Common Mistakes to Avoid in Hajj and Umrah

Hajj and Umrah are among the greatest acts of worship in Islam, serving as a means for spiritual purification, seeking Allah’s forgiveness, and fulfilling an obligation for those who are able. However, many pilgrims make mistakes during these sacred journeys due to a lack of knowledge or misunderstanding of the correct practices. Some errors can invalidate certain rituals, while others may require expiation (dam).

Allah commands believers to perform Hajj and Umrah properly:

وَأَتِمُّوا ٱلْحَجَّ وَٱلْعُمْرَةَ لِلَّهِ

“And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:196)

The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, also instructed:

خُذُوا عَنِّي مَنَاسِكَكُمْ

“Take from me your rituals (of Hajj and Umrah).” (Sahih Muslim, 1297)

This emphasizes the importance of following the Sunnah precisely. Many common mistakes—such as crossing the Miqat without Ihram, improper Tawaf, neglecting essential supplications, or mistreating fellow pilgrims—can be avoided through proper knowledge and preparation.

This article highlights the most common mistakes during Hajj and Umrah, providing Quranic and Hadith references to guide pilgrims in performing these sacred acts correctly, ensuring their journey is accepted by Allah.

Common Mistakes Before Entering Ihram

 

Crossing the Miqat Without Entering Ihram

The Miqat is a designated boundary that every pilgrim must pass through in the state of Ihram. Many travelers, particularly those arriving by air, mistakenly cross the Miqat without assuming Ihram. This is a serious mistake that requires either returning to the Miqat or offering a sacrifice as expiation.

The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, clearly specified the Miqat locations:

وَقَّتَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ لِأَهْلِ الْمَدِينَةِ ذَا الْحُلَيْفَةِ، وَلِأَهْلِ الشَّامِ الْجُحْفَةَ، وَلِأَهْلِ نَجْدٍ قَرْنَ الْمَنَازِلِ، وَلِأَهْلِ الْيَمَنِ يَلَمْلَمَ

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ designated Dhul-Hulayfah for the people of Madinah, Al-Juhfah for the people of Syria, Qarn al-Manazil for the people of Najd, and Yalamlam for the people of Yemen (as their respective Miqat).” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1526; Sahih Muslim, 1181)

Incorrect Niyyah (Intention) for Ihram

Some pilgrims do not make a clear intention before entering Ihram. The niyyah (intention) is an essential part of Ihram and must be made in the heart before proceeding with the pilgrimage. Without a clear intention, the act of Ihram is incomplete.

The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

إِنَّمَا الأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ

“Verily, actions are judged by intentions.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1; Sahih Muslim, 1907)

Wearing Prohibited Items in Ihram

Once a pilgrim enters Ihram, certain items and behaviors become prohibited. Common mistakes include:

  • Wearing stitched clothing (for men).
  • Using perfume or scented products after entering Ihram.
  • Wearing shoes that cover the ankle (for men).

The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

لَا يَلْبَسُ الْمُحْرِمُ الْقَمِيصَ، وَلَا السَّرَاوِيلَ، وَلَا الْعِمَامَةَ، وَلَا الْبُرْنُسَ

“A person in Ihram should not wear a shirt, trousers, a turban, or a hooded cloak.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1542; Sahih Muslim, 1177)

Shaving or Cutting Hair Before Completing the Rituals

Some pilgrims mistakenly shave their heads or trim their hair before completing all the necessary rituals of Umrah or Hajj. This is incorrect, as the shaving of the head or cutting of hair is one of the final steps of the pilgrimage.

Allah says in the Quran:

مُحَلِّقِينَ رُءُوسَكُمْ وَمُقَصِّرِينَ لَا تَخَافُونَ

“Having shaved your heads and [having] shortened [them], not fearing [anyone].” (Surah Al-Fath 48:27)

The correct order must be followed, and shaving or trimming should be done only at the appropriate time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Hajj and Umrah

Common Mistakes During Tawaf

 

Starting Tawaf from the Wrong Position

Some pilgrims begin their Tawaf from a random location rather than aligning themselves with the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad). Tawaf must begin with the pilgrim facing the Black Stone while in a state of wudu (purification).

The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, started his Tawaf by touching or pointing towards the Black Stone, saying:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ

“In the name of Allah, and Allah is the Greatest.” (Sunan Abu Dawood, 1888)

Crowding and Pushing at the Black Stone

Many pilgrims insist on touching or kissing the Black Stone, even if it means harming others by pushing or shoving. Islam teaches that harming others is prohibited, and if a person is unable to reach the Black Stone easily, they should simply point towards it from a distance.

The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

يَا عُمَرُ إِنَّكَ رَجُلٌ قَوِيٌّ، فَلَا تُؤْذِ الضُّعَفَاءَ، وَإِذَا أَرَدْتَ أَنْ تَسْتَلِمَ الْحَجَرَ، فَإِنْ خَلَا لَكَ فَاسْتَلِمْهُ، وَإِلَّا فَاسْتَقْبِلْهُ وَهَلِّلْ وَكَبِّرْ

“O Umar, you are a strong man. Do not push the weak. When you reach the Black Stone, if it is clear, then touch it. Otherwise, just face it and say ‘Allahu Akbar’.” (Musnad Ahmad, 180)

Common Mistakes During Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah)

 

Sa’i, the ritual of walking between Safa and Marwah, is an essential part of Hajj and Umrah, commemorating the struggle of Hajar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon them. Despite its importance, many pilgrims make common mistakes during this ritual.

One frequent mistake is starting Sa’i without proper Niyyah (intention). Pilgrims must intend in their hearts that they are performing Sa’i for the sake of Allah. Another mistake is neglecting Wudu (ablution). Although Sa’i does not require Wudu, it is recommended to be in a state of purification.

Some pilgrims run throughout Sa’i, whereas the Sunnah is to walk normally except in the area between the two green markers, where men are encouraged to walk briskly. Allah mentions this ritual in the Quran:

إِنَّ ٱلصَّفَا وَٱلْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ ٱللَّهِ

“Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:158)

Additionally, some pilgrims engage in unnecessary conversations or use mobile phones, neglecting the spiritual essence of the ritual. Others push and shove fellow pilgrims, which contradicts the spirit of patience and humility.

To ensure Sa’i is performed correctly, pilgrims must follow the Sunnah, maintain focus, and remember Allah throughout the ritual.

Common Mistakes During Arafah

 

Arafah is the most crucial day of Hajj, as the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

ٱلْحَجُّ عَرَفَةُ

“Hajj is Arafah.” (Sunan Abu Dawood, 1949; Jami’ at-Tirmidhi, 2975)

Despite its importance, many pilgrims make mistakes during this sacred event. One major mistake is leaving Arafah before Maghrib. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, remained in Arafah until sunset, and leaving early invalidates Hajj or requires expiation (dam).

Another mistake is standing outside the boundaries of Arafah, thinking they are within its limits. It is essential for pilgrims to ensure they are within Arafah’s designated area, as standing outside does not fulfill the obligation.

Many pilgrims also neglect supplication (du’a), engaging in unnecessary conversations or distractions instead of making sincere prayers. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

خَيْرُ ٱلدُّعَاءِ دُعَاءُ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ

“The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of Arafah.” (Jami’ at-Tirmidhi, 3585)

Additionally, some pilgrims fast on Arafah, despite fasting being recommended only for those not performing Hajj. To maximize the blessings of this sacred day, pilgrims should follow the Sunnah, remain within Arafah’s boundaries, and devote themselves to dhikr and du’a.

Common Mistakes During the Stoning of Jamarat

 

The stoning of Jamarat (Ramy al-Jamarat) is an essential ritual of Hajj that symbolizes the rejection of evil. However, many pilgrims commit mistakes during this act, either due to misunderstanding or lack of knowledge.

One common mistake is throwing large objects such as shoes, sandals, or big rocks, believing it increases the impact against Shaytan. The Sunnah prescribes using small pebbles the size of chickpeas. The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

وَرَمَى الْجِمَارَ بِمِثْلِ حَصَى الْخَذْفِ

“He threw the Jamarat with pebbles the size of chickpeas.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 3037)

Another mistake is stoning with excessive anger and shouting as if attacking Shaytan physically. The ritual is an act of obedience to Allah, not an emotional confrontation.

Some pilgrims miss the target by throwing pebbles randomly or without ensuring they land in the designated basin. It is crucial to ensure each pebble lands correctly, as throwing outside the area is invalid.

Additionally, some people push and shove others in the crowd, causing harm. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, emphasized kindness and patience in Hajj.

To perform Ramy correctly, pilgrims should follow the Sunnah, maintain humility, and ensure each pebble is thrown properly and calmly.

Conclusion

 

Hajj and Umrah are sacred acts of worship that require adherence to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Mistakes often occur due to ignorance or misunderstanding, but by seeking proper knowledge, pilgrims can ensure their journey is completed correctly.

May Allah accept the Hajj and Umrah of all believers and grant them the opportunity to perform it in accordance with His divine guidance. Ameen.

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