How Do You Prepare For Hajj?
While Hajj is first and foremost a spiritual duty, it is also very physically demanding and preparing for Hajj is greatly encouraged for Muslims around the world.
As pilgrims walk on average between 5km-15km per day, it is encouraged for Muslims to physically prepare for Hajj weeks in advance, so that the travel that is required between locations across the five-six-day pilgrimage is not a shock to the system. Being physically prepared provides an aide to the emotionally and spiritually demanding aspects of Hajj.
Difference Between Hajj And Umrah
Hajj and Umrah are both sacred pilgrimages in Islam and share many of the same qualities, rites, and rituals. However, there are some main differences, one of the biggest being that Hajj is a fifth pillar of Islam and required of every Muslim so long as they have the capacity, whereas Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage.
Here are some more differences between Hajj and Umrah:
Hajj can only take place between the 8th and 12th or 13th of Dhul Hijjah each year, whereas Umrah can be performed at any time of the year. Hajj lasts approximately five to six days (depending on the sighting of the crescent moon), whereas Umrah can be performed within a much shorter period – even a day! There are 18 steps to perform in Hajj whereas there are far fewer in Umrah.
Can non-Muslims go on Hajj?
Pilgrimage is not restricted to Muslims, and many religions have their own form of pilgrimage. However, only Muslims are permitted to enter or pass through the holy city of Makkah. In Medina, non-Muslims are not allowed to enter Nabawi Square.
History of Hajj
In 628 CE, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the Muslims performed the first Islamic pilgrimage (Hajj). He was instructed to re-establish the traditions started by the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) as instructed by Allah (SWT), millennia before.
Under the commandment of Allah, Ibrahim (AS) travelled to the barren desert of Makkah to perform various acts of worship, including building the Kaaba. You can read more about this story here.
More about Hajj
Hajj is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Two to five million people from around the globe convene to affirm their commitment to God and commemorate the example and sacrifice of Prophet Abraham. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. Most Muslims perform it at least once in their lives. However, Hajj is not mandatory unlike the other four pillars, because of the hardships of the ritual. So, Islam has taken into consideration both the financial and physical ability of the individual, regarding the performance of Hajj. The rites of Hajj are performed from the 8th to the 12th of Dul Hijjah. Eid Al-Adha falls on the 10th day of the month of Due Hijjah. All male pilgrims wear the same simple attire, which consists of two white clothes that cover the body called Ihram. Women wear a simple abaya; but they have their heads covered with their faces showing. The simple dress is a symbol of purity and equality. Hajj is a journey into self-reflection and personality development. It’s an experience that allows the person to live the brotherhood and sisterhood of humanity. It is a journey for learning the art of sacrifice; allowing pilgrims to connect with the divine.