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The Hajj is a sacred duty in Islam that every capable Muslim is expected to perform at least once in their lifetime. It involves a pilgrimage to Makkah, the holiest city in Islam, where millions of Muslims gather annually to perform rituals commemorating the faith and obedience of Abraham and his family. The pilgrimage takes place during the month of Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic calendar and culminates in Eid al-Adha, a festival of sacrifice.
Do you have Muslim friends who are planning to embark on the Hajj this year? If so, expressing wishes for their safe journey and congratulating them upon completion of this significant spiritual endeavor is a thoughtful gesture. But how can you best convey these sentiments? Are you aware of their profound significance and the appropriate words or phrases to use? Please read on to learn more.
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Hajj Mubarak significance
The term “Hajj” denotes “pilgrimage” in Arabic and refers to the annual journey Muslims make to Makkah, Islam’s most sacred city. It is one of the five pillars of Islam, constituting a divine obligation that all physically capable Muslims are expected to fulfill at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage is a spiritual endeavor, symbolizing Muslim obedience and reverence towards Allah, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.
“Mubarak,” meaning “blessed” or “congratulations” in Arabic, is commonly used to express joy or bestow blessings on various occasions. In the context of Hajj, the phrase “Hajj Mubarak” is often used, which translates to “blessed pilgrimage.” It’s a way to express gratitude for having completed the pilgrimage and to extend good wishes to others who have also accomplished it.
Thus, “Hajj Mubarak” can be loosely translated as “congratulations on completing the blessed pilgrimage” or “blessed pilgrimage to you.”
Hajj Mubarak as a greeting
Muslims worldwide commonly use the greeting “Hajj Mubarak,” although variations exist in different cultures and languages. For instance, in Arabic, some might prefer to say “Hajj Sa’id,” while others use “Haji Mabrur” in Malay, “Hajji Khush” in Urdu, or “Haji Pirim” in Turkish. Regardless of the language, these expressions all serve a shared purpose: to commemorate the completion of Hajj and to beseech Allah’s acceptance and forgiveness through prayer.
How to respond to Hajj Mubarak greetings?
When you are greeted with a prayer, responding with “Ameen,” which means “So be it,” is considered appropriate. Similarly, if someone says “Hajj Mubarak” to you, you can reciprocate with the same greeting. It’s a polite way to express joy for them and acknowledge their good wishes. Other responses might include “Alhamdulillah” or “Subhanallah,” phrases expressing gratitude and awe. You might also reply with “Jazak Allah Khair” or “Khair Mubarak,” expressions of thanks and reciprocation for the kind sentiments.
In Islam, once a person completes the Hajj pilgrimage, it is customary to greet them respectfully, shake their hand, and seek forgiveness for one’s sins. This pays homage to their status as a hajji and seeks blessings due to their recent closeness to Allah, in accordance with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
When to extend Hajj Mubarak greetings?
The greeting “Hajj Mubarak” is commonly shared before, during, or after the Hajj pilgrimage, which takes place during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah and concludes with the celebrations of Eid al-Adha.
Sending Hajj Mubarak greetings to friends, family, and fellow Muslims who are about to embark on this pilgrimage or have already completed it is a way to acknowledge their significant accomplishment and express joy for their spiritual journey.
By extending these greetings, you show your support, appreciation, and admiration for their dedication to fulfilling this mandatory religious duty. It is a heartfelt gesture that celebrates their devotion and the blessings they have received during their pilgrimage.
