What is Hajj? A Simple Guide to the Muslim Pilgrimage
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Hashim Sheikh
- . June 29, 2024
- . Update: June 29, 2024 4:28 pm
Hajj is one of the peculiar journeys that go through every year by many people who are in the Islamic faith. They visit a city known as Mecca. This is a city that holds so much significance in the hearts of Muslim people. This trip is so significant that every Muslim whether male or female, young or old, should use his or her best energy to visit at least once in their lifetime if he or she is healthy and financially capable.
About the stands taken during the hajj, people do many activities to demonstrate the love they have for God. They pray, prostrate, and walk in a circular form around a special building among other activities. Millions of people join the special event in different parts of the world. It is a period when Muslims quite intensely experience the presence of God in their lives and their fellow Muslims.
What is Hajj?
Hajj is a large, significant journey where Muslims go to a place known as Mecca. It occurs within one year. But for a Muslim, if he is healthy and has some savings, then he should attempt to perform a pilgrimage at least once in his lifetime.
When Does Hajj Happen?
Hajj is performed in the twelfth and the last month of the Islamic calendar year or the Islamic month of Zul-Hijjah. This year it is from June 26 to July 1.
How Many People Go?
Generally, 2 to 3 million Muslims attend. However, in 2020 due to the COVID-19, pandemic, it was attended by only 10,000 people.
What Happens During Hajj?
Day 1:
- People wear simple white clothes.
- They walk around a big black cube called the Kaaba seven times.
- Then they run between two hills.
- After that, they go to a place called Mina and stay in tents.
Day 2:
- People go to a mountain called Arafat to pray.
- At night, they sleep outside under the stars at a place called Muzdalifah.
- They collect small stones here.
Day 3:
- This day is a big Muslim holiday called Eid al-Adha.
- People throw stones at tall pillars. This is like chasing away bad things.
- They also give meat to people who need food.
Days 4 and 5:
- People throw stones at the pillars again.
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Day 6:
- Men shave their heads or cut their hair short. Women cut a little bit of their hair.
- People walk around the Kaaba again.
- Then Hajj is finished!
After Hajj:
People have the habit of going to another city medina before they are allowed to go home. This city is important because the Prophet Muhammad has great significance in it.
Hajj is one of the most significant affairs in the life of every Muslim. They feel closer to God and, through prayer, to other Muslims anywhere in the world.
