The Hajj
The Hajj fifth pillar of Islam
Hajj is one of the essential pillars of Islam. But among all the worship of Islam, it is physically hardworking. It is also purely financial. Some Worships are strictly physical, as in the case of Fasting. Besides this, some are strictly financial as of Zakat. But the Hajj is physical as well as a financial one. It combines both physical and financial paying because it involves travel. And more effort than other kinds of worship. It is obligatory for all Muslims physically and financially able, once in their life.
In the middle east, the holiest city of Islam Mecca located in Saudi Arabia. Millions of Muslims around the globe together to perform Hajj. It comes once in a year. Pilgrim gather in the sacred mosque( musjid ul haram). Also, circle the Khanna Khaba through five days. It takes place in the last month of the Islamic calendar called Dhu al-hajjah. It consists of 5 days of worship and rituals.
Rituals
The rituals of Hajj are following
- Hajj intention and reassure Ihram
- Tawaf and Saee
- Mina Travelling
- Performing Wafuq by traveling Arafat
- Prayers in Muzadalifah
- In Minna performing rima
- Animal sacrifice
- Halq or Taqsir
Hajj is considered to clean up past sins. So it is the renewal of a new religious life. Muslims are emotionally attached. Thus deeply faith in Hajj. It’s also a life-changing moment. Therefore it is the heartiest wish of all Muslims.
Benefits of the Hajj
It has a number of great benefits. The following are a few of them.
1. Love of Allah
Hajj is considered to be undertaking an Islamic pillar. Without it, Islam is not complete. It is an indication of Allah’s love for it.
2. Kind of Jihad
In the Quran, Allah جَلَّ جَلَالَهٌ mentions it besides verses of jihad. Hence for the sake of the pleasure of Almighty. It is a kind of jihad. Also, the Prophet Muhammad SAW second it in al-Saheeh. As he said to Hazrat Aisha(RA):
when she asked him whether jihad is obligatory for women, “Yes, for them, there is a jihad in which there is no fighting, Hajj and ‘Umrah.”
al-Saheeh
3. Massive reward
Pilgrim gets a massive reward if it is done in a prescribed manner. That all past sins clean up. As narrated from Saheeh Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
An accepted pilgrimage brings no less a reward than Paradise.” And he said: “Who will performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity or commit any bad will go back (free of) sin as on the day his mother bore him”
al-Saheeh
4. Cleanup of Sins
About clean up of all past sins narrated by al-Nasaai & Ibn Maajah. Abu Hurayrah (RA) said that Prophet Muhammad said:
The pilgrims doing Hajj and ‘Umrah are the guests of Allah جَلَّ جَلَالَهٌ. If they call upon Him, He will answer them, and if they ask Him for mercy. He will forgive them.
al-Nasaai & Ibn Maajah
5. Remembrance and Reverence of Allah
During five days extreme remembrance of Almighty Allah occurs. Special through the time of worship and rituals. Such as in Tawaaf of Kabah reciting Talbiyah. Running between al-Safa and al-Marwa. Staying in Arafat. Staying in Muzdalifah. And stoning the Jamrah. Izkaar (Allah remembrance), as well as Takbeerat (Revealing Allah greatness), is established. Additionally, Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
Circumambulation of the Kaaba, going between al-Safa & al-Marwah. And stoning the Jimaar have only been prescribed to establish the remembrance of Allah جَلَّ جَلَالَهٌ.
Hadeeth
6. Unity of Muslims
The unity of Muslims is highly shown here. Muslims from the whole world together. Muslims wear similar clothes. Pilgrims stay together in some circumstances. Also, come to know each other. They show care and love one another. Hence such great gesture encourages others.
7. Spiritual and worldly benefits
Hajj brings spiritual and worldly Benefits for Muslims. They may learn the new art of business also. Though Allah جَلَّ جَلَالَهٌ Said:
That they may witness things that are of benefit to them
al-Hajj 22:28
8. Sacrifice obeying Allah جَلَّ جَلَالَهٌ
One of the rituals prescribed by Allah جَلَّ جَلَالَهٌ is sacrifices. It is obligatory and mustahabb also, which is excellent obeying of Allah جَلَّ جَلَالَهٌ. In which eating meat. And even charity of meat to the poor and needy.