Hajj – As Described in Surah Baqarah

The Hajj season is approaching. Trillions of Muslims are planning to congregate in Makkah and the solemn places to acknowledge Allah’s invitation to visit His co-op.

As you scroll down, you’ll explore some of the Prophet’s hadiths related to Hajj. You will learn about the significance of this great worship and how Allah (SWT) welcomes His guests.

The Pillar of Islam

Islam has built upon five pillars, including testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, performing the Salah, paying the zakat, making the pilgrimage to Bait-ul-Muqaddas (House of ALLAH), and fasting in Ramadan. However, it is the basic religious duty and one of the most significant pillars of Islam.

Holy Qur’an says in a short and meaningful statement:

It is upon the people for the sake of Allah Almighty to perform pilgrims of his house, anyone who is able to undertake the journey with him. (2:196)

This clearly shows the remarkable importance of Islam of performing it, Another saying from the Noble book of Allah interprets,

And those who can afford the expenses (for one’s transportation, provision, and residence); and those who disbelieve (i.e. Denies Hajj), then he is an atheist of Allah), then Allah stands not in need of any of the Alameen (mankind and Jinns). (Quran: 3/97)

Obligation

Hajj is obligatory on every Muslim man & woman. A verse from Surah Baqarah signified the obligation of Hajj, it states

Nothing compares with the accepted Hajj and it has no reward other than heaven!”

The Significance of Performing Pilgrimage Once In a Lifetime

In contempt of the greatest implication and prestige of Hajj, it is enough to do it only one time in your entire life. Islam is a simple religion and deliberates the difficulties that pilgrims go through. A man asked Mohammad (SAW) about the heed of pilgrims,

’Every year, O Messenger of Allah?’ The Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him) kept silent. When the man repeated his query thrice, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Had I claimed in the affirmative, it would have become a (yearly) obligation, and this would have been beyond your capacity.”

Further, he added,

“Evacuate me alone so long as I leave you alone (i.e. Do not ask questions about things I didn’t mention). What caused the massacre of the people before you was that they used to ask so many questions, and disagree with their Prophets? So when I authorized you to do something, do it to the verge of your ability, and if I forbid you from doing something, avoid it.” (Muslim)

Fulfilling the Rights

Hazrat Abdullah Ibn e Masood RA narrated that Prophet PBUH said: “keep on doing Hajj and Umrah, for they wipe out poverty and sin Just as the bawl eliminates defilement from iron and gold and silver”.

Allah Orders in Quran & influenced to fulfill the rights of Hajj, Surah Baqarah ayah 196 states,

“Fulfill the Umrah & Hajj for Allah alone. Then, if you are prevented, send sacrifice which you may get easily and shave not your heads unless the sacrifice reaches its destination. Then whoso cannot afford. He should fast for three days during Haj and seven days when he returns back home, these are ten days complete. This order is for the one, who remains fearing to Allah and knows that the torment of Allah is severe.”

The Rights of Safa & Marva

While describing the right of Safa & Marva (The Hills), Allah (SWT) announces that whoever whosoever undertakes a pilgrimage to the House or does visit it, He is among the symbol of Allah. As, translated in Surah Baqarah.

“And there is no other word, Safa and Marwa are the symbols of Allah, then who makes the pilgrimage to this House or performs “Umra”, there is no sin for him that he coiled both, and whoso does any good voluntarily, then Allah appreciates and All-knowing.”

Deeds That Are Equally Rewarded

Oblation of Hajj is only for those have the capacity, in terms of both wealth & health, so anyone lacks one of them, does not significantly have to visit Al-Masjid Al-Haram (The Sacred Mosque). Islam is supposed to be a stringent creed, which isn’t legitimate. Islam evinces some substitute deeds, which are considered as having executed Pilgrims.

Deeds that are equally rewarding as the Hajj follows fulfilling the rights of Parents, executing Umrah in Ramadhan-Kareem, offering Salat-ul-ishraq, performing Isha Salah in Mosque & carrying out Ablution (Wudu) at home For Regular Prayers. These actions are remunerated immensely because of their difficulty and great moral values. The Holy Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said:

“Executing Umrah in Ramadhan equally rewarded as performing Hajj (pilgrims) with me”. (Muslim)

Hajj entirely makes Muslims realize that they are actually nothing but brothers to each other in the name of Islam. It eliminates all kinds of differences. It inaugurates a sincere brotherhood among the Muslims and obviously manifests that Islam is a religion of unity and solidarity.