The Virtues of Hajj

The virtues of Hajj is emphasized in the Qu'ran in the verse 3:96: "the first (of worship) ordained to mankind was at Bakka; full of blessings and guidance for all people".
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and one of the most significant acts of worship in the lives of Muslims as individuals or people. Quranic verse 22:27 states: "And proclaim the Hajj among men: they will come to thee on foot and (mounted) on every kind of camel, lean because of the journey through long and distant mountain roads".
Hajj equates all peoples, whatever their social status. All wear the same simple clothing and recite the "Oneness of Allah (swt)."

The Importance of Hajj

Worship of Allah (swt) is manifested in all aspects and actions of Hajj. It is displayed in the act of performing the imposed rites in obedience. This worship embodies the very essence of creation as indicated in the Quranic verse where Allah (swt) states, He has created the jinn and man only to worship HIM.
Hajj is a valuable occasion for all Muslims. After the traveler performs the Hajj, they return home "cleansed" as if reborn anew; their sins forgiven, invocations accepted and the gates of Paradise are open to them. The prophet said, "those who perform Hajj without committing obscenity or wickedness return free of sin as on the day when his mother bore him".

Proper Hajj

When the prophet (PBUH) was asked which action was better, he said; "proper Hajj" then he added that "Proper Hajj has no reward except Paradise".
Proper Hajj is also the obedience to Allah (swt) in actions and the repetition of His name in glory. The prophet ordered Muslims to call "talbyyah" loudly (calling Allah (swt) in Hajj).

Arafat Day

Standing at Arafat is one of the greatest pillars of hajj as stated by the prophet (PBUH), He said, "Hajj is Arafat". On that day the Islamic religion was completed with the descent of the Quranic verse 5:3", today I have chosen Islam as your religion and completed my favor upon you, and accepted Islam as a religion for you".
Arafat Day is the day of forgiveness of sins, release from hell fire and submission for those standing there. For those Muslims who are not performing Hajj, it is preferable that they keep a fast on that day; but not by those who are doing the Hajj.

Benefit of Hajj

One can not count the religious, secular and social benefits of Hajj. The traveler may witness benefits and praise the name of Allah (swt) but the benefits are countless. Hajj includes obedience of Allah (swt)'s orders, the Oneness of Allah (swt) and gratification to Him, submission to His Greatness, forgiveness of sins, increase of good deeds and remembrance of prophets and the previous good periods.
One of the other benefits is exchange of trade, as mentioned in the Qu'ran 2:198 "It is no crime in you if ye seek of the bounty of your Lord (during Hajj).

Duties & What is Expected of Pilgrims

To be committed to imposed religious rites such as performance of prayers on time.
To avoid all actions prohibited by Allah (swt) such as obscenity, wickedness and wrangling, as stated in the Quranic verse 2:197, "if any one undertakes that duty therein, let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the Hajj."
Prevent the tongue and body parts from bad words and actions, non innocent looks and prohibited actions.
To avoid harming other Muslims by words or actions.
To use legal and honest money in performing the Hajj and Umrah as Allah (swt) is good and accepts only good things.

Kinds of Hajj

Tamattu: In this kind , a person can have "Ihram" for "Umrah" performance completing its rites within the Hajj months and finish "Ihram." Then he would have another "Ihram" for Hajj in the same year.

Qiran: In this kind a person can have "Ihram" for "Umrah" and Hajj together and remain in Ihram until animal sacrifice day or he can have "Ihram" for "Umrah" and then perform Hajj.

Ifrad: In this a person can have "Ihram" for Hajj within the months of Hajj, and remain in "Ihram" until the day of sacrifice (the slaying of animals).

Characteristics of the Holy House (Qiblah)

The holiest and most sacred place.
The "Qiblah," point of direction for all Muslims, in life and death.
The reward for the true pious Muslims who perform Hajj is Paradise.
Prayer in it out weights 100,000 prayers in other mosques.
Place of security for people inside it.