The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam that lay the foundation for a Muslim’s life. It is incumbent on every Muslim mentally, physically and financially capable of performing Hajj at least once in his life.
Allah says in the Qur’an: “The Hajj with the House is a duty that humanity owes to Allah, those who can pay the expenses.” [Surah Aal-e-Imran: 97]
Hajj is a beautiful act of worship, a ritual that symbolizes complete submission to Allah SWT. There is immense wisdom and purpose behind Hajj. Hajj is a very complete form of worship, it is the culmination of all the remaining pillars of Islam. The main purpose of Hajj is the obedience of Allah Almighty, to recognize that everything we possess is a blessing that He bestowed on us, so we should not attach our hearts to worldly possessions and therefore fully dedicate ourselves to the one, Allah. , as He SWT says in the Quran:
“And (remember) when we showed Ibrahim (AS) the site of the House (saying): ‘Do not associate anything with Me, and sanctify My House for those around it, and those who stand (for prayer) , and those who bow down and prostrate (in prayer) “. [Surah al-Hajj: 26-27]
The greatness of this journey can only be understood when one realizes who he is going to visit: Allah SWT’s home on this earth, SubhanAllah!
From the beginning, Hajj serves as a connotation for the journey of the Hereafter. Before embarking on this holy pilgrimage, Muslim pilgrims (or Hajis) must wear Ihram, which is the dress code for Hajj. There is no special restriction for women, they can wear any modest clothing that their hijab maintains, as long as it is not silk. For men, it consists of two pieces of unstitched white fabric, sound familiar? Yes, Ihram is a symbol of Muslim’s or “Kafan” funeral garb! When a Muslim dies, his body is wrapped in a white shroud (kafan) before being sent to the final resting place, the grave. Kafan, therefore, symbolizes the beginning of our last journey, which begins right after a person dies. In the same way, when a pilgrim uses Ihram, he is reminded of his last trip to the Hereafter. When you take off your stitched clothes to dress in the Ihram, according to the orders of Allah Almighty, you are giving up your material desires and attachments, therefore acquiring a state of humility, humility and submission to your only Lord.
Allah is the Most Merciful, without a doubt, He is Ar-Rahmaan and Ar-Raheem. One of its myriad blessings is that it allows us to experience the symbolic state of the afterlife, giving us the opportunity to change our lives and reverse our hearts while we can. When all Muslim pilgrims gather in the land of Arafah during Hajj, it serves as a reminder of the Promised Day of Judgment, when all human beings will be standing in the same place, on the same ground, facing Allah SWT, awaiting their fate. In the end, reap what they sowed.
Hajj is a great reward from Allah SWT. It allows pilgrims to enjoy the showers of mercy that Allah Almighty has bestowed upon them, when they perform Hajj with the purest intentions and full adherence to the prescribed virtues and values. The Prophet SAW said:
“There is no ritual parallel to an approved Hajj, and there is no reward for it less than Paradise. A pilgrim becomes (as pure) as a newborn baby. Once pilgrims complete their rituals, they will be told: ‘ You’ve built a building and then don’t destroy it. Your past is forgiven, then take care of your future. ‘
Yes, pure as a newborn baby, Allah-o-Akbar!
Hajj wonderfully exemplifies the equality of all human beings before Allah SWT. When Muslims around the world, despite differences in their social status, race, gender, color and ethnicity, perform the Hajj in the same dress, following the same rules and regulations, saying the same prayers at the same time and in accordance with the same way. , demonstrates the deepest message of Islam, the concept of equality of humanity. The only preference in the eyes of Allah is mercy. The Quran says in the verse (49:13):
“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a man and a woman, and we made you into nations and tribes, so that they know each other. Truly, the most honored of you in the eyes of Allah he is (the one who is) the fairest of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things) “
The annual Muslim convention in Mecca during Hajj also represents the unity of the Muslim Ummah with the rest of the world. When Muslims of different nationalities and races come together in one place and have the opportunity to socialize with each other, it instills and reinforces the emotions of brotherhood, goodwill and harmony between them, making the pilgrims more tolerant and compassionate towards each other. Therefore, the exciting journey of Hajj not only cleanses Muslims spiritually, but also serves to unite the Ummah, uniting them in a strong bond that is based on the principles of Islam, as Allah revealed in the Qur’an:
“Believers are but brothers. So make reconciliation between your brothers and fear Allah, so that you can receive mercy.” [Al-Hujjurat, 49:10]
To make Hajj acceptable or “maqbool”, purification of the heart and an effort to elevate it to a state that is permissible by Allah SWT, is mandatory. Knowing the true purpose, spirit and meaning of Hajj, the awareness that Allah is constantly watching over us and the fear of responsibility will help us prepare for this fascinating journey of our life in sha’Allah.