He reported God’s messenger as saying, “If anyone performs the pilgrimage for God’s sake without talking immodestly or acting wickedly, he will return [free from sin] as on the day his mother bore him.” Bukhari and Muslim.
The Rites of Pilgrimage - Mishkat al-Masabih 2507
This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim contains profound wisdom regarding the spiritual purification achieved through sincere pilgrimage. The Messenger of God (peace be upon him) illuminates the conditions and rewards of accepted Hajj.
Conditions for Spiritual Purification
"For God's sake" (lillah) indicates the necessity of pure intention, making the pilgrimage solely for Divine pleasure rather than worldly recognition or personal gain.
"Without talking immodestly" refers to abstaining from foul speech, arguments, and vain talk that violate the sanctity of pilgrimage.
"Without acting wickedly" encompasses all forms of disobedience, including transgressions against others' rights and violations of pilgrimage rituals.
The Magnitude of Reward
"He will return [free from sin] as on the day his mother bore him" signifies complete forgiveness of all previous sins, restoring the pilgrim to a state of primordial innocence.
This comprehensive purification applies only when the stipulated conditions are fulfilled completely, demonstrating the inseparable connection between outward observance and inward transformation in Islamic worship.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam al-Nawawi explains that this hadith establishes Hajj as one of the greatest means of expiating sins when performed with proper adherence to its spiritual and legal requirements.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali notes that the comparison to newborn purity emphasizes both the completeness of forgiveness and the opportunity for spiritual rebirth through this sacred journey.