Why do Muslims Perform HAJJ?

Performing pilgrimage or Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and the most significant manifestation of Islamic faith and unity.

Allah swt says:
And proclaim to mankind the Hajj. They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant mountain highway. [Qur’an 22:27]

Undertaking the Hajj at least once in the life time is a duty for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey to Makkah. The emphasis on financial ability is meant to ensure that a Muslim takes care of his family first. The requirement that a Muslim be healthy and physically capable of undertaking the pilgrimage is intended to exempt those who cannot endure the rigors of extended travel.

Allah says:
Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah, those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of his creatures. [Qur’an 3: 97]

The pilgrimage is the religious high point of a Muslim's life and an event that every Muslim dreams of undertaking. Umrah, the small pilgrimage, can be undertaken at any time of the year; Hajj, however, is performed during a five-day period from the ninth through the thirteenth of Dzulhijjah, the twelfth month of the Muslim Hijriah calendar.

Performing the Hajj is the spiritual apex of a Muslim's life, one that provides a clear understanding of his relationship with God and his place on Earth. It imparts in a Muslim not only the assurance that he has performed the fifth pillar of Islam by following in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad[pbuh] originated from Ibrahim and Prophet Isma'il[pbut] but also the realization of an ummah [nation] that is more than one billion strong and spreads across the globe.

A Muslim does not earn “Hajj Mabrur” [acceptable pilgrimage] except by leaving all sins behind him or her. While falling into sin is prohibited at all times, Allah swt gives a specific order to the pilgrims to leave sins.

Allah says:
Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during hajj. [Qur’an2:197]

This verse emphasizes the nobility of the time and greatness of the place.

Allah also says:
Whoever intends [a deed] therein [i.e. in the Haram] of deviation [in religion] or wrongdoing – We will make him taste of a painful punishment. [Qur’an 22:25]

Pilgrimage makes people realize their many evil deeds and mistakes, which are the results of weak fear of Allah and ignoring the Shari`ah [God's commands and Sunnah].

So, what are the wisdoms and aims of the Hajj? One of it's goal is the realization of “taqwa” [piety, fearful awareness of Allah, as Allah says:And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah…And fear Allah [Qur'an 2:196]