Millions of Muslims start annual Hajj Pilgrimage 2018 on Sunday and the Rituals of Hajj

Our Beloved Holy Prophet Muhammad S.A.W said that “Fasting on the Day of Arafah (Dhul Hijjah 9) expiates the sins of the preceding year and the coming year”.

On another occasion the Messenger of Allah P.B.U.H said “Perform Hajj and Umrah continually, for these two remove poverty and sins just as the furnace removes impurities from metals.”

Hajj is one of the fundamental pillars of Islam on which the entire structure of Islam stands and the significance of performing Hajj for Muslims once a lifetime is reiterated in the Quran and Ahadis. The Allah Almighty has announced countless bounties and rewards for performing Hajj as HE guarantees HIMSELF that “the reward for an accepted Hajj is nothing less than Paradise”

Islam takes into account the difficulties that a pilgrim goes through financially and physically so Islam emphasizes the Muslim Nation to perform it once in a lifetime provided that he has sufficient resources (Financially) to complete the spiritual journey. Hajj holds a value in Islam as it is ranked at 3rd position after Belief in Allah and the Messenger and Jihad. Hajj is a Jihad without Conflict as Hazrat Ayesha asked Holy Prophet P.B.U.H shouldn’t a women perform Jihad? In reply to this He said “The Best Jihad for a Woman is Hajj Mabroor”.

The days of Hajj are very special. Their blessings are not restricted to those performing Hajj only. It is a season of goodness for everyone especially the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah when the rewards for every good deed is multiplied by Allah SWT.

 “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”

Enough light is shed on the Islamic importance of Hajj, now let’s talk about the major rituals performed during the holy pilgrimage.

What are the Rituals Performed during the Hajj?

Pilgrims enter into a state of spiritual purity known as “ihram” that is aimed at shedding symbols of materialism, giving up worldly pleasures and focusing on the inner self over outward appearance.

First Day of Hajj

The hajj traditionally begins in Mecca, with a smaller “umrah” pilgrimage which can be performed year-round. To perform the umrah, Muslims circle the Kaaba counter-clockwise seven times while reciting supplications to God, then walk between the two hills traveled by Hagar. Before heading to Mecca, many pilgrims visit the city of Medina, where the Prophet Muhammad is buried and where he built his first mosque.

Second Day of Hajj

After spending the night in the massive valley of Mina, the pilgrims head to Mount Arafat, some 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of Mecca, for the pinnacle of the pilgrimage. They scale a hill called Jabal al-Rahma, or Mountain of Mercy. It is here where Prophet Muhammad S.A.W delivered his final sermon, calling for equality and for Muslim unity. A Sermon Khutba Arafah is delivered at open ground of Arafah by an Imam (highest Islamic Scholar) that is said to be most powerful sermon and Muslims around the world who are not performing Hajj also listen to that sermon via Television. Fasting on the Arafah day is prime and today 20th August 2018 is Day of Arafah.

So Pray as much you can today and seek His forgiveness for today is an essential day in the Islam diary.

Hazrat Aisha R.A said “There is not a day in the Year which I fast more beloved to me then when I fast on the Day of Arafah “

Around sunset, pilgrims head to an area called Muzdalifa, 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) west of Arafat. They spend the night there and pick up pebbles along the way that will be used in a symbolic stoning of the devil back in Mina, where Muslims believe the devil tried to talk Hazrat Ibrahim A.S out of submitting to God’s will.

Third Day of Hajj

The last three days of the hajj are marked by three events: a final circling of the Kaaba, casting stones in Mina and removing the ihram. Men often shave their heads at the end in a sign of renewal.

The final days of hajj coincide with Eid al-Adha, or the festival of sacrifice, celebrated by Muslims around the world to commemorate Ibrahim’s test of faith. During the three-day Eid, Muslims slaughter livestock and distribute the meat to the poor.

Apex Group Special Message to Everyone

Lastly if you haven’t offered HAJJ despite having the resources, it’s never too late to make an oath in good faith to Allah Almighty that next year you will embark on a journey to HIS HOME.

Hajj Mubarak & Eid Mubarak in advance from the team of Apex Group to all the Muslims. Signing off with a small piece of advice that remember to distribute the meat among the poor and needy. That is the true meaning of sacrifice to keep the less fortunate ones in your list and we sincerely pray that Allah Almighty fulfil all our prayers! Amen

Have a Blessed Meaty Eid Everyone!

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