Getting ready for Hajj

At this very moment, millions of Muslims from across the globe are undergoing preparations to visit the Holy City of Makkah, to undertake the epic Hajj pilgrimage, which takes place every year. Hajj is one of the five central pillars of Islam, upon which the religion is founded. It is an obligation upon every able-bodied and financially capable Muslim, both male and female, to be completed at least once in a lifetime. The entire journey takes place over a period of several days in the Islamic lunar month of Dhul Hijah and includes a series of symbolic rites and rituals.

“And complete the Hajj and ‘umrah for Allah…” Quran 2:196

As you get ready for Hajj, remember to pack lots and lots and lots of patience with you. This journey will not be easy, and you will be tested in every way. It is at times physically, emotionally and mentally challenging and Allah specifically urges Muslims in the Quran to exercise patience during the days of Hajj by avoiding any arguing and sinful behavior. Hajj is also a long-awaited opportunity for you to obtain forgiveness for any lifelong sins and to return back home with a cleansed heart. On the Day of Arafat, the most important day of the pilgrimage, you will stand from noon to sunset begging for God’s mercy, forgiveness, and pleasure. As you’re about to do this, remember to ask forgiveness from the people around you before you leave. If you have harmed anyone in any way possible, meet up with them and ask for forgiveness. And as expected, the rewards for completing a Hajj pilgrimage are absolutely immense in the eyes of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, in fact, informed us that:

“The one who performs Hajj properly, by abstaining from sexual intimacy, avoiding sin and leaving off argumentation; then he shall return from Hajj pure and free from sin, just as the day his mother gave birth to him.” Al-Bukhari The Prophet ﷺ also informed us that: “The reward for an accepted Hajj is nothing less than Paradise.” Ibn Majah

We ask Allah to accept the Hajj of all pilgrims this year and that He makes their journey safe, blessed and accepted. We also ask Allah to grant us all the opportunity to fulfill this journey of a lifetime.