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Thread: A Short Guide to Hajj The days of Hajj are upon us! It will be a unique experience this year for many blessed Saudi nationals able to perform Hajj, but it's significance goes beyond the Haramain
. So I put this together in hope it helps you understand why! #TeamRE
1. The month of 'Dhul-Hijjah'
Dhul-Hijjah is the Arabic name for the 'month of the Hajj'. It is the final month in the Islamic lunar calendar and began today, 22nd July. Muslims are encouraged to exercise good habits to make the most of this month, because P.Muhammad taught that:
Dhul-Hijjah is the Arabic name for the 'month of the Hajj'. It is the final month in the Islamic lunar calendar and began today, 22nd July. Muslims are encouraged to exercise good habits to make the most of this month, because P.Muhammad taught that:
2. Why do we perform Hajj?
Hajj is one of the 5 Pillars of Islam. It means 'pilgrimage' (same etymology as Hijjah) & involves the journey to Makkah which Muslims are encouraged to perform once in their life. It shows full submission to Allah & is a means of seeking forgiveness.
Hajj is one of the 5 Pillars of Islam. It means 'pilgrimage' (same etymology as Hijjah) & involves the journey to Makkah which Muslims are encouraged to perform once in their life. It shows full submission to Allah & is a means of seeking forgiveness.
3. Day 1 of Hajj: 8th Dhul-Hijjah
First, Muslims enter 'Ihraam', a state of purity, mentally & physically. This includes 2 unstitched clean white sheets for men & clean modest clothing for women, & prohibitions e.g. shaving, perfume, avoiding anger, damaging plants/animals & more
First, Muslims enter 'Ihraam', a state of purity, mentally & physically. This includes 2 unstitched clean white sheets for men & clean modest clothing for women, & prohibitions e.g. shaving, perfume, avoiding anger, damaging plants/animals & more
4. Day 1: 8th Dhul-Hijjah
Once in ihram, pilgrims circle the Kaaba 7 times (called tawaaf) whilst making supplications, before walking to and from the symbolic mountains of Safa and Marwah 7 times. Then pilgrims walk to Mina and spend the day in tents remembering Allah (dhikr).
Once in ihram, pilgrims circle the Kaaba 7 times (called tawaaf) whilst making supplications, before walking to and from the symbolic mountains of Safa and Marwah 7 times. Then pilgrims walk to Mina and spend the day in tents remembering Allah (dhikr).
5. Day 2: 9th Dhul-Hijjah
After morning prayers, pilgrims make their way from Mina to the plain of Arafah where Prophet Muhammad gave his final sermon. They spend the entire day here seeking the mercy of Allah & many Muslims around the world fast in hope of atoning for past sins.
After morning prayers, pilgrims make their way from Mina to the plain of Arafah where Prophet Muhammad gave his final sermon. They spend the entire day here seeking the mercy of Allah & many Muslims around the world fast in hope of atoning for past sins.
6. Day 2: 9th Dhul-Hijjah
At sunset, before leaving Arafat, Muslims make their way to Muzdalifah (another province), spending the night praying and sleeping on the ground. On their way, they will also collect pebbles/stones for the next ritual.
At sunset, before leaving Arafat, Muslims make their way to Muzdalifah (another province), spending the night praying and sleeping on the ground. On their way, they will also collect pebbles/stones for the next ritual.
7. Day 3: 10th Dhul-Hijjah
Before dawn, pilgrims go back to Mina and perform the first stoning of the devil (symbolised by 3 large columns), using their pebbles. When P.Ibrahim was tempted by the devil on not slaughtering his son, he threw stones at the devil to ward him off.
Before dawn, pilgrims go back to Mina and perform the first stoning of the devil (symbolised by 3 large columns), using their pebbles. When P.Ibrahim was tempted by the devil on not slaughtering his son, he threw stones at the devil to ward him off.
8. Day 3: 10th Dhul-Hijjah
Prophet Ibrahim then proceeded to sacrifice his son as an act of submission to God, before being stopped by God. Pilgrims also sacrifice (or pay someone else to), then perform Tawaaf again, after which men shave their hair/women trim of a flock of hair)
Prophet Ibrahim then proceeded to sacrifice his son as an act of submission to God, before being stopped by God. Pilgrims also sacrifice (or pay someone else to), then perform Tawaaf again, after which men shave their hair/women trim of a flock of hair)
9: Day 3: 10th Dhul-Hijjah
To the rest of the world, this day is also Eid ul-Adha! The 'festival of sacrifice'. Apart from the sacrifice (with some meat given to the poor), Muslims visit family and friends, feast and perform prayers, and contemplate on their blessings from Allah!
To the rest of the world, this day is also Eid ul-Adha! The 'festival of sacrifice'. Apart from the sacrifice (with some meat given to the poor), Muslims visit family and friends, feast and perform prayers, and contemplate on their blessings from Allah!
10. Day 4 & 5: 11th & 12th Dhul-Hijjah
Pilgrims return to Mina for the stoning of the devil again (all 3 pillars) before returning back to Masjid al-Haram to perform the 'farewell Tawaaf' the next day. This marks the completion of Hajj!
Pilgrims return to Mina for the stoning of the devil again (all 3 pillars) before returning back to Masjid al-Haram to perform the 'farewell Tawaaf' the next day. This marks the completion of Hajj!
11. After Hajj
It is a sunnah to then visit the city of Madinah after completing Hajj, to send salutations to the Prophet where he is buried and visit other holy sites. Men who have completed Hajj become 'Hajji's' & women 'Hajja's'. Their arrival home is a huge celebration!
It is a sunnah to then visit the city of Madinah after completing Hajj, to send salutations to the Prophet where he is buried and visit other holy sites. Men who have completed Hajj become 'Hajji's' & women 'Hajja's'. Their arrival home is a huge celebration!
Further viewing:
Inside the Hajj:
Malcolm X on Hajj:
Hajj 2019:
Or if you prefer reading...
https://www.aljazeera.com/focus/hajj/2009/11/2009111895127111168.html
Please forgive me if I have made any mistakes.
Inside the Hajj:
Malcolm X on Hajj:
Hajj 2019:
Or if you prefer reading...
https://www.aljazeera.com/focus/hajj/2009/11/2009111895127111168.html
Please forgive me if I have made any mistakes.
