Question:
What is the meaning of performing Hajj for the sake of Allah?
Answer:
Allah states:
وَأَتِمُّوا الْحَجَّ وَالْعُمْرَةَ لِلَّـهِ
“And complete the Hajj and 'umrah for Allah”
(Al-Baqarah: 196)
Generally, each and every actions of us must be for the sake of Allah. However, this verse states Hajj and umrah specifically. It is due to the Arabs who perform Hajj for the sake of gathering, showing off, competing with each other, boasting, fulfilling all sorts of needs and shopping. They neither went there for the sake of Allah, nor for the sake of obligations and rights as what Allah asks us to do.
As for this, Syeikh al-Maraghi said in interpreting this verse: “(O Muslims!) Perform Hajj and umrah completely and faithfully. Physically, it is done by observing the Shari’a and the pillars (rukun) as being taught by the Prophet PBUH. Spiritually, it is done with pure sincerity for the sake of Allah, neither for the sake of seeking source of income, nor gaining compliments and names in the eyes of the people. However, it is still permissible to do trades in Mecca, but in pure sincerity in which it is not the main reason of him being there.” Refer Tafsir al-Maraghi (1/393)