Hajj is the most divine and sacramental pilgrimage that every Muslim has to offer once in their lifetime, in the city of Mecca. It is considered as the most sacred and if the Almighty has provided you with enough wealth you should first visit this place and enrich yourself.
History of Hajj
The Hajj as we know is one of the most important pilgrimage performed by the Muslims,started by Prophet Ibrahim, who was conferred by Allah as a messenger for teaching people the path of virtue and righteousness to the people when they were all forgetting about the existence of the supreme Loed and believed in superstitions. Almighty had intended Prophet to build the Kaabah along with his son Ishmael at Makkah and so the Prophet with no wasting time and with proficiency started building the Kaabah.
Once Prophet, on Allah’s command had to leave his wife Hagar and his son Ishmael to visit the deserts; due to scorching heat baby started feeling thirsty and was crying, So his mother started searching for water by climbing the hill nearest to her known Al- Safa, but found nothing then she climbed another hill called Al-Marwahfrom where she could her son. After much running and searching, suddenly she saw a fountain splashing with clear water near his son’s foot and came rushing. The water that was coming out was then named as ZamZam.
The Kaabah
A cube shaped structure, Kaabah is completely covered with a black cloth and is slightly twisted from downwards to allow the pilgrims to touch the original wall. Also it is a duty to all Muslims visiting to pray in the region of kaabah, called as Tawaaf. If a person takes 7 rounds of the kaabah, it is counted as one Tawaaf. Even if a person silently sits and observes kaabah with dedication, even then they will earn rewards.
The ZamZam Water
The water from the well ZamZam is drunk by every person who visits and is allowed to carry this holy water along with them. All the Hajis normally drink this water to quench their thirst after completing their Tawaafs.
Some of the Good Deeds Performed During Hajj
1. While in premises, always recite the Holy Quran.
2. When you are offering Sajdah, pray and ask for the fulfillment of your wishes.
3. Always greet strangers politely and say ‘Salaam’.
4. People, generally come from many far off places and so it is a necessity that a person should call up relatives and friends from Mecca.
5. Avoid fighting or getting into any kind of arguments.
6. Always help people in the slaughter house if they are unaware of certain things.
7. Giving charity to the poor or any such small kind gestures are to be performed.
8. Do not keep any resentment in your heart, forgive them and be kind to them.
9. After having completing your prayers, do offer water or tea to the people who are tired.
10. The Kaabah is a place where people recite holy scriptures and verses and chant the name of Allah, so avoid talking of irrelevant things.
By: Archa Dave
