gughbiu

1. Guidelines for Proper Conduct in Makkah and Madinah
Introduction
Makkah and Madinah are two sanctuaries of Islam. These cities are the most holy cities
for all Muslims. Unfortunately, due to ignorance or just plain carelessness, many
Muslims visiting the sacred cities do not observe proper manners.Excellent manners are
an essential part of the Islamic Faith. This etiquette is universal and must be exhibited
by every Muslim everywhere at all times. However, in Makkah and Madinah they must
be extra diligent in showing respect and dignity in their behaviour. .
A great number of books and booklets exist, in nearly all languages of the world, about
the rituals to be performed in Makkah and Madinah. Some of these books describe in
detail the various tasks and activities of Hajj and Umrah. Many others outline countless
Du’a (supplications) and Qur’anic verses suitable during Tawaf (circumambulation) of
Ka’ba. People have spent a great deal of time and effort compiling du’a for each and
every small act of worship. Du’a has been outlined for someone entering in Masjid-e-
Haram or while performing Sa’ee (walk between Safa and Marwah hills). People have
also written books on the rituals of Madinah outlining the number and manner of prayers
to be conducted in Masjid Al Nabawi Sharif even telling which part of the mosque to
pray in. Other books explain how to act upon entering in graveyard of Baqee’ and other
places to visit while in Madinah. Even though such wealth of information exists about
the rituals, sadly, very few books stress decorum while in the holy cities of Islam. In
addition, pilgrim escorts and guide also focus primarily on rituals. Many media outlets
such as television and radio programs provide information for pilgrims but again the
focus is on the acts that must be performed and the readings to accompany them. Very
little is said about the etiquette required in Makkah and Madinah. There is a great need
for educating Muslims visiting Makkah and Medina to behave in a respectful manner.
Furthermore, the unfortunate truth is that an overwhelming majority of Muslim countries
are under developed. The literacy rate in most of the Muslim countries is very low. The
civic propriety in poor Muslim countries is often non existent. Therefore, when pilgrims
come to Makkah and Madinah, they bring with them the same unrefined manner of
behaviour so common in such countries.
Regrettably, our pilgrims have missed the teachings of our Prophet Muhammad (peace
be upon him) as well. The Prophet has said very clearly, “Cleanliness (hygiene) is half
of all Faith” He has also said, “Cleanliness (hygiene) is a part of Faith”. In another
place, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has said, “The best among you is the
one who is best in manners”. For prayers to be accepted by Allah, it is Islam’s
requirement that the body, the dress and the place must be clean (TAHARAH).

2. Similarly, good behaviour is an essential requirement if our prayers are to be
accepted. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) forbade pushing or jumping over
people in order to make room for another person to pray. He also forbade praying in
pathways or walkways in order to avoid inconvenience for people.
To be well behaved is a key requirement of the Islamic Faith. This condition must be
met for the prayers to be accepted by Allah. As narrated by Abu Shuraih (May Allah be
pleased with him), The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, “By Allah, he does not
believe! By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe!” It was said, “Who
is that, O Allah’s Apostle?” He said, “That person whose neighbour does not feel safe
from his evil.” (Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 4). This Hadith clearly describes
the civic responsibility of a believer. In the holy cities of Makkah or Madinah we have
temporary neighbours and these temporary neighbours have greater rights on us (the
pilgrims) than do our regular neighbours at home. In short, in the true values of Islam,
treating people with respect is a prerequisite to Allah’s acceptance of our good deeds.
However, many Muslims ignore this critical aspect of the religion.
Good Intentions but Bad Behaviour
If a Haji (pilgrim) believes that kissing Hajr-e-Aswad (or the black stone mounted on one
of the corners of Ka’ba) will bring him/her the blessings of Allah but s/he does not care
how much pain and inconvenience they cause to other people in order to get to the
Hajr-e-Aswad on a crowded day, then this person must reconsider seriously. What use
does Allah have for his good deeds if his creation is harmed unnecessarily by his
seemingly “good” actions? Instead of receiving blessings from Allah for his/her deed,
there may only be the displeasure and wrath of Allah waiting for those who misbehave
in the most holy places on Earth.
Similarly, in Madinah many people seek to pray in Riyadh-ul-Jannah (an area between
the grave and the pulpit of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and they push and
jump over the other people in order to make room for themselves. Some people wish to
remain in this area for as long as they can thinking that the longer they sit, the greater
the reward. These pilgrims selfishly forget that other pilgrims too have the desire to
spend a few minutes in this special place. Such behaviour may not bring blessings but
anger of Allah for not observing the honours of Masjid Al Nabawi Al Sharif and not being
courteous to fellow Muslim brothers and sisters.
It is heartbreaking for me to call your attention to a very disrespectful act of Muslims
when in the mosque of our beloved Prophet. Many ill-mannered people talk very loudly
in front of the Muwajeh Sharif (the grave of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon
him)) This a severe violation of the standards of honour set out for being in the
presence of the Holy Prophet. The etiquette (ADAAB) regarding Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him) that Qur’an has prescribed for Muslims must be fully observed by

3. Muslims when they are in Masjid Al Nabawi Sharif. Muslims of today seem to regard
Makkah and Madinah as casual tourist places OR their focus is to complete certain
tasks and rituals as quickly as possible to achieve the most reward in the shortest
period of time.
Virtues of Makkah Al Mukarramah
Do we really know what Makkah and Madinah are? I believe that most visiting Muslims
do not even begin to understand the superior sacredness of Makkah and
Madinah. Makkah is that city about which almighty Allah says;
“Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah
(former name of Makkah), full of blessing, and guidance for al-Alameen (the
mankind and Jinns). In it are manifest signs (for example), the Maqaam (place) of
Ibraheem (Abraham); whosoever enters it, he attains security.” (Surah al-Imran
(3): 96-97)
Allah swears by the city of Makkah and provides us with the reason thereof; this is the
city where the blessed Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to walk. The feet
of His beloved Muhammad (peace be upon him) have touched the land of this city.
“I swear by this City of Makkah. And thou art a freeman of this City”(Surah Balad
(90):1-2)
“ By the Fig And the Olive. And by the Mount of Sinai. And by this city (Makkah) of
security “ (Surah Teen (95): 1-3)
Following are some of the important virtues of Makkah
Al-Masjid al-Haraam was the first house of worship ordained for mankind on
Earth. Allah has placed several blessings in it, for e.g. the Salaat in al-Masjid al-
Haraam has multiplied rewards when compared to the Salaat performed
elsewhere. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “One Salaat in my
Masjid is better than 10,000 Salaat anywhere else except in al-Masjid al-Haraam.”
[Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim]
“One Salaat in al-Masjid al-Haraam is better than 100 Salaat in my Masjid.”
[Musnad Ahmad]
Zam-Zam is the name of the famous well inside al-Masjid al-Haraam. This well
sprung up when Prophet Ishmael (Isma’eel) (peace be upon him) as an infant
struck the earth with his heels struggling in thirst. His mother Hazrat Hajrah
(Hager) looked for water, but could not find any. She climbed to the top of Mount
Safa and prayed to Allah for help, and then she climbed Mount Marwa and did the
same. Allah responded to her supplication and sent Jibreel (peace be upon him)
to dig out the well of Zam-Zam. It is Allah’s special blessing and miracle that the
well of Zam-Zam gushes fresh and strong in a desert land like Makkah; a place
where even today’s advanced scientific technologies can create no wells.

4. Another Blessing of Masjid al-Haraam is the al-Hajr-al-Aswad (the Black Stone),
from where the Tawaaf (circumambulation) initiates and ends. Hajr-al-Aswad is a
stone of Paradise and it was as the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
“The black stone descended from Paradise whiter than milk, but the sins of the
descendants of Adam made it black.” (Musnad Ahmad and at-Tirmidhee no:
2577).
The virtues of al-Hajar al-Aswad is that touching it causes the (minor) sins to be
forgiven, Ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “I heard the Messenger
of Allah (peace be upon him) say: “Touching them both [the Black Stone and al-
Rukn al-Yamani]is an expiation for sins.” [(Hasan) by at-Tirmidhee, no: 959 and
(Saheeh) by al-Haakim, vol: 1, no: 664]
In summary;
1. Makkah is the city where the first house of worship for Allah was built.
2. Makkah is the city where the most sacred mosque is located. Prayers in Masjid
Ala Haram are rewarded 100,000 times more than the prayers in other mosques.
3. The city of Makkah was declared a sanctuary by Allah.
4. Most of the Messengers and Prophets of Allah visited this city including Prophet
Abraham (Ibraheem) and Prophet Ishmael (Ismaeel).
5. This is the city where Hazrat Hajrah (Hager) lived and raised her son Prophet
Ishmael (Ismaeel). Prophet Ismaeel spent most of his life in Makkah.
6. When Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was migrating from Makkah and
going to Madinah, he turned his face towards Makkah and said, “ Makkah I love
you and I know you love me but your people have forced me to leave you”.
7. This is the city for which Prophet Ibrahim and Ismaeel made du’a to Allah.
8. In this city Allah ordered Prophets Abraham and Ishmael to build the Ka’ba, the
house of Allah, and invite the entire mankind to come for Hajj of Bait Al
Ateeq.Since then countless humans have visited this blessed city and performed
their pilgrimage.
9. This is the city where our Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was born and
raised. This is the city where he first declared that Allah has made him the last
messenger and prophet for entire mankind.
10.Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) spent most of his life in Makkah.
11.This city is truly cradle of Islam.
12.This is the city where Zam Zam flows and provides nourishment to those who
drink it.
13.The miraculous journey of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) towards the
Heavens, Al Asra wal Me’raj, started and ended in this city.
14.Within the sanctuary of Makkah, thereare so many signs of Allah (Sha’a-ir-Allah)
and the historical sites such as the fields of Mina, Muzdhalifah, Arafat, the cave of
Thore, the graveyard of Jannatul Mu’alla, the hills of Safa and Marwah, the house
where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born, etc.
15.This is the city where millions of Muslims yearn to go and millions more visit each
year. .
16.Narrated by Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) : The Prophet(peace be upon
him) said, “Medina is a sanctuary from that place to that. Its trees should not be

5. cut and no heresy should be innovated nor any sin should be committed in it, and
whoever innovates in it a heresy or commits sins (bad deeds), then he will incur
the curse of Allah, the angels, and all the people.” (Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 30,
Number 91)
Virtues of Madinah Al Munawwarah
2. Narrated Abu Huraira (May Allah be pleased with him):Allah’s Apostle (peace be
upon him) said, “I was ordered to migrate to a town which will swallow (conquer)
other towns and is called Yathrib and that is Medina, and it turns out (bad)
persons as a furnace removes the impurities of iron. (Bukhari, Volume 3, Book
30, Number 95)
3. Narrated Abu Huraira (May Allah be pleased with him): If I saw deer grazing in
Medina, I would not chase them, for Allah’s Apostle (peace be upon him) said,
“(Medina) is a sanctuary between its two mountains.”(Bukhari, Volume 3, Book
30, Number 97)
4. Narrated Abu Huraira (May Allah be pleased with him): Allah’s Apostle (peace be
upon him) said, “Verily, Faith returns and goes back to Medina as a snake returns
and goes back to its hole (when in danger).”(Bukhari Volume 3, Book 30, Number
100)
5. Narrated Sa’d (May Allah be pleased with him): I heard the Prophet (peace be
upon him) saying, “None plots against the people of Medina but that he will be
dissolved (destroyed) like the salt is dissolved in water.”(Bukhari, Volume 3, Book
30, Number 101)
6. Narrated Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) the Prophet (peace be
upon him) said, “There will be no town which Ad-Dajjal will not enter except
Makkah and Medina, and there will be no entrance (road) (of both Makkah and
Medina) but the angels will be standing in rows guarding it against him, and then
Medina will shake with its inhabitants thrice (i.e. three earth-quakes will take
place) and Allah will expel all the non-believers and the hypocrites from
it.”(Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 30, Number 105)
7. Narrated Anas (May Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet (peace be upon him)
said, “O Allah! Bestow on Medina twice the blessings You bestowed on Makkah.”
(Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 30, Number 109)
8. Narrated Anas (May Allah be pleased with him), Whenever the Prophet (Peace be
upon him) returned from a journey and observed the walls of Medina, he would
make his Mount go fast, and if he was on an animal (i.e. a horse), he would make
it gallop because of his love for Medina. (Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 30, Number
110)
9. Narrated Abu Huraira (May Allah be pleased with him)) the Prophet (Peace be
upon him) said, “There is a garden from the gardens of Paradise between my
house and my pulpit, and my pulpit is on my Lake Fount (Al-Kauthar).”
(BukhariVolume 3, Book 30, Number 112)
1. Narrated Zaid bin Aslam from his father (May Allah be pleased with them), Umar
(May Allah be pleased with him) said, O Allah! Grant me martyrdom in Your

6. cause, and let my death be in the city of Your Apostle (peace be upon
him).”(Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 30, Number 114)
Don’ts of Makkah and Madinah
As pilgrims are now aware of these important honours and virtues of Makkah and
Madinah; they must now be extra careful in the City of Makkah and Madinah particularly
in the vicinity of Masjid Al Haram and Masjid Al Nabawi Sharif. If they do not take care
in these sacred places, then they risk loosing the benefit of their good deeds and
prospect the reward from Allah. The following principles of honourable behaviour should
be followed by every Muslim at all times when in Makkah or Madinah.
1. Spitting: Pilgrims should not spit on the streets and pathways of Makkah and
Madinah. If anyone needs to spit, they should spit in sinks or garbage containers
(available everywhere). If they are unable to find a washroom or a garbage
container, then they must keep tissue papers in their pockets and use them and
later dispose of them in the garbage containers. Spitting on the streets of Makkah
and Madinah is clearly a disrespectful act and insulting for the holy cities. Allah
may destroy all the good deeds that the pilgrim has done, if the pilgrim spits on
the streets of Makkah and Madinah knowingly that it is disrespectful and
unhygienic and may spread diseases.
2. Cleaning up and disposing garbage: Some pilgrims after eating or drinking
leave bottles, boxes, containers and plastic bags behind in the places where they
ate their meals. They do not dispose off their garbage properly. This makes the
street and the roads of Makkah and Madinah dirty. It creates environmental
pollution in holy cities. It creates hazards for pedestrians and for vehicles. It
causes inconvenience to the other pilgrims. Therefore, anyone who does not
properly dispose off garbage in Makkah and Madinah will be subjected to the
wrath of Allah for insulting and disrespecting Makkah and Madinah.
Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him) said, “Cleanliness is half of Faith”. When
someone destroys the cleanliness of the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah then this
person may be loosing more than half of his / her faith.
3. Kissing the Hajre-Aswad: Kissing the Hajr-e-Aswad is a very desirable and
honourable action. However, pushing, bullying, fighting and quarrelling with
people in order to jump the line represent the worst actions a pilgrim can do in the
Masjid Al Haram. Sometimes people in AHRAAM fight with other pilgrims, which
destroys the spirit of their Umrah OR Hajj. In the state of AHRAAM, fighting,
quarrelling, pushing, bullying, hurting people, yelling and screaming is HARAM
(forbidden). How do people figure that their Umrah or Hajj will provide them with
any benefit when they fight and use vulgar language while in the state of
AHRAAM? In fact, this person is simply increases his stock of sins by fighting and
yelling in the state of AHRAAM.

7. It is important to remember that Islam is about the essence of the act, not simply the act
alone. One does not have to physically touch the stone in order to gain its benefits.
Therefore, if a person is unable to reach the Hajr-e-Aswad due to the large crowds, then
this person can symbolically kiss the Hajr-e-Aswad from a distance and his kiss will still
be as good as someone really kisses the Haj-e-Aswad. Prophet Muhammad (peace be
upon him) himself did this symbolic kiss many times. He wanted other people to get the
chance. Why do pilgrims not look to the Holy Prophet’s (peace be upon him) example?
Remember, in Islam the reward of all actions is based upon the intention, not on the
actual action. But when you know that you may cause unintentional harm to someone
then stay away from that action. Allah will reward you, Insha-Allah, for being careful and
being considerate of others.
1. A person who causes harm to himself or other pilgrims while trying to kiss Hajr-e-
Aswad will gain no benefits from his/her kiss. Instead, the person will be
committing a sin in Masjid Al Haram – the worst thing a pilgrim could do.
2. Similarly, standing in HATEEM OR near MULTAZAM is good but it must not be
sought at the cost of causing harm or inconvenience to others. There is no reward
from Allah for those who push and shove and make room for themselves at these
honoured places. They are utterly selfish. People often excuse these actions
saying they did not have the intention to harm or cause inconvenience for others
but surely they must understand that their actions do cause harm and
inconvenience for others. Therefore, they need to recognize that their apparent
good deed may put them in trouble with Allah because of their intentional
carelessness in recognizing the harm they cause to others.
3. Allah has ordered to pray at Maqam-e-Ibraheem, however, now the entire Masjid
Al Haram is considered Maqam-e-Ibraheem. Therefore, if someone still insists on
praying at the actual Maqam-e-Ibrahim and ignore the difficulty this causes for the
pilgrims who trying to make Tawaf will gain no benefit from his / her prayer at
Maqam-e-Ibrahim. Do these pilgrims truly hope for reward from Allah when they
insist on creating a hazard for other pilgrims? Allah likes a prayer conducted with
concentration and in a relaxed manner. A pilgrim praying anywhere else in Masjid
al-Haram is more likely to perform such a prayer compared to a pilgrim who
rushes his / her prayer and cannot concentrate because he is praying where
people are making Tawaf.
4. Sa’ee in Safa and Marwa: Most of the pilgrims prefer to make Sa’ee on the
ground level which overcrowds the area. Now Safa and Marwa hills have three
floors. The reward for doing Sa’ee on any of the three floors is the same.
Therefore, if the ground level gets crowded, pilgrims should go on to the above
floors. Let us assume that someone started Sa’ee on the ground level and he /
she completed two or three rounds of Safa and Marwa. As the more and more
people join and the person realizes that it is getting very crowded on the ground
level then this person should move to the upper level for Sa’ee and complete the
remaining rounds on the upper levels. (There are stairs and escalators on the
Marwa side for upper levels)
5. Raml during Tawaf: During the first three rounds of Ka’ba Muslim men perform
what is known as RAML. Raml is to walk at a slightly increased pace with your

8. chest “puffed up” as if you are flexing your chest muscles. Although, Raml is not a
requirement but pilgrims follow it as a Sunnah of the Holy Prophet. However,
some pilgrims misunderstand the idea of Raml and they start running and pushing
people. This hurts women, children and the elderly. In the largest routine
gathering of humans with limited space, it is inappropriate to run or walk fast
during Tawaf. Raml does not mean that pilgrims have to run or push people. Raml
means that the men should broaden their chests in order to express that they are
healthy and strong. Therefore, those who try to run or push people during Tawaf,
may be the recipients of Allah’s wrath. Sometimes people come in groups and
they create a type of fort around themselves by holding hands or cloths causing
great inconvenience to other individuals. This is completely inappropriate and
should not be done in Masjid Al Haram..
6. Elderly: One has to be very careful with the elderly people. The elderly people
must be protected by others. The elderly walk slowly and must not be pushed. If
by mistake someone causes any inconvenience to anyone then that person
should seek immediate forgiveness of that person. Many people do not care when
they have elbowed someone and just continue on, which is against Islamic
teachings and moral values. We must be extra courteous and kind to one another
especially in the House of Allah; the merciful and the most kind.
7. Non Mahram: Although, it is logistically impossible to keep a reasonable distance
among individuals but each individual, man or woman, must try his/her best to
keep a reasonable distance between themselves and other non-Mahram people.
The key is showing Allah a reasonable effort to avoid contact with non Mahram
individuals if one is to safeguard their Hajj or Umrah.
8. Sleeping and resting in Masjid Al Haram and Masjid Al Nabawi: First of all
people should not be sleeping in Masjid Al Haram and Masjid Al Nabawi except
during the period of I’tikaf. They should have arrangements for their stay such as
hotels, etc. However, people do get tired after Tawaf and Sa’ee and they want to
sit and rest for few minutes. Many pilgrims treat Masjid Al Haram and Masjid Al
Nabawi as casual places when they take their rest. Some men and even women
lay down in any position they like and show no HAYA (modesty). This is certainly
a greatly negligent act of the pilgrims in the holy mosques. Masjid Al Haram and
Masjid Al Nabawi and their surroundings are always filled with millions of people.
While people sleep among these great number of people walking around them at
all times, they sometimes, accidentally and of course, unknowingly, have their
AOWRAH (parts of body that must be covered in public) exposed to other people,
especially for men in AHRAAM (its only two sheets). Therefore, it’s not a good
idea to sleep in Masjid Al Haram or outside Masjid Al Haram on a side walk or
pathways OR in Masjid Al Nabawi. If someone is in need of rest for a few minutes,
then they must ensure that they are properly covered at all times.
9. Quarrelling, using inappropriate language in Makkah: Many pilgrims quarrel
and use very inappropriate language with other Muslims. Sometimes they are in
AHRAMM and they still fight with others OR use inappropriate language (vulgarity
and vanity) when they speak. If a pilgrim quarrels or uses inappropriate language
in AHRAAM, he/she must pay a penalty (KAFFARAH) by sacrificing an animal.
Their Umrah or Hajj will not be accepted unless they offer the KAFFAARAH

9. (penalty). If someone is not in the state of Ahraam but is still present in the city of
Makkah, this person must still not fight or use inappropriate language with
anyone. It is a sin against his soul and destroys his good deed.
10.Anger: No doubt, pilgrims are under enormous stress and greatly fatigued
because performing Hajj or Umrah is not easy for everyone. Umrah and Hajj
require physical work to a considerable extent. Hajj requires far more physical
movements than Umrah. Therefore, people get tired and cranky and loose
patience. In case of a dispute or disagreement, some pilgrims become very angry.
This is what exactly Shaitan (Satan) looks for. Pilgrims go to Makkah to please
Allah, which makes Shaitan unhappy. However, when a pilgrim gives himself up
to anger and quarrels with another pilgrim, Shaitan is certainly pleased while Allah
is surely displeased with this pilgrim’s act.
11.Parents and Children: Some parents when they get angry at their children they
curse at them (BADDU’A). They forget that they are in Makkah where
supplications and Du’a are accepted very fast. Therefore, parents should control
themselves and never curse at their children in the city of Makkah and Madinah.
They should be making du’a for their children. Similarly, children must obey their
parents and serve them to their best, which will be rewarded by Allah.
12.Speaking Loud and listening or participating in useless talks: Some pilgrims
talk very loudly inside Masjid Al Nabawi Sharif. This destroys all good deeds of a
person. Some pilgrims laugh, make jokes and tell stories in Masjid Al Haram /
Masjid Al Nabawi. I have seen so called scholars and those who claim that they
love Allah and His Prophet (peace be upon him) more involved in jokes and
worldly discussions in side both mosques than ordinary Muslims. This must be
avoided inside both the Holy Mosques. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an;
“O ye who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak
loud to him in talk, as ye may speak aloud to one another, Lest your deeds become vain
and ye perceive not. (Surah Al Hujurat (49): 2)
The respect and honour of Masjid Al Nabawi remains the same as exemplified by the
companions’ behaviour in the presence of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
3. Professional Beggars: For the past few years many professional beggars have
started coming to Makkah and Madinah. They come to Makkah / Madinah in order
to make money through begging. Some of them lie and fabricate stories. These
liars and thieves lie and steal in the house of Allah and the city of Prophet
Muhammad (peace be upon him). They are subject to the severest punishment
from Allah. There are individuals and companies in a few Muslim countries, who
export beggars to Makkah and Madinah during Hajj and Umrah season and make
tons of illegitimate money. These people are brought into Saudi Arabia on Umrah
OR Hajj visa. Saudi government cannot do much. It is the duty of each pilgrim to
identify such culprits. However, we must be careful because there are genuine,
needy people who deserve our charity and help. But we must be vigilant about the
professional beggars. There are also people who pick pockets and steal people’s

10. wallets in and around Masjid Al Haram and Masjid Al Nabawi. These people will
get the most severe punishment from Allah.
4. Politicians and Government Officials
Many politicians perform Umrah and Hajj for public relations. When these government
officials (presidents, prime ministers, etc..) arrive inside the HARAM, many pilgrims
loose their concentration and start paying attention to these leaders. In both the Holy
Mosques, Allah and His Prophet (peace be upon him) deserve our attention, not political
leaders. For the past five years, during Ramadan, Pakistani politicians visits Masjid Al
Nabawi sharif and as soon as he arrives with his servants and body guards several
Pakistanis stop their rituals and start looking at him and talking about him. This politician
also chooses a place in Masjid Al Nabawi where he likely to receive maximum
exposure. Pilgrims must try to avoid such worldly matters with strong resolve and
develop their soul’s spirituality while in such sacred places.
If the reward for doing good deeds in Masjid Al Haraam and Masjid Al Nabawi is the
highest and the second highest compared to other places in the world then the
punishment for doing bad deeds in Masjid Al Haraam and Masjid Al Nabawi will be the
worst as well.
Let us learn the best manners and behaviour to conduct ourselves with great dignity in
Makkah and Madinah. We must look to the Holy Prophet for true guidance, outling
excellent etiquette for Allah’s and the Prophet’s own city. In addition, we must try to
bring these refined manners back home with us. We should reflect in our lives how the
visit to the Makkah and Madinah has changed us. We should become the model
citizens of our communities.
May Allah accept our Hajj and Umrah and visit to Madinah Al Munawwarah. Ameen
(Important Request: If you like this article, please translate it into your language and
distribute it to pilgrims who may be going for Hajj. Thank you very much.)