Hajj

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, it is obligatory for every Muslim who can afford it and is physically fit. every believer is called at least once in his life to perform the Hajj, an annual pilgrimage that begins and ends in the holy city of Mecca, located in present-day Saudi Arabia. Unlike other holy places, Hajj can only be performed by Muslims.

Hajj literally means “going to a place”. However, Islamically, it refers to the annual pilgrimage that Muslims travel to Makkah with the intention of performing certain religious ceremonies in accordance with the method prescribed by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

This annual pilgrimage takes place during the last month of Islamic calendar which is called Dhu’al Hijjah.

The Hajj and its rites were first instituted by Allah at the time of Prophet lbrahim [Abraham] and it was he who was commissioned by Allah to build the Kaaba – the Sacred house of Allah in Makkah – with his son Ismail [Ishmael]. Allah described the Kaaba and its construction as follows:
“And remember when We showed Ibrahim the site of the [Sacred] House [saying]: Associate not anything [in worship] with Me and purify My House for those who circumambulate it [i.e. perform tawaaf] and for those who bow down and prostrate themselves [in prayer, etc.].” [Surah Al-Hajj 22:26].

After the construction of the Kaaba, Prophet Ibrahim came to Makkah every year to perform the Hajj, and after his death, his son continued this practice. Gradually, however, both the form and the goal of the Hajj ceremonies changed over time. As idolatry spread throughout Arabia, the Kaaba lost its purity and idols were placed inside. Its walls were covered with poems and paintings, including one of Jesus and his mother Maryam, and eventually over 360 idols were placed around the Kaaba.

Thus the people completely abandoned the teachings of their ancestors and the leader Prophet Ibrahim. The house which he had made pure only for the worship of Allah was completely profaned by the pagans and the rites which he had instituted were completely perverted.

This sad state lasted almost two and a half thousand years. But after this long period, the time came for the prayer of Prophet Ibrahim to be answered: “Our Lord! Send among them their own messenger who will recite to them Your aayaat (verses) and instruct them in the Book and Wisdom and sanctify them. Indeed You are ‘Azeezul -Hakeem [Almighty, All-Wise].” [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:129]

Sure enough, a man named Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullah was born in the very city in which Prophet Ibrahim made this supplication centuries ago.

For twenty-three years, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) spread the message of Tawheed [true monotheism], the same message that came with Prophet Ibrahim and all other prophets and established Allah’s law on earth. He made every effort to make the word of Allah supreme and his victory over falsehood culminated in the breaking of the idols inside the Kaaba, which once again became the universal center for the worshipers of the one True God.

Not only did the Prophet rid the Kaaba of all its impurities, but he also restored all the rituals of Hajj, which had been instituted with Allah’s permission at the time of Prophet Ibrahim. Specific commands in the Qur’an were revealed to eliminate all the false rituals that proliferated in the pre-Islamic period. All indecent and shameful acts have been strictly prohibited in Allah’s statement: “During the Hajj there shall be no lewdness or quarreling.” [Surah al-Baqarah 2:197]

Competitions between poets to celebrate their ancestors and the achievements of their tribes were all stopped. Instead, Allah told them:
“And when you have completed your rites [of Hajj], remember Allah as you remember your ancestors, not with a more vigorous remembrance.” [Surah al-Baqarah 2:200]

Competitions in generosity were also forbidden. Of course, feeding the poor pilgrims was still encouraged because it was done during the time of Prophet Ibrahim, but Allah commanded that the killing of animals that was done for this purpose was done to achieve the pleasure of Allah, rather than the fame and glory of people . He said: 
“So mention the name of Allah over these animals when they are drawn in rows. Then when they are drawn on their sides [after slaughter], eat and also feed those who do not ask and those who ask.” [Surah al-Hajj 22:36]

As for the deplorable practice of sprinkling the blood of sacrificed animals on the walls of the Kaaba and hanging their meat on the altars, then Allah clearly told them that:
“It is neither their flesh nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is Taqwa (piety) from you that reaches Him.” [Surah al-Hajj 22:37]

Obligatory requirements to perform Hajj

• Muslims must first purify themselves and declare their Niyyah or intention to Allah.
• Enter into the state known as Ihram, preparing their bodies and minds for the rituals that await them. This requires them to renounce the intent and adhere to a certain dress code.
• Women must wear simple, modest long dresses or abayas which covers their body.
• While in the state of Ihram, pilgrims should not be scented, perfumed or use any cosmetics.

Steps to Perform the Hajj

• Preparation and intention
• Enter the state of Ihram
• Tawaf (7 rounds)
• Safa and Marwa
• Pin-up/shaved hair (umrah ends)
• Rest and prayer
• Enter the state of Ihram
• Arrive at Mina
• Day of Arafah
• Muzdalifa (under the night sky)
• Rami (stoning the devil)
• Qurbani
• Shaving the head
• Tawaf al-Ifadha
• Rami (stoning the devil)
• Spend the night in Mina
• Rami (stoning the devil)
• Spend the night in Mina
• Farewell Tawaf al-Wida

Prohibited during Hajj

In the state of Ihram, there are some acts that are prohibited for pilgrims. These include:

• Having sex / Intercourse
• Obscene or immoral expressions and committing sinful acts
• Cutting your hair and nails or applying perfume
• Hunting
• Wear gloves
• Marry or arrange a
• marriage for someone else
• Men covering their heads
• Women cover their faces