Etiquette of Hajj and 'Umrah

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

"The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known (lunar year) months (i.e. the 10th month, the 11th month and the first ten days of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, i.e. two months and ten days). So whosoever intends to perform Hajj therein (by assuming Ihraam), then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj. And whatever good you do, (be sure) Allaah knows it. And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness). So fear Me, O men of understanding!" [al-Baqarah 2:197] 

People should perform the rituals of Hajj with respect, veneration, love and submission to Allaah the Lord of the Worlds, in a tranquil and dignified manner, following the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). 

These great rituals should be filled with dhikr (remembering Allaah), takbeer (proclaiming Allaah's greatness by saying Allaahu akbar), tasbeeh (glorifying Allaah by saying Subhaan-Allaah), tahmeed (praising Allaah by saying al-hamdu Lillaah) and istighfaar (seeking Allaah's forgiveness by saying Astaghfir-Allaah), because he is in a state of worship from the moment he enters ihraam until he exits it; Hajj is not a time for idle talk and play or doing whatever you want with no restrictions, as we see some people do, so we see them playing and laughing and making fun of people and other reprehensible actions, as if Hajj were prescribed for joking and playing. 

The pilgrim and others should regularly observe the things that Allaah has enjoined such as praying in congregation on time, and enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil. 

The pilgrim should strive to benefit the Muslims and treat them kindly by guiding them, helping them when needed, and being compassionate towards the weak, especially in places where such compassion is appropriate, such as in crowded places. Showing compassion to people brings mercy from the Creator, for Allaah shows mercy to those of His slaves who are merciful. 

He should avoid obscenity, immorality, sin and arguing that does not support the truth. With regard to debating in support of the truth, this is obligatory when it is appropriate. He should avoid being aggressive towards people or annoying them, so he should avoid backbiting, malicious gossip, cursing, swearing, hitting, and looking at non-mahram women, for these things are haraam whether one is in ihraam or not, but they are even more haraam when one is in ihraam. 

He should avoid things that many people do, such as saying words that do not befit the rituals. For example, when stoning the jamaraat, some of them say, "We are stoning the Shaytaan" and they may curse the site or hit it with shoes etc., which is contrary to the idea of humility and worship, and defeats the purpose of stoning the jamaraat, which is to carry out the commands of Allaah. 

Reference: al-Manhaj li Mureed al-'Umrah wa'l-Hajj by Shaykh Muhammad ibn 'Uthaymeen.

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