Principles of Islam
20. Hajj
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20. HAJJ
Hajj, pilgrimage, is an act of worship. It is
obligatory only for those who are in good health
and who can afford to perform it. The indigent and
the sick or disabled are excused.
In order to perform Hajj, the individual leaves his
home for Hijaz, Mecca and Medina. On entering
Mecca he goes to the Kaaba to perform its
circumambulation. Then he does a brisk walk
(sa’i)
between the two hillocks Safa and Marwa, halts at
Arafat, casts stones at Jimar, then sacrifices an
animal. These are the main rites of Hajj performed
in the month of Dhul Hijja.
Hajj is a symbolic expression of man’s full
surrender before his Lord. Through the acts which
make up Hajj the servants of God make a covenant
of giving themselves entirely up to their Creator.
Their lives will revolve around God alone. They are
prepared to make any kind of sacrifice for the
Almighty.
During the rites and rituals of Hajj, the pilgrims
recall the sacrifices made by the architects of the
