ITS LOCATION AND PURPOSE

 FAJR REMINDER: ITS LOCATION AND PURPOSE

By: Umm Affān

Dhū al-Ḥijjah 22, 1447 (8-June-2026)

The Ka’bah stands at the heart of Makkah and is regarded as the most sacred site in Islām. It is the Qiblah toward which Muslims across the world direct their faces and hearts in worship. Five times every day, believers turn toward it in humble devotion as they perform their Ṣalāt, seeking the Pleasure of Allāh Alone.

Every year, Muslims travel from different parts of the globe to visit the Ka’bah, performing Ṭawāf and fulfilling the rites of ‘Umrah and Ḥajj. The significance of this blessed House is highlighted in the Statement of Allāh (ﷻ): “In it are manifest signs (for example), the Maqām (place) of Ibrāhīm; whosoever enters it, he attains security. And Ḥajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka'bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allāh, those who can afford the expenses (for one's conveyance, provision, and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies Ḥajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allāh], then Allāh stands not in need of any of the 'Ālamīn (mankind and jinns).” [Sūrah Aal-‘Imrān (3): 97]

Unfortunately, some Muslims who possess the means to perform Ḥajj continue to delay or neglect this obligation. Their common excuse is that they are occupied with work and worldly pursuits. While earning a livelihood is important, it should not lead one to disregard an obligation that Allāh has made compulsory upon those who are able.

Explaining the above verse, Ibn ‘Abbās, Mujāhid, and several other scholars said: “Whoever denies the necessity of Ḥajj becomes a disbeliever, and Allāh is far Richer than to need him.” Al-Ḥafiẓ Abū Bakr Al-Ismā‘īli recorded that ‘Umar Ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) said, “Whoever can afford Ḥajj but did not perform it, there is no difference in his case if he dies while Jew or Christian.” [Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr 2/85]

The Jews and Christians claim to follow Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām), yet they do not perform Ḥajj to the House that he built by the Command of Allāh and to which he called mankind. This demonstrates that true adherence to the path of Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhi Salām) is found in submitting to Allāh and following His Commandments.

Therefore, dear brethren who have not yet performed Ḥajj, remember that it is an obligation that must be fulfilled once in a lifetime by every Muslim who has the ability and means to undertake it. Strive to perform both ‘Umrah and Ḥajj, and partake in the tremendous spiritual rewards and blessings attached to these acts of worship.

I beseech Allāh (ﷻ) to make worshipping Him beloved to our hearts and easy for us all. Aameen.

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