Quran
When the pilgrims return to their home countries after the journey of Haj, they return spiritually refreshed, forgiven of their sins, and ready to start life anew, with a clean slate.
Family and community members often prepare a celebration to welcome pilgrims home and congratulate them on completing the journey. Those who have performed the Haj are often called by an honorific title, “Haji,” (one who has performed the Haj).
How fortunate are these souls who are blessed with the following words from the Prophet (peace be upon him):
“Whoever performs Haj 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).
He also said,
“Verily there shall be no reward for a Mabroor Haj except Jannah.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
It is hoped that all the pilgrims were sincere in their intentions and had traveled thousands of miles only to secure the pleasure of Allah by fulfilling the obligation laid down upon them. May Allah the Almighty grant all the pilgrims’ acceptance and grant them opportunity again and again to visit the Two Holy Mosques.
The pilgrims should focus their attention toward certain points, which are necessary and of utmost importance and which many pilgrims ignore because they are unaware of their significance.
Firstly, the sincerity of intention should remain even after the performance of Haj. There should be no pomp or show. One should not wish to be called or recognized as a Haji.
Many people adopt the habit of talking frequently about their journey in order that people may come to know of their Haj. They talk about the expenses incurred in the way of Allah, their charity amongst the poor and the needy, their devotion and worship, their assisting the weak and old, etc.; and all is mentioned only with the intention of gaining fame. This is a deceit from Satan who ruins the devotion without the person even knowing it. It is therefore of great importance that the pilgrim does not talk about his Hajj without necessity as it may lead to ‘Riyaa’ (show, insincerity). However, if necessity arises and one must talk about his Haj then he is at liberty to do so. But, he must not indulge in this type of conversation unnecessarily.
Secondly, it is noted through experience, that many pilgrims return with only the bad side of the journey and make it a habit of talking about nothing except the hardships they have encountered during Haj. The pilgrims should strictly refrain from this. On the contrary they should talk about the greatness of the sacred places, the spiritual gains, the enjoyment in devotions, including Umrah, tawaaf, visit to Masjid Al-Nabavi, prayers in Masjid Al-Haraam and the Prophet’s Mosque etc.
If one looks at his journey of Haj carefully he will find that the good things far outweighs the bad ones. Every second spent in these sacred places is incomparable with anything in the world.
The journey of Haj is a long journey; one has to travel by air, pass the immigrations, go through the customs, encounter people who speak foreign languages, etc. In these circumstances, difficulties are certain to arise. When we travel in our country do we always travel with comfort and ease? Do we never encounter difficulty? Do we not find ourselves held up in traffic for hours on a Motorway?
Considering the fact that 2 to 3 million pilgrims perform the rituals of Haj at one time, in one place and that they all come from different countries and backgrounds and that many of them have never before used or seen the facilities available to them. We think the difficulties encountered are insignificant. Moreover, the pilgrims are rewarded abundantly by Allah Almighty upon every difficulty encountered in their journey whereas the same is not the case when we are on any other journey.
Those people who engage in these types of conversation become the cause of discouragement to others who have not yet had the opportunity to perform Haj. These unfortunate pilgrims fall into the category ... and who stop (men) from the way of Allah, and from the Sacred Masjid, ... mentioned in Surah Haj in the Qur’an. They should take heed that if people are discouraged by their conversation and postpone their Haj then those who have discouraged them will be equally responsible.
Thirdly the sign of a ‘Mabroor Haj’ or an ‘accepted Haj’ is that upon one’s return, his life changes from worst to good. He becomes totally punctual in fulfilling the commands of Allah Almighty. His love and inclination toward the Hereafter increases and love for the worldly pleasures decline. Therefore, it is essential that the pilgrim is watchful over his actions and should try his utmost to instill in himself good characters and refrain from all types of evil. He should try his best to fulfill the obligations laid down by Allah and avoid all the things forbidden by Him.
Source: Arab News
