In Islam, one of the fundamental religious obligations is the holy pilgrimage of Hajj which requires Muslims to visit Mecca atleast once in their lifetime. Each year, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomes millions of Muslims to complete the sacred ritual in the holy city of Mecca.

But, what are the fundamental reasons which drive Muslims to perform Hajj? How vital it is for Muslims to perform Hajj at least one time during their lifetime? 

In this blog, we will present an overview of Hajj’s spiritual meaning and historical roots while examining its religious value along with the stories that explain its rituals and several interesting facts about this sacred expedition. Let’s jump right into it!

What is the Purpose of Performing Hajj?

Five pillars of Islam form the foundation of a Muslim’s faith which every believer needs to follow. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is a mandatory religious pilgrim that every able-bodied and financially capable individual needs to perform atleast once in their lifetime. The Quran states the following about performing Hajj; 

“And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House—for whoever is able to find thereto a way.”

(Quran 3:97)

The principal motive behind Muslims performing Hajj is to complete the divine commandment and seek proximity to the almighty. The Hajj pilgrimage is a long and fulfilling journey of spiritual purification, reflection and renewal of one’s faith.

During the Hajj pilgrimage, worshippers from across the globe from different backgrounds come together as one, wearing the same Ihram, standing as one symbolising unity, equality and submission to Allah SWT. 

What’s the Exact Reason Behind Muslims Going at Least Once to Hajj? 

History indicates that Prophet Abraham (AS) along with his family first performed Hajj in ancient times. The Islamic text states that Allah SWT ordered Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to abandon his wife Hajar (as) and their child Ismail (as) in the Mecca desert.

The handful of water that Hajar (as) and her baby boy had run out, forcing her to run between Safa and Marwa. The Zamzam well appeared as a miracle which provided water for both Hajar and her son Ismail to drink. The well of Zamzam is still giving water which the pilgrims bring back home from their Hajj pilgrimage.  

Allah SWT commanded Ibrahim (AS) through a revelation to build the Kaaba together with Ismail (AS) years after the initial revelation. After building the Kaaba Prophet Ibrahim (AS) received a command to invite people to perform pilgrimage at this sacred site.

Through performing Hajj since that time Muslims have established a connection with the profound historical legacy of Prophet Ibrahim’s absolute faith and devotion to Allah. Since then, Hajj has been a means for Muslims to connect with this rich history and honour the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering faith and devotion.  

Why is the Hajj Pilgrimage Performed Only Once a Year? 

Muslims perform Hajj during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah which is the 12th month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar. The specific time of Hajj holds special importance because it occurs during the same moments when Allah SWT tested Prophet Ibrahim while the Prophet demonstrated absolute obedience. Hajj rituals are also specifically related to these days making it a unique and time-bound act of worship. 

Performing Hajj once a year ensures that the pilgrimage remains a special and spiritually charged event. It also allows Muslims worldwide to plan and prepare for this life-changing journey, both physically and spiritually. 

The Story Behind the 5 Days of Hajj  

The Hajj pilgrimage is a five-day-long journey filled with profound rituals, each with spiritual and historical significance. The essential Hajj rituals contain the following description during a concise summary:  

Ihram and Tawaf

• When entering the state of Ihram (purity), Muslim pilgrims must wear basic white attire which represents their belief in equality and their commitment to humility.  

• Muslim pilgrims complete the process of performing Tawaf by encircling seven times around the Kaaba and Sa’i which requires them to walk between Safa and Marwa hills, commemorating Hajar’s search for water. 

Arafat

• At the plain of Arafat, the same place where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered his final sermon, pilgrims gather to experience commemoration People devote their day to praying and asking for divine forgiveness through supplication toward Allah SWT.  

Muzdalifah and Stoning the Devil  

• Pilgrims collect pebbles at Muzdalifah during the night.  

• After collecting the stones, pilgrims head to Mina to carry out the symbolic practice of stoning the three pillars named Jamarat which symbolise Satan and its temptations.  

Eid al-Adha and Sacrifice

• The pilgrims take part in the celebration of Eid al-Adha which involves animal sacrifice following the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail.

• Following the animal sacrifice, pilgrims indulge in religious practice which includes shaving their hair which represents both a new beginning and purification.  

Farewell Tawaf

• Before leaving Mecca, pilgrims perform a final Tawaf, bidding farewell to the Kaaba and concluding their Hajj journey.  

Important Facts About Hajj  

• The Largest Annual Gathering – The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the biggest religious congregations worldwide attracting more than 2 million participants annually.

• Universal Equality – During Hajj, all the pilgrims wear plain white clothes which symbolically removes all societal differences and showcases a universal equality of all believers.

• Spiritual Cleansing – Hajj is believed to cleanse pilgrims of their sins, offering them a fresh start in their spiritual lives.  

• Historical Significance – Historical significance and stories of Prophet Ibrahim, Hajar and Ismail form the foundation for Hajj rituals, connecting Muslims to their shared heritage.  

Final Thoughts 

The pilgrimage of Hajj is more than just a physical journey, it is a spiritually transforming experience that strengthens a believer’s faith, fosters unity and reinforces their commitment to the almighty.

By performing Hajj, Muslims fulfil one of the five pillars of Islam, honour the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim, and return home with a renewed sense of purpose and humility.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Hajj mandatory for every Muslim? 

A. Performing hajj atleast once during their lifetime is compulsory for believers who are physically and financially capable. It is also one of the five pillars of Islam making it important for every Muslim.

Q. Why do pilgrims throw stones at the Jamarat?

A.The Jamarat stoning corresponds to the act of rejecting Satan and evil temptations following the example of Prophet Ibrahim, who stoned Satan when he tried to dissuade him from obeying Allah’s command. 

Q. Can women perform Hajj alone?

A.Yes, women can now perform Hajj alone. The decades-old rule of women needed to be accompanied by a mahram (a close male relative, such as a husband, father, or brother) for their safety and security during Hajj is no longer in place.

Q. What is the difference between Hajj and Umrah?  

A. Hajj is an obligatory annual pilgrimage that every financially and physically able-bodied Muslim must undertake atleast once in their life. Umrah, on the other hand, is a lesser pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year and it is not obligatory.