HAJJ: A DUTY UPON MANKIND
It is out of the mercy of Allah, that we are
able to live long enough to witness the
succession of the days and months, which bring the various seasons of mercy. Through such seasons we can gain an abundance of rewards. The Hajj season is one such blessed occasion. There are two types of people who witness this season; those who have not made the intention to perform the pilgrimage and those who have.
People of the second category will be proceeding towards the holy city of Makkah from all corners of the globe. They shall come in flocks, answering the call of their Creator, uttering the words of talbiyah, seeking to perform the rites of Hajj, yearning for His forgiveness and bounty. However, to the first category of people, we would like to offer a few words of advice.
Many amongst us have the health and means to go on Hajj, so why are we so reluctant? Are we not aware of Allah’s statement: “A pilgrimage to the House (Kaaba) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses; but if any deny faith Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures” (Aale-Imran:97)
Indeed Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam as confirmed in the following Hadeeth of our holy Prophet (S.A.W.):
“Islam is built on five (pillars); to testify that there is no deity (worthy of worship) but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, performing the salat, paying the Zakat, fasting in Ramadhan and (performing) Hajj to the House of Allah by those who find the means to do so.” Agreed upon)
It is therefore, incumbent upon every Muslim who is capable of performing Hajj to make the intention to go. If you were to pass away from this world without performing this duty while being able to do so, then you would be sinful for that. It is therefore wise to fulfill the duty of performing Hajj at the first available opportunity. This is why the Prophet (S.A.W.) advised; “Hasten to (perform) Hajj for one of you does not know what impediment might come in his way” (Ahmad).
It is indeed a serious neglect of our duty if we keep postponing the performance of Hajj. Listen to the stern statement by Umar Ibn Khattab, (R.A.) on this matter:” I am contemplating to send (my) men to the provinces to book for those who have the financial means but do not perform Hajj, to impose Jiza on them. They are not Muslims, they are not Muslims.” (Al-Baihaqi).
As for the second category of people-those who by the mercy of Allah, will be performing the Hajj this year insha Allah——We would like to share the following words of advice.
PURIFYING THE INTENTION
It goes without saying that in any act of worship, one should purify his intention , making it purely for Allah’s pleasure alone. Hence, we should make the intention that whatever is going to be spent in the course of the Hajj trip and whatever is being performed of the Hajj rites, are only for the sake of drawing closer to Allah.
STUDYING THE RITES OF HAJJ
Before embarking on Hajj, we should be acquainted with the necessary knowledge on how to perform them correctly. It should be in accordance with the way of our teacher, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) who has instructed us;” Take my example in performing the rites (of Hajj); (Muslim).
This is necessary in order to make the Hajj acceptable, avoiding all innovations, as well as to maximize our rewards. Also, do not forget that missing out on performing certain rites would incur certain kinds of atonement, such as having to slaughter a sheep, for example.
LEAVING SUFFICIENT PROVISIONS
It is incumbent upon the one who is intending to go on Hajj that those whom he is responsible for, should be left with enough provisions for life’s necessities. Also, one should leave them in a secure state without any major worries.
COMPLETE AND SINCERE REPENTANCE
Allah instructs us to seek His forgiveness “and turn unto Allah (in repentance) all together, O believers, in order that you may succeed,” (An-noor:31).
Performing the obligation of Hajj is one of the means of attaining our Creator’s pleasure. We should therefore strive to make sincere repentance for our past, present and future sins. However, a complete repentance should encompass.
* Leaving any sinful act
* Expressing our guilt and regret for committing such acts
* making the intention never to return to those sinful acts
* Returning goods, etc. to the wronged ones as a result of such sinful acts.
USING HALAL EARNINGS
We should choose to finance our Hajj, from Halal earnings only, if not, the Hajj may not be accepted.
CHOOSING GOOD COMPANY
Selecting to travel with a companion who is knowledgeable and fearful of Allah would be a wise step to take. Such a companion would help remind us if we forget, and teach us if we are less knowledgeable. These kinds of acts are sought after with enthusiasm and pleasure by those who are fearful of Allah.
OBSERVING ISLAMIC MANNERS OF TRAVELS
We should not forget the Islamic manners and etiquettes when travelling. For instance, uttering the words of Takbeer, (i.e. saying; Allahu Akbar) every time we ascend up a hill, or even when the aeroplane is ascending to the sky and uttering the words of Tasbeeh,(i.e.saying” subhana Allah”) every time we down a hill, or when the aeroplane descends and so on.
BEING PREPARED FOR AND PATIENT IN HARDSHIP
It should be understood that during Hajj, we are bound to come across some hardships, be it difficulties in transportation, harsh weather conditions, etc. However, we should always remember that we are not on some relaxing holiday! If we counter harassment of any kind, by an ignorant person for example, then we should be patient and avoid retaliating, We should have a humble, submissive attitude, and display courtesy and a good character towards other pilgrims. Remember, being patient whilst being mistreated by others, is a means of gaining more rewards.
LOWERING ONE’S GAZE
We must be aware that some unlawful scenes could be encountered. It is incumbent to avert one’s gaze immediately in such events.
Finally, we ask Allah to accept the sincere efforts of all those who are following the footsteps of their forefather, Ibrahim, (A.S.) in making the pilgrimage to Allah’s Sacred House, and to grant them His forgiveness. Also, may He, empower all His servants with every necessary means, as well as a heart brimming with His love and the provision of taqwa, to be able to perform Hajj soon, A’meen!