Hdrat Abu Hurairah (RA) states that Nabi (S.A.W.) has said: “The Haji and one who performs Umrah are the Ambassadors of Allah. If they beseech Him, He responds to them, and if they seek His forgiveness He forgives them.” (Ibn Majah)
As the guest of Allah, a Haji has the distinguished status of being the ambassador of Allah. He enjoys the special mercy and forgiveness of Allah for responding to His invitation. Abu Hurairah (RA) states that Nabi (S.A.W.) has said:“He who performs Hajj without being vulgar or obscene, returns (home cleansed from all sin) as the day his mother gave birth to him.” (Bukharî & Muslim)
Ibn ‘Umâr (RA) states that Nabi (S.A.W.) has said: “When you meet the Hâji, greet him, shake
his hands and instruct him to seek forgiveness for you before he enters his home, for undoubt-
edly he is forgiven.” (Ahmed)
his hands and instruct him to seek forgiveness for you before he enters his home, for undoubt-
edly he is forgiven.” (Ahmed)
Hajj affords the best training ground for the revival of one’s faith and purity of character. It is
the most sublime manifestation of the universal brotherhood of the Muslim Ummah. It is a jour-
ney of intensified devotion and discipline, an exercise of spiritual enrichment and moral re-
armament.
A Haji is therefore expected to display:
• A dynamic revival of faith and trust in Allah.
• A character infused with humility and purity.
• A compelling concern for the general well-being of the greater Ummah.
• A commitment to fulfill all obligatory observances
• A pledge to avoid all prohibited deeds
• An understanding of the purpose of life
• A conscious endeavour to prepare for the Hereafter.
Hajj is not a lifeless display of cold rituals.
Allah has cautioned us against becoming complacent with the performance of rituals without appreciating the spirit and intent of particular forms of worship. The Holy Qur’ân states: “It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards East or West; but it is righteousness to believe in Allâh, the Last Day, the Angels, the Books, and the Messengers; to spend of your wealth—in spite of your love for it—on your kin, on the orphans, on the needy, on the wayfarer, on those who ask and for the ransom of slaves. (Righteousness is) to be steadfast in prayer and to give Zakât, to fulfill contracts that you have made; to be firm and patient in pain and adversity, and in all instances of panic. Such are the people of truth, the Allâh conscious.”
The Haji needs to keep his spirit alive by emulating the following directives of Nabi (S.A.W.) Abu Dharr (RA) narrates that he asked Nabi (S.A.W.) for advice. He (S.A.W.) said: “I advise you to remain conscious of Allah for it is the best adornment for all your affairs.” I said: “Give me more advice.” He replied: “Commit yourself to the recitation of the Qur’ân and the Zikr of Allah, for it is a means of extolling your name in the heavens and a light for you on earth.” I said: “Give me more advice.” He went on to say: “Commit yourself to prolonged silence, for it is a means of repelling Shaitân and it will help you in the affairs of your Deen.” I said: “Give me more advice.” He said: “Speak the truth even though it may be bitter.” I said: “Give me more advice.” He said: “Do not fear the blame of a critic regarding (your duties) towards Allah.” I said: “Give me more advice.” He said: “What you know of your
(evil) self should prevent you from (talking ill) of people.” (Mishkaat)
May the Almighty accept your Hajj, make it a source of your salvation in the two worlds [Dunya and Hereafter] and grant you the ability to say “Labbaik” to the call of Allah at all times. Aameen.
