The acts of Hajj and Umrah are among the most sacred experiences a Muslim can undertake, times when the proximity to the divine is palpably felt.
The belief in the power of supplication during these spiritual journeys is grounded in numerous hadiths and the Quran, which underscore the importance of prayer and seeking forgiveness from Allah.
Here are some passages and hadiths that highlight the significance of prayer and seeking forgiveness during these sacred pilgrimages:
Quranic Verses:
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:199)
Translation:
“Then depart from the place from where [all] the people depart and ask forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”
This verse highlights the act of seeking forgiveness from Allah, especially after performing rituals such as the Hajj.
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:186)
Translation:
“And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.”
This verse reassures Muslims that Allah is always near, listening, and responding to their supplications, emphasizing the closeness of Allah during acts of worship like Hajj and Umrah.
Hadiths:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“The best supplication is the supplication on the day of Arafah, and the best of what I and the prophets before me have said, is ‘There is no god but Allah, alone, without partner.'” (Tirmidhi)
This hadith signifies the importance of supplication on the day of Arafah, a pivotal part of the Hajj pilgrimage, highlighting a specific dua known for its profound simplicity and depth.
Regarding Umrah, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) mentioned:
“The performers of Hajj and Umrah are deputations of Allah. If they call Him, He answers them and if they seek His forgiveness, He forgives them.” (Ibn Majah)
This hadith emphasises that those performing Hajj and Umrah are in a special status, indicating that their prayers and requests for forgiveness are particularly likely to be accepted.
These passages and hadiths underscore the deep spiritual connection and the heightened chance of having one’s supplications answered during the sacred acts of Hajj and Umrah. They serve as reminders of the mercy, closeness, and responsiveness of Allah to the faithful, especially during these significant acts of worship.