Signs of an accepted Hajj: The sermon of the Imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca after the Hajj season
In a comprehensive sermon delivered from the Grand Mosque in Mecca, after the pilgrims had completed their rituals, the Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Bandar bin Abdulaziz Balila, emphasized that the essence of worship lies in its continuity and its impact on the life of a Muslim, pointing out that the sign of acceptance of the Hajj, or what is known as “the accepted Hajj,” appears in the piety of the heart and the refinement of behavior after the completion of the rituals.
General context: Hajj is a complete spiritual journey
This guidance comes at a crucial time, as millions of pilgrims depart the Holy Land, returning home after a profound spiritual journey. Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is an obligation for every able-bodied Muslim. It brings together Muslims from all corners of the earth, stripped of worldly adornments, in a majestic display of unity and equality. This journey is not merely a ritual, but a spiritual school aimed at purifying the soul and cleansing it of sins, as stated in the hadith: “Whoever performs Hajj and does not engage in obscene speech or commit sins will return as pure as the day his mother gave birth to him.”.
The impact of Hajj on the life of a Muslim
Sheikh Balila explained that worship is a lifelong journey, a continuous path of the heart until its appointed time, citing the verse: “And worship your Lord until certainty comes to you.” He urged the pilgrims to thank God for the blessing of being able to perform this great duty, for God has chosen them and favored them over many of His creation, while many others yearned for this journey but were not destined to set foot in these sacred precincts.
School of high values and morals
His Eminence emphasized that Hajj is a complete, divinely ordained school, replete with lessons, wisdom, and experiences from which the believer learns sublime values and high morals. He explained that the greatest benefit a Muslim derives from this ritual is the realization of monotheism in its highest form, manifested in complete submission to God through worship, obedience to Him, and disavowal of polytheism and its adherents. Every act of Hajj, from the Talbiyah to the Tawaf and the standing at Arafat, is a pure declaration of the Oneness of God, the Lord of the Worlds.
The importance of righteousness after Hajj and its impact
The call by the Imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca for righteousness after Hajj carries profound significance on both individual and collective levels. On an individual level, it reminds pilgrims that the ultimate goal of Hajj is continuous positive change, and to return to their lives with a more pious heart and refined conduct, becoming more committed to religious duties and treating others with kindness. On an international level, this message, emanating from the heart of the Muslim world, contributes to solidifying the image of Islam as a religion that calls for peace and ongoing self-improvement, as pilgrims return as ambassadors of noble values to their communities, thus strengthening solidarity and cohesion within the entire Muslim community.
Sheikh Balila concluded his sermon by calling for adherence to righteousness and steadfastness in obedience after Hajj, as this is the true proof of the acceptance of the deed, and it is the desired outcome of this blessed journey of faith.
