The Hajj pilgrimage, which is one of the annual pilgrimages that each of the Muslim members has to take part in, is considered to be one of the most important ceremonies. It is said that each Muslim must take part in a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.
Going on a Hajj pilgrimage once in their life makes it one of the five pillars of Islam, which not only brings happiness and rewards but will also provide forgiveness of sins from Allah. Let us take a look at why hajj is important in Islam and what the other benefits of going on hajj are.
This pilgrimage takes place in the last month of the Islamic calendar, called Dhul Hijjah, in which the first day of Hajj takes place on the eight days of this month. Throughout this physically demanding journey, what Muslims seek is a new way to perceive Allah and learn more about his will while also clearing out any sins throughout their lives.
This pilgrimage was first discovered by Prophet Muhammad and Ibrahim and now the pilgrims follow their steps to fulfil the duties of Allah.
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Where does Hajj take place?
Hajj does not have a particular location; however, it takes place in Saudi Arabia. This pilgrimage takes place at multiple locations and people walk on foot throughout the duration of the pilgrimage. The pilgrims travel to Mecca while passing through Medina and Mount Arafat. The pilgrims also stay and pray at Kaaba, which is the centre of the Masjid al-Haram, which is considered one of the most important mosques in Islam.
What does hajj mean in Islam?
Hajj which translates to attending a journey, is one of the five pillars that govern the life of a Muslim and is also considered to be one of the most sacred traditions in the life of any Muslim.
Duration of Hajj:
The duration of Hajj usually lasts from 5 to 6 days and it depends on when the pilgrims leave. While it is allowed to leave the pilgrimage on the fifth day, which is the 12th day of Dhul Hijjah, they are needed to complete the farewell before leaving. This farewell, also called the Tawaf al-Wadaa, is done by walking around the Kaaba seven times counter-clockwise.
The Muslims who leave the pilgrimage on the fifth day also try to touch or kiss the Kaaba before leaving. While the rest of the Muslims who stay for the sixth day tend to attend the stone-throwing ritual in which seven stones are thrown at three pillars in Mina,.
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Benefits of Hajj:
Hajj, being a spiritual and emotional journey, is also a ritual where Muslims gain a lot of benefits and some of them can be mentioned below:
Social impact of Hajj on Muslims:
It is an undeniable fact that the Hajj pilgrimage is one of the largest gatherings of humans, and this allows one to interact with people of various castes, races, and colours. All people from around the world come together in the name of Allah and become equal during this pilgrimage, which helps create unity between the people. It does not create a peaceful interaction between people but will also help create a brotherly bond between everyone in the world.
Sins are forgiven.
Sins are quite common among humankind and getting forgiveness for them can be quite hard. Well, one of the most important reasons to attend the Hajj is to seek the forgiveness of sins from Allah and to perceive how merciful Allah can be.
Spiritual benefits of Hajj:
It is important to always remember the name of the creator and meditate on it, but at times, due to temptations, it can be hard to remember the creator. It is during the Hajj pilgrimage that Muslims tend to keep on saying reverend prayers and remembering the name of Allah at all times.
Virtues that you learn through Hajj:
Hajj, being both a physically and emotionally exhausting ritual, makes sure we learn more about patience, discipline, and strengthening the bond between fellow people around the world.
These are the benefits that one gets when you attend the Hajj pilgrimage.
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Is it important that you attend the Hajj pilgrimage even if you are poor?
The Hajj Pilgrimage, being one of the pillars, is one of the most important rituals in the life of a Muslim. However, this includes travelling to a foreign land to attend the Hajj. While it is important, it can only be afforded by those who are financially stable, and hence it becomes hard for those who are poor. But this does not affect the lives and virtues of Muslims. Because it is eventually Allah who has provided health and wealth, and he will make sure to not hold it against you during the judgement day.
Conclusion:
Hajj, hence, is an important ritual and one of the most attended rituals around the world. All the above points indicate why it is important for a person to attend the same and how it can affect a Muslim’s life.
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