Why is Hajj important?
Hajj is one of the five Pillars of Islam, which form the basic foundations of a Muslim’s beliefs. Every Muslim is expected to undertake the pilgrimage at least once in their lives if they have physical and financial capacity. What Happens On Hajj? Muslims who perform the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj are required to undergo a series of rites and rituals which each offer their own unique purpose and wisdom.
Importance of Hajj
Once a year, Muslim pilgrims flowing into Saudi Arabia unite in a series of religious rituals and acts of worship as they perform the Hajj, one of the pillars of Islam. As they fulfill a religious obligation, they immerse themselves in what can be a spiritual experience of a lifetime for them and a chance to seek God’s forgiveness and the erasure of past sins.
Here’s a look at the pilgrimage and its significance to Muslims.
For pilgrims, performing Hajj fulfills a religious obligation, but it’s also a deeply spiritual experience of a lifetime for many. It’s seen as a chance to seek God’s forgiveness for past sins, to grow closer to God and to walk in the footsteps of prophets.
Communally, Hajj unites Muslims of diverse races, ethnicities, languages and economic classes from around the world in performing religious rituals and acts of worshipping God at the same time and place. That leaves many feeling a sense of unity, connection, humility and equality. Pilgrims also show up with their own personal appeals, wishes and experiences.
Many pilgrims bring with them prayer requests from family and friends that they would like to be said on their behalf.
Some spend years hoping and praying to one day perform Hajj or saving up money and waiting for a permit to embark on the trip.
In 2019, nearly 2.5 million Muslims performed Hajj before the coronavirus pandemic disrupted religious and other gatherings the world over and took its toll on the Islamic pilgrimage. Last year’s Hajj was the first to be held without COVID-19 restrictions since the start of the pandemic in 2020.
Ahead of the journey, preparations may include packing various essentials for the physically demanding trip, seeking tips from those who’ve performed the pilgrimage before, attending lectures or consuming other educational material on how to properly perform a series of Hajj rituals as well as spiritually readying oneself.
At times, pilgrims brave intense heat or other challenging conditions during the pilgrimage.