As the entire ummah is aware, Hajj is the fifth and final pillar of Islam. It is a symbol of unity for all Muslims. In this act, a pilgrim sets aside all differences of race, wealth and economic status, and nationality as they unite in the Hajj pilgrimage.
The purpose is to perform the act of spiritual worship as they renew their sense of purpose in this world which makes Muslims feel the real importance of life and resetting their afterlife purpose by eliminating all the markets of social status, wealth, and pride.
Hajj is an opportunity to wipe out all the minor and major sins. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “One who comes to this House for Hajj and avoids all lewdness and sins, he returns as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him.” (Bukhari & Muslim).
- Fifth Mistake to Avoid: Kissing Hajr Aswad (the black stone) from a far distance or fighting to it
Kissing the black stone is an amazing Sunnah and it is an honor to have the option to do that. In most cases, a greater part of the individuals isn’t ready to reach Hajr Aswad due to the rush and crowd. In this manner, numerous individuals attempt to kiss it from the distance. They stop during the Tawaf, face the black stone and put their hands up to kiss the black stone in the air as though the stone is directly before them.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would kiss the black stone if it is easily reachable, or touch it with his hand and after that kiss his hand. In any case, if it is too crowded and excessively packed, he would just point towards it with his hands and state “Allahu Akbar”.
Ibn Abbas said, “The Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) performed Tawaf on his camel, and every time he came to the corner (where the Black Stone is) he would point to it and say, Allāhu Akbar.” [Al-Bukhari]
- Sixth Mistake to Avoid: Designating and reciting specific Dua’s for each round of Tawaf
Many pilgrims come with learning and designate specific Dua’s for each round of Tawaf and there are even books available with specific Dua’s for every round.
This is not from the Sunnah or proven by any Hadith. Neither the Prophet (PBUH) nor the Sahaba’s recited any specific Dua in any rounds of Tawaf.
There is only Dua that the Prophet (PBUH) has instructed during Tawaf was after reaching between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone.
“Rabbana atina’ fid-dunya hasana wa fil-akhirati hasana wa qina adhaban-nar”
[“Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and save us from the punishment of the Fire.’’]
Having a dua book can help, but don’t assume anyone book is mandatory to read from dua books.
- Seventh Mistake: Performing Tawaf for someone else or on their behalf
Most of the pilgrims do this mistake after completing their Tawaf, they then perform an extra round for their friends, relatives, or deceased persons.
This is not advisable. Hajj and Umrah can be done on someone’s behalf who is eligible, but Tawaf individually cannot be done on someone’s behalf.
- Eighth Mistake: Assuming that offering 40 salah prayers in Madinah is compulsory
Pilgrims often think that offering 40 salah is mandatory in Masjid Nabawi. There is great reward in doing so, but it isn’t mandatory.
Note: One should always seek consultation and opinion from Islamic scholars about the rituals of Hajj.