IMPORTANCE OF HAJ

HAJ - THE FIFTH PILLER OF ISLAM

Haj is the fifth pillar of Islam. It is obligatory for every Muslim to perform Haj once in his, or her, lifetime unless there is no financial or physical ability. Allah (swt) has said, "Say: "Allah spoke the Truth: follow the religion of Abraham, the sane in faith; he was not of the Pagans." The first House (of worship) appointed for people was that at Bakkah; full of blessing and of guidance for all kinds of beings. In it are Signs manifest; (for example), the Station of Abraham; whoever enters it attains security; pilgrimage thereto is a duty people owe to Allah, those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures." (2:96-97) "And complete Haj and 'Umrah in the service of Allah" (2:196) "For Haj are the months well-known. If any one undertakes that duty therein, let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the Haj and whatever good you do, (be sure) Allah knows it. And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best of provisions is right conduct. So fear Me, O you that are wise!" (2:198)

THE PROPHET (S) SAID:

"O people! Perform Haj for Allah has made it obligatory on you". Hearing this, a man said, "is it every year O Messenger of Allah?" The Prophet (S) kept silent until the man repeated the question thrice and then said, "if I say yes it will become compulsory and you won't be able to do it". [Muslim and Ahmad]. Ibn 'Abbas (r) said, "Allah's Messenger (S) addressed us saying, "O people! Allah has prescribed Haj on you". Al-Aqra'a ibn Haabis then stood up and said, "is it for every year O Messenger of Allah?" The Prophet (S) replied, "if I say yes it would become obligatory and if it's obligatory to perform Haj annually you certainly won't be able to do it. Haj should be performed only once in one's lifetime and whoever does more, it will be considered supererogatory." [Related by An-Nassa'i, Abu Dawud, Ibn Maajah and Ahmad]. "Islam was built on five pillars: The Shahaadah - declaration - that there is no one worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, performing prayer, giving Zakaat, performing Haj, and fasting Ramadan." [Agreed upon]