The Messenger of Allah ﷺ outlined the five pillars of Islam which are expected for every Muslim to carry out. Hajj is unique in that it is only required once in a lifetime, as opposed to the other pillars, which are required on an ongoing basis. Nevertheless, Hajj itself is a great spiritual as well as a physical experience, and if done correctly, can give long-lasting effects to the one who performs it.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
Do you not know that embracing Islam wipes away all sins committed before it, that emigration wipes away what came before it, and the Hajj pilgrimage wipes away what came before it?” (Sahih Muslim)
So Hajj itself will wipe away the sins of all that were accumulated before it, and for all of us, that is an enormous blessing. Every single person who has ever lived has committed a mistake or sin of some sort, yet Hajj wipes away everything that came before it.
What does Hajj consist of?
Hajj is a pilgrimage that is carried out over five days – between the 8th to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah. There is no Eid on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah for the one who is performing Hajj, neither is there the Eid prayer or sermon. The major acts that need to be done are as outlined below:
For those of you who are unable to go to Hajj this year, there are many deeds which provide rewards and blessings. Give Sadaqah generously and order your Qurbani so that the meat can be provided to needy Muslims on the day of Eid. Donate Now.