Performing Hajj (Pilgrimage) & Celebrating Eid-ul-Adha (The Festival of Sacrifice)

 by Ramjan Mubarak

Hajj (Pilgrimage)

We are currently in the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar: Dhu'l-Hijjah. During this month, millions of Muslims around the world go to Makkah to participate in the annual Hajj (pilgrimage), a very important pillar of Islam for adult Muslims to complete, if they are physically and financially capable. Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, which is a goal every Muslim hopes to fulfil one day. Even if Muslims are not able to go on Hajj, they should still make the most out of the first ten days of the month, where they can gain a lot of reward from Allah, for example, fasting (excluding Eid day) and making lots of du'as (prayers). They will also continuously recite the takbeer (Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no god worthy of worship except Allah. Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. And to Allah be all Praise) to show their submission and gratitude to Allah. Those on hajj will also avoid anything luxurious, e.g. wearing simple clothes and being in a state of Ihram (ritual purity). This shows equality with one another despite their race or whether anyone is rich or poor, magnifying the importance of unity amongst the Muslim community around the globe. 

The Sacred Mosque in Makkah has the Ka'bah (a cube-shaped structure). We do not pray to the structure, but it is just used as a centre point for all Muslims around the world to pray in the same direction. The Ka'bah was initially built by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him) and his son Ismail (Ishmael, peace be upon him). Since then, it has been rebuilt several times. 

Hajj includes performing many rites from the 8th until the 12th or 13th of Dhu'l-Hijjah, as performed by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). If performed to the best of their abilities and accepted by Allah, Hajj is one of the best ways for Muslims to be forgiven for their sins, therefore, by the will of Allah, protecting them from the Hellfire and awarding them with Paradise. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "He who came to this House (Ka'bah) (with the intention of performing Pilgrimage), and neither spoke indecently nor did he act wickedly, would return (free from sin) as on the (very first day) his mother bore him." (Sahih al Bukhari: 1350). Examples of these rites include, but are not limited to:

* circumambulating the Ka'bah seven times, as per the tradition of the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him)

* walking/running between the two hills (As-Safaa and Al-Marwah) seven times. The story behind this is that when Ibrahim (peace be upon him) left Hajar alone with their baby son, Ismail (peace be upon him) to go on a journey for a while, she ran out of resources to feed herself and therefore could not nurse her child. With devotion and utmost trust in Allah, she tried to find a way to get help and feed her son, so she ran between the two hills. Then an angel came down and dug the ground, and water (called Zam Zam) miraculously started to flow from it and she was able to save her son and herself. A well was later constructed and still nourishes many Muslims and pilgrims to this day. 

* Staying at Mount Arafat. Throughout their stay, pilgrims will consistently recite the Talbiyah (the following prayer, but in Arabic): I am here at your service, O Allah, I am here at Your service. I am here at Your service. You have no partner, I am here at Your service. Surely the praise, and blessings are Yours, and the dominion. You have no partner. 

The Day of Arafah

The day before Eid is the day of Arafah. Pilgrims will stay on Mount Arafat, praying, reciting Takbeer and making du'a (prayer) throughout the day to seek Allah's forgiveness. Even if Muslims are unable to fast on the other days, those who are not on Hajj are highly recommended to fast at least on this day due to the traditions of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). We can obtain much reward and, by the will of Allah, expiate our sins of the current year and the next year. However, pilgrims are recommended to not fast on this day. 

Eid-ul-Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice)

Next Wednesday, Muslims will be celebrating Eid-ul-Adha. This occurs every year on the tenth day of Dhu'l-Hijjah. Fasting on the two Eids of the year and the three days of Tashriq (the days following Eid-ul-Adha) is prohibited as these are days known for eating and drinking! Between the day of Eid and the days of Tashriq, Muslims will sacrifice an animal (sheep, cow or camel) in the name of Allah. Traditionally, the head of the household will offer it on behalf of himself and his family (i.e. his wife and children). Each household can sacrifice one sheep, or seven households can sacrifice one cow/camel between themselves. It it is then recommended that the meat is divided in a way, so the family can eat some of the meat, store some for later and also distribute some to the less fortunate. If unable to do this, Muslims may donate to an Islamic charity to perform this on their behalf, so it goes to those who are in need. This tradition is followed due to the story of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) where he had a dream that Allah ordered him to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail (peace be upon him) whom he loved so much. This was no doubt a difficult test for him as a father. Due to his devotion to Allah, he was about to sacrifice his son, but Ismail (peace be upon him) was fully understanding and obliging to this. However, this was just a test from Allah, and Allah instead gave an animal for Ibrahim (peace be upon him) to sacrifice. This story is important as it shows sacrifice, devotion and submission to Allah. But it also shows the mercy of Allah and that he will never test a person beyond what they can bear. 

Following the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), as Muslims we will: 

* undertake a special wash, Ghusl, in preparation to pray at the Mosque

* wear our best clothes

* continue reciting the Takbeer as we make our way to the Mosque/Place of Prayer and until the last day of Tashriq

* join the special Eid Prayer at the Mosque in the morning, which is an obligation upon all Muslims. The  prayer is in a slightly different format to our regular prayers. We first pray the Eid prayer, then the Imam delivers a Khutbah (sermon). The actual tradition is to pray the Eid prayer outside in congregation, but unfortunately arrangements can sometimes be difficult. However, nowadays, the tradition has been revived in certain cities. 

* eat only after the prayer

After the prayer, Muslims will either say Taqabbala Allahu minna wa minkum (May Allah accept (good deeds) from you and us) and/or simply say 'Eid Mubarak' to one another. 

Then, like Eid-ul-Fitr, we will choose to celebrate Eid in different ways, such as going to the local Muslim community's Eid festival, spending time with family and friends, visiting the resting places of our loved ones who have passed away, eating special meals, giving each other gifts and giving gifts to those who are less fortunate.