Hajj of the Heart: A Non-Hajji’s worship

Allah (SWT) has preferred some times of the year over others. The good deeds and worship performed during these times are superior and earn a believer multiplied rewards. This becomes a huge motivation for an ordinary person to hit the gold mine. Among them are the first ten days of Dhul-Hajj. The momentous ritual of Hajj, Yaum-e-Arafah, and the celebration of Eid-ul-Adha characterizes them.

Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” The people asked: “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?” He said: “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out, giving himself and his wealth up for the cause (of Allah) and came back with nothing.” (Bukhari)

Hajj is a complex act of worship requiring financial, physical, and spiritual strength. It is also every practicing Muslim’s dream. Some plan to perform it right after their marriage, while others spend their lifetime savings to visit Allah’s (SWT) glorious house. At the same time, others wait until they fulfill their worldly obligations and consider their Hajj as their final thanks to Allah (SWT) for enabling them to meet all their responsibilities well.

Hajj is obligated only once in a lifetime. But will every believer get an opportunity to perform Hajj? If not, how do the non-Hajjis benefit from these days?

One can perform ‘Hajj of the heart.’ Take the actions of the pilgrimage and develop our spiritual uplift plan for these ten days. In fact, this ‘Hajj’ should be a daily endeavor, a constant struggle for self-improvement for the Hereafter. Here are some tips to help you:

1. Ihram: The Hajji is distinguished by his Ihram. Not only does one follow the guidelines, but one must also avoid all that has been declared unlawful.

Likewise, we cover our hearts with ‘Ihram’ and consciously avoid all that Allah (SWT) has forbidden or that is likely to displease Him.

It can be a small act of rising early to gain the ‘Barakah’ of the morning or an action that affects one’s manners.

2. Talbiyah: Talbiyah is an essential part of Hajj. It refers to the verbal invocation the pilgrims often repeat out loud, from wearing Ihram to the throwing of pebbles at the Jamaraat. They consciously reinstate the memory and sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his household and live the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).       

Non Hajis can proclaim their Tauhid as well. During the first ten days of Dhul Hajj, it is Sunnah to say Takbir (Allah o Akbar), Tahmid (Al Hamd ulillah), Tahlil (La ilaha illal Allah) and Tasbih (Subhan Allah) loudly in the Masjid, home, street or any place where Allah (SWT) can be glorified. Men can proclaim Allah’s (SWT) greatness loudly, while women are advised to recite it quietly. 

3. Salah: While a pilgrim earns the reward of praying Jamaat at Masjid ul Haram and other designated sites of Hajj, a non-Hajji can also exert more effort on the best days of the year. It can be a consistent effort to add to your acts of worship in the form of Tahjjud prayers, Duhaa prayers, or Nawaafil.

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said: “The son of Adam could not do anything more beneficial for himself than Salah, reconciliation (between Muslims) and being well-mannered.” (Al Bahaiqui)

4. Quran: While pilgrims are granted ample opportunity to recite the Quran in Bayt ul Allah during and outside their Salah, non-Hajjis can also mindfully go the extra mile.

The Quran has five rights over Muslims:

• Al Istamah – to listen to it attentively
• At Tilawah – to recite it correctly
• Al Hifz – to memorize it
• At Tadabbur – to deliberately ponder over it
• Al Amal – to act upon it

A non-Hajji can take a portion of the Quran and try engaging with it, continuing even after the ten blessed days of Dhul Hajj are over.

5. Good deeds: An accepted Hajj or Hajj-e-Mabroor is one where you have successfully avoided all frivolous activities and all forms of arguments. Instead, the pilgrim is encouraged to do virtuous deeds in all forms, even if it is offering a drink to a thirsty animal.

There are rewards for good deeds, as emphasized in Surah Fajr. Similarly, fulfilling the rights of family and relatives, avoiding gossip, repetitive analysis of current affairs, and avoiding disagreements that can escalate into arguments or fights.

6. Boundaries: The Hajj is confined to a particular place and time. A pilgrim in Makkah, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah is acutely mindful of Allah (SWT) whether he is performing Hajj rituals or carrying out his daily activities.

Likewise, we need to temper the Halal in our lives so that we can focus on building and strengthening our relationship with Allah (SWT). Chores and errands are unavoidable necessities in our lives, but when we incorporate Dhikr mindfully, we will hopefully be rewarded for every effort that we make to fulfill our responsibilities.

7. Time: A Hajji is mindful of dates and times since each ritual of Hajj is time-bound. In the same way, we should try and use our time productively. For instance, prepare for Eid well beforehand so that we can avoid wasting time in the marketplace. Reduce or remove the usage of social media that eats away precious time.

8. The Day of Arafah: On this day, also known as the Waqfah (standing), the pilgrims stand on and around the Mount of Mercy to ask Allah’s (SWT) forgiveness. When the sun sets on that day, Allah Ar-Rahman forgives all their past sins.

It is indeed a great mercy of Allah Al-Kareem that the blessings of Hajj spill over to the non-Hajis. They are encouraged to fast on the 9^th Dhul Hajj. The sins of two years (the past and the coming year) are forgiven. (Muslim)

9. Sacrifice: Allah (SWT) states in the Quran: “That they may witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e.10^th, 11^th, 12^th, and 13^th Day of Dhul Hajj) over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice).” (Al-Hajj 22:28)

Such is the beauty of Islam; it unites the Ummah as all financially able believers offer sacrifice for the sake of Allah (SWT), Haji or non-Haji.

Conclusively, Hajj is a glorious opportunity for all believers to re-align their lives with the real goal of life, which is absolute submission to Allah (SWT).