Life after Hajj, the real test

HAJJ is a profound experience that completely penetrates the heart and soul. It is not only about going on a journey and performing different rituals and coming back with a shaved head. It goes way deeper and has the potential of completely transforming a person. An accepted Hajj (Hajj Mabroor) has the reward of paradise. Hajj is an honor and a blessing. It is only those who got that particular favour from Allah that were able to perform it. So, if you are among the favoured ones who performed this last Hajj, you have to show immense gratitude to Allah. Thank Him, Glorify Him and exalt His majesty, and above all the reflection of that gratitude will be to always do good deeds. That is only when you show real gratitude.
Remember, you are now a candidate for paradise, do not toy with it, do not destroy you beautiful chances of entering the blissful and eternal abode of Jannah.
Almighty Allah says, [Lo! Allah enjoineth justice and kindness, and gave to kinsfolk, and forbiddeth lewdness and abomination and wickedness. He exhorteth you in order that ye may take heed. Fulfill the covenant of Allah when ye have covenanted, and break not your oaths after the asseveration of them, and after ye have made Allah surety over you. Lo! Allah knoweth what ye do.] (An-Nahl 16:90-91)
Almighty Allah says, [Lo! Allah enjoineth justice and kindness, and giving to kinsfolk, and forbiddeth lewdness and abomination and wickedness
For some, family and community members often prepare a celebration to welcome pilgrims home and congratulate them on completing the journey. It is recommended to be humble in such gatherings, and to ask the ones returning from Hajj to pray for your forgiveness, as they are in a strong position to do so.
Life after Hajj can be a real test. You have to contend with the need to forgo the usual sinful life especially for those who have been hitherto immersed in worldly affairs. Yes, materialism and unhealthy struggle for livelihood can be a huge trial.
For a person returning from Hajj, it is often a bit of a shock to return to “regular life” upon returning home. The old habits and temptations come back, and one must be vigilant in changing one’s life for the better and remembering the lessons learned during the pilgrimage.
It is the best time to turn over a new leaf, nurture a life of faith, and be extra vigilant in fulfilling Islamic duties.
The new Hujjaj should be very keen to avoid evil and shameful deeds especially after Allah has obliterated them and forgave all his sins, as a reward of performing Hajj. This is based on the Hadith in which the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The reward of Hajj Mabrur (the one accepted by Allah) is nothing but Paradise .” He also said, “(The performance of) `Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous one.”
One of the mistakes we make is that some of us commit sins after hajj and wrongly think that we hope to perform another hajj to expiate the sins, thereby, they feel safe to do whatever they like. The truth is that three things stand out on your way. One is that it shows that your hajj may not be mabroor in that following a hajj with bad deeds is an indication that it is not mabroor. Two, doing Hajj is not a guarantee that your sins are erased, you may not have the wherewithal to completely do the rites as required. Three, no guarantee that you will live to see the next hajj. So, why would you not guide the one Allah has favoured you to perform very jealously? Your action, speech and disposition must be an example to other people, and this is the best gift that one can bring back from Hajj.
Allah is the Lord every time and everywhere. Just as you are supposed to revere and obey Him in Makkah during the hajj rites, you are required to do so all the time and in all places.
Some other people also look up to Ramadan to expiate their sins. In as much as it is a valid hope, we are required to stay on track throughout the year; and that does not justify any indulgence in sins or careless misconduct.
Bad deeds, indulging in sins and neglecting devotional acts of worship after Hajj is in fact a sign of unacceptable Hajj. This is because a perfect Hajj should leave its imprint on the behavior and attitudes of the pilgrim after returning.
For many, Hajj is a turning point in life and the beginning of the journey back to their faith. For others, it is an ongoing journey of trying to implement lessons of patience, sacrifice and complete submission to Allah, in their lives. For others, it is a beautiful model in which Muslims should pattern their lives. Whichever of the divide we find ourselves, it is better to guide your new spiritual status jealously, and you will continue to remain a new born till the time of death.