As a sign of complete submission, Prophet Ibrahim (RA) left his wife Hajjar (RA) and her little son alone without food and water in the deserts of Mecca. as prescribed by Allah.
In search of water for her little son Hajjar (RA) ran between the mount of Safa and Marwa with intention that she will find water for her son but found none. When she returned hopelessly, she saw the child, Ismail (RA), clawing his foot on the ground and a fountain of water flowing from this place later called “ZamZam Well“. Ibrahim (RA) built the Kaaba at the site of the fountain by follow orders from Allah.
After the construction of the Kaaba, Ibrahim (RA) visited the Kaaba every year. At the time of the Prophet (ﷺ), the hajj became obligatory for Muslims to perform once in their life. The main goal of the Hajj is to strengthen the faith and cleanse one from sins. Allah says in the Quran the benefits of Hajj:
“So that they may witness what benefits them, and mention the name of Allah on the appointed days over the cattle that He bestowed on them. Then eat and feed the unfortunate poor ”(Quran 22:28).
The Important of Hajj Rituals
Performing a hajj is not an arbitrary exercise – the hajj rituals must be performed exactly as prescribed by Allah and His Prophet. Allah says in the (only-Quran: 2:196):
“And perform properly (that is, all activities in accordance with the ways of the Prophet Mohammed (saw), Hajj and Umrah for Allah” (Surah Baqarah Quran 2: 196)
The ceremony of the Hajj were set forth in the present form by the Holy Prophet (ﷺ), and these rituals signify complete submission to Allah, which Ibrahim (RA) made. After this, every action performed in Hajj, from performing tawaf, Arafa, stoning the wall of Satan and Saa’i.., all these activities is not just an exercise to follow the story of Ibrahim (RA) but a compulsory rituals activities for all hajj and these indicate the faith everyone must have in Allah.
Abu Hurayrah narrated that: “The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) ( was asked:” What is the best act? “He replied:” Believe in Allah and His Apostle (Muhammad). ” Then the questioner asked: “What’s next (in goodness)?” He replied: “To take part in Jihad in the cause of Allah.” The questioner again asked: “What is next (in goodness)?” (To perform Hajj in accordance with the traditions of the Prophet) “. (Bukhari 2:25)
These Quran versse and the Hadith from Abu Hurayrah clearly show the significance of the Hajj and the importance of the rituals performed in the Hajj.
Meaning and Important of Saa’i
Saa’i means the journey of Hajjar (RA) between the mount of Safa and Marwa, who, in search of water for her baby Ismail (AS), commemorates Allah. Allah made her journey an important part of the Hajj and mentioned it in the Surah Baqarah:
“Truly! Al-Safa and Al-Marwa (two mountains in Mecca) are symbols of Allah. Therefore, it is not a sin for one who performs hajj or Umrah (pilgrimage) of the House (kaaba in Mecca), makes a movement (tawaf) between the two mountain (al-Safa and al-Marwa). And whoever does good voluntarily, then verily, Allah is All-Recognizer, All-Knowing ”(Quran 2: 158).
A Day spent in Arafat
The pilgrims remain in Arafat from dawn to dusk of the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. This is the place where the Prophet (ﷺ) gave His last sermon, and the hajj of a person is considered invalid if he or she does not spend the day in Arafat. This day means unity and the remembrance of Allah in the life of all Muslim.
Pilgrims throw stones at Satan in Mina. This act means three times when Satan tried to discourage the Prophet Ibrahim (RA) when He was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his only Son Ismail (RA) and to resist Satan, Ibrahim (RA) threw stones at him.
Meaning and Important of Eid al-Adha
This is one of the most important festival for all Muslim, to recalling the Ibrahim’s (RA) sacrifice. Ibrahim (RA) was commanded by Allah to sacrifice His only son Ismail (RA), but Allah replaced Ismail with a sheep, just when Ibrahim (RA) was about to make a sacrifice: this complete submission of faith by Ibrahim (RA) as an basically part of the Hajj, which means the trust and total submissive act to the will of the Almighty Allah, and This day all Muslims around the world slaughter an animal, usually a sheep, camel or goat.
In addition to this tribute of faith from Ibrahim (RA), the animal sacrifice is intended to feed the poor and needy on this holy day. Allah referred to this aspect in the only Quran:
“Animal sacrifices are among the rites prescribed by God for your own good. You should mention the name of God on them when they stand in line. As soon as they are sacrificed, you must eat them and feed the poor and needy. That is why we conquered them for you so that you could express your gratitude ”(Quran 22:36).
Allah wanted this special occasion to be a reason for us to remember Him and declare our faith in the Almighty Allah. Allah intended this to be in a certain way, demonstrating the significance of Islamic traditions and the history of sacrifices performed in His name. In addition, this manifestation of the Hajj is intended to become an inspiring event in the life of a Muslim, after which it must be performed in the manner prescribed by Allah and His Prophet (ﷺ), since every action is historically significant.