Hajj: Its history, Meaning and Significance in Islam Prepared By: Nada Roude, Trainer/Educator and Advisor on Islamic Studies for the Catholic Education Office may 2006

The Quran on Hajj “And pilgrimage to the House is incumbent upon men for the sake of Allah, upon everyone who is able to undertake the jopurney to it- Chapter 3:verse 96 (The Qur’an.)

The Hajj Arabic literal meaning: To “set out for a place” Islamically it refers to the annual pilgrimage Muslims are required to perform once in a lifetime. The pilgrimage is made to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It is considered as the most sacred site for Muslims. To perform hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam

The Hajj is a central duty The hajj to Mecca is a central duty in Islam. Its origins date back to the time of Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) Peace Be Upon Him. Carrying out this obligation fulfils one of the five pillars of Islam required of a Muslim. It is a week long journey occurs 2 months and ten days following the completion of Ramadan. During the month of DhulHijjah. It culminates in a holiday known as Eid ul Adha (Festival Of sacrifice)

Hajj and its symbolic meaning It consists of several ceremonies aimed at reinforcing the main concepts that define the Islamic faith, and commemorates the trials of Prophet Abraham and his family. It is considered as a renewing and perfecting of ones faith and true surrender to Allah the almighty. It is a process of spiritual self development, by abandoning ones hearth, home, comforts and amenities in life. It is a total disconnection from all worldly affairs and pleasure and total connection with the creator. It teaches complete submission to the divine will through the enactment of the rites without questioning God’s commandment.

A time to wash away all sins The hajj reinforces Allah’s mercy and compassion as it exceeds His anger by forgiving the sins of the sinful creation by declaring an absolute pardon for every pilgrim upon completion of the accepted rituals of hajj. Hence every pilgrim aspires to achieve what is called a hajj mabroor (accepted)

Abraham entrusted by Allah to build the Ka’ba- the House of Allah Allah the Almighty says in the Qu’ran: “And remember when we showed Ibrahim the site of the (sacred) House (saying): Associate not anything (in worship with me and purify My House for those who circumambulate it (i.e perform tawaaf) and those who stand up for prayer and those who bow down and make prostration (in prayer…).’ Surah Al-Hajj 22:26)

Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Prophet Abraham’s call to obey Allah by sacrificing his son is commemorated by Muslims to the sacred city at least once in a lifetime. It is considered as an act of faith and practice by Muslims Between 2-3 million Muslims from every corner of the globe. It is considered as a universal conference and declaration that we are all equal in the sight of Allah- no concept of superior of inferior except in noble conduct . Last year over 4,000 Muslims performed the hajj from Australia.

Sacred sites where rites are performed Arafat: A place where pilgrims must spend a day during the pilgrimage re- enacting Abraham’s journey. Mecca: A sacred city in Saudi Arabia where the first House of Allah was built by Abraham and his son. Mina: a place on the outskirts of Makkah where pilgrims camp as one of the rites. Muzdalifa: a place where Muslims camp overnight and pray. Safa and Marwa : 2 hills near the Ka’bah in the sacred House where pilgrims hurry between the two hills re enacting Hajar’s desperate search for food and water when she was commanded by Abraham to be left with her son Islmail, Her perseverance was rewarded by Allah when a spring miraculously gushed forth at Ismail’s feet to quench their thirst.

Summary The performance of the Hajj is requirement of every able Muslims and constitute a major act of worship. It is an act of obedience and total surrender to Allah. It is an opportunity to gain forgiveness for the sins accumulated in ones life. The Hajj also acts as a universal reminder of the blessing of Allah on humanity of our diversity and the brotherhood to worship the One Allah. The Prophet Muhammad Peace be Upon Him said that a person who performs the Hajj properly “will return as a newly born baby (free of all sins)’.

Useful websites http://www.cnn.com- Hajj the Pilgrimage IslamiCity.Com: short history of hajj Iqra Islamic Publications: The Significance of Hajj