Hajj 2017
Hajj 2017
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is
obligatory to perform Hajj at least once in your lifetime.
Hajj 2017 commenced on the evening of Wednesday, 30th of
August 2017 and continued till Monday, 4th of September 2017. This is the
tentative date as the actual date is contingent on the sighting of the moon of
Dhul Hijjah.
According to the Islamic Calendar, Hajj begins on
the eighth day of Dhul Hijja and ends on the thirteenth day of the same Islamic
month. There are many rituals in the performance of Hajj and these may be
completed over the course of the 5 days. Every year, millions Muslims
participate in this holy pilgrimage to the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
At the time of Prophet (PBUH), Hajj was made compulsory
for the Muslims to perform once in their lifetime. The overarching aim of the
Hajj is to strengthen one’s faith and purify him or her of sins. Allah mentions
the benefits of Hajj as:
“That they may witness things that are of benefit to them,
and mention the name of Allah on appointed days over the beast of cattle that
He has bestowed upon them. Then eat thereof and feed therewith the poor
unfortunate.” (Quran 22:28)
The rites of Hajj were laid down in current form by
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). These rituals signify the sacrifices (Qurbani) and the
complete submission to Allah (SWT) by Prophet Ibrahim (RA). Thereafter, every
act performed in Hajj, from performing Tawaaf and Saa’i to stoning the wall of Satan,
is the reminder of the faith one should have in Allah, as shown by Ibrahim
(RA).
In a hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah, the Prophet (PBUH) also mentioned the significance of Hajj:
“Allah’s Apostle was asked, ‘What is the best deed?’ He
replied, ‘To believe in Allah and His Apostle (Muhammad)’. The questioner then
asked, ‘What is the next (in goodness)?’ He replied, ‘To participate in Jihad
in Allah’s Cause.’ The questioner again asked, ‘What is the next (in
goodness)?’ He replied, ‘To perform Hajj (Pilgrim age to Mecca) ‘Mubrur, (which
is accepted by Allah and is performed with the intention of seeking Allah’s
pleasure only and not to show off and without committing a sin and in
accordance with the traditions of the Prophet).” (Bukhari 2:25)
On the 10th of Zil Hajj, Eid al Adha (Bakra Eid) is
celebrated. It is the day when Muslims slaughter animals, generally a sheep, a
goat or a camel, remembering the sacrifice of Ibrahim (RA). Ibrahim (RA)
intended to slaughter his son Ismail (RA) on Allah’s orders, but Allah replaced
Ismail with a sheep just when Ibrahim was about to go ahead with the sacrifice.
This submissive act of faith by Ibrahim (RA) as an integral part of Haj as it
signifies trust and total surrender to the will of the Almighty.
Hajj (Muslim Pilgrimage) is meant to be an empowering event in a Muslim’s life, thereafter, it is needed to be performed in a manner prescribed by Allah as each act is historically significant and meaningful.
Frequently asked questions
- Q When was Hajj 2017?
A Hajj 2017 commenced on the evening of Wednesday, 30th of August 2017 and continued till Monday, 4th of September 2017. This is the tentative date as the actual date is contingent on the sighting of the moon of Dhul Hijjah.
- Q What is a pilgrimage?
A A pilgrimage is a journey one takes for spiritual purposes, usually to a holy place. Muslims visit the Holy city of Makka, Saudi Arabia to perform pilgrimage. In Islam, pilgrimage is of two kinds; Umrah and Hajj. Umrah is optional while Hajj is mandatory and must be performed by each Muslim at least once in a lifetime, granted he/she has the necessary resources.
- Q How many days of Hajj are there?
A Hajj begins on the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah and ends on the thirteenth day of the same Islamic month. There are many rituals in the performance of Hajj and these may be completed over the course of the 5 days.
- Q Where is the Hajj from?
A The rites of Hajj were laid down in current form by the Holy Prophet (PBUH), and these rituals signify the sacrifices and the complete submission to Allah, that Ibrahim (RA) made. The performance of Hajj is not meant to be an arbitrary exercise - the rituals of Hajj are meant to be performed in the exact manner as they are prescribed. Allah says in Surah Baqarah: “And perform properly (i.e. all the ceremonies according to the ways of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Hajj and Umrah for Allah” (Quran 2:196)
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