Hajj is one of the most significant acts of worship in Islam, a pillar that every Muslim who is physically and financially able must perform once in their lifetime. The importance of Hajj can be understood through the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who emphasized its spiritual value, lessons, and rewards through various hadiths. Let’s explore these hadiths in depth, examining their meanings and significance, while also reflecting on their relevance to Muslims today.
The Five Pillars of Islam and Hajj
Hadith in English
Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said
“Islam has been built on five pillars: testifying that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, performing the prayers, paying zakat, making the pilgrimage to the House, and fasting during Ramadan.”
— (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Hadith in Urdu
عبداللہ بن عمر (رضی اللہ عنہ) سے روایت ہے کہ نبی کریم (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) نے فرمایا:
“اسلام کی بنیاد پانچ ستونوں پر رکھی گئی ہے:
(۱) اللہ کے سوا کوئی معبود نہیں اور محمد (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) اللہ کے رسول ہیں۔
(۲) نماز قائم کرنا۔
(۳) زکوة ادا کرنا۔
(۴) حج کرنا۔
(۵) رمضان کے روزے رکھنا۔”
— (بخاری اور مسلم)
Hadith in Arabic
عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عُمَرَ (رضي الله عنهما) قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ (صلى الله عليه وسلم):
“بُنِيَ الإِسْلامُ عَلَى خَمْسٍ: شَهَادَةِ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ، وَإِقَامِ الصَّلَاةِ، وَإِيتَاءِ الزَّكَاةِ، وَصَوْمِ رَمَضَانَ، وَحَجِّ الْبَيْتِ.”
— (البخاري ومسلم)
Reference of the Hadith
This hadith is found in both Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, the two most authentic books of hadith. It highlights the foundational practices that every Muslim must follow, with Hajj being one of the essential pillars that connects a believer to Allah.
Key Lessons from the Hadith
- Hajj is one of the five essential acts that solidify a Muslim’s faith and practice.
- Performing Hajj shows obedience to Allah’s command and serves as a reminder of the unity of Muslims.
- Just like the other pillars, Hajj strengthens one’s connection to Allah and builds piety.
Hajj as a Once-in-a-Lifetime Obligation
Hadith in English
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“O people! Allah has prescribed Hajj upon you, so perform it.” A man asked, ‘Every year, O Messenger of Allah?’ The Prophet (PBUH) remained silent. When the man repeated his question thrice, the Prophet (PBUH) said, “Had I answered in the affirmative, it would have become obligatory, and that would be beyond your capacity.”
— (Muslim)
Hadith in Urdu
ابو ہریرہ (رضی اللہ عنہ) سے روایت ہے کہ نبی کریم (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) نے فرمایا:
“اے لوگو! اللہ نے تم پر حج فرض کیا ہے، پس اسے ادا کرو۔” ایک آدمی نے پوچھا: “ہر سال، اے اللہ کے رسول؟” نبی کریم (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) خاموش رہے۔ جب اس آدمی نے تین بار پوچھا تو آپ (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) نے فرمایا: “اگر میں ہاں کہہ دیتا تو یہ تم پر فرض ہو جاتا، اور یہ تمہارے لئے ناقابل برداشت ہوتا۔”
— (مسلم)
Hadith in Arabic
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ (رضي الله عنه) قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ (صلى الله عليه وسلم):
“يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ! قَدْ فَرَضَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْكُمُ الْحَجَّ فَحُجُّوا.” فَقَالَ رَجُلٌ: كُلَّ عَامٍ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ؟ فَسَكَتَ النَّبِيُّ (صلى الله عليه وسلم)، فَأَعَادَ عَلَيْهِ ثَلَاثًا، فَقَالَ (صلى الله عليه وسلم): “لَوْ قُلْتُ نَعَمْ، لَوَجَبَتْ وَلَمَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ.”
— (مسلم)
Reference of the Hadith
This hadith is narrated in Sahih Muslim, emphasizing that while Hajj is a major act of worship, it is only obligatory once in a Muslim’s lifetime.
Key Lessons from the Hadith
- Islam acknowledges the limitations of human beings and does not impose unnecessary burdens.
- Performing Hajj once is sufficient, which highlights the mercy of Allah in His commands.
- It teaches Muslims the importance of not questioning religious obligations excessively, as such actions could lead to unnecessary hardship.
The High Rank of Hajj Mabroor (Accepted Hajj)
Hadith in English
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) was asked, “Which deed is the best?” The Prophet replied, “Belief in Allah and His Messenger.” When asked again, “What is next?” He said, “Jihad in the cause of Allah.” Then asked again, “And what is next?” The Prophet said, “Hajj Mabroor (accepted Hajj).”
— (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Hadith in Urdu
ابو ہریرہ (رضی اللہ عنہ) سے روایت ہے کہ نبی کریم (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) سے پوچھا گیا: “کون سا عمل سب سے بہترین ہے؟” آپ (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) نے فرمایا: “اللہ اور اس کے رسول پر ایمان۔” دوبارہ پوچھا گیا: “پھر کیا؟” آپ نے فرمایا: “اللہ کی راہ میں جہاد۔” پھر پوچھا گیا: “پھر کیا؟” آپ نے فرمایا: “حج مبرور۔”
— (بخاری اور مسلم)
Hadith in Arabic
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ (رضي الله عنه) قَالَ: سُئِلَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ (صلى الله عليه وسلم) أَيُّ الْعَمَلِ أَفْضَلُ؟ فَقَالَ: “إِيمَانٌ بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ.” قِيلَ: ثُمَّ مَاذَا؟ قَالَ: “الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ.” قِيلَ: ثُمَّ مَاذَا؟ قَالَ: “حَجٌّ مَبْرُورٌ.”
— (البخاري ومسلم)
Reference of the Hadith
This hadith appears in both Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, reflecting its strong authenticity. It underlines the special status of Hajj Mabroor, which is considered one of the best deeds in the eyes of Allah.
Key Lessons from the Hadith
- Hajj is ranked among the best deeds, just after belief in Allah and striving for His cause.
- Hajj Mabroor holds such a high rank because of the sincere intention, the effort exerted, and the purity of the actions performed during Hajj.
- An accepted Hajj wipes away past sins and brings immense spiritual rewards.
Hajj as a Form of Jihad for Women
Hadith in English
`A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Prophet (PBUH), “As jihad is the best deed, shouldn’t we [women] make jihad?” The Prophet (PBUH) replied, “The best jihad for you [women] is a Hajj Mabroor.”
— (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Hadith in Urdu
حضرت عائشہ (رضی اللہ عنہا) نے نبی کریم (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) سے پوچھا: “جہاد بہترین عمل ہے، کیا ہم عورتیں جہاد نہ کریں؟” نبی کریم (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) نے فرمایا: “تمہارے لئے بہترین جہاد حج مبرور ہے۔”
— (بخاری اور مسلم)
Hadith in Arabic
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ (رضي الله عنها) قَالَتْ: قُلْتُ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، نَرَى الْجِهَادَ أَفْضَلَ الْأَعْمَالِ، أَفَلَا نُجَاهِدُ؟ قَالَ: “لَكُنَّ أَفْضَلُ الْجِهَادِ حَجٌّ مَبْرُورٌ.”
— (البخاري ومسلم)
Reference of the Hadith
This hadith is recorded in Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslims, showcasing the special position of women in Islam and the value of Hajj as a spiritual journey for them.
Key Lessons from the Hadith
- Hajj offers women the opportunity to earn the same rewards as men do through physical jihad.
- It highlights that Islam provides equitable spiritual opportunities for men and women.
- Performing Hajj gives women the chance to fulfil their highest spiritual aspirations.
Conclusion
The hadiths on Hajj highlight the profound significance of this sacred journey in Islam. Hajj is not just a physical pilgrimage; it is a spiritual reawakening that brings immense rewards. The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) regarding Hajj emphasize its role as a pillar of faith, a once-in-a-lifetime obligation, and a path to gaining Allah’s forgiveness. Whether through the fulfillment of personal religious duties or by connecting with the broader Muslim ummah, Hajj serves as a cornerstone of Islamic practice and spirituality.