Message and Counsel for Pilgrims of Hajj and Umrah

This page contains messages and counsel for Hajj pilgrims so their worship is accepted as accepted Hajj, particularly regarding maintaining proper conduct and not disturbing fellow pilgrims.

• Pilgrims are reminded that they are undertaking a blessed journey toward Allah based on Islamic monotheism and sincerity, and are cautioned against Satan's deceptions and avoiding disputes among fellow pilgrims.
• Pilgrims are advised to ask knowledgeable individuals if any aspect of religion and Hajj procedures is unclear to them.
• It is emphasized that recommended practices like kissing the Black Stone should not be pursued in ways that disturb or harm fellow Muslims, as respecting fellow Muslims is obligatory while such acts are merely recommended.
• Several practical guidelines are provided, such as prohibition of prayer near the Ka'bah or at the entrances of the Sacred Mosque as this disturbs those performing tawaf, and recommendation to merely gesture toward the Black Stone when conditions are crowded.

Message and Counsel for Hajj Pilgrims

Honored Hajj pilgrims,

We offer praise to Allah who has granted you the ability to perform the Hajj pilgrimage and visit the Sacred Mosque. May Allah accept our good deeds and reward us abundantly.

We hereby convey the following message and counsel to Hajj pilgrims, with the hope that our Hajj will be accepted by Allah as accepted Hajj and our effort as commendable.

1. Remember that you are on a blessed journey, a journey toward the Divine, based on Islamic monotheism and sincerity to Allah, fulfilling His call and obeying His command. For there is no deed with greater reward than those performed with this foundation. And the reward for accepted Hajj is Paradise.

2. Beware of Satan's deceptions, for he is an enemy always lying in wait for you. Therefore, you should love one another in the shade of Allah's mercy and avoid disputes and disobedience to Him. Remember that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) has said:

"None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself." (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

3. Ask those with knowledge about matters of religion and Hajj procedures that are unclear to you, so that you may understand. For Allah says:

"So ask the people of knowledge if you do not know." (An-Nahl:43)

Message and Counsel for Hajj Pilgrims The Messenger of Allah also said:

"Whomever Allah desires good for, He grants understanding of the religion." (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

4. Know that Allah has established for us certain obligatory duties and recommended us to perform certain recommended acts. However, these recommended acts are not accepted if the obligatory duties are neglected.

This is often overlooked by some Hajj pilgrims, resulting in behavior that disturbs and harms fellow believers. For example: when attempting to kiss the Black Stone, when performing the ramal (short running steps during the first three circuits) in the Tawaf al-Qadim, when praying behind Maqam Ibrahim, and when drinking Zamzam water.

These acts are only recommended, while disturbing and harming fellow believers is forbidden. Is it appropriate for us to perform a forbidden act merely to achieve a recommended act? Therefore, avoid any behavior that can disturb and harm one another, hopefully Allah will multiply the reward for you all.

Message and Counsel for Hajj Pilgrims

We further add the following clarifications:

a. It is not permissible for a Muslim to pray beside or behind a woman, whether in the Sacred Mosque or elsewhere, provided he can avoid it. Women should pray behind the men.

b. The gates and entrances to the Sacred Mosque are thoroughfares that should not be obstructed by performing prayer there, even for the sake of congregational prayer.

c. One should not sit or pray near the Ka'bah or stand in Hijr Isma'il or at Maqam Ibrahim, as this disturbs those performing tawaf. Especially when conditions are crowded, as this can be dangerous and disturb others.

d. Kissing the Black Stone is recommended, while respecting fellow Muslims is obligatory. Do not abandon the obligatory for the sake of the recommended. When conditions are crowded, it is sufficient to gesture (by raising your hand) toward the Black Stone while proclaiming the greatness of Allah, and continue with the other pilgrims performing tawaf. After completing your tawaf, do not exit by pushing through the lines, but follow the flow of the pilgrims so you can exit peacefully.

Message and Counsel for Hajj Pilgrims

e. Touching the Yamani Corner is not a recommended practice; simply touch it with your right hand if conditions are not crowded, while saying:

Finally, we counsel all Muslims to always adhere firmly to the Qur'an and Sunnah:

"And obey Allah and His Messenger so that you may receive mercy." (Aal Imran:132)

Source:The Guidance of Hajj and UmrahThe Department of Propagation and Guidance,Al-Sulay - Riyadh

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