The Wisdom Behind Hajj and ‘Umrah

Question: What is the wisdom in performing Hajj or ‘Umrah?

Answer: The wisdom lies in the fact that Hajj is a pillar of Islam. Allah, the Exalted, says: “Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah by all people who are able to find a way to go to it” (Aal ‘Imran 3:97). The Prophet ﷺ said: “Islam is built upon five pillars: testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; establishing the prayer; giving the zakah; fasting the month of Ramadan; and performing pilgrimage to the House for whoever is able to find a way to it.” Likewise, in the ḥadīth of Jibrīl the Prophet ﷺ said: “Islam is that you testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establish the prayer, pay the zakah, fast Ramadan, and make pilgrimage to the House if you are able to find a way to it.”

Hajj is therefore a pillar of Islam that every capable person must perform. ‘Umrah as well is an act of worship directed to Allah, Majestic and Exalted. Both Hajj and ‘Umrah are tremendous acts of devotion to Allah, involving expenditure of wealth and exertion of the body.

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Choosing Righteous Companions for Hajj

Question: What is incumbent upon someone who intends to perform Hajj for the first time, and what advice do you give him?

Answer: A person who intends to perform Hajj for the first time must carry it out in the prescribed manner. He should accompany people of righteousness who will assist him in obeying Allah and enlighten him about the rites of Hajj if he is unaware of them. This is obligatory for anyone who