(الاستفادة من منافع الحج) للشيخ أسامة خياط

Summary
1) The greatness of the Hajj gathering
2) The benefits of Hajj
3) The objective of monotheism
4) Warning against not benefiting from Hajj

Fellow Muslims! Fear Allaah, for you are now in a holy land and holy season; avail yourself of these two privileges so that you may prosper.

Brethren in faith! Social gatherings and assemblies, however high and noble their objectives may be, can never reach the sublimity of the goal of this gathering of pilgrimage to the House of Allaah in this sacred land, which Allaah has sanctified, protected and bestowed with complete and comprehensive security in which men, animals and plants are all guaranteed protection; (this land) in which tranquility has descended and the banner of Islaam is raised. Allaah says which means, “Indeed, the first House (of worship) established for mankind was that at Bakkah (i.e., Makkah) – blessed and a guidance for the worlds. In it are clear signs (such as) the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it (i.e., the Haram) shall be safe. And (due) to Allaah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves (i.e., refuses) – then indeed, Allaah is free from need of the worlds.'" (Aal-‘Imraan: 96-97)

Hajj is ordained so that it can serve as a meeting point for the brothers (in faith), a gathering for devotees and a refuge for the believers. They assemble there in answer to the call of Prophet Ibraaheem whom Allaah commanded thus, “…’Do not associate anything with Me and purify My House for those who perform tawaaf (circumambulation of the Ka’bah) and those who stand (in prayer) and those who bow and prostrate. And proclaim to the people the Hajj (pilgrimage); they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass – That they may witness (i.e., attend) benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allaah on known (i.e., specific) days over what He has provided for them of (sacrificial) animals. So eat of them and feed the miserable and poor.’" (Al-Hajj: 26-28)

Witnessing things that are of benefit, which is among the most prominent goals of Hajj, is an issue firmly linked with this obligation as it is one of its fruits. There are indeed countless benefits which all relate to the realization of the improvement of one’s life in this world and the next, elevation of the Muslim nation and the achievement of the pleasure of Allaah. Promoting solidarity amongst Muslims, working towards their unity and mending the broken relationships among them are some of the greatest benefits of Hajj, which plays a great role in preserving the Islaamic brotherhood that is highly extolled and blessed by Allaah when He says which means, “The believers are but brothers…" (Al-Hujuraat: 10)

Indeed, safeguarding this brotherhood and fulfilling its obligations are the major means of protecting the unity of this Ummah so that it can stand strong and formidable in the face of tribulations and in order to achieve glory, power and succession in the land as promised by Allaah, when He says which means, “Allaah has promised those who have believed among you and done righteous deeds that He will surely grant them succession (to authority) upon the earth just as He granted it to those before them and that He will surely establish for them (therein) their religion which He has preferred for them and that He will surely substitute for them, after their feat, security, (for) they worship Me, not associating anything with Me. But whoever disbelieves after that – then those the defiantly disobedient." (An-Noor: 55)

Brethren in Islaam! The source of power of the Muslim nation that the pilgrim feels, stems from (their belief in) the Oneness of Allaah, which is evident in every ritual of Hajj. This feeling should then make him follow the ways that will lead to the preservation of that power by means of deep understanding of Islaam, sincerity and unrelenting efforts (for the sake of their religion). Therefore, when the pilgrims are coming to perform Hajj, it is essential for them to broaden their perspectives and sense of understanding, in order to have true perception of the benefits of Hajj and so that they may transform them from mere theories and wishes into realities that will leave its positive and everlasting impacts on their lives. Thus, the pilgrim should, while reciting the Talbiyah (a prayer recited by pilgrims going to Makkah), feel the real sense of liberation from the worship of fellow creatures to the worship of the Creator alone, by answering Allaah’s call and submitting to His authority.

It is not proper for a Muslim, after he has responded to the call of Allaah (which He proclaimed) through His friend Ibraaheem, to, then, respond to the call of Satan who (only) invites to disunity among Muslims. It is also not suitable for a Muslim to adopt the rites of other than those of the Islaamic Faith, which he proclaimed in the sites of forgiveness and mercy and by the House of Allaah, lest he be like the one who apostatizes and breaks his covenant with Him.

Fear Allaah and benefit from this great opportunity by fulfilling the goals of this deed. Endeavor to make the best use of this period by witnessing the real benefits of Hajj that are embodied in acts of worship. This will bring you closer to your Lord and promote unity among Muslims and, as a result, remove the aggression that Muslims in many countries are experiencing nowadays. Allaah says which means, “Hajj is (during) well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein (by entering the state of Ihraam), there is (to be for him) no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do – Allaah knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allaah. And fear Me, O you of understanding." (Al-Baqarah: 197)

Brethren in faith! Observing the benefits of Hajj is a great chance that must not be neglected. This is so because Allaah ordained Hajj and ordered His companion Ibraaheem to proclaim it amongst people so that they may witness its benefits; how can the purpose, then, be disregarded? When (and how) will the Muslim nation achieve its desired objectives if it turns away from the benefits of this great obligation?

Therefore, fear Allaah and make good use of the opportunity of this great pillar of Islaam and this blessed assembly, so as to be among the prosperous