Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is performed both with the body and financial means. This form of Ibadah (Acts of worship) became Fardh (obligatory) in the ninth year of Hijrah. Rasûlullâh Sallallâhu Alayhi Wa Sallam appointed Abu Bakr Radhiyallâhu Anhu as the Amir (Leader) of Hajj in that year, and he himself performed Hajj the following year.
It’s Fardh al-Ayn (individual obligation) to perform Hajj upon a person who meets its conditions. If such a person is not healthy until the end of his life, even if he is financially well off, he may send a representative on his behalf for Hajj.
Nabi Sallallâhu Alayhi Wa Sallam said, “Islam is built upon five pillars. Kalimah Shahadah (bearing witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allâh and that Muhammad Mustafa Sallallâhu Alayhi Wa Sallam is the servant and prophet of Allâh), Salaah, Zakaah, Sawn (fasting in the month of Ramadan) and Hajj (pilgrimage to the Holy Kabah)
Some of the benefits and wisdom of Hajj:
Being humble towards people and humiliating oneself to Allâh Ta‘âlâ. Fulfilling the Shukr (gratitude) of wealth and bodily health. The Noble Kabah comforts and expands the souls and hearts. Purification and disciplining the Nafs (lower self),
Numerous Muslims with different colours, statuses, ranks, languages, races, believing in the same deen (religion) come together united.
Strengthening Iman (faith) and remembering the Mithaq (covenant pledged at the time of the creation of the souls) each time when greeting the Hajar al-Aswad.
To see the places where Islam was born and rose and to remember the struggle of Rasûlullâh Sallallâhu Alayhi Wa Sallam and the Sahaba al-Kiram in numerous hardships for the sake of Islam.
Experiencing journey similar to the Akhirah (hereafter), resurrection and assembling on the plains of Mahshar having put on Ihram resembling a shroud.
Hajj leaves unforgettable memoirs for Muslims. (Hajj and Umrah Guide, Fazilet Neşriyat)