Pilgrims urged to focus on spiritual gains of Hajj

Muslims preparing for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage have been urged to prioritize spiritual growth and devotion over material pursuits during their sacred journey to the holy sites in Makkah.

Speaking during a Hajj orientation seminar at Jamia Mosque Nairobi on Sunday, Sheikh Badru Jaffar emphasized the importance of proper spiritual preparation to enable pilgrims fully benefit from the journey of a lifetime.

He noted that while Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and a deeply spiritual obligation, some pilgrims tend to focus more on travel arrangements, shopping, and tourism activities rather than the true essence of the pilgrimage.

“Unfortunately, some people become overly concerned about the cost of the journey, the travel agents offering the best services, and other material considerations, while paying little attention to the spiritual goals of the sacred journey,” Sheikh Badru said.

He urged intending pilgrims to dedicate time to learning and understanding the religious rites associated with both Umrah and Hajj to ensure they maximize the spiritual rewards of the pilgrimage.

“Umrah can take only a few hours, but during that period pilgrims should know what supplications and recitations are required during Tawaf (circumambulation) and saee. There are also several days before Hajj begins — how will they be utilized?” he posed.

The Sheikh further reminded pilgrims that the Hajj coincides with the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, considered among the holiest days in the Islamic calendar and a period associated with immense blessings and rewards. “What plans have been made to benefit from these sacred days through prayer, remembrance of Allah, charity, and other acts of worship?” he asked.

Sheikh Badru, who is a member of the Majlis Ulamaa, stressed that the ultimate purpose of Hajj is to strengthen one’s relationship with Allah. “Hajj is about spiritual transformation and drawing closer to Allah. Pilgrims should ensure they return home spiritually enriched rather than having spent most of their time shopping or engaging in tourism activities,” he said.

Also addressing the gathering, Sheikh Abdullatif Abdulkarim, chairman of the Family Resource Centre, called on pilgrims to purify their intentions and remain conscious of the spiritual significance of every ritual performed during Hajj.

He reminded worshippers that the pilgrimage demands patience, sacrifice, discipline, and obedience. “Hajj is not a journey for merriment or leisure. It requires endurance, patience, dedication, and complete submission to Allah,” Sheikh Abdulkarim said.

The orientation seminar was organized to equip intending pilgrims with practical and spiritual guidance ahead of their journey to Makkah. The programme features critical step-by-step instructions on performing Hajj rituals, understanding the significance of various rites, as well as important health, safety, and logistical information.

The event is organized by Gulf African Bank in partnership with the Kenya Council of Imams and Ulamaa (KCIU) and Rayan ventures.