After Hajj

Abdullah Ibn Umar (r.a) reports that Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallaim said, "When you meet a Haajji (on his way home) then greet him, shake hands with him and ask him to beg forgiveness of Allah on your behalf before he enters his home, for his prayer for forgiveness is accepted since he is forgiven by Allah for his sins.”(Ahmad)

Firstly, the sincerity of intention should remain even after the performance of Hajj. There should be no pomp or show. One should not wish to be called or recognized as a Haajji. Many people adopt the habit of talking frequently about their journey in order that people may come to know of their Hajj. This is a deceit from Shaytaan who ruins the ibaadah of the person who is unaware of it. It is therefore, of great importance that the pilgrim does not talk about his Hajj without necessity, as it may lead to riyaa (show, insincerity). However, if necessity arises and one must talk about his Hajj, then he is at liberty to do so.

Secondly, it is noted through experience, that many pilgrims return with nothing but the sad memories to reflect upon, and this darkness filters through their tongues to the extent that they talk only about the hardships they have encountered during Hajj. The pilgrims should strictly refrain from this. On the contrary, they should talk about the greatness of the sacred places, the spiritual gains, the enjoyment in devotions of Haramayn - Umrah, tawaaf, salaam on the Sacred Grave, Salaat in Al Masjidul Haraam and Masjidun Nabawi, etc. If one looks at his journey of Hajj carefully he will find that the spiritual benefits far outweighs the physical hardships. Every second spent in these sacred places is incomparable with anything in the world.

The journey of Hajj is a long journey; hence, difficulties are certain to arise. When we travel in our country, do we always travel with comfort and ease? Do we never encounter difficulty? Considering the fact that 2-3 million pilgrims perform the rituals of Hajj at one time, I think the difficulties encountered are insignificant. Moreover, the pilgrims are rewarded abundantly by Allah Ta'aalaa upon every difficulty encountered in their journey, whereas the same is not the case whilst we undertake other journeys.Those people who engage in these types of conversation become the cause of discouragement to others who have not yet had the opportunity to perform Hajj. These unfortunate pilgrims fall into the category ...and who stop (men) from the way of Allah, and from the Sacred Masjid, .... mentioned in Soorah Hajj in the Qur'aan. They should take heed that if people are discouraged by their conversation and postpone their Hajj, then those who have discouraged them will be equally responsible.

Thirdly, the sign of a 'Mabroor Hajj' or 'accepted Hajj' is that upon one's return, his life, changes from worst to good. He becomes totally punctual in fulfilling the commands of Allah Ta'aalaa. His love and inclination towards the Hereafter increases and love for the worldly pleasures decline. Therefore, it is essential that the pilgrim should endeavor to fulfill the obligations laid down by Allah and avoid all the things forbidden by Him.

Source: Sh. Ml. Saleem Dhorat I.D.A.