Allah Almighty has shown humans the path to His closeness through worship and connected these acts with social welfare, charity, and the well-being of others. Selflessness in Hajj is a prime example of this connection, where acts of worship extend beyond personal fulfillment to serve the needs of others. Sometimes, the path of righteousness that seems less known or unconventional is actually more beloved and fruitful in the sight of Allah. When we view religion solely as a means of personal salvation, we limit its vastness and mercy. In reality, religion invites us to ease the lives of others through our acts of worship. This understanding encourages us to see worship not just as external rituals, but as actions that should reflect in our attitudes, priorities, and decisions. Sometimes, the best use of worship is to make it a means to fulfill the needs of someone who cannot perform their obligatory Hajj themselves.
Transforming Voluntary Hajj into Social Welfare and Multiple Rewards
An accepted Hajj has the characteristic that when a person performs their obligatory Hajj, they desire to go again and again. For such people, performing the voluntary Hajj surely earns them rewards. However, there is a way to gain even more reward through voluntary Hajj by helping others. Many people have completed their obligatory Hajj, but their wives or female relatives—such as mothers, daughters, sisters, and aunts—have not yet performed their obligatory Hajj. Often, these women lack the financial means to travel with their mahram (male guardian), depriving them of this opportunity. You can also read about child psychology here.
You can donate the cost of your voluntary Hajj to such individuals whose wives or female relatives have not performed their obligatory Hajj. The person you support will perform the voluntary Hajj on your behalf. In this way, you earn the reward of three Hajj: the reward for the woman obligated to perform Hajj, the reward for the person performing Hajj on your behalf, and the reward for your own voluntary Hajj. InshaAllah.
This approach of selflessness in Hajj fulfills many needs and helps reduce the burden caused by the increasing crowd in Makkah, which makes Hajj challenging, especially reaching places like Muzdalifah. Instead of performing your next voluntary Hajj yourself, you can support a mahram of a woman obligated to perform Hajj who cannot afford the trip, provided that the mahram has already completed their obligatory Hajj. This way, your voluntary Hajj will be performed on your behalf, and the woman’s obligatory Hajj will also be fulfilled.
Make the sincere intention that this act facilitates those performing their obligatory Hajj so that you may gain manifold rewards from your voluntary Hajj. May Allah grant us the ability to serve Hajj, help pilgrims, and bless us with the rewards of Hajj. Ameen.
Conclusion
Performing Hajj is a profound act of worship that not only brings us closer to Allah but also offers a unique opportunity to serve our community. By choosing to support those who cannot perform their obligatory Hajj, especially women lacking financial means, we expand the true spirit of selflessness and social welfare embedded in Islam. Voluntary Hajj can thus become a source of multiplied rewards and blessings when it is dedicated to helping others fulfill their religious duties. May Allah grant us the wisdom and ability to embrace this noble cause, making our worship more meaningful and accepted. Ameen.
FAQs
How can donating for someone else’s Hajj bring rewards?
If you sponsor the voluntary Hajj of a person whose obligatory Hajj is still pending, you earn the rewards of their fulfilled obligation along with the reward of your own voluntary pilgrimage. This creates a triple reward effect.
Who can benefit from the donation for voluntary Hajj?
Women or individuals who have an obligation to perform Hajj but lack financial means or a mahram (guardian) to accompany them can benefit. This support helps them fulfill their religious duty that they might otherwise miss.
Why is there a growing need to support others in performing Hajj?
Due to the increasing crowd and logistical challenges in Makkah, many pilgrims face difficulties completing Hajj rituals. Supporting others, especially those unable to afford the trip, helps ease these challenges while allowing you to earn multiplied spiritual rewards.