Hajj: Journey of peace, equality and compassion

The Hajj pilgrimage, the fifth pillar of Islam, is obligatory for every Muslim who is physically and financially capable of it. It is a spiritual journey to commemorate Prophet Muhammad and Prophet Abraham and his family (peace be upon them all). During Hajj, millions of Muslims from all over the world gather in Mecca to perform specific rituals that manifest many human values such as equality, peace, diversity and simplicity.

In his only Hajj, Prophet Muhammad delivered his farewell sermon, which is considered a foundational doctrine for many Muslims. In this sermon, he emphasized the fundamental values of Islam, including equality, peace, justice, non-violence, forgiveness, women's rights, the sanctity of property and life, and the teachings of the pillars of Islam. “O People! Lend me your full attention, for I do not know if I will be among you again after this year. Therefore, listen carefully to my words and convey them to those who are not present here today,” he said in the sermon. 

‘All mankind is from Adam and Eve’

Any spiritual journey has its preparations, and in the case of the Hajj, ‘ihram’ is the first step that prepares Muslims to begin the holy journey. Ihram refers to a sacred state of ritual consecration and purity that pilgrims assume before performing specific acts of worship during the pilgrimage. Pilgrims must adhere to certain rules and restrictions while in the state of ihram. Men wear a simple white seamless garment, typically consisting of two pieces of unstitched cloth that cover the upper and lower body. Women may wear their ordinary clothing but should ensure it is modest and does not attract unnecessary attention. This minimalist attire aims to promote equality among pilgrims, as emphasized by the Prophet in his farewell sermon, in which he said, “All of mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; also, a white person has no superiority over a black person, nor does a black person have any superiority over a white person, except through piety and good actions.”

During his 1964 Hajj, Malcolm X (El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz) wrote a letter to his assistants, affirming that Islam offers the solutions to eradicate racism. “I have been blessed to visit the Holy City of Mecca, I have made my seven circuits around the Ka'ba, led by a young Mutawaf named Muhammad, I drank water from the well of the Zam Zam. I ran seven times back and forth between the hills of Mt. Al-Safa and Al Marwah. I have prayed in the ancient city of Mina, and I have prayed on Mt. Arafat.” This experience profoundly influenced his views on race, as well as his commitment to equality and justice.

Omar Al-Sheikh, a young pilgrim from Egypt, described to Jusoor Post how he found it astonishing to see everyone dressed in the same white clothing. “We were all dressed in identical white garments, regardless of wealth or social status, ethnicity or nationality. We embarked on the journey to Mecca together, directed towards our one God, and in that shared experience, I felt a deep sense of brotherhood with people whom I had never seen before. It was a true bond, one that I can still feel even after the pilgrimage,” he stated.

Ultimate peace 

While in the state of ihram and in the sacred places of Mecca and Medina, pilgrims are required to maintain a state of ultimate peace and refrain from causing harm to any living being, as every creature is to be respected. Zahra, an Egyptian woman who performed Hajj five years ago, shared her experience with Jusoor Post, stating, “I have never felt such a profound sense of peace. Everyone I encountered was helpful and kind, which made my journey incredibly peaceful. However, while I was in Mecca, I unintentionally killed an insect. My sister then informed me that it is prohibited to kill mosquitoes and insects while in ihram. I was fascinated by the concept that one should preserve the tranquility and safety of the environment for every creature.”

It is also prohibited for pilgrims to engage in arguments and quarrels while in ihram, as the state of peace is to be maintained. Fatema Ivanov, a Russian pilgrim, shared with Jusoor Post how the Hajj helped her develop more of an understanding attitude towards people's excuses. “I have a tendency to be short-tempered. During Hajj, I was extremely cautious and viewed it as an opportunity to train myself to be more patient. Upon arriving in Mecca, I was amazed to see everyone smiling, welcoming, and avoiding unnecessary conflicts while considering each other's excuses. Although there were minor issues, as the sheikh had advised us, Muslims should always excuse their brothers and sisters. I discovered that peace is contagious, and when your heart is connected and devoted to Allah, you see nothing but Him,” she said.