Speak with purpose: Why every word counts in haj

EXPRESSIONS such as “You’re so stupid”, “This person is really annoying”, “People from this country don’t know how to queue” or “I don’t go for cheap packages, they’re too far” may sound normal in daily conversation.

However, when such words are uttered by pilgrims in the Holy Land of Makkah or Madinah, their impact is no longer just audible – they can erode the spiritual value of the worship being performed.

As millions of Muslims gather in Makkah and Madinah each year to perform the haj pilgrimage, many focus on fulfilling the obligations and essentials of haj, but may overlook one of the most ‘subtle’ aspects – the tongue and the heart.

Preacher and experienced haj and umrah guide Muhidin Mokter stressed that controlling one’s speech is a vital component of haj pilgrimage.

Preacher and experienced Hajj and Umrah guide, Ustaz Muhidin Mokter.

As Mokter references the Quran: “So whoever has made haj obligatory upon himself therein (by entering the state of Ihram) there is (to be for him) no sexual relations and no disobedience and no arguing during haj.” (Surah al-Baqarah: 197)

“The inability to control one’s words leading to arguments is a sign of weakness in managing anger, and this must be improved because one of the wisdoms of haj is to train ourselves to be patient and control our desires.

“The ability to restrain one’s speech can serve as a benchmark for the success and acceptance of one’s Hajj,” he told Sinar Islam Plus recently.

A Test or a Consequence?

There have been accounts of pilgrims who lost their voice, got lost or fell ill after saying inappropriate things in the holy land. Is this merely a coincidence or an immediate divine consequence?

In response to this predicament, Mokter – who has extensive experience in haj and umrah management – explained that every wrongdoing has consequences, whether in this world or the hereafter, unless the offence is forgiven by the Lord, as mentioned in verse 160 of Surah al-An’am.

“When a pilgrim falls ill, loses their voice, gets lost, or suffers a strange illness after saying something inappropriate, it is not impossible that Allah is responding directly to that act.

“Therefore, we should think positively and assume the best of Allah, regard it as kaffarah (atonement for sin), accept it with patience, engage in self-reflection and strive to repent and better ourselves,” he clarified.

Alternatively, he reminded that trials in the Holy Land are not necessarily punishments for sins but may be a form of divine love from the Lord.

“The reality of human life is that it is a test, whether due to our mistakes or for no reason at all.

“So, prepare your mindset to face tests during haj with strength and patience. That is the condition for attaining a mabrur haj,” he said.

In reference to a question asked, Muhidin said, “Pilgrims are required to seriously observe the pillars, obligations and conditions of haj. When all of these are fulfilled properly, the haj is valid.

“However, acts like gossiping, complaining, or speaking thoughtlessly do not invalidate the haj, but they can affect whether the haj is accepted by Allah or not. This is what determines the reward we receive in the hereafter.”

He thus reminded pilgrims not only to observe the obligatory acts and conditions of haj, but also to guard their speech and mannerisms.

“Remember, by guarding our tongues and our words, we are on the path to a mabrur haj accepted by Allah.

“It is best to use your time in the Holy Land to read the Quran, engage in dhikr, make du’a and have beneficial discussions. This is why Allah prohibits obscene, vulgar or argumentative speech,” he advised.

ANECDOTE

Tips to purify oneself before performing haj:

1. Repent sincerely, otherwise known as 'taubat nasuha'.
2. Seek forgiveness from others.
3. Settle debts and fulfil trusts.
4. Increase the number of good deeds done.
5. Practise guarding the tongue and heart.
6. Read and understand the Quran thoroughly.
7. Deepen knowledge on haj and its appropriate etiquette.
8. Give charity and help the needy.
9. Recite specific du’a asking Allah for an accepted haj: “O Allah, make my haj mabrur, bless my efforts, forgive my sins and accept my deeds.”
10. Embrace patience and contentment.