Question: What are the mistakes some pilgrims commit when entering al-Masjid al-Haraam?
Response: From amongst the mistakes that some pilgrims fall into when entering al-Masjid al-Haraam are:
Firstly: That some people think it is imperative, for making Hajj or ‘Umrah, to enter through a particular door of al-Masjid al-Haraam. So, for example, some people see that it is necessary for one making ‘Umrah to enter via the door which is called the “‘Umrah Door” (Baab al-‘Umrah) or that this is something that must be done and that it is legislated. Others see that it is imperative to enter via the “Door of Peace” (Baab as-Salaam) and that entering through any other door is a sin or disliked – and there is no evidence for this. So, it is upon the one making Hajj or ‘Umrah to enter via any door they wish, and when doing so, extending the right foot first (upon entry) and saying that which is mentioned for entering all masaajid. So, he sends his salutations upon the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and says:
((O Allaah! Forgive me my sins and open Your Doors of Mercy to me)).
Secondly: Some people innovate certain supplications when entering the al-Masjid al-Haraam and upon seeing the House (Ka’bah). They innovate supplications which have not been mentioned by the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and they supplicate to Allaah with them. This is an innovation. So the act of worship, for the Sake of Allaah, by speech, action or belief which the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) or his companions were not upon, is an innovation and an evil, that which the Messenger of Allaah has warned against.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen
al-Bid’u wal-Muhdathaat wa maa laa Asla lahu – Page 384;
Fiqh al-‘Ibaadaat – Page 344.fatwaonline.com
