Haj - A pillar of Islam

Haj is considered as one of the Pillars of Islam. For every devout Muslim, it is mandatory to undertake Haj pilgrimage at least once in his/her life. However, if resources permit, one may go for Haj pilgrimage more than once in his/her life.

Haj (Hajj) is also significant because it provides an opportunity to Muslims from all parts of the world to meet at the holy city of Mecca and reiterate the commitment of making bonds of Islamic brotherhood much stronger.

Undertaking Haj (Hajj) pilgrimage has its own rules. When a pilgrim lands in Makkah to perform Haj (Hajj), it becomes obligatory for a male hajji (Haj pilgrims are referred by this term) to wear only an ihram, a garment consisting of two sheets of white unhemmed cloth, the top draped over the torso and the bottom secured by a white sash; plus a pair of sandals. This exercise symbolically intends to create an equal footing among all pilgrims of Haj (Hajj) irrespective of their social status and other worldly distinctions. The ihram also symbolizes purity and absolution of sins. Female pilgrims are supposed to wear a simple white or black dress with a head covering. There is a particular place called miqat where Haj (Hajj) pilgrims change into ihram. Once the Haj (Hajj) pilgrims get into ihram robes, they are not supposed to shave, cut nails, or wear any kind of jewelry.

The greater Haj (al-hajj al-akbar) begins on the 8th day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah when pilgrims leave Makkah for the nearby town of Mina, where they spend the entire day. The next morning, on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the Haj (Hajj) pilgrims march for Mount Arafat which is called the wuquf. After the sunset, Haj (Hajj) pilgrims are again on the move and they make their way for Muzdalifah, an area between Arafat and Mina, where pebbles are gathered for the stoning of the jamarat.

Next morning, they are back in Mina performing the first part of the stoning of the jamarat ritual, pilgrims throw seven pebbles at the large jamrah (wall) in Mina. After this, an animal is sacrificed. After this ritual, Haj (Hajj) pilgrims have the freedom to give up their ihram robes and can get their heads shaved which symbolizes rebirth. That is, pilgrim's sins have been cleansed by completion of the Haj (Hajj). Following day, Haj (Hajj) pilgrims are back in Makkah and visit the Masjid al-Haram to perform tawaf called the Tawaf az-Ziyarah (or Tawaf al-Ifadah) which is an obligatory part of the Haj (Hajj). The night of the 10th is spent back at Mina.

On the afternoon of the 11th, Haj (Hajj) pilgrims are supposed to stone all three jamarat in Mina. The same ritual must be performed on the following day. Haj (Hajj) pilgrims are then required to leave Mina for Makkah before sunset on the 12th.

Finally, before leaving Makkah, pilgrims perform a farewell tawaf called the Tawaf al-Wada. And this completes the entire Haj (Hajj) process which is so special for all followers of Islam.