Hajj: Benefits in the World and the Hereafter

The individual benefits of Hajj are undeniable and indisputable, for
Hajj purifies souls, frees them from the factors that cause weakness
and refines them by its insistence upon quitting sins and misdeeds and
enabling a person to taste the pleasure of being near Allaah The
Almighty and privately supplicating to and praising Him at the
placesHe Himself honored. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): } And
whoever honors the symbols of Allaah - indeed, it is from the piety of
hearts. { [Quran 22:32]
In this article, we would like to refer to the social aspect and the
international manifestation of Hajj as a conference for Muslims where
they stop for a pause of reconsideration;thanking Allaah The Almighty
for His blessingsupon them and asking Him to help them overcome
obstacles and hardships.
Referring to some negative aspects in the Hajj season does not mean
neglecting the impact of this act of worship, which improvesthe
conditions of Muslimswhether as individuals orgroups. Rather, these
negative aspects are mentioned frequently with the intention of
obliterating or reducing them. This can only be achieved by spreading
awareness among the Muslims heading to perform this obligation.
Everyone who is granted the blessing of performing the obligation of
Hajj returns after witnessing diverse actions and behavior among
pilgrims that may be described as being farremoved from Islam – at the
very least. Rather, they are in complete contradiction to the spiritof
Islam. There is a great deal of ignorance of the rulings and
etiquettes of Hajj , which causes great harm to pilgrims and gives a
bad image about Muslims and their sacred rites.
That is why scholars and students should, as much as they can, teach
and advise Muslims whether before leaving their home countries or
after arriving at the sacred sites. If education, advice and
instruction is to yieldtheir blessed fruits, they should result from
studying and planning done by the scholars. The Hajj season is an
important occasion for the gathering of scholars to discuss the
problems of Muslim pilgrims, whether while performing the rituals of
Hajj or addressing general problems to which all Muslims can relate.
The most important purpose of Hajj is for the religious and worldly
goals to become one. In doing so, two types of happiness are achieved:
the happiness of the life of this world by correcting errors and
eliminating negative aspects; and the happiness of the Hereafter by
gaining forgiveness of sins and pleasing the Lord. Striving to achieve
only one of the two aims as separate from the other is contrary to the
spirit ofthe noble verse in which Allaah The Exalted Says (what
means): } That they may witness benefits for themselves and mention
the name of Allaah on known days. { [Quran 22:28]