The significance of Hajj in Quran and Hadeeth

Humankind is presented with a great occasion to get liberated from daily chores and devote them in the full grace of Him. Allah Sub??nahu wa-ta??l? (May He be glorified and exalted) emphasises the significance of Hajj in the Quran in several Sorahs. Verses that illustrate the significance of Hajj in Quran and Hadeeth are given below.

“And announce to mankind the Hajj. They will come to you on foot and on every sinewy camel; they will come from every deep and distant (to perform Hajj)”. (22:27)

“We have accomplished the shrine (The Holy Kabah) a focal point for the people, and a safe sanctum. You may use Abraham’s shrine as a prayer house. We empower Abraham and Ismail: “You shall purify my house for those who visit, those who live there, and those who nod and prostrate”. (2:125)

“They ask you about the facet of the moon! Say, “They provide a timing contrivance for the people, and determine the time of Hajj”. It is not creditable to beat around the bush; righteousness is acquire by upholding the commandments and by being straightforward. You shall observe GOD that you may succeed”. (2:189)

Quran also says that Allah is pleased towards those people who seek forgiveness. When people pray at Arafat by doing Wakuf or achieve His grace at the sacred location of Muzdalifah, they simply honour Him for guiding them. Those who have gone adrift before can achieve Allah’s grace by performing Hajj. Merciful Allah does not need you to worship him, but it is for your benefit He creates Hajj. Performing Hajj is like to securing a place in heaven and seeking Allah’s mercy on the final judgment day.

The significance of Hajj in Hadeeth

Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (PBUH), has performed only one hajj in His lifetime. Muhammad, peace be upon him (PBUH), has also declared hajj a JIHAD for children, women, old and weak people. Numerous Hadeeth on hajj explain the significance of Hajj, some of the Hadeeth about hajj are given below:

Ibn e Umar R.A articulates that Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (PBUH), has said: “Islam is built upon five pillars: testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad SAW is the Messenger of Allah, subsidising regular prayer, paying Zakah, Hajj and fasting Ramadan”. (Al- Bukhari 8; Muslim 16)

Abu Hurayrah RA has stated that Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (PBUH),  is asked which endeavour is the greatest. He has replied, “Belief in Allah and His messenger”. He is asked, what does come after that? He has said, “Jihad for the sake of Allah”. He is asked, then what? He finally has said, “An accepted Hajj”. (Al-Bukhari 26; Muslim 83)