Umrah is compulsory for all Muslims at least once in life. Whenever there is an…
The fundamental rites of the Hajj
Hajj is one of the basic pillars of Islam. There are certain rules and regulations to perform Hajj which have to be followed by the pilgrims intending to perform Hajj. There are some fundamental rites of Hajj that every pilgrim should know before leaving for hajj.
Ihram is the first condition for performing Hajj. The pilgrims have to enter the state of Hajj from the point of Miqat. Miqat is the point from where it is obligatory to wear Ihram. If someone violates this rule, he has to offer sacrifice for this violation. We see that many professions require a uniform and it is binding on the workers to abide by the rule of wearing uniform, for example doctors, sports persons, police, armed forces etc. Similarly educational institutes bind the students to wear a uniform. This is because uniformity in dressing creates harmony, discipline and equality. Hajj is one of the most important religious duties for Muslims, therefore it is obligatory to wear Ihram for Hajj.
Ihram is the first condition for performing Hajj.
Another fundamental rite of hajj is standing in the ground of Arafat. This act is obligatory and it has unlimited blessings. Allah Almighty showers His blessings on the pilgrims standing in Arafat as well as those who are not there and those who are facing punishment for their bad deeds in hell. It is narrated by Ummul Momineen Aisha that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said “There is no day on which Allah frees more of His slaves from Fire than the Day of Arafah.”
Tawaaf is another fundamental rite of hajj. The pilgrims have to visit the Holy House of Allah, according to the prescribed manner. Seeing Hajr e aswad and having seven rounds around the Holy Kaaba is compulsory. In the wake of finishing the seven rounds, Muslim pilgrims visit maqam-e-Ibrahim and drink water from Zamzam.
Saa’ee is also a part of fundamental rights of hajj. Pilgrims approach the hill of Safa to perform Saa’ee or struggle. Saa’ee between Safa and Marwa is in commemoration of the act of Bibi Haajra when she was left by Prophet Ibrahim in the desert between Safa and Marwa with infant son. He was commanded by Allah to do so to test their patience. When the food supplies were finished, Bibi Haajra ran between Safa and Marwa to find something to eat or drink for her son.
Allah Almighty rewarded her struggle and produced a spring of water where her son was lying. Saa’ee is a realization of her running between Safa and Marwa for seven times. That is how they realize how Allah tested His loved persons by putting them in difficult situations and how they came out successful in His tests.
Hajj actually is a way to make the pilgrims clean, pure and pious and better persons for themselves and for those around them. Hajj makes them realize they are part of a worldwide brotherhood and community of Ummat-e-Muslima. It awakens the spirit of unity, discipline and faith among them and gives them a new life.
Summary
Reviewer
Abdul Malik
Review Date
Reviewed Item
The fundamental rites of the Hajj
About the Author
Eaalim Travel is enthusiastic about imparting knowledge about the perfect example and life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and in doing so the idea is to create a deep love as well as connection with our Prophet ﷺ.
