The goals and effects of Hajj: Difference between revisions

According to one of the traditions, Imam Sadiq (AS) articulated that the primary purpose behind the construction of the Ka'ba was to facilitate the repentance of the descendants of [[Adam]] and their purification from sin. <ref>Kulaynī, ''al-Kāfī'', vol. 4, p. 188; Ḥurr al-ʿĀmilī, ''Wasāʾil al-Shīʿa'', vol. 13, p. 295.</ref> In a similar vein, Imam Reza (AS) highlighted that the institution of Hajj was ordained as a means for individuals to turn towards God, repent for their past transgressions, and embark on a new, righteous path.<ref>Ṣadūq, ''ʿIlal al-sharāʾiʿ'', vol. 1, p. 273; Ḥurr al-ʿĀmilī, ''Wasāʾil al-Shīʿa'', vol. 11, p. 13.</ref>Drawing from a particular narration, one of the interpretations of the "benefits" mentioned in the verse (وَ أَذِّنْ فِي النَّاسِ بِالْحَجِّ… لِيَشْهَدُوا مَنَافِعَ لَهُمْ) <ref>Quran: 22:28</ref> {{enote|" And proclaim to the people the Hajj... that they may witness benefits for themselves."}} relates specifically to the seeking of divine forgiveness and mercy.<ref>Kulaynī, ''al-Kāfī'', vol. 4, p. 264.</ref>

In a revered narration from Imam Reza (AS), it is articulated that one of the paramount aims and profound effects of Hajj is the cultivation of self-improvement and the eradication of unworthy traits.<ref>Ṣadūq, ''ʿIlal al-sharāʾiʿ'', vol. 2, p. 402; Majlisī, ''Biḥār al-anwār'', vol. 6, p. 96.</ref> Similarly, Imam Ali (AS) elucidated that the purpose of Hajj is to expel vanity from the hearts of believers and replace it with humility and submission before God.<ref>Kulaynī, ''al-Kāfī'', vol. 4, p. 201; ''Nahj al-balāgha'', kh, 192.</ref> The wisdom underlying each ritual of Hajj, as detailed in various narrations, centers on the theme of self-improvement and moral purification.{{enote|According to a narration from Imam Sadiq (AS), the wisdom behind sacrificing the animal during Hajj is symbolic. Sacrificing represents the slaughter of carnal desires and greed, while the act of stoning the pillars symbolizes distancing oneself from lustful inclinations and wrongful deeds. Shaving or trimming the hair symbolizes removing both outward and inward flaws within a person.}} <ref>Al-mansūb ilā l-Imām al-Sādiq, ''Miṣbāḥ al-sharī'a'', p. 49;Nūrī, ''Mustadrak al-wasāʾil'', vol. 10, p. 173.</ref>  

n various narrations, the phrase (قِیاماً لِلنَّاسِ), translated as "an establishment for men," in the verse جَعَلَ اللَّهُ الْکعْبَةَ الْبَیتَ الْحَرامَ قِیاماً لِلنَّاسِ {{enote|God has appointed the Kaaba, the Holy House, as an establishment for men, and the holy month. (Quran: 5:97)}} is interpreted as the foundation for the establishment of religion and the livelihood of people. <ref> Ḥurr al-ʿĀmilī, ''Wasāʾil al-Shīʿa'', vol. 11, p. 60.</ref>Consequently, one of the primary aims of Hajj is regarded as the establishment and reinforcement of religious principles.<ref> Pazhūhishkada-yi ḥajj wa ziyārat, ''Dānishnāmah-yi ḥajj wa ḥaramayn sharīfayn'', vol. 6, p. 328.</ref> Another narration links the preservation and strengthening of religion to the existence of the Ka'ba itself, underscoring its central role in maintaining the faith's vitality. <ref>Kulaynī, ''al-Kāfī'', vol. 4, p. 271; Ṣadūq, ''Man lā yaḥḍuruh al-faqīh'', vol. 2, p. 243.</ref> In various other narratives, Hajj is symbolized as a pillar of Islam,<ref> ''Nahj al-balāgha'', kh, 192; Ḥurr al-ʿĀmilī, ''Wasāʾil al-Shīʿa'', vol. 11, p. 15.</ref> serving not only as a means of elevating the religion but also as a force for empowering and revitalizing religious adherence. <ref>Ṣadūq, ''ʿIlal al-sharāʾiʿ'', vol. 1, p. 248; Ḥurr al-ʿĀmilī, ''Wasāʾil al-Shīʿa'', vol. 1, p. 22.</ref> Hajj is viewed as a powerful mechanism for reforming the beliefs of individuals, fostering a collective sense of unity and purpose among the Muslim community. <ref>Majlisī, ''Biḥār al-anwār'', vol. 6, p. 110; vol. 50, p. 267; Ḥurr al-ʿĀmilī, ''Wasāʾil al-Shīʿa'', vol. 11, p. 15.</ref>  The pilgrimage acts as a conduit for spiritual renewal, reinforcing the core tenets of faith and instilling a deeper sense of devotion and commitment to Islamic principles.<ref>Ḥurr al-ʿĀmilī, ''Wasāʾil al-Shīʿa'', vol. 11, p. 15; Majlisī, ''Biḥār al-anwār'', vol. 59, p. 267.</ref>

Prophet Ibrahim (AS) in the verse (وَ أَذِّنْ فِی النَّاسِ بِالْحَجِّ یأْتُوک… ){{enote|and proclaim among men the Pilgrimage, and they shall come unto thee on foot and upon every lean beast, they shall come from every deep ravine(Quran: 22:27)}}was divinely commissioned to call humanity to Hajj, symbolizing an invitation to embark on a journey towards divine proximity. This call underscores the profound purpose of Hajj, which is to fortify the spiritual bond with divine leaders. Strengthening this sacred connection is recognized as a fundamental goal of Hajj.<ref>Pazhūhishkada-yi ḥajj wa ziyārat, ''Dānishnāmah-yi ḥajj wa ḥaramayn sharīfayn'', vol. 6, p. 328.</ref> In another verse, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) beseeches Allah to incline the hearts of the Hajj pilgrims towards his descendants in Mecca.{{enote|رَّبَّنَآ إِنِّيٓ أَسۡكَنتُ مِن ذُرِّيَّتِي بِوَادٍ غَيۡرِ ذِي زَرۡعٍ عِندَ بَيۡتِكَ ٱلۡمُحَرَّمِ رَبَّنَا لِيُقِيمُواْ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ فَٱجۡعَلۡ أَفۡـِٔدَةٗ مِّنَ ٱلنَّاسِ تَهۡوِيٓ إِلَيۡهِمۡ وَٱرۡزُقۡهُم مِّنَ ٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَشۡكُرُونَ (Our Lord, I have made some of my seed to dwell in a valley where is no sown land by Thy Holy House; Our Lord, let them perform the prayer, and make hearts of men yearn towards them, and provide them with fruits; haply they will be thankful) (Quran: 14:37)}} Interpretations suggest that "My offspring" (ذُرِّیَّتِی) refers to the Ahlul Bayt (AS), thereby linking the pilgrimage with devotion to the Prophet's family. <ref>Kulaynī, ''al-Kāfī'', vol. 1, p. 392; Majlisī, ''Biḥār al-anwār'', vol. 27, p. 74.</ref> A narration further elucidates Allah's intention in "completing Hajj" as encompassing a spiritual encounter with Prophet Muhammad (S) {{enote| وَأَتِمُّواْ ٱلۡحَجَّ وَٱلۡعُمۡرَةَ لِلَّهِ﴾Fulfil the Pilgrimage and the Visitation unto God. Quran: 2: 196.)}} as meeting with Prophet Muhammad (S) <ref>Majlisī, ''Biḥār al-anwār'', vol. 97, p. 139.</ref> and the Imams (AS). <ref>Kulaynī, ''al-Kāfī'', vol. 4, p. 549.</ref> This sacred encounter is emphasized across various traditions, highlighting the integral role of divine leadership in the Hajj pilgrimage. <ref>Ṣadūq, ''ʿIlal al-sharāʾiʿ'', vol. 2, p. 459; Majlisī, ''Biḥār al-anwār'', vol. 96, p. 374.</ref> The Imam (AS) is regarded as the spiritual quintessence of the Ka'ba and the focal point of all Hajj rituals, ensuring the realization of the deeper spiritual objectives of this sacred journey. <ref>Jawādī Āmulī, ''Ṣahbāy-i ḥajj'', p. 99-100.</ref> The titles of Imam Hasan (AS)<ref>Ṣadūq, ''Al-Amālī'', p. 245; Ibn Shuʿba al-Ḥarrānī, ''Tuḥaf al-ʿuqūl'', p. 233.</ref> and Imam Sajjad (AS)<ref>Majlisī, ''Biḥār al-anwār'', vol. 45, p. 138; ʿĀmilī, ''Al-Ṣaḥīḥ min sīrat al-nabīyy al-aʿẓam'', vol. 29, p. 54.</ref> as the Sons of [[Mecca]], [[Mina]], [[Mash'ar]], and [[Arafat]], further illuminate this profound connection. <ref>Pazhūhishkada-yi ḥajj wa ziyārat, ''Dānishnāmah-yi ḥajj wa ḥaramayn sharīfayn'', vol. 6, p. 330.</ref>

The most significant symbol of repudiating both jinn and human devils during Hajj is the ritual of [[Ramy al-Jamarat]] (stoning the pillars). <ref>Shahīd al-Thānī, ''Al-Rawḍa al-bahiyya'', vol. 2, p. 281-282.</ref> This act serves as a powerful physical and spiritual rejection of evil influences.Some traditions interpret the "casting out impurity" mentioned in the verse (ثُمَّ لۡیَقۡضُواْ تَفَثَهُمۡ وَلۡیُوفُواْ نُذُورَهُمۡ وَلۡیَطَّوَّفُواْ بِٱلۡبَیۡتِ ٱلۡعَتِیقِ) {{enote|Let them then finish with their self¡neglect and let them fulfil their vows, and go about the Ancient House}} as an allegory for the ritual of [[Ramy al-Jamarat]], emphasizing the purification of the soul by casting away sinful and impure elements. In the initial verses of Surah At-Tawba, Prophet Muhammad (S) was instructed to sever ties with polytheists during Hajj,{{enote|وَأَذَٰنٞ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦٓ إِلَى ٱلنَّاسِ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡحَجِّ ٱلۡأَكۡبَرِ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ بَرِيٓءٞ مِّنَ ٱلۡمُشۡرِكِينَۙ وَرَسُولُهُۥۚ فَإِن تُبۡتُمۡ فَهُوَ خَيۡرٞ لَّكُمۡۖ وَإِن تَوَلَّيۡتُمۡ فَٱعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّكُمۡ غَيۡرُ مُعۡجِزِي ٱللَّهِۗ وَبَشِّرِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ(A proclamation, from God and His Messenger, unto mankind on the day of the Greater Pilgrimage: God is quit, and His Messenger, of the idolaters So if you repent, that will be better for you but if you turn your backs, know that you cannot frustrate the Will of God And give thou good tidings to the unbelievers of a painful chastisement. Quran: 9:3)}} which symbolizes the renunciation of human devils.<ref>Pazhūhishkada-yi ḥajj wa ziyārat, ''Dānishnāmah-yi ḥajj wa ḥaramayn sharīfayn'', vol. 6, p. 330.</ref>

The Quran underscores the Ka'ba's role as a cornerstone of stability for humanity in the verse  "جَعَلَ اللَّهُ الْکعْبَةَ الْبَیتَ الْحَرامَ قِیاماً لِلنَّاسِ" {{enote|Allah has made the Kaaba, the Sacred House, a means of maintaining the people's safety(Quran: 5:97)}}, underscores the Ka'ba's pivotal role as a source of stability and security for humanity. This verse is interpreted by some scholars to imply that the Ka'ba plays a critical role in the preservation and safeguarding of human life. Consequently, the neglect of the Hajj pilgrimage could be seen as inviting peril and potential destruction. <ref>Ṭūsī, ''Al-Tibyān'', vol. 4, p. 31.</ref> <ref> Ṭabrisī, ''Majmaʿ al-bayān'', vol. 3, p. 424; Ālūsī, ''Rūḥ al-maʿānī'', vol. 7, p. 35.</ref> his concept is further elaborated in the traditions of the Ahlul Bayt (AS).<ref>Kulaynī, ''al-Kāfī'', vol. 4, p. 271; Ḥurr al-ʿĀmilī, ''Wasāʾil al-Shīʿa'', vol. 11, p. 21.</ref> According to these narrations, Imam Sadiq (AS) posits that performing Hajj is instrumental in extending the lives of those who might otherwise face early demise due to neglect of this sacred duty. <ref>Kulaynī, ''al-Kāfī'', vol. 2, p. 451; Ḥurr al-ʿĀmilī, ''Wasāʾil al-Shīʿa'', vol. 1, p. 28.</ref> Additionally, other traditions emphasize that the repeated intention and performance of Hajj are associated with an extended lifespan and serve as a protective measure against untimely death.<ref>Kulaynī, ''al-Kāfī'', vol. 4, p. 261; Ṣadūq, ''Man lā yaḥḍuruh al-faqīh'', vol. 2, p. 220.</ref>

Imam Reza (AS) articulates that one of the principal aims of Hajj is the pursuit of religious education and the propagation of the teachings of the Imams (AS). This sacred pilgrimage provides a unique opportunity for pilgrims to gain profound insights into Islamic doctrines and to spread these teachings across both Islamic and non-Islamic regions.<ref>''Nahj al-balāgha'', kh, 192; Kulaynī, ''al-Kāfī'', vol. 4, p. 199. </ref> Furthermore, another tradition highlights that part of the Hajj experience is to gain an in-depth understanding of the works and traditions of Prophet Muhammad (S). This objective underscores the pilgrimage's role in familiarizing pilgrims with the foundational principles and practices of Islam, ensuring the preservation and communication of the Prophet's legacy to a global audience. <ref>Kulaynī, ''al-Kāfī'', vol. 4, p. 198;  Ṣadūq, ''Man lā yaḥḍuruh al-faqīh'', vol. 2, p. 250.</ref>

Material benefits associated with Hajj include the financial gains accrued by those involved in providing transportation <ref>Ṣadūq, ʿIlal al-sharāʾiʿ, vol. 2, p. 406; Ḥurr al-ʿĀmilī, Wasāʾil al-Shīʿa, vol. 11, p. 14.</ref> services and selling goods to pilgrims. Ṣadūq, ʿIlal al-sharāʾiʿ, vol. 1, p. 273; Ḥurr al-ʿĀmilī, Wasāʾil al-Shīʿa, vol. 11, p. 13.Additionally, the distribution of sacrificial meat during Hajj contributes to the well-being of both pilgrims and the impoverished members of the community.<ref> Quran: 22: 28; 36.</ref>Narrations also highlight that participating in Hajj can lead to enhanced financial stability for pilgrims<ref>Ṣadūq, Man lā yaḥḍuruh al-faqīh, vol. 2, p. 265; Ḥurr al-ʿĀmilī, Wasāʾil al-Shīʿa, vol. 11, p. 12.</ref> Meeting familial needs, <ref>  Kulaynī, al-Kāfī, vol. 4, p. 252; Ḥurr al-ʿĀmilī, Wasāʾil al-Shīʿa, vol. 11, p. 9.</ref> alleviating poverty,<ref> Ṣadūq, Man lā yaḥḍuruh al-faqīh, vol. 2, p. 222; Ṭūsī, Tahdhīb al-aḥkām, vol. 5, p. 21.</ref> Preventing bankruptcy,<ref>Ḥurr al-ʿĀmilī, Wasāʾil al-Shīʿa, vol. 11, p. 108; Majlisī, Biḥār al-anwār, vol. 96, p. 12.</ref> and promoting overall health and wellness.<ref> Kulaynī, al-Kāfī, vol. 4, p. 252; Ḥurr al-ʿĀmilī, Wasāʾil al-Shīʿa, vol. 11, p. 252.</ref>

*Al-mansūb ilā l-Imām al-Sādiq. ''Miṣbāḥ al-sharī'a''. Beirut:Muʾassisat al-Aʿlamī li-l-Maṭbūʿāt, 1400 AH.

*Majlisī, Muḥammad Bāqir al-. ''Biḥār al-anwār''. Beirut: Muʾassisat al-Wafāʾ, 1403 AH.

*Nūrī, Mīrzā Ḥusayn al-. ''Mustadrak al-wasāʾil wa musṭanbit al-wasā'il''. Qom: Muʾassisat Āl al-Bayt, 1408 AH.

*Ṣadūq, Muḥammad b. ʿAlī al-. ''Al-Amālī''. Qom: Muʾassisat al-Biʿtha, 1417 AH.