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What is Hajj?

Hajj is the sacred pilgrimage performed by Muslims at the holy mosque of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for every Muslim at least once in their lifetime, provided they have the means. Hajj takes place annually during the month of Dhul Hijjah, from the 8th to the 13th.

As Muslims, undertaking Hajj is a spiritual duty if one is financially, physically, and emotionally able. The Qur’an commands:

“You will enter the Sacred Masjid, God willing, perfectly secure, and you will cut your hair or shorten it (as you fulfil the pilgrimage rituals) there. You will not have any fear. Since He knew what you did not know, He has coupled this with an immediate victory.”
– Qur’an | 48:27

Duration of Hajj

The pilgrimage lasts five to six days, from the 8th to 12th or 13th of Dhul Hijjah. Eid al-Adha begins at the sighting of the new crescent moon, lasting four days. Hajj involves a series of rites and rituals, which can require walking 5–15 km per day and is both spiritually and physically demanding. It offers Muslims a chance to refresh their spiritual selves, cleanse sins, and draw closer to Allah (SWT).

Dates and Locations

Hajj occurs annually between the same dates, depending on the lunar calendar. Locations involved include:

• The city of Makkah
• The tent settlement of Mina
• Mount ‘Arafah
• Muzdalifah

Exemptions

Hajj is not meant to be a burden. Exemptions include:

• Children (Hajj required only of adults)
• The very weak, sick, elderly, or physically incapable
• Those financially unable (unless debt conditions are met and do not prevent Hajj)

History of Hajj

The Hajj as known today was first performed in 628 CE by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), following the traditions established by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) as instructed by Allah (SWT) millennia before.

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What is Zakat in Islam?

Zakat (zakaat, zakah), or almsgiving, is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is mandatory for every sane, adult Muslim who owns savings, capital, or other forms of wealth over a certain amount, known as Nisab. They must pay 2.5% of that wealth as Zakat once a lunar year has passed since reaching the Nisab.

“…and those in whose wealth there is a recognised right, for the needy and deprived.”
– Qur’an | Surah Al-Ma’arij | 70:24-25

A Sacred Pillar of Islam

Zakat is a revolutionary concept that can end extreme poverty. It is not just a fundamental pillar but also a powerful means to support the needy and deprived.

“And be steadfast in prayer and give Zakat: And whatever good you send forth for your souls before you, you shall find it with Allah.”
[Qur’an | Surah Al-Baqarah | 2:110]

How is Zakat Calculated?

The compulsory value is 2.5% of your total Zakat-eligible wealth. For example, if your total assets (after any debts) amount to R10,000, you would pay R250.

Conditions of Paying Zakat

• Must be Muslim.
• Must be of sound mind (Hanafi madhab: children exempt; other madhabs may vary).
• Must have reached puberty (Hanafi madhab).
• Must fully own the Nisab (minimum wealth).
• One Hijri (Islamic lunar) year must pass while owning the Nisab.
• Wealth must be zakatable (able to grow/increase).
• Zakat must be given only to those eligible to receive it.

Is Zakat on Income or Savings?

Zakat is calculated on wealth, assets, and possessions over a lunar year, including gold, silver, cash, savings, and business assets, rather than on income.

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What is Saum?

Saum is the Arabic term for fasting. Muslims are required to fast once they attain puberty, during the month of Ramadan. This involves abstaining from food, drink, sexual relations, and displeasing speech and behavior from dawn until dusk.

Why is Saum important?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and includes the night in which the Qur’an was first revealed to mankind, known as Laylat al-Qadr (the night of decree). It is a sacred month requiring devotion, reflection, and worship. Muslims who cannot fast due to illness or travel can make up for the lost days later.

“God wants ease for you, not hardship. He wants you to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him for having guided you, so that you may be thankful.”
– Qur’an | 2:185

How does Saum show devotion to Allah?

During this sacred time, Muslims abstain from their needs and desires, gaining control over distractions and focusing on worship. Keeping Saum for Allah alone is a special act of devotion, with a unique reward.

“All the actions of the children of Adam are for them except fasting; it is for Me and I alone will reward for it.”
– Hadith | Bukhari

Saum Facts

1. One of the five pillars: Saum is mandatory during Ramadan but can be kept at other times as worship or to make up missed fasts.
2. Exemptions: Those menstruating, breastfeeding, pregnant, ill, or with valid reasons are exempt from fasting.
3. Breaking the fast: It is Sunnah to break the fast with dates. If unavailable, water can be used.
4. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “When one of you breaks his fast, let him break it with dates for they are blessed. If they are not found, let him break it with water for it is pure.” – Tirmidhi

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What is Salah (Salat)?

Salah, also known as Prayer, is one of the five pillars of Islam and is a fundamental act of worship for Muslims. It involves praying 5 times a day at set times, and is a direct means of communication with Allah.

Muslims perform Salah as an essential part of daily life to seek guidance, forgiveness, and blessings from Allah. It involves specific physical movements and recitations while facing the Qiblah (direction of the Ka’bah in Makkah). The key is to be focused and conscious of Allah’s presence.

What are the 5 daily prayers of Islam?

• Fajr – takes place at pre-dawn.
• Dhuhr – just after the sun reaches its zenith.
• Asr – between noon and sunset.
• Maghrib – just after sunset.
• Isha – during the night.

Why is Salah important?

Salah is an integral part of a Muslim’s life. Through prayer, Muslims reflect on the Qur’an, the Shahadah (declaration of faith), and Allah’s attributes. Muslims across the world unite in prayer at five specified times each day facing the Ka’bah in Mecca, connecting to Allah and their purpose in life.

“Maintain with care the (obligatory) prayers and (in particular) the middle prayer and stand before Allah, devoutly obedient.”
– Qur’an | Surah al-Baqarah | 2:238

How to pray Salah?

Salah is a ritual prayer that requires specific etiquettes to perform correctly. There are slight differences depending on the Madhab (school of thought) followed, but all four schools agree that the prayer is valid when performed according to any of them.

How to pray Eid Salah?

Eid prayer is performed in congregation on the mornings of the two Eid celebrations: Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr. You can follow a step-by-step guide to praying Eid Salah for reference.

When is Salah for my area?

Salah times depend on the sun’s position. Authorities publish local prayer times for convenience. You can check the prayer times for your area on official websites or community sources.

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What is the Shahada?

The Shahada (shahadah) is the Arabic term for the declaration of faith in one God (Allah) and His messenger.

What does the Shahada mean?

Transliteration: “Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah, Wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Rasulu-Allah.”

Translation: “I bear witness that there is no God but Allah (i.e. there is none worthy of worship but Allah), and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”

It is the most sacred statement in Islam, and must be recited with full understanding and mindfulness of its meaning.

Why is the Shahada important?

The belief in one Allah is the central tenet of the Islamic faith, around which all else revolves. Muslims are reminded of this foundational belief during the five daily prayers and other pivotal moments in life. The second part acknowledges the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as Allah’s messenger, reminding Muslims to uphold the oneness of Allah.

Five facts about the Shahada

1. One of the 5 pillars: It is a sacred testament for Muslims to uphold throughout their lifetime.
2. Recitation in the Athan: The Shahada is recited in the call to prayer.
3. Recitation during Salah: Muslims recite it during the five daily prayers.
4. Acceptance of Islam: Reciting the Shahada marks someone’s entrance into Islam.
5. Recitation to newborns: Spoken as the first words a Muslim baby hears and ideally the last words upon death.