What is hajj? and when is it celebrated?

Question

if a muslim doesn't do hajj what is done at home instead?

so many great answers and i have to chose one best one wow

Answer 1

I'm sooo glad you asked this!! Please read the following; it will answer your question perfectly! :)

Millions of pilgrims from all over the world will be converging on Makkah in the coming days. They will retrace the footsteps of millions who have made the spiritual journey to the valley of Makkah since the time of Adam.

Hajj literally means, “to continuously strive to reach one’s goal.” It is the last of the five pillars of Islam (the others include a declaration of faith in one God, five daily prayers, offering regular charity, and fasting during the month of Ramadan). Pilgrimage is an once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who have the physical and financial ability to undertake the journey.

The Hajj is essentially a re-enactment of the rituals of the great prophets and teachers of faith. Pilgrims symbolically relive the experience of exile and atonement undergone by Adam and Eve after they were expelled from Heaven, wandered the earth, met again and sought forgiveness in the valley of Makkah. They also retrace the frantic footsteps of the wife of Abraham, Hagar, as she ran between the hills of Safa and Marwa searching for water for her thirsty baby (which according to Muslim tradition, God answered with the well of Zam Zam). Lastly, the pilgrims also commemorate the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son for the sake of God. God later substituted a ram in place of his son.

Yet, the Hajj is more than these elaborate rituals. The faithful hope that it will bring about a deep spiritual transformation, one that will make him or her a better person. If such a change within does not occur, then the Hajj was merely a physical and material exercise devoid of any spiritual significance.
As all great religions teach, we are more than mere physical creatures in that we possess an essence beyond the material world. Indeed, this is why all great religions have a tradition of pilgrimage. In the Islamic tradition, Hajj encapsulates this spiritual journey toward this essence. The current state of affairs — both within and outside the Muslim world — greatly increases the relevance of some of the spiritual and universal messages inherent in the Hajj.

As Islamic scholar, Ebrahim Moosa, asks rhetorically: “After paying homage to the two women Eve and Hagar in the rites of pilgrimage, how can some Muslims still violate the rights and dignity of women in the name of Islam? Is this not a contradiction?”

Indeed, the Qur’an teaches: “I shall not lose sight of the labor of any of you who labors in my way, be it man or woman; each of you is equal to the other.” (3:195)

Clearly, the white sea of men and women side by side performing tawaf (circling) around the Kaaba (the stone building Muslims believe was originally built by Adam and rebuilt by Abraham and his son Ishmael) should lay to rest any claim that Islam — as opposed to some Muslims — degrades women. The fact that millions of Muslims transcending geographical, linguistic, level of practice, cultural, ethnic, color, economic and social barriers converge in unison on Makkah, attests to the universality of the Hajj. It plants the seed to celebrate the diversity of our common humanity. Pilgrims return home enriched by this more pluralistic and holistic outlook and with a new appreciation for their own origins.

The most celebrated North American Haji (one who has completed the Hajj) is none other than African-American civil rights leader El-Hajj Malik El Shabbaz, more commonly known as Malcolm X. The man who was renowned for preaching that whites were “devils” — especially the blond, blue-eyed ones — profoundly reassessed these views during the Hajj. This transformation, of course, sealed his break with the African-American nationalist movement of the Nation of Islam.

Contrary to the teachings of the Nation, he concluded that Islam encompassed all of humanity and transcended race and culture. Malcolm X later said, “In my 39 years on this Earth, the holy city of Makkah had been the first time I had ever stood before the Creator of all and felt like a complete human.”

In Makkah, he discovered himself mixing with, “fellow Muslims, whose eyes were the bluest of blue, whose hair was the blondest of blond, and whose skin was whitest of white.” Malcolm X was so inspired by what he witnessed, that, in letters to friends and relatives, he wrote, “America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society the race problem.”

Upon returning to America, he embarked on a mission to enlighten both blacks and whites with his new views. Malcolm X understood that in order to truly learn from the Haj, its inherent spiritual lessons must extend beyond the fraternal ties of Muslims to forging a common humanity with others.

In fact, as part of the spiritual experience, the pilgrimage links people across religions through a past shared by several Abrahamic traditions. This combined with the Islamic teaching of the common origin of humanity holds out much hope. Indeed, the Qur’an teaches: “We created you from a single pair of a male and female (Adam and Eve), and made you into nations and tribes that ye may know each other and not that you might despise each other. The most honored of you in the sight of God is the most righteous of you” (Al Hujurat: 13). This is a great celebration of the differences and at the same time unity of all of humanity.

Another essential spiritual message of the Haj is one of humility to God and His supremacy and control over all that we know. The multitude of people and their inner beliefs and practices are all to be judged by God and God alone in His infinite wisdom and full knowledge. Indeed, as the Qur’an insists, “Let there be no compulsion in matters of faith, truth stands out clear from error.” (2: 256)

The result of a successful Haj is a rich inner peace, which is manifested outwardly in the values of justice, honesty, respect, generosity, kindness, forgiveness, mercy and empathy. And it is these values — all attributes of God Almighty — that are indispensable to us all if we are just to get along in this world.

(This was written by Brother Faisal Kutty, who is a lawyer, writer and doctoral candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School of York University. He is also vice chair of the Canadian Council on American Islamic Relations.)

Answer 2

The Hajj is a pilgrimage to Mecca, and is celebrated in the month of Ramadan.

All muslims are expected to undertake at least one Hajj in their lifetime. Many Muslims go on several Hajj's.

Answer 3

Hajj
The fifth pillar of Islam is to make a pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah, in Saudi Arabia, at least once in one's lifetime. This pillar is obligatory for every Muslim, male or female, provided that he/she is physically and financially able to do so. Prerequisites for performing the Hajj are to be a Muslim, to be free, to be an adult or mature enough, to be of sound mind, and to have the ability to afford the journey and maintain one's dependents back home for the duration. The reward for the Hajj is nothing less than Paradise.

The Hajj is the ultimate form of worship, as it involves the spirit of all the other rituals and demands of the believer great sacrifice. On this unique occasion, nearly two million Muslims from all over the globe meet one another in a given year. Regardless of the season, pilgrims wear special clothes (Ihram) - two, very simple, unsewn white garments - which strips away all distinctions of wealth, status, class and culture; all stand together and equal before Allah (God).

The rites of Hajj, which go back to the time of Prophet Abraham who built the Ka'bah, are observed over five or six days, beginning on the eighth day of the last month of the year, named Dhul-Hijjah (pilgrimage). These rites include circumambulating the Ka'bah (Tawwaf), and going between the mountains of Safa and Marwah, as Hajjar (Abraham's wife) did during her search for water for her son Isma'il. Then the pilgrims stand together on the wide plain of Arafah and join in prayers for God's forgiveness, in what is often thought of as a preview of the Last Judgment. The pilgrims also cast stones at a stone pillar which represents Satan. The pilgrimage ends with a festival, called 'Id al-Adha, which is celebrated with prayers, the sacrifice of an animal, and the exchange of greetings and gifts in Muslim communities everywhere.

Answer 4

hajj is the holy pilgramage in islam... muslims have to do it once in a lifetime if they are able to... it`s in makkah in saudi arabia and at the end of the hajj which is 4 days which they do a lot of praying and supplication to allah they have to sacrifice a sheep! and eat from it and also to disturbute some of it for the poor... i haven`t made hajj yet but everyone who`s done it say that it`s a woderful and very spiritual journey! i hope that i`ll make it soon!

Answer 5

It's not something to celebrate, it's part of Islam religion, every adult Muslim men and women must do it once in their life, if they can, It's toke place in mecca and around mecca, at Saudi Arabia,hajj begin after about 4 days,
i hope that's help.

Answer 6

Hajj is the pilgrammege to the city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia and then gettin this fresh water called ZamZam water which is from the ground

Answer 7

What Is Hajj

Answer 8

Hajj has its roots back to the anceiunt pajanic relegions of the arabian peninsula where people used to worship great pajans in the place where Kaaba is located nowadays.
You need to read about the origins of this behaviour not just satisfeid with what fellow muslims tell you...

An arab atheist...
www.ladeeni.net

Answer 9

Hajj is the Fifth pillar of Islam, where a mature adult Muslim should do once in his/her life, provided he/she is able to do from all aspects.
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Place in Mecca, last for 5 days with special dress for all people King or porter, black or white , Arab or non Arab ..., poor or rich. all are equal .
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One of the several issues of Hajj that people now each others very close so, it is a Major gatherings for Muslims.

Answer 10

Allah has enjoined the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) upon all Muslim men and women once in a lifetime, provided they have sufficient means. It is one of the five pillars of Islam. It was prescribed in the sixth year after the emigration of the Prophet (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Madinah. Denying the obligatory nature of Hajj is tantamount to unbelief. A Muslim who has the ability to make Hajj and does not do so will be accountable on the Day of Judgment.

Allah says: “Pilgrimage to the house is a duty that humanity owes to Allah, those who have the means to undertake the journey [Sûrah آl `Imran: 97]

Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “Islam is built on the five pillars: testifying that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger, establishing prayer, paying Zakâh, performing the pilgrimage to Mecca, and fasting in the month of Ramadân.” [Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim]

Hajj and `Umrah (the lesser pilgrimage) are among the good deeds that Muslims are urged to perform.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) was once asked: “What is the best deed?” He replied: “To have faith in Allah and His Messenger.” The enquirer asked: “What next?” the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “To strive in the cause of Allah.” The enquirer asked again: “What is the next best thing?” He replied: “An accepted pilgrimage. [Musnad Ahmad]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever performs Hajj for Allah’s pleasure and avoids all lewdness and sins will return after Hajj free from all sins as he was the day his mother gave birth to him.” [Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim]

`آ’ishah once said: “O Prophet of Allah! Striving in the cause of Allah is the best deed. Should we (women) then, not actively participate in it?” The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: “The best jihâd for you is an accepted Hajj.” [Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim]

Abu Hurayrah narrates that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Hajj is the jihâd for the old, the weak, and the women.” [Sunan al-Nasâ’î]

`Abd Allah b. `Abbâs has relates that a man was riding his mount on the plain of `Arafât when suddenly he fell down and died. The Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “Wash his body and bury him in his ihrâm garments (the two sheets worn by the pilgrim), leaving his head and face uncovered, for he will rise on the Day of Resurrection reciting the pilgrim’s call.” [Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim]

Answer 11

One fifth of humankind shares a single aspiration: to complete, at least once in a lifetime, the spiritual journey called the Hajj.
Hajj, or pilgrimage to Makkah, a central duty of Islam whose origins date back to the Prophet Abraham, brings together Muslims of all races and tongues for one of life's most moving spiritual experiences.




For 14 centuries, countless millions of Muslims, men and women from all over the world have made the pilgrimage to Makkah, the birthplace of Islam. In carrying out this obligation, they fulfill one of the five "pillars" of Islam, or central religious duties of the believer.

Muslims trace the recorded origins of the divinely prescribed pilgrimage to Prophet Abraham, or Ibrahim, as he is called in Arabic. According to the Qur'an, it was Abraham who, together with his son, Ishmael (Isma'il), re-built the Ka’bah, "the House of God”. Ka’bah was the first place of worship, built by Adam to worship God. After the great flood during the time of Noah destroyed it, Abraham and Ishmael re-built it on the original foundation. On God’s command, Abraham gave a call to mankind to come on pilgrimage to this House of God.

The Great Mosque around the Ka’bah and the surrounding areas are sanctified. Neither any killing of any living being nor cutting of any tree within the precincts of the sanctified area is permitted. It was Abraham, who established the rituals of Hajj, which recall events or practices in his life and that of his wife, Hagar (Hajira) and their son Ishmael. Ever since then, people have been coming to this House to perform the pilgrimage. Ka’bah is the focal point toward which Muslims all over the globe turn their face in their worship of the one God, five times each day.

Before Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) received the divine call to re-establish Islam, pagan practices had crept into some of the original observances of Hajj. The Prophet, as ordained by God, continued Hajj after restoring its rituals to their original purity. The Prophet, by his own example, showed to his companions each rite in detail. These rites are elaborate, numerous and varied and they are carried out by the believers for the past over 14 centuries in strict conformity with the practices shown by the Prophet.

Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation upon male and female adults whose health and means permit it, or, in the words of the Qur’an, upon "those who can make their way there." It is not an obligation on children, though some children do accompany their parents on this journey.

Before setting out, a pilgrim should redress all wrongs, pay all debts, plan to have enough funds for his own journey and for the maintenance of his family while he is away, and prepare himself for good conduct throughout Hajj.

When pilgrims undertake Hajj, they follow in the footsteps of millions before them. Nowadays, over 3 million believers from over 70 nations arrive in the holy city of Makkah by road, sea and air every year, completing a journey, now in some ways less arduous than it often was in the past. Travel in earlier days was filled with lot of hazards. The roads were often unsafe due to bandit raids. The terrain the pilgrims passed through was also dangerous, and natural hazards and diseases often claimed many lives along the way. Thus, the successful return of pilgrims to their families was the occasion of joyous celebration and thanksgiving for their safe arrival.