Devotion in Hajj

Devotion in Hajj

Hajj is a journey full of symbolism, for it represents the soul’s journey towards the Almighty. All its aspects are replete with profound meanings about life. when performing Hajj we decipher that each rite and stage reveals and embodies our strong devotion to Allah.

" So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord." (Surah Al-Kahf : 110)

And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allah, and worship none but Him Alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him), and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) and give Zakat, and that is the right religion. (Surah Al-Bayyina : 5)

So worship Allah (Alone) by doing religious deeds sincerely for Allah's sake only.  Surely the religion (i.e. the worship and the obedience) is for Allah only. And those who take Auliya' (protectors, helpers, lords, gods) besides Him (say): " We worship them only that they may bring us near to Allah." Verily Allah will judge between them concerning that wherein they differ. Truly, Allah guides not him who is a liar, and a disbeliever. (Surah Az-Zumar :2,3)

In Islam, devotion and loyalty in worship means to worship only for the sake of Allah’s love and his veneration in the hope of gaining his reward and satisfaction. You see them bowing and falling down prostrate (in prayer), seeking Bounty from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure. (Surah Al-Fath : 29).

Thus, any kind of worship whether by performing Hajj or any other act of worship is not accepted unless it is solely performed for Allah’s sake. Thus, Hajj pilgrims must be faithful and loyal to the Almighty. They must not make from their Hajj trip a touristic or commercial one.

Moreover, pilgrims must be sincere in their intentions. One should not seek to be called “HAJJI” and avoid talking much about his/her Hajj trip intending to let others know about his/her performance of Hajj.

Pilgrims should avoid speaking about the hardships they encountered during their trip too. Such behaviour will discourage those who still have not performed Hajj.

Furthermore, Hajj is not a trip to gain fame. Pilgrims should strictly refrain from such kind of behaviour and talk. It must consolidate our faith and reinforce our loyalty and devotion to the Almighty. It has to be considered as an act that increases our love to the hereafter and decreases the love of the worldly pleasure.

"Whoever performs Hajj for the Pleasure of Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor commits any evil deed, shall return from it (free from sin) as the day on which his mother gave birth to him." (Bukhari, Muslim)

Source: go-makkah.com