Hajj: The Pilgrimage to Mecca
Pillar 5
What is Hajj?
Hajj is the sacred pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, and it is the fifth pillar of Islam. Every Muslim who is physically and financially able is required to perform the Hajj at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage occurs from the 8th to the 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar.
The Rituals of Hajj
The Hajj involves a series of rituals performed in and around Mecca. Key rites include:
- Tawaf: Circling the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction.
- Sa'i: Walking back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times.
- Day of Arafat: Spending the day in prayer and supplication on the plain of Arafat.
- Ramy al-Jamarat: The symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina.
The Spirit of Hajj
Hajj is a profound spiritual journey that represents a Muslim's devotion to Allah. It is a time of repentance, reflection, and unity, as millions of Muslims from all corners of the globe, regardless of their race, nationality, or social status, come together as equals before God. The completion of Hajj is a significant life event, and those who perform it are given the honorific title of 'Hajji'.