7 times to seek blessings and forgiveness of Allah and then you will offer prayers ( Rakat) behind the Muqam Ibrahim.  This act is obligatory and an important part of HAJJ. Pilgrims must not leave Makkah without performing it. In the absence of this act, your hajj will not be completed.

Final thoughts: (H2)

To conclude, Hajj brings purity to the soul, cleanses us of all sins, and gives us the strength to start a new, sin-free life. By bringing all Muslims to one place to pray together and hajj reminds us about our primary purpose on earth which is the remembrance of Allah. The pillars of hajj are essential rituals that every Muslim who is physically, emotionally, and financially capable must perform hajj once in their lives. The reward for this obligatory act in Islam is paradise and forgiveness of all your sins therefore you must perform hajj and strengthen your connection with Allah. 

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