The Hajj- Muslims Pilgrimage – Questions and their Answers

1. What is Hajj?

It is a visit to the Ka’ba, the House of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.

2. What Holy Qur’an says about Hajj?

There are many verses of Holy Qur’an about Hajj. For example, Chapter 2, Verse 197 of Holy Qur’an says:

Translation: The pilgrimage shall take place in the months appointed for it.  And whoever undertakes the pilgrimage in those [months] shall, while on pilgrimage, abstain from lewd speech, from all wicked conduct, and from quarrelling; and whatever good you may do, God is aware of it.  And make provision for yourselves – but, verily, the best of all provisions is God-consciousness: remain, then, conscious of Me, O you who are endowed with insight!

3. Where is The Ka’ba?

The Ka’ba is in the Holy City of Makkah (in Saudi Arabia).

4. How important is Hajj for Muslims?

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. It is Fardh (Obligatory) for every Muslim to make at least one journey in his/her lifetime to Makkah for Hajj if he/she can afford it.

5. When is Hajj performed by Muslims?

Hajj is performed every year in the 12th month of the Islamic calendar Dhul-Hijjah – the Month of Hajj).

6. How many Muslims go for the pilgrimage of Makkah (Hajj) nowadays?

More than two million Muslims from all over the world, gather in the holy city of Makkah for Hajj. It is the largest annual pilgrimage in the world.

7. What do Muslims wear when they go for Hajj?

Muslim men wear two white pieces of unstitched cloth called Ihram. Muslim women can wear their normal dresses.

8. How the Hajj is performed?

First, you must do Ghusl and make Niyyah for the Hajj. You then recite Talbia’h, do the Tawa’f of the Ka’ba and then perform other rituals of Hajj.

9. What is Talbia’h?

Following is the Talbia’h:

10. What is the translation of Talbia’h?

Here I am O Allah, (in response to your call), here I am. Here I am, you have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise, grace and sovereignty belong to you. You have no partner.

11. What is Tawa’f?

Tawa’f means performing seven circles of the Ka’ba, starting from the position in which the Black Stone (Hajre-Aswad). If possible kiss it or touch it otherwise simply point at the Stone on each circle.

12. What follows Tawa’f?

At the end of the Tawa’f (circling around the Ka’ba), Muslims go to the station of Abraham to pray two rak’ahs, and then try if possible to drink water from the sacred well of Zam-Zam

13. What is Sa’ee?

Sa’ee is to make 7 rounds of walking between 2 hills.

14. What are the names of these hills?

As-Safa and Al-Mar’wah.

15. How these rounds are made between As-Safa and Al-Mar’wah?

One round is completed when you begin from As-Safa and end at Al-Mar’wah. The return from Al-Marwah to Al-Safa completes the second round and so on.

16. When Wuquf of Arafat is performed?

On the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, Wuquf in Arafat is performed from Zuhr to Sunset.

17. What is the main action of Wuquf?

The main action in Wuquf is to stand facing the Haram asking Allah (SWT) for forgiveness while recognizing Him as our Lord. The Prophet said, “Al Hajju Arafah,” meaning that standing in Arafat is the Hajj.

18. What other actions are performed after Wuquf?

1. Hajjis’ (Pilgrims) offer the sacrifice of animals
2. They throw pebbles at the three pillars representing Shaitaan
3. Shave or trim the hair of their heads

19. Do we need anybody’s permission to go for Hajj?

You should get the permission of your parents if they are alive.

20. If somebody is going for Hajj, what should we ask him/her to do for us?

We should ask him/her to make Du’a for us.

21. What do we learn from Hajj?

1. Hajj is a very special journey for the sake of Allah.
2. The journey of Hajj helps us to learn the history of Islam.
3. Hajj teaches us unity, equality and brotherhood.
4. Hajj also reminds us of the patience and sacrifices of the Prophets of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.