"A man asked the Prophet 'O Messenger of Allah, which deed is best?' He said: 'Jihad in the cause of Allah.' He said: 'Then what?' He said: 'then Hajj Al-Mabrir.'''
The Book of Hajj - Sunan an-Nasa'i 2624
"A man asked the Prophet 'O Messenger of Allah, which deed is best?' He said: 'Jihad in the cause of Allah.' He said: 'Then what?' He said: 'then Hajj Al-Mabrir.'"
Commentary on the Excellence of Hajj
The term "Hajj Al-Mabrir" refers to a Hajj that is accepted by Allah, free from sin and performed with pure intention. Scholars explain that such a Hajj must be free from showing off, worldly gain, and must be accompanied by righteous conduct throughout the journey.
Imam An-Nawawi states that this hadith establishes the immense virtue of Hajj, placing it second only to Jihad in merit. The "Mabrir" Hajj is distinguished by complete adherence to the Prophet's Sunnah, avoidance of disputes and foul speech, and generous spending of lawful wealth.
Scholarly Insights
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments that the excellence of Hajj lies in its combination of physical and financial worship, testing both the body and wealth of the believer. The reward for an accepted Hajj is nothing less than Paradise, as established in authentic traditions.
Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that the condition of "Mabrir" requires the pilgrim to maintain taqwa (God-consciousness) before, during, and after the Hajj, transforming the journey into a lasting spiritual renewal that impacts all aspects of life.