Why The Muslims Practice Hajj?

Among the 5 pillars of the Islamic faith, the most divine is the ritual of Hajj pilgrimage. It is a pilgrimage to Makah that Muslim pilgrims undertake every year during the holy month of Dhul-Hijjah.

Why The Muslims Practice Hajj?

Among the 5 pillars of the Islamic faith, the most divine is the ritual of Hajj pilgrimage. It is a pilgrimage to Makah that Muslim pilgrims undertake every year during the holy month of Dhul-Hijjah. They gather in the holy city traveling through their Hajj Package Deals and offer the rituals. Hajj is only obligatory for those Muslims who possess the means to afford it, financially as well as physically. Therefore, those who can arrange for their hajj travel easily, should perform it once in their lifetime and never delay its performance.

When do the hajj rituals start?

Hajj rituals commence from the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah and then last till the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah. During this 5-day period pilgrims perform a variety of rituals, all of them necessary to make hajj pilgrimage valid. In addition, they also travel to a lot of places that remain a part of hajj rituals as well.

Religious Significance of Hajj.

Expiation of Sins.

It was narrated by Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) that I heard the Prophet (SAWW) say; (description) Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah Almighty; neither utters any obscene speech nor do any evil deed, will go back home (free of sin) just as his mother bore him.

Purifies the Soul.

Hajj helps to educate the believer in order to follow the righteous path i.e., do good deeds and avoid evil. So, to have better moral senses. Hajj also polishes the consciences of a firm believer that every deed we do, produces immense social benefits as well as encourages a positive vibe among Muslim ummah.

Entry to Jannah.

Almighty Allah rewards a pilgrim who has performed the holy rituals of hajj with the opportunity to enter Jannah. Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) said in a hadith; (description) From one Umrah to another, it is the expiation for what (sins) comes between them and Hajj Mabrûr has no reward except Paradise.

Jihad equivalence for women.

In Islam, jihad is the most beloved form of worship; it’s a struggle to fight against the enemies of Allah, for the sake of Allah. However, there are certain rules to it i.e., only young and adult men can take part in it. However, the Prophet (SAWW) said in a Hadith; The best jihad (for women) is Hajj-e-Mabrur.

Improves one’s character.

A pilgrim, during his journey to the Holy city of Makkah i.e., Hajj pilgrimage, might face a lot of difficulties and hardships to settle in the new environment. In addition, the rituals of the Hajj are not easy as they require a lot of patience from the pilgrims. Yet, all of this remains beneficial for pilgrims because it helps in character development i.e., the submission to please Allah Almighty teaches him to stay calm and compose.

These are some of the reasons why Hajj remains a significant practice in Islam.