Hajj Facts

Interesting Facts About Hajj and the Pilgrimage to Mecca

The Hajj is expected to start on August 9th this year, depending on the sighting of the moon, and millions of Muslims will soon be getting ready to make their pilgrimage to Mecca or follow the Hajj here at home.

This wonderful journey from Mecca to Mount Arafat is a spiritual expedition that Muslims all over the world aspire to partake in. The Hajj is an extremely personal and complex ritual that requires your complete devotion, faith and understanding. It is so important to fully comprehend the Hajj pilgrimage and your intentions for it before embarking on this sacred excursion, so that it can be performed accurately and with good intention.

There’s a lot to know about Hajj, so we’ve laid out some details here in order for you to better understand this blessed ritual. With our Hajj pilgrimage facts, you’ll know everything you need to know to get ready to go to Mecca. We’ve also highlighted some interesting facts about Hajj that everyone should keep in mind.

Have a look at some of our Hajj facts 2019 as we close in on the Hajj season this year!

Hajj Pilgrimage Facts

Hajj is the 5th and Final Pillar of Islam

The five pillars of Islam are obligations that every good Muslim must fulfil in order to live their lives devoutly and put their faith first. Hajj is the 5th pillar of Islam, and as such is an act that every Muslim must do at least once in their lives. This pilgrimage to Mecca is a display of faith and inner strength; the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “O people! Allah has prescribed Hajj upon you, so perform it.”

There Were 2.4 Million Pilgrims Last Year

The Hajj to Mecca is thought to be the world’s largest human gathering, and last year there were 2.4 million people that made the journey. During your pilgrimage, you can find Muslims from all over the world and all walks of life. From America to Malaysia, England to Pakistan, this is truly an event that brings us all together under Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) all-encompassing love.

There is No Gender Segregation for Hajj

While many other Muslim rites practice gender segregation, during the Hajj there is no separation between men and women at the Grand Mosque of Mecca. They walk around the Kaaba together, climb Mount Arafat together and simultaneously throw stones at the Jamarat. This symbolizes the equality of men and women before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). Once the Hajj is complete, gender segregation is once again recognised.

Hajj Goes Hand in Hand with Eid al-Adha

The Hajj culminates with Eid al-Adha, the celebration of sacrifice. After completing the stoning ritual at Jamarat, pilgrims perform Qurbani by sacrificing sheep, goats or cattle and distributing the meat to family, neighbours and the poor. This is done to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) and his unwavering devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).

Interesting Facts About Hajj

An Accepted Hajj Gains You a Place in Paradise

For all the trials and tribulations that come with planning a Hajj and completing it, the reward by far outweighs any challenges a pilgrim might face. The financial, physical and spiritual tolls are nothing in comparison to what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is offering. The Prophet (ﷺ) tells us that, “The reward for a Hajj Mabroor is nothing but Paradise” (Bukhari). A reward such as that is worth much more than we could ever give.

People Who Complete the Hajj Are Called Hajjis

Completing a Hajj is something to be proud of, as it aids in strengthening spiritual fortitude and steadfast devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). Once a person has completed their pilgrimage to Mecca and fulfilled the 5th pillar of Islam, they gain the title Hajji. Some Muslims even choose to use this title in front of their names to show their Hajj achievement.

The Hajj Dress Code

In order to complete Hajj, men and women must dress in ihram clothing. These rid Muslims of any sign of wealth or class, so they may all present themselves as equal in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). Women can wear simple dresses and headscarves, while men are required to dress in two white cloths without stitches. Both men and women cleanse themselves before dressing. Cleanliness is vital—impurity invalidates the Hajj.

Kissing the Kaaba Stone

On the eastern corner of the Kaaba is a black stone encased in a ring of silver. This stone is revered as an Islamic relic that is said to date back to the time of Adam and Eve. Muslims believe that Adam received this stone from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), and later the archangel Jibril gave the stone to Ibrahim (عليه السلام). During Hajj, many pilgrims try to kiss the stone, just as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) once did. If they are unable to reach it, they point toward it with reverence each time they pass.

Final Reflections

We hope our list of Hajj facts 2019 has enlightened you on some of the most notable aspects of this important Muslim journey.

For any of you who are making your Hajj this year, have a safe and successful journey. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) bless you and accept your pilgrimage. Insha’Allah.