<div style="text-align: justify; "><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Being one of the five mandatory pillars of Islam, the act of Hajj can be defined as the annual pilgrimage to the house of Allah SWT in Makkah, Saudia Arabia., Muslims are expected to perform it at least once in their life.&nbsp;</span><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Every year, around 2 million Muslims visit the Holy Kaaba to perform Hajj (Pilgrimage), a five-day event taking place in Dhul Hajj (the last Islamic month). Performed in the sacred state of Ihram, Muslims are strictly forbidden to engage in any type of sin. Tis includes arguments, violence, sexual activity, and even trimming or cutting their hair and nails.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Muslims are advised to adopt a calm demeanor throughout the pilgrimage. Read on to learn more about the importance of Hajj in Islam.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><b>Who Goes to Hajj?</b></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">According to Islamic rules and regulations, literally meaning “to intend a journey,” Hajj is mandatory for every Muslim who has a sound mind and is financially and physically capable of performing Hajj once in their lifetime. Also, those who complete the pilgrimage add the title of Hajji to their name. A</div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span style="font-size: 1rem;">lthough there is no obligation on children to perform Hajj, if they want, they can participate in Hajj with their guardian or parents.&nbsp;</span><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Moreover, if someone is sick or suffering from a chronic disease, another person can be appointed as a “proxy” to perform Hajj on their behalf.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Top 5 Reasons Why Hajj Is Important</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here are five reasons outlining the significance of Hajj to Muslims:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><b>Reason 1: Hajj Washes Away All of Your Sins</b></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Abu Hurairah (may Allah SWT be pleased with him) in an event said that he heard Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) saying, “Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah and does not utter any obscene speech or do any evil deed, will go back (free of sin) as his mother bore him.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><b>Reason 2: Hajj Purifies Your Soul</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The sacred act of Hajj motivates Muslims to do good deeds by polishing their consciences and enhancing their moral senses. It plays a vital role in rebuilding the foundation of purity, honesty, and integrity in the heart of every individual, encouraging a righteous and positive Muslim society.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><b>Reason 3: Hajj Builds Your Character</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A Muslim during the pilgrimage journey in the holy city of Makkah might face several difficulties and hardships when settling into the new environment. From the patience during the challenging ritual of Hajj to the process of submission that calms and composes one’s soul, the act of Hajj builds the character of every Muslim standing in the House of Allah SWT.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><b>Reason 4: Hajj Is the Way to Earn the Reward of Jihad for Women</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Jihad is to fight in the name of Allah SWT against the apostles of Islam. According to a narration by Hazrat Ayesha (RA), Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), in an event, said, “O Allah’s Apostle! We consider jihad as the best deed.” However, “The best jihad (for women) is Hajj Mabrur.” (Sahih Bukari; Haj; 595)</div><div style="text-align: justify; "><b><br></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Reason 5: The Reward for Hajj Is Jannah</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">Allah SWT has promised that whoever performs Hajj with a pure heart will be rewarded with paradise or Jannah. This can be proved by a hadith that says, “From one ‘Umrah to another is the expiation for what is between them, and Hajj Mabrûr has no reward except Paradise.” (Bukhari and Muslim)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">&nbsp;bnbd24/kh</div>