Which is the most important event of the Hajj?

Posted by Muminah Tannous on January 12th, 2023

As we know, every Muslim wishes to make a memorable spiritual journey to the holy city of Mecca. This sacred trip is also known as Hajj. It is one of the fundamental pillars and religious obligations of Islam. This holy pilgrimage is a collection of different rituals and events. Additionally, it has a great history, great significance, and many interesting facts. In this context, consider the following topic for more information: “Which is the most important event of the Hajj?”

Hajj is an annual and obligatory Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, which is considered to be the holiest city for Muslims. Every physically and financially capable Muslim must perform this auspicious journey at least once in his lifetime by booking their Hajj Packages.

One of the most significant days and events in the Islamic calendar, and not just for the Hajj, is the Day of Arafah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave his last sermon on Mount Mercy in Arafat. Pilgrims arrive here from Mina after travelling almost 14 km, where they spend the day in reverent prayer.

The Day of Arafah – Most important event of the Hajj

Millions of Muslims from all over the world go to Mecca to perform Hajj each year. This Islamic pilgrimage follows the actions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) 1400 years ago.

Hajj occurs in the last month of the Islamic calendar, from the 8^th to the 13^th of Dhul Hijjah. Although this sacred pilgrimage has many significant events and rites, the Day of Arafah is the most important event.

Before noon of the 9^th of Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims arrive in Arafat, a barren region almost 20 km east of Mecca. They stand in contemplative vigil, seek forgiveness for their past transgressions, and listen to the sermon given by Islamic scholars from close to Mount Arafat. According to Islamic belief, the Prophet (PBUH) delivered his last sermon at this mountain.

One of the most important rituals of Hajj is called Wuquf (“Standing before God”), and it lasts from noon to sunset. At Masjid Namirah, pilgrims offer both the noon and afternoon prayers together. If a pilgrim does not spend the afternoon in Arafat, his Hajj is regarded as invalid.

Types of Hajj

There are three types of Hajj. These are the following:

1. Hajj Ifrad

Hajj Ifrad entails making a single intention to perform Hajj without Umrah. This method of performing the pilgrimage is perfect for people who live in Mecca and inside the boundaries of the Miqat.

2. Hajj Tamattu

Hajj Tamattu involves making Umrah during the days of Hajj. Through this type of spiritual journey to Mecca, pilgrims can perform Hajj and Umrah on the same journey.

3. Hajj Qiran

Hajj Qiran is a combination of Hajj and Umrah performed with a single intention and Ihram. Residents of Mecca are unable to perform this form of pilgrimage.

Significance of Hajj

Muslims go to Mecca and Medina for the Hajj, a pilgrimage meant to purify the soul, seek forgiveness, and get closer to Allah (SWT).

Apart from a mandatory religious duty, Muslims believe that making the Hajj has spiritual rewards that provide them with a chance to renew themselves. This sacred trip acts as a reminder of the Day of Judgment, when Muslims believe people will stand before God. Regardless of their ethnicity, colour, or culture, Muslims from all over the world come together for the Hajj, which serves as a symbol of equality.

Rituals of Hajj

The rituals that are performed in a holy pilgrimage to Mecca, are the following:

• Wearing Ihram clothing
• Performing Tawaf Qudoom
• Performing Sa’i
• Resting and praying
• Again enter into Ihram
• Arriving at Mina
• The Day of Arafah
• Collecting pebbles at Muzdalifah
•  First Rami (Stoning of the devil)
• Making sacrifice
• Shaving the head (Halq)
• Performing Tawaf Ifadah
• Performing Sa’i
• Second Rami
• Spending the night at Mina
• Third Rami
• Performing farewell Tawaf

 Conclusion

Hajj is an annual and mandatory pilgrimage to Mecca. Every physically and financially capable Muslim must undertake this holy journey at least once in his lifetime. Hajj is the very peak season. So I suggest you book your Hajj Packages earlier. Because earlier booking cost is low.

The Day of Arafah is among the most important events and days in the Islamic calendar, not just for the Hajj. The Prophet (PBUH) addressed his last sermon on Mount Arafat. Pilgrims arrive here from Mina almost 14 km, where they spend the day in pious prayer.