Hajj Expressing Islamic Beliefs

Surrender to Allah
The essence of Islam is surrender to Allah. This surrender is epitomised in undertaking the Hajj. For
Muslims this pilgrimage captures their desire and their commitment to surrender themselves fully to
Allah.
The Hajj requires considerable sacrifice and commitment on the part of the pilgrim and this assists
them to attain the appropriate inner disposition of surrender.
Examples of submission
The rituals associated with the Hajj relate to a number of important encounters between Allah and
humankind in ancient times. These encounters are foundational in understanding the relationship
between Allah and humanity and Muslims undertaking the Hajj are seeking to emulate the extent of
submission displayed by their ancestors in these ancient times.
Forgiveness and restoration
These encounters include the restoration of Adam and Eve and Allah's forgiveness after their
disobedience, the submission of Ibrahim in being willing to sacrifice Isma'il and the provision of the
Zamzam spring for Hajar and Isma'il in the desert.
The ritual actions of the Hajj are based on these significant moments of encounter with Allah and the
core beliefs of Islam are expressed and affirmed in undertaking these rituals.
The Stand Before Allah
Wuquf
The stand or the stand before Allah known as "wuquf" is the central moment of the Hajj. Pilgrims
gather at the Mount of Mercy on the plain of Arafat near Mina on 9 Dhul-Hijjah. The stand takes place
from midday until sunset. Pilgrims meditate, pray and concentrate their thoughts on Allah during the
stand. A sermon is preached on the top of Arafat after which the pilgrims spend the night in
thanksgiving.
Adam and Eve's restoration
According to the tradition, the Mount of Mercy is the place where Adam and Eve, realising their sin of
disobedience, sought restoration and forgiveness. They were forgiven and restored to union with
Allah. In response to Allah's goodness and forgiveness, Adam and Eve then built a shrine which is
believed to be the first building constructed in human history. Appropriately, the building was a shrine
dedicated to the worship of Allah.
Forgiveness of sins
Muslims believe that just as Adam and Eve received the forgiveness of Allah at Arafat, so they too
can enjoy the forgiveness of their sins and experience the beginning of a new life. Sincere repentance
as part of the Hajj wipes away all past sin and allows the Muslim pilgrim to feel totally cleansed and
free from past transgression. Effectively, it means a new start and a great sense of peace and
wellbeing in perfect surrender to Allah.

The Feast of Sacrifice

Id-ul-Adha
The day after the stand before Allah is the day of sacrifice "Id-ul-Adha". It is the major festival of the
Muslim calendar commemorating the events around the time when Ibrahim was called to sacrifice
Isma'il and overcame the temptations of the devil. Although part of the Hajj ritual "Id-ul-Adha" is
celebrated by all Muslims, not just those taking part in the Hajj.
The celebration of Id-ul-Adha involves the ritual sacrifice of an animal. The sacrifice calls to mind the
Ibrahim's surrender to Allah in resisting the temptations of the devil and being prepared to sacrifice
his son Isma'il in obedience to Allah.
Temptations
The tradition tells that Ibrahim was visited by the devil as he set out for Mina in obedience to Allah. In
the visitation, the devil argued powerfully that Ibrahim did not need to sacrifice Isma'il and even
attempted to convince Ibrahim that he was deluded in thinking that Allah had demanded such a
sacrifice from him. Ibrahim, however, remained faithful to Allah and continued on his way to offer
Isma'il as sacrifice only to be stopped by Allah at the last moment.
Sacrifice of wants & needs
The sacrifice offered during the celebration if Id-ul-Adha symbolises the preparedness of Muslims to
sacrifice all personal needs, wants and aspirations in service of Allah. Indeed, the extreme nature of
the call to sacrifice Isma'il is a reminder that a Muslim's life is totally at the service of Allah and the
requirement of surrender is absolute, even to the cost of one's own life if necessary.
Hajar's Thirst
Hajar and Isma'il
The third significant encounter with Allah is centered on the tradition of Hajar and Isma'il's wandering
in the desert looking for water. Due to Sarah's jealousy towards Hajar and Isma'il, Ibrahim separates
from them, leaving them in the care of Allah.
Well of Zamzam
Hajar and Isma'il then faced a testing time in the desert looking for either a spring or a passing camel
caravan so that they had some water to drink. Hajar ran back and forth between the hills of Safa and
Marwah looking for water, however, her search was futile until the angel Jibril appeared and showed
her the spring which is now known as the well of Zamzam.
The spring soon became the water supply for many desert travelers and ultimately the city of Makkah
came to be built at the location.The revealing of the spring is seen as another example of the
providence of Allah, coming to the aid of Hajar and Isma'il at the greatest time of need.
True and lasting value
As part of the ritual of the Hajj, pilgrims travel on the walkway between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
This action symbolises the search for the things of true and lasting value to the Muslim and the
ultimate realisation that Allah will provide all that is needed. Pilgrims take water from the well of
Zamzam to drink and to take home with them. Some also dip their clothes in the water. These clothes
are often then kept to be used as burial shrouds.

Stoning of the Pillars

Mina
The rejection of the temptation of the devil is symbolised by pilgrims in hurling stones at the pillars
(jamaras) at Mina. These pillars represent the places where Ibrahim resisted the temptations and
stoned the devil. Muslims today carry out a ritual stoning of the devil to symbolise their rejection of
temptation and surrender to Allah.
Circling of the Ka'bah
Ka'bah
The circling of the Ka'bah is another ritual expressing obedience and submission to the will of Allah.
The pilgrims circle the Ka'bah indicating their obedience to the call to complete the Hajj.
The preparedness to come to Makkah and complete the Hajj is in itself a symbol of a Muslim's
surrender and dedication to Allah. It sums up the essence of Islam and conveys in the deepest sense
the purpose of the Hajj.
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