Zilhaj, also known as Dhu al-Hijjah, is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is an important month for Muslims around the world as it marks the time of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Learn Quran online and also the other relative Islamic teachings in Online Quran Classes.
Islamic events in Dhu al-Hijjah
- During the first ten days of Zilhaj, Muslims who are not performing the Hajj engage in acts of worship and devotion. These include fasting, performing extra prayers, giving charity, and seeking forgiveness for their sins.
- The tenth day of Zilhaj is known as Eid al-Adha, also called the Festival of Sacrifice. It commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
- It's worth mentioning that the dates of Zilhaj and the corresponding Islamic holidays can vary slightly depending on the sighting of the moon, as the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle.
Hajj / Annual Pilgrimage
Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the five basic acts of worship that every Muslim should perform.
The Hajj pilgrimage takes place during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, specifically from the 8th to the 12th day of the month. It attracts millions of Muslims from around the world who gather in Mecca to fulfill this religious duty.
Rituals of Hajj
Online Quran teachers provided Online Quran classes can teach us how to perform the hajj in the best way. The rituals of Hajj are based on the actions and practices of the Prophet Muhammad during his last pilgrimage. Some of the key rituals include:
Ihram
Pilgrims enter a state of purity and consecration called ihram. Men wear two white unstitched sheets of cloth, while women dress modestly in their regular clothing.
Tawaf
Pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba, a black cubic structure at the center of the Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) in Mecca. They walk around the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise, beginning and ending at the Black Stone.
Sa'i
Pilgrims walk back and forth seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, which commemorates the search for water by the Prophet's wife, Hagar, for her son Ismail.
Mount Arafat
Pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat, outside Mecca, on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. They spend the day in prayer and reflection, seeking forgiveness and mercy from Allah.
Stoning of the Devil
Pilgrims perform the ritual of stoning the pillars known as Jamarat, representing the devil. They throw small pebbles at three pillars in the city of Mina, symbolizing the rejection of evil.
Eid al-Adha
The Hajj pilgrimage concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice. Muslims worldwide commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, as an act of obedience to God.
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Significance of Hajj
The significance of Hajj for Muslims is multifaceted and holds deep religious, spiritual, and social meaning. Online Quran Classes for kids and adults not ‘only’ helps you Learn Quran Online, but also give you knowledge on other Islamic aspects like hajj, prayer, etc.
Here are some key aspects of Hajj`s significance:
Fulfillment of Religious Obligation
Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it an essential religious duty for able-bodied and financially capable Muslims. By performing Hajj, Muslims fulfill a commandment of Allah, demonstrating their obedience and submission to His will. Online Quran Classes help you to fulfill your Islamic duties. By teaching you the proper way of Islam it saves your duniya and hereafter.
Spiritual Cleansing and Renewal
Hajj is seen as a transformative journey that purifies the soul and offers an opportunity for spiritual growth. It provides a chance for Muslims to seek forgiveness for their sins, repent, and reconnect with Allah. The rituals performed during Hajj are believed to bring about spiritual cleansing and a fresh start.
Commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham)
Hajj commemorates the trials and devotion of the Prophet Ibrahim. Muslims believe that Ibrahim and his son Ismail were commanded by Allah to build the Kaaba in Mecca. The rituals of Hajj, such as the stoning of the Devil and the sacrifice of an animal, symbolize Ibrahim's obedience and submission to God's commands.
Unity and Equality
Hajj serves as a unifying force, bringing Muslims from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and nationalities together in a shared spiritual experience. During Hajj, pilgrims dress in simple garments, eliminating distinctions of wealth, social status, and nationality. The equality experienced during Hajj reinforces the principle of brotherhood and sisterhood in Islam.
Remembrance of the Hereafter
Hajj serves as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the ultimate goal of reaching Paradise in the afterlife. The rituals performed during Hajj reflect various aspects of the Day of Judgment and the actions Muslims believe they will be held accountable for.
Social and Global Connection
Hajj provides a unique platform for Muslims from different parts of the world to interact, exchange ideas, and foster mutual understanding. It strengthens the sense of community and solidarity among Muslims globally, as they come together to worship and supplicate to Allah.
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The Hajj pilgrimage holds immense significance for Muslims around the world. It is a religious obligation and one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Online Quran teacher in these Quran classes are highly trained and experienced they can teach Quran and Islamic aspects in a better way.
Hajj is a journey of spiritual cleansing and renewal, providing Muslims with the opportunity to demonstrate their submission and obedience to Allah. Today, millions of Muslims undertake the Hajj pilgrimage each year, seeking spiritual growth, forgiveness, and blessings. It remains a deeply revered practice, symbolizing the devotion and commitment of Muslims to their faith and serving as a profound experience of unity, piety, and worship.
