Hajj and Umrah are a source of faith revival and a soul-lifting journey for the Muslims. If you have been on either pilgrimage before, you might know that everything during Hajj and Umrah symbolizes something. We learn about ancient Islamic history as symbolized in the Hajj and Umrah rituals. Moreover, the vast crowd of Muslims is another symbol or representation of unity and equality in the Muslim nation. If you are going on the pilgrimage soon, you might want to know more about the symbolism and rituals of Hajj and Umrah.
Even though the two pilgrimages have different rewards and values, some of their main rituals are the same. You must be in the state of Ihram for both Hajj and Umrah. Also, you will have to perform Tawaf around the Holy Kaabah, as well as Saee and Tahallul. However, Hajj is a more extensive practice that lasts a few days and has more rituals.
If you have booked Hajj packages from Canada, you might be curious about the symbolism and rituals of Hajj and Umrah. But don’t worry because this comprehensive overview will help you a lot.
Hajj and Umrah Rituals and their Symbolism
- Ihram
Ihram is a state. Every pilgrim is required to enter this state before arriving at the Holy Kaabah to perform the Hajj and Umrah rituals. This state comes with specific rules and restrictions. You will have to purify yourself physically and mentally and dress yourself in two white unstitched pieces of clothing. Women must dress up in anything clean that will cover them adequately from head to toe.
- Tawaf
After the pilgrims have observed the state of Ihram and intend to perform the pilgrimage, they will gather at the Holy Kaabah to perform Tawaf. Tawaf means circling the Kaabah seven times. Moreover, pilgrims must also try to kiss the sacred Black Stone. If they cannot kiss the Black Stone due to the crowd, they must raise their hands and point towards it.
- Saee
Saee is another prominent ritual of both Hajj and Umrah. After the pilgrims have performed Tawaf, they must head towards the sacred hills of Safa and Marwa to complete Saee. Saee means repeatedly walking between the two holy hills seven times.
This ritual symbolizes a significant historical event in which Hajar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), ran between the two hills to find water for her infant Prophet Ismail (AS). It also symbolizes life’s hardships and teaches Muslims to put faith in Allah Almighty in all difficulties.
- Reassume Ihram
The rites mentioned above are Umrah rites. After Hajj pilgrims have performed these rites, they have to observe the state of Ihram again to continue with their Hajj rituals.
- Stay in Mina
Pilgrims then travel to Mina as soon as they have offered their morning prayers. They stay in this city near Makkah for a whole day, observing various prayers as stated in the Quran.
- Travel to Mount Arafat
On the second day of the Hajj, pilgrims must travel to Mount Arafat from Mina. They offer various supplications during their journey. Moreover, the pilgrims perform Waquf after they have reached Mount Arafat. It is an act in which pilgrims offer their Dhuhr, Asar, and Qasar prayers. Staying at this mountain symbolizes the gathering of Muslims on the Day of Judgement.
- Praying at Muzdalifah
Pilgrims travel from Mount Arafat to Muzadlifah, where they offer their evening prayers and stay the night.
- Tawaf al-Ifadah and Saee
The next day, pilgrims travel to Makkah again and perform Tawaf and Saee.
- Rami or Stoning of the Devil in Mina
In this ritual, pilgrims must throw a similar-sized pebble at Jamrat-al-Aqabah before sunrise.
- Animal Sacrifice
Pilgrims are then required to register for an animal sacrifice in their name. It symbolizes the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
- Taqsir or Halq
It is among the last rituals in which men shave their heads and women cut a few equal inches of their hair.
- Tawaf and Saee
Pilgrims then repeat Tawaf and Saee in Makkah.
- Stoning of the Devil
This stoning of the devil doesn’t happen at the Jamrat-al-Aqabah. Pilgrims throw pebbles at Jamrat Oolah and Jamrat Wustah in this Rami.
- Perform Farewell Tawaf
The last ritual is pilgrims performing a farewell Tawaf around the Holy Kaabah.
What do Hajj and c?
Even though there are many symbols in Hajj and Umrah for Muslims, they also convey the message of peace to non-Muslims. We all know about the extensive crowds of Muslims from around the world gathering at the holy sites and showing exceptional unity and brotherhood. The message of equality is also conveyed to everyone, as it is one of the most significant messages preached by Islam.
These pilgrimages symbolize Muslims’ faith. They teach them that Allah Almighty is the only one who will rescue them in hardships.
Uncover Your Life’s Purpose with the Guidance of Bro Ronnie Makabai(Opens in a new browser tab)
Final Words
Have you booked a Hajj package from Canada? If so, you might be wondering about the Hajj rituals and symbolism. Undoubtedly, Hajj rituals are different from Umrah rituals. The more accurate words would be that they are more extensive than the Umrah rituals. So, study properly about the symbolism and rituals of Hajj and Umrah for a better spiritual experience.
Discussion about this post