Hajj is Dhikr

Every step of hajj means remembering Allah (swt), keeping the idea in mind that a believer is always in the presence and in the need of Him during his/her lifetime. Prophet Muhammad (saw) stated this reality as follows: “The circumambulation of Ka’bah, performing sa’i between the Safa and Marwa, and stoning the devil ordered only for the remembrance of Allah (swt).” (Abu Dawud, Manasik, 50) 

The Holy Qur’an asks believers to remember Allah (swt) during hajj due to various reasons:“And remember Allah during [specific] numbered days.”  (Baqarah, 2/203), “When you depart from 'Arafat, remember Allah at al-Mash'ar al-Haram.”  (Baqarah, 2/198) and “When you have completed your rites, remember Allah like your [previous] remembrance of your fathers or with [much] greater remembrance.”  (Baqarah, 2/200) It is understood from these verses that hajj is all about remembering Allah (swt).

Remembering Allah Almighty (swt) and making the heart busy with dhikr means, indeed, “I love you my Lord!” In each step of hajj, believer reads talbiyah (Labbayk), takbir (Allahu Akbar) and tahlil (La ilaha illallah) and speaks out his bond with Allah (swt) by mentioning the beautiful names of Him and reveals his obedience and devotion. It is stated in the Holy Qur'an as follows: “So remember Me; I will remember you.”  (Baqarah, 2/152) That is to say, Allah (swt) does not leave His servants' love towards Him unrequited.