American Muslim perform hajj 2017

According to a Sahih Hadith, Allah’s Messenger PBUH stated;

“Islam is based on five principles. To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone and Muhammad PBUH is Allah’s Apostle, to devotedly offer the obligatory prayers, to pay zakah, to perform hajj, to observe fast in the month of Ramadan.”

To fulfill the fifth principle of Islam, Muslims from all over the world gather in Makkah during the month of Zul Hijja to perform the ritual of Hajj. This article will serve as a guide for the Muslims traveling from the USA to make their Hajj journey a memorable one. A large number of Muslims of USA also perform hajj every year. Here are some useful tips for the American Muslims who are ready to start off for their Hajj 2017 journey.

Educate Yourself

It is essential to have some basic knowledge about the journey as well as the about the rituals to be performed during Haj. Without knowing anything people seem bewildered, confused or lost during their trip.

Learn the rituals of Hajj through different books, audios/videos of different scholars or attending classes that teach them. Know the common mistakes made by people and how to avoid them. Study how to perform this glorious journey in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). Gather knowledge on the various rulings on Meeqat, Ihraam, stay in Mina, spending a night in Muzdalifa, stoning of the Jamaraat, visiting Madinah, etc.

Prepare Yourself Spiritually

Just as it is essential to know the rituals of Haj, it is equally essential to prepare yourself spiritually. It is because Haj is not only about physical worship, but is an excursion of the heart and soul. You need to have khushoo in your acts of worship in such a way that you submit yourself completely to Allah, the one who invited you to His house.

Don’t Get Stunned Looking At the Crowd

Millions of Muslims perform Haj every year, so you can imagine the number of people gathered there. Do not get stunned or bothered looking at a large number of people. They are your brothers and sisters from other parts of the world. Instead be thankful to the one who chose you among so many Muslim all around the globe to visit His house.

Utilize Each and Every Second during Your Stay

During your stay in Makkah and Madinah, engage yourself in worship whenever possible. Attend five daily prayers in congregation to earn the maximum reward. While staying in Mina, make lots of duas, read the Quran and do dhikr. The day of Arafah is the most important time of the Hajj so do not waste a second on it. Make a list of duas to make it easier for you to recall them.

If you keep these few pointers in mind then you can be blessed with the reward of Haj Mabrur, which is Paradise according to the saying of the Prophet (PBUH).