The annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the most significant pillars of Islam, obligatory for every able Muslim to undertake at least once in their lifetime. Beyond mere physical travel, Hajj is a spiritual odyssey that encompasses the essence of devotion, community, and self-discovery. In the eyes of a believer, a Hajj Mabrur, or an accepted Hajj, is a life-transforming experience that holds vast virtues in both this life and the hereafter. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the significance and virtues of Hajj Mabrur along with the everlasting impact of a Hajj on a pilgrim’s life.
Understanding the Hajj Mabrur
Firstly, what does Hajj Mabrur stand for? In Islamic teachings, a Hajj Mabrur is a Hajj that is free from any behavior that contradicts the sanctity and purpose of the pilgrimage. It is a Hajj that is performed with sincere intentions and pure devotion, leading to its acceptance by Allah, the Merciful. Here are seven signs of Hajj e Mabrur, you may experience them out.
Importance of Hajj in Islam
According to the teachings of Shariah, Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam. Its performance is obligatory only once in a lifetime. After that, if someone performs Hajj again, it will be considered a voluntary act. The rite of Hajj is initiated by Prophet Ibrahim. After that Prophet Muhammad PBUH taught the right way to perform Hajj with its obligations and recommendations. Allah Almighty mentioned Hajj in Quran as an obligatory act, in chapter 22:27:
“And proclaim to the people the Hajj; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass.”
A lot of rewards and virtues of Hajj mabrur are mentioned in books of hadith too. In this regard, there is a famous hadith about hajj, narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) in which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“O people! Allah has made Hajj obligatory upon you, so perform Hajj.”
The Virtues of Hajj Mabrur
A Hajj Mabrur is the most virtuous deed in the eyes of Allah. It is a testament to a person’s faith, commitment, and willingness to endure hardship for the sake of the pleasure of Allah. The virtues of Hajj Mabrur encompass the blessings of a purified heart and the acquisition of a new lease on life with every soul-fulfilling ritual performed during the pilgrimage.
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Mabrur Hajj is the Most Virtuous Deed
No other act of worship is considered more virtuous than a Hajj Mabrur. The timelessness of the Hajj and the spiritual significance attached to its every movement deem it the pinnacle of spiritual journeys for a Muslim.
Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked, “Which deed is the most virtuous?” He replied, “To have faith in Allah and His Messenger.” Then it was asked, “What comes next after that?” He said, “Jihad.” Then it was asked, “What comes next after that?” He said, “Hajj Mabrur.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
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Hajj is a Source of Purification
Hajj is a spiritual reset button. It is a purification process that cleanses the soul of accumulated sins, leaving the pilgrim with a soaring sense of spiritual rejuvenation. It is narrated from Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah alone and does not indulge in any lewdness or sin during it, will return purified from sins as on the day his mother gave birth to him.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
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Reward of Hajj Mabrur is Paradise
Those who complete a sincere Hajj are promised the highest reward in the afterlife. A Mabrur Hajj secures the pilgrim’s place in Paradise as mentioned in Hadith. Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“The performance of one ‘Umrah to the next is an expiation for the sins committed between them, and the reward of Hajj Mabrur (accepted Hajj) has nothing but Paradise.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
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Hajj Removes Poverty
The virtues of hajj mabrur encounter spiritual as well as economic benefits. It is mentioned in a Hadith that a Hajj Mabrur frees the pilgrim from the clutches of poverty and financial struggle. Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Frequently perform Hajj and Umrah, for they remove poverty and sins just as the bellows remove impurities from iron.” [Ibn Majah]
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Hajj Wipes Away All Sins Committed Before It
Hajj is an opportunity for a believer to seek forgiveness for all the sins they might have committed before the pilgrimage, presenting a fresh start to a virtuous path. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Do you not know that accepting Islam, Hijrah (migration for the sake of Allah) and Hajj wipes away all sins committed before it?” [Muslim]
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One Virtue During Hajj Equals One Hundred Thousand Virtues
There are countless virtues of Hajj Mabrur. The faith and actions of a pilgrim during Hajj are multiplied in rewards. This encourages kindness, charity, and an abundance of good deeds that are performed on this spiritual terrain. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“One virtue equals one hundred thousand virtues.” – [Bazaz, Kabir, Ausat]
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Hajj is a Jihad for Women
Women who perform Hajj with sincerity are also rewarded for their efforts, as their role in this pillar of Islam is as potent and essential as that of any man. Their struggle and sacrifices while on the pilgrimage are honored as a form of jihad in Islam. In a famous hadith, Ummul Momineen Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said:
“I asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah! We know that Jihad is the best deed. Should we not then strive (in Jihad)?” He (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, ‘No, the best Jihad for you (women) is Hajj Mabrur (an accepted pilgrimage).” [Bukhari]
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Acceptance of Supplications
The plains of Arafat, where pilgrims gather to seek forgiveness, are believed to have an aura of mercy. The supplications made here are accepted, as promised by the Prophet Muhammad,
“Those who perform Hajj and Umrah are guests of Allah. If they supplicate to Allah, He answers their supplications, and if they ask for forgiveness, He forgives them.” [Ibn Majah]
The Everlasting Impact of a Hajj
The conclusion of Hajj marks the beginning of a profound change within the heart of the pilgrim. The virtues of Hajj Mabrur do not end with the completion of its rituals but instead, manifest a legacy that endures within the individual and the broader Muslim community. The lessons learned during Hajj – of unity, compassion, humility, and faith – serve as a continuous source of inspiration and a guide for leading a fulfilling Islamic life.
In essence, undertaking a Hajj is an act that redefines one’s spiritual boundaries, reshapes one’s life goals, and reaffirms one’s commitment to their faith. It instills a deep sense of gratitude, a heightened awareness of the divine, and an unbreakable bond with fellow Muslims. The virtues of Hajj Mabrur are not only a bridge to the next life but also a foundation for a life lived with purpose and meaning, by the teachings of Islam.