Q: If one is thinking of going for Hajj and Umrah, what are some Do’s and Dont’s? Jak (Text message)

A: DO’s for Umrah: Before Departure:
·         Make a sincere niyyah.
·         The steps of Umrah are: Tawaf, Sa’i, and shaving of the head. While 2 opinions exist: one group says: so long as you cut your hair, it is sufficient, this is incorrect.  For a male that has long hair, they may cut the ends of it, for the rest of us, it is best to shave. Whenever 2 opinions exist, use the safer of the both.
·         Unscented toiletries.
·         Try and clear all non-fixed debts, seek forgiveness and make a will if needed.

 While in Ihram:
·         Say Talbiyah often: “Labbayk Allahumma labbayk…”
·         Maintain wudu as much as possible.
·         Be gentle and patient. No arguing, etc. Time for full-on Sabr!
·         Cover the awrah properly. Men and women must not expose what should not be exposed, doing so can affect the prayer and Umrah.
·         Avoid harming anyone physically or verbally. This is a challenge with massive crowds, this is where the reward is.

 During Umrah Rituals:
·         Tawaf: Begin at the Black Stone or that which gives the signal for its alignment, circle the Kabah 7 times counterclockwise. Sometimes for ease, people may perform from the top floor, this calls for less shoving and pushing, even though the walk is more, the reward too will be more. Once this is done, if one wishes to go on the bottom floors, they are welcome, at least by this time the main task has been accomplished.
·         Sa’i: Walk between Safa and Marwah 7 times, starting at Safa.
·         Getting out of Ihram:
o    Men: Best to shave. Trimming is for those that have ‘zulfa (Long hair up to the ears and beyond)’
o    Women: Cut a fingertip’s length from the end of the hair.

Bonus things to do: :
·         Make dua abundantly—especially between the Yemeni Corner and Black Stone.
·         Pray the 5 daily prayers in Masjid al-Haram for maximum reward. One would be amazing how many go all the way and just pray in the hotel while enjoying buffet.
·         Stay engaged in dhikr, tasbeeh, and salawat upon the Rasool ﷺ.
·         Make dua for others—Umrah is a time of accepted supplications while drinking lots of ZamZam!

DON’TS for Umrah while in Ihram:
While in Ihram, although the following are known to all, the books make mention of them, thus our sharing:
·         No stitched clothing (for men).
·         No perfume or scented items while in Ihram. Once out of Ihram, it would be fine.
·         Don’t trim hair or nails while in Ihram.
·         No hunting, killing insects, or pulling up plants.
·         No marital relations, flirtation, or intimacy.
·         Avoid arguments, backbiting or foul speech.

Major reward points:
·         Don’t push or shove—especially during Tawaf or at the Black Stone.
·         Don’t recite loudly if it disturbs others.
·         Don’t follow cultural myths—stick to the Sunnah.

General Mistakes to Avoid:
·         Don’t skip any part of Umrah—each step is essential. (You would be surprised how many say, but Allah knows what’s in my heart!)
·         Don’t be negligent about prayer times. You would be amazed to find out, how many miss out on their Salah during Umrah!)
·         Don’t argue with staff, they do what they are told to do, or be upset with other pilgrims.

Pro Tips:
·         ️ Show kindness—Allah loves the gentle.
·         Carry a small dua book or app. Books can be confiscated, for some believe you may be saying things that are not correct. So memorize a few good duas in advance. Add duas in your languages as well.
·         Use only unscented products in Ihram.
·         Stay hydrated and take breaks. We like people to come back alive with an accepted Hajj/Umrah!

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

P.s. Sorry to respond so late, saw your inquiry very late in our inbox. Apologies!