Hajj is one of those essential rites in Islam that a believer has to perform once in its lifetime, only if he/she can afford it physically as well as financially. Though Hajj remains the fifth pillar of the Islamic faith, it’s not an obligation on every Muslim to undertake the pilgrimage. There are some necessary conditions that need to be fulfilled in order for hajj to be obligatory for a believer. Nonetheless, millions of Muslims reach the holy city of Makkah through hajj tickets and offer the holy rituals of the obligatory pilgrimage.
For a Muslim, Hajj is a very spiritual, emotional, and challenging yet life-changing journey. It not only alters one’s perspective of this worldly life but also reshapes his/her personality for good reasons. Thus, instilling the traits of gratitude, righteousness, honesty, and equality among Muslims.
Here’s a brief description of how the Hajj impacts the personality of a pilgrim.
Being Patient and Self-Restraint.
Hajj journey will involve long hours of travel on foot; physically exhausting activities, and a tiring routine for sure. Nonetheless, the real essence of hajj pilgrimage also lies in facing these challenges with patience. The rituals of hajj themselves may be strenuous, particularly during Makkah’s intensely hot summers and amid a crowd of millions. Though with good planning and high-quality accommodation you might avail living convenience, but one must never forget that the real purpose of Hajj is to let a man endure all these conditions. Therefore, helping to learn patience and self-restraint even when experiencing temptation or tiredness.
Ascension to Heaven.
Spiritual affinity with Allah Almighty is among the most significant advantages of Hajj. The light of guidance achieved through the hajj pilgrimage not only illuminates susceptible hearts but also makes them detached from worldly desires and attached to the creator. By putting on Ihram clothes, circumambulating the House of Allah Almighty, offering sacrifice, and doing other acts of worship; one’s heart goes through a spiritual stage of Ascension to Heaven.
Exploring the Islamic History.
Once the Hajj rituals are performed, some pilgrims head back home while a majority of them stay in the kingdom for a few more weeks with the purpose of Ziyarath of holy sites. There are plenty of sacred mosques, hills, caves, graveyards, plains, and other historical sites of Islam that share a great association with Muslim history. Therefore, one must go there and learn about them as well because it would help in understanding Islam and its origin better as well as the many sacrifices that thousands of Muslims made for it.
Promotes Unity.
Hajj cleanses the soul of a believer; bringing purity, hope, and a sense of renewal in his personality. By strengthening individual faith, hajj directly strengthens the unity of all followers of Islam. hence, bringing together so many Muslims at one place and at one time, enhancing communication and strengthening the shared identity of Muslim Ummah.
These are some of the very basic yet significant impacts of the hajj journey on one’s personality.
