Analysis of the Significance of Hajj Practice for Both the Individual and the Islamic Community

The Hajj pilgrimage is a truly transformative experience for the individual; where through this, they are able to be more closely and intimately connected to Allah, and are provided with the opportunity to be spiritually rejuvenated and reborn with a new level of holiness. Upon the completion of the Hajj, which is mandatory for all adherents who are financially stable, individuals fulfil Allah’s commands, as indicated in “And pilgrimage to the House is a duty unto God for mankind” (Sura 3) and hence effectively submit to his will. This is a key tenet of Islam and allows adherents to develop a closer relationship with Allah. This relationship is strengthened through the rituals of Hajj, such as through the prayers on Mount Arafat and the circling of the ka’ba during Tawaf, which emphasises their utter devotion to God. In addition, on Hajj, individuals ask Allah for mercy and beg for forgiveness of sins they have committed, particularly during Wuquf. This helps adherents to gain spiritual strength as Allah is “Truly, You are the One who (continually) accepts repentance, the Most Merciful. ”{Surah 2).

This forgiveness of sins through the Hajj renders much significance for the pilgrim, as they are able to become spiritually renewed by cleansing themselves of the many sins they have created through their lifetime. This, in a sense, allows them to experience a rebirth as a stronger adherent of Allah, as affirmed in the Hadith “He who performs Hajj … will return as sin-free as the day his mother bore him. ” In regards to individuals being spiritually rejuvenated and reborn, this can result in the purification of soul and refinement of faith. For example, through the practices of Hajj, pilgrims piety and virtuousness is increased, such as when they are praying and supplicating at Mina or Arafat. Through the rejection of evil in their lives by participating in the symbolic stoning of the devil at Jamarat, individuals are fostered to become a better person in life after Hajj, with a greater prospect of reward in the hereafter. Thus, the transformative effect of the Hajj on the individual can be truly recognised as they become closer to Allah, have their sins forgiven and become spiritually rejuvenated in the eyes of Allah.

The communal element of the Hajj is greatly significant for the entirety of the umma, where all are united in equality, all follow the prophet’s journey and are all gathered through their collective submission to Allah. During the Hajj, all are considered equal in the eyes of Allah, with no divisions of race, class or gender. This is further emphasised through the wearing of the white garments in Ihram, where as resembles one another, as all adherents are seen as equal before Allah. Additionally, this shows that the umma is all united in their dedication and faith to Allah. As well as this, Hajj is also additionally significant for the umma as they collectively retrace the steps of the prophets, linking back to their ancestors and thus reinforcing a strong sense of community. This can be seen in the sense of unity within the community when they perform Sa’y, walking from Safa and Mawa seven times, as they honour their ancestors, Prophet Abraham’s wife and her son, who have walked this.

They also honour Prophet Muhammed, the seal of the prophets, as the community follows the Hajj journey Muhammed took in what was said to be one of the last acts of worship he performed before his death. Furthermore, and most importantly, Hajj is significant for the community as it unites 2. 5 million Muslims in their faith, who all collectively worship and submit to Allah’s will. This henceforth strengthens the umma, 3 million Muslims on Hajj who are all involved in communal worship and celebration.

This can be seen In Wuquf, where Muslims are united in their collective supplication of Allah, promoting a universal God-consciousness and a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood amongst all adherents in an environment of prayer. This is asserted in “When you file from Arafat, you shall commemorate God … you shall file together … ask God for forgiveness” (Sura 2). This is also further reinforced during the circumbunulating of the ka’ba, where adherents feel strengthened together as they all collectively have an emotional and spiritual response in becoming closer to Allah and retracing the steps of Allah’s messenger.

Also, during Jamarat, millions of Muslims are brought together for the expulsion of evil, where through this, they display their total defiance against the devil and their allegiance to the oneness of Allah as a community. To conclude, this all promotes a strong sense of fellowship in the community, encouraging cohesion and the preservation of Islamic traditions.