… Continued

In brief, Allah The Almighty has completed the religion by the Noble Quran and the exegesis of his Prophet . Thus, whatever is authentically reported of his exegesis cannot be replaced by another and what comes after his Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) is a light that can be taken as guidance in understanding its rulings, such as the consensus of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, or the action of the vast majority of them and those who followed their guidance. Therefore, whoever refrains from adopting their way, will be inevitably misguided and will not be saved from following his desires and whims.

Dear pilgrims of the Sacred House of Allah The Almighty, you have heard the Hadeeth of the greatest Messenger : “An accepted Hajj brings no less a reward than Paradise.”

Planes, cars and ships travel this journey in a short time. They have made the distant places near, and lightened the difficulty, especially for the disable and weak. Thus, bear the glad tidings today for the pilgrims of the Sacred House of Allah The Almighty. A warm welcome to those who perform Tawaaf, staying there for worship, bowing and prostrating! Allah The Almighty rewards the good doers with good rewards and grants them extra from His bounty. He is the Most Generous and The Most Kind.

Dear pilgrims, you have witnessed these sacred places, that were founded on righteousness and fear of Allah The Almighty and seeking His approval; no blood can be shed in them, no Muslim can be threatened in them, and no game can be hunted in them. Allah The Almighty has made the accepted Hajj a means of obliterating sins and misdeeds and a cause of entering Paradise. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Makkah - blessed and a guidance for the worlds. In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Ibraaheem (Abraham). And whoever enters it shall be safe.} [Quran 3: 96-97]

Moreover, the Prophet said: “Whoever comes to this House and does not commit any obscenity or commit any evil will go back (free of) sin as on the day his mother bore him.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

An eminent scholar once said,

“Hajj is the general conference of Muslims that is held every year where the revelation descended, in the secure city [Makkah]. In Makkah and Madeenah, the sacred place of Allah The Almighty and the sacred place of His Messenger, all Muslims meet in spite of their distant countries, different races, different languages, different colors, and different etiquettes and traditions. Everyone comes to his Lord, declaring repentance from all sins, seeking His reward, fearing His punishment, seeking the pleasure of Allah The Almighty, leaving the adornments of life, reciting Talbiyah obediently, reciting Takbeer submissively, and supplicating Allah The Almighty in humility. They meet there and the word of Tawheed (Islamic monotheism) combines them, the banner of Islam shades them, and the language of the Noble Quran links them to each other. They meet there so that they may witness benefits for themselves; spiritual, physical, religious, and worldly benefits, and perfect the relationships of brotherhood and mercy. It is a bounty and favor from Allah; and Allah is Knowing and Wise.”

Dear Muslims, Hajj has great wisdom and secrets in its rites. Every action in the rites of Hajj is a precious reminder and a great lesson for those who have understanding. If such secrets are comprehended well, then their effects will result in purity of heart and richness of knowledge and understanding. Allah The Almighty has honored the Ancient House by mentioning it in conjunction with Him and making it a destination for His worshippers. Furthermore, He The Exalted affirmed its sanctity by forbidding its game and trees. The clothing of Ihraam signify renouncing the vanities of the worldly life, demonstrating complete equality and avoiding all adornment, with no distinction between the highest and lowest. One returns to his country, afterwards, a new person with strong faith, noble morals, and a pure and clear conscience.

Discovering the Bounties of Hajj - I