THE MAN BEHIND ḤAJJ

 FAJR REMINDER: THE MAN BEHIND ḤAJJ 

By: Umm Affān

Dhū al-Ḥijjah 1, 1447 (18-May-2026)

It is indeed a tremendous blessing that Muslims from every corner of the world gather annually in the sacred city of Makkah during the month of Dhūl-Ḥijjah to perform the great pilgrimage known as Ḥajj. This remarkable act of worship remains the largest annual gathering of believers on earth.

The history of Ḥajj dates back to the era of our noble father, Prophet Ibrāhīm, and his son Ismā‘īl (‘Alayhimā Salām). As the fifth Pillar of Islām, Ḥajj serves as a powerful reminder of the immense trials, sacrifices, and unwavering obedience displayed by Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām) and his family in submission to Allāh.

By the Command of Allāh, both father and son (‘Alayhimā Salām) raised the foundations of His Sacred House, the Ka‘bah, which millions of Muslims continue to circumambulate today. From that moment, Ḥajj became a lasting tradition established through Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām), observed by believers from his time until this very day. This was in fulfillment of his heartfelt supplication: “Our Lord! And make us submissive unto You and of our offspring a nation submissive unto You, and show us our Manāsik (all the ceremonies of pilgrimage - Ḥajj and ‘Umrah, etc.), and accept our repentance. Truly, You are the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful.” [Sūrah Al-Baqarah (2): 128]

Reflecting upon the status of Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām), we come to appreciate the greatness of this noble Messenger. He was among the distinguished Ulul ‘Azm — the Messengers of firm resolve — and one of the greatest among the Anbiyā‘. He was the father of many noble Prophets, the honoured predecessor of Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ), a shining example of righteousness, the leader of the Ḥunafā’ (upright monotheists), a reviver of Tawḥīd, a destroyer of falsehood and ignorance, and history’s great breaker of idols.

Such was his lofty rank that Allāh (ﷻ) selected him, honoured him, and took him as His Khalīl — His intimate friend. The Muslims, just like the righteous believers before them, have been instructed to follow the religion and path of Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām). Allāh (ﷻ) says: “And who can be better in religion than one who submits his face (himself) to Allāh (i.e. follows Allāh’s Religion of Islāmic Monotheism); and he is a Muḥsin (a good-doer). And follows the religion of Ibrāhīm Ḥanīfa (Islāmic Monotheism—to worship none but Allāh Alone). And Allāh did take Ibrāhīm as a Khalīl (an intimate friend).” [Sūrah An-Nisā' (4): 125]

Allāhu Akbar! What an extraordinary honour it is for a servant to attain the rank of being an intimate friend of Allāh. What sincerity, obedience, sacrifice, patience, and unwavering Tawḥīd must a person possess to reach such a lofty station?

I beseech Allāh (ﷻ) to shower His special Mercy upon Prophet Ibrāhīm. Aameen