As one of the pillars of Islam, all Muslims undoubtedly wish to perform the pilgrimage (Hajj). However, unlike the other pillars of Islam, Hajj is only obligatory for those who are capable of performing it. As Muslims, we must understand the many virtues of performing Hajj. Imam Al-Hafizh Zakiyyuddin Abdul Azhim bin Abdul Qawiy Al-Mundziri, in his book At-Targhib wat-Tarhib minal Haditsis Syarif, compiled the hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) concerning the virtues of performing Hajj. This book states that there are many virtues of Hajj, including forgiveness for those who perform it, intercession for their families, acceptance of prayers, entry into Paradise, and the right to grant intercession for their families.

Here are some of the narrations collected by Imam Al-Mundziri regarding the virtues of Hajj:

1. The Erasure of Sins for Hajj Pilgrims Who Avoid Immorality
   From the companion Abu Hurairah (RA), who narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "Whoever performs Hajj and does not speak obscenely or commit sinful acts, he will return (pure) as on the day his mother gave birth to him." (Sahih Bukhari, Muslim, An-Nasa'i, At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)

    

2. Paradise for the Pilgrim Who Performs Hajj Mabrur
   From the companion Abu Hurairah (RA), who narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "The Umrah to Umrah is an expiation for what is between them, and the Hajj Mabrur has no reward except Paradise." (Sahih Malik, Bukhari, Muslim, At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasa'i, Ibn Majah, Al-Asbihani)

    

3. Intercession for 400 Members of the Pilgrim's Family
   From the companion Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (RA), who narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "A pilgrim can intercede for 400 members of their family, and they will be forgiven as they were on the day they were born by their mothers." (Sahih Al-Bazzar)

    

4. Recording of Good Deeds, Erasure of Sins, and Elevation of Rank with Every Step of the Camel
   From the companion Ibn Umar (RA), who heard the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) say: "Every step the camel of a pilgrim takes, when it raises its rear leg and lowers its front leg, Allah records it as a good deed, an erasure of a sin, or an elevation of a rank for him." (Sahih Al-Baihaqi)

    

5. They Are Guests of Allah Whose Prayers Are Answered
   From the companion Jabir (RA), who narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "The pilgrims of Hajj and Umrah are guests of Allah. Allah calls them, and they respond to His call. They ask of Him, and He gives them what they ask." (Sahih Al-Bazzar)

    

6. Opening of Forgiveness for Their Sins
   From the companion Abu Hurairah (RA), who narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "The pilgrims of Hajj and Umrah are the guests of Allah. When they pray, Allah answers them. And when they ask for forgiveness, Allah forgives them." (Sahih Ibn Majah and Ibn Hibban)

    

7. Guaranteed Forgiveness for Those Whose Forgiveness Is Requested by the Pilgrim
   From the companion Abu Hurairah (RA), who narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once prayed: "O Allah, forgive the pilgrims and those who are prayed for by the pilgrims." (Sahih Al-Hakim)

    

8. Guaranteed Health in Body and Soul in This World
   From the companion Abu Zarr (RA), who narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "Prophet Dawud (AS) once prayed: 'O my Lord, what do Your servants receive when they visit You at Your house?' Allah replied: 'Every visitor has a right over the one they visit. O Dawud, they are entitled to health in this world and forgiveness from Me when they meet Me (in the Hereafter).'" (Sahih At-Thabarani)

    

9. Guarantee of Being Free from Accountability (Hisab)
   From the companion Aisha (RA), who narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "Whoever sets out for Hajj or Umrah through this path and dies along the way, he will not be shown (on the Day of Judgment) or held accountable, and it will be said to him: 'Enter Paradise.' Aisha (RA) said: 'The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: Allah is proud of those who perform Tawaf.'" (Sahih At-Thabarani, Abu Ya'la, Ad-Daruquthni, Al-Baihaqi)

    

10. Guarantee of Reward from Allah
    The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "Verily, the Ka'bah is one of the pillars of Islam. Whoever performs Hajj or Umrah, visiting the Ka'bah, will become Allah’s responsibility. If they die, Allah will enter them into Paradise. If Allah returns them to their family, He will return them with reward and bounty." (Sahih At-Thabarani)

     

11. Hajj Pilgrims Who Die Will Be Resurrected Reciting the Talbiyah
    From the companion Ibn Abbas (RA), who narrated that while he was performing Arafah with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), someone suddenly fell from his camel, broke his neck, and died. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "Wash him with water and the leaves of the bidara tree, wrap him in two sheets. Do not use any preservatives, and do not cover his head, because Allah will resurrect him on the Day of Judgment reciting the Talbiyah." (Sahih Bukhari, Muslim, Ibn Khuzaimah)

These are some of the virtues of performing Hajj that we should know. By understanding these numerous virtues, it is hoped that it will motivate Muslims to perform the pilgrimage properly.