The obligation of Hajj must be performed according to the authentic Sunnah (tradition) of the Prophet including his deeds and sayings. While they are performing these rituals, pilgrims are required to recall incidents from the life of the prophets and messengers, may Allah exalt their mention, particularly those of Ibraaheem, may Allah exalt his mention, when he left his child and wife at a place which was a hot desert at that time while his heart was full of faith and was saying as Allah The Exalted Says (what means) through his words: {Our Lord, I have settled some of my descendants in an uncultivated valley near your sacred House, our Lord, that they may establish prayer. So make hearts among the people incline toward them and provide for them from the fruits that they might be grateful.} [Quran 14:37]
Likewise, pilgrims are required to remember the situation of our Prophet and role model, Muhammad while he was performing his last Hajj along with thousands of Muslims. There he addressed them with the Khutbah (sermon) of the Farewell Hajj in which he clarified the essential Islamic pillars and foundations. In addition to other things, the Prophet said: "Your blood and your property are as sacred and inviolable as the sacredness of this day of yours, in this month of yours, in this land of yours. Behold! Everything pertaining to the days of the pre-Islamic era is under my feet completely abolished. Abolished are also the blood revenges of the pre-Islamic era…The usury of the pre-Islamic era is abolished…Fear Allah concerning women…I have left among you the Book of Allah, and if you hold fast to it you would never go astray…”
This Farewell Hajj of the Prophet also witnessed the revelation of the verse in which Allah The Exalted Says (what means): {This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.} [Quran 5:3] This asserts perfection of the religion of Islam as a guidance for the Muslim's entire life. Any attempts to curtail the precepts of this religion under the false allegations of foolish people are rejected. Moreover, tampering with the religion of Allah The Almighty is completely rejected.
These delightful scenes, memories and incidents which a pilgrim recalls while performing the rituals teach us true faith in Allah The Almighty and reliance upon Him. A person who truly relies upon Allah The Almighty while having faith and certainty in what Allah has kept for him, Allah will provide him with what he asked for. In the Quran, He Says (what means): {And whoever relies upon Allah -- then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.} [Quran 65:3]
A person who is granted success from Allah The Almighty to fulfill this great Islamic ritual has an opportunity to renew the covenant with Allah The Almighty, seeking the abundant reward. In a Hadeeth (narration), the Prophet said: "The ‘Umrah to ‘Umrah expiates the in-between sins, and the reward for the valid and accepted Hajj is Paradise." [Muslim]
Hajj is an aspect of Muslim unity; it reminds people of resurrection on the Day of Judgment; it trains Muslims to be patient and perseverant, striving against the self and against the enemies of Islam. It is even considered the best deed. When The Prophet was asked, 'What is the best deed?' He replied: "To have faith in Allah and His Messenger.' The enquirer asked, 'What next?' The Prophet said: 'To perform Jihaad for the sake of Allah.' The enquirer asked, 'What next?' The Prophet said: 'A valid and accepted Hajj.'" [Al-Bukhari, Muslim, At-Tirmithi, Ibn Maajah, An-Nasaa‘i and Ahmad]
‘Aa’ishah, the Mother of the Believers, may Allah be pleased with her, said, "O Messenger of Allah! We find Jihaad (armed struggle) the best of deeds. May we (i.e. women) participate in Jihaad?" The Prophet replied: "No, the best Jihaad for you (i.e. women) is a valid and accepted Hajj." [Al-Bukhari]
Finally, we would like to draw attention to an oft-repeated statement, that "Hajj is an Islamic conference." Undoubtedly, the writers and thinkers who say this imply good meanings which spring from the gathering of Muslims, reflecting on their circumstances and attempting to address their problems.
Although this is very important, this is not the essential goal behind Hajj. Hajj is not restricted to the elite among people, as it happens in conferences which are not held in a specific place or places. Rather, it is an act of worship and traveling to Al-Masjid Al-Haraam in particular is a condition. It is an individual obligation for all Muslims when certain conditions are fulfilled.
Consequently, Hajj is an Islamic ritual which has certain pillars, obligations and conditions; and we are truly in need of comprehending the purposes, consequences and the rationale behind it.
The Divine Promise is sufficient for us for all those who perform a valid and accepted Hajj that their reward will be Paradise.