Why hajj is important in Islam
- Author- Rose Mary
- Publish Date-
Hajj pilgrimage which is one of the annual pilgrimages that each of the Muslim members have to take part in is considered to be one of the most important ceremonies. It is said that each Muslims must take part in 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 are the other benefits of going on Hajj
This pilgrimage take place in last month of the Islamic calendar called the 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 life.
This pilgrimage was first found by Prophet Muhammad and Ibrahim and now the pilgrims follow their steps to fulfill the duties of Allah.
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Where does Hajj take place?
Hajj doe s not have a particular location it however takes place in Saudi Arabia. This pilgrimage takes place at multiple locations and people walk on foot throughout the pilgrimage duration. The pilgrims travel to Mecca while passing through Medina and Mount Arafat. The pilgrims also stay and pray at Kaaba which is the center of the Masjid al-Haram which is considered to be 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 which governs 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 is for 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 as 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 tends 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 gathering of humans and this allows one to interact with people of various caste, race and colors. All people from around the world come together in the name of Allah and becomes 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 the same can be quite hard. Well, one of the most important reasons to attend the Hajj is to seek the forgiveness of sins form Allah and to perceive how merciful Allah can be.
Spiritual benefits of Hajj:
it is important to remember the name of the creator always and meditate on the same 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 remember 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 should attend Hajj Pilgrimage even if you are poor?
Hajj Pilgrimage being one of the pillars is one of the most important rituals in the life of a Muslim. However, this includes traveling 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 life and virtues of the 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 is 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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