Why is Hajj Not Changing the Fate of the Muslim Ummah?

We all know that Hajj is one of the most important acts of worship in Islam. Every year, millions of pilgrims travel to Makkah to perform Hajj. There, they strive to complete various rituals perfectly, such as performing Tawaf around the Kaaba, stoning the devil (Ramy al-Jamarat), kissing the Hajar al-Aswad, gathering at the plain of Arafat, wearing the seamless Ihram clothing, shaving the head, performing Qurbani (sacrifice), and so on.

But dear reader, have we ever stopped to think — why are these rituals performed during Hajj? These practices were not prescribed without any reason. Surely, there must be logical and beneficial purposes behind them. Today’s article will try to explore those purposes. I hope that sincere seekers of truth among Muslims will read attentively and try to understand, Insha’Allah.

What Is the Purpose of Hajj?

Dear reader, in our times, it is commonly believed that Hajj means responding to Allah’s call, gathering at His sacred House (Kaaba), and thereby earning His pleasure. The first thing to understand here is that since Hajj is a command from Allah, any believer who sincerely performs it will surely earn Allah’s pleasure — there is no doubt about that.

But we must also ask: Why did Allah command us to perform Hajj in the first place? Is the purpose of Hajj merely to respond to Allah’s call and gather in Makkah? Is that all?

Remember, Allah is always near to us. In the Holy Qur’an, He says that He is closer to us than our jugular vein (Surah Qaf: 16). So, no matter where we are, He hears us when we call upon Him. Then why do we need to travel thousands of miles to Makkah just to call upon Him? Why is it required to gather at a specific plain during Hajj?

Moreover, Hajj includes many strict rules, regulations, and rituals. In the midst of millions of people and so many prescribed actions, can we truly call upon Allah more effectively — or is it better to call on Him alone, in silence and solitude? Of course, we can call on Him better when we are alone and focused.

Yet the rule of Hajj is to gather in large numbers at a specific time of the year. This shows us that Hajj is not merely a spiritual journey like pilgrimages in other religions — it is something different. So the question remains: What is Hajj really about?

Dear reader, in reality, Hajj is the annual grand assembly of the Muslim Ummah. This gathering has two essential dimensions: one is worldly (socio-political), and the other is spiritual. After reading this full article, you will understand how perfectly Allah has combined both worldly and spiritual goals through the rituals of Hajj.

Islam’s system is based on unity: the entire Muslim Ummah is meant to be one nation under the leadership of a single Imam (central leader). This central leader appoints governors (Amirs) in different regions to manage the local affairs, while mosques serve as administrative centers.

As Muslims gather in the mosque five times daily for prayers, they can also raise and resolve their local concerns through the local Amir. If issues remain unresolved, the weekly Friday (Jumu’ah) prayer provides a platform to address broader problems.

But what if a problem is even bigger — say, a national or global issue?

That is where the Plain of Arafat comes in. Once a year, influential Muslim leaders from around the world are meant to gather during Hajj. In this assembly, discussions would be held with the Caliph of the Muslims on political, diplomatic, and military issues. Consultations would take place, policies would be drafted, decisions would be made. And then, in the Hajj sermon, the Caliph would deliver guidance to the global Muslim community.

This way, Hajj would become a living, dynamic platform for resolving the pressing worldly challenges of the Muslim Ummah.

Reader, consider what happens at a UN summit: world leaders gather to discuss and resolve global crises. Islam is a universal religion — so for Muslims to unite once a year to consult and decide on collective matters, Allah has given us the system of Hajj.

But it is not just a conference — every ritual and formality of Hajj also contains deep training in both worldly discipline and spiritual elevation for the Muslim Ummah.

Let’s now briefly explore this profound aspect…

Why Do We Perform Tawaf Around the Kaaba During Hajj?

We all know that one of the essential rituals of Hajj is performing Tawaf — the act of circling the Kaaba. But have we ever truly reflected on what it means to perform Tawaf around the Kaaba?

In reality, the Kaaba is a symbol of the unity of the Muslim Ummah. And by making Tawaf around this sacred structure, Muslims from all over the world — representing every nation and race — are symbolically expressing a powerful truth:

No matter where you are in the world, regardless of your background or location, you are part of one united Ummah.

Your Qiblah (direction of prayer) is one, your goal is one, your purpose is one — and that purpose is:

To establish Allah’s guidance and laws across the earth and to unite all of humanity under His Divine order.

To achieve that goal, we as Muslims must remain in constant motion — just like we keep moving around the Kaaba during Tawaf. We must never become stagnant, never halt our progress, and never replace our divine mission with any other worldly ambition.

Tawaf is a reminder and renewal of this mission — to keep striving, united, toward the purpose Allah has set for us.

Why Do We Stone the Devil During Hajj?

Dear reader, one of the significant rituals of Hajj is the stoning of the devil (Ramy al-Jamarat). Of course, Satan doesn’t reside in any specific location on Earth where he can be physically struck down with stones. Yet, pilgrims are commanded to throw stones at designated pillars symbolizing Satan.

In reality, this act is symbolic in nature. It teaches the pilgrims to remain constantly vigilant against falsehood, injustice, and the evil whisperings of Iblis (Satan). This ritual instills in the hearts of believers the spirit of resistance — the courage to confront and reject all forms of tyranny, deception, and wrongdoing.

The deeper message of this act is to ignite a sense of protest and awakening in the pilgrims. It urges them to return to their communities after Hajj as warriors of truth, ready to stand up against injustice, to struggle against oppression, and to eliminate all forms of falsehood (Taghut) from society.

This is the powerful lesson embedded within this symbolic act of stoning — a call to lifelong resistance against evil.

Why Do We Kiss the Black Stone?

There is a reason and purpose behind kissing the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad). Does the stone possess any special power that kissing it will bring you benefit, or not kissing it will bring harm? If not, then why did the Companions of the Prophet (Sahabah) kiss this stone?

We must remember that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) never did anything without reason or wisdom. Every action of his carried profound worldly and spiritual significance.

The true essence is this — when millions of Muslims from across the globe gather and kiss the same stone, it becomes a symbol of unity, mutual love, and brotherhood among Muslims.

Just as when two people share food from the same plate, it reflects their deep bond and friendship — similarly, when believers kiss the same stone during Hajj, it serves as a powerful expression of their closeness and unity.

In fact, I believe that even a stone has been used by Allah as a means to unite the hearts of Muslims, so that through the simple act of kissing it, they realize how close and dear they are to one another.

Thus, there should be no room for hatred, division, or animosity within this Ummah.

Why Are Non-Muslims Prohibited from Entering?

During the time of the Sahabah (companions of the Prophet), no non-Muslim was allowed to enter the designated area surrounding the Kaaba during Hajj. Even in today’s time, a specific zone in Makkah remains off-limits to non-Muslims. But what is the reason behind this restriction? What harm is there if non-Muslims observe Muslims performing Hajj or offering prayers?

In reality, the reason is quite different.

As previously mentioned, Hajj is the annual grand assembly of the Muslim Ummah. Since this gathering often includes internal discussions, such as decisions on matters like defense or strategic planning, exposing such sensitive topics to outsiders would be risky.

That is why non-Muslims are prohibited from entering the sacred grounds during Hajj. It’s similar to how, in modern times, access to military cantonments is restricted — only defense personnel are allowed in due to the confidential nature of their activities.

Likewise, the field of Hajj is not open to everyone, as it serves a special spiritual and strategic function within the Muslim community.

Why Must Pilgrims Wear Unstitched White Garments?

Dear reader, this aspect touches on the spiritual dimension of Hajj. You see, every act in Islam has two dimensions — one is worldly, the other is spiritual. Hajj is no exception. On one hand, it serves as the annual grand conference of the Muslim Ummah, aiming to resolve worldly crises. On the other hand, it is also a perfect rehearsal of spirituality.

There is no room for worldly luxury in the field of Hajj. Regardless of race or gender, whether Arab or non-Arab, rich or poor, all pilgrims leave behind their worldly status, family ties, lands, and businesses. They all appear before Allah dressed in two pieces of unstitched white cloth, declaring:

“Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk” — Here I am, O Allah, here I am.

This scene is like a glimpse of the Day of Judgment — as if people have abandoned everything for the sole pleasure of Allah, arriving humbly in the attire of a beggar in response to His divine call.

Their souls seem to cry out:

“O Allah! Just as I have today left behind all my worldly possessions, wife, children, home, and wealth to answer Your call and stand in this sacred field,
Grant me the strength to devote my entire life and possessions to establishing Your religion.
Let me appear before You on the Day of Judgment with the honor of a true believer.”

Dear reader, have you noticed something?

On one hand, there is worldly planning and strategy to achieve the goals of the Ummah by listening carefully to the guidance of its leader. On the other hand, there is personal reflection, treating this gathering as a rehearsal for the Day of Judgment, learning to detach from material desires and focusing solely on Allah.

What could be a more balanced, ideal arrangement than this?

This — this is Hajj.
The true Hajj of authentic Islam.

But alas, what misfortune has befallen us!

Today, we no longer have a united Muslim Ummah, nor do we have a single leader (Imam). Without an Imam, who will solve our crises? Under whose leadership will we hold the annual grand assembly of the Ummah? Who will make the decisions? No one.

And those who do hold leadership positions — they no longer rush to the plains of Arafat during Hajj to resolve the Ummah’s worldly issues. Instead, they rush to New York, Geneva, Moscow, Beijing, or London.

It is now the Western masters who dictate how Muslim countries should operate.
It is under their instructions that we remain divided into 57 fragmented states.
With their support, we even wage war against each other.
We govern our politics, economies, and judicial systems with their imposed laws.

In short — they have now taken the place of our Lord,
And their countries have become our new Qiblah.

Yes, we still perform Hajj.
Every year, millions of Muslims save up and rush to Makkah,
Joining a massive gathering — but not knowing why.

We perform Tawaf around the Kaaba, but we don’t know why.
We stone the devil, but don’t know why.
We listen to paid Muftis giving the Hajj Khutbah, but we don’t understand what they’re saying.

We run between Safa and Marwah, wearing unstitched white garments,
But again, we don’t know why.
All we know is — we must perform Hajj,
We’ll earn many rewards, and upon returning, people will call us “Hajji Saheb,” etc.

Then Should We Not Go for Hajj?

Dear friends — Hajj is a mandatory obligation in Islam, without a shadow of doubt.
So, there is no question of discouraging anyone from performing Hajj.

All I intended to highlight is this:
There is a vast difference between the Hajj of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) era and his Companions, and the Hajj as it is practiced today — a difference as vast as the sky and the earth.

Today, Hajj has largely become a lifeless, aimless, ritualistic ceremony.
Whereas the Hajj of true Islam was alive, dynamic, purpose-driven, and capable of creating history.

The day this nation begins to truly understand the purpose of Hajj,
and applies its lessons in real life,
that will be the day we witness what a genuinely accepted Hajj (Maqbul Hajj) looks like.

But then comes the real question:
How can we bring back that living, meaningful Hajj of real Islam?

Yes, dear reader —
The only way to revive that authentic Hajj is to reunite the entire Muslim Ummah under one Imam, based on the foundation of Tawheed (monotheism).

The day the Muslim Ummah becomes united as one, under one leader, governed by the commands of Allah,
on that day — even a single Hajj season can transform the face of the entire Ummah, In shaa Allah.

But now we must ask ourselves:
Are we ready to sacrifice our lives and wealth to achieve that great goal?
Are our Hajj pilgrims — the Hajis — ready for that responsibility?

I leave you with that question.

Conclusion

Hajj is not merely a ritualistic act —
It is a powerful symbol of Muslim unity, self-purification, and total submission to the path of Allah.

The living, vibrant Hajj of true Islam brings with it discipline, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose in our lives.

To break free from the mechanical and purposeless Hajj of today, we must return to the leadership of a united Imam,
where Hajj is not just a physical journey, but a journey of the heart, soul, and social transformation.

Only when we understand the true purpose of Hajj and apply its teachings in our lives,
will the Muslim Ummah rise in strength, overcome divisions, and become wholly devoted to the path of Allah.

That is when Hajj will become truly accepted (maqbul) — bringing real change in our personal and collective lives,
and becoming a source of Allah’s pleasure and divine peace.

So remember —
Hajj is not just about circling the Kaaba or throwing stones at the devil.
It is a lifelong struggle, a symbol of unity,
and an eternal step toward the establishment of Deen.

Frequently Asked Questions