What is the effect of the great gathering of pilgrims on the Muslim and the people of Islam, and what is required of the pilgrim to remember as he heads to the Sacred House of Allah?

The objectives of Hajj are great and its aims are lofty. Among them are: connecting with the prophets, the whiteness of the garments symbolizing the purity of the inner self, and entering into a state of Ihram from the Miqat embodying servitude to Allah. It is a symbol of Tawhid (Oneness of God) and the unity of the Ummah, and it reminds one of the Hereafter.

It also instills contentment, highlights the importance of gathering and harmony among Muslims, helps in understanding their conditions, exchanging experiences and benefits, and serves as an opportunity for scholars and people of opinion to meet.

It achieves servitude to Allah, necessitates the forgiveness of sins, opens the door of hope for those who commit sins, demonstrates that Islam is a religion of order, educates on spending in good deeds, and cultivates piety in hearts.

It teaches the rich humility, trains the pilgrim to persevere in obedience, to be benevolent towards people, to cultivate good manners, to endure patience and hardship, and to abandon customs and familiar habits.

The striving between Safa and Marwah reminds us that whoever obeys Allah will not be abandoned by Him. It educates against despairing of the spirit of Allah, reminds the pilgrim that he is a guest of the Most Merciful, deepens loyalty to the believers, and highlights complete disassociation from the people of shirk (polytheism).