Purpose of Hajj: A Spiritual Journey to Makka
Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Makka that every able-bodied Muslim is expected to undertake at least once in their lifetime. The purpose of Hajj is central to the spiritual life of Muslims, representing an act of devotion and a means to seek forgiveness and spiritual renewal. Roughly three million Muslims take an interest in this journey each year, which ranges five days and happens amid the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
While in the state of Ihram, a sacred condition that Muslims must enter to commence the pilgrimage, certain activities are prohibited, including sexual relations, disputes, violence, and the cutting of hair and nails. Muslims are required to maintain a sense of calm and reverence while in Ihram, regardless of any exhaustion they may experience during their journey.
Definition of Hajj
Hajj is an Arabic word, and its dictionary meaning is “Pilgrimage.” Elaborately, we can define it as “to desire, to resolve, to nurture the desire to undertake a great task, etc. In the terminology of Islamic Sharia, Definition of Hajj is as follows: “At a specific time, with the purpose of performing specific rituals, it involves the pilgrimage to the House of Allah, the Kaaba, and the surrounding symbolic places of worship. It’s a special journey that’s not just about the physical world. It carries the stories of Islam, people’s beliefs, and a deep spiritual meaning.
History of Hajj
The obligation of Hajj was prescribed by the Almighty during the time of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), to whom Allah SWT entrusted the construction of the Holy Kaaba.
“And [mention, O Muhammad], when We designated for Abraham the site of the House, [saying], “Do not associate anything with Me and purify My House for those who perform Tawaf and those who stand [in prayer] and those who bow and prostrate.” [Surah Al-Hajj: 26]
Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) took Hazrat Ismail (AS) and his mother Hajar to a barren valley near the Ka’aba. He left them there with little water and dates, following Allah’s command.
Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) left and made this dua: “O Our Lord, I have settled some of my descendants in an uncultivated valley near Your sacred House, our Lord, that they may establish prayer. So make hearts among the people incline toward them and provide for them from the fruits that they might be grateful..” [Surah Ibrahim 37]
What happens on the Hajj?
Hajj comprises a series of activities that primarily span five days, beginning on the 8th Dhul-Hijjah and concluding on the 12th Dhul-Hijjah. During the days of Hajj, specific tasks need to be performed on specific days
On 8th Dhul-Hijjah, Pilgrims head to Mina after Fajr prayer, stay, and pray there. It’s Sunnah to stay in Mina on this day.
On 9th Dhul-Hijjah, Pilgrims go to Arafat, pray Dhuhr and Asr combined and shortened. Supplications are made in Arafat. After sunset, they go to Muzdalifah, pray to Maghrib and Isha combined, and rest.
On 10th Dhul-Hijjah, Pilgrims return to Mina before sunrise, stone Jamrat al-Aqabah, sacrifice an animal, shave their heads, and proceed to Makkah for Tawaf and Sa’i.
On 11th Dhul-Hijjah, Pebbles are thrown at Jamrah and supplications made.
On 12th Dhul-Hijjah, Pebbles are thrown at Jamrah, and supplications are made. Pilgrims can leave Mina before sunset or stay for another day.
Following these activities, pilgrims must perform the Farewell Tawaf before leaving Makkah.
Why is Hajj Important?
Hajj is important for several reasons. Hajj is essentially a combined act of physical and financial worship. In other words, Hajj is a religious duty that is obligatory for those who have the physical and financial ability to undertake it, bearing the expenses for the journey, accommodation, and additional costs associated with the pilgrimage. The aim of Hajj is to fulfill a significant religious duty that every capable Muslim must fulfill at least once in their lifetime. It is a significant financial and logistical commitment.
Allah said in the Quran:
“In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it [i.e., the Haram] shall be safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves [i.e., refuses] – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.” [Sura Al Imran: 97]
Even for those who have the physical and financial capability to perform Hajj, there are stern warnings in the Hadith about those who neglect this obligation. Omar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “Anyone who has the capability to perform Hajj but still does not do so, they die as Jews or Christians, and there is no hope for them to be in the company of Allah.” [Tafsir Ibn Kathir 1/578]
Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) described that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Maintain consecutiveness between Hajj and Umrah, for they remove poverty and sins, just as the bellows remove impurities from iron, gold, and silver, and an accepted Hajj has no less a reward than Paradise.” [Tirmidhi: 810, Nasai: 2630, Mishkat: 2524]
What is the purpose of Hajj?
The primary purpose of Hajj is to seek the satisfaction of Allah. It is a divine obligation imposed by Allah upon believers. Allah said in the Quran;
“Hajj to the Kaaba in Mecca is an obligation for capable individuals for the sake of Allah”. [Surah Al-Imran: 97].
Hajj is one of the important pillar of Islam. Prophet Muhammad, (may peace and blessings be upon him) said,
“The pillars of Islam are five:
1. Shahada: There is no deity but Allah, and Muhammad, peace be upon him, is the Messenger of Allah.
2. Salah: Performing prayer 5 times a day.
3. Swam: Fasting during Ramadan.
4. Zakat: Giving charity to poor people.
5. Hajj: Observing Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).
The above evidence demonstrates that Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam and an extremely significant religious duty in light of the mentioned proofs.
However, there are also some additional reason of Hajj, such as:
1. Understanding, accepting, and building up Tawheed (the concept of the Single and unique of Allah)
2. Establishing servitude to Allah, known as “Ubudiyyah.”
3. Acquiring pure and righteous character.
When does Hajj start the Islamic Calendar?
Hajj takes place during the same period of each year. It’s on the month of Dhul Hijjah, which is the twelfth month in the Islamic Calendar. Pilgrims have to spend five days which is starting from the 8th of Dhul Hijjah and concluding on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. In any case, pilgrims usually arrive one or two weeks before Hajj. Hajj really begins, and remain a week a while later in arrange to visit the mosque of Prophet Muhammad in Medina.
Why is Hajj compulsory?
Hajj is compulsory in Islam because it is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are fundamental acts of worship and devotion that every physically able and financially capable Muslim is obligated to perform. Hajj is not compulsory for each Muslim, but there are certain conditions that must be met for Hajj to to become obligatory. For example:
- Capability: One must be financially capable of performing Hajj, which includes the ability to travel to the holy site, sustain oneself during the journey, and return home, in addition to having more than the basic necessities and being physically and mentally fit.
- For women, they should have a husband or a Mahram (a male family member with whom marriage is not allowed).
- Being of the age of maturity (Baligh).
It should be noted that performing Hajj before reaching the age of maturity (Baligh) does not fulfill the obligation of Hajj, and if someone performs Hajj in a non-mature state and later becomes capable when they are mature, they will be required to perform Hajj again.
- Being of sound mind.
There is a distinct difference between Hajj and Zakat. Therefore, even if someone is not obligated to pay Zakat, they may still be required to perform Hajj. The difference between Hajj and Zakat lies in the concept of Nisab (the minimum threshold for wealth) in relation to Zakat. Hajj is associated with the expenses incurred for traveling to and from Mecca. Therefore, if someone is capable of covering the costs of the pilgrimage by selling a portion of their non-essential assets and can sustain their livelihood upon returning from Hajj, then Hajj becomes obligatory for them.
How is Hajj Celebrated?
Islam observes two significant religious celebrations. The initial one takes place following the conclusion of Ramadan, the Islamic month during which Muslims, who are followers of Islam, observe daily fasting from dawn to sunset as a means of self-purification and personal improvement. This festive occasion is called Eid ul-Fitr, which translates to the “Festival of Breaking the Fast.
The second significant Islamic celebration occurs concurrently with Hajj and is known as Eid ul-Adha. Hajj is a profound celebration of faith, unity, and submission to the will of Allah. In this exploration, Hajj is observed through four distinct aspects..
Unity: Hajj unites Muslims from diverse backgrounds and cultures, emphasizing the universality of Islam. Pilgrims dress alike and stand side by side in prayer, symbolizing the brotherhood and sisterhood of believers.
Submission: The rituals of Hajj emphasize submission to Allah’s will. Pilgrims obey divine commands even when facing physical and emotional challenges.
Forgiveness: Arafat, where pilgrims stand in prayer, is believed to be a place where sins are forgiven. It serves as a powerful reminder of Allah’s mercy and the opportunity for repentance.
Sacrifice: The act of sacrificing an animal reminds pilgrims of the importance of sacrifice in their lives, not just in terms of animals but in their commitment to Allah and their fellow human beings.
What is the goal or focus of the Hajj?
The primary goal of Hajj and Umrah is attaining Allah’s satisfaction. However, alongside this, there are several other objectives, such as:
Understanding, embracing, and establishing Tawhid: The concept of Tawhid is central to Islamic theology and holds profound significance for Muslims. Tawhid refers to the belief in the absolute oneness and uniqueness of Allah in all aspects. It is the fundamental creed of Islam and encapsulates the idea that there is no Allah but Allah, and He is indivisible and incomparable.
Establishing Tawhid in one’s life involves making Allah the central focus of one’s thoughts, actions, and intentions. It means acknowledging His sovereignty in every aspect of life, seeking Allah’s guidance, and relying on Allah in times of need.
Establishing the concept of Ubudiyyah (servitude to Allah) in one’s life: Establishing the concept of Ubudiyyah, or servitude to Allah, is a fundamental aspect of Islamic spirituality and practice. It entails recognizing and accepting that human beings are created to worship and serve Allah alone. This concept permeates every facet of a Muslim’s life and has profound implications for their beliefs, actions, and worldview.
At the core of Ubudiyyah is the acknowledgment of Allah as the ultimate authority and master of all creation. Muslims believe that they are servants of Allah, and their purpose in life is to fulfill His commands, seek His pleasure, and submit to His divine will. Muslims believe that all their ritual acts of worship, including prayer, fasting, and charity, are solely intended for the satisfaction and pleasure of Allah. It also encompasses ethical conduct, kindness to others, and seeking to live a life that reflects one’s commitment to Allah’s guidance.
Attaining pure moral character: The Quran and Hadith contain extensive descriptions of all kinds of human virtues and subtle ethical qualities. Clear guidance is provided to lead a life free from all forms of dishonesty and wrongdoing. Here, some of the most important aspects of character and virtues are mentioned, which distinguish a true Muslim from those who do not genuinely lay claim to the faith.
Conclusion
Hajj is a very important journey for Muslims that goes beyond the physical world. It shows how strong Muslims’ faith is and reminds them of the important values they believe in, like being united and following Allah’s commands. The purpose of Hajj is to strengthen these values and demonstrate devotion to Allah.
When people finish Hajj, they bring back these lessons of unity, following Allah’s will, forgiving others, and being ready to give up things for a greater cause. They use these lessons not only in their religious activities but also in their daily lives. This makes the world a better place because it’s filled with faith, kindness, and love for Allah.
Reference:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Hajj
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hajj
- https://portalislam.org/
- https://www.nusuk.sa/
- https://islamqa.info/en/answers/41957/conditions-of-Hajj-being-obligatory
