Why is hajj performed?

Answer 1

The fifth pillar of Islam is hajj (or pilgrimage) to Mecca (or Makkah) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is obligatory to every adult Muslim, regardless the Gender, to go for hajj at least once in life if he/she can afford it physically, financially, and safely.

Hajj (pilgrimage) is a great annual event for Muslims. There are many reasons why Muslims perform hajj which translate into the following main numerous benefits of Hajj:

• It teaches us that Muslims are brothers and are all equal.
• It teaches us that no differences among people due to race, tribe, color, home country, or tongue language.
• It teaches us, practically, the real human rights when you find people equal during praying, worshiping, and during performing the rituals.
• Hajj teaches us that we are belonging to God (Allah) alone and that we all need his mercy and forgiveness.
• Hajj is biggest world gathering in the world. It is a demonstration of Islam unity and Islam universality.
• Muslims get acquainted with the spiritual and historical environment of the prophet Muhammad which strengthen their faith.
• It is a reminder of the Grand Assembly of the Day of Judgment when people will stand equal before Allah waiting for their final destiny.
• It confirms commitment of Muslims to Allah.
• On top of the above, Muslims on Hajj are rewarded, per God will, with forgiveness of all their sins and they return back as pure and innocent as the new born.

When prophet Abraham (or Ibrahim); peace be upon him; finished the rising up of Ka'bah, he prayed Allah (or God in English and same God worshiped in Christianity and Judaism) to bless Makkah (or Mecca) and its vicinity and to make people come visit it until the Day of Judgement though it was remote and in the desert. Qur'an says (meaning English translation):

"Remember Abraham said: "O my Lord! Make this city one of peace and security: and preserve me and my sons from worshipping idols. "O my Lord! They have indeed led astray many among mankind; he then who follows my (way) is of me, and he that disobeys me, but You are indeed Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. "O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley without cultivation, by Your Sacred House; in order, O our Lord, that they may establish regular Prayer: so fill the hearts of some among people with love towards them, and feed them with Fruits: so that they may give thanks." (14:35-7)

Allah always relates the story of Hajj and Ibrahim to Tawheed and Islam, which is the way of Ibrahim, Muhammad, and all the prophets (Peace be upon them).

"Remember We made the House a place of assembly for men and a place of safety. And take the Station of Abraham as a place of prayer; and We covenanted with Abraham and Isma'il, that they should sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in Prayer). And remember Abraham said: "My Lord, make this a City of Peace, and feed its People with fruits' such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day." He said: "(Yes), and such as reject Faith, for a while will I grant them their Pleasure, but will soon drive them to the torment of Fire, an evil destination (indeed)!" And remember Abraham and Isma'il raised the foundations of the House (with this prayer): "Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us: for You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. "Our Lord! Make of us Muslims bowing to Your Will); and of our progeny a people Muslim, bowing to Your (Will); and show us our places for the celebration of (due) rites; and turn unto us (in Mercy); for You are the Oft-Returning, Most Merciful. "Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own, who shall rehearse Your Signs to them and instruct them in Scripture and Wisdom, and sanctify them: for You are the Exalted in Might, the Most Wise." And who turns away from the religion of Abraham but such as debase their souls with folly? Him We chose and rendered pure in this world: and he will be in the Hereafter in the ranks of the Righteous. Behold! His Lord said to him: "Bow (your will to Me):" he said: "I bow (my will) to the Lord and Cherisher of the Universe." And this was the Legacy that Abraham left to his sons, and so did Jacob; "O my sons! Allah has chosen the Faith for you; then die not except in the state of submission (to Allah)" (2:125-32)

Answer 2

hajj is a pilgrimage for a Muslim because they believe that it takes away sins and a place just all day worshiping god.

they go to hajj only if they think that they are the chosen one to go for a hajj pilgrimage and worship god in hajj.

Answer 3

hajj is not a place, it is the pilgramage to Mecca (where the Kabah is)