“So complete the Hajj-Pilgrimage and the Umrah solely for [the sake of] Allah,”(2:196)

Dear Pilgrim,

The most beloved deeds to Allah are indeed those He (SWT) obligated on us. Abu Hurairah (R) reported that the Messenger of Allah (S) said, “Allah said, ‘Nothing brings my servant closer to me but what I have made obligated on him’.” [Bukhari] The pilgrimage in itself is a response to the call of Allah and it is during these rituals that the pilgrim fulfills the last pillar of Islam. The Prophet (S) said, “Islam is built on five; to witness that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, establish prayer, give charity, fast Ramadan and perform Hajj.” [Bukhari]

Hajj requires much sacrifice including time, money and effort. The devotion required to perform the rituals of Hajj elevate you spiritually and increase your connection with your Creator. Muslim pilgrims share that when performing Hajj and even at the sight of the Ka’bah they feel the matters of this world desert their thoughts and very being as their souls ascend to their noble purpose for which they were created.

In performing this act of worship, a Muslim is granted mercy and forgiveness. A pilgrim is promised that his sincerity will cause him to return home with all of his sins forgiven like being born again. This purification from sins renews their faith and makes them steadfast and keeps Satan’s whispers away. Abu Hurairah (R) said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah (S) saying, “Whoever performed Hajj, did not encounter sexual relations and did not disobey Allah, he will return from his sins like the day his mother gave birth to him.” [Bukhari]

Hajj teaches the highest levels of patience. A pilgrim during Hajj bears the hardships of travel, leaves their family, deals with companions of the journey, shares crowded places, meets new cultures and lifestyles and so much more which require patience and self-discipline. Allah (SWT) says, “Allah is with those who are of patience,”(2:153)

Hajj provides the pilgrim with an opportunity to connect with their history as a Muslim. The pilgrim follows in the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim (A), his wife Hajar and their son Ismail (A). Making tawaf allows us to share the experiences of both Ibrahim (A) and Ismail (A) as they walked around the Ka’bah praising Allah (SWT) and beseeching Him. As the pilgrim races to do sa’ee between Safa and Marwa he recalls the faith of Hajar who remained alone with her infant in the dessert with full reliance on her Creator. Tossing stones at Al-Jamarat reminds the pilgrim of the trials and tribulations Ibrahim (A) was challenged with as he submitted to His Creator’s command to slaughter his own son. Visiting Makkah and Madinah, the two cities which gave birth to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (S), his Sahabah (R), our faith, is one of the most unforgettable components of the pilgrimage experience.

During Hajj the pilgrim tastes a genuine sense of equality, unity and brotherhood. People of all different colors, races, cultures, and geographical areas all come together wearing the same clothes, uttering the same words, united under one theme of Tawhid, and join together in the same acts of worship before their Creator.

To all those who have been blessed with the opportunity to go to Hajj this year we remind you to be grateful to Allah (SWT) for allowing you to do so, to do your best to perfect your performance of Hajj, to make dua’a for your families and to ease the hardship of Muslims around the world.

May Allah (SWT) accept from you, reward you, and return you to your families and community safe and forgiven.

Ameen