THE CONNECTION BETWEEN HAJJ AND CHARITY: STRENGTHENING FAITH AND COMMUNITY
Millions of Muslims come to the Hajj every year in Makkah.
It is a very special journey that unites people from various countries. Hajj is not just a trip. It is a closer approach to Allah. It is a time for cleansing the heart, forgiveness, and growth in faith. But there is one final aspect that makes Hajj even more beautiful, that is charity.
What Is Hajj?
One of the five fundamental religious duties in Islam is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, the Hajj. All Muslims who have the health and financial means must perform the Hajj at least once in their lives.
The Hajj takes place during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah and lasts for five days. Muslims dedicate five to six days of Hajj to complete ceremonial acts consisting of Tawaf, standing in Arafat, and carrying out Sa’i.
The journey involves continuous prayers while people shed tears and maintain optimism. Muslims use this time to assist their fellow believers. Muslims utilize charity as the main form to provide aid.
What Is Charity in Islam?
Spiritual giving in Islam receives two names: Sadaqah or Zakat. Providing charity to the poor constitutes a core religious requirement for Muslims. We express gratitude to Allah through this act by acknowledging His blessings, by helping people. Through charity both the giver and the receiver gain inner peace.
Muslims commit to additional giving during their Hajj observance. Our proximity to Allah creates a gentle quality in our hearts. We see the pain of others, and we want to help.
Hajj and Charity: A Strong Connection
The bond between Hajj and Charity exists at a profound level. Through his example, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) demonstrated that giving donations counts as worship.
People spend numerous years saving money to participate in the Hajj pilgrimage. But while doing so, they also save to help others. This is because they know the value of sharing.
Some even give money to others so they too can perform the Hajj. The pilgrims use their money to help the people there. They use their money to help the needy and poor there. They donate money for different good deeds like providing water and food etc. These good deeds continue to help people even after the Hajj ends.
Charitable Acts During Hajj
While in Makkah, many people do small and big acts of kindness. Here are a few common charitable acts during Hajj:
- Giving free water to pilgrims
- Offering food to the hungry
- Donating Ihram clothing
- Helping older people or the disabled
- Supporting people who lost their group or way
These simple acts bring joy and show true Islamic manners.
Charity During Pilgrimage Brings Blessings
Hajj is the best time to give. The rewards are higher. When people help others during Hajj, they grow closer to Allah. Giving helps clean the heart. It removes greed and brings peace.
Hajj is the time when the reward for every single good deed multiplies. Similarly, the charity done during Hajj helps in getting unlimited blessings. It is the best way of pleasing Allah (SWT). Moreover, charity also aids in getting our prayers accepted.
Hajj and Social Responsibility
Islam teaches us to care for others. We are all part of one Ummah. This is what Hajj and social responsibility are about. When we go for Hajj, we stand shoulder to shoulder with people of all backgrounds. There is no difference between the rich and the poor.
This togetherness teaches us to care, to help, and to give. It shows that we must be kind at all times not just during Hajj, but every day.
Islamic Charity and Hajj: What the Quran Says
The Quran speaks about giving in many places. Allah tells us to help the needy and not turn away from them. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said that giving even a charity date is good.
In the Hajj, Muslims remember these teachings. They try to give more, feel thankful, and want to share what they have. It is a perfect time to put these lessons into action.
Giving Zakat and Sadaqah in Hajj
Many people give Hajj Zakat and donations before or during their journey. Zakat is a set amount. It is given once a year if a Muslim has enough wealth. Sadaqah is extra. It can be offered anytime.
Some people choose to give their Zakat during Hajj because they feel more spiritual, while others give Sadaqah for blessings. Both are good and loved by Allah.
During Hajj, if any Muslim violates the rules of Hajj or Irham, they also have to give Sadaqah for the compensation of that mistake.
Helping the Community
Hajj and community unity go hand in hand. When people do the Hajj together, they become like one body. They care for each other. After Hajj, many continue to help in their areas. They donate, volunteer, and teach others.
One kind act leads to another. A small gift can start a big change.
Charity Is a Way to Thank Allah
Everything we have is from Allah: good health, money, food, and even the chance to go on Hajj. Giving is one way to say “thank you.” It shows that we remember others and are grateful.
When we give during Hajj, we say with our actions: “Ya Allah, I thank You, and I care for Your creation.”
Different types of Sadaqah Jariyah in Makkah and Madina:
If you are planning to go on Hajj, here are a few simple ways to use your money for Sadaqah Jariyah
- Donate money to a charitable organisation in Makkah and Madina
- You can also donate online to charity organisations like Ehsaas Trust.
- Donate a wheelchair for the pilgrims
- Buy a folding chair and keep it in the Mosque so that people can use it
Other than that, you can do different acts of charity during Hajj. It’s severely hot during Hajj days, you can give the pilgrims water, juices or umbrellas. Many pilgrims don’t get the space to sit or sleep properly, you can offer them the space if you have. Being gentle and sharing a smile is also sadaqah that can be done, especially during Hajj days.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “To smile in the company of your brother is charity. To command to do good deeds and to prevent others from doing evil is charity. To guide a person in a place where he can not get astray is charity. To remove troublesome things like thorns and bones from the road is charity. To pour water from your jug into the jug of your brother is charity. To guide a person with defective vision is charity for you.” (Bukhari)
Final Thoughts
The bond between Hajj and Charity is strong and deep. We must remember those in need when we go on this holy journey. Giving is a part of worship. It brings light to our souls and smiles to others.
By giving during Hajj, we make our hearts softer. We show our love for Allah and His people. We grow as individuals and as a community.
You can donate your Sadaqah to Ehsaas Trust during Hajj days. Let us all try to make charity a part of our Hajj. Let us return not just with forgiven sins but with a heart full of kindness and hands that help.
