Millions of pilgrims from all around the world are soon to begin their pilgrimage to Makkah. The five-day major pilgrimage or hajj occurs during the month of Zul Hijjah. The minor pilgrimage on the other hand is termed as the Umrah. This can be performed throughout the year and hence has no specific time period of its observance.
During the pilgrimage, Muslim pilgrims encircle the world’s most holy site. This is the Kaaba, located in the city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia. This is followed by a series of rituals that have been prescribed since centuries. The ultimate purpose is for believers to bring upon humility as well as unity in the Muslim community.
Here’s a quick summarized look at the significance of the pilgrimage in Islam.
Hajj as the pillar of Islam
There are a total of 5 pillars in Islam. And hajj constitutes a very important one of them. Every physically and financially able Muslim pilgrim is ordained to perform hajj at least once in their lifetime. Hajj has been given the title of a sacred and divine journey. ALLAH SWT has given the pilgrimage or the Hajj the title as being the most prioritized area in the world. It is journey of great blessings and divine bounty for those who understand and take heed.
The Hajj purifies the soul
The pilgrimage comprises of a number of different deeds. From worship and fasting to the offering of charity, patience and good manners too- the hajj is an act of extreme devotion. It is known to purify the soul in more ways than one. It not only a fifth pillar of Islam but an integral component in every Muslim’s life.
The pilgrimage in Islam eliminates all past sins
Any pilgrim that intends to perform hajj with extreme vigilance and devotion will have all his previous sins removed. This is another great significance of the pilgrimage. This is a huge reward because every Muslim sins and wishes to have their previous sins removed. Only then can they be sent to Jannah in the afterlife.
The reward of the Hajj is paradise
Another great significance of the pilgrimage is its reward for those who undertake this journey. And this giant reward is the offering of paradise. Those believers that perform the Hajj mabrur or a hajj without any sins shall be offered paradise in the Hereafter. This is in honor of embarking upon such a righteous deed.
The pilgrims of the Hajj are termed as guests of ALLAH SWT
The pilgrimage is termed to be one of the simplest ways of attaining ALLAH’s pleasure because all pilgrims are the guests of ALLAH SWT. Remember that be it the major or minor pilgrimage, all pilgrims are considered to be ALLAH’s guests. HE is all knowing and merciful and will grant them their supplications and forgiveness.
The significance of the pilgrimage in Islam can never be underestimated. All believers who are able to undertake this blissful journey should do so. Muslims pilgrims should also be aware of the greatest reward associated with this sacred journey.
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