An estimated 1.8 million Muslims are getting ready to embark on the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca which begins on June 4.
The Hajj is the biggest annual gathering of Muslims from everywhere in the world and a once-in-a-lifetime journey for a lot of.
On this visible explainer, we cowl 10 steadily requested questions concerning the Hajj, offering insights into its significance, rituals and preparations.
1. What’s the Hajj?
The Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and it’s the fifth and ultimate pillar of Islam, together with declaration of religion (shahada), 5 every day prayers, compulsory charity (zakat), and fasting through the month of Ramadan.
The phrase comes from the Arabic root “h-j-j”, which implies “intending a journey” or “to set out for a definitive objective”.
It’s compulsory as soon as in a lifetime for all grownup Muslims who’re bodily and financially capable of undertake the journey.
2. When is the Hajj carried out?
The Hajj is carried out between the eighth and twelfth (or thirteenth) of Dhul-Hijjah, the twelfth and ultimate month of the Islamic calendar. The timing falls roughly 70 days after the tip of Ramadan, although this will fluctuate barely relying on the lunar cycle.
In 2025, the Hajj will happen from June 4 to June 9, however many begin arriving within the days and weeks forward to arrange for the journey.
As a result of the Islamic calendar follows a lunar cycle, with months lasting 29 or 30 days, the Hajj shifts 10 to 12 days earlier every year within the Gregorian calendar. Notably, this yr marks the final time for the subsequent 16 years that the Hajj will fall throughout Mecca’s peak summer time warmth.
3. Why do Muslims carry out the Hajj?
Muslims imagine that the Hajj is a direct commandment from Allah (God), as outlined within the Muslim holy ebook, the Quran.
It was affirmed throughout Prophet Muhammad’s “farewell pilgrimage” in 632 AD, within the tenth yr of the Islamic calendar.
Islamic custom holds that the Kaaba, a stone construction draped in black silk on the centre of Mecca’s Grand Mosque the place many Hajj rituals happen, was constructed by Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) and his son Ishmael (Ismaeel) below God’s command. This marks the origins of the Hajj, which was instituted as a divine ritual for the primary time.
The journey is a non secular one, and it’s thought of to permit Muslims to hunt forgiveness, purify their souls and exhibit their submission to God. The phrase Hajj is talked about 12 occasions throughout the Quran, together with one chapter named after it.
Hajj additionally serves as a reminder of the Day of Judgement, and by performing it, Muslims observe the instance of Prophet Abraham and his household, whose actions are commemorated through the pilgrimage rituals. In the end, it’s a option to fulfil a key non secular obligation and strengthen one’s religion.
4. How lengthy does the Hajj final?
The Hajj lasts 5 to 6 days, relying on how it’s carried out. It begins on the eighth of Dhul-Hijjah, a day generally known as Tarwiyah, when many pilgrims journey to Mina, a desert valley positioned about 8 kilometres (5 miles) from Mecca, the place they spend the evening in preparation for the subsequent day’s rituals.
It ends with Tashreeq days, the place pilgrims return to Mina for the symbolic stoning of the Satan at a web site known as Jamarat, after which they carry out ultimate rituals to symbolise the tip of the Hajj. Some could go away on the twelfth in the event that they full their rites early, whereas others keep till the thirteenth.
5. What’s the distinction between the Hajj and Umrah?
Whereas the Hajj is a obligatory pilgrimage for all able-bodied Muslims as soon as of their life, Umrah is a advisable smaller and easier pilgrimage that Muslims can carry out any time all year long.
The graphic under reveals among the key variations between the Hajj and Umrah:
6. Which key rituals do Muslims carry out through the Hajj?
Muslims carry out many rites and rituals through the days of the Hajj, which might be defined within the following steps.
DAY 1
- Ihram – Getting into the state of Ihram is each a bodily and non secular situation, involving the niyah or intention to carry out the Hajj, carrying particular clothes (two unstitched garments for males and modest apparel for girls), and adhering to prescribed conduct. This ritual should happen earlier than coming into Mecca, both within the pilgrim’s dwelling nation or at one of many designated places on Mecca’s outskirts.
- Arrival Tawaf – After coming into Mecca in Ihram, many pilgrims carry out an preliminary Tawaf by circling the Kaaba seven occasions in a counterclockwise path. This symbolises unity within the worship of the One God. Pilgrims can then carry out the sa’i, a ritual of strolling seven occasions between the hills of Safa and Marwa, positioned inside the Masjid al-Haram.
- Mina – Pilgrims proceed to Mina, positioned about 8km (5 miles) east of the Kaaba, the place they may spend the evening in prayer and reflection. Mina is famously generally known as the “metropolis of tents” because of the huge expanse of white tents to deal with the thousands and thousands of pilgrims.
DAY 2
- Day of Arafah – On the second day of the Hajj, pilgrims arrive early on the plains of Arafah, about 15km (9 miles) from Mina. They spend the afternoon in wuquf (standing) from noon to sundown, praying and repenting. Arafah is an important ritual of Hajj. Muslims worldwide are inspired to quick on this present day.
- Muzdalifah – After sundown, pilgrims journey to Muzdalifah, some 9km (5.5 miles) away, the place they pray Maghrib and Isha prayers earlier than amassing pebbles for the subsequent day’s ritual. There they spend the evening below the open sky.
DAY 3
On this present day, Muslims from world wide have a good time the primary day of Eid al-Adha, or the celebration of the sacrifice.
- Rami al-Jamarah al-Kubra (stoning the biggest pillar) – Pilgrims return to Mina the place they throw seven pebbles on the largest of three stone pillars. This ritual represents the stoning of the satan which symbolises rejection of Devil’s temptations.
- Qurbani (animal sacrifice) – Pilgrims, or brokers on their behalf, supply an animal sacrifice in remembrance of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
- Halq or Taqsir (shaving or trimming hair) – Males shave or trim their heads and girls lower a small portion of hair. This symbolises non secular renewal.
- Tawaf al-Ifadah (predominant Tawaf) – Pilgrims return to Mecca to carry out Tawaf adopted by Sa’i.
DAYS 4 and 5
- Mina – Pilgrims return to Mina and carry out Rami (stoning) of all three stone pillars every day.
DAY 6 (non-obligatory)
- Mina – Pilgrims who stay for an additional day repeat the stoning ritual in any respect three pillars.
Farewell Tawaf
Earlier than leaving Mecca, pilgrims carry out a ultimate Tawaf across the Kaaba, generally known as the Tawaf al-Wada or a “farewell tawaf,” signifying a non secular farewell to the holy sanctuary.
7. What are the several types of Hajj?
There are three varieties of Hajj to facilitate the pilgrimage for Muslims from totally different places and talents:
- Hajj al-Tamattu (the “eased” Hajj) – Hajj al-Tamattu is the most typical sort of Hajj, significantly for worldwide pilgrims or these residing exterior Mecca. On this type of Hajj, pilgrims first carry out Umrah, exit the state of Ihram, after which re-enter Ihram to carry out Hajj. For these performing Hajj al-Tamattu, sacrificing an animal is compulsory, until one is unable to afford it, during which case fasting is required as an alternative.
- Hajj al-Qiran (The “mixed” Hajj) – In Hajj al-Qiran, pilgrims mix Umrah and Hajj, just like Tamattu, however with out exiting the state of Ihram. Pilgrims stay in Ihram all through each rites. Sacrificing an animal can also be required for many who can afford it.
- Hajj al-Ifrad (Hajj alone) – Hajj al-Ifrad is meant for pilgrims who carry out Hajj alone, with out combining it with Umrah. This manner is often carried out by residents of Mecca. This type of Hajj doesn’t require the sacrifice of an animal, although it may be carried out voluntarily.
8. What just isn’t permitted through the Hajj?
The etiquette of the Hajj bans a number of actions which can be in any other case permitted in Islam, together with sexual relations (and something resulting in it, like embracing or kissing), cursing, arguing, searching, shaving or chopping hair and nails, utilizing fragrance, arranging or conducting a wedding, carrying stitched garments (for males), protecting the top (for males), and protecting the face (for girls).
If a pilgrim unintentionally or unknowingly does one thing prohibited through the Hajj, there are often particular actions and steps to rectify their state of affairs. This usually entails repentance, in addition to making up for the error by providing charity or an animal sacrifice.
9. What ought to one pack for the Hajj?
Packing for the Hajj requires cautious planning to make sure you have every thing you want with out overloading. The graphic under offers a sensible guidelines of issues one ought to pack earlier than embarking on the journey.
10. How do Muslims mark the tip of the Hajj?
Muslims mark the tip of the Hajj with Eid al-Adha, celebrated on the tenth of Dhul-Hijjah and lasting as much as three days in lots of nations.
The day begins with a particular prayer shortly after dawn, as Muslims collect in mosques or open areas carrying their most interesting garments. The remainder of the day is spent sharing meals, exchanging items, and visiting household and mates. The greeting “Eid Mubarak”, that means “Blessed Eid,” is usually exchanged.
Eid al-Adha additionally entails the ritual of animal sacrifice, generally known as Qurbani. Muslims who’re in a position to take action sacrifice a sheep, goat, cow or camel, and the meat is split into three elements: one for the household, one for family members and mates, and one for these in want.
