Hadith Text: Sahih al-Bukhari 1519

The Prophet (ﷺ) was asked, "Which is the best deed?" He said, "To believe in Allah and His Apostle." He was then asked, "Which is the next (in goodness)?" He said, "To participate in Jihad in Allah's Cause." He was then asked, "Which is the next?" He said, "To perform Hajj-Mabrur."

Hierarchy of Excellence

This hadith establishes a clear spiritual hierarchy: 1) Iman (faith) as the foundation, 2) Jihad as the practical manifestation of faith, and 3) Hajj-Mabrur as the ultimate act of worship that combines both spiritual and physical devotion.

Meaning of Hajj-Mabrur

Scholars define Hajj-Mabrur as the pilgrimage accepted by Allah - performed purely for His sake, in accordance with the Sunnah, free from sin and ostentation, and followed by sustained righteousness.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani states: "The Mabrur Hajj is one wherein no sin is committed, or it is a Hajj that is accepted, whose sign is that one returns better than before and does not return to sins."

Spiritual Significance

The placement of Hajj after Jihad indicates its immense spiritual value. While Jihad may involve fighting, Hajj represents the greater jihad (al-jihad al-akbar) against one's ego through complete submission to divine commandments.

Al-Qurtubi comments: "The Hajj-Mabrur encompasses all aspects of worship - physical, financial, and spiritual - making it a comprehensive act of devotion that purifies the soul like no other."

Conditions for Acceptance

Scholars emphasize that for Hajj to be Mabrur, it must meet three conditions: lawful provision, proper performance according to Sunnah, and sincere intention solely for Allah's pleasure without seeking reputation or worldly gain.

Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali notes: "The true Hajj-Mabrur transforms the pilgrim, making him or her among the guests of Allah whose supplications are answered and sins forgiven."