Hajj: The Spiritual Journey to Mecca

Ushshah has pointed out in inclusive terms that hajj, one of the five fundamental pillars of the islamic faith, is a religious duty that is incumbent on every male and female, black or white, young or old, rich or poor, if he or she is able, in terms of finance and health, to undertake the journey to the sacred city of Mecca. It is now time to discuss the features and the rites of this crucial voyage.

The Obligation:

Hajj is an obligation, which means that people have to behave in a certain way; in this case, this submission to Allah is required. It occurs in Mecca , Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s most revered pilgrimage destinations for Muslims.

Hajj becomes compulsory for every able-bodied and financially capable adult Muslim male or female. Some of them do this several times On an average, each visitor spends several days in the area.

The Rituals:

This process takes place in the last month of the Islamic calendar, the Dhu al-Hijjah.

Pilgrims wear simple white clothing (Ihram) and perform several rituals:Pilgrims wear simple white clothing (Ihram) and perform several

rituals:

Perform tawaf which involves circling around the Kaaba which is a cubical building seven times each during the time of its performance.

Touching or kissing the black stone placed at the Kaaba is the next recommended practice.

Perform Sloga, which involves walking seven times from the Safa hill to the Marwah hill at a moderate speed.

Adopt Zamzam water drinking.

Perform a ritual of standing on Mount Arafat plain known as Qadat Arafat.

Stay a day in Muzdalifa.

As a gesture of humiliating the Devil, proceed to cast stones at three pillars.

Historical Roots:

Even though, piligrimage is among the forms of practice related with the life of Prophet Muhammadsib, it is originated as far back as Abraham.

Hajj in a ways that help to remind the believers about the importance of unity, modesty and the commitment that Muslims have to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala.

Spiritual Transformation:

Hajj is not only in the physical sense alone, but rather a test on the emotions and spirituality.

It means that the purpose of pilgrims is repentance, receiving absolution, washing of the soul, and fortification of faith.

This one contributes to the development of Muslim brotherhood and unity of the people since the experience is shared.

Changing Dates:

This makes performing of hajj different each time on a Gregorian calendar because of the lunar Islamic calendar.

According to the standard Islamic calendar, Dhu al-Hijjah is due in the period between the 19 June and 18 July in 2023.

Consequently, Hajj is a significant sacred journey which annually brings millions of Muslims to Mecca thus strengthening their belief and devotion to Allah. The latter is beyond the physical, it is rather a bridge that unites hearts and souls in an old world custom.