Some Technical aspects of Hajj

1. *Intention*

What triggered you to start your journey is your true intention. You may pronounce the intention at Meeqat. But what started your vehicle (yourself) and motivated you to perform Hajj will mostly remain as your true intention of your heart.  You know it very well and your Master (Allah) knows it better.  

1. *Default factory reset.*

Hajj forgives all sins. Hajj washes off your sins and make you fresh as a new born. It’s like the default factory resetting of your mobile. But resetting of your device will not clear off the call bills you owe to the service provider. Same way, all your liabilities and what you owe others will not be written-off by the Hajj. 

1. *Follow traffic rules of Tawaf.*

Imagine you have to drive to a destination of seven kilo meters through a highway. You start initially with service road. Then take into the highway to the slower track and then move on to the faster tracks step by step for 4 to 5 kilometers. Later you exit the same way where you slowly get back to the service road by the 7^th kilometer.

Similarly you start your Tawaf at Hajarul Aswad from the last row (service road). The place to change your track is between Hijr Ismael and Rukn Yamani (Least rush area throughout the year). Slowly by slowly get to the fastest track possible (close to Kaaba). After the 6^th round, (put your signal which is motioning your right hand if necessary) start moving towards the last row (service road) slowly slowly by the mid of 7th round..

Normally rush of Tawaf is mostly due to the immediate getting out by people once their Tawaf is over. Hence if you follow this method, you reduce the rush and you perform Tawaf in a safe way for others.  Make sure your left side remains towards the Kaaba always even when you change the tracks.

1. *Enjoyment of an Activity*

The enjoyment you get from an activity is directly proportional to the quality time given to it.  So, this applies to Hajj or any other Deeds performed,  Tawaf,  prayer or at Arafat. Set everything away that distracts you and focus on the actions you are in. Give your quality time and you will surely enjoy.

1. *Often the inside is empty*

Majority of the Hajis tend to rush at the first part of every place they see in sight. Mostly the inside being empty.  For instance, Jamarath pillar is now a 26 meters (85 ft) wide wall. You walk till the very end of the wall and throw the pebbles where there is no rush. The same applies for Masjidul Haram, even though you may see rush due to people sitting at the entrance.  The washrooms, restaurants all goes the same way. Dare to walk inside where the space is emptier. 

1. *Be in silent mode*.

Just as we put our mobile phones in silent mode in our small meetings. Make sure, you yourself remain in the silent mode. You are in the largest MEETING of the believers at the most blessed place. There is nothing that’s made compulsory in Haj to pronounce like Azkar or Dua. But not to speak unnecessary talks, arguments, quarrels etc. is a must.

1. *Haj is a practical test*

Haj is more practical than theory. A Haji once starts his Haj with the intention and Labbayk,  is in the Deed of Haj in all circumstances until its end. He is in Haj while asleep as well as walking. Patiently queuing for transport or food, is a part of Haj and everything is rewarded. Your reward counter is on and there is no point in rushing. If you are stuck in traffic or any other jam, it’s Allah who is testing you practically. So just be patient and carry on. 

1. *The Selfies*

Since smartphones are in everyone’s pocket, it’s sad to see some are occupied in their smart phones even during Tawaf. Just simply make Dua for them. Say, Ya Allah, this is a place visited by those noble men who had nothing in their heart except you.  Please forgive us as we are far away spiritually and in the timespan from our father Ibrahim (a.s) and those noble men. Accept from all of us despite our shortcoming. We only have the words that brothers of Hazrath Yusuf (a.s) said to him.

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلۡعَزِيزُ مَسَّنَا وَأَهۡلَنَا ٱلضُّرُّ وَجِئۡنَا بِبِضَـٰعَةٍ۬ مُّزۡجَٮٰةٍ۬ فَأَوۡفِ لَنَا ٱلۡكَيۡلَ وَتَصَدَّقۡ عَلَيۡنَآ‌ۖ

 “‘Aziz, we and our family are struck by distress, and we have brought some goods of very little worth. So, give us the full measure. (Surah Yusuf: Part of Ayah No.88).

As an Ummah we are struck with distress, going through tougher times, we only have few broken deeds and we all expect Mercy of Allah to accept us all. 

1. *What is Makkah Al Mukarrama*

The answer remains the same for all ages and should remain the same. Makkah Al Mukarrama is the Ka’ba Shareef. The Tawaf around it, Maqam Ibrahim, Multazim, Five Daily congregational and Nafl Prayers, Dua, Zamzam, Safa & Marwa and so on. Allah Azzawajal has preserved them as they were despite its external developments. Makkah has been a trading hub since ages. Hence you may appreciate its developments and comforts and may utilize them, but don’t forget what Makkah actually is. For someone who does 7 rounds around Ka’ba and 70 rounds around its modern markets, might comment “Makkah is not as before”.  But it’s the same if you keep up that list during the visit. 

1. *Father’s house*.

Father is the symbol of _Tarbiya_ (right upbringing). Makkah Al Mukarrama is the city of our Father Ibraheem (a.s). It’s a place of Tarbiyya and trials.  A Haji should experience some of it regardless of the modern comforts it has. Whereas Madeena Munawara is like your mother’s home or friend’s house. Which represents love & friendliness. A Haji will surely be experiencing a warm welcome and love in Madeena Munawara. Hence don’t expect everything to go asper your plans in Makkah Al Mukarrama. Remember it is your father’s house.