How do I ensure my intention for হজ্জ is sincere?

Sincerity of intention (ikhlas) is the absolute prerequisite for any act of worship to be accepted by Allah, and হজ্জ is no exception. নবী করীম (সাল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়া সাল্লাম) said: 'Verily, actions are judged by their intentions, and every person shall have what they intended' (Bukhari and Muslim). Your হজ্জ should be motivated purely by obedience to Allah's command and the desire for His pleasure and forgiveness — not social prestige, the title of Haji/Hajja, or social media content.

To purify your intention: make frequent dua asking Allah to purify your heart and make the হজ্জ solely for His sake, examine your motivations honestly and address any desire for worldly recognition, avoid excessive discussion about your upcoming trip that might feed ego, fund your হজ্জ from halal earnings only, and study the spiritual dimensions of each ritual rather than treating it as tourism. Imam al-Ghazali advised travelers to view হজ্জ as a journey of the heart toward Allah, with each physical step reflecting an inner spiritual movement. If you catch yourself thinking about what others will say about your হজ্জ, immediately renew your intention.