In Arabic, the word, Hajj means a resolve of magnificent duty. Hajj also means visit to the revered place, or the pilgrimage to the Ka’bah in the Grand Mosque (Masjid AlHaram or Haram AlSharef), in the City of Makkah (Mecca), in Arabia, which is one of the basic manifestations of the Islamic faith, and a display of unity of the Muslims throughout the world. Prior to Islam, the ignorant (Jahiliyya) people used Hajj and Umrah (a lesser pilgrimage) as a part of their worship vocabulary and these words found in a place the Arabic language. Hajj is performed during Thul AlHijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, while Umrah can be performed anytime during the year. Hajj is one of the obligatory religious pillars in Islam. Every Muslim adult, man or woman, is to perform Hajj once in a lifetime, if health and material well being permit. Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) says in Surah Al-Baqarah(2:196), “Complete Hajj and Umrah for the sake of Allah.” May Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala enable all Muslims to perform their duties as true believers, Ameen.

Islam is the fastest growing religion and there are more than one billion Muslims worldwide. Annually, millions of them participate in the Hajj to join together to worship Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala), and to purify their souls in a pilgrimage to Him. Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam) advised that it should be undertaken as early in one’s mature life as possible. Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam) said, “It (Hajj) is the Sunnah of your [fore] father Ibrahim. Every capable Muslim must perform pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah once in his lifetime.” The Glorious Qur’an says, “O Mankind! Worship ye (only) your Lord, Who created you and those before you, happily ye may guard yourselves against evil. (2:21)

Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) commands Muslims that they follow His orders to perform rituals as part of their obedience to Him, such as the five prayers (Salat), performing pilgrimage (Hajj), fasting (Saum), and paying the Islamic dues (Zakat). This is first of act of pure worship (Ibadat), and second, it brings other benefits and rewards for this life as well as for the Hereafter. The Divine Message and Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala)’s Messengers (Rasul) brought religious guidance to all human beings, and Islam is the right and just religion (Deen), a complete legal system governing all aspects of human behavior for all aspects of life, individual as well as communal. The lasting evidence of the truthfulness of Nabiy (Prophet äÈí) Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam) is Universal for all of humanity and will continue until eternity (ÃÈÏí), InShaAllah. Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) says in Surahs A’lay Imran (3:19) and Al-Maidah (5:3 & 67), “Verily the (true) religion with Allah is Islam, the Submission to Allah’s Will.” “This day have I perfected for you your religion and have completed My favour on you, and chosen for you Islam (to be) your Religion.” “O’ Our RasoolAllah Muhammad! Deliver thou what hath been sent unto thee from thy Lord; and if thou dost it not, then (it will be as if) thou hast not delivered His message (at all); and surely will Allah protect thee from (the mischief) of men; Verily, Allah guideth not infidel people.”

Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) ordered Nabiy Ibrahim (Alayhi Al-Salam) to take his wife Hajra (Alayhi Al-Salam) and his infant son, Nabiy Ismail (Alayhi Al-Salam) to Holy City of Makkah (ãßå). At that time, the Holy City of Makkah which was unpolluted and unwatery. Nabiy Ibrahim (Alayhi Al-Salam) left them alone on the hot soil of the Holy City of Makkah, but he visited them several time and he also did supplications to them as are mentioned in the verses of the Glorious Qur'an in Surah Ibrahim (14:35-37), “And (remember) when Ibrahim said: My Lord! Make this city (Makkah) secure, and keep me away and my sons from worshipping idols. My Lord! Verily they have led many of the people astray; so whosoever followth me, he surely of me and whosoever disobeyth me, then verily Thou art the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful. O Our Lord! Verily I have housed a part of my offspring in the valley uncultivable, nigh unto Thy Holy House (the Ka’bah at Makkah). O Our Lord! That they may establish (prayer), so make Thou the hearts of some of the people years unto them, and provide them with fruits, that they may be grateful.” The Glorious Qur’an says, “And remember when his Lord tried Ibrahim with certain words then he fulfilled them; He said: Verily I make thee Imam for mankind; Ibrahim said; and of my offspring? He said: My covenant reacheth not the unjust.” “And remember when Ibrahim said: My Lord, make this a City (a place) of security and provide the dwellers therein with fruits such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day; He said: Yea! Such as who disbelieveth, I will grant him enjoyment for a short while, but soon drive them to the doom of fire and an evil destination (it is).” (2:124 & 126)

The infant Nabiy Ismail (Alayhi Al-Salam) felt thirst and started to cry, his mother Hajar (Allahi Al-Salam) left him over rough and hot surface and started searching of water. She kept her eyes over her beloved son - infant, who was lying but when she reached in the deep area, the child became disappeared, she accelerated her pace and reached on the top where from she could again watch her child. She came over (Safa) hill and then she started running towards (Marwa) mount. Hajar (Alayhi Al-Salam) struggled and after she ran seven times between (Safa) and (Marwa) mounts, in search of water. Safa and Marwa are two small hills in Makkah. This ritual symbolizes Hagar (Alayhi Al-Salam)’s struggle in her frantic search for water to assuage Nabiy Ismail (Alayhi Al-Salam). While she was running around these hills, Nabiy Ismail (Alayhi Al-Salam) made a hole in the sand with his heel on the earth because of intense thirst and by the order of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) the water started to run from earth, delicious sweet and life-giving fountain of water from a well of water flowing from stone to save his life. This well, called (ZamZam) Water is about 150 meters southeast of the Ka`bah, is still alive and giving healthy water and exists to this day and pilgrims make a point to drink from this holy well as part of their pilgrimage rituals. These hills are located at each of the northwest wall of the huge mosque, which surrounds the Ka’bah. The Glorious Qur’an says, “Verily, Safa and Marwah are among the signs of Allah; whoever therefore maketh a pilgrimage to the House or performeth (Umrah); therefore it shall be no blame on him to go round them both; and whoever of his own accord doeth anything good in deed, verily Allah is Grateful, All-Knowing.” (2:158)

Prior to Islam, the ignorant (Jahiliyya) people were committed idol worshipping. Whatever they saw around themselves of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala)’s creations with their own eyes, and some of their own making, they turned into objects of worship. The influence of idol worshipping grew to the point where idols were built in the form of animals, plants, men, jinn, angels, stars, and stones, among other things. They believed that apart from the life of this world, there was no other life and they donated everything they had to their idols. The holy place was purged of all idols and idolaters, and once again Nabiy Ibrahim (Alayhi Al-Salam)’s covenant was thus realized. At Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam)’s time, Ka’bah was in this most holy place that the real tawhid (monotheism) gained lustre, without the slightest taint of apparent or hidden shirk (polytheism). Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:135), “They say: Be Jews or Christians (so that) ye shall be (rightly) guided Say (thou O’ Our RasoolAllah Muhammad!) Nay, but the creed of Ibrahim (is acceptance), the upright one, and he was not of those who associate others with Allah.” The Glorious Qur’an says, “And remember (O’ Our Rasool Muhammad!) When We fixed for Ibrahim the place for the House (Ka’bah), (saying): Associate thou not with Me ought, and cleanse My House for those who make the circuits and stand in prayer and bow and prostrate themselves (unto Me).” (22:26)

The Grand Mosque is the first House constructed on earth for the purpose of worshipping Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala), was first built by Nabiy Adam (Alayhi Al-Salam), then by Nabiy Ibrahim (Alayhi Al-Salam) and his son, Nabiy Ismail (Alayhi Al-Salam). Nabiy Ibrahim (Alayhi Al-Salam) and his son, Nabiy Ismail (Alayhi Al-Salam) reconstructed at exactly the same spot, as revealed by Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) as in its original foundation. The Glorious Qur’an says, “And covenanted with Ibrahim and Ismail (saying): purify ye two My House for those who circuit, and for those who abide in it and pay devotion and those who bow down and those who prostrate (adoring).” “And remember when Ibrahim raised the foundation of the House with Ismail, (praying): Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us; Verily Thou and Thou (alone) art the All-Hearing and All-Knowing.” “Our Lord! Make us (two) Muslims submitting (only) to Thee and of our progeny (make) a group submissive (only) to Thee and show us the ways of Devotion and turn to us (mercifully) for verily Thou and Thou (only) art the Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.” “Our Lord! Raise up amongst them (a Messenger) from them, shall recite unto them Thy revelations and teach them the Book and the Wisdom, and purify them for Thou and Thou (only) art The Mighty, the Wise.” (2:125 & 127-129)

The Ka’aba is an oblong stone building located approximately in the center of the quadrangle of the Mosque in the City of Makkah. The east corner of the Ka’bah surround by silver and about four feet above ground level, is the Black Stone. This Black Stone is from Heaven and its a cubic structure originally foundation does not belong to the geology of the region and is a part of the original construction of the Ka’bah. The pilgrims pursue Circumambulation in orbit the Black Stone (Ajar AlAswad) will be their center with the exception of those who are trying to kiss and/or touch it, it is like enter the universe’s system.

The Grand Mosque surround the Ka’bah, the holiest and most blessed structure on the face of the earth. Although, the Ka’bah is called the House of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala), it is also called the house of people. It is believed to be the first monument erected as a symbol to a monotheistic deity and is the holiest of shrines for Islam. Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:199-202), “Then march ye on from whence the other people marched on and seek pardon of Allah; Verily Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. And when ye have performed your rites, remember Allah as ye remembered your fathers, rather with a more intense remembrance; for of men there are those who say: Our Lord! Give us in this world and for him there shall be no portion in the Hereafter. And among them there are some who say Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the hereafter and save us from the torment of the (Hell) Fire. These shall have a portion of what they have earned; verily, Allah is quick in reckoning.” It is reported that Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam) said, “It Stone (Hajar AlAswad) came down from Heaven.” The Glorious Qur’an says, “Verily, the first House (of worship) made for mankind is the one at Bakkah (Makkah), Blessing and a Guidance for the worlds.” (3:96)

The City of Makkah, a land which is tranquil and peaceful instead of fear, hatred, and war. Prior to Islam, they people who lived there or surround areas of the City of Makkah took refuge in the Haram AlSharef when they feared for their safety. The Ka’bah itself was a sacred place and they prohibited war during this sacred month. Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) protect His house from any evil designs of the enemy at any time and it is a warning to all. Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) prevail and defeat any evil man’s power as well as to provide the Quraysh to bring and take from there merchandise of various kinds from the neighboring lands, sacred The Holy Ka’bah, enabled them to obtain covenants of security from the rulers of neighboring. For the union of the Qurayish. The Qur’an Qur’an says, “Their union during their journeys in the winter and the summer. So let them worship the Lord of this House, (He) Who fed them against hunger and sacred them against fear.” (106:4)

Nabiy Ibrahim (Alayhi Al-Salam) stood on a stone while he was building the Ka’bah and this bears his footprints. It located at a place is called Maqam Ibrahim (Station of). Maqam Ibrahim is situated about a few yards from the Ka’bah and it is covered with a glass box. The Glorious Qur’an says, “In it are clear signs, the standing place Maqam of Ibrahim; and whoever entereth it is secure; and (purely) for Allah, is incumbent upon mankind, the pilgrimage to the House, for those who can afford the journey thither.” “Verily the number of months with Allah is twelve months in Allah’s Book, (since) the Day He created the heavens and the earth; of these (months) four are sacred; that is the established religion, so be ye not unjust theirin unto yourselves, and fight ye the polytheists all together, even as they fight you all together; and know ye that Allah is with the pious ones.” (3:97 and 9:36)

Nabiy Ibrahim (Alayhi Al-Salam) saw twice in a dream to sacrifice the life of Nabiy Ismail (Alayhi Al-Salam) who was a young man at that time. Nabiy Ibrahim (Alayhi Al-Salam) obeyed the order of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala). He laid his son, forehead in a place on the ground with a rope and a knife, and prepared sacrifice his son life without any hesitation. Neither he nor son became hesitant in this order of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) to do this sacrifice. During that time, the Satan or Devil (ÔíØÇä) also tried to misguide both of them, when Satan appeared as a human and tried to prevent Nabiy Ibrahim (Alayhi Al-Salam) from offering the sacrifice his son of Nabiy Ismail (Alayhi Al-Salam) and persuaded him to run away and save his life, but Satan failed to convince Nabiy Ibrahim (Alayhi Al-Salam) although he tried thrice with out success. Nabiy Ibrahim (Alayhi Al-Salam) took the knife and enacted exactly what he had seen in his dream and thus carried out the command of his Lord. But, when he removed the fold from his eyes, to his surprise, he found Nabiy Ismail (Alayhi Al-Salam) standing safe by his side and in his place, a ram lay slain before them. Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) sent an animal (a sheep or a goat) to replace Nabiy Ismail (Alayhi Al-Salam) life. Nabiy Ibrahim (Alayhi Al-Salam) thus had fulfilled the dream and Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) recompensed both father and son in this life and in the hereafter and both rejoiced the escaping death of Nabiy Ismail (Alayhi Al-Salam). To commemorate the sincerity and obedience of father and son toward the love of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) Who made this sacrifice as a compulsory and ordered every pilgrim on Hajj to scarify an animal and throws pebbles over of Satan to express their anger, Armi (Stone), threw seven pebbles (small stones) at the symbols Satin in three places. The sacrificial animal must not have any limbs missing, and must be healthy, and should be of a certain age. Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam) recommended that the one who sacrifices should use a third for his/her family, give a third of to friends as gift, and give the other third to the needy. This ritual is not an act of atonement, but a joyful remembrance of Nabiy Ibrahim (Alayhi Al-Salam)'s sacrifice of a ram instead of his son, Nabiy Ismail (Alayhi Al-Salam), and their patience and perseverance and residue to submit to Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala). This act also symbolizes the pilgrim's willingness to sacrifice himself/herself in the path of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) when called to do so, just as the animal humbly submits to this sacrifice as ordered by (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala). There are three stone pillars of varying size in Mina; these monoliths represent the three places Satan tempted Nabiy Ismail (Alayhi Al-Salam) to rebel against his father's willingness to obey Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala). Nabiy Ibrahim (Alayhi Al-Salam) rebuked the Satan by throwing stones at him each time a temptation occurred. The Glorious Qur’an says, “Neither doth reacheth Allah their flesh nor their blood, but reacheth Allah the piety on your part; Thus hath He subjugated them unto you that ye might pronounce the greatness of Allah for what He hath guided you aright; and thou (O’ Our Apostle Muhammad!) Give glad tidings unto the doers of good.” (22:37)

Pilgrims re-enact this resistance to Satan by throwing seven pebbles at each of the three pillars, symbolizing their resolution to resist temptation. This is not an act of atonement, but a joyful remembrance of Nabiy Ibrahim (Alayhi Al-Salam)'s sacrifice of a ram instead of his son, Nabiy Ismail (Alayhi Al-Salam), tempted Nabiy Ismail (Alayhi Al-Salam)’s patience and perseverance and Nabiy Ibrahim (Alayhi Al-Salam)’s submission to Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) are celebrated by the sacrifice. This art also symbolizes the pilgrim's willingness to sacrifice himself/herself in the path of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) when called to do so, just as the animal humbly submits to this sacrifice as ordered by (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala). Having ritually dealeth with the devil. The three stone are called ‘JamaratAlUlah’, ‘JamaratAlWustah’ and ‘JamaratAlAqabah’. Most of the Muslims remain three more days in Mina, where there is no place of interest to see, nowhere to shop. Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam) said, “Not to build a building in Mina.” In Mina, (Dhabh) slaughtering a camel, cow, or sheep as ordered by (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala). The sacrifice must be complete and must not have any limbs missing, and must be healthy, and should be of certain age. It is recommended for precaution and it is also desirable that the pilgrims offering the sacrifice uses some of the sacrifice for food, gives a third of it as a gift, and gives the other third to the poor or the charity. It is reported that Nabiy Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Waalihi Wasalam) cooked part of the meat and he drinks the soup of it. Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) says in Surah Al-Saffat (37:100-107), “So We gave him the glad tidings of a son (Ismail) extremely forbearing. And when (the son) reached (in age of) working with him, said he (Ibrahim): O’ my son! Verily I saw in a dream that I sacrifice thee: now what is thy view? Said (the son)! O’ father! Do thou what thou art bidden; If Allah willeth, thou wilt find me of the steadfast ones. And when they had both surrendered (themselves) to the will of Allah and he threw him upon his forehead. And We (Allah) called out unto him O’ Ibrahim! Indeed hast thou proved true the dream; Verily thus do We recompense the doers of good! Verily, this is an open trial. And We ransomed him with a Great Sacrifice.” The Glorious Qur'an says, “O ye who believe! Enter ye all into submission (to Allah) whole and follow not the footsteps of the Satan; for, verily he is to you an Open Enemy.” (2:208)

Hajj perform devotion Ibadat, an act of worship and its one Islamic five pillars and no one should ignore it without good reasons, Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) says in Surahs A’lay Imran (3:97) and Al-Hajj (22:27), “And whoever denieth then Verily, Allah Self-sufficient independent of the worlds.” “And proclaim thou unto the people the Pilgrimage (Hajj)! They will come unto thee on foot and on lean camel, from every remote (high) way!” This universal mission as well as it mean submission from the very first day and also go back to the message of Islam, the religious life of Muslims. It is the Muslim’s evolution toward Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala). The Hajj provides a unique opportunity for Muslims who come from different lands to meet one another and to foster true brotherhood among themselves and it is also a display of brotherhood, humility, unity of the Ummah ((individual, community, nation), and oneness of the humanity of mankind before the eyes of the Creator. Everyone is considered equal, regardless of whether that Muslim is a man or a woman, young or old, black or white, poor or rich. No discrimination on the basis of race, sex, or social status is made and everyone is free to face Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala), and the only difference between one and another with respect to human dignity, is on the basis of piety, which is known only to our Creator. There is no rank or privilege in this Holy Place because we are without rank before Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala). The Glorious Qur’an says, “Whoever enjoyeth from the Umrah to the Hajj let him offer of whatsoever offering is easily available (for him).” “And help ye (one another) in righteousness and piety, and help ye not (one another) in sin and aggression and keep duty to Allah (for), verily, Allah is severe in punishment.” “And whosoever intendeth the hereafter and striveth for it a (sincere) striving and he is a believer, these, their striving shall be (recompensed) and (fully) appreciated.” (2:196; 5:2 and 17:19)

Hajj is a great experience and Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) explains the importance of Hajj. People recognized this sacred month, and a general amnesty was declared during it which have been designated as being sacred by Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala). They also fiercely protected their trade and their caravans. They opened their trade markets and freely exchanged merchandise. The law of Islam injected even more peace and safety and discipline in Makkak. The Glorious Qur’an says, “For you therein are benefits till a fixed time, and the place of their sacrifice is the Ancient House, (the Ka’bah).” (22:33)

During the month for Hajj, peace is the dominant the people who perform Hajj. This includes peace with Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala), with one’s soul, and with one another, with all living creatures. To disturb the peace of anyone or any creature in any shape or form is strictly prohibited. Also, uprooting trees and vegetation of the Holy Mosque is prohibited since they are within the holy sanctity. Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala) says in Surahs Al-Baqarah (2:198) and Al-Maidah (5:97), “It shall be no guilt on your part if ye seek bounty from your Lord (in trade during pilgrimage); then when ye march from Arafat remember Allah near the Holy Monument, and remember Him as He hath guided you, although ye were surely before this, of those who had gone astray. “Allah hath made the Ka’bah, the Sacred House, a Sanctuary for mankind, and the Sacred Month.” The Glorious Qur’an says, “Hajj is in the months well-known, whosoever then undertaketh the pilgrimage therein, then let there be no intercourse, nor bad language, nor quarreling during the pilgrimage; and whatever of good ye do, Allah knoweth it; so make provision (for your journey) and verily the best provision is piety; and fear Me O ye people of understanding.” “That they may witness the advantages unto them, and mention the Name of Allah during the appointed days over what He hath provided them of the cattle quadrupeds (as sustenance). Then eat of them and feed the needy the poor. Then lets them get cleansed and smarten themselves and fulfill their vows, and let them circuit the Ancient House (the Ka’bah).” (2:197 and 22:28-29)

Muslims, who perform Hajj or Umrah, must approach the Holy City of Makkah from on of several suitable points called the (Miqat), and it is obligatory for anyone who passes through one of the Miqats to be in a state of Ihram (the pilgrim’s dress) from that point. The pilgrim perform should the ritual bathing called Ghusl (a shower) with the intention (Niyyah) of self-purification, and of wearing the special garment of the pilgrim, the Ihram. The Ihram for men consists of two pieces of white and simple unsewn fabric. Everyone wears the same simple outfit. No specific Ihram is prescribed for women, but her dress should cover the whole body, leaving the hands and the face uncovered. The Glorious Qur’an says, “Indeed (there) is for you in the Rasool Allah (Muhammad) an excellent pattern of conduct) for him who hopeth in Allah and the latter day and remembereth Allah much.” (33:21)

There are five places of Miqat around Makkah: Masjid AlShajarah (for those who are coming from the direction of the Holy City of Medinah), which is about 9 kilometers from Madinah and about 250 kilometers from Makkah; AlJuhfah (for those who are coming from Egypt or Sham), which is about 180 kilometers to the west of Makkah; QarnAlManazil (for those who are coming from the city of Ta’ef), which is about 50 kilometers to the east of Makkah; Waadi AlAqeeq (for those who are coming from the direction of Iraq), which is about 80 kilometers towards the north-east side of Makkah; and Yalamlam (for those who are coming from Yemen), which is about 60 kilometers to the south-east of Makkah. For the people who visit Madinah before Hajj, besides the residents of Makkah and Madinah, the Miquat for them is (Abar Ali). The people who live within Haram AlSharef perform their activities of offering their Salat (prayers) and/or performing Tawaf without Ihram. The area within the points of Miquat and the boundary of the Haram AlSharef is called the (Hill), and the residents of Makkah enter into the Ihram from the Hill. The pilgrims who come to perform Hajj and/or Umrah by air or by ship should enter into Ihram at least before crossing the Might boundary or radius, and preferably before boarding the airplane/ship.

Hajj is subject to the main conditions: