All praise is due to Allah, the Creator of all things. He has granted the inhabitants of the world permission to continue enjoying worship after worship, which is the main purpose for which we were created.
The Hajj pilgrimage is a religious obligation that occurs after the month of Ramadanโs fasting. It is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who are financially and physically capable. Performing this worship is of great importance to Muslims, as it is not always certain that they will have the chance to do it again, unless they are fortunate enough to be given another opportunity. But there arenโt many people who can actually do it. The requirement to perform the Hajj pilgrimage is stated by Allah as follows:
๏ญฝููููููููู ุนูููู ุงููููุงุณู ุญูุฌูู ุงููุจูููุชู ู ููู ุงุณูุชูุทูุงุนู ุฅููููููู ุณูุจููููุง ููู ููู ููููุฑู ููุฅูููู ุงูููููู ุบูููููู ุนููู ุงููุนูุงููู ูููู
โAnd performing the Hajj pilgrimage to the House of Allah is an obligation upon mankind for those who have the ability to undertake it. And whoever disbelieves (neglects the obligation of Hajj), then surely Allah is self-sufficient, free of all needs from the worlds.โ
(Ali โImran 3:97)
Performing Hajj is a significant obligation for every Muslim, and it is crucial to prepare adequately in various aspects to fulfil this worship in the best possible way. It is necessary for those who are blessed with the means to perform Hajj to make necessary preparations.
Performing Hajj with sincerity is believed to be a highly rewarding act in Islam. According to the Prophet Muhammad SAW the reward of such an act is comparable to that of a newborn baby who is pure and free from sins. This means that those who perform Hajj with sincerity are believed to return cleansed from their sins, just like a newborn baby.
In a separate hadith, the Prophet Muhammad SAW elaborated on their status in the afterlife with his statement:
โAnd there is no reward for a righteous Hajj except Paradise.โ
(Narrated by Imam Bukhari & Imam Muslim)ย
When it comes to worship, should it be done in a haphazard manner without proper preparation, or should it be done perfectly, considering Paradise as the ultimate reward? Performing the task with utmost perfection is undoubtedly essential.
Preparation of Knowledge
One of the essential preparations for performing the Hajj pilgrimage is acquiring knowledge. Anyone performing the Hajj must be aware of how the worship is to be conducted from beginning to end.
To achieve success, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the procedures, rather than simply blindly following others. Otherwise, the worship performed will lack the intrinsic essence that can be gained from the actual act of worship, and it will be reduced to nothing more than adding the word โhajiโ to oneโs name.
Performing the Hajj worship in the same manner as the Prophet Muhammad SAW is emphasised in his saying:
(ูุชุฃุฎุฐูุง ู ูุงุณููู ูุฅูู ูุง ุฃุฏุฑู ูุนูู ูุง ุฃุญุฌ ุจุนุฏ ุญุฌุชู ูุฐู) -ุฑูุงู ู ุณูู
โTake your rituals (the procedures of Hajj) from me. Verily, I do not know if I will be able to perform Hajj again after this.โ
(Narrated by Imam Muslim)
According to the Prophet Muhammad SAW, the Hajj worship should be performed in the same manner as he did. Having the right knowledge is essential for performing the Hajj pilgrimage. It is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles like the compulsory, sunnah and suggested guidelines.
It is also critical to pay attention to the prohibited matters to ensure that we do not violate them. Performing Hajj without a clear understanding of the rituals can be a waste of money. It is important to educate oneself on the proper way to perform the pilgrimage.
Self Preparation
During the Hajj pilgrimage, it is important for Muslims to cultivate patience. During the pilgrimage, it is important to practice patience in various situations such as refraining from anger, dealing with desires, coping with fatigue, and handling different human behaviors.
Preparing for the various tests that may be encountered during the Hajj season is essential for everyone. When performing the Hajj pilgrimage, it is important to remember that it is a time for worship and unity within the Muslim community. It is crucial to avoid fighting, swearing, and arguing, and to educate the heart to maintain a peaceful and respectful attitude. Disputes should not be mixed with worship, as the Hajj is a symbol of unity.
The Hajj journey may test oneโs patience, but the rewards are significant. According to Islamic tradition, the Prophet Muhammad SAW delivered a message of hope and positivity by sharing the following words:
โWhoever performs Hajj and avoids obscene language and sinful acts will return as pure and sinless as the day they were born.โ
(Narrated by Imam Bukhari)
When utilising financial resources, it is important to ensure that they are obtained from halal sources and do not contain any haram (forbidden) elements. When embarking on a long journey, particularly for the purpose of worship, oneโs prayers hold a unique significance with Allah. The prayer of a traveler is one of the prayers that are answered. The acceptance of prayers can be hindered by haram sources. The rejection of oneโs prayer can be a great loss, especially for those who consider it a privilege to have their prayers accepted.
During the standing (wuquf) at Arafah, Prophet Muhammad SAW instructed people to sincerely involve themselves in supplication. The Prophet Muhammad SAW did not observe fasting during the wuquf, as it is believed that this practice is meant to provide energy to Muslims performing Hajj, allowing them to pray with vigor and abundance.ย
The Prophet Muhammad SAW when describing a person, as mentioned by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), said:
โThen he (the Prophet) mentioned a man whose journey is long and exhausting, with disheveled clothes and dusty body (as an illustration of a distant and lengthy journey). Then he raises his hands to the sky and prays: โO my Lordโฆ O my Lordโฆ while his food is unlawful, his drink is unlawful, his clothes are unlawful, and his sustenance is from unlawful sources, how can his supplication be answered?’โ
(Narrated by Imam Muslim)
Physical Preparation
Physical preparation is a crucial aspect for every individual planning to embark on the Hajj pilgrimage. One important aspect of healthcare is tailoring medication to suit the specific needs of each patient based on their individual illnesses. Having the right medications is crucial for staying healthy during the Hajj pilgrimage. When planning your trip, itโs important to consider the weather conditions you may face.
Makkah and Madinah experience two distinct seasons each year โ summer and winter โ both characterized by dry weather. Preparing for the Hajj pilgrimage requires knowing the season you will encounter. This information can easily be found online, allowing you to pack appropriate clothing and items.
Taking care of your health is crucial before and during the Hajj pilgrimage. Preparing your body for the Hajj rituals involves engaging in physical activities that are appropriate for your health condition.
Intention
When preparing for the Hajj journey, it is important to remember that the purpose of the pilgrimage is to perform worship for the sake of Allah, and not for tourism purposes. Therefore, it is essential to correct your intention before embarking on this journey.
Before embarking on your journey to the holy land, it is important to repent and surround yourself with good companions who can remind you of Allah and encourage you to be patient in order to have a blessed Hajj.
According to Imam Ibn Hajar and al-โAini, a mabrur Hajj is considered as an accepted Hajj. According to scholars, a mabrur Hajj is one that is devoid of any sinful actions. This was supported by the opinions of other experts in the field. According to Al-Qurtubi, a Hajj must be performed in compliance with all legal requirements, executed responsibly, and carried out flawlessly.
Alahu akbar