Hajj — Pilgrimage
Importance of Pilgrimage:
Hajj or the pilgrimage to Makkah in Saudi Arabia constitutes the fifth act of worship prescribed by Islam. The Quran says:
“Pilgrimage there to may be a duty men owe to Allah — people who can afford the journey. ” (3: 97)
To create the meaning of this verse clear, it is necessary to read the previous verse also:
“The first house (of worship) appointed for men was that at Bakka; filled with blessing and of guidance, For every kind of beings: In it are signs manifest whoever enters it attains security; pilgrimage thereto is duty men owe to Allah people who can afford the journey” (3: 96-97)
The literal meaning of the word Hajj is that the will and desire to visit, but within the terminology of the Shariah, it means the need to go to the Holy Ka’abah which was the primary structure built by Hazrat Adam for the worship of Allah. Then, about 4,500 years ago, Hazrat Ibrahim and Hazrat Ismail rebuilt it at the command of Allah. The story of the rebuilding of the Ka’abah is thus related within the Holy Quran:
“And remember, Abraham and Ismail raised the foundations of the House (with this prayer): “Our Lord, Accept (this service) from us: Our Lord! make people Muslims, bowing to Thy (Will) and of our progeny people Muslim, bowing to Thy (Will); And show us our-places for the celebration of (due) rites; ” (2: 127-128)
From the words of this prayer, the aim that the Ka’abah was built, becomes clear and that we come to grasp that its completion was ordained at the hands of the kids of Hazrat Ismail who settled at this spot and from them, the Holy Prophet PBUH was- raised for the perfection of this purpose.
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‣ Zakat
‣ Fasting
‣ Salat
Pilgrimage to the Sacred home is not an obligation. it’s compulsory only on people who are sound of mind, adults and have the provisions of travel. those who fulfil these obligations and yet abstain from performing Hajj once in their lifetime provides a mislead their being Muslims. A Hadis of the Holy Prophet PBUH states:
“If someone isn’t hampered byany disease, real necessities or a tyrannical ruler and yet doesn’t perform Hajj, his death and also the death of a Jew or a Christian are the identical. ” (Tirmizi)
Hajj constitutes a variety of worship with the complete being of a Muslim, together with his mind, body and soul, together with his time, money and also the sacrifice of all comforts of life to assume for some days, the condition of a pilgrim totally at Allah’s disposal.
Hajj is that the only pillar among the basic pillars of Islam which needs both physical and financial sacrifices, Prayer and fasting are only physical worships and zip is spent in their performance. Zakat is barely financial worship, it doesn’t require any physical labour. But in performing Hajj both physical and financial sacrifices are required.
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‣ Shahadat
The rites of Hajj center on complete submission and devotion to Allah. At the identical time, they function an example of total submission and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim, especially his willingness to sacrifice what he loved most within the world, his son Ismail, at Allah’s Command.
Hajj is one among the basic religious institutions of Islam. it’s the best of all acts of worship; it’s of course, the culmination of worship. it’s an exhibition of brotherhood, equality, punctuality and discipline. It affords a chance to Muslims from various countries of the planet to become familiar with each other and of discussing common problems facing the Muslim community.
According to Abu Hurairah, the Holy Prophet PBUH said:
“Anyone who visits the House of Allah, doesn’t derive pleasure foul language and avoids the disobedience of Allah, will become as pure and free from sins as a baby. ” (Muslim)
At another place» the Holy Prophet PBUH said:’
“Hajj which is free from sins and defects is rewarded with Paradise”.
(Agreed upon) The importance of Hajj his been well described by Imam Abu Hanifa who said that Hajj is that the greatest of all worship, Ibaadat, enjoined in Islam. Its chief importance lies within the proven fact that it strengthens one’s faith in Islam.
