It is crucial for Muslims to engage in introspection and evaluate the sincerity of their intentions while performing any action, especially while performing Hajj.
In a Hadith, it is mentioned: “There will come a time when people will perform Hajj for entertainment, the middle class for business, the scholars for fame and reputation, and the poor for seeking monetary help.” (Kanz al-Ummal, Hadith No. 12363). This indicates that a time will come when individuals from different social strata will approach Hajj with varying intentions. The wealthy will engage in Hajj as a form of recreation, the middle class will view it as an opportunity for business, scholars will use it as a platform for showcasing their knowledge and gaining recognition, and the poor will seek monetary help through it.
This hadith is indeed quite alarming. In light of this, it is crucial for Muslims, particularly in the present age, to engage in introspection and evaluate their action whether or not they are sincere in intention.
Those who are wealthy should sincerely ponder whether their Hajj is driven by true piety or if it is merely a form of leisure and entertainment. The middle class should question their intentions and determine whether they embark on the pilgrimage for genuine spiritual benefits or for material gains. Scholars, too, need to introspect and assess whether their journey to the House of God is primarily for seeking connection with God or if it serves as a means to boost their leadership among the people. Likewise, the poor should reflect on whether they have approached the House of God as a means of seeking blessings from God or if their focus has shifted towards seeking help from their fellow human beings.
The Prophet has predicted the state of the Muslim community as it approaches its decline. In the early period of Islam, the spiritual aspect of religion prevailed while the materialistic aspect remained subdued. However, in times of decline, the spiritual aspect diminishes among people while the materialistic aspect becomes prominent in all aspects of their lives.
In the early, golden period of Islam, the condition of people was such that the spiritual aspect of religion dominated, and its material aspect was suppressed. Conversely, during times of decline, material aspects take priority, and certain superficial and ostentatious elements are labelled as piety. This phenomenon is evident in the context of Hajj, Umrah, and other acts of worship in Islam as well.
