Accepted Hajj

Accepted Ḥajj (Arabic: حَجّ مَقبول) is a Ḥajj that, in addition to being jurisprudentially valid, is performed with sincerity and perfect conditions, and is accepted by God. A valid Ḥajj is only correctly performed in terms of jurisprudential rulings and removes the obligation of Ḥajj from the mukallaf (one who is religiously obligated), but its acceptance by God has specific conditions. In narrations, accepted Ḥajj is considered among the best deeds and has a great reward.

Among the most important factors for the acceptance of Ḥajj are lawful property, intention of proximity to God, and sincerity. In the view of Shi'a sources, knowledge, wilaya (guardianship), and obedience to the Ahl al-Bayt (a) are also considered. In some Sunni narrations, behaviors such as feeding the needy, kind words, and good conduct are also counted among the factors for the acceptance of Ḥajj.

The most important sign of an accepted Ḥajj is its effects on life after returning from the journey; in such a way that the pilgrim avoids sin and their motivation, will, and behavior change towards goodness and righteousness. Therefore, an accepted Ḥajj is not merely the correct performance of rituals, but it must lead to self-purification, behavioral reform, and greater adherence to goodness and avoidance of sin. Also, in narrations, some deeds such as pilgrimage, prayer in Masjid al-Kufa, and serving people are considered to have a reward equivalent to an accepted Ḥajj.

Concept and Significance

Accepted Ḥajj is a Ḥajj that has been accepted by God. The term "Ḥajj Mabrur" is also used in narrations and lexicographical books as a synonym for "accepted and pure Ḥajj."

In the narrations of the Infallibles, accepted Ḥajj is recognized as valuable and important. For example, according to a narration from the Prophet of Islam (s), the best deeds are faith without doubt, jihad without deceit, and an accepted Ḥajj. According to another hadith, nothing equals an accepted Ḥajj, and there is no reward for it except Paradise. Imam al-Sajjad (a) asks God to include his name among those whose Ḥajj is accepted and whose efforts are appreciated by God. Also, in Shi'a hadith literature, deeds such as pilgrimage to Imam al-Husayn (a) or performing prayers in Masjid al-Kufa are mentioned, the reward for which is considered equivalent to one or more accepted Ḥajj.

Difference between Accepted Ḥajj and Valid Ḥajj

"Valid Ḥajj" is a Ḥajj that is performed in accordance with the Rites of Ḥajj, and with its fulfillment, the obligation of Ḥajj is removed from the mukallaf and the mustaṭīʿ (one who is capable). However, "Accepted Ḥajj" refers to a Ḥajj that, in addition to having the conditions of validity, also has the conditions of perfection, such that it is accepted by God.

Condition for Acceptance of Ḥajj

Some Shi'a researchers, based on numerous narrations, have concluded that there is a special connection between the acceptance of Ḥajj and the wilaya of the Ahl al-Bayt (a). They have considered the "completion and acceptance of Ḥajj" to be meeting the Imam, having knowledge of the Imam's status, following and obeying him, and declaring readiness to support the Imam of one's time. The use of lawful property for the Ḥajj journey and intention of proximity to God and sincerity are also considered conditions for the acceptance of Ḥajj.

Some narrations transmitted from the Sunnis have conditioned the acceptance of Ḥajj on performing deeds such as feeding food, kind words, and greeting loudly (as a sign of good behavior and humility).

Accepted Ḥajj

According to a narration from Prophet Muhammad (s), the sign of an accepted Ḥajj is that the pilgrim no longer commits the sins they used to commit. Based on this narration, the result of performing an accepted Ḥajj is stated as such that the motivations, wills, desires, decisions, and determinations of the pilgrim change in such a way that they are determined towards goodness and consider bad deeds inappropriate, thus avoiding them. According to narrations, by performing the Rites of Ḥajj, the pilgrim is purified from all impurities; therefore, as long as they do not become contaminated with sin, they remain luminous.

Related Articles

• Rites of Ḥajj
• Secrets of Ḥajj
• Etiquette of Ḥajj

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