Hajj: pilgrimage and issues for British Muslims

Makkah is Islam’s holiest city and the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. Within its Great Mosque stands the Ka’ba, the cube-shaped building towards which Muslims face when praying. Muslims believe Ibrahim and his son Isma’il built it as a place dedicated to worshipping the one God. Muhammad later restored its monotheistic purpose by removing idols.

Qur’an 2:125 describes the House as a place of return and a sanctuary for people. It commands Ibrahim and Isma’il to purify it for those who walk around it and those who bow and prostrate in worship. This connects Hajj with both the history of Ibrahim and the continuing worship of Allah. Muslims worship Allah, not the Ka’ba itself.

Entering ihram: putting status aside

Before carrying out the rituals, pilgrims enter ihram, a sacred state in which they concentrate on Allah. Men wear simple white garments; women wear suitable modest clothing rather than the same garments as men.

Simple clothing makes differences in wealth and social status less prominent. A wealthy pilgrim and a poorer pilgrim participate in the same acts of worship. This gives physical expression to the belief that all are equal before Allah and strengthens the unity of the ummah.

Tawaf and Sa’y: worship and remembrance

Pilgrims perform tawaf, walking seven times around the Ka’ba. Circling the same building brings Muslims from many countries together in a shared act of devotion to Allah.

They also perform Sa’y, travelling seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. This remembers Hagar, also known as Hajira, searching for water for her son Isma’il after Ibrahim had left them in the desert. Muslims believe Allah provided water at the Zamzam well. Pilgrims drink Zamzam water during their pilgrimage.

These actions connect bodily movement with religious memory: pilgrims recall Hagar’s struggle and Allah’s provision rather than merely visiting historic sites.

Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina: repentance and rejecting evil

Pilgrims spend time resting and praying at Mina. A central part of Hajj is standing in prayer on the plain of Arafat, where they ask Allah for forgiveness and reflect on their lives. Arafat is associated with Muhammad’s Farewell Sermon. The emphasis is on repentance and dependence on Allah, not simply climbing a mountain.

Pilgrims also spend a night at Muzdalifah. At Mina, they throw pebbles at the Jamarat, structures which symbolise the rejection of the devil and temptation. This expresses a commitment to resist evil and obey Allah in everyday life.

Hajj is therefore both outward and inward: the journey, walking and other actions are visible, while repentance and renewed commitment concern the pilgrim’s intentions and character.

Sacrifice and completing the pilgrimage

The sacrifice associated with Id-ul-Adha remembers Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. An animal is sacrificed and its meat is shared, including with people in need. The meaning is submission to Allah and generosity towards others.

Pilgrims also cut or shave their hair as part of completing the rituals. A farewell tawaf takes place before leaving Makkah.

Muslims believe Hajj offers forgiveness and the opportunity for a fresh start. Completing it can strengthen faith and inspire a more devoted life. Its lasting value is therefore not only what happens in Saudi Arabia, but how pilgrims live after returning home.

Practical issues for Muslims travelling from Britain

Affordability and responsibilities: travel from Britain, accommodation and pilgrimage arrangements can be expensive. Muslims may need to save over a long period. They must also arrange time away from work or education and consider responsibilities such as caring for children or relatives. These difficulties explain why physical and financial ability matter to the obligation.

Booking and documents: British pilgrims must organise international travel and the appropriate Hajj visa. Current UK government guidance says Hajj places can only be booked through the official Nusuk Hajj platform. Fraudulent offers can cause financial loss and prevent someone from making the pilgrimage. Keeping documents safe and understanding the visa’s expiry date are also important.

Health and safety: walking, crowds and heat make Hajj physically demanding, especially for older people or those with health conditions. Large gatherings can spread infectious diseases. Pilgrims need to check current vaccination requirements, arrange sufficient medication, drink enough fluids and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Spiritual concentration: crowded surroundings, tiredness and distractions such as social media can make it harder to focus on Allah. Returning to a busy life in Britain may also make it difficult to sustain the commitment developed during Hajj.

Weighing the challenges against the benefits

The challenges are significant: cost can delay participation, and physical demands can make travel unsuitable for some people. Religious commitment does not remove these practical limits.

For those who can undertake Hajj, however, the benefits can be profound. It fulfils a religious duty, provides an opportunity for repentance and brings Muslims from different backgrounds together. Many Muslims would argue that these lasting spiritual benefits outweigh temporary discomfort. A justified judgement should recognise both the importance of Hajj and the fact that its obligation depends on a person’s ability.

• Ihram: sacred state and simple clothing → equality and concentration on Allah.
• Tawaf: seven circuits of the Ka’ba → shared worship of Allah.
• Sa’y: seven journeys between Safa and Marwah → Hagar’s search for water; Zamzam recalls Allah’s provision.
• Arafat: prayer and requests for forgiveness → repentance.
• Muzdalifah: overnight stay during the pilgrimage.
• Jamarat at Mina: throwing pebbles → rejecting evil and temptation.
• Sacrifice/Id-ul-Adha: remembers Ibrahim’s obedience; meat is shared with others, including the poor.
• Hair cutting or shaving and farewell tawaf form part of completing the pilgrimage.

Importance

Obedience to Allah; following prophetic examples; forgiveness and renewal; equality and unity of the ummah.

Issues for British Muslims

• Cost, saving, leave from work or education, and family responsibilities.
• Official booking arrangements, visas, documents and fraud risks.
• Physical exertion, crowds, heat, infection and health preparations.
• Maintaining spiritual focus during Hajj and commitment afterwards.

Judgement: spiritual benefits may outweigh temporary difficulties, but the duty applies only to those able to undertake it.