Not Just a Journey: The Binding Command of Hajj in the Qur’an

It would be unfair to describe Hajj as merely a physical journey, given its potential to bring about the ultimate spiritual renewal. As Muslims, we believe that Hajj is an obligation of every eligible believer to the Almighty. Also, believers perform this pilgrimage to prove their devotion to the Almighty, which means that the Almighty has immense rewards for this act of worship. The binding command of Hajj in the Qur’an also enables the Muslims to realise the significance of this spiritual retreat. 

Hajj is among the five pillars of Islam. Whoever performs this pilgrimage with pure intentions for the sake of the Almighty is just a baby, just born with a clean slate with no sins burdening them. Isn’t this what every Muslim yearns for? The Holy Qur’an also tells us about the virtues and rewards of this incredible spiritual retreat. So, if you are on the search to find the best Hajj 2026 packages like thousands of other USA Muslims, we are here with some heartwarming Qur’anic verses on Hajj that will motivate you for the journey. 

The Divine Command of Performing Hajj

Allah Almighty directly commands us to perform Hajj in the Holy Qur’an. There are numerous verses of the holy book that prove the obligation of this pilgrimage on all eligible Muslims. Here is the verse that leaves no room for ambiguity about the obligation of Hajj. 

“وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا ۚ وَمَنْ كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ عَنِ الْعَالَمِينَ”

“And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from the need of the worlds.” (Qur’an 3:97)

After reading this verse, we will have a clear idea that Hajj is not just a tradition; it is the divine command that we cannot deny. This divine command binds every eligible Muslim. Therefore, you must not ignore it even if you have the means and health to perform this pilgrimage, as you will be answerable to the Almighty on the Day of Judgement. 

A Pillar of Islam, Rooted in Revelation

After reading the verse mentioned above, there is no doubt in the divine command of performing Hajj. The significance of this obligatory pilgrimage is elevated with the sayings of the Prophet (SAW). Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has taught us about the unmatched importance of this pilgrimage by saying that this is among the fundamental pillars of Islam. 

“Islam is built upon five: the testimony that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; the establishment of prayer; the giving of zakat; the fasting of Ramadan; and the pilgrimage to the House for whoever is able to find a way.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

When you go through the combination of Quran and Hadith while learning about the compulsion of this pilgrimage, every doubt in your mind and heart vanishes. We all know that performing Hajj is obligatory on us if we can afford it and we are in good health. 

The Origin of Hajj and the Legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS)

We can also find the traces of the historic origins of the obligatory pilgrimage in the Holy Qur’an. As Muslims, we have heard the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son, Prophet Ismail (AS), who built the first structure of the Kaaba as the first house of worship for humanity. Many of the Hajj rituals are reminiscent of the Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) legacy. Here is a verse that will give you an insight into the historic origins of Hajj and the pilgrims who embark on the journey for the sake of Allah Almighty. 

“وَأَذِّنْ فِي النَّاسِ بِالْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالًا وَعَلَىٰ كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَأْتِينَ مِنْ كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍ”

“And proclaim to the people the Hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass.” (Qur’an 22:27)

This verse is a clear representation of the fact that Hajj is a centuries-old divine command. You will be a part of a prophetic legacy and follow the Qur’anic instruction as you arrive in the sacred city of Makkah for Hajj. 

A Test of Submission and Unity

The primary purpose of the Hajj is to prove your devotion and submission to Allah Almighty. All the pilgrims have to shed their identities and wear simple clothing like everyone else. This shows that ranks, status, nationalities, colour, race, caste, or any other worldly distinction don’t matter in front of the Almighty. In the eyes of Allah, we are all equal, and we have to become a living embodiment of equality and unity at the pilgrimage sites. The following Qur’anic verse sheds light on the concept of equality in Islam. 

“إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ”

“Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” (Qur’an 49:13)

Moreover, the unity of Ummah that we see at the pilgrimage sites during Hajj or Umrah has divine plans behind it. The pilgrimage serves as a unifying force for all believers. The Hajj crowds consist of millions of pilgrims who gather at the pilgrimage sites for one purpose only, and let’s not forget about the Muslims around the globe who spiritually connect during the Hajj days. 

Summing Up

Hajj is truly the binding journey that brings all Muslims together under one purpose, which is to have a spiritual renewal and to reconnect with the Almighty. It is a dream of every Muslim to perform Hajj, and anyone who has the means must not delay it. If you think that it is time for you to fulfill your obligation to the Almighty, don’t waste any time planning your Hajj without any inconvenience, ensuring a most memorable spiritual retreat.