e. that people should be well-dressed and that they should...

e. that people should be well-dressed and that they should pay due regard to the condition of the poor. Thirdly, the pilgrim should wear perfume where possible, for its benefit is like that of being well-dressed. Fourthly, he should give alms to the poor, according as he is able. The purpose of this is, firstly, to help the poor, and then to instill in the pilgrim a sense of generosity. Fifthly, the pilgrim should proceed towards the shrine slowly and quietly without gazing around.

This is clearly in respect for the sacred place (haram), the pilgrimage and those who are buried, there, but also that the pilgrim may give his undivided attention to Allah, and avoid inconveniencing others along his way. Sixthly, he must say' 'Allahu akbar'' (Allah, the supreme) and repeat it as much as he can. Some traditions instruct the pilgrim to repeat it one hundred times. By this he becomes aware of Allah's Greatness and Magnificence, and realizes that nothing is greater than He.

This is for the sake of Allah and His dignity and to revive the sacred of Islam and be strengthen the religion. Seventhly, after visiting the tomb of the Prophet or an Imam, the pilgrim should pray at least two rak'ah. This is in order to worship Allah and give thanks to Him, and to ask for success in one's pilgrimage ; then he should ask that the spiritual reward for the prayer should go to the soul of he who is buried in that place.

The special du'a' that follows, which the pilgrim must recite after his prayer, serves to show him that prayer and worship during pilgrimage are only for Allah, that no-one deserves to be worshipped save him. It is a means of winning Allah's favour, for the pilgrim says: O Allah! To Thee alone do I pray, to Thee alone do I bow down and prostrate myself.Thou art One,Thou hast no partner and it is a sin to pray, bow down or prostrate oneself before anyone else but Thee O Allah!

Praise be to Muhammad and his Family. Accept my pilgrimage, and grant my request for the sake of Muhammad and his Immaculate Descendents. This Du'a explains to those who want to know, the purpose of pilgrimage to the shrines as it was performed by the Imams and their followers, and it answers those who suppose that pilgrimage is a kind of idolatry and polytheism.