In the Islamic religion, Muslims are subjected to undertake the holy pilgrimages to Makkah, Saudia Arabia through their hajj 2022 cost. However, it’s an obligation for only those who possess the means for it. Islamic pilgrimages contain a set of rituals, with the mission of gathering Muslims from across the world in one place and promoting spirituality and unity among them.
Islamic pilgrimages are two;
1.Hajj (the major pilgrimage).
2.Umrah (the minor pilgrimage).
Here’s a brief description of the significance of Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
Hajj.
Hajj (the major pilgrimage) is also referred to as the ‘Obligatory Pilgrimage’. The reason for it is that Hajj remains an obligation as the fifth pillar of Islam. However, only for a person who is;
•Adult and accountable.
•Mentally sane.
•Possesses the financial means to afford hajj travel.
•Independent to travel.
If and only all of these conditions are fulfilled, hajj becomes obligatory for such a person. Therefore, it is advised for such people to perform Hajj as soon as possible and not delay its performance. If one doesn’t perform hajj despite having all the means for it, it’s a sinful act.
Time.
Since Hajj is an annual pilgrimage, it is observed in the last month of an Islamic year i.e., Dhul Hijjah. To be exact, hajj rituals start from the 8th of Dhul Hijjah and last till the 12th of Dhul Hijjah. Pilgrims of hajj start gathering in the Haramain before the 8th and thus, commencing the holy rituals together.
During these five days, pilgrims travel to a lot of different places and offer a variety of rituals there – as specified in the Sunnah of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW).
Umrah.
Umrah (the minor pilgrimage) is also referred to as the ‘Sunnah Pilgrimage’ because its performance is voluntary. Performing Umrah isn’t an obligation for any Muslim even if he/she has all the means to afford it. Yet, at the same time, it’s advised to follow up on its performance because of the similar rewards of Hajj that it holds. That’s why umrah is called a ‘minor form of Hajj’ or ‘minor pilgrimage’.
Time.
Umrah is such a pilgrimage that can be performed by a pilgrim at any time of the year. However, the days of hajj are excluded in this regard.
For a Muslim, being able to perform Hajj and Umrah remains a great blessing of Allah Almighty. Though everyone dreams of it, only a few are granted the opportunity i.e., whoever Allah wills. That’s why if one gets that chance of performing it, he/she should not delay its performance.
