Hajj
One of the cornerstones of Islam is the Hajj, a yearly spiritual pilgrimage Muslims perform at least once in their lifetimes to demonstrate their devotion to and belief in Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala, Glory be to him, the exalted). Every year, during the first ten days of the holy month of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Muslims are required to conduct the Hajj, which, in essence, means "pilgrimage" to the holy city of Makkah. Hajj is regarded as one of the most significant acts in Islam and instructs Muslims to uphold virtue, display humility, find inner peace, and be sincere to Allah.
The actions that have been determined by the Prophet Muhammad are the Hajj rituals. This lasts five days from the 8th to the 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
On the eighth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, when the Ihram is put on, the pilgrims declare their intent to perform the Hajj. Before pilgrims wish to enter the Al Masjid Al Haram (the sacred boundary of Mecca) and move across to perform Hajj, they should wear Ihram in order to make haram and traverse the five different areas of Miqats – sacred place to put on Ihram – in the Haram boundary.
After this, comes the Hajj Steps, which are as follows:
Reassume Ihram and the intention to perform Hajj
After completing Umrah rituals, pilgrims must assume the state of Ihram and declare their intentions to do Hajj.
Travel to Mina
Soon after the observing the morning prayers, all pilgrims must head to Mina (a town in Mecca), where they stay an entire day carrying out ritual prayers – Duhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, Fajr and Qasr – as stated in the Quran.
Travel to Mt. Arafat to perform Wafuq
During the second day of Hajj, 9th day of Dhu-al-Hijjah, pilgrims travel to Arafat from Mina reciting Istaghfar and making supplications. Upon reaching Mount Arafat, pilgrims observe Duhr and Asr combined with Qasar prayers near the Jabal al-Rahmah from noon to sunset. This act is known as Waquf (standing before Allah).
Offer Prayers in Muzadalifah
Post sunset, pilgrims head to Muzadalifah (a town between Mina and Mt. Arafat) to observe the evening prayers and rest the night until Fajr prayers in preparation for the next day’s ritual of stoning the devil. Pilgrims pick up 49 pebbles of similar size for Rami – stoning the devil.
On the 10th day Dhu al-Hijjah, pilgrims leave for Mecca before sunset to do Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’iy and get back to Mina to perform Rami, Nahr – animal sacrifice – and Halq – shaving one’s head.
Perform Rami in Mina
On the 11th and 12th days of Hajj, pilgrims must complete the stoning of the Devil or Rami. Before Sunrise, pilgrims head back to Mina and participate in a ritual known as ‘Stoning the devil’. Seven pebbles (of similar sizes) are thrown at a stone structure known as Jamrat al-Aqabah. This is an act carried out at noon on each day. All pilgrims are required to leave for Mecca before sunset on the 12th day of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Animal Sacrifice – Nahr
The culmination of the stoning ceremony calls for an animal sacrifice. For this, pilgrims can purchase sacrifice voucher or a coupon, which states that a sacrifice has been made in their name. the sacrificial animal is either a lamb or a camel. The animal is butchered and its meat is packed and shipped to other Middle Eastern countries or is fed to the poor.
Halq (shaving the head) or Taqsir (clipping or shortening of the hair for men and women)
Men should get their head completely shaved, or get their hair clipped. While women are forbidden to shave their heads and only allowed to have a lock or strand of their hair clipped. The act of cutting the hair symbolizes one’s detachment from physical appearances and complete subjection to Allah.
Repeat Stoning at Mina After Sunset On the 11th and 12th day of Dhu Al-Hijjah.
The stoning ritual is repeated by throwing pebbles at two other monuments other than Jamrat al Aqabah – Jamrat Oolah (the first Jamrat) and Jamrat Wustah (middle Jamrat). Pilgrims face the Jamarah (main pillar), with the Mecca on their left and Mina on their right, stone it with seven small pebbles while reciting Takbeer – exalting Allah.
Perform the Farewell Tawaf
The next and the final step is the farewell Tawaf, circumambulating the Kaaba anti-clockwise seven times and touching or kissing the Kaaba if possible. Pilgrims reflect on their experience and thank Allah for everything, while circumambulating the Kaaba.
On completing the Tawaf, pilgrims can proceed to collect their belongings, leave Kaaba by setting their left foot out first and making supplications while doing so. This final step marks the end of Hajj rituals.
Now, performing the major pilgrimage of Hajj means striving for the cause of Allah. Each and every capable Muslim is supposed to perform Hajj and since Hajj is performed on foot, it is important that we take the necessary steps to make sure our feet are protected. Islam is the religion of ease and it isn’t necessary to take undue burden unto oneself. Which is why, it is highly recommended that we take with us the products that help us along.
The Wudhu socks
First and foremost, ABDEEZ provides The Wudhu socks, which are essentially socks that one can wear while performing wudhu (ablution). This product is 100% Shari’ah compliant and is made from non-leather, waterproof, breathable, and odor-resistant materials. These socks are a must-have on long roads you travel on for Hajj or during the lesser pilgrimage – the umrah. Owing to the comfort of The Wudhu Socks, they are also suitable for elders who get discomforted with placing their feet in the sink. Muslims with infirmities also benefit tremendously by using The Wudhu Socks.
ABDEEZ Prayer Mats
Apart from The Wudhu socks, ABDEEZ also provides various types of prayer mats, including one which has a backrest and is foldable. ABDEEZ also provides portable prayer mats, complete with a compass, weights to hold the prayer mat in place, and a pouch that fits in your pocket. The portable prayer mat also comes with a guide that will help you find the Qiblah anywhere you are.
Rotating Beads, Islamic Digital Tasbih
This handheld device is another addition to your Islamic products kit when it comes to being prepared to worship Allah - although you just need a clear heart for that, and He will hear you. This digital tasbih is small enough to fit in your pocket and carry with you anywhere you go - and you can even attach it to your keychain!
Apart from the great hand feel this quality product gives you - given that it has a matte finish on the outside - it also is a reminder that you could be spending time worshiping Allah. And when, at the end of the day, you look at the number of times you exalted Allah throughout the day, you feel a sense of happiness, with the hope that your Lord is pleased with you.