The Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and is a pilgrimage that should be performed at least once in a Muslim's life. The pilgrimage begins and ends in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It always takes place from the 8th to the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, which is the last month of the Islamic calendar. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Hajj has great significance for Muslims. Although it is obligatory to participate in the Hajj once in a lifetime, many Muslims go there multiple times, especially those who live near Mecca. Once someone completes the Hajj, he can be called a Hajji. Muslims must fulfill the obligation to perform the Hajj at least once during their lifetime, as long as they can afford it. In book 10 of the hadith, the obligatory nature of the Hajj is demonstrated: “O people! The Hajj has been imposed on you, so perform the Hajj.” If the message about Hajj was shown through a hadith, this proves that it is obligatory to perform Hajj. Hadith are the second most authentic books of Islam, which a Muslim can refer to if he is not sure about something and his answer is not in the Quran. Muslims go to Hajj because it makes them feel closer to God and cleaner from within. People say that by performing Hajj all your sins will be forgiven. It's like a new beginning for a Muslim, people go to start over and forget their recent past. God's mercy is explained in the Quran: “Then move away from the place from which the people depart and ask Allah for forgiveness. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” This proves that repenting of your sins in the house of Allah will ensure that your sins are forgiven as there is no place as virtuous as the Masjid-Al Haram. However, as mentioned above, some Muslims may not be able to perform Hajj due to financial or mental health problems. These people are not required to perform Hajj, not even once in their lifetime. This is clearly stated in the Quran: “The pilgrimage to the House is a duty towards God on the part of the people who are able to undertake it.” This shows that Allah (God) is very understanding towards everyone's circumstances and does not make it obligatory for those in need. In addition to this, those who are too weak or old are not required to perform the Hajj, but must find someone to perform it on their behalf. All the five pillars of Islam are very important, but the Shahadah is the most important pillar because without the declaration that there is no god but God and that Muhammad is the Messenger of God the other pillars cannot be practiced and declaring this it also demonstrates how one believes in the religion of Islam as a whole. The Shahadah may only be written once in the Quran in 3:18, but it is used many times throughout a Muslim's life. They are the first and last words a Muslim will hear in his life. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get Custom Essay As a Muslim, I don't think that completing the Hajj is the most important duty for a Muslim because it is forbidden for a Muslim to think that any other pillar of Islam is more important than the Shahadah, as it is the main foundation of Islam . However, the reward for completing the Hajj is Jannah, and this is the goal of every Muslim.