What Not To Do During Hajj

What Not to Do During Hajj boundaries of Haram (the sacred area of Makkah), wearing ihram becomes necessary. This is a type of simple dress worn while visiting the Kaaba. This is the first symbolic step through which God reminds His servants that all human beings are equal. The outer things that people use to show off or think they are better than others are all meaningless in God’s sight. God looks at everyone equally, just as all pilgrims wearing the same dress during Hajj look alike. So the ihram is a practical expression of Islam’s teaching that all human beings are equal. Those who wish to be truly devoted to God must set aside every other ‘garment’ and unite by adopting the spiritual garment of piety. (Quran, 7:26) The Prophet Muhammad was asked, “Who is the real pilgrim?” He replied, “The one with messy hair and dusty face.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 2998) These words show the real picture of a true pilgrim. Untidy hair and dusty body are signs of a purposeful person. When someone devotes himself seriously to a special mission, he doesn’t have time for decoration. In Hajj, being told to adopt such a state is like being reminded of living a purposeful life. It means a person should be so deeply involved in God’s mission that he forgets about his looks. He forgets temporary pleasures. In his passion to achieve a higher goal, he forgets his personal desires. About Hajj, the Quran says: Make provision for yourselves—but surely, the best of all provision is Godconsciousness. (2:197)