The goals and effects of Hajj: Difference between revisions
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==Prevention of Human Destruction== | ==Prevention of Human Destruction== | ||
The Quran | 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> | ||
These teachings collectively highlight the profound link between adherence to the Hajj pilgrimage and the preservation of life, suggesting that fulfilling this divine command not only serves spiritual purposes but also offers material benefits by safeguarding individuals from existential threats. | |||
== | ==Acquisition of Religious Knowledge and Dissemination of Hadith== | ||
Imam Reza (AS) | 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>Ṣadūq, ''ʿIlal al-sharāʾiʿ'', vol. 1, p. 273; Ḥurr al-ʿĀmilī, ''Wasāʾil al-Shīʿa'', vol. 11, p. 13.</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 (PBUH). 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>Ṣadūq, ''ʿIlal al-sharāʾiʿ'', vol. 2, p. 406; Ḥurr al-ʿĀmilī, ''Wasāʾil al-Shīʿa'', vol. 11, p. 15.</ref> | ||
==Testing the | ==Testing the Devotees== | ||
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 (PBUH). 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> | |||
==Worldly Benefits== | ==Worldly Benefits== | ||
Hadith literature elucidates that the term "منافع" (benefits) in the verse "وَ أَذِّن فی النَّاسِ بِالحْجّ… لِّّیشْهَدُواْ مَنَافِعَ لَهُمْ" encompasses both spiritual and tangible material advantages.<ref> Kulaynī, al-Kāfī, vol. 4, p. 422; Ṭūsī, Tahdhīb al-aḥkām, vol. 5, p. 122.</ref> These benefits extend beyond mere spiritual enrichment to include significant economic and social advantages. | |||
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> | |||
These worldly benefits illustrate the multifaceted impact of Hajj, demonstrating its importance not only as a spiritual journey but also as a catalyst for economic and social betterment. | |||
==Reward in the Hereafter== | ==Reward in the Hereafter== | ||
Hadith literature highlights that one of the profound meanings of "منافع" (benefits) in the verse "وَ أَذِّن فی النَّاسِ بِالحْجّ… لِّّیشْهَدُواْ مَنَافِعَ لَهُمْ" pertains to the rewards and blessings in the hereafter.<ref>Kulaynī, ''al-Kāfī'', vol. 4, p. 422; Ṭūsī, ''Tahdhīb al-aḥkām'', vol. 5, p. 122.</ref> Imam Sadiq (AS) articulates that these benefits encompass the eternal rewards bestowed upon those who undertake Hajj with sincerity and devotion.Imam Ali (AS) elucidates that the placement of the Ka'ba in a challenging and desolate region serves to amplify the divine grace and generosity extended to the pilgrims. This challenging environment is seen as a means through which Allah opens the gates of mercy and reward for those who make the arduous journey.<ref>''Nahj al-balāgha'', kh, 192; Kulaynī, ''al-Kāfī'', vol. 4, p. 199.</ref> Furthermore, various traditions underscore the immense magnitude of the rewards awaiting Hajj pilgrims in the afterlife. These rewards are so significant that they are attributed to every step taken during the Hajj journey, reflecting the profound spiritual and eternal significance of this sacred pilgrimage.<ref>Kulaynī, ''al-Kāfī'', vol. 4, p. 253; Ṭūsī, ''Tahdhīb al-aḥkām'', vol. 5, p. 24.</ref> | |||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||