What to Do During Hajj

1. Before You Leave

a. Make Sincere Intention (Niyyah)

The foundation of Hajj is sincerity. Your intention should be purely for the sake of Allah, not for showing off or fulfilling a social obligation.

b. Educate Yourself

Learn the rituals of Hajj (Manasik), the sequence of events, and the requirements specific to your school of thought (Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, or Hanbali). Attend workshops or consult scholars.

c. Settle Obligations

Clear your debts, write your will if necessary, and ask forgiveness from those you may have wronged. Seek halal earnings for this journey, as it directly affects the acceptance of Hajj.

d. Prepare Documents & Essentials

Ensure you carry:

• Valid passport and visa
• Vaccination certificates
• Travel insurance (if required)
• Ihram garments, unscented toiletries, slippers, Quran, dua books, and basic medicines

2. Spiritual Preparation

• Begin praying regularly and on time if you’re not already.
• Increase recitation of the Quran, make Dhikr, and give Sadaqah.
• Build patience and humility – essential for the Hajj experience.

3. During Hajj

a. Wearing Ihram

• Men wear two unstitched white cloths; women wear modest, non-scented clothing.
• Enter Ihram at Miqat and make Niyyah for your Hajj type: Tamattu’, Qiran, or Ifrad.
• Recite Talbiyah frequently:
  “Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk…”

b. Performing Tawaf and Sa’i

• Tawaf involves circling the Kaaba 7 times, starting from the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad).
• Sa’i is walking 7 times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, remembering the struggle of Hajar (AS).

c. Day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah)

• The most important day of Hajj.
• Stand in Wuquf at Arafah, make dua, repent, and seek Allah’s mercy.
• Fasting is not required for Hujjaj but highly recommended for those not performing Hajj.

d. Muzdalifah (Night Stay)

• After Maghrib at Arafah, head to Muzdalifah.
• Collect pebbles for Rami (stoning).
• Pray Maghrib and Isha combined and rest.

e. Mina and Rami (Stoning of the Devil)

• On 10th Dhul-Hijjah, stone the Jamarat al-Aqabah with 7 pebbles.
• Offer Qurbani (sacrifice) if applicable.
• Shave (Halq) or trim (Taqsir) your hair to exit Ihram.

f. Final Rituals

• Perform Tawaf al-Ifadah (essential pillar of Hajj).
• Continue Rami for the next two or three days.
• Perform Tawaf al-Wida (farewell tawaf) before leaving Makkah.

What to Avoid During Hajj

Despite the spiritual atmosphere, there are many common mistakes that can invalidate or reduce the reward of your Hajj. Here’s what to avoid:

1. Violating Ihram Rules

• Do not apply perfume, deodorants, or scented soap.
• Do not cut your nails or hair while in Ihram.
• Avoid sexual relations or even talking about them.
• Refrain from hunting or harming animals.

2. Bad Behavior

• Avoid arguments, backbiting, shouting, and using offensive language.
• Don’t push or shove fellow pilgrims; be gentle and patient.
• Avoid wasting food, littering, or damaging facilities.

3. Neglecting Prayers

• Many get so caught up in rituals that they delay or skip obligatory Salah.
• Remember that Salah is the most important act of worship and should not be neglected.

4. Taking Unnecessary Photos

• While memories are important, be mindful of the sacredness of the place.
• Avoid disrespectful poses or selfies that distract you and others from worship.

5. Engaging in Business or Leisure

• The purpose of Hajj is spiritual – not shopping, sightseeing, or networking.
• Avoid spending excessive time in malls or markets during these sacred days.

Quick Summary Checklist

Conclusion

Hajj is a life-changing experience – a chance to cleanse your soul and return like a newborn. Performing Hajj properly requires physical effort, mental patience, and spiritual focus. By following this checklist of what to do and what to avoid, you can make the most of this sacred journey and ensure that your Hajj is accepted by Allah (SWT).

May Allah grant all pilgrims a safe, accepted, and rewarding Hajj. Ameen.