The Obligation Of Hajj

Hajj originated from the command of Allah (SWT) to Ibrahim (AS), as mentioned in the Quran Surah Al-Hajj (22): 27:

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.

The Islamic tradition of Hajj begins thus:

“My voice will not be heard by them, O Allah!”

“What is important is saying the call, We will listen.”

لَبَّيْْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لاَ شَرِيْكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ لاَ شَرِيْكَ لَكَ.

Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaik ala syariika laaka Labbaik. Innal Hamda wanni’mata laka wal Mulka, laa syarikalak.

I come to Your call O Allah, I come to Your call, I come to Your call You have no partner, I come to Your call. Surely all praise, gratitude and all power is Yours, You have no partner.

Hajj has returned and is calling the servants of Allah (SWT) who have been invited by Him to visit to the house of Allah (SWT). All rejoice for the people who have already received His call, but for those who have not had a chance, there is hope that  they will someday soon be permitted to be the guest of Allah (SWT). Amen.

Hajj by aMuslima
Hajj by aMuslima

Hajj to the Holy city of Makkah for visiting the Kaba is an obligation for all Muslims that are able to do so. People who visit the house of Allah (SWT) will feel happiness, nervousness or even excessive fears. These feelings appear in the heart of those leaving for Hajj as Hajj is intended for people who are ready and able to fulfill the call of Allah (SWT). For this reason it is important to prepare the heart and mind for carrying out the rituals that must be performed during the Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

We can find terms and the pillars of hajj in many articles, but the most important is the intention and the straightening of our hearts for the purpose of fulfilling Allah’s call. We should clean our motivations of various heart diseases and make the intention that we answer the call of the Hajj for Allah (SWT) alone.

Allah says in the Holy Qur’an Surah Al-Imran: 97, namely:

In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.

Departure to the holy land to perform the 5th pillar of Islam has several requirements. The following are the required pillars and obligations Hajj.

The Obligation of Hajj

The obligations of Hajj and the requirements that must be met by the individual performing  it are:

  1. Islam
  2. Rationality
  3. Baligh (Maturity)
  4. Freedom
  5. Able-mindedness

Islam, the pilgrimage is intended for all Muslims. Mecca and Medina are sacred places and non-Muslims are not allowed to come the holy land of Mecca and Medina.

Rationality, many rituals must be performed during hajj, so being rational (not insane) is one of the obligations of Hajj in order to not interfere with the acts of worship for the one who is performing hajj.

Baligh, (Maturity), Hajj is only obligatory for those who are already baligh, as this is the age when an individual understands the meaning of being a Muslim and is thus able to complete the pilgrimage.

Freedom is the ability to independently perform the pilgrimage, either materially, physically or mentally.

Able-mindedness, Capable of carrying out of the rules materially and capable of completing all of the pillars and obligations of Hajj.

 

 

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