Wifāq ul Ulāma (SA) ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICAN 'ULAMA
O Hujjāj! O Guests of Allāh!
You are about to embark on a most sacred journey – a journey that is Fardh (obligatory) only once in a lifetime. Makkah Mukarramah and the Ka‘bah are blessed places upon which Hidāyah (guidance) continuously descends. Our primary aim in undertaking this journey is to seek this guidance.
Therefore, every Hāji should make a firm and sincere resolution: “I am going for Hajj to transform my life. I am going for Hajj to abandon all sins.” When a person makes this intention, then, In Sha Allāh, they will return with Hidāyah.
Furthermore, the Hujjāj are regarded as Wafdur-Rahmān – a delegation to the court of the Most Merciful. Nabī Sallallāhu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam said: “The pilgrims performing Hajj and ‘Umrah are a delegation to Allāh. If they call upon Him, He will answer them; and if they ask for His forgiveness, He will forgive them” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 2892).
In a sense, you represent the Ummah in the court of Allāh Ta‘ālā. How you conduct yourselves in these sacred lands may impact how Allāh Ta‘ālā decrees the affairs of the entire Ummah.
Imagine a delegation visiting a foreign king and intentionally breaking every rule of conduct set before them. Do you think the king would welcome them back or reward them with gifts? Certainly not.
Their reckless behaviour would undoubtedly result in rejection. Furthermore, the risk of such disrespect is not limited to the individuals, but can stain their home country’s image and even lead to a breakdown in ties between the two states.
O Hāji, we humbly and earnestly appeal to you: refrain from engaging in sin, as the effects of your actions extend beyond yourself and impact the entire Ummah.
Hujjāj should be extremely cautious to avoid the following:
• Intermingling between males and females within Hajj groups, especially while in Aziziyya.
• Idle time spent in coffee shops, restaurants, and places of entertainment.
• Excessive shopping and unnecessary wandering in malls.
• Neglecting Salāh with Jamāt (congregation) in the Masjid.
• Wasting valuable time on cell phones and social media.
• Taking group photos and selfies at the Rawdhah, the Ka‘bah, and other Ziyārah sites.
Remember that photography of animate (living) images is not permissible in Islām. Nabī Sallallāhu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam said: “Those who will receive the most severe punishment from Allāh on the Day of Resurrection will be the picture-makers.” (Sahīh Bukhāri, 5950).
We must remember that we did not embark on this journey merely because we had free time or financial means; rather, it is the call of Allāh Ta‘ālā that brought us here. In these sacred places, we are not at leisure – we are there with a clear purpose: to attain the pleasure of Allāh Ta‘ālā and Hidāyah.
Unfortunately, these blessed lands are increasingly exposed to elements of Western culture, such as consumerism, tourism targeted at sacred sites, and a holiday mindset. Be careful not to be influenced by these trends. Instead, remain mindful, vigilant, and continually reflect on the true purpose of your journey.
Avoid boasting about your Hajj and do not publicize your acts of worship. Remember the Du’ā of our beloved Nabī Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam: “O Allāh, I ask You for a Hajj free from show and fame.” (Sunan Ibn Mājah, 2890)
اَللّٰهُمَّ حِجَّةٌ لاَ رِيَاءَ فِيهَا وَلاَ سُمْعَةَ
A humble appeal to our respected Ulama and Mashāikh, who serve as guides to the Hujjāj: Please do not spoil your own Hajj or the Hajj of others by engaging in photography, videography, or unnecessary intermingling.
May Allāh Ta’ālā grant us all a Hajj-e-Mabrūr — a Hajj that truly mirrors the Hajj of our beloved Nabī Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam. Āmīn.
A051 – 10 Zhul Qa’dah 1447 / 28 April 2026
