Hajj & Umrah 2015

Hajj & Umrah Preparations 2015

Hajj & Umrah Preparations 2015

Every year, millions of Muslims make the journey of their lifetime. They come from all over the world for the sole purpose of fulfilling one of Allaah’s greatest commandments to mankind – the Hajj. Abu Hurayrah may Allaah be pleased with him narrated that “The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) was asked, ‘Which is the best deed?’ He sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: ‘To believe in Allaah and His Messenger ( sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention )).’ He sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) was then asked, ‘Which is the next (good deed)?’ He sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: ‘To participate in Jihaad in Allaah’s cause.’ He sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) was then asked, ‘Which is the next?’ He sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: ‘To perform an accepted Hajj.” [Al-Bukhaari] For over 1400 years, believers have been making Hajj to the House of Allaah in Makkah. It is an obligation for each and every Muslim to perform Hajj at least once in his/her lifetime if he is physically and financially able.

Pre-Hajj preparations

Due to the importance of Hajj, preparations for it should not be taken lightly. Besides planning the actually logistics of the trip, the Muslim needs to prepare Islamically, physically, mentally, and financially for this great act of worship. Islamically, one of the most important preparations for this journey is acquiring the necessary knowledge for performing the rituals of Hajj and ‘Umrah correctly and in accordance to the Sunnah of the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ). This means studying and learning about Islam, acquiring a high degree of Eemaan (faith) in order to deal with the emotional and physical demands of Hajj, and learning correctly the actual religious rituals and requirements from the beginning to the end of Hajj and ‘Umrah. Studying and learning about the Hajj can be accomplished in a variety of fashions, from reading books on the subject or using computer programs which utilize a multimedia format, to actually taking classes offered by Islamic centers on the rituals of Hajj and ‘Umrah. Furthermore, many travel groups that specialize in Hajj and ‘Umrah trips offer Hajj preparation classes as well as scholars and students of knowledge that help those going for Hajj perform the rituals of Hajj and ‘Umrah correctly.

In addition, it is important to mention that spiritually preparing for Hajj and ‘Umrah is also a lesson on how to follow the footsteps of the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) who taught the Companions may Allaah be pleased with them – a lesson that can be transformed into other acts of worship. Preparing for Hajj is a spiritual experience with a period of self-reflection and a lesson in piety and humility. The pilgrim must focus on his sole intention of performing Hajj. That it is solely for the pleasure of Allaah and in accordance to His Commandment regarding this act of worship. The believer also needs to resolve any conflicts or differences between him and others and seek forgiveness for any acts of transgression. This stage of preparation should take place long before the actual departure for Hajj.

Other preparations that should be planned long before the actual trip are financial in nature. Simply, going to Hajj costs money. Furthermore the pilgrim must pay off any old debts (this includes any type of loans), household bills, and leave enough money to pay any living expenses likely that other members of his family not making Hajj might need. Finally it is important to complete one's will (wasiyyah) before departing on Hajj.