The Tremendous Rewards of Hajj
By Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya
Introduction
Hajj (the Pilgrimage to Makkah) is the fifth pillar of Islam. The Prophet (s.a.w., sallallahu' alayhi wa sallam meaning: may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“Islam has been built upon five things: declaring that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah; the establishment of salaah (five compulsory daily prayers; the payment of zakaah (obligatory charity); the Hajj (pilgrimage to the House of Allah, if one is able); and sawm of Ramadan (fasting in the month of Ramadan).” (Bukhari 1/ 7)
This final pillar of Islam is obligatory, at least once in a lifetime, upon all sane Muslims, who reach the age of puberty, and are physically and financially able to make the journey. Allah the Almighty tells us in His Book:
“... And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka‘bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves (i.e. denies Hajj, then he is a disbeliever of Allah), then Allah stands not in need of any of the ‘Alâmin (mankind and jinn).” (Qur’an 3:97)
Forgiveness of Sins
When we perform the Hajj rites properly we attain tremendous rewards. One of which is Allah’s forgiveness of all our past sins. This means our eternal happiness and success in Paradise. In the following authentic Ahâdîth we learn the following very inspiring teachings from the Prophet (s.a.w.):
“He who came to this House (the Ka’bah) (with the intention in performing Hajj) without speaking or committing indecencies, would return (free from sin) as on the day his mother bore him.” (Muslim, 2/3129)
“From one ‘Umrah to another is expiation for what is between them and Hajj Mabrûr has no reward except Paradise.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
By Hajj Mabrûr it means the Hajj accepted by Allah for being performed perfectly according to the Prophet’s Sunnah with legally earned money avoiding sinful and evil deeds during Hajj.
Paradise
From the above Ahadith we learn that the everlasting reward for Hajj is Paradise, a life that is full of peace, happiness and prosperity. This is because in Hajj mabrur, we perform nothing but deeds of righteousness – deeds that deserve Allah’s Reward of Paradise to all righteous Muslims men and women. Our Creator makes this clear to us when He says:
“But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness. We shall soon admit them to Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath, to dwell therein forever. Allâh’s promise is the truth, and whose word can be truer than Allâh’s?” (Qur’an 4:122)
“Whoever works righteousness man or woman, and has Faith, verily, to him We will give a new Life, a life that is good and pure, and We will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions.” (Qur’an 16: 97)
Acceptance of Supplications
Another tremendous reward for performing Hajj is the acceptance of our supplications. If we ask for Allah’s forgiveness, He the Most Forgiving responds to our prayer as narrated in the following Hadith:
Abu Hurayrah (r.a., radhiallahu anhu, meaning: may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “Those who perform the Hajj and those who perform the umrah are people who have come to visit Allah. If they supplicate Him He will respond to them, and if they ask Him for forgiveness He will forgive them.” (Tirmidhi 2536 and Ibn Majah)
Well-Balanced Life
Since our Rabb listens to the supplications of those who come to perform Hajj, let us ask enormous blessings from Allah. The best supplication is to ask for success both in this world and in the hereafter or a well-balanced life. We can do this especially when we are doing our tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka’bah) when we are between the Yamani corner and the black stone based on the following Ahâdîth:
‘Abdullah bin As-Sa’ib narrated: “I heard Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.) say between the two corners, ‘O Allah, bring us a blessing in this world and a blessing in the next and guard us from punishment of Hell.’” (Abu Dawud 1887)
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “Seventy angels have been put in charge of it (i.e. the Yamani corner), so if anyone says, 'O Allah, I ask You for pardon and well being in this world and the next. Our Rabb, bring us a blessing in this world and a blessing in the next, and guard us from the punishment of Hell’, they will say ‘Ameen.’” (Tirmidhi 2590 and Ibn Majah)
Let us not confine our supplications for our success in this world alone but most of all the eternal world. To ask Allah the Most Merciful of the eternal place in Firdaus is an excellent guidance from the Prophet (s.a.w.). He has encouraged his Companions to ask for the highest place in Paradise, which is the Firdaus. We read in the following authentic Hâdîth:
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “Whoever believes in Allah and His Messenger, offers prayers perfectly and fasts (the month of) Ramadan then it is incumbent upon Allah to admit him into Paradise, whether he emigrates for Allah’s cause or stays in the land where he was born.” They (the companions of the Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “O Allah’s Messenger! Should we not inform the people of that?” He (s.a.w.) said, “There are one-hundred degrees in Paradise which Allah has prepared for those who carry on Jihad in His Cause. The distance between every two degrees is like the distance between the sky and the Earth. So if you ask Allah for anything, ask Him for the Firdaus, for it is the last part of Paradise and the highest part of Paradise, and at its top there is the Throne of Beneficent, and from it gush forth the rivers of Paradise.” (Bukhari 9/519)
Serves as Jihad for Women
For us women, performance of Hajj serves as the opportunity for us to do the best deed that deserves Allah’s supreme reward. It raises our level to be among the Mujahideen (those who fight in Allah’s cause):
‘Aishah (r.a., radhiallahu anhu, meaning: may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that she said, “O Allah's Messenger! We consider Jihad as the best deed. Should we not fight in Allah's cause?” He said, “The best Jihad (for women) is Hajj-mabrur (i.e. Hajj which is done according to the Prophet's tradition and is accepted by Allah).” (Bukhari Vol. 4, Hadith 43)
‘Abdullah Bin Mas’ud (r.a.) narrated: “I asked the Prophet (s.a.w.), which deed is the dearest to Allah?” He (s.a.w.) replied, “To offer salaat (the prayers) at their early fixed times.” I asked, “What is the next (in goodness)?” He (s.a.w.) replied, “To be good and dutiful to your parents.” I again asked, “What is the next (in goodness)?” He (s.a.w.) replied, “To participate in jihad (religious fighting) in Allah’s Cause.” (Bukhari 1/ 505)
Bin Habashi (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.) was asked which actions were most excellent and replied, “Faith which contains no doubt, jihad which contains no unfaithfulness regarding spoil, and a pilgrimage which is accepted.” He was asked which prayer was most excellent and replied, “Standing long in devotion.” (Tirmidhi 3833 and Nasa'i)
Economic Benefits
Aside from the above eternal benefits, by performing Hajj we also enjoy worldly benefits. Furthermore, Hajj increases our economic well-being. Performance of Hajj does not prevent us to do legal business. Those who engage in buying and selling can do it after the performance of prayers and Hajj rituals. Our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) says:
“It is no crime in you if you seek of the bounty of your Rabb (during pilgrimage). Then when you pour down from (Mount) Arafat, celebrate the praises of Allah at the Sacred Monument, and celebrate His praises as He has directed you even though before this you went astray.” (Qur’an, 2:198)
“But seek the wealth which Allah has bestowed on you, the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget your portion in this World. But do good, as Allah has been good to you, and seek not (occasions for) mischief in the land; for Allah loves not those who do mischief.” (Qur’an, 28:77)
“And when the prayer is finished, then may you disperse through the land, and seek of the Bounty of Allah: and remember Allah frequently that you may prosper.” (Qur’an, 62:10)
Right Conduct
Hajj, therefore gives, us opportunity to enjoy a well-balanced life. We also attain success in this world by developing our personality for Hajj trains us Muslims to develop right conduct. Allah the Exalted has enjoined upon us to take right conduct as the best provision in our Hajj journey:
“For Hajj are the months well known. If any one undertakes that duty therein, let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the Hajj. And whatever good you do, (be sure) Allah knows it and take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best of provisions is right conduct. So fear Me, o you that are wise.” (Qur’an 2:197)
Muslims who go to Hajj are expected to observe discipline, patience, kindness, tolerance and above all, peace. They ought to observe peace not only among themselves but also with animals and other living creatures including insects. This means that they are expected to control anger. Controlling anger is a virtue which we Muslims are supposed to develop even if we are not on pilgrimage as the Prophet (s.a.w.) taught us in the following authentic Ahâdîth:
Abu Hurayra (r.a.) narrated that a man said to the Prophet (s.a.w.) “Advise me!” The Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “Do not be angry and furious.” The man asked (the same) again and again, and the Prophet (s.a.w.) said in each case, “Do not be angry and furious.” (Bukhari 8/ 137)
Abu Huraira (r.a.) narrated Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.) said, “The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.” (Bukhari 8/ 135 and Muslim 4/6311-6314)
Increases Iman (Faith)
Furthermore performance of Hajj increases our Iman (Faith). It makes us realize Allah's justice and equal treatment of all people who believe in Him. Muslims from different parts of the world, irrespective of race and socio-economic status in life wear the same prescribed simple clothing, utter the same supplications and perform the same religious rituals during Hajj for the same purpose of pleasing the Creator. Muslims who go to Hajj experience the largest congregation of different nations, which no other peoples from other religions have ever experienced. When we see people from different countries doing all the rituals of Hajj for Allah’s pleasure, we witness the universality of Islam. Indeed, Islam is for all mankind and that Allah Alone is the God of all mankind.
When we join the world’s largest annual congregation, which is Hajj, we actually improve our socio-cultural perspectives. Hajj gives opportunity for us to travel and meet our fellow Muslims from various countries to know and help one another. This shows the universal brotherhood of all Muslims; and hence the universality of Islam. Islam teaches us to promote brotherhood and righteousness among ourselves:
“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).” (Qur’an 49: 13)
It is not righteousness that you turn your faces toward East or West; but it is righteousness to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfill the contracts which you have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God-fearing. (Qur’an 2:177)
"...Help one another in righteousness and piety but help not one another in sin and rancor. Fear Allah or Allah is strict in punishment." (Qur’an 5:2)
Physical Fitness
In addition, Hajj trains us to be physically strong – a treat that the Prophet (s.a.w.) strongly encourages when he said that “a strong Muslim is better than a weak Muslim.” The seven times circumambulation around the Ka’bah, the walking and running (back and forth) from Safa to Marwa, the travel from Makkah Haram mosque to Mina, Arafat, Musdalifah, the throwing of stones, and of course the daily prayers, all these give us opportunities to be physically strong. We have to be strong, to prepare ourselves to carryout the task of fighting Satan and his allies and those who follow their footsteps. Allah reminds us that Satan is (dreadful) evil (4:38). He makes it clear that Satan is our enemy, an enemy avowed (57:60) who deceives (8:48) and suggests vanity (22:52-53). Satan descends on every lying, wicked person (26:221-222). He commands us to do what is evil and shameful (2:168-169). He only invites his adherents, that they may become companions of the Blazing Fire. Therefore, we have to treat him as our enemy (35: 6).
We have to be strong so that we can worship Allah to the best of our abilities in the best manner so we earn His tremendous Rewards. We have to be strong in enjoining the right and forbidding the wrong so that we will be among those who in the sight of Allah are the best among mankind:
“You (Muslims) are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind. You enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and believe in Allah...” (Qur’an, 3:110)
Mental and Spiritual Consciousness
Coupled with physical strength is for us to be mentally alert and spiritually conscious because as Muslims we are obliged to dedicate everything to Allah. For every thing that we do we have to have the pure intention of dedicating it to Allah the Almighty:
“And they have been commanded no more than this: to worship Allâh, offering Him sincere devotion, being True (in Faith); establish regular prayer; and to give Zakat. And that is the Religion Right and Straight.” (Qur'an, 98:5)
“Say: ' Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death are (all) for Allâh, the Rabb (Only Cherisher and Sustainer) of the Worlds.'” (Qur'an, 6:162)
‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab (r.a.) said: I heard Allâh’s Messenger (s.a.w.) saying, “The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended....” (Bukhâri, 1/1 and Muslim 3/ 4692)
For our Hajj to be accepted we must first and foremost purify our intention to do it for the pleasure of Allah. This we should do sincerely so that we will be among those who will return to our respective homes, Insha Allah, free from all sins as if we are newly born:
Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “Whoever performs Hajj for Allah's pleasure and does not have sexual relations with his wife, and does not do evil or sins then he will return (after Hajj free from all sins) as if he were born anew.” (Bukhari Vol. 2, Hadith 596 and Vol 3, Hadith 345)
Patience
Another positive attribute that we develop in the performance of Hajj is patience. We develop patience not only in the performance of the various Hajj rituals but also in remembering how Prophet Ibrahim and his family sacrificed in building the Ka’bah, the first Holy House of Allah. How many among us women are patient enough to follow Hajar (the Prophet Ibrahim's wife) and allow our husbands to leave us alone with our baby in a barren land, with no food, no water and no people around? How much patience and endurance can we afford for the sake of pleasing our Rabb? Just how many of us could pass the test that Prophet Ibrahim had when Allah the Almighty commanded him to sacrifice his own son? In the case of his son, Prophet Ismael, can anyone among us follow his courage and submission to be sacrificed in order to build the Ka’bah?
Indeed, Allah will test us Muslims, either by our children or by our wealth. We should know that as believers, Allah will try our Iman (faith). Allah may test us as to which of us is best in deed (67:2). The closer we are to Him, the more He will try us, just as He did to all His prophets and messengers. For those who are not living in a comfortable life let the life of the Prophet (s.a.w.) be a lesson for us. The following is just one of the many narrations how he lived in a destitute life but shows how patient he was:
Ibn Abbas (r.a.) narrated that according to 'Umar bin Al-Khattab (r.a.)… “Underneath his (Prophet’s) head there was a leather pillow stuffed with palm fibers, and leaves of a saut tree were piled at his feet, and above his head hung a few water skins. On seeing the marks of the mat imprinted on his side, I wept. He said, 'Why are you weeping?’ I replied, 'O Allah’s Messenger! Caesar and Khosrau are leading the life (i.e. luxurious life) while you, Allah’s Messenger though you are, is living in destitute.’ The Prophet (s.a.w.) then replied, 'Won’t you be satisfied that they enjoy this world and we the Hereafter?’” (Bukhari 6/435)
In our Hajj journey and in the performance of all the prescribed Hajj rituals, we may feel very uncomfortable for any reason. But let not any temporary difficulties in life hinder our devotion to Allah, especially during the Day of ‘Arafât on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah when we ought to make more supplications to Allah for His forgiveness, blessings and mercy. We should be patient because Allah commands us to patiently persevere (2:153). We should remember that Allah shall test us:
“Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil) but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere.” (2:155)
Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “A Muslim male or female, remains subject to trials (in this world); in respect of self, children and property till he or she faces Allah the Exalted (on the Day of Judgment) in a state in which all his or her sins have been remitted.” (Tirmidhi 49)
Do Da’wah according to the Qur’an and the Sunnah
Finally, but not the least, Hajj reminds us of the final great assembly on the Day of Judgment when we will be resurrected from death wherein our wealth, our parents, children, relatives and friends can be of no help to us if we do not observe righteousness. The thing that can best help us is our right conduct. Righteousness is the requirement for Hajj mabrur as Allah, to reiterate, tells us that “the best of provisions is right conduct” (Qur’an 2:197). By performing Hajj mabrur, insha Allah, we will be able to manage our wealth in the halal (lawful way) and spend charity out of it for the pleasure of our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer). We will be able to enjoin righteousness to our children who will continuously pray to Allah for our forgiveness and eternal success. We can ask Allah to bestow us authentic knowledge of Islam and be able to do Da’wah (or invite people to Islam) according to the Qur’an and the Sunnah. We must remember that doing Da'wah is the very Sunnah of the Prophet (s.a.w.) . In this way we can impart Islamic knowledge to our relatives, friends, neighbors and the society and thus be among those who receive Allah’s enormous rewards:
“And he who brings the Truth and he who confirms (and supports) it — such are the men who do right. They shall have all that they wish for, with their Rabb (Only Cherisher and Sustainer). Such is the reward of those who do good: so that Allah will remit from them (even) the worst in their deeds and give them their reward according to the best of what they have done.” (Qur’an 39:33-35)
Admonition to Perform Hajj
For those of us who have not been to Hajj to fulfill the fifth pillar of Islam, time has come to think of the enormous and eternal blessings that Allah gives to those who perform it with right conduct. Do not delay performing Hajj when you have enough money to cover the expenses of the round trip journey to Makkah. Do not delay while you are still young and strong enough to perform the Hajj rituals. Do not wait until you become poor and too old or weak to perform the blessed rituals. Hasten to complete your Islam by the performance of Hajj for death may just come to cut your plans and hopes in life. Indeed, death is certain but as to when it will strike us, we never know; so the best thing is to prepare for it. For your salvation, take admonition from the following authentic hâdîth:
Abu Umamah (r.a.) narrated that Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.) said: “He who is not prevented from performing the pilgrimage by an obvious necessity, a tyrannical ruler, or a disease which confines him at home, and dies without having performed the pilgrimage, may die if he wishes as a Jew, or if he wishes as a Christian.” (Tirmidhi, Hadith 2535 and Darimi)
Conclusion
Performance of Hajj, therefore, is not only a duty that gives us enormous benefits in this worldly life but also a must for our salvation to attain supreme success in the eternal world hereafter. With this fifth pillar of Islam, Allah the Most Merciful has perfected His favor to us when He revealed the following:
“...This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” (Qur’an 5:3)
Allah the Exalted revealed the above very inspiring Ayah (verse) to His Messenger (s.a.w.) during his pilgrimage. It was on the Day of Arafat. Verily, Islam is Allah’s chosen religion. He perfected it for the guidance of all humanity. Any sensible person who believes in the rationality of the Oneness of God and the merits of righteousness, will find Islam as the sole answer to his quest for salvation and eternal happiness or supreme success in the life Hereafter. Glory be to Allah the Almighty for making Hajj a pillar of Islam that brings tremendous rewards to those who perform it sincerely with devotion and right conduct, following the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w).
