‘And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House -for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whosever disbelives – then indeed, Allah (SWT) is free from need of the worlds.’ [Quran 3:97]

Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which makes it compulsory for every Muslim to complete it at least once in their lifetime. When the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) performed his first Hajj in the year 628, he laid the foundation of the holy pilgrimage and re-established the traditions of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).

Hajj brings together Muslims from all walks of life and serves as a reminder of how we are all equal in the eyes of Allah (SWT). No matter your culture, ethnicity, or status, those who perform Hajj all unite for the same purpose, to attain closeness to Allah (SWT).

There are many benefits of performing Hajj.

1. It is one of the best and most righteous deeds.

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (SAW) was asked: “‘What is the best deed?’ He replied: ‘To have faith in Allah (SWT) and His Messenger.’ The enquirer asked: ‘What next?’ The Prophet (SAW) said: ‘To perform Jihaad for the Sake of Allah (SWT).’ The enquirer asked: ‘What next?’ The Prophet (SAW) said: ‘A valid and accepted Hajj.’” (Bukhari)

2. Performing Hajj purifies you of your sins. Islam teaches us to cleanse ourselves of sins like greed, envy and worldliness, to earn success in the Hereafter.

The Prophet (SAW) said, “Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity and wrongdoing, he, or she, will come out as the day he, or she, was born – pure and sinless.” (Bukhari)

3. The reward of performing Hajj with increased Taqwa (being God-conscious) and to a high standard of perfection, is Paradise.

“A Mabroor Hajj, complete and accepted, has no reward for it but Jannah.” (Muslim)

4. Hajj eradicates poverty and sins. Hajj does not eliminate poverty, it instead teaches us to be compassionate towards others and give charity and that is what contributes to reducing poverty.

“Perform Hajj and ‘Umrah successively for they remove poverty and sins just as fire removes the impurities of iron.” (Tirmidhi)

5. Those performing Hajj are guests of Allah (SWT). He is attentive to their needs and listens to their prayers closely.

“The fighter for the Sake of Allah and the one observing the Hajj and ‘Umrah are the guests of Allah; He invited them and they responded, and when they ask Him, He gives them.” (Ibn Maajah)

Not everyone can perform Hajj, either due to their health or poverty. For them, Allah (SWT) has made it easier to gain similar rewards of Hajj.

The Prophet (SAW) said: “Whoever performs the Fajr (dawn prayer) in congregation, then sits to remember Allah until the sun rises, and then performs a two-Rak‘ah (unit of prayer) prayer, his reward will be equal to that of Hajj and ‘Umrah, completely, completely, completely.” (At-Tirmithi)

Amongst the many spiritual and social benefits of performing Hajj, the greatest benefit is entering Paradise by being compassionate towards others regardless of their status, following the practices and rituals established by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Muhammad (SAW). That is inclusive of Hajj and Qurbani, and declaring the belief in Islamic monotheism is the gateway to paradise.

Due to Covid-19, Hajj has not been as busy in recent years, but you can still give your Qurbani during Dhul Hijjah to Orphans in Need. Find out more about giving your Qurbani to an orphan and widow family here.

When performing Hajj, there are many duas that are important to read:

Du’a for travelling:

Bismillah, tawakkaltu ‘alallah, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah.

This translates to “I begin with the Name of Allah; I trust in Allah; there is no altering of conditions but by the Power of Allah.”

One should also recite the dua of Hajj – Talbiyah dua to make the intention.

Labbayka Allāhumma labbayk. Labbayk lā shareeka laka labbayk. Inna al-ḥamda, wa n-‘imata, Laka wal mulk. Lā shareeka lak.

“Here I am, O Allah, here I am, here I am. You have no partner; here I am. Verily all praise and blessings are Yours and all sovereignty. You have no partner.” This is recited during Hajj when circulating the Kaaba.

There are also benefits of performing Umrah. Umrah benefits include allowing pilgrims to visit Makkah and Madinah, erase sins, and become closer to Allah SWT.