Hajj: The Magnificent Journey

[نسيم الفجر]

 

HAJJ JOURNEY

The Messenger of Allah (sallalahu aleyhi wa salaam) was asked: 'What is the best deed?' He stated: ‘Belief in Allah and His Messenger (sallalahu aleyhi wa salaam).’ He was then asked: 'What next?' He said: ‘Jihad in the way of Allah.' He was again asked: 'What next?' He replied: “The Hajj which is preformed correctly and accepted by Allah.” [Bukhari & Muslim]

Linguistically, Hajj means, 'He prepared, or betook himself, to or towards a person… or towards an ****** of reverence, veneration, respect, or honour.” In the Shari'ah, Hajj means a specific journey to Makkah during the designated month of Dhul-Hijjah, for the performance of Hajj as an act of worship to Allah: “The Hajj is (in) the well-known month (i.e. 10th month, 11th month and the first ten days of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar). So whosoever intends to perform Hajj therein by assuming Ihram, then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sins, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj. And whatever you do, (be sure) Allah knows it.” [Surah al-Baqarah 2: 197]

[نسيم الفجر]

HAJJ IS THE FIFTH PILLAR OF ISLAM

Ibn Umar (radiaALLAHU anhu) said: “The Messenger of Allah (sallalahu aleyhi wa salaam) said: “Islam is built upon five (pillars): testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad (sallalahu aleyhi wa salaam) is the Messenger of Allah, establishing regular prayer, paying Zakaat, Hajj and fasting Ramadan.” [Bukhari & Muslim].

According to the majority of the scholars Hajj was legislated in the ninth year of Hijrah (Prophet’s migration from Makkah to Medina), meaning the year of the Delegations (al-Wufood), in which the verse of Surah Al-Imran: 97: “Hajj to the House is a duty that mankind owes to Allah for those who can afford the journey” was revealed.

[نسيم الفجر]

HAJJ IS AN OBLIGATION ONCE IN A LIFETIME

Abu Hurayrah (radiaALLAHU anhu) said: “The Messenger of Allah (sallalahu aleyhi wa salaam) gave a sermon (Khutbah) and said: “O people, Allah has enjoined Hajj upon you so perform Hajj.” A man asked: “Is it every year, O Messenger of Allah (sallalahu aleyhi wa salaam)?”

He (sallalahu aleyhi wa salaam) remained silent until the man had said it three times, then he responded saying: “If I had said yes, (then) it would have become an obligation (once every year) and you would not have been able to do it.” Then he said: “Do not push me to tell you more than what I have left you with, for those who came before you were destroyed because they asked too many questions and argued with their Prophets. If I command you to do a thing, do as much of it as you can, and if I forbid you to do something, then avoid it.” [Muslim]

Hajj is a symbol of submission to Allah and Muslim Unity: Every year more than two million Muslims, from 70 different countries, travel to Makkah and Medina with the purpose of undertaking the great obligation of Hajj. It is an exemplary example of equality and unity when the pilgrims gather together for Hajj. Muslims who belong to different nations, cultures, social and economical status are all dressed in two pieces of unsown cloth. All perform the same rites. There is no difference of rich and poor, all stand in front of their Lord in submission and humility.

Hajj provides a unique opportunity for Muslims to meet each other, understand each other, increase in love, get closer, improve, and resolve relationships. It is from the blessings of Allah during Hajj that one is in continuous opportunity to gain good deeds by treating one's Muslim brethren in the best way. And aid the poor and needy, which is also from the means of achieving great rewards from Allah.

[نسيم الفجر]

THE PURPOSE OF HAJJ

Allah says: “And (remember) when We showed Ibrahim the site of the House (saying): 'Associate not anything with Me, and sanctify My House for those who circumambulate, and those who stand up (for prayer), and those who bow and make prostration (in prayer).” [Surah al-Hajj 22: 26-27]

This verse signifies the purpose of Hajj, it being, the worship of Allah. Allah, the Exalted ordered Ibrahim (aleyhi salaam) to build the Kaa'ba and call people to circumambulate it, and stand up (for prayer), bow down and make prostration (in prayer) to Allah (alone). Therefore, one who performs Hajj is required to sincerely worship Allah and associate none as partners with Him; seek His help, forgiveness, and Taqwaa.

[نسيم الفجر]

VIRTUES OF HAJJ

A number of Ahadith speak about the virtues of Hajj. Once, the Messenger of Allah (sallalahu aleyhi wa salaam) was asked: 'What is the best deed?' He stated: ‘Belief in Allah and His Messenger (sallalahu aleyhi wa salaam).’ He was then asked: 'What next?' He said: ‘Jihad in the way of Allah.' He was again asked: 'What next?' He replied: “The Hajj which is preformed correctly and accepted by Allah.” [Bukhari & Muslim]

He (sallalahu aleyhi wa salaam) also said: “One Umrah until the next Umrah is an expiation for what is between them. And the Hajj that is accepted by Allah and performed properly has no reward other than Paradise.” [Bukhari & Muslim]

Furthermore, for women, their Jihad is Hajj, when the Messenger of Allah (sallalahu aleyhi wa salaam) was asked, whether or not women are required to take part in Jihad. He replied: “Yes, upon them is Jihad which does not contain fighting: Hajj and Umrah.”

Also, Ibn Umar (radiaALLAHU anhu) reported the Prophet (sallalahu aleyhi wa salaam) saying: “The one who fights for the sake of Allah and the pilgrim who goes for Hajj or 'Umrah are all guests of Allah. He called them and they responded; they ask of Him and He will give them.” [Ibn Majah]