1. Examining and rectifying one's relationship
with Allah ta`ala, by sincerely repenting and
fulfilling the well-known conditions of repentance.
2. Seeking His help and guidance, manifesting
one's need of Him, fear of Him and hope in His
reward. This is from the most important matters, for
it is not permissible for a person to rely solely on
his material means.
3. Relieving oneself of one's obligations towards
others, one's trusts and debts.
4. Writing of one's will, as travel exposes one
to various dangers.
5. Preparation of provisions for those the
pilgrim is responsible for until he returns,
advising them with good and appointing someone to
take care of their matters, so that his concern and
attention be devoted to performance of the
pilgrimage.
6. Taking a convenient journey and good, halal
provision. For provision obtained through haram is
from matters that cause one's worship not to be
accepted. It is related from At-Tabarani in a marfoo`
tradition, “When a person leaves for Hajj with good
provision, places his foot in the stirrup (of his
mount) and calls, “Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk” Here
I am at Your service, O Allah! Here I am at Your
service], he is called from the heavens: “Labbayka
wa Sa`dayk [may your call be replied and happiness
be your reward], your sustenance is halal, your
journeying is halal, and your Hajj is accepted.” And
when he leaves with corrupt provisions and places
his foot in the stirrup (of his mount) and says, “Labbayk”,
he is called from the heavens, “La Labbayka wa la
sa`dayk dayk [may your call not be responded to and
happiness not be your reward], your provision is
haram, your sustenance is haram and your Hajj is not
accepted.” (13)
Today we live at a time when haram earnings have
become widespread, and when questionable wealth has
increased, except for those that Allah has mercy
upon. So let every servant fear His Lord and
remember his saying, “Allah is Good (Tayyib) and
does not accept except what is good.” (13)
It is recommended for a servant to increase one's
halal provisions according to his abilities, so that
one does not depend on others and in order to show
kindness to the weak (by giving money in charity).
7. Selection of a righteous company that will
help one in moments of weakness, remind him when he
forgets, teach him when he does not know, order him
to good and forbid him from evil. So let the servant
beware of the following two types of companies: a
corrupt company that leads to sinfulness and
falsehood, and a company that spends its time in
what brings no benefit in the hereafter.
8. Learning rules of Hajj and its manners, as
well as rules related to travel, including al qasr
(shortening prayers), al jam` (joining prayers), at
tayammum, al mash (wiping) etc. The Prophet,
sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said, “Whoever Allah
wishes good, He gives him understanding of the Deen.”
(14)
What helps a person in this is obtaining books
and tapes by people of knowledge, and accompanying
them while performing pilgrimage. Likewise,
accompanying people who are familiar with places and
times of different Hajj rituals.
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