Hajj or the major pilgrimage is termed to the world’s largest gathering every year. On an annual basis, millions of Muslims from all around the globe travel to Makkah to take part in this holy journey.
The Hajj occurs during the 12th month of the Islamic calendar or Zul Hijjah. The first ten days of this holy month are termed to the most blessed. Believers enjoin upon pious deeds, countless acts of worship to ALLAH and forbid all forms of evil. The end of the Hajj is marked by Eid ul Azha. This festival takes place on the 10th of Zul Hijjah.
Below, we’re shedding some more light on the world’s largest gathering every year. From its significance to numerous important events, we’re covering it all. So let’s take a look!
Why do Muslims go on Hajj?
Amongst the five important pillars of Islam, the Hajj is a part of them. This means every believer must perform Hajj at least once during their lifetime. There are certain exceptions for those who are non-affording and suffering from an illness. In these circumstances, these individuals are termed exempted from the major pilgrimage.
Important event dates for the world’s largest gathering every year
While the month of hajj has been designated as Zul Hijjah, there are a series of important events and their dates that should be remembered. These include the following:
- The Hajj must be performed during the 12 months of the lunar year. This month is commonly termed as Zul Hijjah.
- The holiest day in Islam is termed to be the day of Arafat. This day falls on the 9th of Zul Hijjah. Muslims from all around the world observe fasting on this day while enjoining upon countless righteous deeds too. This day occurs on the 9th of Zul Hijjah. Pilgrims who have gone to perform Hajj gather at the Arafat plains and ask for mercy from ALLAH.
- Muslims celebrate the 10th day of Zul Hijjah as Eid ul Azha. This festival is renowned for the act of sacrifice of livestock. Believers enjoin upon the sacrificing of livestock to commemorate the act of obedience shown by Hazrat Ibrahim to ALLAH.
Understanding the true meaning of the world’s largest gathering every year
It must be remembered that the true meaning of Hajj should be understood by all Muslims. This is done to benefit mankind in more ways than one. The following series of events share their own unique significance and hence together make up the major pilgrimage we term Hajj.
- The trials and tribulations faced by Hazrat Ibrahim. As an act of obedience to ALLAH, Hazrat Ibrahim AS was ready to sacrifice his son. This is an important lesson for all believers.
- The important message was given by the Holy Prophet PBUH. This was carried out on the plains of Arafat where the Holy Prophet proclaimed the completion of his mission for Islam.
- The true meaning of equality and humanity. Every believer is termed equal to one another. There is no superiority based on creed, caste or color
- A constant reminder for the Day of Judgment. All Muslims must remember that the Day of Judgment is near and hence every pious act is being accounted for.
Every year, millions of Muslims enter the world’s largest gathering. Their goal is to fulfill the acts ordained by ALLAH so that they may benefit relentlessly from the Hajj.
