Special
Guidelines for those performing Hajj and Umrah
From the
noble teachings of our Shaykh and Mentor, Aarif Billah Hazrat-e-Aqdas Maulana
Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Daamat
Barakaatuhum)
1. One should safeguard one’s
gaze. In other words,
do not look at any man or woman with lustful gazes. People from all around the
world are present at the Holy Sanctuaries of the Haramayn Sharifayn. Therefore,
one should always be alert and on one’s guard not to glance at any
ghayr-mahram, even from the corner of one’s eyes.
When leaving home, one should leave with this firm
intention : ‘I will not cast evil glances
at anyone.’ Over and over again, one should renew this intention in one’s
heart or else the nafs will involve one in casting evil glances.
2. One should safeguard one’s
heart. Meaning one
should not entertain evil desires in the heart. Neither should one derive
unlawful pleasure from fantasizing about unlawful beauties. Similarly, one
should not recall and reminisce past sins and derive pleasure therefrom. If,
however, evil thoughts do come into the heart and mind, then one should
remember one important point:
If thoughts come on their own, then there is no sin in
this. However, if one intentionally fantasizes and brings evil thoughts into
the heart, then this is a sin. Occupying oneself in evil thoughts and fantasies
is sinful.
3. Physically, one should not come close to any ghayr-mahram or handsome
lads (such lads who are beardless and one is sexually attracted to them).
4. One should abstain from unnecessary conversation. Busy oneself with useful
and beneficial activities such as Tawaaf, Tilawah, Durood Shareef. If one feels
tired, then one should look at the Ka`bah Shareef. (This is also an Ibaadah and
a means of attaining spiritual reward).
5. One should not debate over controversial issues, neither should one get
into arguments.
6. During Tawaaf, one should not look at the Ka`bah Shareef. When addressing
the King, it is disrespectful to stare at him.
7. If one’s glances unintentionally fall upon a ghayr-mahram woman and the
heart becomes attracted to her, then meditate upon the fact that she is the
guest of Allah Ta’ala and due to this she is more worthy of respect than one’s
own mother.
If one’s gaze unintentionally falls upon her in Madina Munawwarah,
then meditate that she is the guest of Allah Ta’ala as well as the guest of
Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam).
Similarly, if one’s gaze unintentionally falls upon a
young lad and the heart becomes attracted towards him then one should meditate
that he is more worthy of respect than even one’s father. This is because, in
Makkah Mukarramah, those who are there are the special guests of Allah Ta’ala,
and in Madina Munawwarah, they are the special guests of Allah Ta’ala as well
as Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam).
8. If one becomes inconvenienced in any way in the Haramayn Shareefayn, then
one should never complain. Imagine that those who are in the Haramayn are
princes and royalty. All they have to do is perform one Tawaaf and ask for
forgiveness from Allah Ta’ala. We are not even equal to the dust which settles upon
their feet.
9. If the food is not to one’s
liking, then one should not complain about it. One person had complained,
saying : “The yoghurt of Madina
Munawwarah is too sour, whereas the yoghurt of India is sweet.” He saw
Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam) in his dream telling him immediately
leave Madina Shareef. One should
perceive everything of the Haramayn with eyes of respect, reverence and love.
One should not find faults.
10. One should consider oneself a servant and not one who deserves to be
served. One should be a means of giving comfort to others and consider serving
them one’s honour.
11. When the gaze falls upon
the Ka`bah Shareef for the first time, then one should ask Allah Ta’ala to
grant His Sublime Being. Ask Allah Ta’ala to grant you Himself. Supplicate to
Allah Ta’ala, saying : ‘O Allah Ta’ala, I
am unworthy and underserving but You are Kareem, You are the One Who grants to
even the unworthy.’
12. If one happens to see a dream then one should not mention it to anyone
other than one’s Shaykh. If one’s Shaykh is not there, then one should mention
it to a caring friend who has understanding of Deen. One should not mention one’s
dream to just anybody.
13. Those who are performing Hajj and Umrah should take great care that even
one breath should not be taken in the disobedience of Allah Ta’ala.
May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the ability to practise upon the
above-mentioned guidelines.
