Hajj is Jihad

Allah’s Messenger (saw) was repeatedly asked, “What is the best deed?” And he replied in order as follows: "To believe in Allah and His Messenger Muhammad (saw), to participate in Jihad (religious fighting) in Allah’s (swt) Cause, to perform hajj (pilgrimage) ‘Mubrur (which is accepted by Allah and is performed with the intention of seeking Allah's pleasure only and not to show off and without committing a sin and in accordance with the traditions of the Prophet). (Bukhari, Iman, 18; Hajj, 4) Thus, the Messenger of Allah (swt) pointed out the close relation of belief, jihad, and hajj by mentioning them together. (Bukhari, Iman, 18; Hajj, 4) Thus, the Messenger of Allah (swt) pointed out the close relation of belief, jihad, and hajj by mentioning them together. 

On one occasion, when Aisha (ra) told our Prophet Muhammad (saw) that she could not see any deed in the holy Qur'an that is more meritorious than jihad, therefore she would like to join him in a jihad in the cause of Allah (swt), Allah's Messenger (saw) replied, "The best and the most superior Jihad (for women) is Hajj which is accepted by Allah. After hearing this, Aisha (ra) stated that she would not leave hajj. (Bukhari, Jaza' al-Sayd, 26; Ibn Hanbal, VI, 78).

Also, there are other statements of Prophet Muhammad (saw) implying that hajj is a sort of jihad. (See. Nasa'i, Manasik Al-Hajj, 4; Bukhari, Jihad, 62). Considering the fact that jihad refers to the willingness of believers to exert effort in the cause of Allah (swt), using their wealth and themselves, it can be understood that how significant it is for hajj to be described as jihad. 

Indeed, a believer sets off a journey with his body, wealth and the fullness of his heart to gain Allah’s (swt) consent. During this journey, believers encounter though struggles and challenges due to various reasons primarily caused by his nafs (self, psyche). A believer tries to restrain his nafs (self, psyche) with niyyah (intention), talbiyah,istighfar (repentance), dhikr and other sorts of worships. He makes an effort to act with patience and tranquility within his relationships and reach moral maturity.

The struggle of one’s self is the most difficult kind of jihad. This is not a one-off struggle that is specific to a journey. A believer tries hard to restrain his nafs (self, psyche) for a lifetime and resist its wishes and desires. Hajj takes an important part of the challenge against nafs. For a believer, hajj is a breakthrough after which nothing will be the same as before. A pilgrim who becomes triumphant against his nafs will make an effort to reflect such great spiritual experience to his whole life.