Cannot Do Hajj This Year? Let’s Reflect on Surat Al-Hajj

For many of us, we imagine the honor of being invited to perform Hajj at least once in our lives. But, many of us would never have imagined we’d live to see Hajj is not accessible for most of Muslims, for two years in a row.

So, in this article, to pay tribute to the Hajj season, we’ll explore some spiritual lessons from surat Al-Hajj.

1. Remember the Day of Judgment

Hajj season is a training camp for the Day of Judgment. So consider that the Day of Judgment is a regular theme in surat Al-Hajj.

During Hajj, pilgrims gather side by side, all required to perform the same rituals. Their wealth, status, language or anything that distinguishes them in this world does nothing to increase their Hajj in our religion.

Just like on the Day of Judgment, only their taqwa (piety) will make a difference. The following verse is a humbling reminder that during Hajj season or otherwise, we’re all preparing for the same thing.

Allah says what means: {O humanity! If you are in doubt about the Resurrection, then ˹know that We did create you from dust, then from a sperm-drop, then developed you into˺ a clinging clot ˹of blood˺, then a lump of flesh—fully formed or unformed—in order to demonstrate ˹Our power˺ to you. ˹Then˺ We settle whatever ˹embryo˺ We will in the womb for an appointed term, then bring you forth as infants, so that you may reach your prime. Some of you ˹may˺ die ˹young˺, while others are left to reach the most feeble stage of life so that they may know nothing after having known much. And you see the earth lifeless, but as soon as We send down rain upon it, it begins to stir ˹to life˺ and swell, producing every type of pleasant plant.} (Al-Hajj 22:5)

This verse chronicles the different phases of life. What is incredible is many people deny an afterlife because it perplexes them that such a Day could be possible. Yet this verse reminds mankind that creating life is easy for Allah. Just as we see life come and go, humans are born, die young or grow old and die again.

We are born helpless and many will return to a helpless stage at the end of their lives. Then, new life is brought forward. And Allah does the same on the earth to the vegetation.

So how is it anything other than easy for Allah to bring life to the dead on the Day of Judgment?

2. Do we worship Allah on an edge?

Allah says what means: {And of the people is he who worships Allah on an edge. If he is touched by good, he is reassured by it; but if he is struck by trial, he turns on his face [to the other direction]. He has lost [this] world and the Hereafter. That is what is the manifest loss.} (Al-Hajj 22:11)

All throughout the surah, beginning with the very first verse, are intense reminders of the afterlife. Yet, most of us do not live with the afterlife constantly in mind.

So by default, we measure our accomplishments and tragedies against the dunya (worldly life).

If something good happens, we treat it as if it will be there forever (even though we’re guaranteed it won’t be). But when trial hits, our faith is the first to be destroyed. Living without our priorities straight is “worshipping God on an edge.” 

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Be prompt in doing good deeds (before you are overtaken) by turbulence [fitan] which would be like a part of the dark night. During (that stormy period) a man would be a Muslim in the morning and an unbeliever in the evening or he would be a believer in the evening and an unbeliever in the morning, and would sell his faith for worldly goods.” (Muslim)

Have we let our defenses around our heart down so badly that we can lose our faith in the matter of a morning to evening?

Unfortunately, this is the reality with how quickly some of us make decisions that jeopardize our iman (faith). But what is it worth? Certainty not our akhira (Hereafter). This is why tawbah (repentance) should be a daily habit for every believer.

Other Lessons from the Surah

The lessons from Surat Al-Hajj are extensive. There are verses that narrate the history of the hajj from Abrahim’s time, the truth behind Allah’s justice and reliance on Him, and beautiful descriptions of His other qualities. Our job is to demonstrate our thankfulness through our worship. Our job is to never forsake the relationship with Allah by living “on the edge” of faith. May Allah make us from the faithful, the just and the forgiven.