Understanding the Hajj Pilgrimage

Eid al-Adha: A Celebration of Sacrifice

Sunday was a day of celebration for Eid al-Adha, also known as the festival of sacrifice. This festival is observed on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. It lasts for three days and involves the sacrifice of an animal, a tradition that commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son. The meat from the sacrifice is distributed among the poor, the family, and neighbors. In the present day, pilgrims usually pay for a token to cover the cost of an animal that will be slaughtered in an abattoir in Mecca, or they give money for sacrificial meat to be sent to needy Muslim communities abroad. This year, the focus is on Gaza.

The Hajj Pilgrimage: A Journey of Faith

The infographic below, based on Al Jazeera's reporting, illustrates some of the main steps taken during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, including the celebration of Eid al-Adha on the third day of Hajj. Pilgrims start their journey by entering the holy state of Ihram. This involves several rituals, including men wearing two white cloths known as the izar and rida, and women wearing a loose dress that covers their body except for their hands and face. After this, the pilgrims enter the city of Mecca, where only Muslims are allowed.

Once in Mecca, worshippers perform the Tawaf, which involves circling the Kaaba, a black stone structure in the al-Masjid al-Haram or the Holy Mosque, seven times in a counterclockwise direction while reciting prayers. Another ritual is the sa’y, which involves walking or running between the hills of Safa and Marwah before proceeding to Mina.

Continuation of the Pilgrimage

The pilgrimage then moves to Mount Arafat where prayers are offered, and worshippers stand in vigil until sunset, seeking forgiveness for their sins. At the planes of Muzdalifah, worshippers collect between 49-70 pebbles, seven of which are later thrown at the largest of three pillars (Jamrat al-Aqabah) in a symbolic stoning of the devil. This is followed by the slaughtering of an animal on Eid al-Adha. Men then shave their heads while women cut a lock of their hair to symbolize the rebirth of their spiritual journey.

The Final Days of the Pilgrimage

In the following days, pilgrims perform the Tawaf again and then carry out the ritual of stoning the devil at each of three walls on three successive days. While the order of visiting the Meccan sites may vary, it is customary to perform a final farewell circle of the Kaaba. Most Muslims also visit Medinah, the second holiest city in Islam, either before or after the Hajj pilgrimage. The Hajj pilgrimage typically lasts 5-6 days and is a requirement for every adult Muslim to complete at least once in their lifetime if they are financially, physically, and emotionally capable. It is the last of the Five Pillars of Islam, following Shahada, Salah, Zakat, and Sawm.

Final Thoughts

The Hajj pilgrimage is a significant event in the life of a Muslim, symbolizing a journey of faith and devotion. It is a time of reflection, prayer, and sacrifice. What are your thoughts on this sacred journey? Share this article with your friends and let us know what you think. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.