The Fifth Pillar of Islam: Hajj

By Editorail Staff

Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) is the fifth pillar of Islam. Hajj is obligatory on every Muslim who is physically and financially able to perform it.

Hajj unites Muslims from different countries in one place doing the same rituals and wearing the same clothes.

About hajj, we read in the Quran what means:

And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah. But if you are prevented, then [offer] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And do not shave your heads until the sacrificial animal has reached its place of slaughter. And whoever among you is ill or has an ailment of the head [making shaving necessary must offer] a ransom of fasting [three days] or charity or sacrifice. And when you are secure, then whoever performs ‘umrah [during the Hajj months] followed by Hajj [offers] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And whoever cannot find [or afford such an animal] – then a fast of three days during Hajj and of seven when you have returned [home]. Those are ten complete [days]. This is for those whose family is not in the area of al-Masjid al-Haram. And fear Allah and know that Allah is severe in penalty.

Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do – Allah knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allah . And fear Me, O you of understanding. (Al-Baqarah 2:196-197)

It is narrated on the authority of (Abdullah) son of Umar, that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

(The superstructure of) al-Islam is raised on five (pillars), testifying (the fact) that there is no god but Allah, that Muhammad is His bondsman and messenger, and the establishment of prayer, payment of Zakat, Pilgrimage to the House (Ka’ba) and the fast of Ramadan. (Muslim)

What is hajj?

Who should perform hajj?

What are the conditions of hajj?

What is the significance of hajj?

What lesson can Muslims learn from hajj?

Watch this video to know the answer to these questions: