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2025-05-06

What Is Hajj? Types, Requirements, and Its Virtues

Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and a mandatory act of worship for every Muslim who is physically and financially capable. Understanding the essence of Hajj—including its meaning, types, conditions, and significance—is crucial to perform this sacred pilgrimage properly.

In this article, we’ll explore the key aspects of Hajj to help you prepare both spiritually and practically. Ready to deepen your understanding of this noble journey? Let’s begin.

What Is Hajj?

Hajj is a religious pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Mecca, performed during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. It is one of the most important obligations in Islam and must be fulfilled at least once in a lifetime by Muslims who meet the required conditions.

Historically, the act of pilgrimage predates the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him). Linguistically, the word Hajj comes from the Arabic term al-Hajj, meaning "to intend"—in this context, to intend a journey to the sacred house of Allah (Kaaba) to perform specific rituals at designated times.

According to the Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia, Hajj involves several rituals such as wearing the ihram, tawaf (circumambulation), sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah), and standing at Arafah (wukuf).

The obligation of Hajj is clearly stated in the Qur’an, Surah Ali 'Imran (3:97):

فِيهِ ءَايَٰتٌۢ بَيِّنَٰتٌ مَّقَامُ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ ۖ وَمَن دَخَلَهُۥ كَانَ ءَامِنًا ۗ وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ حِجُّ ٱلْبَيْتِ مَنِ ٱسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا ۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَنِىٌّ عَنِ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ

“...Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah by all who can afford the journey. But if anyone disbelieves, Allah is indeed free from need of the worlds.”

The Virtues of Hajj

Before we get into the requirements and types of Hajj, let’s explore why this act of worship holds such high reward in Islam. As compiled from reputable sources such as NU Online and Muslim.or.id, here are the key virtues of performing Hajj:

One of the Most Honorable Acts of Worship

When asked about the most virtuous deeds, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) responded:
"Belief in Allah and His Messenger," followed by "striving in the cause of Allah," and then "a Hajj that is accepted (mabrur)." (Hadith narrated by Bukhari, No. 1519)

A Ticket to Paradise

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “There is no reward for a Hajj that is mabrur except Paradise.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Guests of Allah

Pilgrims are referred to as “the guests of Allah.” The Prophet stated that when they ask something from Allah, He grants it. (Hadith by Ibn Majah, No. 2893)

Forgiveness of Sins

Hajj offers the opportunity to be cleansed from past sins. The Prophet described pilgrims as people whose prayers are answered and sins forgiven. (Narrated by Ibn Majah and Ibn Hibban)

Erases Poverty and Sin

The Prophet (pbuh) also said: “Performing Hajj and Umrah eliminates poverty and sins just as fire removes rust from iron.” (Hadith by An-Nasa’i and Tirmidhi)

Types of Hajj

There are three types of Hajj, each with its own set of procedures:

1. Hajj Tamattu'

Pilgrims perform Umrah first, exit the state of ihram, and then re-enter ihram for Hajj.

2. Hajj Ifrad

Pilgrims perform only Hajj without combining it with Umrah.

3. Hajj Qiran

Hajj and Umrah are performed together with a single ihram intention and are completed in one continuous journey.

Conditions for Performing Hajj

Hajj becomes obligatory for a Muslim who meets the following requirements:

Muslim
Reached puberty (mature age)
Mentally sound
Free (not enslaved)
Physically and financially capable

Pillars vs. Obligations of Hajj

Understanding the difference between the pillars (rukun) and obligations (wajib) of Hajj is key to ensuring its validity.

Pillars of Hajj are essential elements that cannot be skipped or replaced by a penalty.
Obligations of Hajj are required but can be substituted with dam (a compensatory sacrifice) if omitted due to valid reasons.

For example, if an elderly person cannot throw the pebbles (jumrah), someone else may perform it on their behalf, or they may offer dam.

The Six Pillars of Hajj:

Entering the state of ihram with the proper intention
Standing at Arafah (wukuf)
Tawaf ifadah (main circumambulation)
Performing sa’i between Safa and Marwah
Shaving or trimming the hair (tahallul)
Performing the rites in the correct order (tertib)

Obligatory Acts of Hajj:

Entering ihram from the designated boundary (miqat)
Overnight stay (mabit) in Muzdalifah
Overnight stay in Mina
Farewell circumambulation (tawaf wada)
Throwing the pebbles (jumrah)

Preparing for Hajj: What You Need to Know

Before embarking on this spiritual journey, careful preparation is crucial. Here are a few essential steps:

Physical and Mental Readiness
Pilgrims must be in good health and spiritually prepared. Hajj is a physically demanding act of worship that requires endurance and patience.
Financial Readiness
Ensure you have enough funds for travel, accommodation, and expenses during your stay.
Document Preparation
Verify that all documents—passport, visa, health certificates, and other administrative requirements—are complete and valid.

Don’t Delay the Call to the Holy Land

Hajj isn’t about “one day”—it’s about starting today. Many of us feel the deep desire to visit the Holy Land but haven’t taken the first step. Begin your journey by opening a Muamalat iB Hijrah Hajj Savings Account. Take it slow, stay consistent, and God willing, your dream will come true. Every step toward Baitullah brings you closer, so long as you start with sincere intention.