Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. It is a ritual and an act of worship that has to be performed at least once during one’s lifetime. An individual is exempted from performing Hajj due to sickness, physical difficulties or financial hardships. Hajj and its rites were first ordained by Allah in the time of the Prophet Abraham and he was the one who was entrusted by Allaah to build the Ka'bah in Makka.
By the following year, 10th Hijra, the messenger of God Almighty announced that he would be performing Hajj in that year.This Hajj is known as Hajj al Widaa’ or Farewell Hajj because it was the last Hajj Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) performed.He led thousands of Muslims to Hajj and explained to them how to perform the rites.
Hajj allows us to become closer to our Creator, God Almighty and affords us with an opportunity for a spiritual rebirth. We are united through submission to the will and communal worship of our beloved Creator. Prophet Ibraheem (as) came to Makka to perform Hajj every year once the Ka'bah was built to completion. After his demise, his son Ismaeel (as) followed in his fathers footsteps and continued this practice. Hajj was made obligatory in the 9th year of Hijra. During that year, the Prophet Muhammed (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) sent 300 Muslims under the leadership of Hazrat Abubakr Siddique ( The first khalifa of Islam) to Makkaa to perform the Hajj.
By the following year, 10th Hijra, the messenger of God Almighty announced that he would be performing Hajj in that year.This Hajj is known as Hajj al Widaa’ or Farewell Hajj because it was the last Hajj Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) performed.He led thousands of Muslims to Hajj and explained to them how to perform the rites.
Source:
