Significance of Hajj in Muslim’s social life

Hajj, attended by millions of pilgrims each year, is the fifth and final pillar of Islam. The annual Hajj pilgrimage is obligatory for all muslims once in their lifetime. The Hajj as we know is one of the most important activities performed by the muslims. During Hajj period, the second festival (Id-al-Adha) in Islam, based on the ancient narrative of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his sacrifice son Hazray Ismail (AS), is celebrated. The sacrifice of an animal (Qurbani) and distribution of meat to the poor, friends and relatives had normally become a social and ritualistic occasion, to commemorate the Islamic tradition of this historical event of Hazrat Ibraham (AS). Sacrificing animals is an act of worship, but the “the flesh of them should not reach God, neither their blood, but godliness from you shall reach Him” (Qur’an 22:3). Although Hajj is regarded as one of the fifth pillar of Islam, it is important to note that not all Muslims can afford to visit Mecca, regardless of whether they are live in an Islamic country or not. In fact, there are many muslims who perceive the completion of the Hajj to be important but find it impossible to do so for economic reasons, particularly in the situation of facing financial complicacies. While there are many muslims who have performed the Hajj, this number is insignificant in comparison to the total muslim population, which is more than one billion and half adherents. For Muslims who can afford it, Hajj is an essential part of their Islamic identification, and for those who cannot, Hajj is still important, however, realistic considerations prevented the journey. Many muslims view this inaccessibility as an unfortunate reality. The two primary reasons that prevent many muslims from paying their pilgrimage to Mecca are the individual’s financial status and the lengthy traveling time between home and Mecca.
Hajj appears to create an atmosphere of equality, simplicity, and unity among Muslims, regardless of their gender, linguistic backgrounds, social status, geographical locations, cultural, ethnic, and sectarian differences. Whosoever performs pilgrimage and “honors God’s sacred symbols, that is of the godliness in his heart” (Qur’an 22:23). The concept of ‘ummah, or the global muslim community, is distinguishably experienced at the time of pilgrimage. Muslim associates feelings and sense of belonging to the ummah during Hajj, suggesting that this practice is not just strengthening of one’s own Islamic identity, but an extension of Muslim identification in a larger sense as well. Other significant elements of Hajj are related to an individual, community, society, and global levels. On the personal level, Hajj considers to be a time to reflect on one’s own deeds for past experience and to promise upgrade them in the near future, a practical experience to the psychological progress to examine ones own discipline, patience, level of forgiveness, and tolerance; a feeling that pilgrims gain when he or she is in the state of ihram (preforming Hajj’s rituals; also can mean the white uniform specially used during Hajj). the spiritual rejuvenation experienced by muslims performing the Hajj is not restricted to those attending, but is transferred to other members of the pilgrims’ communities upon their return home. By relating their experiences about the Hajj, the pilgrims often rekindle devotional feelings and longing in the hearts of their listeners, each in eager anticipation of the day, when they too will have an opportunity to perform it.