Hajj, also known as pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, holds great spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. It’s not just a religious obligation for someone able physically and financially only but a serious journey of faith, closeness to Allah, seeking forgiveness, and unity.
As the fifth pillar of Islam, Hajj is a testament to the believer’s submission to Allah. Historically, Hajj traces back to the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family, whose acts of devotion and submission to Allah form the foundation of this pilgrimage. It was established in the Quran that Allah commanded Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to call for Hajj.
And proclaim (call out you Abraham) to the people the Hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass (Al-Quran 22:27)
Every year, millions of Muslims from diverse backgrounds gather in Mecca, forgetting their worldly prestige and wearing simple white garments to humble themselves before Allah, their creator, signifying purity and doing the act of worship with equality before Allah.
Yet, despite its massive spiritual rewards, Hajj is a complex and physically demanding journey. Pilgrims often encounter various challenges that can impact their experience. Therefore, understanding the common mistakes to avoid during Hajj can help ensure a smoother, more spiritually rewarding pilgrimage.
Let’s take a look at some of the mistakes to avoid during Hajj:
Inadequate Preparation and Knowledge
Embarking on Hajj without thorough preparation and research is like setting out on a journey without a map. Many pilgrims embark on this sacred journey without fully understanding the rituals, procedures, and significance of each step. This is one of the major mistakes to avoid during hajj.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Take your Hajj rituals from me” (Sahih Muslim).
Before setting off, take time to learn about the rituals of Hajj in detail. Familiarize yourself with the Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba), Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah), and other rites. Study the rules regarding Ihram, the state of spiritual purity, and its prohibitions. Understanding these elements can prevent mistakes that might invalidate your Hajj or detract from its spiritual essence.
Errors During the Ihram Stage
Incorrect Intention (Niyyah)
One of the first and most critical steps in Hajj is making the correct intention or Niyyah. Without a sincere and properly made intention, the rituals of Hajj may not be valid. The significance of Niyyah in Islam cannot be overstated, as it reflects the purpose and sincerity behind one’s actions and the root on which all acts of worship lie. This is an important mistake to avoid during Hajj.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Actions are but by intentions, and every man shall have reward for which he intended” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
The intention for Hajj must be made from the heart, declaring your commitment to perform the pilgrimage solely for the sake of Allah. This intention should not be verbalized by saying, “I intended to perform Hajj.” This is one of the top mistakes to avoid during Hajj as it is the basis or foundation on which all rites of the Hajj will be built. If this basis is invalid, then all rites are invalid too.
It’s crucial to make this intention before crossing the Miqat, the boundary within which the pilgrimage rites must be observed. Crossing the Miqat without being in the state of Ihram and without the correct intention can invalidate the pilgrimage. Therefore, pause, reflect, and ensure your heart and mind are aligned with the purpose of Hajj before making your intention.
List Of Common Mistakes To Avoid During Hajj While In Ihram
The state of Ihram is a sacred condition that requires pilgrims to adhere to specific prohibitions. Violating these restrictions can lead to penalties and diminish the spiritual purity of your pilgrimage. Take note of these mistakes to avoid during Hajj while in Ihram.
Allah says in the Quran, “And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allah. And fear Me, O you of understanding” (Quran 2:197).
During Ihram, pilgrims must abstain from:
- Cutting Hair or Nails: During Ihram, cutting hair or nails is prohibited. This act signifies humbleness and detachment from physical appearance, emphasizing our inner purity and sincere devotion to Allah. Allah says in the Quran:
And do not shave your heads until the sacrificial animal has reached its place of slaughter..” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:196)
- Using Perfumes: During Ihram, all forms of perfume, including scented soap, are prohibited to maintain the simplicity and purity of Ihram. The Prophet (peace be upon him) prohibited this and this would help us focus on our spiritual worship and free our minds from worldly distractions. In a Hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Do not wear clothes to which saffron or wars (a kind of perfume) has been applied while you are in the state of Ihram.” (Sahih Bukhari)
- Engaging in Marital Relations: Sexual activity which includes flirting and having intimate conversations even with one’s wife (sexually triggering conversation) during Ihram, is forbidden to maintain a focus and sincere devotion to Allah. Allah mentions in the Quran:
“The Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of Ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations, no disobedience, and no disputing during Hajj…” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:197)
- Hunting or Killing Animals: Hunting or killing a game or any living creature is prohibited during Ihram. as a gesture of respect for all of Allah’s creations. Allah says:
“O you who have believed, do not kill game while you are in the state of Ihram…” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:95)
- Wearing Stitched Clothing (Sew men’s clothing): Men must wear unstitched white clothes. They are not allowed to wear shirts, trousers, or stitched/sewed clothing. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“The Muhrim (one in the state of Ihram) should not wear a shirt, pants, or any garment dyed with saffron or wars (a kind of perfume).” (Sahih Muslim)
- Covering the Head with Cap or Turban (for men): Men are not allowed to cover their heads with anything like a cap, turban, or hooded cloak. This was prohibited by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).In a Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed:
“A Muhrim should not wear a turban or a hooded cloak.” (Sahih Bukhari)
- Women wearing veil (Niqob): For women, they were instructed to maintain their modest attire without covering their faces and hands. This practice is rooted in the tradition and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The evidence comes from the Hadith, where the Prophet (peace be upon him) provided specific instructions for women regarding their attire during Ihram. In one such Hadith, it is narrated:
“A woman in Ihram should not cover her face, and she should not wear gloves.” (Sahih Bukhari)
This Hadith clearly instructs that a woman in the state of Ihram should not cover her face.
- Engaging in Foul Language or Quarreling: Maintaining peaceful conduct is essential during this sacred state, Ihram. Engaging in foul language or quarreling contradicts the spirit of Hajj and it is one of the common mistakes to avoid during Hajj. Allah emphasizes in the Quran:
“…There is [to be for him] no sexual relations, no disobedience, and no disputing during Hajj…” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:197)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said:
“Whoever performs Hajj and does not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commits sin, nor disputes unjustly (during Hajj), then he returns from Hajj as pure and free from sins as on the day on which his mother gave birth to him.” (Sahih Bukhari)
These are the top mistakes to avoid during Hajj when in Ihram which most pilgrims mostly fall into some if not all. We advise you to study the rules regarding Ihram and its prohibitions. Understanding these factors can prevent you from mistakes that might invalidate your Hajj or diminish your reward.
Common mistakes to avoid during Hajj when performing Tawaf
Tawaf is the act of circumambulating around the Kaaba and it is one of the most iconic and spiritually significant rites of Hajj. However, falling into some mistakes during this act of worship can sabotage its reward and acceptance. To ensure that your Tawaf is both valid and meaningful, it’s essential to understand the correct procedure and be aware of common mistakes.
Common Mistakes During Tawaf And How To Avoid Them
- Intention (Niyyah): It is incorrect for you to make the intention louder by saying “I intended to perform tawaf”. Before starting Tawaf, the intention you made before starting Hajj has covered all worship that follows according to the consensus of the scholars but if you still want to, then make the intention in your heart to perform this rite solely for the sake of Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Actions are but by intentions, and every man shall have reward for which he intended” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
- Starting from the Wrong Point: Some pilgrims used to start Tawaf from anywhere around the Kaaba. This is a great mistake as it makes the Tawaf deficient and invalid. It is obligatory to start from the corner of Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad). If possible, you can kiss the Black Stone as it is the sunnah of the Prophet and not obligatory.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Take your Hajj rituals from me” (Sahih Muslim).
Abis ibn Rabi’ah reported: Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, came to the black stone and he kissed it. Umar said,
“Verily, I know you are only a stone with no power to harm or benefit me. Were it not that I saw the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, kiss you, I would not have kissed you.” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
- Breaking Wudu: If you lose your state of ablution (Wudu) during Tawaf by passing out wind or anything else that breaks the wudu, you must stop to perform Wudu again, and then resume from where you left off. The scholar pointed out that it is obligatory to renew the ablution during Tawaf as is obligatory during Solat. The evidence is from the hadith:
Ibn Abbas reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Circling around the House is similar to prayer, except that you speak during it. Whoever speaks during it, let him speak nothing but goodness.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 960)
- Incorrect Number of Circuits: Losing count and performing fewer or more than seven circuits is a common mistake. The practice is to walk around the Kaaba counterclockwise seven times and one circuit should not even be missed. Each round starts and ends at the Black Stone. The Kaaba should be kept on the left side as this was how the Prophet performed his own.
Then let them remove their untidiness and fulfill their vows and perform Tawaf (circumambulation) around the ancient House (Al-Quran 22:29)
- Pushing and Shoving: In the rush to get closer to the Kaaba, some pilgrims push others, which is against the manners of Hajj. It is recommended to maintain patience, move at a comfortable pace, and avoid physical contact that can cause harm to fellow pilgrims.The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever performs Hajj and does not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commits sin, nor disputes unjustly (during Hajj), then he returns from Hajj as pure and free from sins as on the day on which his mother gave birth to him.” (Sahih Bukhari)
- Supplications: Some people have a specific prayer they recite during Tawaf which they attribute to the Prophet. This is another mistake as there’s no specific supplication from the Quran or Sunnah to recite compulsorily. You can choose any prayers that come from your heart
- Improper Clothing: Ensure your Ihram attire remains intact and properly worn throughout Tawaf. It is obligatory to cover your awrah (nakedness) and maintain your modest attire.
- Skipping the Two Rak’ahs of Prayer: After completing the Tawaf, some pilgrims intentionally neglect to perform the two Rak’ahs of prayer behind Maqam Ibrahim. This prayer is an important Sunnah that should not be overlooked.
Jabir reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, when he arrived in Mecca, circling the House seven times, and reciting the verse, “Take the station of Abraham as a place of prayer,” (2:125).
The Prophet prayed behind the station, then he came to the black stone and greeted it. Then, the Prophet said, “We begin as Allah has began,” and he recited the verse, “Verily, Al-Safa and Al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.” (2:158) (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2967)
These mistakes during Tawaf are some of the top mistakes to avoid during Hajj which most pilgrims don’t even know about or intentionally neglect. We advise you to study the rules regarding Hajj and its prohibitions.
By adhering to these guidelines, we ensure that our pilgrimage is in line with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and is pleasing to Allah (SWT). May Allah (SWT) guide us all in performing our Hajj with sincerity and devotion, and may He accept our efforts and prayers. Aameen.
As we journey deeper into understanding the top mistakes to avoid during Hajj, there’s so much more to uncover. In the next part, we’ll explore more of the common mistakes to avoid during Hajj and uncover some lesser-known insights.
Are you ready to know more about the common mistakes to avoid during Hajj to enhance your spiritual journey and have a plentiful unlimited reward? Click the link below to continue reading and unlock the next chapter of this enlightening exploration.
Common Mistakes To Avoid During Hajj (Second Part)
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