The Pilgrimage (Hajj)
When Hajj is observed, the rites involved, the rules of conduct, and the
innovations to avoid.
Abraham’s Shrine, Restored to God Alone
Hajj is the pilgrimage to the Sacred Masjid in Mecca — the shrine (the Ka‘aba)
that God commissioned Abraham and Ismail to build and purify:
[2:125] We have rendered the shrine (the Ka‘aba) a focal point for the people, and a safe sanctuary. You may use Abraham’s shrine as a prayer house. We commissioned Abraham and Ismail: “You shall purify My house for those who visit, those who live there, and those who bow and prostrate.”
It is a duty for those who can afford the journey (3:97), to be observed once in a lifetime.
When: The Four Sacred Months
Hajj may be observed at any time during the four Sacred Months — Zul-Hijjah,
Muharram, Safar, and Rabi‘ I (the 12th, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd months of the lunar
calendar):
[2:197] Hajj shall be observed in the specified months. Whoever sets out to observe Hajj shall refrain from sexual intercourse, misconduct, and arguments throughout Hajj. Whatever good you do, GOD is fully aware thereof. As you prepare your provisions for the journey, the best provision is righteousness. You shall observe Me, O you who possess intelligence.
The lesser pilgrimage, ‘Umrah, may be observed at any time of the year. Every
pilgrimage carries the same value in the sight of God. There is no “greater” Hajj
(Akbari) that ends on a Friday, and no special day on which one must begin or end —
these are later innovations.
The Rites, in Brief
- Ihraam — entering the state of sanctity, setting aside vanities and
devoting oneself wholly to the worship of God. - ‘Umrah — including traversing between the knolls of Safa and
Marwah, which God names among His rites (2:158). At Mecca this portion can typically be
completed within about two hours. - ‘Arafat and Muzdalifah — the standing and remembrance that form
the heart of the pilgrimage. - Mina — where the animal sacrifice and the stoning (Jamraat) rites are
observed over at least two days. The complete pilgrimage, Mecca to Mecca, needs a minimum of
about five days to perform comfortably.
The animal sacrifice offered at Mina commemorates God’s intervention to save Abraham and
Ismail from Satan’s trick (Appendix 9). You need not slaughter the animal with your own hand;
another may do it on your behalf.
Conduct During Hajj
God sets the tone of the journey in 2:197: refrain from sexual intercourse, misconduct,
and arguments. Beyond that, keep it simple and dignified:
- Commemorate God continually, and devote your worship to Him alone.
- Be cheerful and free of confusion — no religious duty is meant to be a hardship, and
you should not manufacture misery to look burdened. - Maintain ordinary hygiene — bathing, and even brushing the teeth, are perfectly fine.
- Observe only the five daily Contact Prayers, as at any other time; the Friday congregational
prayer is still held. Prayers are never added, combined, or omitted for the pilgrimage. - The religious duties of men and women are identical. It is gravely wrong to bar women from
prayer, pilgrimage, or any obligation, including during menstruation.
Innovations to Avoid
Like every duty, Hajj has been distorted over the centuries by practices God never decreed.
The pilgrim worships God alone and leaves these behind:
- Kissing or seeking blessings from the black stone — the stone is not holy, and no
side of it is special. - Touching or venerating supposed footprints of Abraham — this has nothing to do with
the pilgrimage. - Treating Zam Zam water as “magic” or holy — bathing in it or drinking it
adds nothing to the value of one’s worship.
[2:189] …It is not righteous to beat around the bush; righteousness is attained by upholding the commandments and by being straightforward. You shall observe GOD, that you may succeed.
Detailed guidance on the rites and their expiations is given in Appendix
15: Religious Duties — A Gift From God.
The Four Practical Duties
All four religious practices reached us through Abraham (21:73, 22:78). Explore each one:
Praise Be To God, Lord of the Universe.
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