Definition of Hajj Akbar and Its Desirability for Pilgrims

Dream - Hajj is a special worship for Muslims who have the opportunity to perform it. Even though someone may have the financial ability, they may never have the opportunity to fulfill the invitation of Allah SWT for various reasons.

As one of the pillars of Islam, the Hajj pilgrimage is obligatory for all Muslims, especially those who have the ability to perform it.

The uniqueness of the Hajj pilgrimage also lies in its preparation, which requires a mature intention. In terms of ability, it is seen from financial, physical, mental, and document completeness because it requires traveling to a different country.

The Hajj pilgrimage also has several special names related to the day of standing at Arafah. One of the frequently heard names is Hajj Akbar. 

Referring to its meaning, the word Akbar means ismut tafdhiil or superlative, which means bigger. The word comes from the word "kabiir" or big. Meanwhile, there are several opinions regarding the definition of Hajj Akbar.

To find out more clearly what Hajj Akbar is like, here is a summary from various sources as compiled by Dream.

Definition of Hajj Akbar

Hajj Akbar has several definitions. In the Kitab Tuhafzul ahwazi syarah jaamiut turmudzi (Book of Tuhafzul Ahwazi, an explanation of Jaamiut Turmudzi), it is explained that when the standing at Arafah falls on a Friday in that year, then it is Hajj Akbar. Although this opinion is considered popular, there are many scholars who reject it. It is even said that the opinion has no basis.

Furthermore, there is another opinion that Hajj Akbar is yaumun nahar (the day of sacrifice), which is the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, while Hajj Ashghar is the day of standing at Arafah, which is the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah.

Yaumun Nahr is said to be Hajj Akbar because Muslims gather to perform the standing at Arafah, then stay overnight at Muzdalifah, stay overnight at Mina for four days, throw the pebbles at the pillars, shave their heads, perform the tawaf ifadhah, sa'i, and other hajj rituals.

Then, according to Sykeh asy-Sya'rawi, Hajj Akbar is the hajj that includes the standing at Arafah, while Hajj Kabir is the umrah.

The Specialness of Hajj Akbar

Quoted from jatim.nu.or.id, according to Syaikh Ahmad bin Al-Hijazi in the book Tuhfatul Habib, which explains the nadzam (poem) of Imriti Ghayatut Taqrib volume 3, page 195, there are five specialness of Hajj Akbar as follows:

Receiving Forgiveness from Allah SWT

It is explained in the book that the first and second specialness are mentioned in a hadith, which is more virtuous than 70 hajj on other days and all those who gather in the plain of Arafah will receive forgiveness from Allah SWT.

The Worship Becomes Extremely Noble

Another specialness of Hajj Akbar is that the worship becomes extremely noble. This is due to the nobility of its time and place. Meanwhile, Friday is the most noble day of the week.

Prayers Are Answered by Allah SWT

In the book, it is explained that there is a specific time on Friday when a Muslim servant prays at that time, their prayer will be answered, and this is not possessed by other days. That time is from when the preacher sits on the pulpit until the end of the Friday prayer.

Equal to the Standing of the Prophet

The last specialness of Hajj Akbar is that it is equal to the standing of the Prophet. This is because his standing during the farewell hajj or hajj wada' fell on a Friday, and Allah SWT chose the most noble day for the Prophet.

That is the explanation of Hajj Akbar and its various specialness. For Muslims who have the opportunity to perform this Hajj Akbar, they must be very grateful and strive to perform the hajj rituals as best as possible.