Every Muslim aspires to go on an incredible spiritual journey known as Hajj at least once during their life. Although there are a lot of details, rules, and regulations regarding performing Hajj, pure intention is the most important of all. Hajj is not only one of the most important religious duties but performing Hajj strengthens a Muslim’s faith in Allah Almighty and purifies their souls. Read on to learn some important facts about hajj.
Why is Hajj important for Muslims?
In addition to facts about hajj in islam. Hajj is a spiritual journey to Mecca and Medina undertaken by Muslims to purify their souls, seek forgiveness, and draw closer to Allah Almighty. Dating back thousands of years, Hajj also follows in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), who performed Hajj once and Umrah 4 times in his life.
The Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “O people! Allah has imposed Hajj on you, so perform it. In simpler words, the Hajj journey erases the sins of Muslims and gives them a clean record before Allah (Glory be to Him).
Elsewhere, referring to the importance of Hajj, the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Whoever performs Hajj for the pleasure of Allah and avoids all sins will return free of all sins, similar to how he was on his birthday.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
10 facts about hajj
There are many facts related to Hajj, so in this paragraph, we will discuss 10 facts about Hajj in detail:
1-Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam
Among facts about hajj. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It should be performed by physically and financially stable Muslims at least once in their lives. In the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty commanded His believers (Muslims) to visit Mecca, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to perform Hajj. There is an entire surah named after her. Surah Al-Hajj.
2-The largest religious gathering in the world
It is estimated that about two million Muslims visit the Grand Mosque in Mecca to perform the Hajj every year. Muslims travel to Mecca for six days at the beginning of the last month of the Islamic calendar; Dhu al-Hijjah.
Hajj is known as one of the largest human gatherings; In 2019, about 2.5 million people visited the Kaaba for Hajj. Hajj is an Islamic ritual from Pakistan to England to Malaysia to America that brings all Muslims together under the love of Allah Almighty.
3-There is a unique dress code for Hajj
Among facts about hajj: to complete the Hajj, all men and women must wear Ihram. For men, the ihram consists of two pieces of unstitched white clothing; One wraps around their shoulders and the second covers the body from the waist down. On the other hand, the correct ihram dress is any simple dress that covers her body and a hijab for women.
Both women and men clean themselves before putting on Hajj clothing, while women remove one strand of hair, and men trim their nails and beards and shave their heads. The state of ihram represents purity and equality. Therefore, pilgrims are advised to ensure the cleanliness of the ihram during Hajj, because if it is dirty, the Hajj is invalid.
4-Hajj gives you a place in heaven
Among facts about Hajj: For all the trials and tribulations that come with planning and completing the Hajj, its reward far outweighs all the struggles a Muslim may go through.
In simpler words, the material, spiritual, and financial costs are incomparable to the reward of Allah Almighty for completing Hajj. The Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: The reward of the Hajj is accepted, except for Paradise. (Sahih Bukhari)
5-Kissing and touching the black stone
Covered with a silver ring, the Black Stone is located in the eastern corner of the Kaaba. The history of the Black Stone dates back to the time of Adam and Eve. It is believed that Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) received the Black Stone as a gift from Allah Almighty.
Later, during the construction of the Kaaba, the Angel Gabriel (peace be upon him) gave the Black Stone to the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). During Hajj, every Muslim aims to touch or kiss the gemstone, just as the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) did.
6-Hajj coincides with Eid al-Adha
Among facts about Hajj: Celebrated after the completion of the Hajj, Eid al-Adha is when Muslims around the world perform the Sunnah of the Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) by sacrificing animals, cows, sheep, goats, and camels. Muslims then distribute meat rations to the poor, their families, and friends.
7-The Hajj is more than 1,500 years old
Among 10 facts about hajj: according to Islamic mythology, most Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) performed the first Hajj on the 4th Dhu al-Qa’dah in the year 7 AH (629 AD).
However, you will be surprised to know that the origin of Hajj dates back to 2000 BC. If you believe that the Sa’e ritual – running between Safa and Marwa – is performed to honor the journey of Hazrat Hujra (may Allah be pleased with her) when she was searching for water, it is much older than that.
8-Hajj is a profitable industry for the Saudi government
Among facts about hajj in islam: Due to the large number of pilgrims desiring to fulfill the duty of Hajj, the Saudi government earns huge revenues amounting to billions from Hajj.
9-Hajj is managed by approximately 350,000 employees
Among facts about hajj in islam: Hajj requires a full range of services, from booking the Hajj through a travel agent, boarding the plane, going through immigration control, and returning home. With so many people coming to Mecca to perform the Hajj every year, the number of services and staff required to accommodate them is relatively high.
According to a report, in 2019, about 350,000 volunteers and staff were responsible for providing communication services, supervision services, transportation services, and health care.
10-There is no separation of genders during Hajj
Among facts about Hajj: While most Islamic rituals practice gender segregation, the Hajj is the only ritual in which there is no separation of women and men in the Grand Mosque in Mecca.
During the Hajj, men and women walk around the Kaaba together, climb Mount Arafat together, and even perform the stoning of stones side by side. In short, the Hajj symbolizes the equality between men and women by Allah Almighty.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, and there are many facts about Hajj. Therefore, we mentioned in our paragraphs 10 facts about hajj, including that Hajj facilitates the path to Paradise, as well as kissing the Black Stone during Hajj, in addition to the Ihram clothes specific to everyone. Men and ladies.
