During Hajj & Umrah Hajj and Umrah are two of the holiest pilgrimages a Muslim can make. They are not physical pilgrimages; they are spiritual rebirths, where the pilgrim prays to come back pure of sin, like a newborn baby.
However, because of ignorance, precipitousness, carelessness, or even excessive enthusiasm, numerous pilgrims inadvertently fall into preventable mistakes. Some are harmful to the validity of the Hajj and Umrah, while others reduce the recompenses.
In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the mistakes pilgrims make in Hajj and Umrah, their repercussions, and how to escape them — citing reliable hadiths, ulama’s opinions, and the injunction about fidyah for Umrah errors and other retributions.
Failure to Gain Correct Pre-Journey Knowledge
One of the most common errors committed in Hajj and Umrah is traveling to the sacred pilgrimage without adequate knowledge of the rituals, pillars, and conditions thereof.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated:
“Seek knowledge before it is taken away.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Book of Knowledge)
Most individuals make reservations without researching the process. They, therefore, are lost during Hajj and Umrah and have to depend on what they are told — even if it is wrong.\
Tip:
Prior to traveling, go for genuine seminars, read genuine books, and learn from scholars who instruct Hajj and Umrah in accordance with the Sunnah.
2. Mistakes in Entering Ihram
Ihram is a maze state a pilgrim has to enter prior to embarking on rites.
Among the errors during Hajj and Umrah at this level:
- Not wearing Ihram from the proper Meeqat.
- Postponing the intention after passing the Meeqat.
- Doing acts forbidden while in Ihram (e.g., applying perfume, cutting nails).
The Prophet ﷺ explained clearly about Meeqat:
“They (the Miqaats) are for them (the people) and for anyone who comes to them intending Hajj or Umrah.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1526)
Fidyah for Umrah Error:
If anyone travels past Meeqat without Ihram, they either need to turn back to the Meeqat to adopt Ihram, or sacrifice a damm if it is impossible for them to return. Click here to book your fidyah service with us.
3. Defiling During State of Ihram
Most sins pilgrims perform while performing Hajj and Umrah include disrespecting the purity of Ihram, like:
- Spraying perfume after wearing Ihram attire.
- Cutting off hair or nails for no compulsions.
- Keeping the head (for males) or the face covered with cloth (for females) unnecessarily.
- Getting into debates, abusive language, or physical altercations.
Allah ﷻ ordains:
“.whoever undertakes the performance of Hajj therein (in the sacred months), then he should not have sexual relations, nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj.” (Quran 2:197)
Compensation
Depending on the nature of the violation, the pilgrim could be required to pay fidyah (sacrifice), fast, feed six needy people, or pay a kaffarah.
4. Tawaf Errors
Tawaf (circumambulation of Ka’bah) is one of the main rituals, but there are numerous mistakes made:
- Talking too much while in Tawaf.
- Not orienting towards the Black Stone during Istilam (greeting).
- Pushing, shoving, or hurting others.
- Failure to have Wudu while performing Tawaf (which is mandatory according to most scholars).
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Tawaf around the House is like prayer.” (Tirmidhi, 960)
Tip:
Stay in the state of Wudu, avoid conversation, and keep the holiness as if you are facing Allah.
5. Errors in Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah
Sa’i is walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah. Common mistakes are:
- Omitting Sa’i entirely.
- Starting Sa’i without the correct Tawaf.
- Failing to maintain the proper boundaries.
- Walking during Sa’i — only green flags are for brisk walking (for men).
Allah ﷻ states:
“Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs Umrah, there is no blame upon him for walking between them.” (Quran 2:158)
6. Haste in Performing Rituals
Rushing through rituals without awareness is another error during Hajj.
Pilgrims tend to do Tawaf and Sa’i quickly, without realizing the spiritual gains.
Some authors state that the nature of Hajj is contemplation, humility, and remembrance of Allah — not mere physical actions.
As Ibn Qayyim رحمه الله stated:
“The goal is not the action itself, but the life it gives to the heart.”
7. Errors at Mina, Arafah, and Muzdalifah
The most sacred moments are at these locations, yet so many errors take place:
- Leaving Arafah early before sunset.
- Neglecting du’a at Arafah.
- Improperly collecting pebbles from Muzdalifah.
- Throwing stones at the Jamarat out of anger, as if literally “stoning” the Shaytan.
Note:
The stoning act is a ritual submission to Allah, not an effective revenge.
The Prophet ﷺ taught:
“You are not stoning Shaytan but you are doing so as a sign of remembrance of Allah.” (Sahih Muslim)
8. Sacrifice Mistakes
On the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims must offer a sacrifice (Hady). Common errors include:
- Delaying sacrifice unnecessarily.
- Not ensuring the animal meets the required conditions (healthy, free of defects).
- Not witnessing the slaughter or having no concern for it.
Tip:
If unable to sacrifice personally, use trusted agencies but ensure the sacrifice is done properly.
9. Mistakes in Shaving or Shortening Hair
For males, it is advisable to shave the head during Hajj or Umrah, and females should clip a small amount.
- Errors committed by Hajj and Umrah concerning hair are:
- Cutting only a few strands rather than cutting from all areas.
- Women cutting large chunks of their hair.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“May Allah have mercy upon those who shave their heads (after Hajj).” (Sahih Bukhari)
10. Disregard for the Rights of Fellow Pilgrims
The packed space can try one’s patience. Mistakes common:
- Pushing, screaming, and hurting people to touch the Black Stone.
- Wasting time arguing.
- Showing disrespect to women and elderly.
Hajj is intended to instill patience and humility.
The Prophet ﷺ narrated:
“Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity or wrongdoing, he will come out as the day he was born — pure from sins.” (Sahih Bukhari)
11. Performing Umrah Again and Again During Hajj
Some pilgrims continuously repeat Umrah several times during a Hajj journey.
But this was not the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
He ﷺ performed only one Umrah and Hajj and disliked unnecessarily burdening oneself.
Scholars such as Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله cautioned:
“Frequent Umrah during Hajj season is neither encouraged nor beneficial; it distracts from the real purpose of Hajj.”
12. Mistakes Specific to Umrah
During Umrah (particularly in Ramadan), errors committed during Umrah are:
- Treating Umrah as just sightseeing.
- Overshooting on the intention (Niyyah).
- Wearing Ihram inappropriately.
- Not following prayer times.
- Passing time in shopping malls rather than in Masjid al-Haram.
Reminder:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“One Umrah to another is an expiation for whatever (sins) come in between them.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Make every moment count!
13. Errors in Making Du’a and Zikr
Pilgrims sometimes:
- Shout du’as collectively in groups.
- Recite made-up du’as not verified from Sunnah.
- Forget to offer sincere personal du’as.
Real du’a is from the heart — whispering humbly to Allah ﷻ, not robotic repetition.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The best supplication is that which is made on the day of Arafah.” (Tirmidhi)
14. Arrogance After Performing Hajj
Some pilgrims, after Hajj, might feel superior to others, flaunting their “Haji” status.
This contradicts the very essence of Hajj: humility before Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ warned:
“No person who has in his heart an atom-weight of pride will enter Paradise.” (Sahih Muslim)
15. Lack of Knowledge Regarding Damm, Fidyah, and Kaffarah
If an error nullifies part of the Hajj or Umrah, a damm (sacrificial animal) or a fidyah must be given.
But many pilgrims do not know.
Damm: Sacrifice for serious offences (e.g., omission of obligatory acts).
Fidyah: Feeding six indigents or fasting three days for minor errors.
Kaffarah: Heavier penalties for major breaches.
Example:
For mistakes such as missing Wuqoof at Arafah, the Hajj becomes invalid — and must be repeated. If you want to know more about our Damm service, click here.
Final Words
Hajj and Umrah are opportunities to erase a lifetime of sins and earn Allah’s pleasure. But they must be performed with devotion, knowledge, patience, and humility.
By learning from the errors made by pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah — and making every effort to avoid them — one can expect to obtain an accepted pilgrimage:
“An accepted Hajj brings no less a reward than Paradise.” (Sahih Bukhari)
May Allah ﷻ accept the Hajj and Umrah of all the pilgrims, pardon their faults, and grant them sincerity and humility.
Ameen.