The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, "Whoever performs Hajj for Allah's pleasure and does not have sexual relations with his wife, and does not do evil or sins then he will return (after Hajj free from all sins) as if he were born anew."
Hadith Text
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever performs Hajj for Allah's pleasure and does not have sexual relations with his wife, and does not do evil or sins then he will return (after Hajj free from all sins) as if he were born anew."
Hadith Reference
Sahih al-Bukhari 1521 - Book of Hajj (Pilgrimage)
Commentary on the Conditions
The hadith establishes three essential conditions for attaining complete forgiveness through Hajj: performing it solely for Allah's pleasure (ikhlas), abstaining from sexual relations during ihram, and avoiding all evil deeds and sins throughout the pilgrimage.
Spiritual Rebirth Explained
The phrase "born anew" signifies the complete erasure of previous sins, similar to a newborn child free from sin. This emphasizes Hajj's transformative potential when performed with proper intention and adherence to Islamic guidelines.
Scholarly Insights
Classical scholars note that this complete forgiveness applies to minor sins, while major sins require specific repentance. The hadith highlights Hajj as one of Islam's greatest means of spiritual purification when combined with sincere devotion and moral conduct.