By HARUN RAZAQ

Muslims from different parts of the world have been heading towards Makkah for the observance of Hajj rites. While in Makkah, a visitor is expected to observe proper etiquette with the city.

But, sadly, nowadays, many pilgrims in Makkah do not usually observe proper etiquette with the city as they usually violate the sanctity of Haram Sheriff as witnessed by this writer during his Hajj few years ago and also, going by reports gathered from the Hajj Board. Major factors that are responsible for this menace is that many of the Hujajj are not qualified, with some element of carelessness.

High status and great esteem

Excellent manners are essential part of Islam. This etiquette is universal and must be exhibited by every Muslim everywhere at all times and more importantly, in the Holy Land of Makkah. Therefore, on the basis of the high status and great esteem in which Makkah is held by Allah, His Messenger (s.a.w) and all the Muslims, we present below etiquette that is expected of a visitor to Makkah.

DOS OF MAKKAH: A visitor must be a Muslim and must go there with good intention (the intention to worship Allah); must posses basic knowledge of what constitutes halal and haram in Islam including what the Saudi Arabian authorities forbids. Knowledge of Arabic at least all the basic phrases of courtesy and respect will greatly help in relating with people.

Men and women should dress properly and whenever in public places. A visitor must enter Makkah with Ihram but it is allowed to enter without it if the person did not intend for Hajj or Umrah. It is mustahab to take bath before entering Makkah. On getting to Makkah visitor should hurry to the sacred mosque to perform Tawaf Qudum as soon as they deposits their belongings in a safe place. Pilgrims must observe their religious duties such as Salat, Tawaf, Tilawah, Azkar, Du’a etc. properly at the right time because reward of good deed in Makkah is greater than elsewhere in the world.

A Muslim must be modest at all times especially in Makkah where they were expected to be clean always, dispose garbage properly, respect others, assist others, encourage good deeds and display exceptional behaviour.

DONTS OF MAKKAH: Do not visit Makkah with any of the forbidden things in Islam such as alcoholic beverages, hard drugs, pornographics, tapes, phones, magazines, reading materials etc; do not fight, steal, commit zinah (adultery or fornication) in Makkah; do not quarrel, abuse or cause other people or visit Makkah with intention of begging.

It is forbidden to harm yourself or others in process of discharging the religious rites such as Tawaf, praying at Maqam Ibrahim, touching the black stone etc. Do not perform your act of worship on the pathway nor hurt people because you want to get to the front row; avoid all sinful acts that can lead to it such as shaking hands with opposite sex; calling people bad names, wash the motion of your fingers as this may offend him; avoid intimate discussion with opposite sex; do not abuse, insult or assault anyone; never laugh at anything pertaining to their customs or way of life that may appear strange or unusual to you; avoid indulging in loud conversations or boisterous laughter; do not fart in public place, do not cause harm by pushing or moving closer to opposite sex during acts of worship etc.

You must not pick anything that does not belong to you unless you want to give it to the owner or authority; if you must relax or sleep in the Harram, then you must cover your body properly etc.