Hajj: A Path To Forgiveness For Major Sins?

Hajj is a pilgrimage to Makkah, and it is believed that performing Hajj correctly can result in the forgiveness of sins. The Prophet Muhammad is quoted as saying: Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity or evil will go back (free of) sin as on the day his mother bore him. However, there is a difference in opinion among scholars as to whether this includes major sins, with some arguing that major sins require a particular form of repentance. Nonetheless, Hajj is considered a reason for the expiation of sins, and it is important to note that the forgiveness of sins does not mean that obligations to people are waived.

Hajj mabrur (accepted by Allah) forgives all major and minor sins

Hajj mabrur, or the pilgrimage accepted by Allah, forgives all major and minor sins. This is supported by several hadiths, including one narrated by Abu Hurayrah, who heard the Prophet say:

> Whoever performs Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) and does not have sexual relations (and all matters that lead to it) with his wife and doesn’t do evil or sins, returns after Hajj as if his mother gave birth to him the same day – i.e. (without any sins).

Another hadith, narrated by Abu Hurairah, states:

> The performance of `Umrah is expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous ones. And the reward for Hajj Mabrur (pilgrimage accepted by Allah) is nothing but Paradise.

However, it is important to note that the forgiveness of sins through Hajj does not include the violation of the rights of others. Before performing Hajj, one must restore the rights of those they have wronged and ask for their forgiveness. Additionally, the forgiveness of sins through Hajj does not waive obligatory duties such as expiation and debts.

While Hajj can bring forgiveness for sins, it is important to strive for righteousness and avoid sinfulness. This fear of Allah's judgement is what motivates believers to perform righteous deeds and seek His forgiveness.

Rights of people must be restored before Hajj

Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims. It is a mandatory religious duty for capable Muslims, who must carry it out at least once in their lifetime.

The Hajj is associated with the Islamic prophet Muhammad from the 7th century AD, but the ritual of pilgrimage to Mecca stated in Muslim sources stretches back to the time of Abraham. During the Hajj, pilgrims perform a series of pre-Islamic rituals (reformed by Muhammad). These include walking counter-clockwise seven times around the Kaaba (a cube-shaped building and the direction of prayer for Muslims), kissing the Black Stone mounted on the corner wall of the Kaaba, and walking briskly back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times.

The Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, alongside Shahadah (the oath that one believes there is no god but Allah), Salat (prayer), Zakat (almsgiving), and Sawm (fasting during Ramadan).

There are various hadiths about the virtues of Hajj, which indicate that it erases sins and expiates for bad deeds. The individual returns from Hajj as on the day their mother bore them, or as a child, free of sin. However, this does not mean that obligatory duties are waived, whether they are duties owed to Allah or to other people.

According to some scholars, Hajj brings forgiveness of sins, but it does not mean that these duties are waived. For example, if a person delays making up Ramadan fasts and then performs Hajj, their Hajj brings forgiveness for the sin of delaying, but the obligation to make up those days is not waived.

Thus, the rights of people must be restored before Hajj. This includes the fulfilment of duties such as expiations, debts, and vows, as well as the payment of zakah and the completion of fasts.

It is important to note that the Hajj is not a substitute for living a virtuous life. Rather, it is a chance for self-renewal and an opportunity for Muslims to unite with fellow believers from around the world.

Tawbah (sincere repentance) is needed for major sins

Tawbah, or sincere repentance, is a vital concept in Islam, and it is necessary for the forgiveness of major sins. Tawbah is a direct and personal matter between an individual and God, requiring no intercession. The word, derived from the Arabic "to return", signifies a sincere and faithful return to God, free from pretense and hypocrisy.

In the Quran, believers are urged to turn to God in sincere repentance, and in doing so, God will forgive their sins and grant them entry to paradise. This is exemplified in the following verse:

> "O believers! Turn to Allah in sincere repentance, so your Lord may absolve you of your sins and admit you into Gardens, under which rivers flow."

Surah At-Tahrim 66:8

Tawbah requires a strong determination to leave sinful deeds behind and never return to them. It is a process that begins with recognising one's sins and feeling remorse, followed by seeking God's forgiveness and making amends.

While Hajj is considered a meritorious act that can bring forgiveness for sins, it does not waive obligatory duties and expiations. As such, Tawbah is essential for the forgiveness of major sins, and it is through sincere repentance that a believer can truly return to God and be forgiven.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

> "Glad tidings to those who find a lot of seeking forgiveness in the record of their deeds."

Sunan Ibn Majah 3818

Hajj does not waive obligatory duties, such as expiations and debts

Hajj is obligatory for every Muslim, provided they are physically and financially capable of it. It is a rewarding experience that brings about the blessings of Allah and forgives all sins.

However, it is important to note that Hajj does not waive obligatory duties, such as expiations and debts. While Hajj may forgive sins, it does not absolve Muslims from fulfilling their duties and obligations. This includes duties owed to Allah, such as expiations, fulfilment of vows, and unpaid Zakah, as well as duties owed to other people, such as debts.

Expiations, or kaffarah, are acts of atonement or compensation for sins or broken vows. They can take various forms, such as fasting, feeding the poor, or sacrificing an animal. These expiations are separate from Hajj and must be fulfilled independently.

Similarly, debts are not waived by performing Hajj. A Muslim should not undertake Hajj if they are heavily indebted and their debts are due before the Hajj season. However, if there is no set time limit for repayment or if the debt is not due before Hajj, it is permissible to perform Hajj.

In conclusion, while Hajj is a spiritually rewarding act that forgives sins, it does not relieve Muslims from their obligatory duties and responsibilities. Expiations and debts must still be addressed and fulfilled as part of a Muslim's religious obligations.

Conditions for Hajj acceptance include sincerity and following the Sunnah

Sincerity of intention

Sincerity of intention (ikhlaas) is one of the two basic conditions for a righteous deed to be accepted. Allah says in the hadith qudsi, "Whoever does an action for other than Me, I will leave him and his shirk (associating other gods with Allah)."

Following the Sunnah

The other basic condition for a righteous deed to be accepted is following the Sunnah of the Prophet. The Prophet used to say during his Hajj, "Learn from me your rituals."

Hajj must be done with halal funds

Hajj done with haram funds is haram and is not permitted. Some scholars even say that Hajj is not valid in this case.

Avoid what Allah has forbidden

A pilgrim should avoid what Allah has forbidden in general, such as immorality, sin, haram speech, haram deeds, and listening to music. They should also avoid what Allah has forbidden particularly in Hajj, such as intercourse with women, and shaving the head.

Be kind, generous, and easy-going

The pilgrim should treat their brothers well as much as possible. They must avoid annoying or disturbing the Muslims in the holy places, marketplaces, or in the crowded conditions of the mataaf and the mas'aa.

Travel with a knowledgeable person

The best way to achieve the above is to travel with a knowledgeable person who can remind the pilgrim about their religion. If that is not possible, then the pilgrim should read the books of the scholars before going for Hajj, so that they can worship Allah with knowledge.

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