The Spirit of Hajj

harm to anyone through words, including arguments, insults, or any form of offensive language. 2. Do Not Harm Living Creatures: Killing or harming animals is strictly prohibited, preserving the sanctity of life during this sacred journey. 3. Embrace Simplicity: Pilgrims must uphold simplicity and abstain from luxuries or adornments. This includes avoiding actions such as trimming nails, grooming hair, wearing stitched clothing (for men), applying perfume, engaging in marital relations, and similar acts that contradict the spirit of humility and submission. Caution in Speech In communal living, the most frequent interaction between people involves speech. It is through language that one person often causes the greatest harm to another. During the time of Hajj, when a large number of people are together simultaneously, there is a repeated risk of losing control over one’s tongue, leading to one Muslim causing distress to another. Therefore, the season of Hajj has been particularly designated as an opportunity to train in caution when speaking. In ordinary times, causing harm through speech is considered a part of Islamic ethics. However, during the days of Hajj, it has been made an essential part of Isl amic worship so that people take extra care to protect themselves from this social vice. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)