The Importance of Repentance and Reconciliation Before Performing Hajj
“Seeking Forgiveness Before Going for Hajj”
Before going for Hajj, one should sincerely repent for their sins and make a firm intention not to commit them again. If one has caused harm to someone, they should seek forgiveness from that person. If they have withheld someone’s rights, they should return it along with an apology. If the rightful owner cannot be found, they should give charity with the intention of returning it when they meet.
In Islam, the rights of individuals (Huqooq ul Ibaad) are given great importance. This is a right that can only be forgiven by the individual themselves; otherwise, Allah will not forgive. If a person passes away in this state, their good deeds will be given to the oppressed on the Day of Judgment.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever has wronged his brother should resolve the matter before the Day comes when there will be no dirham or dinar left. If he has good deeds, they will be taken from him according to the extent of his wrongdoing. If he has no good deeds, the wronged person’s sins will be placed upon him.”
In Sahih Muslim, it is narrated from Abu Hurairah (رضى الله عنه) that the Prophet (ﷺ) asked the Companions, “Who is the bankrupt (Mufalis)?” They replied, “The one who has no dirham or dinar.” The Prophet (ﷺ) then said:
“The bankrupt among my nation is the one who comes on the Day of Resurrection with prayers, fasting, and zakat, but he has insulted this one, slandered that one, beaten this one, shed the blood of that one, and taken the wealth of this one. His good deeds will be given to these people, and if his good deeds are exhausted before his matters are settled, then their sins will be placed upon him, and he will be thrown into the Fire.”
When a person is going to perform the obligatory act of Hajj and still has someone’s rights upon them or has caused someone distress, the Hajj will be valid, but the sin of that wrongdoing will remain with them. In other words, due to this sin, they will be deprived of many rewards.
It is narrated in Sahih Muslim from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“The gates of Paradise are opened on Mondays and Thursdays, and forgiveness is granted to every servant who does not associate anything with Allah, except for a man who has enmity with his brother. It is said: ‘Leave these two until they reconcile.'”
In Sahih Muslim, it is also narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“On every Monday and Thursday, all deeds are presented, and Allah forgives every man who does not associate anything with Him, except for a man who has enmity with his brother. It is said: ‘Leave these two until they reconcile.'”
This emphasizes the importance of resolving disputes and seeking forgiveness before embarking on the sacred journey of Hajj.
Written by: Shaykh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah, Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia