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As we return from the blessed and honorable journey of Hajj, a journey of a lifetime that redefines our purpose in life, we are enriched with lessons and principles we could never have learned elsewhere. These principles can truly remove the major obstacles we face as individuals and, at times, as a community that hinder our spiritual growth.

Here are some of those lessons shared by our teachers and scholars that we can all relate to:

Ibrahim and Hajar (AS): Submission and Commitment

As we walk between Safa and Marwa, pelt the Shaytan, and sacrifice our animals, we are reminded that the sacrifices of Ibrahim and Hajar (AS) were only possible due to their submission to Allah (SWT) and their commitment to His commandments. In a world where submitting to creation is more common and celebrated than submitting to the Creator, resulting in chaos and inconsistent outcomes, we see the opposite in their lives. Despite all odds pointing towards harsh outcomes, such as being left alone in a desert or running a knife over your child’s neck, miracles manifested because their submission and commitment to Allah (SWT) did not waver. Hajj reminds us that as long as we commit ourselves to His commandments, the odds will always be in our favor.

Ihraam: Unity and Brotherhood

Hajj reminds us, as we don our ihraam, that we are removing any societal recognition or superiority. The ihraam serves as the ultimate equalizer, illustrating that the growth and progress of this Ummah will always be rooted in its unity. The ihraam reminds us that if the greatest gathering doesn’t discriminate, then neither should ours. It reminds us not to exclude people from our gatherings because they may lessen the prestige and stature of it. The ihraam reminds us to greet everyone with salaam, not based on personal worldly gain, but out of genuine inclusivity. Our Deen is the most inclusive way of life, embracing all languages, ethnicities, and financial statuses, but not ideals and values that lie beyond the boundaries of our faith.

Mina and Muzdalifa: Limited Attachment to This World

The Prophet (SAW) reminds us that one of the main causes of unwillingness to do good is a deep infatuation with the delusional glamour of this world. As we sit in tight tents in Mina and lay on the dirt in Muzdalifa, we are reminded of the reality of death, which stabilizes our attachment to the Dunya. We are reminded that one day we will all be laid to rest in the dirt with only a few pieces of white cloth.

Lastly, when we study the Final Sermon from the Prophet (SAW) during his Hajj performed alongside 120,000 Sahaba (RA) from across the Muslim world, we find in his words (فليبلغ الشاهد الغائب) a vital lesson from Hajj: the responsibility of preserving and spreading this sacred Deen. Each of us carries the affirmation of being an ambassador of the Prophet (SAW). We can fulfill this role by studying our Deen, applying it to our daily lives, and actively spreading it within our families and communities.

May Allah (SWT) accept the Hajj of all those who performed it and grant us the opportunity to return again and again!
Ameen

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