1. When Allah Ta‘ala bestows His favour on any fortunate person to perform hajj, he should not delay in the performing of that duty. Under no circumstances should it be postponed unnecessarily.

Hazrat Ibnu Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports that Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “The one who intends to perform hajj should hasten (in doing so).” ^[1]

2. When leaving for hajj, one’s primary intention should be to acquire the pleasure of Allah Ta‘ala. Similarly, one should also intend to acquire the love and proximity of Allah Ta‘ala and His beloved Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), and to visit the mubaarak raudhah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).

3. When hajj is compulsory upon a person, there is no need for him to make istikhaarah. Hence, he will not make istikhaarah to decide whether or not to go for hajj. Rather, he can make istikhaarah to decide which day he should depart on or which route he should take.

4. Ensure that you perform hajj with halaal, pure wealth. Hajj which is performed with haraam wealth will not be accepted. ^[2]

5. Sincerely repent from all sins before departing for hajj, and if you have usurped the right of any person or have outstanding debts, then you should return the usurped wealth to the rightful owner and settle the outstanding debts. If you had wronged any person in any way then seek his forgiveness before departing.

^[1] سنن أبي داود، الرقم: 1732، قال المنذري في مختصر سنن أبي داود 1/505: أخرجه ابن ماجة فيه مهران أبو صفوان قال أبو زرعة الرازي لا أعرفه إلا في هذا الحديث

^[2] ولا بمال حرام ولو حج به سقط عنه الفرض لكنه لاتقبل حجته (غنية الناسك صـ 21)