Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is both a financial and physical form of worship, obligatory once in a lifetime for every person who fulfills its conditions. If a person has the financial means but is not in good health, they can send a representative (badal) to perform Hajj on their behalf.
In Islamic terminology, Hajj is defined as a pilgrimage involving:
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said that Islam is built upon five fundamental pillars: bearing witness that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His messenger; performing prayers; giving alms (Zakat); fasting during Ramadan; and making the pilgrimage to the Kaaba (Hajj).
Respected Hajj pilgrims, first and foremost, you need to understand that the journey of Hajj is not a shopping or leisure trip but a journey of worship. Remember that every step you take and every difficulty you face will bring rewards and may erase your sins.
"The key is to remain highly patient—patience, patience, patience."
We must always maintain cleanliness, good manners, politeness, forgiveness, soft-spoken language, a friendly demeanor, and humility.
Be Careful: Do not offend or hurt the feelings of others, because offending others is more dangerous and sinful in the eyes of Allah SWT than destroying the Kaaba itself.
Be Aware: In this journey, the Devil and one’s desires will tempt you even more. May Allah SWT protect us from all dangers. Amin.
We will visit the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), so we must prepare ourselves thoroughly. It is excellent to start by performing Salat Tasbih, repenting, seeking forgiveness, and sending blessings (Salawat).
A Prophetic Saying: "Do not become a burden to others!" Therefore, let us strive to help one another, especially older people, during our travels.
When in the Holy Land, let us not overindulge in shopping and forget the essence of worship. We may not have this opportunity again. May Allah SWT always be our Helper… Amin.
Never forget the hadith: “Hajj is a struggle.“ Here is a practical checklist for your journey:
Here are some insights into the obligatory Hajj pilgrimage:
Hajj establishes unity and brotherhood among Muslims and stands as evidence of the greatness of the Islamic faith. Muslims from all around the world gather to learn from one another. Hajj is the most beneficial sacred journey. Pilgrims assemble, casting off their worldly attire and donning the simple white ihram cloth, symbolizing a scenario reminiscent of the Day of Judgement. In the act of Hajj, one struggles against one’s desires. Every pilgrim is a Muslim willing to sacrifice, leaving behind their family and loved ones, forsaking personal comforts, and confronting various obstacles and challenges.
“When the Hajj season arrives, a vast congregation gathers. Muslims worldwide come together, learning from one another and assisting others in goodness and piety. On one hand, each nation gains valuable insights from others; on the other hand, as Muslims, their faith strengthens in the presence of their brothers and sisters from across the globe.” (Sulaiman Hilmi Tunahan KS).
“Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for humankind was that at Makkah – blessed and a guidance for the worlds. In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever can find a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.” (Quran, Ali-Imran: 96-97)
When the Hajj worship, a significant turning point in worldly and hereafter matters, is performed with sincerity and devotion, it can serve as a means to attain a high rank in the sight of Allah and make a person more mature and perfect in various aspects. In a hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
“Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah, refraining from sinful speech and actions, will return as free from sin as the day his mother gave birth to him.” (Sahih Bukhari 107)
In another hadith, the Prophet mentioned: “No reward is there for an accepted Hajj except Paradise.” (At-Targhib wa al-Tarhib 165)
A person once asked the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), “What deeds are the most virtuous?” The Prophet replied: “Believing in Allah and His Messenger.” The person asked, “Then what?” The Prophet said: “Striving in the path of Allah.” The person asked again, “Then what?” The Prophet answered: “A Hajj that is accepted.” (Sahih Bukhari 3)
So, performing Hajj with sincerity, doing good deeds, and speaking kindly are ways to make one’s Hajj accepted and virtuous. (Sahih Bukhari)
Indeed, the sacred House [of worship] is among the many pillars of Islam. Whoever performs Hajj or Umrah, Allah SWT, is the Guarantor of their obligations. If they pass away during the journey of Hajj, Allah SWT will admit them to Paradise. And if Allah SWT returns them to their families, they will come back with rewards and blessings (At-Targhib wa Al-Tarhib 178)
“Hajj and Umrah pilgrims are the guests of Allah SWT. Allah SWT invites them, and they respond promptly by performing the pilgrimage. Then, they supplicate to Allah SWT, and Allah SWT answers their prayers.” (At-Targhib wa Al-Tarhib 180)
“The expenses incurred during the Hajj journey are similar to spending in the way of Allah SWT, with rewards multiplied seven hundred times over.” (At-Targhib wa Al-Tarhib 180)
“Whoever wishes to perform Hajj should hasten to do so.” (Abu Daud 141)
Hastening to fulfill this duty is something a believer should do. While one is still in good health, young, strong, and capable, they should perform this obligation before losing their wealth and while they still have both the means and life.
