HAJJ IN ISLAM

The Hajj (Pilgrimage حَجّ) is one of the five and important pillars of Islam . In the Holy Quran, Allah الله Almighty says: “It is on people for the sake of Allah الله to perform Hajj of his house, anyone who is able to undertake the journey to him” (Quran, 2:196). Every Muslims who is physically fit and have no financial issues required to perform hajj once in their lifetime. The Hajj is a chance to wipe out past sins and start a new life with deepens faith. As we all know that the month of Hajj is approaching. Millions of Muslims are preparing themselves for this holy journey. The invitation of Hajj first declared by Prophet Ibrahim (AS عليه السلام) and then renewed by last Prophet Muhammad (SAW صلى الله عليه وسلم).

The importance of Hajj (Pilgrimage حَجّ) can be understood by this that Allah الله Almighty made him one of the five pillars of Islam. The Hajj should take place in his last month, Zilhajj. The importance of Hajj in Islam has been mentioned in the Qur’an and hadith several times. However, to perform Hajj in the month of Zilhajj, it is really necessary that Muslims have sufficient alms or assistance and means of expense before taking this trip into consideration. On many occasions, Allah الله (SWT سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) has mentioned the importance of Hajj in Islam.

The Hajj (Pilgrimage) takes place in the Kaaba, which is located in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the “House of Allah”, whose sanctity is based on the fact that Prophet Ibrahim (AS عليه السلام) built it for the cult of Allah Almighty as Allah commanded (SWT سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). Allah rewarded Hazrat Ibrahim (AS عليه السلام) by associating the House with Himself, in essence honoring it and making it the devotional focal point that all Muslims face when offering the Salah. Hajj is considered one of the best acts that a Muslim can perform in his life. Abu Hurairah (RA رضي الله عنه‎) narrated that: “Prophet Muhammad (SAW صلى الله عليه وسلم) was asked which deed is the best. He (SAW) said, “Belief in Allah الله and His messenger”. He (SAW صلى الله عليه وسلم) was asked, then what? He (PBUH) said, “Jihad for the sake of Allah الله”. He (SAW صلى الله عليه وسلم) was asked, then what? He (PBUH) said, “An accepted Hajj.” (Bukhari)

One of the most beautiful and grandiose gifts and rewards that Allah الله (SWT سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) has promised to bestow upon His people during Hajj is the absolute forgiveness of all sins. This is perhaps as much as a Muslim can pray and wait during supplication. Allah الله Almighty sincerely promised to grant the wishes of the worried Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW صلى الله عليه وسلم) during the rituals of Hajj.Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW صلى الله عليه وسلم) stated that: “Whoever performs Hajj, only for the sake of ALLAH الله (GOD) and does not have sexual relations with his wife (during Hajj), and does not do evil or commit sins, then he will return [after Hajj free from all sins الذنب] as if he were born anew.”(Bukhari)

The Hajj (pilgrimage حَجّ) unites the Muslims of the world in international kinship. More than two million Muslims from around the world perform Hajj every year, and the rite serves as a unifying force in Islam by bringing together followers of diverse backgrounds in worship. The Hajj (pilgrimage) is a manifestation of the belief in the unity of Allah الله Almighty in which all pilgrims worship and obey the commands of the One Lord included.

In short, the Hajj (pilgrimage حَجّ) is very important to eliminate our sins and, in return, Allah الله (SWT سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) grants rewards to the pilgrims. Whoever performs Hajj with the pure intention of Allah Almighty alone, Allah الله definitely accepts his Hajj. May ALLAH الله Almighty give us all the opportunity to offer Hajj once in a lifetime! Ameen (أمين)