HAJJ: The 5th Pillar of Islam, a sacred journey to the house of Allah …an elevated call to faith, sacrifice, spiritual renewal (Final part)

Types of Hajj: Understanding the forms of pilgrimage

There are three recognised types of Hajj:

    • Hajj al-Tamattu’: Performing Umrah first, exiting Ihram, and then entering Ihram again for Hajj.

     • Hajj al-Qirān: Combining Umrah and Hajj in one Ihram without exiting.

      • Hajj al-Ifrād: Performing only Hajj without Umrah.

Each type has specific rulings, and the choice depends on the pilgrim’s circumstances.

Miqāt and the State of Ihram

The Miqāt refers to designated boundary points where pilgrims must enter into Ihram before proceeding to Makkah. Crossing these boundaries without Ihram invalidates the proper commencement of Hajj.

Ihram is not just clothing—it is a sacred state of discipline, intention, and spiritual consciousness.

Fidyah and Dam: Expiation in Hajj

Islam provides remedies for mistakes during Hajj:

    • Fidyah: Compensation such as fasting, feeding the poor, or sacrifice for minor violations

     • Dam: Sacrificial penalty required for certain omissions or violations

These ensure that errors do not invalidate the pilgrimage but are corrected through prescribed means.

The virtue of Hajj Mabroor

The ultimate goal is to attain Hajj Mabroor (an accepted Hajj). The Prophet Mohammed pbuh said:

“An accepted Hajj has no reward except Paradise.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)

Its signs include sincerity, avoidance of sin, humility, and lasting transformation after the pilgrimage.

The role of intention and acceptance

Hajj is not judged by outward actions alone but by sincerity of intention (Niyyah). A person may perform all rituals correctly yet fail to attain acceptance if sincerity is lacking.

Allah looks at the hearts, not merely the actions.

Life after Hajj: A new beginning

Hajj is not the end—it is the beginning of a renewed life. A pilgrim is expected to:

    • Maintain righteousness

    • Increase acts of worship

    • Avoid returning to sin

    • Become a model of good character in society

The true success of Hajj is reflected in one’s transformation.

What is Umrah?

Umrah is a lesser pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year. It includes:

• Ihram

• Tawaf

• Sa’i

• Shaving or trimming hair

Though not obligatory like Hajj, it holds immense spiritual reward. The Prophet Mohammed said:

“One Umrah to another is an expiation for what is between them.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)

Visiting the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah

While not a pillar of Hajj, visiting the Mosque of the Prophet Mohammed pbuh in Madinah is a highly recommended Sunnah.

The Prophet Mohammed said:

“Do not undertake a journey except to three mosques: Al-Masjid al-Haram, my mosque, and Al-Aqsa Mosque.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)

Praying in the Prophet’s Mosque carries immense reward, and sending salutations upon him at his grave is a deeply spiritual experience.

Summary and conclusion

Hajj is a journey of total submission, unity, and spiritual rebirth. It connects the believer to the legacy of the Prophets and prepares the soul for the ultimate return to Allah.

The Prophet Mohammed pbuh said:

“Whoever performs Hajj for Allah and avoids obscenity and wrongdoing will return like the day he was born.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, 1521; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, 1350)

May Allah grant us the opportunity to perform Hajj, accept it from us, and make it a means of our salvation. Ameen

Author’s profile

Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai

Kpone Katamanso Metropolitan Chief Imam

Governance Expert and Islamic Scholar

Imam Saeed Abdulai is a distinguished Islamic scholar and community leader known for his impactful teachings on faith, governance, and societal development. He actively contributes to religious education and public discourse in Ghana and beyond.

22. References

• The Noble Qur’an (2:197, 3:97, 22:26–27)

• Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī

• Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim

• Sunan al-Tirmidhi

• Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Azim

• Imam al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim

By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, Kpone Katamanso Municipal Chief Imam, Certified Counsellor and Governance Expert