Introduction

In all forms of worship the best examples and correct guidelines are to be found in the sunnah of Allah's messenger salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam . 

Leaving no doubt in this matter and about Hajj in particular, the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:
"Take from me your devotional rites."

Any Hajj guide should, therefore, reflect a sincere attempt at obedience to this command for he salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said :
"When I order you to do something, then do of it as much as you are able..."

In light of this second Hadith, however, it should be noted that due to the great numbers of people present during the hajj season, it is not always possible to follow the sunnah to the latter.Some mutawwifs (guides)  encourage their groups to perform hajj in anyway permissible,  thereby trying to avoid overcrowding. Although this might be preferable in certain instances  ( and certainly, there is no blame for omitting that which is sunnah and not required), one should take utmost care to not omit a required act deliberately. In their zeal to perform every aspect of hajj or umrah according to the Prophet 's sunnah. Some pilgrims commit act of aggression against other Muslims who happen to be in their path.

Pushing people aside in order to kiss the Black Stone, to observe ramal during tawaf,or to pray directly behind Maqam Ibraheem (for example) or causing them other bodily or emotional harm is clearly sinful and,as such, prohibited in the shariah. One must never abandoned a duty (e.g.  safeguarding fellow Muslim) in order to perform a sunnah act. Such behaviour could deprive one of the reward of a hajj mabrur (sinless hajj), may Allah forbid.

Your intention when embarking upon hajj or umrah is to attain the acceptance and reward of Allah. It is incumbent upon you  to spend on this journey only from that which is halal, to repent from previous sins once and for all and to avoid committing the same thereafter. You should learn all that is required for the correct performance of your hajj - and of all worship in general - asking a knowledgeable person when in doubt . For sincerity of intention and correctness of performance are conditions for the acceptance of any deed by Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala

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Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is  outwardly a symbol of submission and humbleness before the Almighty. Its spirit is fully charged with enthusiasm of jihad and complete sacrifice in Allah's path. Be the pilgrim a learned scholar or common person, ruler or ruled, from the east or the west, he is the guest of Allah. Appearing in the same dress, all of them advance the most appealing slogan in the world

Labbayk allahumma labbayk. labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Innal- hamda wan- ni mata lka wal mulk. La shareeka lak.

" I respond [in obedience] to you,O Allah - I respond. I respond - no partner is there to You - I respond. All praise and favour is yours, and sovereignty. There is no partner to you.

The pilgrim is drawn towards the house of Allah, aroused by sentiments of pure monotheism and love of the Almighty. Bidding farewell to his family, belongings, trade, country and friends, he meets thousands of brothers from all corners of the world, gathered in the Courtyard of the Ka'bah,on the plane of 'Arafah and in the valley of Mina.

Hajj signifies pure faith and total submission.Thus, a pilgrim performs a series of rites of unqualified, obedience and surrender to the will of Allah in order to divest the human mind of its authority and dominance over his actions.

The pilgrim performs tawaf, prays two rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibraheem, drinks Zamzam water, hastens  between as-Safa and al-Marwah, recites supplications and prayers at different places and on various occasions, departs for Mina, encamps  at 'Arafah, spends the night at Muzdalifah, throws pebbles at Jamrahs, and sacrifices an animal for Allah. 

Thus he returns home happily, purified from sins like an innocent child, with the reward of an accepted hajj, thereby having gained forgiveness and attained mercies and blessings of the Almighty in abundance.

Complied by 

Maulana Mukhtar Ahmed Nadvi

Hajj E Masnoon