Is welcoming returning pilgrims contrary to our Sharia?

The word hajj means visiting sacred places. In religious terms, it refers to standing at Mount Arafat with the intention of worship, then performing tawaf around the Kaaba according to its conditions, and fulfilling other rites.

Another explanation of hajj is "visiting the sacred Kaaba on specific days and under specific conditions."

After completing the rites of hajj, pilgrims return to their homeland. During hajj, Allah grants them countless blessings and shows them His greatness and power.

About those who perform hajj, our beloved Prophet (ﷺ) said:

"The performers of hajj and umrah are the guests of Allah. He called them, and they responded to His call. They ask Him for what they wish, and He grants them what they ask." [1]

The purpose of the pilgrims is to seek the pleasure of Allah and the forgiveness of their sins—nothing else. Books about the life of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) often describe the special honor shown to pilgrims upon their return home.

When Muslims meet pilgrims, they should say the words mentioned in the hadith of our Prophet (ﷺ):

عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهَا أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللهِ صَلّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ لَهَا فِي عُمْرَتِهَا:

(( إِنَّ لَكِ مِنَ الأَجْرِ عَلَى قَدْرِ نَصَبِكِ وَنَفَقَتِكِ )).

The Prophet (ﷺ) said to our mother Aisha: "Your reward (for umrah) will be according to your effort and the expenses you spend." [2]

In another hadith, Imam Bukhari (may Allah have mercy on him) dedicated a special chapter in his collection of authentic hadiths titled "Welcoming Pilgrims Returning from Travel," and included a narration from Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him):

"When the Prophet (ﷺ) came to Mecca, the young children of the Abd al-Muttalib clan would welcome him. Then he would seat one child in front of him and another behind him." [3]

Thus, Muslims should firmly adhere to the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (ﷺ) and show respect for what Allah has elevated. Honoring pilgrims and the rites of hajj is one of the actions approved and loved by Allah.

As for welcoming pilgrims upon their safe return or decorating homes, there is nothing in our Sharia that prohibits this. These actions should be seen as a way of showing respect to those individuals.

Islam MARATULY,

Specialist, Religious Rehabilitation Department, SAMK

• [1] (Nasai, Ibn Majah)

• [2] (Hakim, Mustadrak)

• [3] (Bukhari)