Why is Hajj to be performed by every Muslim?

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. Every year, millions of Muslims perform Hajj in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Hajj is to be performed by every Muslim at least once in a lifetime.

Hajj is the pinnacle of Islam. It is the worship that enjoins every concept of Islam. During Hajj, you forget the whole world and submit yourself to Allah. All the Muslims come together as equals, promoting brotherhood. Hajj is worship where people exhibit exemplary discipline, simplicity, and faith.

What is the importance of Hajj in the Quran and hadith?

According to Holy Quran and hadith, the Hajj to be performed is one of the most rewarding worships. It is a life-changing experience. The Holy Quran lays great stress upon performing Hajj. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah : –

“And complete the Hajj or Umrah in the service of Allah”

At another place in the Holy Quran, Allah says: –

And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Kaaba) 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 ‘Alamin (mankind and jinns).”

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave glad tidings of immense reward for those who perform Hajj in his ahadith. The Hajj to be performed brings a lot of blessings to the pilgrims. According to a hadith: –

“Anyone that performs Hajj for ALLAH’s pleasure and avoids all forms of sin will return free from all sins, similar to as he was on his birthday.” 

On another occasion, he said: –

“Pilgrims and those performing Umrah are ALLAH’s guests; their prayers are answered, and their supplications for forgiveness are granted.”

Who must participate in Hajj?

Hajj is a physically exhausting journey. Moreover, you need a substantial amount of money to pay for the Hajj to be performed. Islam is a religion that does not enforce things beyond a person’s capability. Allah does not burden the believers more than they can carry. Therefore, Hajj is obligatory upon physically and mentally sound believers who have sufficient finances to pay for the Hajj.

Women need a mahram for Hajj to be performed. A mahram is a male guardian such as a husband or any other blood relative such as a father, son, paternal or maternal uncle, or son-in-law.

Hajj-e-Badal (proxy Hajj) is performed on behalf of people who suffer from a terminal illness or have passed away. Children of such people or any other close relative perform Hajj in place of their beloveds to attain Allah’s blessings. However, proxy Hajj to be performed cannot be done by a minor. An adult must perform it.

When can I perform Hajj?

Unlike Umrah, you perform Hajj at a prescribed time of the year. Hajj takes place annually from the 8th to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of

Islamic calendar. All the rituals of Hajj to be performed must be completed in the stated manner. Any deviation from the prescribed manner may render your Hajj futile.

Rewards of performing Hajj: –

Hajj is one of the most rewarding worships. It cleanses a believer from all the previous sins. Hajj Mabrur, which is the one performed without error, helps a person earn Allah’s blessings. Hajj eradicates poverty, and Allah blesses all the pilgrims with an abundance of wealth and prosperity. When a person marks his journey towards the House of Allah, he becomes the guest of the Creator of the Universe. Therefore, he earns the pleasure of utmost hospitality from the Master of the Worlds.

One of the greatest lessons of Hajj is the spirit of sacrifice. Many rituals of Hajj commemorate the great sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), Hazrat Hajra (AS), and Hazrat Ismail (AS). Therefore, Hajj to be performed instills a sense of belongingness to Allah amongst the believers. Our lives, children, assets, everything is for and from Allah. We must not hesitate to sacrifice ourselves for the cause of Allah, just as Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) did not waver.
Hajj is a beautiful journey that brings us closer to Allah.

People obtain Hajj service to experience the holy journey of spiritual cleansing. Hajj satisfies our thirst for everlasting peace and tranquility, making us realize the truth of this temporary world.

Hajj is performed to help a person earn a reward equal to that of a Jihad. Jihad is not only on the battlefield. Jihad is defeating your ego. Hajj is such a tiring and physically exhausting worship that, on several occasions, you might be tempted to give away your anger and frustration. Resisting against your feelings in such situations is Jihad. Such behavior makes your Hajj to be performed as Hajj Mabrur, which is an accepted Hajj.

When a person returns from Hajj, he is likely to spend his remaining life serving the cause of Allah as a better Muslim. Hajj prevents you from evil deeds and vices that earn Allah’s wrath. Hajj helps reform your life in the best way. It helps build character traits such as the strength of faith, patience, and contentment. You are likely to stand firmly on the Guided Path with such powerful traits.

Hajj has many benefits and rewards that help one succeed in both worlds. That is why Hajj to be performed is obligatory for Muslims.

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