7 Must know Hajj tips

The holy pilgrimage of Hajj is much more than an obligation that must be fulfilled by every physically and financially able Muslim at least once in their lifetime.

It is the fifth pillar of Islam and entails a visit to the Holy Kaaba, the House of Allah SWT. Hajj is described as a blissful once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that gives Muslims the chance to repent for their sins and ask for the mercy and blessings of Allah SWT. 

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Whosoever performs Hajj while having abstained from acts of lewdness, obscenities, and wrangling, shall come home like a newborn (washed clean of sins).” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Hajj is a sincere expression of a person’s love and devotion for Allah SWT and a chance to seek forgiveness for their sins and get a clean slate for life ahead. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to once again connect with their faith and experience unity, brotherhood, and equality in the House of the Almighty, all while inculcating and strengthening important lessons like self-sacrifice, self-surrender, and trust in Allah SWT. Read our must know Hajj tips below.

The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT said, “A virtuous Hajj merits no reward other than Paradise.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Tips and advice for Hajj

Hajj takes place in Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and last month of the Islamic calendar. It is when millions of Muslims from all around the world embark on a strenuous, long, yet soul-purifying journey to the Holy Kaaba in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

So, if you have been blessed with the chance to go on pilgrimage this year, here is a list of the top seven Hajj tips you must follow to attain the maximum reward for performing this obligatory ritual.

Understand why you are going

In the religion of Islam, there is tremendous wisdom and beauty behind every obligation and ritual. Therefore, before you head to the birth city of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), spend some time doing research about the benefits of embarking on the journey of pilgrimage and learn the history and importance of the holy sites that you will get a chance to visit.

It is also advised to talk to an Islamic scholar as they will help you learn about upcoming events and how to perform the holy pilgrimage.

Avoid all forms of shirk

If you are going on Hajj for the first time, chances are that your emotions are very high, and you tend to accept anything that people tell you to do to achieve great rewards. However, be careful as you might not realise this then, but little deeds can at times nullify the reward for your greater deeds.

Therefore, talk to a knowledgeable person and ask for the Islamic ruling regarding a specific act. In case you have questions while you are in Masjid Al-Haram, note that there is a booth situated right outside the entrance, and it has scholars who can help you find answers to issues pertaining to fiqh. 

Try to get in shape

Entailing rituals such as performing Tawaf around the Holy Kaaba, running between the hills of Safa and Marwa, walking to Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat, and returning to Masjid Al-Haram, Hajj is undoubtedly one of the most physically demanding pillars of Islam.

While men are instructed to run between the hills of Safa and Marwa in the blistering heat, women are advised to jog. 

Therefore, one of the best ways to prepare for the upcoming journey is to walk at least 20 minutes every day for a few months before you set off for Hajj. You can also challenge yourself to go on longer treks.

Trying to get physically in shape will reduce the physical strain on your body and give you the strength to focus on this spiritual journey

Make a list of duas

If you are a Muslim, you must know the importance of making dua in the month of Dhul Hijjah. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that the prayers uttered in Masjid Al Haram (Great Mosque) would be rewarded 100,000 times more than praying somewhere else. 

However, no matter how ready you might be, the moment you see the Holy Kaaba draped in the black and golden kiswah, every worldly thought leaves your mind, and your heart and eyes are filled with tears of joy.

This is exactly why it is important to make a list of prayer (duas) and requests that you wish to make in the House of Allah SWT. An easy way to keep a record of everything is by investing in a journal to bring with you to Hajj, as it will help you remember and document your magical journey to the Holy Kaaba.

Hajj Tips for Ladies

The rules and regulations for pilgrims of Hajj are pretty straightforward. However, there are some special considerations that women must undertake when going for Hajj. Here are a few tips to prepare you for the blessed journey:

Clothing 

When it comes to clothing for Hajj, there are a few things that females should keep in mind. You must wear a modest and respectful dress that covers your entire body. Opt for a dress that is comfortable and has layers as the temperature in Makkah can vary. Here are some tips for picking the right Ihram for Hajj:

  • Avoid bright colours.
  • Don’t wear perfume or any kind of jewellery.
  • Choose clothing that doesn’t restrict your movement and is comfortable. 
  • Don’t wear silk. 
  • Avoid sheer clothing. If wearing white, make sure that the cloth is thick enough and you are properly covered.
  • Wear a loose and comfortable Hijab. 
  • Opt for a black or chiffon Hijab as it is easier to manage and the cloth is breathable. 

Necessary supplies

When packing for Hajj, carry enough supplies for the long journey ahead. We recommend packing at least three to four abayas or outfits to be on the safe side. Moreover, if you are travelling with kids, pack enough wipes, diapers, milk, and food. 

Rules for females

Here are some rules and regulations that female pilgrims must follow:

  • Before entering the state of Ihram, make sure to trim your nails. 
  • Do not apply henna.
  • Avoid wearing any fragrance. 
  • Recite Talbiyah in a soft voice. 
  • Do not run, but jog between the hills of Safa and Marwa. 
  • Refrain from using cosmetics. 
  • Carry a water bottle to keep yourself hydrated.

What you should NOT do during Hajj

The restrictions of Hajj are as follows:

  • Disputing, fighting, or arguing with fellow pilgrims.
  • Committing any sin which can deviate you from the path of Islam.
  • Being sexually active (kissing, touching, or having intercourse).
  • Wearing sewn clothes as Ihram. 
  • Clipping nails.
  • Shaving hair.
  • Applying makeup.
  • Wearing clothes dyed with scented material.
  • Gambling.
  • Eating game-meat.
  • Engaging in hunting.
  • Female pilgrims should not cover their faces and hands. 
  • Male pilgrims should not cover their heads.
  • Marriage, proposal, and marital relations.

Common mistakes during Hajj

When going on Hajj, ensure to avoid the following mistakes:

  • Keep your focus on your speech when reciting the Talbiyah.
  • Do not click pictures in Ihram.
  • Do change your Ihram if it gets dirty.
  • Shaving your head before wearing the Ihram isn’t permissible. 
  • Pilgrims must abstain from quarreling and arguing. 
  • Do not touch the walls of the Holy Kaaba during Tawaf.
  • Touching Hajr-e-Aswad (Black Stone) isn’t necessary for your Tawaf to be accepted. 
  • You can only touch the Yemeni corner. 
  • Do not climb the mountains of Safa and Marwa. 
  • Pilgrim men should shave their heads completely. If they plan to trim, they should cut hair from all the sides of their head. 
  • Pilgrim women should only cut the hair of a fingertip’s length. 
  • You cannot take off the Ihram before performing Halq or Taqsir.
  • Don’t leave Arafah before sunset. 
  • Don’t offer Maghrib Salah in Arafah.
  • Don’t wash the stones that you collected for Rami. 
  • Don’t say Bismillah before throwing the stones at the Jamarat. 
  • Do not curse while performing Rami.
  • Do not perform Sai in Farewell Tawaf. 

How to prepare for Hajj

With Hajj season just around the corner, here are some tips to help you prepare before you embark on the soul-cleansing journey:

  • Prepare Religious Supply: In addition to the Ihram, make sure that you have all the necessary religious supplies such as the Holy Quran, a seven-bead counter, and prayer mat. 
  • Have All Your Documents Ready: Before you leave for Hajj, keep all your necessary documents in a single file so you can find them whenever required. Do not forget to keep your passport within reach.
  • Be Mindful of Weather Conditions: Saudi Arabia is known for its scorching summers and cold winters in certain parts. Therefore, pack accordingly and always carry an extra water bottle to keep yourself hydrated. 
  • Seek Advice from a Health Official: Make a list of health-related questions and make an appointment with a doctor as well as someone who has already performed Hajj. They will even provide you with tips and tricks on how to manage walking with a huge crowd. 

Summary – Hajj Tips

Hajj is the experience of a lifetime. Every year, over three million Muslims from all around the world gather in the Holy Kaaba (in the grounds of Masjid Al-Haram) in Makkah to perform the obligatory ritual of Hajj.

However, with so many people around you, the heat can get overwhelming, causing hurdles during your journey. Therefore, to prepare yourself for the upcoming pilgrimage, it is advised to follow the aforementioned Hajj tips. May Allah SWT grant us all the chance to go on this life-transforming experience. 

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