The season of Hajj is approaching. Normally, millions of Muslims prepare to observe this worship at this time every year. They prepare to gather in Makkah and the sacred places to respond to Allah’s invitation to visit His House; an invitation announced by Prophet Ibrahim and then renewed by Prophet Muhammad.
However, the situation this year is pretty unusual. Over 99% of would-be pilgrims will not be able to observe Hajj this year due to COVID-19.
It is sad to see the Holy sites not overflowing with worshipers from all corners of the globe as usual. We will miss the awe-inspiring scene of millions of pilgrims praying together and observing the different rituals of Hajj.
Hadiths about Hajj
But why is Hajj so important? Why does Hajj ban cause all this frustration among many Muslims?
The following collection of Hadiths show how Muslims see Hajj and why they hold it dear.
A Pillar of Islam
Among the many and diverse rituals of Islam, Hajj is a main component. It is an indispensable pillar of Islam according to the following hadith:
1. `Abdullah ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying:
“Islam has been built on five [pillars]:
testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah,
performing the prayers,
paying the zakah,
making the pilgrimage to the House, and
fasting in Ramadan.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
? Read Also: What Quran Says About Hajj Blessings
Once in a Lifetime
Despite the great significance of Hajj, it is enough to do it only one time in your whole life. Islam is easy and takes into consideration the difficulties that pilgrims go through:
2. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that one day the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) addressed people saying:
“O people! Allah has prescribed Hajj upon you, so perform it.“
A man asked, ‘Every year, O Messenger of Allah?’
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) kept silent. When the man repeated his question thrice, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Had I answered in the affirmative, it would have become a (yearly) obligation, and this would have been beyond your capacity.”
Then he added:
“Leave me alone so long as I leave you alone (i.e. do not ask questions about things I didn’t mention). What caused the destruction of the people before you was that they used to ask so many questions, and disagree with their Prophets.
So when I command you to do something, do it to the extent of your ability, and if I forbid you from doing something, avoid it.” (Muslim)
A Special Rank and Value
The Companions were keen to know the best deeds so that they can prioritize their good actions according to their value.
Here is one of the beautiful hadiths about Hajj that shows its special position:
3. Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet was asked, “Which deed is the best?”
The Prophet said, “Belief in Allah and His Messenger.”
He was asked again, “What is next?”
The Prophet said, “Jihad [striving] in the cause of Allah.”
He was further asked, “And what is next?”
He said, “Hajj mabroor [i.e. Hajj accepted by Almighty Allah]” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
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