Hajj is the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca), Saudi Arabia, and it is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, besides Shahada (Faith), Salah (Prayer), Zakat (Charity), and Sawm (Fasting), which are the core practices required of Muslims. The pilgrimage is obligatory for all adult Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey at least once in their lifetime.
Hajj takes place during the Islamic lunar month of Dhu al-Hijjah, and its rituals are spanned from the 8th to the 12th day. However, the actual day of Hajj is the 9th Dhu al-Hijjah when millions of pilgrims, both men and women, gather in the plain of Arafat outside Makkah and stay the entire day and leave in the evening. It is here that Khutba (sermon) of Hajj is given from Masjid Nimrah (Arabic: مسجد نمرة) located in Waadi Urana. The exact dates vary each year according to the Islamic calendar, which is about 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, symbolizing the ultimate act of worship and submission to Allah. It commemorates the trials of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family, particularly his willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) in obedience to God's command.
Hajj represents a spiritual journey for Muslims, emphasizing themes of humility, equality, and unity. Pilgrims wear simple white garments (Ihram) to strip away distinctions of class and culture, reinforcing the concept of equality before God. Hajj draws millions of Muslims from around the world, making it one of the largest annual gatherings of people. It fosters a sense of global unity and brotherhood among Muslims, transcending national, racial, and cultural boundaries.
Hajj is a profound religious obligation that embodies the principles of faith, devotion, and equality. It serves as a reminder of the trials faced by Ibrahim and his family, and it reinforces the themes of sacrifice, patience, and submission to God's will. Through Hajj, Muslims seek forgiveness, spiritual renewal, and a deeper connection with Allah.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, in a number of his hadiths, has emphasised the importance of this holiest day of Islam. Hereinunder we share already published such Hadiths on Hajj:
- Who will return from Hajj as being born anew (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: Hadith 1521)
- Fasting during the first 10 days of Duh al Hijja (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: Hadith 1727)
- The Blessed Ten Days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than any other days (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith number # 1727)
- What is Talbiyah " ٱلتَّلبِيَة " (in relation to Hajj) (Jami` at-Tirmidhi as Hadith: 825)
- Fasting on Day of Arafah: Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: Hadith 1162b)
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) bless us the opportunity to perform Hajj and Umrah at least once in our life time. May Allah also help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah.
You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Dhu al-Hijja (ذُو ٱلْحِجَّة): The month of Pilgrimage - The Hajj to know more about Hajj and its rituals. You may also consult our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
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