- Not having the knowledge about the basic fiqh (rulings) of Hajj.
This leads to confusion and major blunders. Some of them if not corrected via consultation with a qualified scholar may lead to Hajj being void.
2. Not asking qualified scholars (mufti) if a mistake is suspected.
Mobile contact of a pious and reliable mufti who is well aware of the rulings of Hajj is essential.
3. Fear of dum (penalty).
Due to the financial burden individuals are afraid to ask a mufti if a mistake is suspected.
It must be clear that dum is there to rectify the mistake and make Hajj acceptable. Compared to the cost of repeating the Hajj next year its cost is minimal.
4. A very commonly observed gaffe is that individuals label themselves as travelers (musafir) and then leave all the Sunna and nafil worships (‘ibadah). In fact, in this once a lifetime journey, one should try to reap maximum benefit of the stay in the boundaries of Haram al sharif, where one good action is rewarded hundred thousand times.
This does not mean that if they are technically musafir they are exempted from qasr of fardh salah.
Sheikh Dr Hafeezullah Sukkharwi (Allah have mercy on him) recommended that one performs extra recitations (in addition to his routine wird) and salah tu Tasbih everyday in the five days of Hajj.
5. Wasting time in useless activities.
Some are busy shopping for the gifts for their loved ones back home.
Yuppies are busy posting selfies of each and every movement on twitter or Facebook.
Others are searching for their next door neighbor from back home or close relative.
The religious minded are arguing the issues of following a madhab or not.
Those associated with Tasawwuf & islah are rushing to visit the lectures and halqa e dhikr of each and every sheikh and scholar present.
Verbally we claim presence before Allah,
However, in reality we are absent.