Alhamdulillah, we have now entered the months of Hajj. Many of the Hujjaaj (people going for hajj) have already left and will only be returning after Eidul Adha.
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) has said that the entire building of Islam is built upon five pillars, i.e. Imaan, Salaah, Zakaat, Fasting and Hajj.
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. Allah Ta’ala has made Hajj compulsory once in a lifetime upon all Muslims who can afford to go.
The days of Hajj are the 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th of Zul Hijjah. During the 5 days of Hajj, the Hujjaaj go to different places like Makkah, Mina, Arafah and Muzdalifah where they perform some special acts of Ibaadah.
We should make dua to Allah Ta’ala to also take us for Hajj one day, inshaAllah.
Virtues of Hajj
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) has said, “The one who performs hajj for the sake of pleasing Allah Ta’ala and does not utter any evil word while performing his Hajj, nor commits any evil deed, he shall return from it free of sins like the day his mother gave birth to him.”
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) also said, “Surely there shall be no reward for an accepted hajj except Jannah.”
A Brief Description of The Five Days of Hajj:
What Can we do to get the Reward of Hajj
ISHRAAQ SALAAH:
Hadhrat Anas Ibn Malik (radiyallahu anhu) reports that Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:
“Whoever offers his Fajr Salaah with jamaat, and then remains seated remembering Allah Ta’ala until after sunrise, and then he offers two rakaats of salaah (Ishraaq), will receive the reward of one complete Haj and one complete ‘Umrah”
Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) repeated the word “complete” thrice. (Tirmidhi: 586)
SERVING ONE’S MOTHER:
Hadhrat Anas (radiyallahu anhu) reports that a man came to Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and said: “I wish to participate in Jihaad, but I cannot afford it.”
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) enquired if any of his parents were alive, to which he said: “Yes! My mother is alive”
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:
“Show Allah how you serve her. If you do so (sincerely) you will be like a: Haji, a Mu’tamir (one doing ‘Umrah) and a Mujaahid (One striving in Allah’s way).”
The above Hadith proves that one who cares for his/her parents, will indeed receive the rewards of Haj, ‘Umrah and striving in Allah’s way.