Hajj, in the mystical perspective, is a journey from earth to the heavens—a movement from the scattered world of multiplicity to the serene shore of divine unity. In this sacred passage, the human being separates from home, habits, and attachments to transcend the confined “self” and encounter the Infinite Truth. Ihram marks the beginning of this new birth; a moment when the seeker, clothed in two simple white garments, strips himself of social roles and worldly possessions and stands unveiled before the One Reality.

The next step in this monotheistic ascent is Tawaf—an act that outwardly appears as circling the Kaaba, yet inwardly symbolizes the heart’s rotation around the Absolute. With each round, the pilgrim breaks another circle of ego-centeredness and moves closer to making God the center of his existence. In the mystical tradition, Tawaf is a reminder that the universe has only one true axis: the Divine. Everything other than Him is merely a shadow and a sign.

Along this loving journey, the words of Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) offer a deeper illumination. He said:

Arabic (original narration):

«إِنَّمَا أُمِرَ النَّاسُ بِالْحَجِّ لِيَرِدُوا عَلَى اللَّهِ تَعَالَى فَيَطْلُبُوا الزِّيَادَةَ»

English Translation:

“People were commanded to perform Hajj so that they may come before God, the Exalted, and seek closeness and increase from Him.”

This narration reveals that the essence of Hajj is an encounter of the heart with God—not an ordinary journey, but an ascension toward divine unity. In this path, the seeker learns to let go of everything other than Him, so that only He remains. And that is the most beautiful mystical meaning of Hajj.