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The benefits of Hajj
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According to the Islamic law (Sharia), Hajj means intending the holy Ka'aba to perform specific rites. Linguistically, Umrah means the visit. It is so called because it can be performed throughout the lifetime. According to the Islamic law (Sharia), Umrah is heading for the holy Ka'aba to perform the religious rites. Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam that Allah the Exalted imposed upon those who can able to perform it. The order comes from Allah in the Quranic verse: "Hajj (Pilgrimage) to the House (the Ka'aba) is an obligation that humanity owes to Allah, for those who can find a way (i.e. for those who can find the means to do it). And whoever disbelieves (i.e. denies the Hajj), then Allah is beyond any need of all that exists (from His creation)" [Aal 'Imran: 197], and His order in the verse: "The Hajj is in the well-known (lunar) months. |
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So whoever intends to perform Hajj in these months, then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor argue unjustly during the Hajj" [Al-Baqarah: 197], and in His order; "Complete (perform properly) the Hajj and 'Umrah for the sake of Allah" [Al-Baqarah: 196).
From these Quranic verses, we can figure out that Hajj is obligatory on every Muslim who has the physical, financial, and circumstantial ability to reach the sacred precincts of the holy Ka'aba at Makkah Al Mukarrama. As for those who have the ability to do so but do not perform Hajj, then they are committing a major sin from the major sins of Islam and, moreover it is one of the things that leading to disbelief (Kufr). Whoever performs it more than once, these extra Hajj are considered voluntary (nafilah)upon him.
Umrah is also incumbent upon a Muslim once in the lifetime. The Prophet (peace be upon him) had performed Umrah four times in his lifetime, and all of them were in the Hijri month of Dul-Qa'da except that performed with his Hajj.
The Personal benefits of Hajj :- 1 - Hajj grants its performer the remission of his sins and purifies his soul. The prophet (PBH) said: The performance of Umrah is expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous one, and the reward of al-Hajj-al-Mabrur (the one accepted by Allah) is nothing but paradise. The Prophet (PBH) said: Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah only and does not have sexual relations with his wife and does not do any evil or sin who then will return (after Hajj free from all sins) as like as a new borne child. The prophet (PBH) also said: Allah forgives the one who performs Hajj and the one for whom the pilgrim asks forgiveness. 2 - Hajj purifies the soul illuminating the mind with the sparks of I'man (Faith). 3 - Hajj strengthens one's belief and brings the pilgrim closer to the Allah. 4 - Hajj, as a travel, familiarizes man with patience, discomfort and teaches him discipline and abidance by orders.
The collective benefits of Hajj :- The main goal is to make Muslims of all colors; kinds and nationalities meet in an international gathering, discuss Islamic matters and unite their efforts against their enemies. Through Hajj, people feel they are equal: Arab equal to non-Arab, white equal to black and rich equal to poor people.
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