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Hajj-The Fifth Pillar of Islam

Allah Ta'ala says in the Noble Qur’an: "And announce to humanity, (O Ibrahim), the pilgrimage, and people will come from every part of the world by every means of transport – so that they may witness the benefits for them …” (Surah Hajj – Verse 27)

Hajj is one of the five Pillars of Islam and a religious obligation for able-bodied Muslims who can financially afford it. The actual days of Hajj is from 8 to the 12/13 of Zul-Hijjah.

Hajj is an important calendar event for Muslims as it brings to life the teachings and legacy of Nabi Ibrahim (Alayhis Salam) and an annual revision and performance of the rites of Hajj taught by Nabi Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). Hajj is a time of spiritual reflection, development, and unity for Muslims from all over the world who come together to fulfill this religious obligation.

Performing Hajj is considered a transformative experience for fostering a sense of unity and equality among believers. It is also an occasion for Muslims to seek forgiveness, purify their souls, and strengthen their relationship with Allah and their fellow Muslims.

In all acts of worship including Hajj, there is the outward act and an inner deeper meaning. Hereunder some of these great benefits of Hajj are mentioned;

Hajj as a Picture of Death

A person leaves his home, bids farewell to near and dear ones and departs on the journey alone. As how he boards the plane as a conveyance, in death his conveyance will be the bier carried on people's shoulders.

Just as how family and friends normally accompany the Haji to the airport, friends and family accompany one in death to the edge of the grave. Just as the passenger boards the flight, leaving family behind, in death, a person leaves behind his home, family and undertakes this journey alone.

A Haji wears two white sheets to cover his body. In death a person is also wrapped in white sheets of the Kafan which serve as his shroud.

A source of comfort that a Haji enjoys in Hajj, comes from the money and provisions, which he carries with him before leaving. Likewise, the greatest comfort one enjoys in the life after death is that which comes from the good deeds he performed before his death.

Transformation and Tarbiyyah

The journey of Hajj is designed to test the commitment, resilience, patience and faith of a person. The tests and sacrifices experienced during Hajj show a person a true picture of the self and provide the opportunity for reflection, repentance and reformation.

International Conference

There are times when different classes of people gather to dialogue, share information and discuss issues and possible solutions. In Hajj representatives from all over the globe, from all spheres of life and from all ranks gather at Makkah for a great annual international conference.

Networking

What better place can there be for networking than at Makkah at the time of Hajj; for discussions and deliberations between rulers, ministers and ambassadors of various countries; for improving relations; for the forming of unity and co-operation among them.

At the headquarters of Islam, with the added influence of the spirit of goodwill and brotherhood at the time of Hajj, it is the best opportunity to network, to build ties and to strengthen unity.

Diversity

So many are the different tongues and dialects spoken and the various cultures at Hajj. Every language and country is present. What a grand expose of the cosmopolitan nature of Islam! This builds a mind-set of accepting diversity of the human race, which eliminates racism and prejudice.

Unity and Discipline

Nowhere else can a person see a better exhibit of the soldier like uniformity as on the Haj journey. This uniformity is a special and unique symbol and badge of Islam. Hence, we see all the Hajis in the same dress, following the same prescriptions and commands, avoiding the same prohibitions, doing the same actions at the same time. It is an unimaginable display of cohesion and discipline.

Equality and Brotherhood

It is a fact that no better demonstration for the teaching and propagation of equality between the various classes can be seen, than in Hajj. Here at the same time; and at the same places; for a substantial period of time, the rich and the poor, the Arab and the Turk, the Englishman and the African, all dressed in the simple pilgrim’s garb present themselves for a common purpose and goal. All barriers of rank, class, wealth and status are set aside. Racism and prejudice is removed.

Physical benefits

A change of climate is good for health, and Haj provides a good opportunity for this. Hajj entails much walking and physical activities which contribute to bodily health and well-being.

Education and Knowledge

From an educational point of view, Hajj is most beneficial. Many learned scholars from a great number of countries from numerous educational institutes come together; which leads to worthy discussions on educational topics. One gets to know the views, progress, decline and achievements in different countries and societies. All this definitely affords an opportunity of learning from others.

Spiritual Benefits

Great saints attend the Hajj gathering annually; whereby an opportunity is offered to derive spiritual benefit from their esteemed presence, by being in their company and listening to their discourses and advices.

May Allah Ta'ala grant all the Hujjaj Hajj Mabroor and accept their good deeds and supplications.

Mufti Zubair Bayat
Ameer of Darul Ihsan Humanitarian Centre