Hajj season is ahead. Every year millions of Muslims visit the house of Allah SWT to perform Hajj. In this article, we will explore the significance of Hajj according to the Quran and Sunnah.
Hajj is an Arabic language word. It means ‘to set out for a journey. In Islam, the literal meaning of Hajj is ‘the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia’.
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. It is obligatory for a person who is financially and physically capable to do it. A person should perform Hajj and visit the sacred place of Ka’aba at least once in his/her life.
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAWW said about hajj,
“Islam is based on five fundamentals. To proclaim that there is no God but Allah and Muhammad SAWW is the Messenger of Allah. To establish the prayer. To pay Zakat. To go for pilgrimage and to fast in the month of Ramadan”.
(Bukhari)
It is not in a single hadith about Hajj. There are many hadiths to emphasize this divine journey towards the sacred house of Allah SWT in Mecca. Quran also identifies this holy practice and makes it mandatory for all Muslims to perform the Hajj for the sake of Allah SWT.