Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it’s the ritual of visiting the house of Allah (SWT) in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It’s an obligatory act for Muslims, and you’re supposed to perform it at least once in your lifetime. Also, it’s very common to see the fuss around Hajj, which can bring about questions surrounding the importance of this act. Hence, we’ll explore a few of the importance of Hajj to Muslims in this article.
Sit tight, and let’s go!
What is Hajj?
Hajj is the journey of Muslims to the city of Mecca during Dhul-hijja where they perform particular rituals of worship. It’s an astonishing event that brings together different Muslims from every corner of the world every year. It’s an obligatory act that Muslims must perform at least once before their deaths.
The evidence is seen in the Quran (3:97)
“And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Kabah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence)”
Who Performs Hajj?
According to the Islamic rules, Hajj is compulsory for every adult Muslim financially and physically capable of performing the ritual of Hajj. It’s not mandatory for children, but they can still perform Hajj with their parents or guardians.
Weak and elderly Muslims are, however, exempted from this act of worship. However, sick Muslims can also appoint someone to perform the Hajj on their behalf to get the full reward from Allah (SWT). Muslims going for Hajj must be free of debts, although there are a few exceptions.
- If the creditor permits it.
- If the Hajj doesn’t affect the ability to pay the debt.
Importance of Hajj to Muslims
1. Purification of the soul
The rituals of Hajj bring you closer to Allah(SWR). The act encourages you to do good deeds and shay away from bad habits. It helps to increase your Iman, purifies your soul, and enhances your conscience. Hajj plays a crucial role in building an individual’s integrity and honesty.
2. Character building
Muslims face many trials while visiting Mecca due to settling in a novel environment. The challenges encountered during the ritual of Hajj are also enough to teach you patience and good character. Since Hajj’s main purpose is to worship Allah(SWT), building good character is also a plus.
3. Equality in the sight of Allah
During Hajj, one of the rituals is to wear the ihram clothing, which eradicates differences in race, status, color, and nationalities. It helps you to see your fellow Muslim brothers and sisters as equals.
4. Forgiveness of Sins
Performing Hajj is mandatory for the capable Muslims, when it’s done, all your sins are forgiven. Hajj washes away all the sins you committed knowingly and unknowingly, as long as you don’t go back to them. The Almighty will forgive all your previous sins, and you’ll return home with a clean slate.
5. After hardship comes ease
Hajj affirms what the Almighty said in the Holy Quran that after hardship comes ease. Running between Mounts Safa and Marwa is one of the rituals during Hajj. The wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) ran between these mountains in search of water for her baby son in the desert.
Her story is about hardship, endurance, and patience. After all her efforts, the Almighty bestowed her with a spring offering the Zamzam water. Hajj serves as a reminder that no matter what you’re going through, ease will come.
When is Hajj 2024?
Hajj is performed every year in the last month of the Islamic calendar (Dhul Hijjah). For 2024, the Hajj will be from the 14th of June to the 19th of June 2024.
Final Thoughts
As the fourth pillar of Islam, Hajj is a compulsory act of worship. In this post, you’ll find some of the importance of Hajj to Muslims. This importance will convince you that you should strive to visit the house of Allah at least once in your lifetime. We’ve also explored facts about Hajj. You should check them out and drop your comments below.