Before going to Hajj, prospective hajjis have to prepare themselves for this blessed journey by doing more good deeds, asking Allah for forgiveness, avoiding bad deeds and anything that may harm their Hajj. They have to supplicate Allah to grant them Hajj Mabrur (the one accepted by Allah) and to accept their good deeds. They should prepare themselves spiritually and educationally for this blessed journey. Part of the preparation is to know how to perform Hajj in the correct way.
Also, one should undertake this journey with a clear conscience. So, you should ask forgiveness of those relatives, friends or any other people whom you may have hurt or offended.
Elaborating on the etiquettes that have to be undertaken as a preparation for Hajj, we’d like to furnish you with the following fatwa issued by Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada , who states:
“There are certain etiquettes or manners for the prospective hajjis to do before undertaking the journey for hajj:
1. To ensure that their source of income for Hajj is earned through lawful means, and not tainted by haram.
2. To pay off their debts if they are outstanding; otherwise, to make arrangements to pay them off in case he is not able to return home safely.
3. To ensure that his family and dependents are provided with sufficient funds or means to look after themselves during his absence.
4. To leave a written will stating his obligations and liabilities and how to fulfill them, in case of death.
5. To ask forgiveness of those whom he may have hurt or offended, for one should undertake this journey with a clear conscience.
6. To educate oneself as best one can with regard to the correct performance of hajj in form and spirit; one of the best books about the spirit of Hajj is the Four Pillars of Islam by Sayyid Abul Hasan Ali Nadvi.
7. To advise his family to fear Allah and remain steadfast on their deen.
8. Finally, consistently seek forgiveness of Allah and make dhikr a consistent habit.
May Allah make our hearts and tongues supple with His remembrance-ameen.”
Allah Almighty knows best.