Allah accept the Hajj of all of those who performed it sincerely for His sake! Ameen! With the advancements in technology in areas like satellite and cable transmissions, we can see events in virtual real time throughout the world on television, the internet and even telephones. One of the annual events that is followed closely by millions is the Hajj to Makkah Saudi Arabia performed by over a million Muslims each year. It is probably the most widely followed religious event on planet Earth with people attending from the far reaches of the world. This year's Hajj which was scaled back due to a major construction project to make things easier for people to attend still had over 1.5 million people seeking Allah's forgiveness and His reward for their worship.

But what is the reward and what is the reason that every Muslim wants to take this journey of a lifetime at least once while many take it on multiple occasions? Of course the reason is to attain Paradise for the individual who undertakes the arduous task of performing the Hajj. It has been narrated from the wisest of wise men, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) "He who came to this House (the Ka'abah) (with the intention of performing Hajj) without speaking (evil) or committing indecencies, would return (free from sin) as on the day his mother bore him." (Muslim, 2/3129). He (Peace be upon Him) also said "From one 'Umrah to another is expiation for what is between them and Hajj Mabrûr (accepted) has no reward except Paradise." (Bukhari and Muslim) 

However this is conditional on the individual striving his or her best to be obedient to Allah after returning home for the rest of his or her life. They should stay away from sins including the small doubtful things just to be careful. He or she should try to be from the awliyaa of Allah. They are the believers who have a special status with Allah. Allah has said in the Qur'aan "Indeed there is no fear upon the awliyaa of Allah, nor shall they grieve; those who believe and used to fear Allah much. For them are glad tidings in this life and the hereafter" [Soorah Yunus (10): 62]. He also stated "Allah is the protector (ally) of those who believe, He takes them out of darkness into light." [Soorah Baqarah (2): 257].

There is more to keep the returning pilgrim inspired to do good. In another hadeeth Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon Him) said: "Allah, the Exalted said: "… and My slave will not perform any act with which he draws closer to Me, more beloved to Me then when he fulfills what I have ordained on him; and My slave will keep drawing closer to Me by performing the Nawaafil (voluntary acts of worship) until I love him, and when I love him, I will be his hearing with which he hears, his sight with which he sees, his hands with which he strikes, and his legs with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him; and if he seeks refuge with Me, I will grant him refuge." [Saheeh Bukhari These pearls of wisdom are not just for the returning pilgrim but for all of the Ummah of Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) to follow until the end of time!

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