Hajj is one of the greatest acts of worship in Islam and a once-in-a-lifetime journey for many Muslims. But because of excitement, lack of knowledge, or misunderstanding of the rituals, many pilgrims unknowingly fall into mistakes that affect the reward of their Hajj. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Take your rituals from me.”
(Sahih Muslim)
This means Hajj must be performed according to the Sunnah not culture or guesswork. Below are common mistakes in Hajj and how to avoid them to ensure your journey is accepted by Allah.
GOING TO HAJJ WITHOUT LEARNING THE RITUALS
Many people travel for Hajj without understanding the rulings or steps. This leads to confusion and errors.
How to avoid it:
Learn Hajj step by step from authentic sources
Attend a Hajj seminar or online course
Carry a small Hajj guide or app during the journey
SHOWING OFF IN HAJJ
Some pilgrims broadcast everything on social media or boast about going to Hajj. This destroys sincerity.
How to avoid it:
Purify your intention before traveling
Keep your worship private
Avoid posting every moment online for attention
BEING IMPATIENT AND RUDE
Hajj is a test of character. Some people get angry, argue, or push others forgetting that patience is part of worship.
How to avoid it:
Control your tongue and anger
Avoid arguments
Remember: Good character is part of Hajj
NEGLECTING PRAYER AND QUR’AN
Some people focus only on the rituals and forget salah, Qur’an, and du’a missing the spirit of Hajj.
How to avoid it:
Pray every salah in jama’ah
Read Qur’an daily
Keep your tongue busy with dhikr
EXCESSIVE TALKING AND USING PHONE TOO MUCH
Instead of reflecting, some pilgrims constantly chat, scroll through social media, or take selfies.
How to avoid it:
Limit photography
Use your phone only when necessary
Focus on remembering Allah
MAKING DU’A ONLY FROM A NOTEBOOK
Many people read du’a books without making personal du’a from the heart.
How to avoid it:
Speak to Allah sincerely in your own words
Make du’a in your own language
Cry to Allah with humility
THROWING STONES AT JAMARAT INCORRECTLY
Some pilgrims throw sandals, bags, or large rocks while shouting in anger. This is wrong.
How to avoid it:
Use small pebbles only
Throw stones calmly
Remember: This is a ritual not a physical attack on Shaytan
HARMING OTHERS WHILE PERFORMING TAWAF OR SA’I
Some people push others, rush, or block people during tawaf and sa’i.
How to avoid it:
Walk at a natural pace
Do not push or harm others
Be gentle and follow the crowd flow
NOT RESPECTING THE SACREDNESS OF MAKKAH
Some pilgrims litter, waste water, or speak disrespectfully.
How to avoid it:
Keep the holy land clean
Lower your voice
Maintain humility and respect
THINKING HAJJ ALONE GUARANTEES FORGIVENESS
Hajj wipes sins, but only if the heart is sincere and sin is not repeated.
How to avoid it:
Repent sincerely
Make a plan to change your life after Hajj
Continue obedience when you return home
CONCLUSION
Hajj is more than rituals it is a journey of the heart, a return to Allah, and a chance to begin a new life. Avoiding these common mistakes protects your Hajj and increases your reward. Perform Hajj with knowledge, patience, sincerity, and humility just as our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught.
May Allah accept the Hajj of all pilgrims and grant us the blessing of visiting His Sacred House. Ameen.
