After finishing the rites of Hajj, a Muslim turns over a new leaf with Allah, full of hope that Allah has accepted his Hajj and granted him the grand prize, that is, being absolved of all previous sins.

So, if you are blessed with performing Hajj this year, try to keep your record of deeds clean and clear; beware of the following common mistakes committed by some pilgrims after Hajj:

1- Some people wrongly think that they can commit sins as much as they like, so long as they perform Hajj. Since Hajj expiates previous sins, they feel safe to do whatever they wish.

We should remember that doing Hajj is not a guarantee that your sins are erased. It is only a Hajj mabroor (acceptable Hajj) which qualifies you for this reward.

Following Hajj with bad deeds may be a sign that Hajj was not accepted since it did not leave any impact on your life.

In addition, such behavior reveals a misunderstanding of the essence of Islam which can be summed up in leading a life that complies with Allah’s commands.

Allah is the Lord every time and everywhere. Just as you are supposed to revere and obey Him in Makkah during the sacred month of Dhul-Hijjah, you are required to do so all the time and in all places.

The seasons of intensive worship such as Ramadan and Hajj are meant to provide you with the necessary spiritual provision that enables you to stay on track throughout the year; they never justify any later indulgence in sins or careless misconduct.

2- Putting on pilgrimage attire while returning home: A pilgrim is supposed to put on his regular clothes after finishing the rituals of the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah.

Insisting on wearing Ihram until returning home is sort of overburdening oneself with unnecessary difficult acts, which goes against the Sunnah. Besides, it may lead to falling into the trap of showing off and seeking people’s praise.

3- After performing Hajj, some pilgrims insist that people should call them Hajji (pilgrim). Of course there is nothing wrong in calling pilgrims “hajji“, but insisting on it by a pilgrim may betray a hidden desire to show off.

4- To act in bad manners and indulge in sins and neglect devotional acts of worship after Hajj. This, in fact, may be a sign of unacceptable Hajj.

A perfect Hajj should leave its imprint on the behavior and attitudes of the pilgrim after Hajj.

5- To swear by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) after visiting his tomb, such as saying: “By the Prophet, whose tomb I have touched with my hand”, because if one swears one is to swear by Allah or keep silent.