How to Benefit from Hajj

Fellow Muslims! Fear Allaah, for you are now in a holy land and holy season; avail yourself of these two privileges so that you may prosper.

Brethren in faith! Social gatherings and assemblies, however high and noble their objectives may be, can never reach the sublimity of the goal of this gathering of pilgrimage to the House of Allaah in this sacred land, which Allaah has sanctified, protected and bestowed with complete and comprehensive security in which men, animals and plants are all guaranteed protection; (this land) in which tranquility has descended and the banner of Islaam is raised. Allaah says which means, “Indeed, the first House (of worship) established for mankind was that at Bakkah (i.e., Makkah) – blessed and a guidance for the worlds. In it are clear signs (such as) the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it (i.e., the Haram) shall be safe. And (due) to Allaah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves (i.e., refuses) – then indeed, Allaah is free from need of the worlds.'” (Aal-‘Imraan: 96-97)

Hajj is ordained so that it can serve as a meeting point for the brothers (in faith), a gathering for devotees and a refuge for the believers. They assemble there in answer to the call of Prophet Ibraaheem whom Allaah commanded thus, “…’Do not associate anything with Me and purify My House for those who perform tawaaf (circumambulation of the Ka’bah) and those who stand (in prayer) and those who bow and prostrate. And proclaim to the people the Hajj (pilgrimage); they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass – That they may witness (i.e., attend) benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allaah on known (i.e., specific) days over what He has provided for them of (sacrificial) animals. So eat of them and feed the miserable and poor.’” (Al-Hajj: 26-28)

Witnessing things that are of benefit, which is among the most prominent goals of Hajj, is an issue firmly connected to this obligation as it is one of its fruits. There are indeed countless benefits which all relate to the realization of the improvement of one’s life in this world and the next, elevation of the Muslim nation and the achievement of the pleasure of Allaah. Promoting solidarity amongst Muslims, working towards their unity and mending the broken relationships among them are some of the greatest benefits of Hajj, which plays a great role in preserving the Islaamic brotherhood that is highly extolled and blessed by Allaah when He says which means, “The believers are but brothers…” (Al-Hujuraat: 10)