IHRAM AND OTHER RITUALS

        The pilgrims must seek guidance and learn about all the rituals that are essential for the performance of Haj according to the Maslak they follow. However, it must be known to all, irrespective of their background, that the Ka'ba is a sacred house, but not so sacred as the people who surround it. Whatever the Haji does here, he must not hurt anyone, not even accidentally. That is what we mean when we refer to Haram (the sanctuary) and the hudood-e-Haram (precincts of Haram). Harming anyone in Haram means the Haj is simply not complete. So do not rush, do not push. Take it easy and should someone act wildly, simply get out of the way. Remember that amidst all this apparently ostentatious public participation in numerous rituals, Haj is immensely and intensely personal. The Haji is always focused on personally performing the ritual perfectly.

          Within the territory of Haram, it is the Haram law and Ihraam dress that apply. The conditions of Ihraam and how to wear it ought to be understood.

          Even the pilgrim who gets out of the state of Ihraam should remember that a number of conditions still apply to the Haj pilgrim and these conditions entail truthfulness, compassion to fellow beings, good conduct, good thoughts, exemplary behaviour, desisting from anger and angry outburst, desisting from physical violence and so on.

          Ka'ba is not sacred due to  some of the sanctified spots but, rather, because of its symbolic value as a marker of the qibla, the direction of prayer. Ka'ba contains no relics and is not itself an object of prayer. It rather provides spiritual focus and symbolizes God's Being at the centre of creation.