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>  

The Quran emphasizes that the ultimate objective behind the legislation of Hajj is the attainment of human consciousness towards God, known as taqwa. This noble goal is explicitly mentioned in several Quranic verses, highlighting the transformative potential of Hajj in fostering a deep, spiritual awareness and mindfulness of God.{{enote|﴿الْحَجُّ أَشْهُرٌ مَعْلُوماتٌ… َ تَزَوَّدُوا فَإِنَّ خَیرَ الزَّادِ التَّقْوی وَ اتَّقُونِ یا أُولِی الْأَلْباب﴾  

"Hajj is [to be performed in] known months... Seek provisions for yourselves, but the best provision is righteousness." Quran: 2: 197}} This goal is also referenced in two other verses.<ref>Quran: 2: 189,196; 5:96.</ref> Furthermore, numerous hadiths stress the importance of maintaining taqwa from the moment one assumes the sacred state of Ihram until the completion of the Hajj rituals.<ref>Kulaynī, ''al-Kāfī'', vol. 4, p. 338; Ṭūsī,'' Tahdhīb al-aḥkām'', vol. 5, p. 296.</ref>