Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. Every Muslim who is financially able and physically fit is obliged to perform Hajj at least once in a lifetime. Hajj can be done only once a year, unlike Umrah. It begins on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah and ends on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah To understand the importance of Hajj, let’s explore ten hadiths that highlight its significance.

HAJJ IS A WAY TO PARADISE

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “And the performance of ‘Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous ones, and the reward of Hajj Mabrur (the one accepted by Allah) is nothing except Paradise.” Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book 26, Hadith 595. The above-mentioned Hadith clearly explains that the Hajj means attaining Paradise on the day of Judgement. Hajj done with devotion and sincerity will take the person to Jannah and he will rewarded with numerous bounties there.

REMOVAL OF SINS

 Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I heard the Prophet (PBUH) saying:  “Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity or commit any evil will go back (free of) sin as on the day his mother bore him” Al-Bukhaari (1521) and Muslim (1350)  Those who perform Hajj will return as pure as the baby who comes out from the womb of the mother. Muslims who perform Hajj will be forgiven by ALLAH (SWT) and he will remove all their sins and they will be as pure as a newborn baby.

UNITY AND EQUALITY IN HAJJ

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:   “All of you are equal. No one has superiority over another except by piety and good action.” (Sahih Muslim) During his last sermon, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) stated about equality: “O people, your Lord is one and your father (Adam) is one. There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab; neither a white man over a black man, nor a black man over a white man, except by piety and good action.” This equality is observed during the days of Hajj. Millions of Muslims from different races and backgrounds come together, wearing simple white garments, signifying unity and equality before Allah. 

FIFTH PILLAR OF ISLAM

Religion Islam is based on five pillars. Among them the fifth pillar is Hajj. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: “Islam has been built on five [pillars]: testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammed is the Messenger of Allah, performing the prayers, paying the zakah, making the pilgrimage to the House, and fasting in Ramadan. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) The Hajj represents the most significant manifestation of Islamic unity and faith worldwide.

HAJJ AND SADAQAH (CHARITY)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Perform Hajj and Umrah consecutively; for they remove poverty and sins as the blacksmith’s bellows removes impurities from iron.” (Sunan Ibn Majah). This Hadith illustrated that Hajj is not only a source of purifying the soul but it also purifies our wealth. Hajj removes poverty and brings barakah in money. Hajj removes hardships and brings sustenance in life.

THE PILGRIM’S PRAYER

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:  “The pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah are the delegation of Allah. If they call Him, He answers them and if they seek His forgiveness, He forgives them.” (Sunan Ibn Majah) Hajj is a time when prayers are most potent. The pilgrim’s supplications are directly answered by Allah. The prayers of Muslims always get accepted while performing Hajj or Umrah. 

HAJJ AND THE DAY OF JUDGMENT

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The best of supplication is the supplication on the day of Arafah.” (Sunan Tirmidhi) This hadith highlights the significance of supplications made on the day of Arafah, a prelude to the Day of Judgment, stressing the importance of repentance and seeking Allah’s mercy.

WOMEN AND HAJJ

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Hajj is obligatory upon you by Allah, so perform it.” (Sahih Bukhari). Above mentioned Hadith of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) stresses that Hajj is mandatory for every Muslim including both men and women.

FORM OF JIHAD

Hajj is one of the most difficult worships. It requires time, strength, and money.  Physical effort, movement from one place to another, and sacrifice of money and time all make Hajj a form of Jihad. For women and weak men who are unable to participate in Jihad on the battlefield, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) recommended Hajj. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) once said to  Hazrat Ayesha (RA):  “The best jihad for you [women] is a Hajj mabroor.”

THE REWARD OF DOING TAWAF

Tawaf means circling the Holy Kaaba seven times in a clockwise direction. It is an essential part of Hajj as well as Umrah . The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: “A person who circumambulates this House (the Kaaba) seven times and performs the two Rak’at Salat (of Tawaf) in the best form possible will have his sins forgiven.” Reference: Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 27756. This Hadith indicates that doing Tawaf either during Ummarh or Hajj is a noble act of worship. It brings the person closer to ALLAH Almighty and removes his sins.

FINAL WORDS

Hajj is a physical journey that not only heals us spiritually but also helps us understand the teachings of Islam. It is a profound journey that provides a surreal experience to its performers. All the Hadiths of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) are enough to explain the significance of this spiritual and miraculous journey.