The Fifth Pillar of Islam
There are five pillars of Islam, namely Shahadah, Salat, Sawm, Zakat and Hajj. However, the term pillar is more of an analogy used to describe the five components on which the very core of the Islamic faith is based on. These are the five key elements that define a person as a Muslim; five tasks that (Allah SWT) has made compulsory on all able Muslims.
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. It is a pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim must take at least once during their life. It occurs during the month of Dhul Hijja, the last month of the Islamic calendar and concludes with Eid-ul-Adha prayers.
Unfolding the Spiritual Map: Rituals of Hajj
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Wearing the Ehram: This plain garment signifies purity and unity. As pilgrims wear it, they shed their differences, standing equal before Allah.
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Tawaf and Sa'ee in Masjid Al-Haram: Circling the Kaaba and rushing between the hills of Safa and Marwah, pilgrims reenact the desperate search for water by Hagar.
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Prayers in Mina: This is where the heart finds solitude and connection with the Divine.
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A Night at Mount Arafat: Deep reflection and fervent prayer under the open sky make this the emotional pinnacle of Hajj.
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Staying in Muzdalifah: A continuation of reflection before the symbolic stoning of the Jamaraat.
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Stoning the Jamaraat: A powerful act of casting away one's evils and mistakes.
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Eid-ul-Adha Prayers and Qurbani: Commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice for Allah.
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Renewal of the Self: For men, this means shaving the head as a sign of humility. Women mark this transformation by clipping a strand of their hair.
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Tawaf-ul-wida: The farewell Tawaf, a heartfelt goodbye until the next call to Mecca.
The Essence of Hajj: Struggle & Spiritual Reawakening
Hajj is by no accounts an easy journey; however it is not painstakingly difficult either. There is a fair amount of struggle involved which is needed and in some cases required, to gain the spiritual blessings from this sacred pilgrimage. Performing prayer in the scorching deserts of the Arabia can be a daunting task yet millions of Muslims perform Hajj every year in order to renew their faith, their Taqwaa and become better human beings.
Over three million pilgrims are expected to perform Hajj this year. We, at MAA would like to wish them a safe journey, and may the spiritual benefits of their voyage last them a lifetime. May Allah watch over them and may He accept their Hajj. Ameen.