which Allah Almighty has declared obligatory (farḍ) upon all those who are capable to perform it. The one who observes negligence in performing it, despite it being obligatory, is a major sinner and deserving of Hell. Allah Almighty states in verse no. ninety-seven of Surah Āl ꜤImrān:

وَ  لِلّٰهِ  عَلَى  النَّاسِ   حِجُّ  الْبَیْتِ  مَنِ  اسْتَطَاعَ  اِلَیْهِ  سَبِیْلًاؕ-وَ  مَنْ  كَفَرَ  فَاِنَّ  اللّٰهَ  غَنِیٌّ  عَنِ  الْعٰلَمِیْنَ(۹۷)

And it is incumbent upon the people to perform Hajj of this House for the sake of Allah; those who are able to reach it. And whosoever denies, then indeed Allah is Independent of the whole world.^[1]

Dear Islamic brothers! Hajj is a great blessing and Allah Almighty showers His special grace upon those who are fortunate to perform it. He bestows such sublime bounties upon them in exchange for performing Hajj that when hearing about them, the hearts of the Muslims grow even more eager to visit those sacred lands. Thus, let us listen to four sayings of the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم regarding the virtues of Hajj and the bounties Hajj-pilgrims receive:

Virtues of Hajj

1. The Holy Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said:

The one who set out with the intention of Hajj and then died, Allah Almighty will record for him the reward of those who perform Hajj until the Day of Judgement. And whosoever set out with the intention of Umrah and then died, Allah Almighty will record for him the reward of those who perform Umrah until the Day of Judgment.^[2]

2. The Final Messenger of Allah صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم exclaimed, “When you meet a Hajj pilgrim, greet him with salām and shake hands with him, and request him to make dua for your forgiveness before he enters his home, for he has been forgiven.”^[3]