The Importance of Studying the Rulings of Pilgrimage Before Performing It

Question:
May Allah reward you and bless you. Shaykh Salih, studying the rulings of the rites of Hajj has an impact on the pilgrim’s life as he applies these rulings according to the Prophetic methodology, so that he also does not fall into what is forbidden. We find that many people return having made many mistakes in their rites. What is the importance of studying the rites of Hajj?

Answer:
Yes, likewise, it is necessary for him to gain knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence regarding worship and how to perform it, whether in Hajj or otherwise. And, praise be to Allah, concise and detailed books on the rituals have been written, derived from the Book and the Sunnah. So whoever wants to perform Hajj should read them, reflect on them, contemplate them, and know what is required of him in his Hajj and 'Umrah. Whatever is unclear to him, he should ask the scholars about it, based on the saying of Allah the Exalted: Therefore, he should not perform Hajj or any other act of worship in ignorance. Rather, he should perform every act of worship as Allah has commanded, with knowledge from the Book and the Sunnah. If he understands it, praise be to Allah; and if he does not understand it, he should ask the scholars about it so that they can clarify and explain it to him, so that he does not remain in ignorance. He should not come with the rituals and imitate so-and-so or so-and-so in them. Rather, he should perform them as Allah and His Messenger have legislated. This is only achieved through reading, asking questions, attending lessons, and keeping the company of scholars. All of this helps him to perform his rituals with knowledge and insight. Yes.