Hajj Special (Part 1)

After entering into the Islamic Fold by accepting the Faith (Imaan) as heart and pronouncing the said Faith through verbal declaration, Four Fundamental modes of worship (Ibadat) become obligatory in every Muslim. Hajj (Pilgrimage) is the fifth pillar of Islam and the fourth Islamic Ibaadat after Salaah, Zakaah and Saum. It is Fardh (compulsory) on every Muslim who can afford it, in whichever area they are, at least once in a lifetime. It is immediately Fardh upon the person who has the means and strength for the journey and delaying it is a sin. Hajj was made Fardh in the year 9 A.H.

The Performance of Hajj begins with the observance of the prescribed process laid down in this behalf in letters and spirit the very first essential part is to enter the Holy Land of Makkah by wearing the Ahram (Un stitched) long piece of cloth (preferably cotton) form the fixed places and on entering the inner limits of Khana-e-Kaaba (also known as Haram Sharif) the intending pilgrim (Haji) must go (at least seven times) round the Holy Kaaba, known as Tawaf (literal meaning is going round and round) followed by the normal paced running up and down between the famous hillocks of Safa and Merwa (or Sa'ee) with these initial rituals being fulfilled the Hajis make a compulsory stop over and stay at the Maidan-e-Arafat (near Mecca). This is the most obligatory part and procedure of the Hajj. The description, so far only constitutes the introduce to the great and more elaborate procedures and processes of Hajj.