HAJJ: A Historic Act

HAJJ: A Historic Act I t is said that Imam Abu Hanifa was uncertain about which Islamic act of worship is the most superior. After performing Hajj, he reportedly remarked that he was now convinced that Hajj was the most superior of all acts of worship. One of the unique aspects of the virtue of Hajj is its connection to a grand divine plan. Hajj is a commemoration of a divine plan that began in the time of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and reached its completion during the time of Prophet Muhammad. The various rituals of Hajj symbolize different stages of this divine plan, which the pilgrim reenacts symbolically. The pilgrim leaves their home and sets out for the Hijaz, much like Prophet Ibrahim left Iraq for the Hijaz. Upon approaching Makkah, the pilgrim removes their sewn garments and wraps themselves in two simple sheets of cloth, resembling the simple attire worn by Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Isma’il in their time. Upon reaching Makkah, the pilgrim performs Tawaf by circling the Ka‘bah. This is the same circumambulation that Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Isma’il performed to affirm the covenant with God. The pilgrim then performs Sa’i, running seven times between Safa and Marwah, reenacting Hajar’s desperate search for water in the barren desert. The pilgrim goes to