People are usually aware of two kinds of journeys in this life, those made to earn a livelihood and those undertaken for pleasure and sight seeing. However, the spiritual journey of Haj is unique since it is made solely to please, Allah. It is the Fifth Pillar of Islam and its performance is obligatory once in a lifetime. “And perform properly the Haj and Umrah as a duty to Allah…” (Al-Baqarah 2:196) Haj is an assembly similar to that on the day of Resurrection. Every Muslim, irrespective of their gender, age, nationality and social class, appears in the Court of Allah in a state of oneness as worshippers. They leave their homes and come to perform Haj responding to the invitation of Allah. “Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakka (Makkah), full of blessing, and a guidance for the worlds. In it are clear signs, the place of Ibraheem. He who enters it becomes secure. And Haj (Pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses. And he who denies it, then Allah stands in need on none of His Creatures.” Al Imran 3:96-97. Preconditions of Haj The preconditions of Haj are as follows: Islam Adulthood Sanity Freedom Capacity The ‘mahram' (close male relative) for women Benefits of performing Haj Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Allah's Apostle (peace be upon him) was asked, “What is the best deed?” He replied, “To believe in Allah and His Apostle (Muhammad).” The questioner then asked, “What is the next (in goodness)?” He replied, to participate in Jihad in Allah's Cause.” The questioner again asked, “What is the next (in goodness)?” He replied, “To perform Haj (Pilgrimage to Makkah) ‘Mabrur' (which is accepted by Allah and is performed with the intention of seeking Allah's pleasure only and not to show off and without committing a sin and in accordance with the traditions of the Prophet).” (Sahih Al- Bukhari). Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) also narrated that the Prophet said. “Whoever performs Haj for Allah's sake and does not have sexual relations with his wife, and does not do evil or sins then he will return (after Haj free from all sins) as if he were born anew.” (Sahih Al- Bukhari) Allah's Messenger (peace and blessing be upon him) said, “(The performance of) ‘Umrah' is an expiation for the sins committed (between it and the previous one). And the reward of Haj Mabrur (the one accepted by Allah) is nothing except Paradise.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari) Performance of Haj is especially rewarding and beneficial for our Muslim sisters. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) asked Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), “O Allah's Apostle! We consider Jihad as the best deed. Should we not fight in Allah's cause? He replied, “The best Jihad (for women) is Haj-Mabrur (i.e. Haj which is done according to the Prophet's tradition and is accepted by Allah).” (Sahih Al-Bukhari) A Muslim woman must have a ‘mahram' (close male relative) to accompany her on the journey of Haj, “It is not allowed for a woman to travel a day and night's distance except with a mahram.” (Al-Bukhari)
