Hajj: The Fifth Pillar of Islam
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, comprising a journey of about 15 days to Mecca that occurs two months after Ramadan, beginning on the 1st of the lunar month of Dhu al-Hijjah. This year, it will take place from Sunday, August 19, to Friday, August 24. It is the major pilgrimage to the holy sites in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, made obligatory for every Muslim who is of age, in good health, and has the financial means to undertake the journey. Each year, around two million people (including 12,000 from Senegal) travel to the Holy Land to fulfill this obligation and seek the ultimate reward: a Hajj Mabrour.
The Saudi authorities implement an impressive security apparatus to ensure the safety of pilgrims in case of crowds: 100,000 members of the security forces, 17,000 civil defense personnel, 2,468 from the Saudi Red Crescent, 500 volunteers, and 326 ambulances.
The Origin of Hajj
Hajj finds its origins in Quranic verses from the Medinan period. Such a pilgrimage existed among pre-Islamic Arabs, whether pagan or Christian. Since 624, this new religion declared its independence from Judaism and Christianity. It was from this date that Ramadan was established, and prayer was redirected toward Mecca. The Five Pillars of Islam are: the declaration of faith in the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him) (Shahada), the five daily prayers (Salah), almsgiving (Zakat) to the needy in prescribed proportions, fasting during the month of Ramadan (Sawm), and finally, the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj), if the believer has the physical and financial means.
The Stages of Hajj
The pilgrimage follows several steps (Hajj Tamattu’). The first stage is to perform Umrah, which includes: circumambulating the Kaaba seven times (Tawaf), praying two Rakats at the Station of Ibrahim, and running seven times between Safa and Marwa (420 meters each way). Then, the pilgrim proceeds to Mina to begin the rites of Hajj: settling in Mina, standing at Mount Arafat, spending the night in Muzdalifah, the Day of Sacrifice (Hadi), the three days of stoning (Jamarat), and performing the Tawaf al-Ifadah.
The Benefits of Hajj
“Whoever performs Hajj without engaging in intimate relations or committing major sins returns free of sin, as if he were born anew.” This is conditioned on having sincere intentions toward God, using lawful money for the pilgrimage, and avoiding major sins, as reported by Bukhari. These efforts and sacrifices enable the Muslim to master and calm their soul.
