Not long ago we completed the month of Ramadan, one of the great rituals that has been the practice of prophets and believers for thousands of years. We now, however, have another timeless pillar of religion about to arrive, another opportunity to be reminded of our constant journey to our Maker. I'm talking about Hajj, or the Great Pilgrimage to Makkah. Obviously, it's not too early to make our preparations for this act of worship, whether we will personally go or not. We will be having classes in the Mosque about Hajj, and we invite all to come, even if you plan to go next year or after. The beauty of the Pilgrimage is that learning about it can bring its graces into your life even at home. Of course, there's no replacement for performing this obligation. Its lessons, however, can be part of our lives wherever we happen to be. I'll mention a few now.
Humility: For a number of days during the Hajj, millions of people of all races come to Makkah for a single purpose. The Pilgrim, by choice, is one face among millions of faces of all colors. In the crowd, you can bump into people of all professions, challenges, and prestige. It's hard to tell the difference. As a result, our identity is truly cleansed, and we are left with the realization that we are (all of humanity) creatures of one God who asks of us to remember Him and prepare for our eventual return. Wealth, prestige, and all kinds of distractions can make us forget that the only rank that really matters is our rank in the eyes of Allah, who loves piety, patience, humility, and devotion. During Hajj we learn humility in our dress and in being part of a great gathering in remembrance of God and His enormous blessings. Humility, whether in Chicago or in Makkah, opens doors of graces.
Gentleness and patience: Those who perform the Hajj are reminded often that they must avoid all kinds of argumentation or even the gestures of impatience or anger. What's interesting about this is that when people are in crowds, it becomes easier to lose patience. Learning self-control is always and forever an important personal achievement. If we are asked, if not demanded, to be patient when patience is especially challenging, then we must realize that these virtues of patience, gentleness, and calmness mean much to Allah Himself as He evaluates us, no matter where we may be. If you're going to Hajj this year, then remember to be calm and patient. But if you're not 
going to Hajj, then still remember these values in your homes with your family, spouses, and all who are near you. Some of the most hurtful things that people do are done out of impatience and lack of compassion and lack of gentleness. The lessons of Hajj were never meant to stay in Makkah. On the contrary, we are supposed to bring with us these enormous benefits. It's not the title of "Hajji" or "Hajja" that matters, it's about becoming better human beings. It's about having high character that sometimes can only be learned by making a journey and being among multitudes of like-minded people.
There are many more aspects of Hajj that we can learn or re-learn as the blessed season comes upon us. Let us remember them during the magnificent days of Islam's 12th month, Dhu'l-Hijja. Let us remember them with fasting, contemplation, reading the Quran, having lessons at mosques, or reading many books about Hajj and its many benefits. Whatever you choose to do, remember that this opportunity is for everyone, even those who do not go to the Pilgrimage this year.
I'd like to remind you and myself that the purpose of religion is not to waste our time. It makes no sense that Allah would ask of us to perform rites of worship -- whether fasting, prayer, or Hajj - without there being tremendous benefit to us. Truly, Allah does not need our devotions. He does not need for us to fast or pray. He does not need for us to travel thousands of miles and perform timeless acts of worship. He needs nothing, especially from us. All of these rituals are for our benefit. They bring light and guidance into our lives. They are joyous and they invite meaning to our lives, which is especially vital these days in which there is so much confusion about what is real and what is fake; what is long lasting and what vanishes; what is good for our hearts and what corrupts it.
We are moving towards Allah. This journey does not stop or pause. It is constant and certain. We have a choice to work for a blissful journey's end, that is, to stand before Allah with hope for His gracious reward. All of Allah's prophets and messengers taught their people to prepare for that day. I pray that we all reap the benefits of these opportunities, like the days of Hajj. And we pray for peace in our souls, families, and all of humanity.
Sh. Jamal Said