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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books 180 Questions Enquiries About Islam Volume One: The Practical Laws Hajj What is the secret and philosophy of Hajj? There are four dimensions associated with this great act of worship - each one more deep-rooted and beneficial than the other. The Ethical Dimension The most important philosophy of Hajj is the ethical transformation which it induces within man.

The ritual of 'ihram' entirely removes man from material ostentations, external distinctions, extravagant clothing and ornaments. By prohibiting pleasures and engaging him in self-rectification - one of the duties of a 'muhrim',[^1] it distances him from the material world and engrosses him in a world of light, purity and spirituality.

Consequently, it causes those who, in ordinary circumstances, find themselves weighed down by the burden of make-believe distinctions, ranks and honours, to suddenly feel light, easy and relaxed. Subsequently, the performance of the other rituals of Hajj, one after the other, continually brings man closer to his Lord, strengthens his spiritual connection with Him, distances him from his gloomy and sinful past, and guides him towards a bright, luminous and pure future.

Every step of the Hajj-rituals is reminiscent of the events associated with Ibrahim (a.s), Isma`il (a.s) and his mother Hajar J, and personifies before man their self-sacrifice, altruism and struggle (in the path of Allah). The city of Makkah in general, and the Masjidul Haram, the Ka'bah and the place of circumambulation in particular, bring to mind the memories of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w), the holy Imams (a.s) and the struggle of the Muslims during the period of early Islam.

As a result, this ethical transformation tends to be deeper and more profound such that in every corner of Masjidul Haram and the city of Makkah, man visualizes the faces of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w), 'Ali (a.s) and the other holy Imams G, and hears the enthusiastic slogans of their mission.