There are many wisdoms behind the obligation of Hajj. Some of them include: It establishes the honor and unity of Islam, fostering brotherhood among Muslims. Muslims coming from all around gather and benefit greatly from one another. Hajj is the most beneficial and sacred journey. The immense assembly of people, stripped from worldly attire and wearing simple white ihram garments, is a reflection of a scene from the Day of Judgment. Hajj involves killing one’s own desires. Every pilgrim has left behind their family and friends, abandoned their pleasures, and embraced the challenges and hardships as a devoted Muslim. Arafat is a manifestation of the essence of the Day of Arafah. The act of embracing Hajar al-Aswad (the Black Stone) symbolizes renewing the covenant of the Day of Allegiance. The secret of “Be as you were in the state of death before your actual death” becomes apparent during Hajj. “Hajj forms a great congregation. The Islamic world learns about each other’s circumstances and supports one another in goodness and righteousness. Different nations learn lessons from one another and gain wisdom, while the multitude of Muslim brothers and their collective efforts strengthen them spiritually.
Translation: “Surely, the first House established for mankind is the one at Mecca, full of blessings and a source of guidance for all worlds. In it are clear signs, the standing place of Abraham. Whoever enters it shall be safe. Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah by all people who can afford the journey. But if anyone rejects, Allah is self-sufficient, not needing any of His creatures. Hajj, a significant turning point in both worldly and eternal life, becomes a means of attaining elevated ranks in the sight of Allah when performed with sincerity and devotion, and it perfects a person in every aspect. Indeed, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:
Meaning: “Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah and refrains from using foul language and committing sinful deeds, will return from Hajj purified of sins just as on the day his mother gave birth to him.” It is narrated from Jabir (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “There is no reward for a Hajj that is accepted (by Allah) except Paradise.” Upon hearing this, someone asked, “What makes a Hajj accepted?”
The Noble Prophet (SAW) said: “Feeding and speaking kindly.”
Meaning: It is narrated from Abu Huraira (RA) that he said: The Prophet (SAW) was asked, “Which deed is the most virtuous?” He replied, “Belief in Allah and His Messenger.” Then he was asked, “After that, what?” He said, “Striving in the cause of Allah.” They asked, “And what is next?” He said, “A blessed Hajj (pilgrimage).”
Meaning: “Without a doubt, this noble saying is one of the pillars of Islam. Whoever performs Hajj and Umrah, they have entrusted their safety to Allah. If they pass away during this journey, Allah places them in Paradise, and if they return to their family, Allah rewards them with blessings and gains.”
Meaning: “Those who perform Hajj and Umrah are the messengers of Allah. Allah Almighty called them to perform Hajj, and they responded promptly. They made requests to Allah, and the Almighty granted their wishes to them.”
Meaning: “The money spent during Hajj, like the expenditure in the path of Allah (for Jihad), will be rewarded with seven hundred times more. Just as the pruned grapevine yields more grapes, the expenditure for goodness and worship done for the sake of Allah’s pleasure brings about a blessing in the owner’s wealth.”
Meaning: “Whoever wishes to perform Hajj should hasten to do so.” It is a fact that a believer should hasten to perform Hajj in a cautious manner. While their health is intact, in their youth and strength, without their financial means being shaken, and while they are physically capable and financially able.”
Meaning: “If someone does not perform the pilgrimage even though they have an apparent need, an obstructing illness, or a tyrant ruler doesn’t prevent them, then they might as well be a Jew or a Christian if they wish.”
