المقالات الإسلامية المتنوعة

When does Hajj start and end? With the approach of one of the most important seasons in Islam, many Muslims around the world are eager to know when Hajj begins and ends. Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam and must be performed at least once in a lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey.

Before we answer when Hajj begins and ends, we should note that Hajj is one of the most significant Islamic rituals. It gathers many Muslims from various parts of the world, united in worship, remembrance, and supplication. During Hajj, Muslims practice patience, humility, forgiveness, and sincerity in their work and obedience to God.

Hajj offers a multifaceted experience for pilgrims, teaching them patience, endurance, sacrifice, humility, sincerity, and forgiveness. Pilgrims return from Hajj filled with energy, satisfaction, and faith, motivated to apply what they have learned in their daily lives. Therefore, many people ask when Hajj begins and ends.

 What is Hajj?

Before knowing when Hajj begins and ends, we should understand that Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. God has made it obligatory for every Muslim, male and female, once in their lifetime, provided they are able, which means having the provision and means for the journey. Additionally, for women, a mahram (a male guardian) or a trustworthy group is required.

Linguistically: Hajj means to set out or to intend a significant place. It is said, “Someone came to us,” meaning he arrived, and “He performed Hajj,” meaning he intended. A person who is intended is called “mahjooj.”Terminologically:  Hajj means to set out for a specific place, namely the Sacred House (Kaaba) and Arafat, at a specific time, which is the months of Hajj, to perform specific acts such as standing at Arafat, circumambulating the Kaaba, and running between Safa and Marwa, according to the majority of jurists, with specific conditions.Legally: Hajj is defined as “a specific intention to a specific place at a specific time with specific conditions,” as stated by the scholar Al-Dardir: “Standing at Arafat on the night of the tenth of Dhu al-Hijjah, circumambulating the Kaaba seven times, and running between Safa and Marwa likewise in a specific manner with Ihram.

The jurists agree that Hajj is an individual obligation for every able Muslim once in their lifetime. Its obligation is established by the Quran, Sunnah, and consensus.

From the Quran, Allah says: “And Hajj to the House is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, for those who can find a way there. But if anyone disbelieves, then Allah stands not in need of any of the worlds.” (Quran 3:97). This verse explicitly establishes the obligation of Hajj, as the phrase “owes to Allah” signifies obligation. The confirmation is in “But if anyone disbelieves,” implying that neglecting Hajj is akin to disbelief, not typical of a Muslim but rather of a non-believer.From the Sunnah, numerous hadiths affirm this obligation. Ibn Umar narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Islam is built upon five: the testimony that there is no deity but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing prayer, giving zakat, fasting Ramadan, and performing Hajj to the House.” (Bukhari). The indication is clear that Hajj is a fundamental pillar of Islam.Consensus: The entire Muslim Ummah agrees on the obligation of Hajj once in a lifetime for those who are able. It is among the known obligations of the religion, and denying it is considered disbelief. Hence, the question of when Hajj begins and ends is repeatedly asked each year.

Hajj in Islam is the pilgrimage to the city of Mecca at a specific time each year, with specific rituals known as the rites of Hajj. It is obligatory once in a lifetime for every capable adult Muslim. The question of when Hajj begins and ends is important because it is a fundamental pillar of Islam, as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Islam is built upon five: the testimony that there is no deity but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing prayer, giving zakat, fasting Ramadan, and performing Hajj to the House for those who can find a way there.” Hajj is an individual obligation for every capable adult Muslim, as mentioned in the Quran: “And proclaim to the people the Hajj; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass.” (Quran 22:27).

Numerous hadiths highlight the virtue of Hajj, such as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) saying: “The best deeds are belief in Allah and His Messenger, then jihad in the way of Allah, then Hajj Mabrur.” He also said: “Whoever performs Hajj and does not have sexual relations nor commit sin, will return as free from sins as the day he was born.” And: “The reward for Hajj Mabrur is nothing but Paradise.”

When Does Hajj start and End?

The rituals of Hajj generally start on the eighth day of Dhu al-Hijjah when pilgrims enter into Ihram from designated Miqats, then proceed to Mecca for the Tawaf of arrival, followed by traveling to Mina to spend the Day of Tarwiyah, then moving to Arafat for the Day of Arafat. Afterward, pilgrims throw pebbles at the Jamarat in the Jamarat al-Aqaba, return to Mecca for the Tawaf of Ifadah, and spend the Days of Tashreeq in Mina, finally returning to Mecca for the Farewell Tawaf before leaving the holy sites.

6 Virtues of Hajj

In addition to knowing when Hajj starts and ends, it’s important to understand the numerous virtues of Hajj. Dr. Jamal Al-Maraki mentioned six virtues in his article titled “The Virtues and Benefits of Hajj”:

1. One of the Best Deeds and Acts of Worship:

   – Hajj is considered one of the best deeds in Islam. Abu Huraira (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was asked, “What is the best deed?” He said, “Faith in Allah and His Messenger.” He was asked, “Then what?” He said, “Jihad in the way of Allah.” He was asked, “Then what?” He said, “A Hajj Mabroor (accepted Hajj).” (Reported by Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi, Nasa’i, and Ahmad).

2. Hajj Equals Jihad for Those Who Cannot Perform It:

   – Hajj is considered equivalent to Jihad for those who are unable to participate in Jihad. Aisha (RA) reported that she said, “O Messenger of Allah, we see Jihad as the best deed, should we not engage in Jihad?” He said, “No, the best Jihad for you is a Hajj Mabroor.” (Reported by Bukhari in the Book of Hajj, Hadith 1423).

In another narration, she said, “O Messenger of Allah, should we not go out and fight in Jihad with you? He said, “The best and most beautiful Jihad is a Hajj Mabroor.” Aisha said, “I will never stop performing Hajj after hearing this from the Messenger of Allah.” (Bukhari, Book of Hajj, Hadith 1728).

In a narration by Nasa’i, she said, “O Messenger of Allah, should we not go out and fight in Jihad with you, for I do not see any deed in the Quran better than Jihad.” He said, “No, the best and most beautiful Jihad is Hajj to the House of Allah, a Hajj Mabroor.”

3. Hajj Mabroor’s Reward is Paradise:

   – The reward for an accepted Hajj is nothing but Paradise. Abu Huraira (RA) reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said, “Umrah to Umrah expiates the sins between them, and a Hajj Mabroor has no reward except Paradise.” (Agreed upon, Bukhari Book of Hajj 1650, Muslim 2403).

4. Hajj Mabroor Leads to Forgiveness of Sins:

   – An accepted Hajj results in the forgiveness of sins. Abu Huraira (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah and does not have sexual relations or commit sins, he will return (free of sin) as on the day his mother bore him.” (Bukhari 1424).

In another narration by Muslim, “Whoever comes to this House and does not have sexual relations or commit sins will return as on the day his mother bore him.” (Hadith 2404). In a narration by Tirmidhi, “Whoever performs Hajj and does not have sexual relations or commit sins, his past sins will be forgiven.” (Hadith 739).

5. Frequent Hajj and Umrah Prevent Poverty:

   – Performing Hajj and Umrah frequently helps to prevent poverty and sins. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Follow up the Hajj and Umrah, for they remove poverty and sins as the bellows removes impurities from iron.” (Tirmidhi Hadith 738, Ibn Majah Hadith 2887, authenticated by Al-Albani in Silsilah Sahihah Hadith 1200).

6. Pilgrims are Guests of Allah:

   – Pilgrims are considered the guests of Allah. Umar (RA) reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said, “The warrior in the way of Allah, the pilgrim, and the performer of Umrah are Allah’s guests; He called them, and they responded, and they asked of Him, and He gave them.” (Ibn Majah Hadith 2893, authenticated by Al-Albani in Silsilah Sahihah Hadith 1820).

In another narration, “The pilgrims and those performing Umrah are the guests of Allah. If they call upon Him, He answers them, and if they seek His forgiveness, He forgives them.” (Ibn Majah Hadith 2883).

Even after knowing when Hajj starts and ends, it is essential to remember that the obligation of Hajj remains until the end of times. The people will continue performing the Hajj and `Umra to the Ka`ba even after the appearance of Gog and Magog.”  (Sahih Al-Bukhari 1593).

However, when Allah takes the souls of the believers at the end of times, leaving only the worst people on earth, Hajj will cease. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The Hour will not be established until Hajj is no longer performed to the House.” (Authenticated by Al-Albani in Sahih Al-Jami 7419).

Hajj starts and ends Minna