Spiritual and Social Objectives of Hajj Every Muslim Should Know

Millions of Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia to perform the annual pilgrimage. But what is it that Allah wants us to learn from this sacred journey? What are the objectives of Hajj? An understanding of these objectives leads to a more virtuous and fulfilling journey.

Significance of Hajj in Islam

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is obligatory for every Muslim who is financially and physically capable. Hajj is a gateway to Heaven. There is immense direct reward for performing Hajj. Moreover, it changes a person positively so that he stays away from evil, eventually leading him to Paradise. Allah says in the Holy Quran,

“And proclaim to the people the Hajj… so that they may witness benefits for themselves…”

According to a hadith,

“Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity or commit any evil will go back (free of) sin as on the day his mother bore him”.

Spiritual Objectives of Hajj

We are so engrossed in our mundane material world that we forget the real purpose of life. Hajj leads to spiritual renewal of a person. Here are some key spiritual objectives of Hajj.

● Strengthen Faith

It is a great privilege for any Muslim to embark on the holy journey since it is a reply to an invitation from Allah. This makes a person believe that he is dear to Allah. This conviction strengthens his faith in Allah. Thus, he proclaims,

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْك

“Here I am, O Allah, here I am.”

● Sincere Repentance

To gain trivial worldly benefit, we conveniently lie, deceive or commit any sin. We are so drenched in sins that we do not feel any shame. However, when a person sees the Holy Kabah, all his wrongdoings flood into his mind. He feels embarrassed and repentful. Just then, dawns Allah’s all-extending mercy. He is there to forgive anyone who sincerely repents. Allah loves his people beyond any limit. He is the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Hence, through Hajj, he gives a chance to the people to come back to Him and start life afresh.

● Wipe Out Materialism From The Heart

Social validation has become very important for people. They spend lavishly on branded clothes, their accessories, and other belongings. This never-ending race of becoming someone valuable corrupts the heart. When a person performs Hajj, he does things he would never do in usual circumstances. Adorned in plain white simple garb, rich and poor, everyone performs tawaf around the Holy Kabah. They spend the night beneath the sky in Muzdalifah. All these experiences strip off any love for the material world or wish to be accepted as a highly affluent person. Only the love for Allah remains in heart.

Islam is a social religion whose teachings focus on social revival of Muslims. Hajj is a classic example of this. Here are some social objectives of Hajj.

● Unity Among Muslims

Muslims from all over the world, wear the same clothes, perform the same rituals together and bow in front of their Lord together. There is no segregation by race, gender, or social status. They all chant Takbir and Talbiyah in a single voice. This is an overwhelming experience of Hajj that boosts unity and brotherhood among Muslims.

● Discipline

For the correct performance of rituals it is important that the pilgrims remain disciplined and patient. They must be focused on worship in extremely tiring conditions. Hence, Hajj builds discipline and resilience among the pilgrims.

● Humility

Pilgrims share time, food, and experience with each other. People from different nations and social backgrounds spend considerable time together. Moreover, what a person experiences at Muzdalifah or at the plains of Arafat, he realizes all his vanity is worthless. He is nothing but a slave of Allah. Therefore, Hajj builds humility among the pilgrims.

● Care For Others

When people spend such difficult times together as in Hajj, they tend to reach out to those in need. The strong and resourceful help those who are physically weak. Helping someone with a wheelchair, looking after a child, or showing way to someone who is lost, are some gestures that build compassion and care for others.

Final Words

A responsible Hajj tour operator such as iLink Tours, guides the pilgrims in such a way so they may keep their focus on the spiritual and social objectives of Hajj. With the best Hajj package from Chicago, it gives full support to the pilgrims to get the best from their sacred journey.

Hence, keep these objectives in mind as you embark on your Hajj trip for a spiritually fulfilling trip.