The Hajj is an Arabic word that means to set out for a journey. So in the 12th Islamic month Muslims across the globe set out for a Hujj pilgrimage to holy city Mecca standing together at Kaaba lauding the supreme- Allah. Islam Hajj is one of the five important tenets of Islam. Besides Hujj pilgrimage other four tenets include firm faith in Prophet Mohammad, 5 times daily prayers, fasting during the month of Ramadan and charity for the needy. Islamic Hajj is a holy sojourn that should be taken by every sane, physically fit and financially comfortable Muslim at least once in their life.
Importance of Islamic Hajj
The Hajj promotes a feeling of universal bonding between Islamic followers across the globe irrespective of their culture, nationality and financial status. The Hajj signifies that in the eye of Allah all his disciples are equal. Islam Hajj also makes the Muslim disciples understand the value of life on planet earth and also understand the deeper meaning of life after death as they strip away all wealth, social status and pride when they embark on Hujj pilgrimage to Mecca wearing pristine white clothes known as Ihram. During Hujj pilgrimage, hajjis understand the true purpose of their being in this world as they devote their entire time praying to lord our creator.
Origin of The Hajj
Origin of the Hajj could be traced back to 2000BC when Ibrahim was asked by his Allah to leave Hajra and her infant Ismael alone in the desserts of Mecca with some food and water. When their supply ran out Ismael started crying for water which made Hajra ran back and forth between two hills Marwa and Safa about 7 times before collapsing near young Ismael’s feet. The crying infant then kicked the ground following which water miraculously appeared on the barren soil of Mecca. This holy water source is known as Well of Zamzam. Trading this water Hazra and Ismael was able to prosper much to the surprise of Prophet Ibrahim on his return. Allah then directed Prophet Ibrahim to create a shrine for all his followers to visit and strengthen their faith. A small stone structure called Cube or Kaaba was established.
In 624 AD Prophet Muhammad along with his 1400 disciples set out on the first Hujj pilgrimage from Medina to Mecca
Hajj and Umrah
People interested in completing Islamic Hajj have two options where they can either perform the Hajj or Hajj and Umrah together. Umrah is not a mandatory pilgrimage and includes only few of the rituals followed during actual Islam Hajj. People interested in performing Hajj and Umrah together need to arrive few days earlier than the start time of Hujj pilgrimage. There are basically three types of Islam Hajj:
- Tamattu Hajj: when umrah is performed during Hajj season and pilgrims on the Tarwish day attains the state of Ihram
- Qiran Hajj where Hajj and Umrah are complete together. A hajji can only put off his Ihram after he throws Jamrah of Al Aqabah and then gets his hair cut or shaved
- Ifrad Hajj : when haji declares in miqat his intention to complete only Hajj and wears Ihram only till the day of sacrifice
So contact the Hajj committee to complete Islam hajj or Hajj and Umrah together.
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