Hajj: A Significant Practice in Islam

Islam

Significant Practice: Hajj

  • Hajj is a significant practice in Islam.

  • It is the fifth pillar of Islam.

  • It involves a pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the Holy City.

  • Pilgrims seek redemption and deeper spirituality over a week, retracing the steps of prophets and expressing core Islamic beliefs.

  • Pilgrims enter a state of Ihram (purity) and wear white clothing.

  • The pilgrimage is to be made at least once in a lifetime in submission to Allah.

  • Pilgrims participate in rituals such as Tawaf (circling the Ka'ba).

Syllabus Requirements

  • Describe ONE significant practice in Islam – Hajj.

  • Describe the characteristics and features of Hajj (e.g., Fifth Pillar, Pilgrimage to Mecca).

  • Demonstrate how this practice expresses the beliefs of Islam.

  • Use examples from sacred texts and refer specifically to the rituals involved in Hajj.

  • Analyse the significance of this practice for the individual and the Muslim community (Umma).

Expressing Islamic Beliefs Through Hajj

  • Beliefs:

    • Tawhid – Belief in ONE God.

    • Belief in the Books of Allah (e.g., Qur'an).

    • Malak = Belief in angels.

    • Rasul = Belief in the Prophets.

    • Akirah = Belief in the afterlife.

    • Al Qadr = Predestination and the rejection of fate.

  • Example: Tawhid Expression:

    • The Talbiyah chant expresses Tawhid. Pilgrims chant upon arrival to Mecca:
      > “Here I am, Here I am… grace and sovereignty belong to you… at your command here I am.”

    • This chant declares the oneness of God and the devotion of pilgrims to fulfilling their goal of submission to Allah.

    • It also expresses belief in the Qur'an, as pilgrims ‘perform the pilgrimage to Mecca for Allah’ (Sura 2:196).

Significance of Hajj

  • Individual: The person making the pilgrimage.

  • Community: The Muslim adherents, referred to as the Umma.

Hajj as the Fifth Pillar of Islam

  • The Five Pillars are fundamental to all Muslims.

  • Hajj is obligatory and a central duty as written in the Qur’an:
    > “And pilgrimage to the house is incumbent upon men for the sake of Allah” (Sura 3:96).

  • Incumbent means the Hajj is a duty or responsibility for Muslim people.

  • Its origins date back to the Prophet Abraham.

  • It involves Muslims retracing the footsteps of the Prophets (Abraham, Muhammad, and Ishmael).

  • Activities include cursing Satan, giving Zakat, praying for forgiveness (seeking redemption – Wuquf (Arafat)), and complete devotion to Allah (Submission).

  • Pilgrims profess their faith and submit to the will of Allah, which is the ultimate goal of Hajj.

Niyyah and Al-Qadr

  • Niyyah: Refers to people unable to perform Hajj due to unforeseen circumstances, or due to being physically or financially unable.

    • It is believed that if a Muslim has good intentions to participate in Hajj, but faces obstacles, the intention suffices.

  • Muslims believe in Al-Qadr (Fate/predestination).

    • They believe that Allah judges them based on their intentions, provided their efforts are sincere.

  • The Day of Judgement: Muslims believe they are rewarded in the afterlife for their life on earth.

  • Hajj is a more significant way of Salat (prayer) and is considered important regarding the Day of Judgement:
    > “The reward for an accepted Hajj is nothing less than paradise” – Hadith

  • Hajj applies to both Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims, who set aside their differences when entering the state of Ihram to seek the ultimate goal of submission to the will of Allah.

Talbiyah Ritual

  • Description:

    • On arrival to Mecca, pilgrims chant the Talbiyah – cries to Allah that they have arrived in service to Allah – “At your command, here I am O God, Here I am.”

  • Beliefs Expressed:

    • Expresses belief in Tawhid (devotion to Allah on this spiritual journey).

    • Expresses belief in the Qur’an (book of Allah), as stated in the Qur’an:
      > “Perform this pilgrimage to Mecca for Allah” Sura 2: 196

  • Significance – Individual:

    • Pilgrims are called to perform Hajj (5th Pillar) at least once in their lifetime if able to do so.

    • This is part of their religious duty, and when performed, they are fulfilling their responsibility as a Muslim.

    • They acknowledge it is commanded by Allah.

Ihram Ritual

  • Description:

    • Letting go of negative thoughts and entering a pure state of mind, practicing patience, courtesy, and respect to focus on Allah.

    • Spiritual preparation.

    • White garments signify everyone is equal in the eyes of Allah.

    • Cleansing (ablution) – full body.

  • Beliefs Expressed:

    • Ihram expresses the belief in Tawhid as pilgrims enter a state of Ihram to be equal in the eyes of Allah as they embark on this spiritual journey to become closer to Allah.

    • Hajj requires commitment to the first pillar – Shahada – as without faith, Muslims would not have good intentions.

    • Belief in Prophets: Muhammad gave instructions on how to prepare spiritually for Hajj.

  • Significance – Individual:

    • The magnitude of the preparations for the Hajj, both practical and spiritual, highlights its significance for the individual Muslim.

    • It is of profound religious significance for devout individuals.

    • Involves testing of personal resolve and commitment.

  • Significance – Community:

    • White garments are a sign of the complete equality of all before Allah - race, nationality, and wealth are of no importance in following Allah.
      > “Whoever sets out to observe Hajj shall refrain from sexual intercourse, misconduct, and arguments throughout Hajj…As you prepare your provisions for the journey, the best provision is right conduct.” (Qur’an 2:197)

Tawaf Ritual

  • Description:

    • Circling of the Ka’bah seven times – occurs at the beginning and end of Hajj.

    • Muslims circle the Ka'bah seven times.

    • The circling is believed to demonstrate the unity of the believers in the worship of the One God, as they move in harmony together around their central shrine, while supplicating to Allah.

    • Pilgrims pray Rak’ah during this time.

  • Beliefs Expressed:

    • Tawaf expresses the belief in Tahwid.

    • Belief in the Prophets: The Ka’bah was built by Ibrahim and Ismail on the site that Adam built the first house. It was taken over by 360 idols but cleansed by Muhammad and re-established as the centre of worship for Allah. Muslims face the Ka’bah whenever they pray.

  • Significance – Individual:

    • The Ka’ba represents Allah is the centre of the universe and centre of their lives.

    • Expresses obedience in responding to the call to undertake the Hajj and symbolizes a Muslim’s submission to Allah.

  • Significance – Community:

    • Profound and overwhelming sense of the unity and diversity of Islam.

    • An experience of the unity of the Muslim world.

    • In Islam, there is no distinction between people, no place for racism or prejudice.

    • Community building occurs at an international level, in and through the contact with others during the Hajj, and at the local level through the involvement of the local Muslim community with pilgrims undertaking the Hajj.

    • All Muslims (Shi’ite and Sunni) put aside their differences and unite before Allah.

    • The Umma acts as one in completely submitting to Allah’s will – this ritual expresses the harmony that is produced as a result of the Umma's intention of committing themselves to Allah.
      > “Then let them complete the rites prescribed for them, fulfill their vows, and circumambulate the Ancient House” (Qur’an 22:29)

Sa’y Ritual

  • Description:

    • Pilgrims move fast between Marwa and Safa.

    • Pilgrims drink Zamzam water – they may put their garments in the water to be used when they die.

    • Re-enactment of Hager’s search for water for Ishmael.

    • Angel Jibril brings forth water for them by striking the ground.

  • Beliefs Expressed:

    • Sa’y expresses the belief in Rasul.

    • Sa’y involves the re-enactment of Hager’s search to find water for Ishmael. In this ritual, pilgrims retrace the steps of the prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) son Ishmael - also believed to be a prophet.

    • Sa’y expresses the belief in Malak (angels) due to Jibril’s communication with Hager and Ishmael and providing water. Pilgrims drink the ZamZam water, connecting to this belief.

    • Belief in Tawhid – Allah will always provide.

  • Significance – Individual:

    • Reminds individuals to put their trust in Allah - that Allah has a plan for their destiny and will provide all they need.

  • Significance – Community:

    • Reminds the community that Allah is ultimately in control of the world and to put their trust in Allah.
      > “Hagar saw an angel at the place of Zamzam tapping the earth with its wing till water gushed from that place. Hagar quickly contained the water by making a barrier around it.” (Hadith)

Mina – Rest Day

  • Pilgrims spend the night at Mina before travelling to Arafat.

  • Retracing the footsteps of the prophet Muhammad on his Hajj, stopping and resting at Mina.

  • Travelling to Mina expresses the belief in Rasul as pilgrims retrace the footsteps of Muhammad on his Hajj.

Wuquf – Stand Before Allah (Plains of Arafat)

  • Description:

    • Day of standing, fasting, and praying for forgiveness at the Mount of Mercy on the plain of Arafat.

    • Glorify Allah, duaa (prayer asking assistance from God) and supplication, repent to Allah and ask for forgiveness from noon to sunset.

  • Beliefs Expressed:

    • Rasul: Commemorates the time when Adam and Eve stood before Allah seeking restoration and forgiveness of their sins.

    • Muslims believe that by this day of prayer and repentance Allah will forgive all their sins (Tawhid).

    • Akhira – Belief in reward in the afterlife.

  • Significance – Individual:

    • Individuals gain peace of mind – purified and cleansed of sin.

    • Prospect of reward in the afterlife.

    • The stand before Allah gives the pilgrim the opportunity of experiencing the love and forgiveness of Allah and allows them to be free from any past sin, beginning life anew and enjoying a great sense of peace and well being.

  • Significance – Community:

    • Witness to the international and interracial harmony which is integral to the Hajj.

    • Muslims gather from all corners of the world to ask for forgiveness and mercy.
      > “Whoever performs Hajj for Allah’s pleasure and does not have sexual relations with his wife, and does not do evil or sins then he will return after Hajj free from all sins as if he were born anew.” (Hadith)
      > “Hajj is Arafat”
      > “Whatever good you do, Allah is fully aware thereof”

Further Information for Wuquf

  • It is a rehearsal for the Day of Judgement (Akirah), where there is no discrimination of race, color, or gender, and pilgrims are only judged by their good and bad deeds.

  • When pilgrims climb the Mount of Mercy, they feel a spiritual connection with the prophet Muhammad as he gave his last sermon on the Mount of Mercy (Rasul).

  • Wuquf expresses the beliefs in Tahwid and the Qu’ran as well as Akirah. Evidently, wuquf is the complete devotion and surrender to Allah. It is the stand before God.

  • As pilgrims complete this ritual they recite the Qu’ran, demonstrating that it guides them in their day to day lives (particularly on their Hajj).

  • Furthermore, the belief in Akirah is expressed as the pilgrims turn to God for forgiveness of their sins so that they may enter paradise (Janna) when they die.

  • In addition, Wuquf also expresses the belief in Rasul as pilgrims climb the Mount of Mercy where their spiritual connection with Muhammad is enhanced. (Where Muhammad gave his last sermon).

Jamaraat – Stoning of Satan (Iblis)

  • Description:

    • Rejection of Satan.

    • Throw stones at pillars at Mina which symbolize the devil.

    • Drive the devil away and temptation.

    • There are 3 pillars. Pilgrims throw 7 stones at each pillar.

  • Beliefs Expressed:

    • It demonstrates the belief in Tahwid as Ishamael and Ibrahim were devoted to God in defying the evil temptations.

    • Jamraat expresses the belief in Rasul as pilgrims retrace the steps of Ibrahim and Ishamel.

    • Furthermore, this represents the belief in Akirah as pilgrims wish to defy evil temptations so as to enter paradise at the Day of Judgement.

  • Significance – Individual:

    • Muslims are emulating the rejection of the devil and the reality of temptation in their own lives.

    • Temptation is an obstacle to the goal of submission and must be overcome - this inner struggle is known as the Greater Jihad.

    • Overcoming temptation (Nafs) to do what is easy rather than what is right - Greater Jihad - is central for Muslim adherents in achieving submission to Allah.

    • Rejecting Satan involves trusting in and turning to Allah.

  • Significance – Community:

    • Reminds the community of the reality of evil and temptation and the necessity to support each other in defeating it.

    • Commitment of the whole community to Greater Jihad.
      > “Allah said, ‘Therefore, you (Satan) must get out; you are banished.’”(Qur’an 15:34)

Id-Ul-Adha – Festival of Sacrifice

  • Description:

    • Animals are sacrificed by Muslims as a reminder of the lamb provided by Allah in place of Ishmail.

    • Commemorates Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah in being willing to sacrifice his son – he was obedient to the call of Allah even though he was strongly tempted by the devil to disobey.

  • Beliefs Expressed:

    • Rasul – Ibrahim is a model of complete and perfect submission to Allah.

    • Tawhid – Submission to the will of Allah

    • Akirah – afterlife and the oneness of Allah – fulfillment of the 4th pillar – Zakat (pilgrims partake in almsgiving).

  • Significance – Individual:

    • Individuals strive to fulfill the obedience modeled by Ibrahim in their own lives as he is the perfect model of complete and perfect submission to Allah.

    • Almsgiving (Zakat) – fulfilling the 4th pillar.

  • Significance – Community:

    • While “Id-ul-Adha” is an integral part of the Hajj, it is commemorated by all Muslims globally, not just those undertaking the Hajj.

    • Food from the sacrifice at Mecca is sent to poor Muslims around the world (Zakat).
      > “It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah: it is your piety (prayer) that reaches Him.” (Qur’an)

Overall Significance of Hajj

  • The impact that the Hajj has on the individual and the Umma is of extreme importance.

  • Evidently, Hajj unites millions of Muslims globally in their mission to complete the 5th pillar of Islam.

  • As an ultimate goal, the Hajj is a quest for redemption and enhancement of spirituality. Thus, pilgrims are rejuvenated and reborn.

  • Individuals must complete a range of rituals to defy Satan and temptation and gain redemption.

  • Ultimately, Hajj allows the individual to strengthen their relationship with God through completion of rituals which expresses beliefs. Therefore, pilgrims reaffirm beliefs.

  • As pilgrims enter a state of holiness through Ihram, they practice patience, obedience, courtesy, and respect as they place their full focus on Allah.

  • Individuals chant their commitment to God (Talbiyah), which incorporates fulfillment of submission to Allah.

  • Wuquf at Arafat is the pinnacle of Hajj and allows individuals to devote themselves to Allah – they participate in prayer and supplication and receive the forgiveness of any past sin.

  • At the completion of Jamarat, pilgrims erase their inner desire to commit evil acts, as they defy Satan and temptation.

  • Therefore, Hajj allows individuals to gain a greater understanding of Islamic history, and allows a greater prospect of reward in the afterlife (Akirah).

  • The Hajj unites the Muslim Umma, both Sunni and Shi’ite, through belief. The most central belief that unites the Umma is Tawhid.

  • As Hajj gathers Muslims from around the world, it strengthens the spirit of unity, equality, and brotherhood despite any differences such as race, colour, or gender.