In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Allah (SWT) says to His servants who attain salvation and success in this world and the Hereafter: “They exhort one another to truth, and exhort one another to patience.” Allah (SWT) further states: “And help one another in goodness and fear of Allah, and do not help one another in sin and transgression.” We ask Allah (SWT) to accept from all of us our striving and good deeds toward the cause of authentic worship—Al-Islam—including Hajj.
It is both believed and advised that anyone intending to embark on the pilgrimage to the Sacred House of Allah (SWT) should acquaint themselves with the dos and don’ts, as prescribed by Allah (SWT), regarding the rites of Hajj. It is of great importance that Muslim pilgrims adhere to the guidance offered here, at least as a starting point.
Pilgrims must remember that they are on a blessed journey—one rooted in Tawheed (Islamic Monotheism), sincerity to Allah (SWT), responsiveness to His call, and obedience to His commands, all in the hope of earning His reward. They should also be prepared to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) in all that they do during Hajj. They must not forget that the reward for an accepted Hajj is Jannah (Paradise).
Pilgrims must guard themselves against the evil of the accursed Satan, who seeks to sow dissension among them. Satan lies in ambush for every devout Muslim—especially pilgrims on Hajj. Pilgrims should love one another as brothers and sisters, avoiding disputes or behaviour that could lead to disobeying the commandments of Allah (SWT). The Prophet (SAW) said: “None of you has truly believed until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”
Pilgrims should not hesitate to seek clarity by asking questions about any aspect of Islam, especially the rites of Hajj. They should not shy away from approaching fellow Muslims who are knowledgeable and can provide satisfactory explanations. Allah (SWT) instructs, “Ask the people of the Reminder if you do not know.” The Prophet (SAW) said, “When Allah intends good for someone, He gives him understanding of the religion.”
A key reason for adopting this attitude is that certain acts of worship are fard (obligatory), while others are Sunnah (supererogatory). It is crucial for pilgrims to understand that Allah (SWT) does not accept Sunnah actions from those who neglect or violate the fard. Unfortunately, some pilgrims disregard this and cause harm to others—men and women alike—by aggressively trying to kiss the Black Stone, or during tawaf, or when attempting to pray behind the Station of Prophet Ibraheem (A.S.), or to drink from Zamzam. These are all important rituals but are Sunnah—not fard. Harming fellow pilgrims is strictly prohibited in Islam. Therefore, pilgrims must avoid causing injury or discomfort. May Allah (SWT) grant all pilgrims immense reward for their patience and perseverance.
For the safety and smooth conduct of Hajj, it is essential to educate the large number of pilgrims on certain incorrect or misunderstood practices. For instance, it is improper for a male Muslim to perform solat close to or directly behind a female Muslim in the Sacred Mosque or elsewhere, for any reason. Female Muslims are expected to pray behind the male congregation.
It is also improper to observe solat on pathways or in doorways leading into the Haram, as it obstructs others.
Similarly, blocking the flow of pilgrims during tawaf by standing near the Black Stone, al-Hijr, or at the Station of Ibraheem—especially when it is crowded—is a source of harm. It is sufficient to point at the Black Stone while saying “Allahu Akbar”, and pilgrims should leave the tawaf area gently. Preserving the dignity of fellow Muslims is fard, while kissing the Black Stone is Sunnah. A fard should never be sacrificed for a Sunnah.
Read Also: Court jails businessman for rejecting Naira as legal tender
Touching the Ruknul Yamani with the right hand and saying “Bismillahi Wallahu Akbar” is permissible, but kissing it is not Sunnah. If a pilgrim is unable to do so due to the crowd, they should simply continue their tawaf without pointing or uttering takbir, as this was not reported from the Prophet (SAW). It is mustahab (recommended) to recite the following supplication between Ruknul Yamani and the Black Stone:
“Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhaban nar”
Translation: “Our Lord, give us good in this world, and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the torment of the Hellfire.”
Pilgrims should always adhere to the guidance of Allah (SWT) in the Qur’an and the Sunnah of His Messenger (SAW) in all their actions during the Hajj rites in Saudi Arabia.
and then