Pilgrimage (Hajj)
Pilgrimage to the House of Allah سبحانه وتعالى in Makkah is an act of worship that is obligatory once in a life-time upon all Muslims who have physical and financial capability to make this journey. Millions of Muslims from all over the world perform this ritual every year in Zul-Hijjah, the 12th month of Hijrah calendar. The House of Allah سبحانه وتعالى (Kaabah) was built by Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام, helped by his son Prophet Ismail عليه السلام and he, on the commandments from Allah سبحانه وتعالى, called all human beings to visit the house. All the rituals of Hajj were taught by the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم to his companions in detail at the occasion of his Fare-well Hajj; and most of these constitute the acts performed by the Prophet Ibrahim and his family in the fulfillment of Allah’s commandments.
Major activities of the pilgrims during Hajj include stay in the valleys of Mina, Arafat & Muzdalifah; Tawaf of Kaaba; saee between hills of Safa & Marwah; offering sacrifice of animals; and throwing pebbles at Jamarat. Pilgrims utter the greatness of Allah سبحانه وتعالى as frequently as possible during the whole period of Hajj and ask for His forgiveness. Hunting, cutting trees, quarrelling and getting involved in indecent acts is prohibited. The person who performs Hajj observing all its rules and gets approval by Allah سبحانه وتعالى (Hajj-e-Mabroor) returns home with all his sins forgiven as if he was a new-born.
Note: It is obligatory to obtain detailed knowledge about the journey of Hajj when one makes intention to perform Hajj. There are various authenticated books available on this topic and the training sessions are also given in Hajj camps. During the Hajj, any questions that arise should be addressed to your group leader.