Redefinition of Hajj in Quran
Hajj is a Wajib (obligatory) act of worship performed in the holy city of Mecca and areas around it.
Hajj is not an act of worship introduced by Islam. According to Hadiths, some divine prophets before the advent of Islam performed the circumambulation of the Kaaba in Mecca.
Even the polytheists of Mecca before Islam performed the circumambulation and had certain rituals, some of which Islam did not approve of.
According to Verse 27 of Surah Hajj, Prophet Abraham (AS) was commanded to proclaim Hajj to people: “(We commanded Abraham): ‘And proclaim among men the Pilgrimage: they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, coming from every remote path.’”
Some divine and non-divine faiths have had rituals similar to the Islamic Hajj.
The Hajj is the largest gathering of Muslims in which those from different Islamic schools of thought and denominations participate.
The Holy Quran describes Hajj as one of the divine rituals. The Holy Book introduces the time of performing Hajj.
Hajj is of several types, the most common of which is Hajj al-Tamattu for Muslims not living in Mecca and nearby areas.
The Hajj pilgrimage is Wajib for Muslims once in their lifetime. It begins with the sacred state of Ihram after which doing some things becomes prohibited for the pilgrims.
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There are many verses in the Quran about Hajj and there is a Surah (chapter) named Hajj.
Also, more than 9,000 Hadiths have been narrated from the Infallibles (AS) about Hajj and its rulings.
According to some of these Hadiths Hajj is the highest act of worship after Salah (prayers).
Muslim thinkers have tried to explain the philosophy of Hajj, one of whose main aspects is reaching the truth of Tawheed (monotheism).
Of course, apart from being an act of worship, Hajj has other dimensions which will be discussed later.
Translated by Seyed Hossein Beheshti Shakib
