As Eid al-Adha approaches, one of the pillars of Islam that is performed is the Hajj pilgrimage. In conducting the Hajj, there are specific procedures that must be followed by the pilgrims, known as the pillars of Hajj.
What are the essential pillars of Hajj that must be followed? What are the benefits of performing Hajj? What is the ruling on performing Hajj? Find out more in this article by BFI Finance.
1. About Hajj
1.1 Definition of Hajj
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and is obligatory for every Muslim who is physically, financially, and securely able to perform it, at least once in their lifetime. Hajj is performed in the holy city of Mecca during the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. During Hajj, pilgrims perform various prescribed rituals that reflect the faith and history of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family.
1.2 The Ruling on Performing Hajj
Hajj is obligatory for those who can perform it. This obligation is based on Allah’s command in the Quran, which states:
"In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House - for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves - then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds." (Quran, Al-Imran [3]: 97)
Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of performing Hajj in his hadith. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"O people, Allah has made Hajj obligatory upon you; so perform Hajj." A man asked, "Is it every year, O Messenger of Allah?" The Prophet (peace be upon him) remained silent until the man repeated his question three times. Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "If I had said yes, it would have become obligatory (every year) and you would not have been able to do it." Then he added, "Leave me with what I have left you. Indeed, those before you were destroyed because they asked too many questions and differed with their prophets. If I command you to do something, do it to the best of your ability. If I forbid you from something, then avoid it."
This hadith indicates that performing Hajj is only obligatory once in a lifetime. Any additional performance of Hajj is considered voluntary.
2. Types of Hajj
There are three types of Hajj that pilgrims can choose from, each with different methods and procedures.
2.1 Hajj Al-Ifrad
Hajj Al-Ifrad is performed separately from Umrah. Pilgrims choosing this type perform the rituals of Hajj without performing Umrah. They enter the state of ihram at the miqat, complete all the rituals of Hajj, and then do tahallul (exit from ihram) without performing Umrah.
2.2 Hajj Al-Qiran
Hajj Al-Qiran involves performing both Hajj and Umrah together. Pilgrims start ihram for both Hajj and Umrah from the same miqat and perform the rituals for both without separating the time of their performance. They do a single Tawaf and Sa’i for both Hajj and Umrah.
2.3 Hajj Al-Tamattu'
Hajj Al-Tamattu' is the most commonly performed type of Hajj. Pilgrims perform Umrah first during the months of Hajj (Shawwal, Dhu al-Qi’dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah), then do tahallul after completing Umrah. On the 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah, they re-enter ihram for Hajj.
3. Pillars of Hajj
3.1 Intention (Niat)
The first pillar of Hajj is having the intention. This is based on the Quranic verse:
"And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth..." (Quran, Al-Bayyina [98]: 5)
This is also supported by the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) saying:
"Actions are according to intentions." (Hadith by Bukhari & Muslim)
3.2 Standing at Arafah (Wukuf)
Standing at Arafah is the pinnacle of Hajj. It occurs on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, from noon until sunset. This is confirmed by the hadith narrated by At-Tirmidhi:
“I came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) at Muzdalifah when he was going out for prayer. I asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah, I have come from the two mountains of Tayya, and my mount is exhausted, and I am exhausted too. By Allah, I have not left any mountain in Mecca but I stopped there. Have I performed Hajj?’ The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: ‘Whoever joins us in our prayer and stays with us until we depart, and he has stood at Arafah before that, whether at night or during the day, his Hajj is complete and he has completed the rituals.’” (Hadith by At-Tirmidhi)
Standing at Arafah is a significant moment where pilgrims pray, remember Allah, and seek forgiveness.