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Introduction to Islam

IslamMadeEasyforNew Muslim

Five Pillars of Islam
What is Shahada
What is Salaah (Prayer)
What is (Sawm) Fasting
What is Zakat (Charity)
What is Hajj (Pilgrimage)

Six Pillars of Faith

Belief in one God
Belief in Angels
Belief in all Prophets

Belief in Holy Books

Belief in Life After Death
Belief in Qadar (Destiny)

Halal and Haram in Islam
The Islamic Calendar

 

Hajj- Pilgrimage to Makkah

 

Hajj is the name of the pilgrimage to Makkah, the Muslim`s holy city in Saudi Arabia. It is duty for any Muslim who can afford and able to go there and perform the ritual of hajj, this should be done at least one time during Muslim`s life.

 

Quran chapter 3: verse97: "In it are Signs Manifest; (for example), the Station of Abraham; whoever enters it attains security; Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah,- those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures".

 

The origin of Hajj and it rituals is dated back to the time of the Prophet Abraham, over a four thousand years ago.

 

Procedure of Hajj takes place in the month of Dhul-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar.

Q chapter 22: verse27:

"And proclaim the Pilgrimage among men: they will come to thee on foot and (mounted) on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways;

 

Q chapter2: verse197: "For HAJJ are the months well known. If any one undertakes that duty therein, Let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the HAJJ. And whatever good ye do, (be sure) Allah knoweth it. And take a provision (With you) for the journey, but the best of provisions is right conduct. So fear Me, o ye that are wise".

 

The procedure of performing Hajj unites Muslims from all over the world. People of every colour, race and ethnic background come together in the holy city of Makkah to perform the same actions, at the same time. Wearing the same clothes and saying the same words.

This duty reminds all Muslims that everyone was created equal by Allah, and the only distinguishing factor between them is the strength of faith and piety.

Quran chapter 49: verse13.
Allah says: “Oh mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)”.

 

In the year 2009 it is claimed that over 3 million pilgrims made the pilgrimage. This number represents the largest annual gathering of any faith in the world.

The rituals of Hajj includes the following:

Ihram:-Putting on the ‘Ihram', which the two piece of unstitched white cloth that all men must wear whilst performing hajj. This clothing reminds all Muslims that they are equal in the site of Allah. Women do not face the same restrictions as men, however are encouraged to wear simple clothing also.

Tawaf – The circling of the Ka'bah, the cubed building in Makkah ( the house of God), towards which all Muslims face when praying five times a day.

 

Sa'ee – a fast walk or run between the two hills of Safa' and Marwa near the Ka'bah. This ritual dates back to the time of Prophet Abraham when he was ordered by Allah to leave his wife Hajarh and his son Ismaeel in the desert.

[ Quran chapter 2: verse158]:

"Inna alssafa waalmarwata min shaAAairi Allahi faman hajja albayta awi iAAtamara fala junaha AAalayhi an yattawwafa bihima waman tatawwaAAa khayran fainna Allaha shakirun AAaleemun"

 

In desperation, Hajarh ran several time between these two hills in search of water for her son to drink. As the weather was extrimly hot and their water was finished. Allah cause the well of Zamzam water to appear by her Ismaeel's feet. This ritual thus commemorates Hajarh's struggle.

Visiting and staying at Mina, Arafat and Muzadalifah, three sacred places near Makkah.

Stoning the Jamaraat- throwing pebbles at three pillars which represent saytan in Mina.

The stoning of these pillars represent Muslims' rejection and defiance of the Shaytaan, or devil. This ritual also dates back to the time of Abraham as when he was called by Allah to sacrifice his son, he was several times approached by the Shaytaan who tried to encourage him against Allah's Command.

Ibraham through some stone at Shaytaan as shaytaan wanted to prevent Ibrahim from sacrificing his son. By this act Ibrahim showed his rejection for temptation, and his submission to Allah's command

Sacrifice of an animal.
Again, this tradition stems from the time of Prophet Abraham. Abraham was ordered by Allah to sacrifice his son. He and his son willingly set out to fulfil the command. However, as Abraham was just about to sacrifice his son, Allah stopped him, saying that he had proven his loyalty, then Allah sent a Ram for them to sacrifice instead.

 

Quran chapter 37: Vrese107,: "And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice":