As we know, every Muslim desire to make a memorable pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. This spiritual journey is also known as Hajj. It is one of the main pillars and obligatory religious duties of Islam. This sacred pilgrimage is a collection of several rituals and events. It also has great significance, a great history, and many interesting facts. In this scenario, consider the following topic for more information: “What are the main events of the Hajj?”
Hajj is an annual and mandatory Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, which is considered to be the holiest city for Muslims. Every physically and financially capable Muslim must perform this sacred journey at least once in his lifetime by booking their Hajj Packages. There are many main events of Hajj, such as Arriving at Mina, the Day of Arafah, and farewell Tawaf.
Hajj – main events
The rituals of Hajj are carried out over for five or six days, officially starting on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah and ending on the 13th of the same month. It is the largest annual religious gathering that takes place in Islam. There are several fundamental rituals associated with a sacred pilgrimage to Mecca. These are the following:
- Ihram and intentions
- Arriving at Mina
- The Day of Arafah
- Muzdalifah
- Rami – Stoning the Devil
- Animal Sacrificing
- Farewell Tawaf
Ihram and intentions
Making a pure intention and wearing the Ihram are the first two crucial phases of Hajj. After making an intention, Muslim pilgrims are advised to wear Ihram, which consists of two unstitched white sheets for men and a loose-fitting attire for women. It is recommended that the pilgrims should wear Ihram for Hajj before crossing Miqat, the outer boundaries of Mecca.
After entering the sacred state of Ihram, pilgrims must perform Tawaf Qudoom and Sa’i within the walls of Masjid Haram in Mecca.
Arriving at Mina
Mina, a small town, is situated 6 km from Mecca. When pilgrims arrive in the small city of Mina, it is advised that they stay there and rest until the next day. While staying in Mina, pilgrims offer all five prayers, beginning with the noon prayer (Zuhr) and ending with the Morning Prayer (Fajr).
The Day of Arafah
Pilgrims arrive in Arafat, a desolate area nearly 20 kilometers east of Mecca, before noon on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah. They stand in pious vigil, seek forgiveness for their past misdeeds, and listen to the sermon delivered by Islamic scholars from close to Mount Arafat. According to Islamic history, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave his last sermon on this mountain.
One of the most significant rituals of Hajj is called Wuquf (“Standing before God”), and it lasts from noon to sunset. At Masjid Namirah, pilgrims undertake both the noon and afternoon prayers together. If a pilgrim does not spend the afternoon in Arafat, his pilgrimage is void.
Muzdalifah
The next destination for the pilgrims is Muzdalifah, a small town located between Mina and Mount Arafat. When pilgrims arrive at this place at sunset, they offer both sunset and night prayers together. Muslims spend an entire night under the open sky and collect 49 pebbles of similar sizes for the ritual of Rami (Stoning of the Devil). They leave this small town on the morning of the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.
After leaving the town of Muzdalifah, pilgrims must perform Tawaf Ziyarah and Sa’i inside the walls of the Grand Mosque of Mecca.
Rami – Stoning the Devil
On arriving at Mina, pilgrims carry out the act of Rami Jamarat-al-Aqabah. Seven pebbles are thrown at the column structure. This act is done in the memory of the Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) when the devil tried to discourage him from following the order of Allah Almighty. Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) responded by throwing some pebbles to make the devil go away. Rami should be performed at noon each day. This act takes place on the 11th and 12th of Dhul Hijjah.
Animal Sacrificing
After performing Rami, pilgrims sacrifice animals to remember the story of the Prophets Ibrahim (A.S.) and Ismail (A.S.). This sacrificed animal can be a lamb or camel. Pilgrims should distribute their sacrificed animal meat to the needy.
After making sacrificing an animal, pilgrims should shave their heads or cut their hair.
Farewell Tawaf
After completing the Hajj, the farewell Tawaf is the last ritual a pilgrim must undertake before leaving Mecca. However, it is only mandatory for those who have travelled for Hajj from outside the boundaries of Miqat. Therefore, those living within the premises of Miqat are exempt from the requirement to perform this circumambulation.
Conclusion
Hajj is the 5th pillar of Islam. It is an annual and obligatory pilgrimage to Mecca. It has great importance and great history in the Islam religion.
This holy journey is a collection of many events and rituals. These events may include the Day of Arafah, Rami (Stoning the Devil), and the farewell Tawaf.
Note: Make sure the company from which you have booked your Hajj and Umrah Packages are protected by ATOL and IATA.