Key Points
Hajj 2024: From Ihram to Tawaf, here's all you need to know about the key rituals of 5-day Hajj - their meanings and symbolism for Muslims pilgrimage to Mecca..
Hajj is a profound spiritual journey that unites Muslims from diverse backgrounds, cultures and languages as it reinforces the principles of equality, humility and devotion to God where through the Islamic pilgrimage, the pilgrims seek forgiveness, spiritual purification and a deeper connection with their faith..
It is an experience of a lifetime that leaves a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of those who undertake it hence, it is a transformative experience for Muslims.e)..
The annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia is a test of patience and an opportunity for Muslims to purify themselves as a hadith in Sahih Bukhari states the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) saying, Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity or transgression will come back as free from sins as the day his mother bore him..
On a more elaborate note, Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, takes place from the 8th to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah where on 8th Dhul Hijjah (Yawm at-Tarwiyah), pilgrims begin their Hajj rituals; on 9th Dhul Hijjah (Yawm Arafat), the most significant day of Hajj, pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat to pray and seek forgiveness while on the day of Eid ul Adha i.e. 10th Dhul Hijjah (Yawm an-Nahr), pilgrims perform the ritual of animal sacrifice (Qurbani) to commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah..
