Pillars of Islam-Hajj

Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam. It is obligatory on every sane and able adult Muslim. It was made obligatory on 9^th year of Hijra. On that year 300 Muslims under the leadership of Abu Bakar (RA) were sent to Makkah to perform Hajj and it was for non-Muslims to enter Kaba. On 10^th Hijra, Muhammad (SAW) performed Hajj along with one hundred and fifty thousand Muslims. At the end of that Hajj Muhammad (SAW) announced that the religion of Islam is now complete. As Allah Almighty says in Quran,

                “This day have I completed My commandments for you, and have brought to its fullness the favor that I have bestowed upon you, and have chosen Islam as your religion” (Al Maaidah)

Hajj is an act of worship just like Salat (Prayer), Sawm (Fasting) and Zakat. Muslims from all over the world gather in Makkah to perform hajj. Hajj is performed in the Islamic month of Dul-Hajj. All the essential duties of Hajj are performed on the 8^th and 9^th of Dul-Hajj. There are three basic pillars of hajj namely entering state of “Ihram” with intention of performing Hajj, to stay at the field of “Arafat” on the 9^th of Dul-Hajj and Circling of Kaba. It is prohibited to wear sewn cloths or cut hair during Hajj. Hunting is also prohibited.

On 10^th of Dul-hajj, muslims celebrate Eid al-adha as a celebration for performing Hajj. There is one Surah named after Hajj, Surah Al-Hajj. Which is the 22^nd surah of Quran. Hajj is mentioned in several other chapters of Quran as well, which signifies its importance.