This year is very special to me as I plan to go for Hajj with my husband and son. May Allah (swt) fulfil my wish and accept our Hajj. My 13-year-old son has a lot of questions regarding Hajj. I also wanted to study thoroughly about Hajj and leave no stone unturned. We studied verses of the Quran about Hajj, sayings of Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) – hadith, researched the Islamic literature about rituals (ahkam) of Hajj, do’s and don’ts, about ihraam, its restrictions, and all. As we started to learn about the rewards, importance, and steps of Hajj, we came to know the background of many steps which I have known earlier but discussing those points with my son answered my queries too Alhamdulillah. The first question raised by my son was why Hajj has been given so much importance that it has been made obligatory for financially able Muslims. Here are some of the reasons.

Hajj is to present oneself at Ka’ba according to the command of Allah(swt), to perform Tawaf and Sa’i, to stay at Arafaat, and to perform all fundamentals of Deen according to the guidance of Prophet Mohammed(pbuh).

It is an obligation upon every able-bodied and financially capable Muslim, both male and female to be completed once in a lifetime. “Hajj” literally means ‘to intend a journey’. It is performed in the last month of the Islamic Calendar, the 8th to 12th Dul Hajj in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Hajj is an opportunity for Muslims to renew their faith, develop a closer relationship with God and seek forgiveness for their sins.

In the Quran, Allah (swt) said in Surah Al – Imran verses 96-97. “Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Makkah, full of blessing and guidance for al-aalameen. In it are manifest signs, the place(maqam) of Ibrahim. Whosoever enters it, attains security. And Hajj to the Ka’ba is a duty that Mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision, and residence- and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allah], then Allah stands not in need of any of the ‘Alameen (mankind and jinns).

Hajj has numerous benefits as mentioned in Quran and Hadith. Some of those are mentioned below.

Hazrat Abdullah ibn Umar (ra) narrates that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) said, “Islam is based on five things i.e. (1) Kalimah (Shahadat or witness) (2) Salat (Prayer, Namaz) (3) Zakat (Obligatory Donation) (4) Saum (Fasting) (5) Hajj. If anyone abandons any one of the five fundamental practices, then he wants (his intention is) to demolish the building of Islam.” (Bukhari)

Hazrat Abu Huraira (ra) reported that Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said: “‘Umra is kaffara (expiation) for the sins committed (between it andthe previous one). And the reward of Hajj Mabrur (which is accepted by Allah – performed to seek Allah’s pleasure only and not to show off, without sinning and in accordance with the traditions of the Prophet) is nothing except Paradise.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Hajj is one of the most superior deeds :

Narrated by Abu Huraira (ra): Allah’s Messenger was asked, “What is the best deed?” He replied, “To believe in Allah and His messenger Muhammad (pbuh). The questioner then asked, “What is the next (in goodness)? He replied, “To participate in jihad for Allah’s Cause.” The questioner again asked, “What is the next (in goodness)?” He replied, “To perform Hajj Mabrur).” (Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi, Nasai, Ibn Maja)

Allah forgives the most number of servants on the days of Hajj :

Muslims from all over the world supplicate, pray and worship Allah (swt) on the same day, at the same place, ‘Arafat’, and Allah (swt) bestows His pardon upon so many servants on this blessed day.

Ayesha (ra) (May Allah be pleased with her) reported Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) as saying: “There is no day when Allah sets free more servants from hell than the Day of ‘Arafat’. He draws near, then praises them to the angels, saying: What do these servants want?” (Sahih Muslim). People stand from noon to sunset begging for Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and pleasure on this day.

Another hadith quotes that “There is no day more virtuous than the day of ‘Arafa in a year, there is no day more virtuous than Friday during the week.” (Tirmidhi)

If a woman succeeds in performing her Hajj in sincerity without committing sins, she is regarded to have achieved her best jihad. Narrated by ‘Ayesha (ra) (the mother of the faithful believers): I said, “O Allah’s Messenger! We consider jihad as the best deed.” The Prophet said, “The best jihad (for women) is Hajj Mabrur.” (Sahih Bukhari)

Abu Hurairah (ra) (may Allah swt be pleased with him) reported that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), highlighting the importance of Hajj, said, “O people! Allah has prescribed Hajj upon you, so perform it.” He also narrated, “Pilgrims and those performing Umrah are Allah’s guests; their prayers are answered, and their supplications for forgiveness are granted.” Hajj gives spiritual messages for this life. It reminds us of many vital lessons. Scholars also say that Hajj is the rehearsal for the hereafter(Qayamat). Here are some of them.

A Muslim during hajj might face several difficulties and hardships while settling into the new environment.From the patience during the challenging rituals of Hajj to the process of submission that calms and composes one’s soul, the act of Hajj builds the character of every Muslim standing in the House of Allah (swt).

The sacred act of Hajj plays a vital role in rebuilding the foundation of purity, honesty, and integrity in the heart of every individual, encouraging a righteous and positive society. It encourages Muslims to do good deeds by improving their ethics and enhancing their moral senses.

Hajj is also a long-awaited opportunity for Muslims to obtain forgiveness and return to their homes with a cleansed heart. And as expected, the rewards for completing a Hajj are immense in the eyes of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in fact, informed us that: “The one who performs Hajj properly, by abstaining from sexual intimacy, avoiding sin and leaving off arguments; then he shall return from Hajj pure and free from sin, just as the day his mother gave birth to him.” (Sahih Bukhari).

Sa’i –a main part of Hajj in which people have to run and walk, supplicating, between two mountains “Safa” and “Marwa”. In this act, we are reminded of the struggle Hajra(ra) faced. Tired and thirsty in the desert with a newborn baby – Ismail (as), she ran in search of water. Yet her patience and hope were rewarded when a spring burst forth offering Zamzam water. Sa’i reminds us that in this life, there will be trials and tribulations but things will be better soon. For verily, with hardship there is ease’(Surah-94:5.).

Following the footsteps of Hzt Ibrahim(as), when we throw stones at Shaytan (the devil), we are reminded that we are stronger than Shaytan. Pilgrims throw stones at the pillar of temptation to reaffirm their commitment to repel all that is evil. Likewise, in daily life, we have to deafen our ears to Shaytan’s whispers, seek refuge in Allah from Shaytan’s evil, and stand strong.

Sacrificing an animal symbolizes a Muslim’s readiness to lay down his life, and sacrifice all his interests and desires for the cause of the truth. It denotes willing submission to Allah. The animal’s sacrifice honours Ibrahim’s (as) willingness to sacrifice his son on Allah’s command. It was later replaced with a Ram. This story teaches us that Allah will test us but Al Rahman is always with us and He is the Merciful.

Relationship with Allah(swt) is strengthened :

Hajj rituals increase our belief in one and only Allah. “Talbiyah” [the prayer starting like Labbayk Allāhumma Labbayk] is an expression of submission to Allah (swt). During Tawaf, the believers are reminded that our lives revolve around Allah. While resting in the temporary campground of Mina and Muzdalifa, Muslims are reminded of the transient nature of life.

Hajj reminds us of the Day of Judgement :

Hajj is like a rehearsal of the Grand assembly on the Day of Judgement. Some rituals in Hajj remind us of Judgement Day. The journey to Hajj from one’s country to Makkah reminds the journey of man from this world to the Hereafter. During Hajj, all pilgrims, whatever their nations, languages, colours, ranks, or social status are, wear the same dress “ihram” – which shows that we all are equal in front of Allah. It also resembles the shroud (grave cloth). Ka’ba in the season of Hajj reminds the “mahshar” (the great field of gathering). “Sa’i” between Safa and Marwa stands for the merits (thawabs) and sins, and the heart’s shuttling between nafs (lower self) and spirit. “Waqoof” in Arafat and Muzdalifa are reminders of the qiyamah (doomsday) and mahshar. The Hajj field full of people in ihram manifests the fact mentioned in the ayah “Every soul will taste of death.” (Surah Al ‘Imran, 3:185).
Such a deep and practical reflection on life, death, and the Hereafter is a great and effective means of sincerity, devotion, and submission that lead to a strong belief.

We ask Allah (swt) to accept the Hajj of all pilgrims this year and that He makes their journey safe, blessed, and accepted. We also ask Allah (swt) to grant us all the opportunity to fulfil the pillar of Hajj – a journey of a lifetime. Ameen.