Hajj: The Sacred Pilgrimage in Islam
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam — a sacred journey to the House of Allah in Makkah. It is obligatory (Farz) for every adult Muslim who possesses the physical strength and financial means to undertake the journey while providing for their family during their absence. Importantly, a Muslim is required to perform Hajj once in a lifetime if all conditions are fulfilled.
Hajj is performed from the 8th to the 12th (or 13th) of Zul-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. The pilgrimage includes:
- Staying in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.
- Wearing the sacred Ihram garments.
- Performing Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Holy Ka’aba.
- Completing other prescribed rituals and prayers with devotion.
When Hajj is performed sincerely and correctly, all past sins are forgiven, and the pilgrim (Hajji) is considered spiritually purified, returning home as innocent as a newborn. Allah rewards those who complete Hajj faithfully with Jannat (Paradise).
The first Islamic Hajj was performed in 9th Hijri, establishing the sacred rites that millions of Muslims continue to observe each year.
