HAJJ FACTS

Hajj: Definition

Hajj is an Arabic word which literally means “to set out for a place” and in the Shari’ah of Islam, Hajj means to visit specific places—such as the Ka’bah, Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina, and to perform specific actions—such as Tawaf, Sa’iee and staying at Arafah in specific times and that is the Month of Dul-Hijjah.

Hajj: A Pillar of Islam

The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is mentioned in a Hadith of البخاري ومسلم. عبد الله بن عمر narrates that Allah’s messenger (s) said:

بني الإسلام على خمس: شهادة أن لا إله إلا الله وأن محمداً رسول الله، وإقام الصلاة، وإيتاء الزكاة، والحج، وصوم رمضان.

Islam is built upon five (pillars): [1] to testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad (s)  is His Messenger; [2] to establish (five times daily) Salah; [3] to pay Zakah; [4] to perform Hajj; and [5] to observe Fasting in the month of Ramadan.

When was Hajj Prescribed?

According to the most reliable sources it was made obligatory in the 9^th year of the Hijrah. It was established by one of the Ayaat of the Qur’an. And that is the Ayah 97 of سورة آل عمران:

“وَلِلَّـهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا ۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّـهَ غَنِيٌّ عَنِ الْعَالَمِينَ”‏‏.

And Hajj to the House (and that is Ka’bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves (and denies Hajj), then Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures.

Imam Ahmad recorded from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (s) once gave a speech in which he said:

يَـأَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ فُرِضَ عَلَيْكُمُ الْحَجُّ فَحُجُّوا

“O people! Hajj has been enjoined on you, therefore, perform Hajj”.

Hajj is an obligation for all Muslims to perform once in their lifetime, if they are able to do so as soon as possible. [Unfortunately it is abnormal to see the old people performing hajj.]

When did Prophet (s) perform Hajj?

The Prophet (s) sent Abu Bakr (ra) for Hajj in the same year it was prescribed. He himself performed Hajj in 10^th Hijri.

• Haji is a special guest of Allah (SWT).
• Hajj is a worship like Salat, Sawm & Zakat.
• Hajj/Umrah travel is a unique spiritual experience.
• This journey is NOT a vacation or business trip
• It’s always tiring and uncomfortable.
• During the journey, focus on your Hajj with patience.
• In this trip we should strive to please Allah (SWT).
• During this journey, Allah (SWT) may test us in different ways.
  • With our Health, Wealth or Time.
  • With delays in Flights, Buses, Hotel check-in/out, or Meals.
  • With lost of valuables things like Airline ticket, Passport or Green Card.
  • With lost of Family Member or Hotel Room or Mina Tent location.