HAJ

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and it was enjoined by Allaah on the Muslims to be performed once during one's lifetime. This pillar is observed during the month of Thul-Hijjah.

  Building and Purifying the Ka`bah:

Allaah, the Exalted, enjoined His Prophet Ibraaheem, may Allaah exalt his mention, to rebuild the Ka`bah. So the Prophet Ibraaheem and his son Ismaa`eel, may Allaah exalt their mention, rebuilt it in order to be a safe and secure haven for the monotheists. Allaah also enjoined the Prophet Ibraaheem, may Allaah exalt his mention, to clear Allaah's Sacred House from any impurity, destroy all idols, and eliminate all innovations and deviations in religion so that it would be ritually pure and clean for the believers.

Proclamation of Hajj:

And proclaim to mankind the Hajj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Hajj)." [Quran 22:27]

Allaah inspired the believers to respond to the call of Prophet Ibraaheem, may Allaah exalt his mention, saying "Labbayk Allaahuma Labbayk" (In response to Your call, O Allaah here I come)!. The believers went to the Sacred House of Allaah on foot and some were riding their camels which were starved and weakened because of the long journeys. Until today, people still travel to Makkah to perform Hajj using various means of transportation.Allaah enjoined only the Muslims who are financially and physically able to perform Hajj.Allaah says (what means):"And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka'bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allaah, those who can afford the expenses (for one's conveyance, provision, and residence)." [Quran 3:97]During the time of Hajj, Muslims from all over the world gather at the same time and place to perform Hajj rituals, supplicate Allaah, and ask Him for forgiveness. At the same time they come to know each other and the differences between them, such as economic conditions, gender, color, and language, are all disregarded. Hajj that is properly performed has a great reward. The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "Properly performed Hajj will receive no reward other than Paradise". (Ahmad)

The Benefits of Hajj

In Hajj, there are many benefits for Muslims both in this world and the Hereafter.

As for religious benefits, when Muslims perform the Hajj rituals in the best way it is a way of showing obedience and love for Allaah. Hajj also purifies the pilgrims from their sins. As for worldly benefits, Hajj season is an annual gathering for Muslims from all over the world where they meet to consult each other and cooperate in all that is beneficial.

Properly Performed Hajj:

Hajj is one of the greatest acts of worship which a Muslim performs in order to get nearer to Allaah, because Allaah made Hajj a means for forgiving sins.

The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, was asked:

"Which of the deeds is the best?

"He replied: "Belief in Allaah and His Messenger"

He was asked: "What is next?"

He replied: "Fighting Jihaad for the Sake of Allaah"He, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was again asked: "What is next?"

He replied: "Properly performed Hajj" (Al-Bukhaari)In this narration, Hajj is mentioned as the third act preferred by the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam.A properly performed Hajj is a sort of Jihaad in which a Muslim bears hardship and exerts great efforts. At the same time, he will be far away from his family, property, and children just for the hope of attaining the Reward and Pleasure of Allaah as well as His Paradise.A properly performed Hajj is a sincere Hajj in which one does not intend to show off. It is also the one which is free from obscene words or deeds and false disputes. As well as this, a properly performed Hajj is the one in which the rituals of Hajj are performed in accordance with Allaah's and His Prophet's, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, orders.

May Allah grant us all the ability to visit His House and perform the Hajj in the manner of the Prophet Muhammad . Aameen.