For more than 350 days a year, the Hejaz, in western Saudi Arabia, is a dreary desolate landscape. But over the next couple of weeks, the unforgiving desert of Hejaz will receive more than 3 million pilgrims from all corners of the world.
Under the scorching sun and in the fierce winds lies the site of mankind’s greatest religious gathering: The Kaaba. For more than 1400 years, The Kaaba has been not only the “Qibla” for a 1.6 billion Muslims, but also the destination of tens of thousands of Muslims annually. Muslims around the world all stand in one direction facing the Kaaba five times a day. They embark on this epic journey to the Holy city of Mecca once a year in the ultimate act of devotion: The Hajj.
The rituals of Hajj, which are all performed in five days include Ihram (consecration), during which a person abstains from all actions that they performs habitually and daily such as engaging in any sexual act, trimming their nails and hair, hunting animals and killing insects, and even wearing any ornaments or perfumes. The significance of Ihram is that a person is expected to break their daily habits and follow a lifestyle of life different from the one they usually follow in ordinary times.
In Tawaf (circumambulation), a person confesses ultimate submission to Allah, declaring that they are coming to His house to circumambulate around it; and thus, rejecting all other houses of tyrants, oppressors, and non-believers. The Talbiya chanted during Tawaf reaffirms the concept of oneness, adherence to the path of righteousness, and submission to Allah’s will.
In the act of Sa’y, walking between the two hills of Safa and Marwa, Muslims emulate the Sa’y of Hajar between the two hills in her quest for water for her son, Ismail. It embodies a person's journey in life that must be accompanied by the search of the favor of Allah and His gratification. Whatever step a person takes should be in the quest of Allah.
Afterwards, all Muslims join together in a stand of pondering and contemplation on the Arafah plain and in Mina. It is a moment of intellectual and emotional privacy with one’s Creator, during which they recollect their past actions, ask for forgiveness, and imagine what they aspire to be in the future. A person is given the opportunity to restore principles and values they have lost in the struggle of life.
At Al-Jamarat, a person performs a symbolic rejection of the devil. The stoning reminds us of our struggle with our evil dispositions. It is an attempt to conquer one’s fears, and defy his own inclinations, and defeat persisting sins.
And finally Al-Hady; the act of sacrificing an animal, which refers to the story of Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) and his son, Ismail. Al-Hady further emphasizes how important it is to base your life on giving, scarificing, and providing for the poor.
Hajj is the most profound spiritual experience. It is an event that binds one fifth of the human race with a common belief and common prayer. All Muslims—men and women, black and white, rich and poor, young and old—come together in one unifying ritual. They all live together in true brotherhood, eat from the same plate, and drink from the same glass where there is no place for segregation.
For more than 350 days a year, the Hejaz, in western Saudi Arabia, is a dreary desolate landscape. But over the next couple of weeks, the unforgiving desert of Hejaz will receive more than 3 million pilgrims from all corners of the world.
Under the scorching sun and in the fierce winds lies the site of mankind’s greatest religious gathering: The Kaaba. For more than 1400 years, The Kaaba has been not only the “Qibla” for a 1.6 billion Muslims, but also the destination of tens of thousands of Muslims annually. Muslims around the world all stand in one direction facing the Kaaba five times a day. They embark on this epic journey to the Holy city of Mecca once a year in the ultimate act of devotion: The Hajj.
The rituals of Hajj, which are all performed in five days include Ihram (consecration), during which a person abstains from all actions that they performs habitually and daily such as engaging in any sexual act, trimming their nails and hair, hunting animals and killing insects, and even wearing any ornaments or perfumes. The significance of Ihram is that a person is expected to break their daily habits and follow a lifestyle of life different from the one they usually follow in ordinary times.
In Tawaf (circumambulation), a person confesses ultimate submission to Allah, declaring that they are coming to His house to circumambulate around it; and thus, rejecting all other houses of tyrants, oppressors, and non-believers. The Talbiya chanted during Tawaf reaffirms the concept of oneness, adherence to the path of righteousness, and submission to Allah’s will.
In the act of Sa’y, walking between the two hills of Safa and Marwa, Muslims emulate the Sa’y of Hajar between the two hills in her quest for water for her son, Ismail. It embodies a person's journey in life that must be accompanied by the search of the favor of Allah and His gratification. Whatever step a person takes should be in the quest of Allah.
Afterwards, all Muslims join together in a stand of pondering and contemplation on the Arafah plain and in Mina. It is a moment of intellectual and emotional privacy with one’s Creator, during which they recollect their past actions, ask for forgiveness, and imagine what they aspire to be in the future. A person is given the opportunity to restore principles and values they have lost in the struggle of life.
At Al-Jamarat, a person performs a symbolic rejection of the devil. The stoning reminds us of our struggle with our evil dispositions. It is an attempt to conquer one’s fears, and defy his own inclinations, and defeat persisting sins.
And finally Al-Hady; the act of sacrificing an animal, which refers to the story of Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) and his son, Ismail. Al-Hady further emphasizes how important it is to base your life on giving, scarificing, and providing for the poor.
Hajj is the most profound spiritual experience. It is an event that binds one fifth of the human race with a common belief and common prayer. All Muslims—men and women, black and white, rich and poor, young and old—come together in one unifying ritual. They all live together in true brotherhood, eat from the same plate, and drink from the same glass where there is no place for segregation.