Hajj 2024 is about to fall on the 15th of June Saturday. Hajj falls on 9th Dhul, Hijjaha and according to this the evening of 14th June and the day of 15th June is said to be day of Hajj. However, the dates may vary by a day as we all know that Islamic dates are according to the Lunar calendar.
Understanding Hajj
The word “Hajj” is derived from the Arabic language. It means “pilgrimage to the Kaaba.” This is why, Hajj signifies a sacred journey undertaken by Muslims to cleanse their souls of worldly sins and show their devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
If we delve into the history of Hajj, its history is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and highlighted in the Qur’an and hadiths too.
The history dates back to the time of Ibrahim ( علیہ السلام), a central figure in Islam. The rituals of this sacred journey Hajj were reformed and reinforced by Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century AD.
The Importance of Hajj
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It has a significant importance in the life of Muslims. As you can see in the Hadiths below:
Abu Hurairah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) was asked, “Which deed is the best?” The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “Belief in Allah SWT and His Messenger (ﷺ)”
He (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was asked again, “What is next?” The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “Jihad [striving] in the cause of Allah.”
He (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) further asked, “And what is next?” He said, “Hajj Mabroor [i.e. Hajj accepted by Almighty Allah].”
(This Hadith is present in both Al Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.)
In another Hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized offering Hajj once in a lifetime;
Abu Hurairah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) narrated that one day the Prophet (ﷺ) addressed people saying: “O people! Allah has prescribed Hajj upon you, so perform it.“
A man asked, ‘Every year, O Messenger of Allah?’
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) kept silent. When the man repeated his question thrice, the Prophet(ﷺ) said: “Had I answered in the affirmative. it would have become a (yearly) obligation, and this would have been beyond your capacity.”
Then he added: “Leave me alone so long as I leave you alone (i.e. do not ask questions about things I didn’t mention). What destroyed the people before you was that they used to ask too many questions and disagree with their Prophets (ﷺ).
So when I command you to do something, do it to the extent of your ability, and if I forbid you from doing something, avoid it.”
The Qur’an too emphasizes on this in the following Ayat;
“Complete the pilgrimage and minor pilgrimage for Allah.” (Surah Baqarah)
In the Holy Book Qur’an, there are twelve ayaats that are about Hajj. These ayaats are present in Suran Al-Baqarah, Al-Imran, Al Maida, Surah Fatah, Hajj, and Tauba.
Hajj holds immense importance in Islam as it is obligatory for financially and physically capable Muslims to perform at least once in their lifetime. It serves as an important experience that brings Muslim from around the world, together and makes them feel close to Allah. It is like a big spiritual journey that strengthens their faith and makes them feel united with other Muslims.
About Hajj 2024 Canada
Although Hajj is not specific to Canada, the date of 9th Dhul Hijjah is known as the day of Hajj as on this day, Muslims around the globe gather at Mecca Saudi Arabia to perform their religious duty. It is also known as Yom e-Arafah, which means the Day of Arafah, where Hajis gather.
Also Read Our Blog on : Hajj Guidelines for Muslims
Canadian Muslims who fulfill the criteria of being physically and financially capable can undertake the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for Hajj.
What to do If You are not Capable of Performing Hajj?
If you are not capable of performing Hajj due to any reason either financial or health issues, then it is best to repent of your sins and ask for forgiveness on the 9th Dhul Hijjah.
Moreover, it is also recommended to fast on this day.
“The Prophet (ﷺ) used to fast on the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah, on the day of `Ashurah, on three days of each month, and on the first two Mondays and Thursdays of each month.”
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, Fasting the day of `Arafah expiates the sins of two years: the past one and the coming one.
Moreover, in surah Fajr, Allah has highlighted the importance of the ten nights of Dhul Hihjjah. This means fasting and involving in prayers can benefit you in seeking the blessings of Allah no matter where you are from.
As said by our Prophet (ﷺ):
“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
Moreover our Prophet (ﷺ) has also highlighted the importance of the ten days preceding Hajj, stating that there are no other greater days before Allah and that performing good deeds during this time is highly cherished by Him (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
He encouraged the recitation of specific phrases:
- Tahleel (affirmation of God’s oneness),
- Tahmeed (praising God), and
- Takbeer (declaring God’s greatness).
This can also be recited as
“Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allah, Allahu akbar, wa Lillaah il-hamd,”
This means, “Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise.”
Also Read: Eid al-Adha 2024 in Canada
Hajj 2024 Cost for Canadian Residents
The cost of Hajj 2024 varies based on the specifics of Hajj arrangements, such as travel logistics and accommodations. These costs can also vary based on individual arrangements or through authorized Hajj travel agencies in Canada.
So, this is all about Hajj 2024 and the holy month of Dhul Hijjah. May Allah help us to follow the footprints of our beloved Prophet (ﷺ), and be involved in the acts of worship and proclamations to earn rewards and blessings from Allah Almighty. (Ameen).