Hajj Intro – English
Hajj
It is compulsory to perform Hajj, or pilgrimage, once in your lifetime. The other times after that are considered supererogatory. It should not be delayed if you are healthy and have the money to travel and take care of your family while you are gone. Allah says:
وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ عَنِ الْعَالَمِينَ
“And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.” (Surah Ali Imran 3:97)
Those who perform the Hajj sincerely and correctly will get heaven. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
والْحَجُّ الْمَبْرُورُ لَيْسَ لَهُ جَزَاءٌ إِلاَّ الْجَنَّةُ
“And the reward of Hajj Mabrur (the one accepted by Allah) is nothing except Paradise.” (HR Al Bukhari No 1773)
Unfortunately, not everyone that performs Hajj will have their Hajj accepted. For example those who are insincere and perform Hajj to gain a good reputation. Only Allah knows who is genuine and who isn’t.
Besides a sincere intention, for your Hajj to get accepted, you should make sure that the wealth that you’ve used should be halal (wealth that is earned through permissible actions e.g. not stolen money), the Hajj that you’ve performed is in accordance with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and during the Hajj you should not act immoral. After completing the Hajj, the experience should make you want to be more pious