The Quran mentions three things that must not be done by those on the haj, especially those wearing ihram (attire worn by pilgrims). One of them is quarreling.
All pilgrims head for the Arafah plain for wukuf (grand assembly), the peak of the haj rituals. Going to Arafah is obligatory for pilgrims and surrogates may not be sent, which is why there is the "wukuf safari" for people who are seriously ill. Prophet Muhammad SAW emphasized that the haj was the Arafah (wukuf).
In our country, several days ahead of wukuf, there was wide-ranging discussion about an outfit that circulates misinformation. The police said the misinformation was produced to serve the interests of those involved in politics, economics and power. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.
Misinformation has negative effects, including not infrequent heated debate. Debating or quarreling is related to self-control. Because of people wanting to seem the best informed, the most correct and other things, debate not infrequently causes enmity.
Possibly because of this, debate and quarreling is prohibited among those on the haj. Wearing ihram (consisting of two pieces of white cotton cloth without stitching) during wukuf in Arafah reflects the equality of all in front of Allah the Almighty. On the contrary, when debate involves ego, differences tend to expand.
The spirit of equality in front of God and seeing differences as blessings should be a "gift" for pilgrims when they return to their home country. With this gift, it should not be easy for someone with a haji title to blame, provoke, or even insult the fellow creations of God, let alone fellow Muslims.
A haji is also willing to share. Prophet Ibrahim AS was willing to "give" his son, Prophet Ismail AS, to a barren area (Mecca), even "sacrifice" him to show obedience to the Creator. The obligation to sacrifice reflects the greatness of soul to be submissive and obedient to God while being willing to share.
Having an egalitarian spirit and being willing to sacrifice will be easy if someone can control his ego. The feeling of being cleverer, more pious, better, more knowledgeable, etc., frequently makes us feel superior. Haj pilgrims are frequently trapped in such a feeling.
All haj pilgrims want to achieve mabrur (acceptance of Allah) upon returning home. What to keep in mind is that to God, appreciation and respect for others are criteria for a mabrur haj.