IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST GRACIOUS, THE MOST MERCIFUL
SECOND KHUTBAH FOR THE MONTH OF DHUL-QA’DAH –11/11/1446 AH (09/05/2025)
TOPIC: THE VIRTUE OF PERFORMING HAJJ AND ‘UMRAH SINCERELY (FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH)
THE FIRST SERMON
All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him, seek His help, and ask for His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evils of ourselves and the misdeeds of our actions. Whomsoever Allah guides, none can misguide; and whomsoever He misguides, none can guide. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, alone without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger — may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, his family, and his Companions abundantly.
As to what follow:
Fear Allah, O servants of Allah, and know that taqwa (God-consciousness) is the best provision for meeting Allah:
﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِ وَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنْتُمْ مُسْلِمُونَ﴾ [آل عمران: 102]
“O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him].” [Surah Aal-‘Imran: 102]
O servants of Allah: The season of great virtue is approaching, a time filled with noble acts of worship — including Hajj, ‘Umrah, the sacrifice of the Udhiyah (Qurbani), and the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah — during which the Prophet (ﷺ) used to increase in all forms of worship.
Among the greatest of these acts is Hajj and ‘Umrah. Thus, the topic of our khutbah today is:
The Virtue of Performing the Rites of Hajj and ‘Umrah Sincerely for the Sake of Allah
It is well known that Hajj is an individual obligation (fard ‘ayn) upon every legally responsible Muslim who is able to perform it once in a lifetime. It is one of the five pillars of Islam, and its obligation is established by the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and scholarly consensus.
Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنْ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا ۚ وَمَنْ كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ عَنِ الْعَالَمِينَ﴾ [آل عمران: 97]
“And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House — for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves — then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.” [Surah Aal-‘Imran: 97]
And the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“O people! Allah has made Hajj obligatory upon you, so perform Hajj.” A man asked: “Every year, O Messenger of Allah?” The Prophet (ﷺ) remained silent until the man repeated the question three times. Then he said: “If I had said yes, it would have become obligatory [every year], and you would not have been able to do it…” (Reported by Muslim)
The scholars are unanimously agreed that Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime for every capable person. This is a matter that is known by necessity in the religion, and whoever denies it has disbelieved.
So it is upon everyone who has not yet performed Hajj, but fulfills the conditions of obligation — which are:
Islam, sanity, adulthood, freedom, financial and physical ability, provision and means of travel, and for women, a mahram (male guardian) — to hasten to fulfill this duty, once any obstacles are removed. This is to clear themselves of responsibility and fulfill a right that is due to Allah before death comes and they are left in regret for their negligence.
O servants of Allah: Allah has attached great reward and immense virtue to the performance of Hajj and ‘Umrah — when they are done sincerely for His sake. This arouses the ambition of the believer, strengthens his resolve, and fills him with eagerness to perform them wholeheartedly, hoping for Allah’s reward, His forgiveness, and the blessings He has promised for the pilgrims of His noble House.
Many authentic texts (nusoos) have come regarding the virtues of Hajj and ‘Umrah…
The Pilgrims and Visitors to the House of Allah are the Delegation of the Most Merciful
It is authentically reported in the hadith of Ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them both) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“الغَازِي فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ، وَالْحَاجُّ، وَالْمُعْتَمِرُ، وَفْدُ اللَّهِ، دَعَاهُمْ فَأَجَابُوهُ، وَسَأَلُوهُ فَأَعْطَاهُمْ”
“The warrior in the path of Allah, the pilgrim, and the one performing ʿUmrah are the delegation of Allah. He called them and they responded to Him, and they asked of Him and He gave them.”
(Narrated by Ibn Mājah, authenticated by al-Albānī)
What honor compares to being a guest of the Most Merciful, Exalted is He? What generosity is greater than the Creator responding to the supplication of His servant?
Hajj is Among the Best of Deeds
The Prophet ﷺ was once asked: “Which deed is the best?” He replied: “إيمان بالله، ثم الجهاد، ثم حج مبرور”
“Faith in Allah, then striving in His cause (jihad), then an accepted Hajj (Hajj Mabrūr).” (Narrated by al-Bukhārī)
The Reward for Hajj Mabrūr is Paradise
The Prophet ﷺ said: “…والحج المبرور ليس له جزاء إلا الجنة”
“…And an accepted Hajj has no reward except Paradise.” (Narrated by Muslim)
Hajj Wipes Away Previous Sins
The Prophet ﷺ said: “وأن الحج يهدم ما كان قبله”
“Hajj wipes out whatever came before it (of sins).” (Narrated by Muslim)
The Pilgrim Returns Like a Newborn
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “من حج فلم يرفث ولم يفسق رجع كيوم ولدته أمه”
“Whoever performs Hajj and does not engage in sexual relations or commit sin will return [from Hajj] like the day his mother gave birth to him (free of sins).” (Narrated by al-Bukhārī and Muslim)
Hajj is the Best Form of Jihad for Women
The Prophet ﷺ said to ʿĀ’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her): “أفضل الجهاد حج مبرور”
“The best form of jihad is an accepted Hajj.” (Narrated by Muslim)
Hajj is a Means to Wealth and Expands Provision
A person might wrongly think that spending wealth on Hajj and ʿUmrah may lead to poverty or financial hardship. But the Prophet ﷺ dispelled this misconception and made clear that spending in Hajj and ʿUmrah brings provision and removes poverty, by the will of Allah.
It is authentically reported from ʿAbdullah ibn Masʿūd (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“تابعوا بين الحج والعمرة فإنهما ينفيان الفقر والذنوب كما ينفي الكير خبث الحديد والذهب والفضة”
“Perform Hajj and ʿUmrah consecutively, for they remove poverty and sins just as the bellows remove impurities from iron, gold, and silver.” (Narrated by Aḥmad and others)
(The “bellows” is the tool a blacksmith uses to blow air into fire to remove impurities from metals.)
Spending on Hajj is Multiplied
Just as Allah promises to replace and increase what is spent in His path, He has also promised to multiply the reward of spending in Hajj as He does for spending in jihad.
From Buraydah (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet ﷺ said:
“النفقة في الحج كالنفقة في سبيل الله بسبعمائة ضعف”
“Spending on Hajj is like spending in the way of Allah — multiplied seven hundred times.” (Narrated by Aḥmad with a good (ḥasan) chain)
The Pilgrim is in Allah’s Protection
Since Hajj may involve difficulties or fears that might deter some from undertaking it, Allah has guaranteed His protection for those who set out with the intention of Hajj, seeking His Sacred House. He guarantees them safety and reward — in both this world and the Hereafter.
In this world, if they return, they come back with reward; in the Hereafter, they will be resurrected in the state in which they died. And whoever has Allah with him — what harm can touch him?
It is authentically reported from Abū Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“ثلاثة في ضمان الله: رجل خرج إلى مسجد من مساجد الله، ورجل خرج غازياً في سبيل الله، ورجل خرج حاجاً”
“Three people are under the protection of Allah: a man who goes out to one of the mosques of Allah, a man who goes out in the path of Allah, and a man who goes out for Hajj.”
(Narrated by Abū Nuʿaym and authenticated by al-Albānī)
It is authentically reported in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī and Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim from Ibn ʿAbbās (may Allah be pleased with them both), that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said regarding the man whose camel trampled him to death while in the state of Ihram:
“اغسلوه بماء وسدر، وكفنوه في ثوبيه، ولا تخمروا رأسه، ولا تحنطوه، فإنه يبعث يوم القيامة ملبياً”
“Wash him with water and lotus leaves, shroud him in his two garments, and do not cover his head or apply perfume to him, for he will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment saying the Talbiyah (لبيك اللهم لبيك).”
(Agreed upon – narrated by al-Bukhārī and Muslim)
THE SECOND SERMON
All praise is due to Allah, who has granted the Ummah of Islam special, virtuous times wherein the righteous compete and the pure-hearted servants of Allah strive to earn His pleasure. And may peace and blessings be upon our role model and beloved, Muḥammad ibn ʿAbdillāh, the best of those who hastened to make use of his time in that which brings good for him and his Ummah. May Allah bless him, his family, his companions, and those who follow his Sunnah until the Day of Judgment.
As to what follow: Fear Allah, O servants of Allah, and know that taqwā (piety) is the best provision for the servant in this world and the Hereafter.
O Servants of Allah:Hajj is a practical training and reminder of the long journey to the Hereafter.
It involves obedience to the commands of Allah and responding to His call.
It revives the legacy of our father Ibrāhīm (Abraham) عليه السلام.
It connects the believer to the land of revelation and divine legislation.
It is a noble form of spiritual travel beloved by sincere believers.
It is a living declaration of the principle of equality among mankind, as Allah says:
“إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ”
“Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” (Surah al-Ḥujurāt, 49:13)
It serves as a reminder of the Great Meeting with Allah on the Day of Resurrection.
It strengthens the bonds of brotherhood, cooperation, and mutual love.
It unites people on the principle of pure monotheism (Tawḥīd).
It is a yearly gathering for the Muslims, showcasing the unity of the Ummah under the banner:
“لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ”
“There is no god but Allah, and Muḥammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
Thus, the objectives and profound impact of Hajj become clear, both for individuals and the Ummah — in this life and the next.
Allah says:
“وَإِذْ بَوَّأْنَا لِإِبْرَاهِيمَ مَكَانَ الْبَيْتِ أَنْ لَا تُشْرِكْ بِي شَيْئًا وَطَهِّرْ بَيْتِيَ لِلطَّائِفِينَ وَالْقَائِمِينَ وَالرُّكَّعِ السُّجُودِ (26) وَأَذِّنْ فِي النَّاسِ بِالْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالًا وَعَلَىٰ كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَأْتِينَ مِنْ كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍ (27) لِيَشْهَدُوا مَنَافِعَ لَهُمْ وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَعْلُومَاتٍ عَلَىٰ مَا رَزَقَهُمْ مِنْ بَهِيمَةِ الْأَنْعَامِ فَكُلُوا مِنْهَا وَأَطْعِمُوا الْبَائِسَ الْفَقِيرَ (28) ثُمَّ لْيَقْضُوا تَفَثَهُمْ وَلْيُوفُوا نُذُورَهُمْ وَلْيَطَّوَّفُوا بِالْبَيْتِ الْعَتِيقِ (29)”
“And [mention, O Muhammad], when We designated for Abraham the site of the House, [saying], ‘Do not associate anything with Me and purify My House for those who perform Ṭawāf and those who stand [in prayer] and those who bow and prostrate. And proclaim to the people the Ḥajj — they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass — that they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known days over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. So eat of them and feed the miserable and poor. Then let them complete the rites prescribed for them, fulfill their vows, and perform Ṭawāf around the ancient House.” (Surah al-Ḥajj, 22:26–29)
Warning Against a Misguided Sect
O Muslims, a dangerous new trial (fitnah) has appeared recently on social media platforms, propagated by a misguided polytheistic group under the acronym “RMQK” — which they claim are the names of some four jinns which are:
- Raoqayā’īl (رَوْقِيائيل)
- Marqaṭiyā’īl (مَرْقطيائيل)
- Qayqiyā’īl (قيقيائيل)
- Kashfiyā’īl (كشفيائيل)
This group presents itself as a spiritual organization based in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, and it was founded by a man named Ma’ruf Abolade Salahudeen Adagunja, who is frequently referred to by his followers with the title “The Great Spirit” (Emi Agba). RMQK defines itself as a spiritual enlightenment group, not a religious sect.
They claim to practice spirituality and esoteric knowledge, hiding behind the guise of Islam and religion, though in reality, they have nothing to do with Islam. This group claims to communicate with jinn, summoning them during their gatherings, and alleges that they possess keys to the unseen, and offer healing and blessings.
Yet Allah says: ﴿ وَعِندَهُ مَفَاتِحُ الْغَيْبِ لَا يَعْلَمُهَا إِلَّا هُوَ ﴾
“And with Him are the keys of the unseen; none knows them except Him.” (Surah Al-Anʿām, 6:59)
O Servants of Allah: Communicating with jinn or angels, and seeking help from them, is a form of major shirk (polytheism). Allah has forbidden it in His Book, where He says:
﴿ وَأَنَّهُ كَانَ رِجَالٌ مِنَ الإِنسِ يَعُوذُونَ بِرِجَالٍ مِنَ الْجِنِّ فَزَادُوهُمْ رَهَقًا ﴾
“And that there were men from mankind who sought refuge in men from the jinn, so they [only] increased them in burden.” (Surah Al-Jinn, 72:6)
In summary, what is known as spirit summoning is nothing more than the summoning of jinn, not the spirits of angels or human beings. Relying on what these spirits say is not permissible because they might speak the truth or lie. The summoning of jinn is possible, since there is no definitive prohibition, and its occurrence is a reality. What isimpossible and mere fantasy is the summoning of the souls of angels or deceased humans.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“مَن أتى كاهنًا أو عرّافًا فصدّقه بما يقول، فقد كفر بما أنزل على محمد.”
“Whoever goes to a soothsayer or a fortune teller and believes in what he says, has disbelieved in what was revealed to Muhammad.” (Narrated by Ahmad)
So, what about the one who goes even further — making jinn as partners, reciting their names, and drawing near to them with chants and litanies that Allah never authorized?
O Believers: The RMQK group and those like them lure people with fancy words, deceiving the ignorant and the weak under the appearance of religion. They tempt them with spiritual healing and white magic, while in reality, it is a path to misguidance.
One of the strange and saddening matters is the affiliation of some known Muslims with this group — even those who graduated from Islamic and Arabic institutions with various certificates — yet have become servants to superstition and shirk under the guise of knowledge. In reality, they are ignorant and empty!
As Imam Abu Hanifah once said: “Two evil men will come to us from the East: Jahm (who denies Allah’s attributes) and Muqatil (the Anthropomorphist).”
Therefore, O Muslims: Beware of such twisted paths, and do not be deceived by appearances. True religion is not superstition, nor is it polytheistic chants, but rather it is the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and following true guidance. Be extremely vigilant about what your children are learning in Arabic and Islamic schools and what such schools are producing in terms of graduates and teachings.
Du‘ā’: O Allah, guide us and keep us steadfast, and make us among those who listen to the word and follow the best of it. O Allah, make this land and all Muslim lands safe and secure. O Allah, whoever intends evil for Islam and the Muslims, occupy him with himself, make his plot his own destruction, and turn his scheme back against him. O Allah, support Your religion, Your Book, and Your righteous servants. O Allah, take charge of those who plot against Islam and the Muslims. O Allah, return their schemes upon them and encircle them with Your might, O All-Powerful, O Almighty. And send Your blessings upon Muhammad, his family, and his companions. Our final call is: All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds.