Hajj: ancient journey in modern times

As the fifth pillar of Islam, Hajj is a must for those faithful who can travel physically and financially. Over the years, the numerical increase of the Group umrah packages uk 2018-2019 has been phenomenal. Of the more than one hundred thousand who performed Hajj with the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa salaam (may Allah exalt his mention) in 10 a. H., we have about 2.5 million each year. The number would be 10 times more if the Saudi government had not applied a quota of pilgrimage for Muslim countries due to logistical reasons.

Speaking of the moving of the Hajj, the year in which the Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa salaam (may Allah exalt his mention) performed Hajj, a Companion that Allah be pleased with him fell off his camel, which he accidentally trampled and broke his neck. The Companion, May Allah be pleased with him, died of wounds. The Prophet, sallallaahu'alayhi wa salaam (may Allah exalt his mention), said: "Bathe your body with water and Sidr (lotus tree leaves) and bury it with both garments, do not cover your head, or touch it with camphor ... because it will indeed be returned (to Allah) on the Day of Resurrection in the state of Talbiyah! (Saying Labbayk Allaahumma Labbayk). "[Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

In another incident, 'Amr Ibn Al-'Aas, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated: "When Islam entered my heart, I went to the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu' alayhi wa sallam, and I said: give me your hand to I can swear allegiance to you.”The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, extended his hand, but I withdrew mine. He, sallallaahu'alayhi wa sallam, said: "What's wrong, Amr?” I said: "I want to make a condition." And what is that? "Sallallahu 'alayhi wa salaam (may Allah exalt his mention) said,' May Allah forgive me. '" Then the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu' alayhi wa sallam, said: "Did you not know that Islam erased what came before, and that the Hegira (migration) erases what came before and Hajj erases what came before! "[Muslim]

He, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, also said: "Whoever realizes the Hajj and does not commit any obscenity or transgression, returns (free from sin) as the day his mother was born." [Al-Bukhari]

The reward for an accepted Hajj, said that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, is nothing but Jannah (Paradise).

This is the key: Jannah's reward comes from an accepted Hajj and the results of acceptance of purity of intention and adherence to Allah's commands. Some of us come from Hajj feeling inner tranquility; some feeling uncomfortable that they were not always patient during the Hajj; others expressing their dissatisfaction for not having received the promised comfort of their tour operator.

Western pilgrims generally receive many tips on what to do and what to expect during Hajj. However, there is nothing that can replace the inspiring and terrifying personal experience. Despite its challenges, our Hajj is a field day compared to that performed by the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and the Muslims of earlier times. Then there were no planes or cars, or five-star hotels; even the boats were flimsy by today's standards. Traveling on the sea and through the desert exposed the pilgrims to pirates and thieves. The trip to Mecca took weeks. The people said goodbye to the pilgrims as if embarking on a journey of no return.