Islamic Wisdom: The Significance of The Rituals of Pilgrimage
The Hajj, in essence, means ‘pilgrimage’ to the holy city of Makkah in Arabic and must be performed by every Muslim each year during the first ten days of the sacred month of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Regarded as one of the profound deeds in Islam, Hajj teaches Muslims to practice goodness, show humility, be at peace with themselves and be sincere to Allah.
The journey of Hajj is an important one. Billions of Muslim people around the world have been undertaking Hajj each year since 629 CE following the migration of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Medina to Makkah. For anyone preparing to go, it’s an incredibly exciting time but of course a deeply spiritual, serious and important period of our lives.
Hajj is one of Islam's religious festivals and also one of the five fundamental pillars of Islam, an annual spiritual experience undertaken by Muslims at least once in their lifetime to express their faith in and servitude towards Allah (SAW).Hajj must be performed with purity of intention and full dedication.
The Hajj is an immense blessing for those who believe. This major pilgrimage has a set of rules and regulations for its performance. There are also a number of rituals that must be performed with great dedication for this prayer to be termed valid. There are a number of different schools of thought regarding the performance of this ritual and how many should actually be present for it.
The rites of Hajj commemorate the life of the Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon him). The rituals of Hajj and Umrah reflect the significant times in the Prophet Ibrahim’s life.
Let’s understand the Hajj rituals that every pilgrim carries out during their pilgrimage to Makkah.
HAJJ PREPARATIONS:
In Islam, as we work with a lunar calendar (as opposed to the Gregorian calendar), the specific dates for Hajj vary each year. Within the Islamic calendar, Hajj is performed between 8th to 12th of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic year.
There are three forms of Hajj: Tamattu, Ifraad and Qiran.
For the purpose of this Hajj guide, we will use the Tamattu form of Hajj, which is what the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) encouraged his followers to perform.
Before you arrive at Makkah to start Hajj, it’s important to make your intention (niyah) within your heart. The intention must be to perform the Hajj for the sake of Allah alone, with a desire for the Hereafter. It should not be done with the intention of being seen among others or for worldly gain.
Once you arrive at the holy Masjid al-Haram, in Makkah, you’re then ready to start the biggest spiritual journey of your life!
Day 1: 8th Dhul Hijjah :
Hajj begins on the 8th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, when pilgrims make their intentions to undertake the pilgrimage by donning the Ihram garments. Both Umrah and Hajj rituals are performed by entering a separate state of Ihram, and a sacrificial animal is required in order to complete this form of Hajj. A pilgrim who undertakes this form of Hajj is called Muttamatti.
Pilgrims can choose to undertake any of the three Hajj procedures that is easier for them.
1. Assuming Ihram from Miqat | The intention to Perform Hajj:
Before pilgrims wish to enter the Al Masjid Al Haram (the sacred boundary of Mecca) and move across to perform Hajj, they should wear Ihram in order to make haram and traverse the five different areas of Miqats in the Haram boundary. Below are the destination options and relevant Miqats for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj:
• Dhu’l Hulaifah (Abbyar Ali) is for pilgrims coming to Saudi Arabia from or through Madina first to perform Hajj al-Tamatt’u
• Al-Juhfah (near Rabigh) is for pilgrims coming from or through Syria, Morocco, or Egypt.
• Qarn-al manazil (As-Sail Al-Kabeer) is for pilgrims coming from or through Najd or Taif.
• Yalamlam (Sa’adiyah) is for pilgrims coming from or through India, Pakistan or Yemen.
• Dhat `Irq is for pilgrims coming from or through Iraq.
Before setting off from their place of stay and making their way to the sacred boundary of Mecca, pilgrims are bound to assume a state of Ihram, which is the combined sacred act of Niyyah and Talbiyah necessary to perform Hajj.
Niyyah is the innate intention to perform an act of worship, while Talbiyah is a special prayer said in supplication to attain Ihram.
All pilgrims are required to stick to certain guidelines before entering into the Miqat.
To become a Muhrim (a pilgrim that has attained the state of Ihram);
The first of these is the pilgrims enter into a state of spiritual purity known as “ihram” is a sacred state that Muslims enter and remain in during the special rituals and events that are required to complete Hajj or Umrah. The state is entered by following certain cleansing rituals and wearing the correct dress.
It is aimed at shedding symbols of materialism, giving up worldly pleasures and focusing on the inner self over outward appearance and its symbolizes the unity of Muslims and minimizes visible differences between them.
Its simplicity and uniformity make it hard to tell the rich from the poor, the rulers from the ruled.
It is also used to refer to the ceremonial clothing that has been chosen with the purpose of completing Hajj and must be worn by all men and women. Ihram and Hajj is a time of total equality, Ihram clothing removes all societal representations of wealth or social differences and ensures that both men and women renounce the temptations of vanity and the world.
Read more about ihram here:
a pilgrim must prepare himself for Ihram by following the below steps as instructed by the Prophet (PBUH):
• Performing ablutions; cleansing the body to attain physical purity, which involves some rituals that are mandatory (Mushtahab) and others, are preferable for Ihram:
I. Ghusl (Mustahab)
II. Perfuming the head & beard. (Mustahab)
III. Clipping finger & toe nails (Preferred)
IV. Trimming moustache (Preferred)
V. Shaving off unwanted body hair (Preferred)
• Changing into the sacred attire of two-pieced white Ihram sheets (Izar and Rida) for men and ordinary Islamic clothes for women. Both, men and women, should wear the flip-flops or sandals that expose the middle bones of the midfoot.
• Performing the two Rakats of Salah al-Ihram while covering the head.
• Pronouncing the Niyyah as the Miqat approaches
• Reciting Talbiyah repeatedly while traversing the Miqat stations in the sacred boundary of the Grand Holy Mosque until the commencement of Tawaf before travelling to Mecca for the next step of Umrah.
2. PERFORMING THE UMRAH RITUALS:
As said earlier, the assumption of ihram is the first act of the pilgrim regardless of whether he comes for ‘Umrah mufradah or for any of the three types of Hajj.
Now, after the assuming of ihram, what is the next step for the pilgrim? Is it tawaf, or wuquf, or something else?
The answer is: it depends on the purpose (niyyah) with which the pilgrim assumes ihram. If it is ‘Umrah, then the next step is tawaf. However, if the purpose of ihram is Hajj , then the next step is wuquf in ‘Arafat.
In other words, one who enters Makkah with the sole purpose of ‘Umrah or Hajj altamattu’ performs tawaf before everything else, then sa’y and then taqsir. After this, if on Hajj altamattu’, he assumes ihram for a second time; but he is not required to perform another tawaf after this ihram. The tawaf (pertaining to the Hajj acts), as we shall explain, comes after getting through the wuquf at ‘Arafat and passage through Mina.
So, Pilgrims intending to undertake Hajj al-Tamatt’u must combine Umrah rituals with that of Hajj.
Tawaf:
Tawaf is a Fard rite, necessary for completing the pilgrimages of Hajj and Umrah. It involves circling around the Kaaba in counter clockwise direction, seven times, while offering duas and prayers.
Performing tawaf involves walking seven times around the holy Kaaba in the anti-clockwise direction. There are certain rules that one must follow while performing this ritual. While performing pilgrimage, the Prophet (PBUH) mentioned that Muslim must learn the pilgrimage rituals from him. Hence, following in his footsteps, it is important to circumambulate the Kaaba seven times during Tawaf.
Pilgrims should perform Niyat in front of the black stone before reciting Takbir and beginning tawaf.
There are several rules one must follow while performing tawaf. Devotees must avoid discussing petty affairs, conducting business and reciting prayers aloud during the ritual.
Read more about Tawaf here:
SA’IY ( Safa and Marwa):
Umrah pilgrims intending to make Sa’iy must make their way out of the Al Masjid Al Haram towards the Masaa’ (the place of Sa’iy) which commemorates the struggle Prophet Abraham’s wife Hazarat Hajra went through to search for water for her son in between the hills of Safa in the south and Marwah in the North. In essence, Sa’iy is a great way to spend some time on self-reflection and self-realisation.
They must then descend from Safa and walk towards the hill of Marwah while reciting the supplication Subhan Allah and keep moving until they reach two green pillars between which only the men have to run through while the women walk at a normal pace. When on top of Marwah, praise Allah facing the Kaaba and recite the supplication mentioning Allah.
Pilgrims start Sa’iy by going up the hill of Safa to see the holy Kaaba from the Safa door. They must face the Kaaba with utmost devotion and love, while raising their hands to supplicate to Allah.
The procedure continues with pilgrims going from Safa to Marwah and returning back to Safa, until the they complete seven laps in total. Each round is nearly 450m long. The seventh round will end at Marwah where all pilgrims must stand facing the Kaaba and repeat the same supplications that were recited at Safa. Men must perform Sa’iy with their shoulders covered.
After offering two Raka of Nafl (at a desirable time) in the Al Masjid Al Haram, pilgrims should come out of the Holy Mosque with their left foot out and then offer a du’aa.
Mina:
Pilgrims spend a day at Mina where they perform the Zuhr, Asr, Maghreb, and Isha prayers before leaving for Arafat. The day spent at Mina is a way to get closer to Allah through prayers and remembrance.
It is a day of great reflection, a way to feel unity with Muslims from around the world and remove racism.
Mina, or Muna, means desire, hope, longing. Some texts teach that it was in Muna that Adam (peace be upon him) longed and desired to journey back home to paradise and to be, once again, in Allah’s presence.
It is in Muna that the journey begins. The day spent in Muna, termed the day of tarwiyah (meaning, in part, to quench, to drink to one’s fill), is meant for our heart to focus on the aim of their journey, to gather in resolution and focus, and to begin our inner momentum toward the House of Allah.
Day 2: 9th Dhul Hijjah:
The Day of Arafat is the real climax of the Hajj. Pilgrims move at sunrise from Mina to the plain of Arafat where they spend the entire day in earnest supplication and devotion. It is a time of tears and seeking God’s forgiveness. At sunset, the pilgrims move and camp at Muzdalifa which is a site between Mina and Arafat. (It is highly recommended for Muslims around the world to fast on the day of Arafat in spiritual union with the pilgrims who are standing on the plain of Arafat seeking God’s forgiveness).
Arafat:
After praying fajr salat in Mina, you’ll then head to the plains of Arafah, reciting istaghfar [asking for forgiveness] and making supplications, marking the Day of Arafah when we ask Allah (SWT) for forgiveness for our sins. Upon reaching the plains of Mount Arafah, pilgrims observe dhuhr and asr prayers combined and shortened (two rakat instead of four).
Arafat is the essential pillar of Haj; without Arafat there is no Haj.
Arafat means to know, to understand. Another verb scale conveys the meaning of perfuming, making fragrant, scenting.
Arafat is the cleansing station outside the haram where we stand and seek forgiveness for all that we’ve committed in our lives. We beg and implore Allah to make us worthy of entering into His haram, visiting His House and being in His presence.
In Arafat the pilgrims pray until dusk. It the site where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave his last sermon. During this day the pilgrims listen to sermons delivered by Islamic scholars from Masjid al-Nimra on Jabal Al Rahmah (The Mount of Mercy). If a pilgrim somehow doesn’t spend the day in Arafat his/her Hajj is considered invalid. It’s the day of ‘wuquf’ standing before God.
The day of Arafah is one of the most important days for Muslims, as Allah (SWT), in Surah al-Maidah of the Holy Qur’an, refers to the Day of Arafah as the Day on which He perfected His religion, completed His favours upon His beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and approved Islam as a way of life!
The Prophet (SAW) also said:
“There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of ‘Arafah. He comes close to those (people standing on ‘Arafah), and then He reveals before His Angels saying, ‘What are these people seeking.” (Muslim)
Here, on Arafat, we learn two things. As we acknowledge our disobedience, our sins, our rebelliousness and our forgetfulness, we know our unworthiness as true servants. We reveal everything to Allah, minor or major, Who knows already but simply wants us to admit with true transparency and sincerity what we are inside of our selves.
Muzdalifah:
When the sun sets, a canon is ceremonially fired. This is the signal for the pilgrims to leave Mina and travel to Muzdalifah. It’s situated between Mina and Arafat.
Muzdalifa, from the Arabic root izdilaf, means to approach, to get closer.
It’s is a second station of cleansing and purification. The pilgrim is now closer to the Kaaba. We remain in supplication after fajr, imploring Allah again for pardon and guidance.
The pilgrims jointly pray Maghrib and Isha here, one after the other, shortening isha salah to two rakat and collect pebbles for the Stoning of the Devil for the next day.
As Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) narrates:
“The Prophet (SAW) offered the maghrib and isha prayers together at Muzdalifa with a separate iqama for each of them and did not offer any optional prayer in between them or after each of them.” (Bukhari)
Afterwards, you can then spend the night in worship or resting. The Prophet (SAW) went to sleep until shortly before fajr, choosing not to engage in night worship as he normally did. So, don’t be tempted to exhaust yourself but rest instead you have a long day ahead of you!
While in Muzdalifah, you may also collect pebbles to perform rami [the stoning of the devil] over the next three days. The size of the pebbles should be similar to the size of date stones/seeds. You will need a total of 49 pebbles. The breakdown is as follows:
- 7 for the 10th of Dhul Hijjah
- 21 for the 11th of Dhul Hijjah
- 21 for the 12th of Dhul Hijjah
However, it is advised that you pick up a further 21 pebbles as a precautionary measure to bring your total up to 70. When you proceed to the phases of throwing the pebbles at the Jamarat, you may miss the target or some pebbles may fall from your hand. Therefore, it’s better to have more than to be short. Pebbles can also be collected from anywhere in Mina.
Some scholars have said that in Muzdalifa, Allah also forgives our violations against the rights of others. Such violations are not usually forgiven unless, in addition to seeking forgiveness, we remedy what has been violated.
Day 3: 10th Dhul Hijjah:
The pilgrims return to Mina where they may spend up to three days in devotion and prayer. They also perform a ritual known as Ramy al-Jamarat, throwing stones at stone pillars. This ritual represents the trials experienced by Abraham when he was ordered by God to sacrifice his son and Satan tempted him to disobey God. Stoning the three pillars with seven stones each symbolizes rejecting Satan’s temptations. Then the pilgrim sacrifices a sheep in reenactment of the story of Abraham who slaughtered a sheep after he was prepared to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. In recent years, the sheep are slaughtered by the government and the meat is distributed to poor Muslim countries. After the stay in Mina, the pilgrims return to Mecca to end the formal rituals of Hajj by making Tawaf and Sa’i. (see below for definitions)
Ramy al-Jamarat (Stoning the Devil):
Stoning of the Jamara ; sometimes referred to as the “Stoning of the Devil” is a ritual carried out by Hajj pilgrims whereby pebbles are thrown at three stone structures in Mina. The act of throwing stones at the Jamarat is known as “Rami”. The ritual of Rami is symbolic of the actions of Ibrahim (AS) when he was faced with the trial of having to sacrifice his son, Ismail (AS) upon the commandment of Allah (SWT).
On the way to carry out the commandment, Shaytan repeatedly tried to change Ibrahim’s mind. As Ibrahim reached Jamarat al-Aqaba, he was instructed by Angel Jibreel to throw seven stones at Shaytan. He obliged and Shaytan fled immediately. The three Jamarat indicate the three places where Shaytan tried to dissuade Ibrahim from obeying the command of Allah. However, the pillars do not contain or hold Shaytan, as many people are led to believe.
this day begins before sunrise. Pilgrims gather pebbles to be used in rituals during the next three days. They then proceed to Mina where, The each pilgrims throw seven stones at the largest of the three pillars known as Jamrat al-Aqabah. The three pillars represent the three times that Satan attempted to tempt prophet Ibrahim (PBUH).
As Pilgrims throw the pebbles they say the takbir اللهُ أَكْبَرُ (Allāhu ‘Akbar): “Allah is The Greatest” upon each throw.
Since then, these pillars have been replaced by long walls because of the increasing number of pilgrims visiting the site.
Eid Al-Adha (SACRIFICE):
After the Stoning of the Devil, pilgrims sacrifice an animal to God, usually a sheep or a goat. Eid al-Adha or Feast of Sacrifice is a three-day festival, the beginning of which is marked by the ritual of the Stoning of the Devil.
This feast is celebrated by Muslims around the world sacrifice sheep as a reminder of the Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience when Allah the Almighty asked him to sacrifice his son Ismail. This act of submission was intervened when Allah allowed a lamb to be sacrificed instead of Ismail.
Eid-Al Adha is celebrated for three days and common practice for pilgrims to pay someone to slaughter the animal and the meat of the sacrifice is divided into three parts, two of which go to relatives and the poor and also Leftover meat is frozen and distributed to people in poor countries around the world.
Halq & Taqsir:
Once the sacrifice has been offered, pilgrims remove their ihram. Men shave their hair, while women cut off a piece of their hair to symbolise de-consecration. this act is also know as Halq & Taqsir.
Halq (Arabic: الحلق) refers to the act of shaving the entire head and Taqsir (Arabic: التقصير) involves trimming the hair on the head by at least an inch.
Performing Halq or Taqsir is the Wajib (obligatory) act that must be performed in order to leave the state of Ihram.
All pilgrims take a bath, put on new clothes and throw seven more pebbles at each of the three pillars. Then they make their way to Mecca.
RETURN TO MINA:
Having performed Tawaf and Sa’i, pilgrims return to Mina to spend two days there. They are now allowed to do everything that was lawful before Ihram. Each afternoon at Mina, they throw seven pebbles at the three pillars.
Pilgrims are required to leave for Mecca before sunset, where they perform Tawaf around the Ka’aba for the last time.
Days 4 and 5: 11th and 12th Dhul Hijjah:
These days are known as “Ayyam al-tashreeq”, or the days of drying meat. During the time of the Prophet (SAW), pilgrims would preserve the Qurbani meat by seasoning and drying them under the sun to prevent the meat from rotting.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
“The days of tashreeq are the days of eating and drinking.” (Muslim)
pilgrims required to stay in Mina and complete two more rami rituals on 11th and 12th Dhul Hijjah. On the afternoon of 11th Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims have their 21 pebbles ready and proceed to stone the three Jamarat.
pilgrims begin with Jamarah al-Ula (the small pillar), then Jamarah al-Wusta (the middle pillar) and finally, Jamarah al-Aqaba (the big pillar). Each one should be stoned with seven consecutive pebbles accompanied by takbeer.
pilgrims stop after the first and middle Jamrat to make du’a facing the qibla. Remember to take their spare pebbles with them in case they lose some! Once this is completed, pilgrims return to their camp in Mina and spend the rest of the day in worship, making the most of the remaining time they have.
pilgrims then repeat the same for the following day and stone the three Jamrat.
By now, all of their rites of Hajj should have been performed. Now pilgrims should be ready to depart to Makkah. Depending ontheir Hajj group, pilgrims may have a few rest days in Makkah, or pilgrims may depart. In any case, before pilgrims depart Makkah pilgrims must perform the farewell tawaf.
Things Remember for a safer Hajj:
Anyone taking part in it has to take some precautions with regards to his health safety.
- Keeping hydrated: drinking plenty of water hydrates and allows the system to repair itself.
- Personal mats: using a personal prayer mat prevents the spread of germs from person to person.
- Antibacterial wipes: As Hajj consists of several stages and constant movement from place to place among millions of people, keeping your hands clean is vital.
- Mask: airborne microbes can easily spread. Wearing a mask that covers the nose and mouth lowers the risk of direct infection.
- Eating Honey: Natural honey is filled with nutrients to keep you energized and also works as a natural antimicrobial.
- Oregano oil: daily dosage of 2–3 drops of Oregano oil will disinfect and protect against microbes that enter directly into the respiratory system.
- Don’t be tempted to exhaust your energy and trek up Mount Arafah, also known as Jabal al-Rahmah, on this day. Jabal al-Rahmah is the hill from where Prophet Muhammad (SAW) delivered his sermon. There is no authentic source to suggest any benefit in trekking the hill itself or to undertake this climb as a religious ritual. The level area surrounding the hill is called the Plains of Arafah and this is where you should be spending your time in contemplation and prayer.
- At Muzdalifah, you will stay under the night sky. There are no tents or other accommodation facilities here. Although there are plenty of lights, it is still fairly dark. Try to stay near your group, as it is very easy to get lost amongst thousands of pilgrims. If you are a woman, ensure you stay with your husband/mahram and do not wander off on your own. Toilets and wudhu facilities are available in Muzdalifah, but they will be crowded so patience must be exercised here. I would highly recommend you to use the toilets and freshen up before you leave Arafah. Try to carry four small pouches per person for your pebbles.Use the four pouches to group pebbles according to the breakdown above.
- Don’t rush to perform the Rami. The timeframe to complete your Rami is from fajr on the 10th, until fajr on the 11th, so don’t worry if you’re not able to do it in the early part of the day. The Hajj authority will, most likely, allocate a set time for your group to go and perform Rami. They do this to minimise overcrowding and the risk to pilgrims. What’s more, try not to get angry and throw your sandals or other valuable possessions at the pillars. There is no Shaytan behind the pillar, so you’ll only lose your valuables and there is no benefit in doing so!
Final Thoughts:
The hajj is one of the five essential practices of Islam; when they make the pilgrimage to Mecca, Muslims ritually act out the central principles of their faith. it’s important to reflect and pray during this important time of pilgrimage. Hajj shows us that we are equal in the eyes of Allah the Almighty. It humbles us and strengthens our unity and piety.
it is where all distinction between people is eliminated; all people are wearing the same clothes, and doing the same things, in the same way, time, and place. It’s a sign of total submission and obedience to Allah, and a turning point in a Muslim’s life.
May Allah give us the strength, the power, the courage and the effort to do our best to obey Allah and follow His teachings. May Allah guide us and strengthen our Iman. We pray that Allah help us live another year with sincerity and devotion.
May Allah make us realize that one year of our life is over and we are one year closer to our graves. Let us wake up and do our best to please Allah in our daily life.
Let us ask Allah for forgiveness.
Finally, I pray to Allah to benefit those who read this article and others, grant me truthfulness in what I say and do, preserve my thoughts and my pen from deviation and guide me in all my affairs.
And all praise and thanks are due to Allah, without Whose help and guidance nothing can be accomplished. May Allah bless you with happiness, success, guidance, health, and knowledge. May Almighty Allah give us the strength to follow the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and make us part of the group who is among the most righteous! Ameen.
Be patient with yourself. And Keep learning!!
Always start your day by renewing your intention that everything you do for yourself and your community, whether it be your acts of worship or daily chores. It all has to be merely for the sake of Allah (SWT) and also, I ask Allah (SWT) to make my work dedicated only to him and forgiveness from Allah (SWT), if I have got anything wrong. It is He who is the Hearing, the knowing.
I will be calmer, I will spread love as long as I can, I will live a spiritual life, I will do what I please no matter what and I will prove my theories.
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