Rokan's Journal

Recently, I had the profound honor of performing Umrah at the holy Kaaba in Makkah, a spiritual journey that brings Muslims from all corners of the globe to the House of Allah. Although I have been blessed to perform Umrah several times before, this occasion gave me a deeper sense of reflection on the experience and the importance of adhering to the correct practices during this sacred pilgrimage.

While the intent of every pilgrim is pure, the sanctity of the experience can sometimes be compromised by unintentional mistakes. Many of these errors stem from a lack of knowledge or the overwhelming nature of the pilgrimage itself. This article aims to highlight some of the common mistakes observed during Umrah and emphasize the importance of maintaining proper etiquette, cleanliness, and focus on worship (Ibadah) to make the most of this blessed journey.

 This article covers the common mistakes made by pilgrims and emphasizes the importance of focusing on worship and proper behavior during Umrah, creating a more rewarding and spiritually enriching experience.

Common Mistakes during Umrah

Incorrect Dress Code One of the most frequent mistakes observed during Umrah is wearing improper attire. For men, it is essential to wear the two white, unstitched pieces of cloth known as Ihram correctly, ensuring that they are not fastened in a way that resembles regular stitched clothing. Women, on the other hand, should wear modest and loose-fitting garments, covering their entire body except the face and hands.

Some pilgrims mistakenly wear decorated or flashy clothing, which is contrary to the simplicity and humility required during Umrah. The Ihram represents a state of purity and equality, and it is important that pilgrims adhere to its requirements to maintain the sanctity of this spiritual state.

Neglect of Cleanliness Islam places immense importance on cleanliness, especially during acts of worship. Unfortunately, it is common to see some pilgrims neglecting personal hygiene or leaving behind litter in the sacred spaces. Maintaining cleanliness is not only a religious obligation but also a mark of respect for the holy sites. Pilgrims should take care to remain clean throughout their journey, particularly when performing Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba) and Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah).

Engaging in Unnecessary Conversations the pilgrimage to Makkah is a time for deep reflection, worship, and connection with Allah. However, many pilgrims engage in unnecessary worldly conversations during Tawaf, Sa’i, or while resting in the Haram (Grand Mosque). While it is natural to speak to companions or fellow pilgrims, it is essential to remember that Umrah is a time for spiritual devotion, and idle talk can distract from the primary purpose of worship.

Overuse of Mobile Phones and Photography In today’s digital age, it is easy to become preoccupied with mobile phones, even during acts of worship. Some pilgrims are frequently seen checking their phones, taking selfies, or recording videos, often disrupting the sacred atmosphere. While taking pictures to capture the memory of this blessed journey is understandable, it should not come at the cost of focus on Ibadah.

Excessive use of phones, particularly for social media, can distract not only the person using the device but also those around them. Pilgrims should limit their phone use and concentrate on making their spiritual connection with Allah stronger.

Pushing and Shoving during Tawaf and Sa’i Tawaf and Sa’i are central components of Umrah, and given the large number of pilgrims, these rituals can often become crowded. Unfortunately, some pilgrims resort to pushing and shoving to get closer to the Kaaba or complete their circuits, causing discomfort or even harm to others.

It is important to remember that patience and consideration for fellow pilgrims are key virtues in Islam. The reward of Tawaf or Sa’i is not diminished by performing them in the outer circles, where there is more space and less congestion. Respecting others’ personal space and maintaining a calm demeanor allows everyone to complete their rituals with ease and dignity.

Kissing Places Not Required Another common practice among some pilgrims is kissing various parts of the Haram, such as the Maqam Ibrahim (the Station of Ibrahim), the Kaaba’s walls, or other sacred landmarks. While it is Sunnah to kiss the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) if one can do so without causing harm to others, kissing other parts of the Haram has no basis in Islamic teachings.

The focus should remain on following the prescribed acts of worship as demonstrated by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), rather than engaging in practices that are not required.

The Necessity of Ibadah and Proper Focus

The significance of Umrah lies not only in the physical acts of Tawaf and Sa’i but also in the spiritual connection it fosters between the pilgrim and Allah. It is a journey of purification, humility, and devotion, where one seeks forgiveness and a closer relationship with the Creator. Therefore, it is essential that pilgrims avoid distractions and concentrate solely on their worship.

Continuous Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr) During Umrah, pilgrims should engage in continuous remembrance of Allah through Dhikr, reciting Quranic verses, and making Dua (supplication). The Tawaf, in particular, is an opportunity to reflect on Allah’s greatness and seek His mercy. Reciting the Talbiyah, which is the invocation of the pilgrim, should be done with sincerity and devotion:

“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, you have no partner, and here I am. Surely all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to you. You have no partner.”

These words remind the pilgrim of their purpose and keep their heart connected to Allah throughout the journey.

Respect for the Sanctity of the Place the Haram is not just a physical space; it is a sacred sanctuary that deserves the highest level of respect. Pilgrims should refrain from any behavior that could detract from its sanctity, such as engaging in loud conversations, rushing through rituals, or behaving disrespectfully toward fellow worshippers. The focus should always be on maintaining an environment of peace and reflection, where everyone can worship without disturbance.

Making the Most of the Journey for many pilgrims, performing Umrah involves great financial and physical effort. Traveling to Makkah is an once-in-a-lifetime experience for some, and every moment spent in this holy place should be cherished. Pilgrims should make an effort to perform their rituals correctly, with sincerity, and avoid making mistakes that could reduce the reward of their pilgrimage.

Umrah is not just about completing the physical rituals; it is about spiritual transformation. Each act of worship performed during Umrah should bring the pilgrim closer to Allah and serve as a reminder of the ultimate purpose of life – to worship the Creator and strive for righteousness.

Conclusion

The journey of Umrah is one of the most significant spiritual experiences a Muslim can undertake. However, to truly benefit from this sacred pilgrimage, it is important to perform it with the proper knowledge, focus, and etiquette. By avoiding common mistakes such as improper dress, neglecting cleanliness, engaging in unnecessary distractions, and showing disrespect to fellow pilgrims, we can maintain the sanctity of the Kaaba and the Haram.

Ultimately, Umrah is an opportunity for spiritual growth and a time to reconnect with Allah. Pilgrims should make every effort to concentrate on their worship, uphold the principles of Islam, and make their visit to Makkah a memorable and meaningful experience. With the right mindset and approach, this blessed journey can transform our hearts and bring us closer to the Creator, making it truly worth every effort and sacrifice.

May Allah (SWT) accept the Umrah of all who perform it and grant them the blessings of this sacred journey.