Hajj is one of the greatest pillars of Islamic faith that Allah Almighty has made obligatory on the Muslims at least once in their lifetime. However, it’s an obligation for only those who are able to find a way to do it i.e., affording it financially as well as physically. People have been undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage from the times of Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), as per the orders of Allah Almighty, and till the end of times, it will not stop. That’s the reason Muslims, millions in number, keep on traveling from all across the globe for the holy rituals in Makkah through cheap hajj packages.
Being granted the opportunity to perform hajj is one of the greatest blessings of Allah Almighty that a believer dreams of. Since Hajj travel requires a person to spend from its financial as well as physical abilities, Allah Almighty has not made it obligatory for every Muslim but who can afford it. All in all, when a person gets an opportunity to perform hajj in its lifetime, he/she must not delay it.
Here’s a brief description of the virtues of Hajj.
Removes poverty.
Performing Hajj pilgrimage often wipes out the financial difficulties for a person. Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) said in a Hadith; (description) one must perform Hajj and Umrah successively because they remove poverty and sins for a person just like the fire removes the impurities of iron.
One of the best deeds.
Hajj is one of the best deeds performed in the obedience of Allah Almighty. Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) said in a hadith; (description) three deeds are the best; To have faith in Allah and His Messenger; To perform Jihad for the Sake of Allah; A valid and accepted Hajj.
The reward of Paradise.
If one has performed the Hajj pilgrimage with righteous and honest intentions while completing all of its rituals as per the sunnah of the Holy Prophet (SAWW), the reward is of entry to Paradise. Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Holy Prophet (SAWW) said in a hadith; (description) Paradise is the reward of an accepted Hajj.
Jihad of Women.
For those who are unable to perform Jihad or are not obliged to observe it in the Shariah i.e., women, elderly people, children, sick, and the weak ones; the performance of hajj is the best alternative. Jihad is one of the greatest acts of worship and in terms of reward, Hajj equals Jihad for the Sake of Allah Almighty. Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) said in a hadith that; (description) the best Jihad for women is the performance of valid and accepted Hajj.
Expiation of Sins.
Hajj purifies a believer’s soul from all sins committed in the past. It has been narrated in the hadith of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW); (description) Whoever undertakes Hajj pilgrimage during which he neither commits sexual intercourse nor sins, will return sinless i.e., just like a newborn child.
These are some of the virtues of the Hajj pilgrimage.
