Hadith Text

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Whoever performs Hajj to this Ka`ba and does not approach his wife for sexual relations nor commit sins (while performing Hajj), he will come out as sinless as a newborn child, (just delivered by his mother)."

Source Reference

Sahih al-Bukhari 1820 - Book: Pilgrims Prevented from Completing the Pilgrimage

Scholarly Commentary

This noble hadith establishes the immense spiritual reward for performing Hajj with sincerity and purity. The condition of abstaining from sexual relations refers specifically to the state of ihram, which is a fundamental requirement for Hajj's validity.

The prohibition against "committing sins" encompasses all violations of Allah's commands during the pilgrimage, including arguments, obscene speech, and disobedience. The complete forgiveness promised is likened to a newborn's purity - without any burden of previous transgressions.

Scholars emphasize that this comprehensive forgiveness applies to minor sins, while major sins require specific repentance. The hadith demonstrates Allah's immense mercy and the transformative power of properly performed Hajj, which serves as spiritual rebirth for the sincere pilgrim.

Legal Rulings

Sexual intercourse during Hajj invalidates the pilgrimage and requires compensation. Other sins, while not invalidating Hajj, diminish its reward and require repentance.

The state of ihram necessitates avoidance of specific prohibitions including hunting, cutting hair/nails, using perfume, and wearing sewn garments for men.

Spiritual Significance

The comparison to a newborn child symbolizes complete spiritual purification and return to one's primordial state of innocence (fitrah).

This hadith encourages Muslims to approach Hajj with proper intention and mindfulness, transforming it from mere ritual to profound spiritual renewal.