Significance of Hajj in Quran & Hadith

Hajj is an Arabic word which means “to intend a journey”. Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, which every Muslim must perform at least once in his or her lifetime provided, they are financially and physically able to do so. All Muslim’s willingly visit this sacred place because ALLAH has given this place a priority over any other place in the world.

The Hajj is a pilgrimage that occurs during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hajj to the holy city of Mecca. All Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the pilgrimage are required to do so at least once in their lives. As said in Quran:

” وَاَتِمُّوا الۡحَجَّ وَالۡعُمۡرَةَ لِلّٰهِؕ “

And complete the Hajj or Umrah in the service of Allah (Al-Baqarah, Chapter #2, Verse # 196)

According to another narrative, the Prophet (SAW) acknowledged it as one of the pillars of Islam:

 بُنِيَ الْإِسْلَامُ عَلَى خَمْسٍ ، شَهَادَةِ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ، وَإِقَامِ الصَّلَاةِ ، وَإِيتَاءِ الزَّكَاةِ ، وَالْحَجِّ ، وَصَوْمِ رَمَضَانَ 

Islam is based on five fundamentals: to proclaim that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad (saw’s) is the Messenger of Allah, and to establish the prayer, and pay Zakat, to offer pilgrimage of the House [of God] and to fast during Ramadan. (Bukhari, No: 7)

Allah (SWT) says this in the Quran about Hajj

وَأَذِّن فِى ٱلنَّاسِ بِٱلْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالًا وَعَلَىٰ كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَأْتِينَ مِن كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍ

and publicly proclaim Pilgrimage for all mankind so that they come to you on foot and mounted on lean camels from every distant point. (Surah 22 Al-Haj, Ayah 27)

On hajj the Pilgrims wear plain, white cloths. Men wears drape seamless, un-stitched clothing and women dress in plain white dresses and headscarves. The idea behind dressing simply is to mask any differences in wealth and status. The Hajj makes Muslims feel the real importance of life here on earth, and the afterlife, by stripping away all markers of social status, wealth, and pride. Hajj is a chance to wipe clean the slate of one’s mistakes and shortcomings of the past. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

One who comes to this House for Hajj and avoids all lewdness and sins, he returns as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him.” (Bukhari & Muslim).

Hajj also gives a strong message of Brotherhood and Unity that makes the importance of Hajj in Islam stronger. The journey of Hajj is the easiest way to attain the satisfaction of ALLAH as the pilgrims are considered to be guests of ALLAH. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that one day the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) addressed people saying:

“O people! Allah has prescribed Hajj upon you, so perform it. “

When an individual makes an intention to go on Hajj, he is often reminded that the opportunity is an invitation from Allah. The Kaaba in Makkah is considered the “House of Allah,” and as such, only those who are welcomed by God Himself are allowed to step foot there. Pilgrims are considered the guests of Allah.” May Allah guide us all and give us an opportunity to perform Hajj.” Ameen.