What is the Hajj in Islam? How Many Days Does Hajj Last? and How to Perform Hajj?

What is Hajj in Islam? Its Duration and How it’s Performed.Introduction to Hajj in Islam

Hajj is the sacred journey to Makkah held at Masjid al-Haram and is one of Islam’s five pillars. For those asking what the Hajj is in Islam. It’s a required journey for Muslims with the means, symbolizing unity, humility, and devotion to God performed at least once in a lifetime if physically and financially able..

So, what is the Hajj exactly? It is a profoundly spiritual experience that unites millions of Muslims worldwide. Every year during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, Hajj involves a series of specific rites and rituals spanning several days, including Tawaf (circumambulating the Kaaba) and standing at Arafat.

Hajj is more than just a physical journey. It’s a time for reflection, humility, and renewal of faith. For Muslims, answering the call to Hajj is answering a lifelong divine invitation.

Religious and Historical Importance

In the year 628 CE. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers set out on the first Islamic journey (Hajj). reviving the blessed journey originally established by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) centuries earlier. This powerful tradition began when Allah (SWT) commanded Ibrahim (AS) to journey to the barren desert of Makkah and leave his wife Hajar and their infant son, Ismail (AS). There, in complete trust of divine wisdom.

Left alone. Hajar ran between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times, searching for water. Her devotion was answered when baby Ismail (AS) struck the ground with his foot, and a spring burst forth by Allah’s (SWT) command. This amazing spring, now called the well of Zam Zam, became a vital water source that supported travelers and turned the lonely valley into a growing settlement of Makkah.

Years later, Ibrahim (AS) returned and, with his son, built the Kaaba on the original foundation set by Prophet Adam (AS). The Kaaba was never an object of worship but a symbol of unity for believers in one God. Though. The Kaaba was later overtaken by idol worshippers. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) re-established the journey, restoring its original purpose. That is today known as Hajj

Duration of Hajj

Hajj, what is it, truly? It’s a holy five to six-day journey that Muslims start once in a lifetime, beginning with the sighting of the crescent moon and the start of Eid al-Adha. Knowing how many days to perform Hajj is key to fully understanding this sacred journey, which includes powerful rituals carried out in a spiritually guided order. Pilgrims often walk 5 to 15 kilometers daily making it both a physical and emotional experience. Hajj is more than a physical test. It challenges the heart and soul. For many. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey to cleanse sins, renew faith, and grow closer to Allah in profound and lasting ways.

How to Perform Hajj Step by Step

Day 1: The Journey Begins

The journey begins with a clear and sincere intention to perform Hajj. Visitors enter the sacred state of ihram at the Miqat. The boundary around Mecca marks the official start of their divine path.

Day 2 — Arafat

After a short journey from Mina. Pilgrims spend the day at Mount Arafat, standing in deep devotion from noon until sunset. This moment, known as wuquf, is the heart of Hajj and holds immense divine weight.

Day 3 — Eid and Rami

On Eid al-Adha, visitors reach Muzdalifah and return to Mina before dawn. There. They perform the rami by casting seven stones at Jamarat al-Aqaba, symbolizing rejection of evil.

Days 4 & 5

The stoning continued for two more days, targeting all three pillars in order, Jamarat al-Ula, al-Wusta, and al-Aqaba, with seven stones each.

Day 6 — Completion

Pilgrims perform halq or taqsir. Which means that men shave or trim their hair, and women trim to a fingertip length. The final rite is the farewell tawaf in Mecca, marking the completion of this profound divine journey.

Practical Tips for Pilgrims

• Confirm travel eligibility by checking Saudi entry rules with the Saudi Arabian embassy.
• Pre-arrange tours through a reliable travel agency. This often includes flights and hotels.
• Review current travel guidelines on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.
• Carry local currency (Saudi riyals), a debit card for emergencies, and some pounds for the airport.
• Plan your full itinerary, especially around Hajj, covering transport and accommodation.
• Visit the NHS Fit for Travel guide to check if any vaccinations are required.
• Bring your visa and ensure all requirements are met.
• Carry your passport along with photocopies.
• Pack a few passport-sized photos just in case.
• Keep money ready, both cash and card.

Conclusion.

Hajj is a holy and life-changing experience for Muslims worldwide. For those wondering what Hajj Islam is. It is a holy journey to Mecca carried out once in a lifetime by Muslims who are physically and financially able. Spanning five to six days. Hajj involves powerful rituals like Tawaf around the Kaaba prayers at Arafat and symbolic acts that deepen one’s connection with Allah. Rooted in the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and revived by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It’s more than a journey. It’s a spiritual renewal. So. Hajj: What is it? It’s the answer to what a Muslim pilgrimage is.