Hajj pilgrimage is an essential pilgrimage for Muslims worldwide, and every Muslim with financial capability and physical ability should perform it at least once in their lifetime. It involves a physical trip to Makkah with the purpose of fulfilling religious obligations. The history of Hajj is as fascinating as the importance of Hajj in the Quran and it is an essential event in the Islamic calendar. The pilgrimage requires leaving behind worldly temptations, dedicating oneself to religious activities, and worshipping the Almighty Allah. During Hajj, pilgrims enter a state known as “ihrām,” where they dress in simple white pieces of cloth, shedding all other accessories. This practice highlights the equality among all Muslims, regardless of their wealth and social status. Here are 7 interesting facts about Hajj.
The story behind – why is Hajj important?
Hajj was introduced during the time of Prophet Ibrahim. Prophet Ibrahim was under the belief that there was only one God and tried to preach it to those around him. However, they did not want to believe it and were into worshiping idols. Due to his view of God, the people were against Prophet Ibrahim, so he left his native land, Mesopotamia, and moved to Egypt. Later he escorted his wife Hajara and son Ismail to a valley in Arabia and left them there, trusting God to care for them. The Prophet did this as requested by God to show his devotion to the Almighty.
Alone with her son, Hajara started searching for food and water to feed him. In response to her prayers, a spring gushed near the baby’s feet to quench their thirst. After that, Hajara climbed the surrounding hill searching for water, which was when she met some passers-by in caravans. They asked for water to feed their camels, so these areas grew into a settlement that became Makkah. Sometime later, Prophet Ibrahim came to meet his son Ismail, who was 13 years old. Together they began to build the Kaaba so that people could worship the house of God.
An Emotional And Spiritual Journey
Muslims worldwide gather in Makkah on the Islamic month of Dul Hajj to make a pilgrimage to the holy city at least once in their lifetime. It is one of the five pillars of Islam, and every Muslim with financial capability and physical ability should perform the Hajj pilgrimage at least once in his lifetime.
Muslims enter a state of consecration that is known as ihram. It involves men wearing seamless white clothes and women wearing simple white dresses and scarves. It’s a fact about the hajj that it symbolizes the equality of everyone in front of God.
The Hajj Pilgrimage
Once pilgrims land in Makkah, they perform the first tawaf, a counter-clockwise circular procession around the Kaaba. They do this while chanting “Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk,” which translates to “Here I am at your service, O God, Here I am!”. It awakens the consciousness of every Muslim, reminding them that God is the almighty and, to him, we all belong. Pilgrims also perform the sa’i during the Hajj pilgrimage, moving seven times between the small hills named Safa and Marwah. They reenact the Quranic story of Hajara’s search for food and water to save her son’s life.
Interesting fact of Hajj – Discover the Final Frontier of Islam: Hajj, the 5th Pillar You Can’t-Miss
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, making it mandatory for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey at least once in their lifetime.
Interesting fact of Hajj – Join the Massive Gathering of 1+ Million Pilgrims in the Holy Hajj Journey
Last year, 1+ million pilgrims performed Hajj, making it one of the largest gatherings of people in the world.
Interesting fact of Hajj – Breaking Stereotypes: No Gender Segregation in Hajj Experience
One of the remarkable aspects of Hajj is that there is no gender segregation. People of any gender and of all ages perform the pilgrimage together, dressed in simple white clothes, symbolizing the equality of everyone in front of God.
Interesting fact of Hajj – Eid al-Adha and Hajj: The Divine Connection You Need to Experience
Hajj 2023 is celebrated on the 8th day of the Islamic month of Dul Hajj, which is the same day as Eid al-Adha. This festival commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, as an act of obedience to God.
Interesting fact of Hajj – Unlock the Gates of Paradise: The Power of an Accepted Hajj
Muslims believe that an accepted Hajj earns a person a place in Paradise, which motivates them to perform the pilgrimage with devotion and sincerity.
Interesting fact of Hajj – Dressing for Success in Hajj: Decoding the Dress Code for the Sacred Journey
During Hajj, pilgrims enter a state of consecration known as ihrām, in which men wear seamless white clothes and women wear simple white dresses and scarves. This dress code symbolizes the equality of all Muslims in front of God, regardless of their wealth and social status.
Interesting fact of Hajj – The Ultimate Spiritual Connection: Kissing the Kabba Stone in Hajj Experience
One of the most significant rituals of Hajj is the tawaf, which involves pilgrims circling the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. The Kaaba is a cube-shaped structure located in the center of the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. Pilgrims also kiss the Black Stone, which is set in the eastern corner of the Kaaba, as a symbol of their love and devotion to God.
Conclusion
The Hajj pilgrimage is a spiritual journey of importance to all Muslims worldwide. It’s an emotional connection and devotion that pilgrims have with God Almighty.
Have you ever performed the Hajj pilgrimage or do you know any more interesting Facts about Hajj? Let us know in the comments below. Also, subscribe to our newsletter for more information on this spiritual journey of Muslim pilgrims worldwide.