As we know that Hajj is the basic and the fifth pillar of Islam. It is an actual duty we owe unto Allah. It should be performed once in lifetime by one who can afford and bear its expenses. Allah the Exalted says:
“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 one’s conveyance, provision and residence).” [Al -‘Imran 3:97]
SOME AUTHENTIC E-BOOKS ON PERFORMING HAJJ AND UMRAH
Hajj is one of the greatest and best righteous deeds through which we can obtain bliss, success and the Good Pleasure of Allah. There are several authentic Ahadith, which highlight and indicate the great virtues of Hajj; among them are the followings:
It is essential to adopt good behavior during Hajj. Always act and behave in a manner that will please Allah. Abu Hurrairah (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“One who performs Hajj to this House (Ka’bah) and does not approach his wife for sexual relations nor commits sins (while performing Hajj), he will come out as sinless as a newborn child (just delivered by his mother).” (Al-Bukhar 1819)
Whoever performs Hajj properly (according to the Sunnah, not to indulge in obscenity and transgression) all his previous sins will be forgiven and he will be considered as sinless as a newborn. Abu Hurrairah (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Whoever performs Hajj and does not indulge in obscenity or transgression will come out as sinless as a newborn child (just delivered by his mother).” (Al-Bukhari 1820)
Hajj is one of the greatest and best righteous deeds that pleases our Lord. Abu Hurrairah (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
“The Prophet (PBUH) was asked, “Which is the best deed?” He said, “To believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad, PBUH).” He was then asked, “Which is the next (in goodness)?” He said, “To participate in Jihad in Allah’s Cause.” He was again asked, “Which is the next?” He said, “To perform Hajj-Mabrur.” (Al-Bukhari 1519) (Hajj-Mabrur is the accepted Hajj or Hajj that is free from vices and defects)
The reward of Hajj-Mabrur is nothing but Paradise. Abu Hurrairah (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“(The performance of) Umrah is an 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.” (Al-Bukhari 1773)
The pilgrim and Mu‘tamir (one who performs Umrah) are the delegates or the guests of Allah (Wafd Allah). Abu Hurrairah (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“The guests of Allah are three: The Gahzi (the warrior who fights in Jihad), the pilgrim and the person performing Umrah.” (An-Nisai 2626)
These three are the special guests of Allah because their long journey is purely for the sake of Allah. They are, as it were, going forth to meet Allah, the Most High.
These are the virtues of Hajj in the light of authentic Ahadith. We ask Allah the Exalted to accept this from us and to forgive us. Ameen
