What makes millions of pilgrims cry incessantly as they stand in the plains of Arafat? How is it possible that a person forgets everything dear to him when he is performing Hajj? Hajj is such a surreal journey that you must experience it to grasp its meaning. In this article, we try to explain the importance of Hajj.
The Fifth Pillar of Islam
As one of the five pillars of Islam, Hajj is obligatory and should be performed once in a lifetime. But only for those who can afford it financially and physically, unlike the other pillars. Hajj sums up all the teachings of Islam. It entails absolute submission to Allah. It brings a person closer to Allah. For many, Hajj is a redefining journey that brings people on the Guided Path.
The History of Hajj
The history of Hajj dates back to the times of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). One of the reasons why Allah commanded Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) to leave Hazrat Ismail (AS) and Hazrat Hajra to Makkah was that He wanted to bless those lands with Islam. Hazrat Ibrahim and Ismail (AS) constructed the Holy Kabah and made it the place of Allah’s worship. He blessed them with Hajr-e-Aswad to help them with the construction. To date, Muslims begin their tawaf from the place where Hajr-e-Aswad is preserved.
Likewise, Sai, an essential ritual of Hajj, is a way to pay tribute to the unwavering courage of Hazrat Hajra, who ran between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times in search of a ray of hope. Listening to the prayers of the mother, Allah blessed her with the miraculous Zamzam water, which pilgrims drink to satiate their thirst.
The most important ritual of Hajj of sacrifice that Muslims all over the world also perform to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha is the sunnah of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). Through this act, Muslims affirm that just like Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), they are ready to sacrifice the most precious possession for Allah.
Over the centuries, people went astray and reverted to idol worshipping. During the times of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Kabah was filled with idols. When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) conquered Makkah, he broke all the idols and purified the House of Allah. He performed the historic Hujjatul Wida in which he clearly laid down the principles and rituals of performing Hajj.
5 Reasons Why Hajj is a Vital Pillar of Islam
1. Purifies the Soul
Hajj is a wonderful way of purification. It cleanses the heart and soul from malice, greed, and other ill feelings. It brings patience, endurance, and caring for others. When a person returns from Hajj, his face is radiant, and his heart feels lighter. These are the signs of acceptance of Hajj.
2. Source of Reward
Every step that you take in your Hajj journey earns you a reward. For women, the reward of performing Hajj is equal to jihad. Allah blesses the pilgrims with abundance in health, wealth, and success in both worlds.
3. Strengthens Faith
Hajj brings a person closer to Allah. It strengthens faith. The person realizes he is nothing but a submissive creature of the Almighty Allah. Sometimes, we face destiny in ways that are difficult to accept. Hajj makes a person realize that everything happens by Allah’s will and that what Allah wants for us is the best. Therefore, it makes a person more content.
4. Promotes Unity and Brotherhood
Hajj is a wonderful experience in which Muslims from all over the world stand united worshipping Allah. It defies all social, regional, and financial differences. During the journey, Muslims from different backgrounds and cultures interact with each other. They learn about different cultures, promoting unity and tolerance for each other. In Islam, everyone is equal in the eyes of Allah. It is only piety that elevates a person’s status.
5. Expiates Sins
Another reason why Hajj is so important is that it removes all the previous sins of a person. If you perform Hajj with dedication and attention, Allah forgives your sins, making you as innocent as a newborn baby. Moreover, it makes a person realize the real motive of coming to this world. The person realizes that amassing wealth and status has no use as everything will be left behind. Only our deeds will go with us. Hence, the person stays away from bad deeds and sins.
Concluding Remarks
Hajj is a life-changing journey. It boosts faith, strengthens the relationship with Allah, and removes corruption of heart and soul. Allah blesses the pilgrims immensely with prosperity in this world and the hereafter. Therefore, understand the importance of Hajj and perform it with utmost dedication.
