Hajj apparently means “to travel to, visit, and consistently go to an important and respectable site.” Hajj is an Islamic term that refers to the devotion performed during the Hijri month of Dhul-Hijjah. It is executed by doing some holy duties in compliance with the criteria and procedures in Ka’ba, Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina. 9 years just after Hijrah (the migration of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) from Makkah to Madina), Hajj was made mandatory.
The 5th tenet of Islam, Hajj, is extremely important to all Muslim followers worldwide. The ability to undertake Hajj is regarded as one of the highest gifts of mankind. Every year, throngs of Muslims participate in the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which actually occurs in the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. Hajj is amongst the most significant principles of Islam. It demonstrates that Allah (SWT) likes it so much and blesses the performer greatly. It is mentioned in the Quranic verse that:
It is also stated in Surah al-Imran verse 97 that:
Individual and Collective Benefits of Hajj
Hajj is a spiritual pilgrimage between a devotee and his Creator. Every Muslim wants to participate in this journey because it provides spiritual cleansing and mental rejuvenation. This mandated worship offers enormous rewards both in this life and in the next. We are all aware of the value of this highest form of devotion. Allah (SWT) has mandated numerous actions of prayer for humanity in order for Him to test them and distinguish the pious individuals on the Last Day of Resurrection based on their finest actions.
Moreover, have we ever considered the personal and collective benefits of Hajj, the most gratifying devotion? The benefits of Hajj are numerous on both personal and social levels; let us go through the most important ones:
Individual Hajj Benefits
Individual benefits of performing Hajj are numerous and indisputable. These advantages are solely related to one person. The following are some of the individualistic benefits of Hajj:
- Forgiveness
The most important day of the Hajj pilgrimage is Arafat Day. Pilgrims ask for atonement and supplicate throughout the afternoon till sundown. Countless of Allah (SWT) followers obtain pardon. On this auspicious day, the Lord of the Heavens endows pardons, and what could be greater for a follower of Allah (SWT) than this? There is a Hadith that clearly describes this point.
‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported Allah’s Messenger (?) as saying:
- Closeness to Allah Almighty
Having consistently performed Hajj’s journey with its rites leads people towards Allah. It also deepens the spiritual link each believer has with his Creator, leads him away from his sins-filled painful past, and brings all Muslims into a clean, brilliant and illuminating future. Allah Almighty will recognize your true efforts of getting closer to him and will reward you countlessly. Even in your daily matters, if you are close to Allah (SWT) and believe that He will solve all your difficulties and problems. He (SWT) will definitely listen to you as you put your ultimate faith in Him.
- Paradise
Every Muslim strives for Jannah. He struggles his whole life to receive the ultimate recompense. The recompense for performing Hajj is no other than paradise. What to expect more than that? It’s the only thing that believers will get on the Day of Judgement as to their reward. It is mention in a Hadith that was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (?) said:
- Reduces Poverty
It is one of the temporal blessings that we get now, in addition to the innumerable rewards in the afterlife. Hajj enhances one’s path to enlightenment and also one’s sources of subsistence. In a Hadith related to the removal of poverty, Abdullah (bin Mas’ud) narrated that:
- Acceptance of Dua
The Dua of an individual gets accepted if it is straight from the heart. Allah Almighty accepts the sincere supplications of people and answers them at the right time. The most renowned element of Hajj is supplication, in which the pilgrim aspires and asks Allah Almighty whatever they want.
- Women’s Hajj Is Equal to Reward of Jihad
If a woman succeeds in performing her Hajj with sincerity without committing sins, she is regarded to have achieved her best jihad. Right after Jihad in the Quran, Hajj was addressed. The Prophet of Allah, Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H), highlighted the relevance of Hajj and equated its reward to that of Jihad for women. It was narrated by `Aisha:
Collective Hajj Benefits
There are several collective benefits of Hajj that Muslims who perform Hajj can experience. They are also a part of the learning process of Hajj. There are numerous social components of Hajj. It is similar to a global convention of Muslims gathered in one place to express gratitude to their Lord.
- Ethical Evolution
The introduction of ethnic change is one of Hajj’s main philosophies for all Muslims. When the faithful start planning for Hajj and Umrah, they are covered with two simple pieces of white fabric called Ihram. The Ihram eliminates all kinds of differences, whether societal or economic differences. All Muslims are steered separate from the ephemeral world’s temptations, separating themselves from all earthly matters and immersing them in enlightenment, spirituality, and holiness. Believers are urged to participate in acts that involve the self-reparation of spirit, soul, and character. People who feel abandoned by a load of deceptive honors and classifications in this temporal world are taught to feel shiny and comfortable.
- Cultural Exchange
Hajj facilitates the connection and communication between different parts of the Islamic community, leading to efficient cultural interaction and the transmission of concepts and ideas. It is because Hajj resembles a great meeting in which all sections of the Muslim world are presented.
- Symbol of Unity & Integrity
Muslims accomplish one objective via the unity and integrity of the worldwide gathering at the core of Islam. They tell the global community that they are all one and worship their One Creator, regardless of their varied color, race, socioeconomic class, and culture. For masses of Muslims around the world, Hajj is regarded as a sign of unity and brotherhood. That is because Hajj is considered to be an important component in the development of common ground among all Muslims.
- Tranquility
In the course of Hajj, Muslims from everywhere in the entire globe gather together and offer love, peace, and devotion to each other without borders or restrictions
Source: AboutIslam
