"And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah" [Qur'an 2:196]

The Muslim Public Affairs Centre rejoices with the pilgrims who travelled to Mecca and Medina this year to perform the rituals of the Hajj. The performance of Hajj is a turning point in every Muslim's life and those whom Allah has favoured to perform Hajj and `Umrah should be thankful to Allah (glorified and exalted be He) Who has chosen them from among His servants to perform these acts of worship. Also, they should continue to implore Almighty Allah to accept their good deeds and acts of worship. That is very important, for it reflects their belief that being so favoured by Allah to accomplish the task of travelling to the Sacred Land to perform Hajj and `Umrah is a favour that deserves gratitude.

Hajj, as the Prophet () said in the hadith, purifies sins and makes a person who performs it with all sincerity like a newborn and thus closer to Allah. During the Hajj, Muslims strive toward the ideal of equality and unity among all people regardless of class, ethnicity, or financial status. It is therefore important for Hajjis to try their best to preserve this pure state as best as they can. They, as well as all Muslims, can achieve this state by repenting sincerely to Allah and being consistent in dhikr, for dhikr helps us to come closer to the Lord and repels Shaytan.

Remaining steadfast in performing salah and other religious duties. Reading and pondering the Qur'an on a daily basis. Carrying the message of Islam by inviting people to it and showing a good example. Keeping company with righteous Muslims and praying to Allah to make our hearts steadfast in obeying Him alone in the manner of the Prophet (). We can all remember the hadith that explains the sign of an accepted Hajj as Hajj mabroor that a person after Hajj becomes more caring about the hereafter and less interested in the pleasures of this life. We therefore urge the pilgrims, after they return from the Sacred Land, to keep their minds and souls attached to Allah, remembering Him constantly because Almighty Allah says, And when ye have completed your devotions, then remember Allah as ye remember your fathers or with a more lively remembrance¦ (Al-Baqarah: 200)

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Hajj Special- Khutbah