A Guide For Intending Pilgrims

NIYYAH
1. The person who intends to perform Hajj must do so with the express
niyyah of attaining Allah's Pleasure, and to fulfil one's fardh, and
also to diligently carry out the Commands of Allah and His Rasool
sallallahu alayhi wasallam. The rewards for deeds depend greatly on
the niyyah that is formed. Sincerity is extremely important.
2. The 'ibaadah of Hajj has the exclusive status of being fardh only
once a lifetime, for those who can afford it. It is therefore
important that the sincerity of intention must be given due regard. In
other 'ibaadaat and devotions it is possible to gradually develop
ikhlaas, whereas the time available for Hajj is usually limited. The
need for ikhlaas is vital because a fardh Hajj can never be repeated.
During your journey to Hajj a concerted effort towards developing this
all important sincerity must be made.
3. It is important that Hajj should be kept free of ulterior and
worldly motives. Joining worldly objectives with religious aims is
like adding water to milk. There are three types of adulteration which
are possible in the performance of Hajj; To ruin the Hajj even before
departing from home by having a desire to be called a haji, and using
haraam or doubtful earnings for this 'ibaadah. To engage in improper
acts while performing Hajj e.g. to commit sins during the time that
one is engaged in the performance of Hajj, to have arguments, not to
make tawbah (repentance). To complete the Hajj and then to indulge in
such deeds that defile the Hajj, e.g. to neglect the fardh salaat, to
indulge in sin etc. Perform the Hajj with all its aadaab and
requisites, for anything done in keeping with this is well
accomplished.
4. While in Hajj do not do things to display to others. Do not
announce your Hajj to all and sundry. (To avoid riyaa which is to show
off and act to gain fame). On returning from Hajj do not emphasize the
difficulties which may have been endured, instead turn your attention
towards the eternal benefits and rewards you will receive. One must
understand that the difficulties endured during this sacred journey
are insignificant compared to the high position one will receive in
jannah.
TAWBAH
5. Before beginning one's journey repent sincerely. Perform two
rakaats nafl with the niyyah of tawbah. The effect of sincerely
repenting and then proceeding for hajj will be, that one will be
favoured by Allah Ta'ala and blessed with the strength to continually
do good deeds.
6. Develop a relationship with the pious person for guidance. This
will assist you in making a true and sincere tawbah.
FULFILMENT OF DEBT
7. If you have monetary debt or are responsible for any moral
transgression, then fulfil your debt or have it waived, and have your
moral violations forgiven. It is important that one settles all
outstanding matters and transactions, and has his faults and
shortcomings forgiven.
8. All amaanaat (trusts) and anything borrowed must be returned. A
detailed and final will must be made regarding all important matters.
EDUCATION
9. It is compulsory for a person who wishes to perform Hajj to learn
the necessary masaail well before the time of Hajj. When a firm
intention is made then first learn the necessary masaail, or acquire
these from a reliable and recognized aalim (scholar).
DEPARTURE
10. Depart with happiness from home. A Hajj which is performed with a
feeling of love and keenness is conducive to religious upliftment.
Inconvenience during travel should not hamper this love and keenness.
11. Perform two rakaats nafl before departing. Take care that this
salaat is not performed during the makrooh times. Give some sadaqah to
the poor before leaving home and also after commencing your journey.
12. Ask your near and dear ones, neighbours and friends to overlook
and forgive your shortcomings. Make a request for their du'aa. Make
musafahah (shake hands) using both hands when leaving. Do not make
musafahah with non-mahrams (those of the opposite sex whom you can
marry).
13. Be at your best behaviour amongst your companions. Assist them in
their needs. The person who helps his companions on this journey will
be regarded as a mujaahid (one who strives to uplift Islaam).
IBAADAH
Salaat, Du'aa, Tawaaf and Tilaawat
14. Take great care and be punctual in the performance of all salaat
with jama'at whilst visiting the sacred places. Do not delayany salaat
at all.
15. After every salaat beseech from Allah ta'aalaa that He grant you a
mabroor Hajj (one that is accepted and free from sin). A Hajj which is
full of Allah ta'aalaa's Blessings and Favours.
16. A haji is fortunate in being present at the various sacred places
where du'aa are assured acceptance. Therefore repeatedly ask Allah
ta'aalaa for your needs of this world and the Hereafter. Your du'aa
must be appropriate and made with respect and humbleness. Do not ask
for meaningless and unrighteous things.
17. There are three persons whose du'aa are assured acceptance; the
oppressed, the traveller and the father's du'aa for his son, (meaning
children).
18. The qadhaa (fulfilment in arrears) of 'ibaadaat which are owing to
Allah ta'aalaa should be correctly fulfilled or compensated.
19. The reward for one salaat in the Masjidul Haraam ( Makkah) is
100,000 fold (with jama'at 2,700,000). The reward for salaat in the
Masjidun Nabawi (Madeenah) is 50,000 fold. Each good deed done in
Makkah is equivalent in reward to 100,000 good deeds done elsewhere.
20. Whenever entering either of the two masjidor any other masjid,
form a niyyah for nafl i'tikaaf.
21. Your stay in the Masjidul Haraam and Masjidun Nabawi must be with
utmost dignity and honour.
22. Perform as many tawaaf, umrah and nafl salaat as you can and make
du'aa that the thawaab (reward) of this be presented to Rasoolullah
sallallahu alayhi wasallam.
23. Complete the Qur'aan at least once in each of the two Holy Masjid,
i.e. Makkah and Madeenah.
24. Perform nafl salaat with the niyyah of expressing one's gratitude
to Allah ta'aalaa.
MAKKAH MUKARRAMAH
25. During your stay in Makkah abundantly increase your recital of the
Kalimah Tayyibah: Laa'ilaha il lal'lahu·, and istighfar:
'Astaghfirullah·.
26. If you desire, give an excellent gift to your near dear ones,
friends who are living, and especially those who have passed away. The
gift of the rewards of tawaaf and umrah will please their souls very
much. There will be no reduction from your own reward for these acts.
27. Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam has said that the water of
Zamzam will have the desired effect of whatever intention is made at
the time of drinking Zamzam. Zamzam should be drunk with the intention
of quenching the thirst of the Day of Qiyaamah (resurrection). It
should also be taken with the intention of shifaa (cure) from
spiritual and physical ailments. It is commendable to drink Zamzam
with the niyyah of being granted the tawfeeq of conforming to the
sunnah of our beloved Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam.
MADEENAH MUNAWWARAH
28. It is stated in hadeeth: (i) "Whoever comes with the sole
intention of visiting my grave, my intercession will become incumbent
for that person". (ii) "Whoever visits my grave after my death is like
the one who has visited me during my lifetime".
29. Recite durood (salutations) in abundance on Rasoolullah sallallahu
alayhi wasallam, on beginning your journey to and from Madeenah
Munawwarah, and during your stay there.
30. To hurt or cause inconvenience to any Muslimand especially the
people of Madeenah Munawwarah is a great sin.
GENERAL
31. Choose an able pious companion who will assist you in times of
need, and it is better if this companion is a reliable recognized
aalim (scholar).
32. Regard the time in Hajj as a blessing. One never knows when one
may be favoured with this good fortune again.
33. Since your stay there is a short one, you should value every
moment there. Do not waste your time roaming in the bazaars and do not
indulge in meaningless things and idle talk.
34. Do not allow your attention to drift towards the decoration and
splendour of the buildings, nor indulge in humour and ridicule.
35. One must be extremely cautious with regard to the etiquette of
these sacred places. Any disrespect in this regard will be a cause for
retribution.
36. Do not criticize the conditions and people there. After all, the
local residents are human and are prone to faults just as we are. When
noticing the shortcomings of others, special attention must
immediately be drawn to one's own faults and weak points.
37. One must make a concentrated effort to avoid sin, especially
casting passionate glances at female who are present at Hajj. One must
keep one's gaze lowered when women gather for tawaaf and
salaat-u-salaam.
38. Hadhrat 'Umar radhiyallahu anhu said, "For me to commit a sin in
Makkah is worse than committing seventy sins outside Makkah". Just as
the rewards of good deeds are multiplied in Makkah, so too is the
retribution of misconduct multiplied.
39. One must show consideration and take care that one does not
trouble or inconvenience those who are present for Hajj and ziyaarah.
40. One must not deceive or trick others in buying or selling. To
swindle or cheat the residents of Makkah or Madeenah would result in
one's own destruction. One must be extremely cautious in this regard.
Transactions must be carried out with honesty.