What to Say to Someone Going for Hajj?

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has not yet taken a final decision on whether or not overseas visitors should be allowed to perform Hajj, the number of pilgrims to be granted entry, or what safety measures will be set in place for those heading to Makkah. If there’s someone you know wishing to perform Hajj this year, pray for them that the COVID-related conditions improve and they’re granted this privilege. Plus, you might already be wondering how to greet them should they depart for the spiritual journey. 

This article will guide you on what to say to someone going for hajj.

List of Things to Ask a Muslim Going to Hajj

Here is a list of things to ask a Muslim brother or sister when they proceed to Makkah for Hajj:

Ask the Pilgrim to Pray for You

While Allah (SWT) hears anyone who turns to him for prayers, He is more likely to answer those who’re closer to Him. Who could be closer to Allah (SWT) than a person who pays him a visit at the Ka’abah in Makkah. Allah (SWT) answers them right away. 

Thus, the most significant and appropriate request you can make to a person going for hajj is to pray for you. This practice also aligns with Sunnah, that is, the acts performed by the Prophet PBUH. There are specific spots in Makkah and Madinah that are more sacred than others. The pilgrims often get emotional near them and pray with their hearts, which is why prayers made near them are more likely to be accepted by Allah (SWT). These places include Multazam (the 2-meter wide wall between Hajr-e-Aswad and the door of the Ka’abah), Hateem (the portion that’s outside but forms part of the Ka’abah), Maqam-e-Ibrahim, the tomb of the Prophet s in Masjid-e-Nabvi (Madinah), and so on.

Advise Them to Create a Prayer List

Keeping in mind that the pilgrim is in the way of Allah, their chances of prayer acceptance greatly increases. If you’re longing for something but haven’t been able to achieve it, or are faced with some serious hardships, this might be an ideal opportunity. But remember, you aren’t the only one requesting them for prayers. They might be a hundred other individuals who might have requested the same from them. This makes it extremely difficult for the pilgrim to remember what people asked them to pray, especially when they have their own set of duas to remember. We recommend the following solution:

Make a list of prayers who want them to make for you. When you meet them, advise the same to them. They should have their own list of people who requested them for prayers along with the details of each request. This way, they’ll be more likely to remember what exactly you asked them and pray on your behalf.

Offer to Help Them Pack for Hajj

Someone who is going to perform Hajj typically has a number of concerns. Their biggest worry is about performing the sacred ritual correctly, which is why they’ll likely carry a hajj guidebook with them. Among the biggest favours, you can do to someone who is proceeding to perform Hajj is to help them pack for the journey. Take this checklist of items they need to carry with them:

• Ahram
• Pair of Slippers
• Towel
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouth wash
• Umbrella
• Prayer mat
• Alarm clock
• Soap and Shampoo
• Toilet Tissue Roll
• Dry Food Items such as a few packs of biscuits
• Pairs of socks
• Glasses and Cups
• Other items based on your needs

What to Say to Someone Returning From Umrah

Pilgrims return to a state where all their sins are forgiven by Allah (SWT). If you get a chance to receive them at the airport, don’t forgo this opportunity. As soon as you meet them upon their return, you’d want to give them nothing less than a hug. However, given the existing COVID-19 scenario, limit yourself to a handshake. Then, greet them with the following words:

“Congratulations on your Hajj. May the joy of this ritual enhance your spirit with excitement and grace for the rest of your life”, or  “Hajj Mubarak to you! May Allah accept it in His books and make all your wishes and dreams come true.”

Once you’ve congratulated them, go on to ask them what their trip was like. Ask them how they felt when they first caught sight of the Holy Ka’abah. You’ll get interesting answers to this question. Also, Hajj is a journey of hardships so they’ll have multiple stories to share when they return. Yet, they won’t share the problems you faced until you ask them.

Until they reach their home, the pilgrim is still in the way of Allah. All their past sins have also been forgiven. So, it will be a great time to request them for prayers too. 

Summary

By now, you should have obtained a fair idea about what departing words to use when someone goes to Hajj, what prayer requests you should make, how to help them pack for the journey, and how to greet them when they return. Think about how you’d expect others to deal with you when you’re proceeding to Hajj or Umrah. Then, try to exceed those expectations. If you give much thought, following the above-explained tips should be sufficient. 

When Allah (SWT) sees you helping His prospective guest, He’ll certainly bestow His blessings upon you. You may even be the next one visiting the Ka’abah for Hajj or Umrah. 

For now, keep praying that the COVID conditions improve and the overseas aspirants are allowed to perform Hajj this year. 

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