HAJJ

Hajj: A Journey of Faith and Unity

Hajj, the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, is one of the five pillars of Islam and a profound act of worship. It is a journey that connects Muslims to their Creator and the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him). Hajj is not merely a physical journey; it is a spiritual act of submission, humility, and unity with fellow believers from across the globe.

The Origins of Hajj

The rituals of Hajj trace back to Prophet Ibrahim, his wife Hajar, and their son Ismail (peace be upon them all). Allah commanded Ibrahim to leave his wife and infant son in the barren valley of Mecca, a test of faith and submission. When Hajar ran between the hills of Safa and Marwa in search of water for her crying child, Allah provided the miraculous Zamzam spring.
Later, Ibrahim and Ismail built the Kaaba, the House of Allah, as a place for worship and unity. Allah instructed Ibrahim to proclaim the pilgrimage:

"And proclaim to the people the Hajj; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass." (Surah Al-Hajj 22:27)
Thus, Hajj became a universal act of devotion, inviting believers to follow in their footsteps and reflect on submission to Allah’s will.

Why Muslims Perform Hajj

Hajj is an act of worship that fulfills several purposes:
Submission to Allah: It reminds Muslims of their ultimate purpose—servitude to Allah alone.
Unity: Hajj erases barriers of race, nationality, and wealth as millions of Muslims stand together in simple white garments, equal before Allah.
Reflection: It offers an opportunity to reflect on life, seek forgiveness, and renew one’s commitment to faith.

The Quran emphasizes the spiritual benefits of Hajj:

"That they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known days." (Surah Al-Hajj 22:28)
How to Perform Hajj
The rituals of Hajj are precise and follow the path set by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
Ihram: Pilgrims don the special white garments, signifying purity and equality.
Tawaf: Circling the Kaaba seven times.
Sa’i: Walking between Safa and Marwa, commemorating Hajar’s search for water.
Arafat: Standing in prayer at Mount Arafat, seeking Allah’s forgiveness.
Muzdalifah and Mina: Collecting and throwing pebbles at the Jamarat, symbolizing the rejection of evil.
Sacrifice: Offering an animal sacrifice, commemorating Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice for Allah.
Tawaf al-Ifadah: A final circumambulation of the Kaaba, marking the end of Hajj.

Hajj and Financial Ability

The Quran makes it clear that Hajj is an obligation only for those who can afford it:

"And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House—for whoever is able to find thereto a way." (Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:97)
In today’s world, many Muslims may face financial challenges or other barriers that prevent them from performing Hajj. There is no judgment for those who cannot go, as Allah knows their circumstances and intentions.
Supporting Women and Single Mothers in Hajj
In modern times, many women, especially single mothers, may lack the support of a guardian (mahram) to perform Hajj. This is a call for Muslim men to fulfill their responsibility as protectors and supporters, as emphasized in the Quran:

"Men are the protectors and maintainers of women." (Surah An-Nisa 4:34)
True believers should strive to assist single women, widows, and orphans in fulfilling their dream of performing Hajj. Surah Al-Baqarah 2:215 reminds us:

"They ask you, [O Muhammad], what they should spend. Say, 'Whatever you spend of good is [to be] for parents and relatives and orphans and the needy and the traveler. And whatever you do of good—indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.' "

A Call for Generosity in 2025

In today’s fast-paced world, selfishness and inward thinking have become prevalent. Yet, Islam calls us to the opposite—to think of others and uplift the community. Those who have already performed Hajj and are financially able should prioritize helping others fulfill this sacred duty.
Supporting others in Hajj aligns with the principles of zakat (charity) and Allah’s justice. The Quran constantly reminds us to care for the less fortunate, ensuring that no one is left behind.

"And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience]." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:43)

Conclusion: A Journey for All

Hajj is not just a journey to Mecca; it is a journey of the soul, a testament to faith, and an embodiment of unity. Whether you are performing Hajj yourself or helping someone else fulfill this obligation, the blessings are immense.
Let us remember that Islam is a religion of compassion, justice, and generosity. By supporting each other, especially the vulnerable, we embody the true spirit of submission to Allah.

Together, we can bring the light of faith and unity to a world in need.