Written by Yaseen Khan
“And proclaim to the people the Hajj; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come
from every distant pass – That they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on
known days over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. So eat of them and feed the
miserable and poor.” Surah Al-Hajj (22:27-28)
When asked, “What is Hajj?”, My initial response was literal, i.e. the fifth pillar of Islam, following the tenets of
faith, prayer, charity, and fasting. It is a pilgrimage required of Muslims once in a lifetime if financially and
physically able, following in the footsteps of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Hajj is a divinely ordained ritual
undertaken by devoted worshippers at a specific time and to a specific place. But to stop at this surface-level
description does not do justice to the depth, the struggle, and the ultimate purpose of Hajj.
Hajj is not just a journey of rituals. It is life and blood.
To say that Hajj is “life and blood” is not simply poetic or metaphorical – it is the purest expression of the soul’s
yearning for Allah. Hajj is woven into the very fabric of who we are as Muslims, as servants of Allah. It is the
pulse of our devotion, the heartbeat of our faith. Every step, every prayer, every sacrifice on this journey is an act
of profound surrender, a declaration that we are bound to our Creator, and that this binding transcends time,
space, and worldly desires.
Hajj has the power to transform lives because it shakes us to the core. It strips away the superficial and reminds
us of our finite existence. As humans, we are fragile, yet when we stand before Allah on this sacred journey, we
experience a strength and clarity unlike anything else. The gravity of this event is unparalleled, as it is a journey
that unites body, soul, and spirit in the singular purpose of submission to Allah’s will.
There is an incomparable reverence for this experience. Hajj is not a mere ritual – it is an embodiment of our love
and commitment to Allah. It is about embracing vulnerability and humility, while recognising the immense
potential for change and growth within ourselves. When we perform Hajj, we symbolically leave behind our old
selves. We cleanse our souls, and by doing so, we renew our covenant with Allah.
Hajj is life because it reflects the struggle, the sacrifice, and the surrender required to live a life of faith. It is blood
because it connects us to our deepest source of vitality: our Creator. And in that moment when you stand on
Arafat, or complete the Tawaaf, or throw your pebbles at the Jamarat, it is as though the very essence of your
being is engaged in an act of worship that is both ancient and eternal. This is a journey that can catalyse
profound change, reshaping our perspective and reigniting our purpose.
Hajj represents the most powerful and tangible expression of Tawheed, the Oneness of Allah. It is a profound
act of worship that unites Muslims from all walks of life, transcending divisions such as race, nationality, and
social status. Through its rituals, Hajj serves as a direct repudiation of the artificial constructs and divisions
that humans often create out of ignorance, arrogance, and pride.
Hajj encompasses and embodies all the other four pillars of Islam. It brings together the core principles of the
faith—Shahada (the declaration of faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), and Sawm (fasting)—within its rituals.
Through the journey of Hajj, Muslims affirm their belief in the oneness of Allah, engage in acts of worship and
prayer, demonstrate charity and selflessness, and exercise discipline and sacrifice, mirroring the essence of
the other fundamental tenets of Islam.
Embracing the concept of Tawheed and it’s foundation in Hajj.
Every ritual of Hajj serves as a profound affirmation of Tawheed, the oneness of Allah, both in its symbolic
meaning and its practice. From the moment pilgrims begin their journey, the core principle of Tawheed is
reflected in every step, reminding them of their submission to the will of Allah.
- Ihram (State of Purity and Equality): Pilgrims enter into a state of Ihram, donning simple white garments
that symbolize the equality of all believers before Allah. This act strips away worldly distinctions of wealth,
class, and status, affirming that in the eyes of Allah, all are equal and submit to His will alone. - Talbiyah (Declaration of Devotion): Throughout the pilgrimage, the continuous recitation of the Talbiyah
(“Here I am, O Allah, here I am”) is an open declaration of Tawheed. It is an expression of the pilgrim’s
submission to Allah’s oneness and a response to His call, acknowledging that there is no partner with Allah
in His sovereignty. - Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba): Pilgrims perform Tawaf, circling the Kaaba seven times,
symbolizing the centrality of Allah in their lives. As the physical centre of the Muslim world, the Kaaba
represents the unity of believers under the banner of Tawheed, and this act of circumambulation is a
physical demonstration of their devotion to Allah alone. - Sa’i (Running between Safa and Marwah): The ritual of Sa’i, reenacting Hagar’s search for water for her
son, reflects trust in Allah’s provision and mercy. It is a reminder of the unity of Allah’s plan and the
believer’s reliance on Him as the ultimate provider, emphasising that all help comes only from Him. - Standing at Arafat: The day of standing at Arafat is the pinnacle of Hajj. It is a moment of deep reflection
and prayer, where pilgrims affirm their belief in the oneness of Allah and seek His forgiveness. This
gathering on the plain of Arafat symbolises the Day of Judgment, where all of humanity will stand equally
before Allah, reinforcing the concept of His oneness and ultimate authority. - Ramy al-Jamarat (Stoning of the Pillars): The stoning of the three pillars, representing Satan’s
temptations, is a rejection of evil and an affirmation of Tawheed. By casting these stones, pilgrims
demonstrate their commitment to worshiping Allah alone and their rejection of anything that diverts them
from this path. The Prophet SAW said that the pelting of the Jamarat is to establish the remembrance of
Allah. - Sacrifice (Qurbani): The act of sacrificing an animal during Hajj is a direct reflection of the story of Prophet
Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. This sacrifice is a powerful affirmation of
Tawheed, symbolising submission to Allah’s will above all else.
Through these rituals, Hajj constantly reminds pilgrims of their submission to Allah’s oneness, power, and
authority. Each act of worship reinforces the central belief in Tawheed, unifying the pilgrim’s thoughts, actions,
and intentions toward Allah alone. The pilgrimage strips away these false distinctions by reminding all
participants of their shared purpose and equal standing before Allah. Dressed in simple white garments, free
from the markers of wealth or status, pilgrims are reminded of their ultimate dependence on Allah alone.
Hajj brings a deep sense of humility, submission, and equality, as every individual participates in the same rites,affirming their devotion to the one true God. In this way, Hajj symbolizes a return to the pure, untainted recognition of Allah’s oneness. It refutes the false ideologies that promote human superiority based on material wealth, power, or ethnicity. Instead, it emphasizes the unity of all believers and the singularity of Allah’s divine authority. This pilgrimage, therefore, not only reinforces Tawheed but also serves as a direct confrontation against the constructs of human pride and ignorance, calling believers back to the truth of Allah’s unity and supremacy.
Beyond the actions, begins the journey.
Hajj is not merely about completing specific acts but about embodying humility in every step. The Prophet
Muhammad (SAW) reminded us thatAllah tests those whom He loves: “WhenAllah loves a servant, He tests
him” (Tirmidhi). Hajj is a test—of endurance, patience, and faith. For many pilgrims, it is a reminder that life is
filled with trials, and it is through these tests that we draw closer to Allah.
The physical toll of Hajj cannot be overstated. Yes, one can read about the distances covered between
the sacred sites of Makkah,Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina. One can read about the Tawaf around the Ka’bah, the
Sa’i between Safa and Marwah, and the symbolic stoning of the Jamarat. However, nothing prepares you for
the mental and physical exhaustion of walking these distances under the sweltering sun, surrounded by
millions of others who are all seeking the same goal, All seeking to gain the mercy and forgiveness from their
Lord. These acts, while sacred, are incredibly demanding.
Preparation is key. The acts of worship during Hajj require physical and mental strength. The long walks,
extended hours of prayer, and constant movement demand stamina and endurance. Engaging in regular
physical exercise before embarking on this journey can significantly ease the physical burden. Start walking
longer distances daily, focusing on your stamina and strength. Build your patience through fasting, lengthy
prayers, and reading the Quran, so that your body and mind are trained to handle the spiritual and physical
weight of Hajj.
Understanding that hardships brings rewards. Every ache, every bead of sweat, every ounce of fatigue
endured in Hajj is rewarded. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “There is no fatigue, nor disease, nor
sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress that befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a
thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that” (Bukhari). Every moment of difficulty during Hajj
serves as a means for spiritual purification and the washing away of sins.
More importantly, Hajj teaches the transience of this life. The rituals performed, such as standing on the plains
ofArafat, strip away all worldly concerns, forcing you to confront the reality of death, accountability, and the
Hereafter. In the words of the Prophet (SAW), “Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler along a
path” (Bukhari). The white Ihram garments are reminiscent of the shroud that will one day wrap each believer,
reminding us of our temporary existence in this world and the permanence of the Hereafter.
Tawakkul (Trust in Allah) is a cornerstone of this journey. You are not in control—Allah is. You will
experience moments of difficulty that are beyond your power to change. Whether it is the heat, the crowds,
or exhaustion, these moments require full reliance on Allah’s wisdom. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
said, “If you were to rely upon Allah with the reliance He is due, you would be given provision like the birds:
they go out hungry in the morning and return full in the evening” (Tirmidhi). Hajj enforces this reliance, and
through it, you experience the beauty of surrendering to Allah’s will.
Humility is perhaps the greatest lesson of Hajj.You will walk side by side with people from every corner of the
world. The wealthy will sleep beside the poor, the strong beside the weak, and all will be equal in their worship.
The Quran reminds us, “Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you”
(49:13).
Hajj strips away all notions of superiority and leaves only the sincere intention and determination to
serve Allah.
The Individual Responsibility of Hajj: A Day of Ultimate Accountability
While Hajj brings together millions of believers in one unified act of devotion, each pilgrim must understand
that their Hajj is ultimately their own. Every act of worship, every supplication, every step taken in the
pilgrimage is the responsibility of the individual. It is a deeply personal experience where no one else can
tread on your behalf. On the Day of Arafat, one of the most significant days of Hajj,Allah descends to the
lowest heaven and looks upon His servants with mercy, saying to the angels:
“Look at My servants, they have come to Me disheveled and dusty, from every deep valley, hoping for My
mercy. So bear witness, My angels, that I have forgiven them.” (Ahmad, Muslim)
The act of standing alone in front of Allah on the Day of Arafat, is one of the most powerful moments of spiritual
connection in a Muslim’s life. This moment embodies the essence of ultimate humility, vulnerability, and devotion.
It is a profound reminder that despite the crowd of millions, each pilgrim stands individually before Allah,
accountable for their own deeds, and seeking His mercy and forgiveness.
“And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant
when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly]
guided.” Surah Al-Baqarah (2:186)
“And no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another.And if a heavily laden soul calls [another] to carry
some of its load, nothing of it will be carried, even if he should be a close relative” (Quran 35:18).
The Day of Arafat is a day where you plead your case to Allah directly without the need for any intermediaries.
There is no need for anyone else to speak to Allah on your behalf. It is a day where you can express your
feelings, seek favours and plead for relief from YOUR Creator directly. A reminder that Islam came to remove
man from worshipping others to the direct unhindered worship of Allah directly.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:“There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafat. He comes close
and expresses His pride to the angels, saying, ‘What do these people want?'” (Muslim).
Following the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) During Hajj
While there may be differences in interpretations on how to perform the Hajj, let us bear in mind that the Prophet
Muhammad SAW clearly instructed us follow His way of Hajj. The Prophet (SAW) commanded “Take from me
your rites of Hajj” (Muslim).
His actions are our guide, as demonstrated when he conveyed the verse during his Farewell Sermon:
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you
Islam as your religion” (Quran 5:3).
As much as it is important to respect different rulings, when it comes to Hajj, it is essential to look our Prophets
example. Preparing for this journey goes beyond learning the rituals; it is about understanding the significance of
every step. These acts are not mere obligations, but vivid re-enactments of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) sacrifice and
devotion, further demonstrated by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Knowing why we stand onArafat, why we
stop at Muzdalifah, or why we pelt the Jamarat is vital to fully immersing ourselves in the spirituality of the
pilgrimage.
It is crucial to recognise that Hajj is a deeply personal journey. There should not be an over- reliance on a
“spiritual leader” or guide to carry you through the experience. Your Hajj is your responsibility. Every
supplication, every tear, every whispered prayer matters.You have been called by Allah to this sacred ground,
and it is your connection with Him that will determine the blessings and mercy you receive. Too often, we witness
Hujaaj leaning on others to make their duas or to lead them on the day of Arafat. This is a squandered moment.
Allah has invited YOU, is listening to YOU, and is answering YOUR duas. Empower yourself with knowledge
so that you can make the most of this immeasurable gift. Seek the ultimate reward of a Hajj Maqbool and
Mabroor.
On the day of Arafat, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) emphasised the importance of dua, as it is the pinnacle of
the Hajj experience. “The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of Arafah” (Tirmidhi).
All your duas are answered on this day except one, to let this day last longer. It is here, more than
anywhere, that the fleeting nature of this life will become real, as you watch the sun set on Arafat,
knowing your time is finite.
To prepare for Hajj, one must do more than pack a bag or read a guide.
Preparation involves strengthening one’s body, mind, and soul for the journey ahead.
- Physical Stamina: Start training by walking regularly and increasing your endurance. The pilgrimage
is physically demanding, and being in good shape will allow you to focus more on the spiritual
aspects. - Spiritual Readiness: Increase your acts of worship in the months leading up to Hajj. Focus on
prayer, reading Quran, and practicing gratitude. - Mental Fortitude: Prepare yourself for the unexpected. Engage with people who have performed Hajj
and who won’t sugarcoat the experience. Understand that things will not always go according to plan,
and flexibility will be essential. - Tawakkul: Strengthen your reliance on Allah. Trust that every challenge is part of His divine plan
for you and that through these hardships, you are being purified and brought closer to Him. - Gratitude: Develop a habit of gratitude and express your gratefulness toAllah for all He has
blessed you with, and He will give you more. - Knowledge: Before anything else we must learn how to worship Allah as Islam is based on
knowledge and fact and not on emotions and assumptions.
Hajj is not just a physical journey; it is a life transformation. It cleanses the soul, prepares it for death,
and unites believers without arrogance.
As pilgrims return home, they do so with a deeper understanding of life’s transience and a stronger bond with
their Creator. Hajj teaches the importance of obedience to Allah Alone, the sweetness of worshipping Him, the
satisfaction of reliance and trust in Him. Hajj is a second chance for every believer!
May Allah grant all those embarking on this journey the strength and patience to complete it, and may they
return transformed and renewed in faith, as examples and ambassadors of our deen.
Written By Yaseen Khan (24 September 2024)
Author Bio:
Yaseen Khan is from Durban, South Africa, and has dedicated his career to serving pilgrims on their Hajj and
Umrah journeys. As part of the Flywell Travel team and the founder of Rahal Tours, Yaseen brings extensive
experience and a deep understanding of the spiritual and logistical aspects of pilgrimage. His role as a guide
(Khadim) is supported by years of hands-on involvement in ensuring a smooth and meaningful experience for
all Hujaaj and Mutamireen (Pilgrims). He is also a member of the Haramain Inspo Platform, committed to
enhancing the Hajj and Umrah experience for pilgrims worldwide.
