What is Hajj?

Each year, millions of Muslims from all across the world perform Hajj, the sacred pilgrimage and the fifth pillar of Islam. Hajj takes place in Makkah, in modern day Saudi  Arabia, during the holy month of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month in the Islamic calendar. Hajj is a spiritual duty and a pillar of Islam, meaning that Hajj must be performed by every Muslim at least once in their lifetime, so long as they are financially, physically, and emotionally able to do so. Going more than once during your lifetime is  permitted whilst sincerely seeking Allah’s pleasure. Allah says:

“And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds. ” [Quran : 3:97]

For anyone preparing to perform Hajj, it’s an incredibly exciting time, but also a time of great spiritual importance – the first time going can be a once in a lifetime experience for a Muslim.

The Hajj is a test of patience and temperament – a spiritual, emotional, and physical challenge. However, it offers Muslims the opportunity to refresh spiritually, to cleanse  themselves away from sins and to draw closer to Allah.

As Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah and does not utter any obscene speech or do any evil deed,  will go back (free of sin) as his mother bore him.” Hadith | Bukhari and Muslim

When does Hajj take place?

Hajj takes place between the 8th and the 12th or 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah each year, depending on the sighting of the moon. Dhu al-Hijjah is the twelfth month in the Islamic  calendar and holds some of the most sacred periods of the entire Islamic calendar. The Gregorian dates for Hajj will vary each year, as the Islamic calendar operates on the  lunar cycle.

How long does Hajj last?

The Hajj pilgrimage is performed over five to six days, from the 8th to 12th or 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah. When the new crescent moon is sighted, Eid al-Adha begins, which lasts  for four days. The pilgrimage is comprised of a series of rites and rituals, some of which must be performed in order.

Where does the Hajj take place?

Hajj is performed in Makkah, modern day Saudi Arabia. The pilgrimage consists of a series of rites and rituals across five to six days and is performed across several locations within the vicinity of Makkah.

These locations include:

• The city of Makkah
• The tent settlement of Mina
• Mount ‘Arafah
• Muzdalifah

Who is Eligible to Perform Hajj?

Hajj forms one of the five pillars of Islam. As such, all Muslims must perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime. However, there are still certain conditions that need to be met in order to perform Hajj:

1. Firstly, only Muslim adults (whether male or female) are required to perform Hajj. This means that while children may go to Hajj, it is not required of them.
2. Secondly, the very weak, sick, elderly, or otherwise physically incapable Muslims are exempt from having to perform the pilgrimage.
3. Thirdly, the Muslim must be financially able to perform Hajj. This means that a person in debt is not obliged to perform Hajj until he has cleared his debt – and must have the intention of doing so as a priority. However, if one is in debt, they may still perform Hajj as long as:
   1. The creditor permits it.
   2. The debtor has time to pay off the debt.
   3. Hajj does not affect their ability to pay off the debt.

There are many sources about Hajj on the Internet. An interested reader can use THIS link as a start.