Hajj

Above: Al-Haram Mosque and surrounding area at sunset, with every available space filled with Hajj worshippers (Photo © Sacredsites.com). Hajj is the pilgrimage to the "House of Allah subhanawataala (swt)" (i.e., Ka`abah - picture shown below) that is mandated once in a lifetime to those muslims who can afford it. Performance of the hajj-e-Mabroor (full of goodness) is the second best deed for a believing Muslim. The first is our struggle to live a life in the way of Allah (swt), i.e., exclusively for the sake of pleasing Allah (swt) only.

If hajj is done with careful and sincere efforts, as prescribed by Allah (swt) and His prophet, Muhammad (pbh), the past sins are wiped clean, just as a newborn baby. The reward is the closeness to and pleasure of Allah (swt). It is a new beginning for a Muslim after coming back from hajj, i.e., giving up old bad habits and reinvigorating and improving upon the remaining few good habits, the faith and the various beliefs. 

Since Hajj is a "training workshop", we need to ask ourselves after we come home: Have I become a better Muslim human being? Have I now become kinder, gentler person? If not then what should I do now? Perhaps my visit to the House of the Lord of the Universe is blessed with His mercy and forgiveness and I have returned with His favors and the best of these favors is the TAQWA in me? The TAQWA that I acquired in me will dictate that now I do my solat (prayer) better in quality (khusyu'), with punctuality, at its prescribed time and in manner taught by our prophet? Consequently, it will also improve my other deeds too (additional benefits of hajj), as Allah (swt) says in the Quran, "they should come here for their own benefits!"? I must reevaluate myself... 

Below: Kaabah is the first House of Worship for Allah (swt). It looks like a cube shaped building. Muslims from all over the world face towards Ka`abah when offering their prayers. The Ka`abah is also called Qibla, a symbol of Muslim unity (Quran 2:149-150). It is the center for guidance, peace and tranquility, security for the mankind and blessings from Allah (swt) (Quran 2:126, 3:97 & 5:97). Allahuakhbar! 

(Reference: A Manual of Hajj and Umrah by Riaz A. Akhtar, M.D., F.A.C.C., Publisher: Khatoons Inc., USA).

Yuzita