Ramadan 9, 1447 (February 26, 2026)
Assalaamun Alaykum Warahmatullah Taallah Wabarakatuhu
Hajj as a Pillar of Islam
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. We praise Him, we seek His help and His forgiveness. We bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and we bear witness that Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is His servant and Messenger.
Dear brothers and sisters in Islam,
Among the five pillars upon which Islam stands is Hajj — the sacred pilgrimage to the House of Allah in Makkah.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said in an authentic hadith that Islam is built upon five: the testimony of faith, establishment of prayer, payment of Zakat, fasting in Ramadan, and Hajj to the House for whoever is able to find a way to it.
Hajj is not merely a journey; it is an act of total submission to Allah. It is a pillar that represents sacrifice, unity, humility, and obedience. Allah says in the Qur’an: “And pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah by people who are able to undertake it.” (Qur’an 3:97). Thus, Hajj becomes obligatory once in a lifetime for every adult Muslim who is physically, financially, and safely able.
Hajj connects us to the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), his wife Hajar, and his son Isma’il (peace be upon him).
When Ibrahim was commanded by Allah to leave his family in the barren valley of Makkah, he obeyed without hesitation. When Hajar ran between the hills of Safa and Marwah in search of water, she demonstrated trust and perseverance. When Ibrahim was commanded to sacrifice his son, he submitted completely to the will of Allah. Hajj revives these acts of faith, reminding us that true success lies in obedience.
During Hajj, millions of Muslims from every nation, race, language, and social class gather in one place. All wear simple garments — the ihram — removing distinctions of wealth and status. The king stands beside the farmer, the scholar beside the laborer.
This powerful image reflects the equality of humanity before Allah. It is a reminder of the Day of Judgment when we shall stand before Him with nothing but our deeds.
Hajj is also a journey of purification. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that whoever performs Hajj properly, without obscenity or sin, returns like the day his mother gave birth to him — free of sin. What a tremendous opportunity for spiritual renewal! It teaches patience through physical hardship, discipline through ritual precision, and sincerity through devotion.
Dear believers,
Even those who are not performing Hajj can learn from its lessons. The spirit of sacrifice, unity, and repentance should live in our daily lives. We must strive to cleanse our hearts from pride, hatred, and injustice.
We must strengthen brotherhood, forgive one another, and renew our covenant with Allah.
For those who have not yet performed Hajj and are able, make sincere intention and preparation. Save for it, plan for it, and ask Allah to grant you the honor of visiting His sacred House. For those who have performed it, hold firmly to the transformation it brought, and let it reflect in your character and conduct.
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May Allah grant us sincerity in worship, accept the Hajj of the pilgrims, and write for us the opportunity to visit His sacred House. Ameen.
Ramadan Mabrouq
