After completing the rites of Hajj, the pilgrim should engage abundantly in dhikr and seek forgiveness. Allah Most High says:
﴿ ثُمَّ أَفِيضُواْ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ أَفَاضَ ٱلنَّاسُ وَٱسۡتَغۡفِرُواْ ٱللَّهَۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٞ رَّحِيمٞ ١٩٩ فَإِذَا قَضَيۡتُم مَّنَٰسِكَكُمۡ فَٱذۡكُرُواْ ٱللَّهَ كَذِكۡرِكُمۡ ءَابَآءَكُمۡ أَوۡ أَشَدَّ ذِكۡرٗاۗ فَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يَقُولُ رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا فِي ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَمَا لَهُۥ فِي ٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ مِنۡ خَلَٰقٖ ٢٠٠ وَمِنۡهُم مَّن يَقُولُ رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا فِي ٱلدُّنۡيَا حَسَنَةٗ وَفِي ٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ حَسَنَةٗ وَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ ٢٠١ أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ لَهُمۡ نَصِيبٞ مِّمَّا كَسَبُواْۚ وَٱللَّهُ سَرِيعُ ٱلۡحِسَابِ ٢٠٢ ﴾ [البقرة: ١٩٩، ٢٠٢]
‘Then depart from where the people depart and seek forgiveness from Allah. Indeed, Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. Then, when you have completed your rites of Hajj, remember Allah as you used to remember your forefathers, or with even greater remembrance. And among the people are those who say, “Our Lord, give us in this world.” But they will have no share in the Hereafter. And among them are those who say, “Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.” They will have a share of what they have earned. And Allah is swift in reckoning.’[1]
When returning home, one should observe the etiquettes of travel and recite the prescribed supplications. One should treat one’s travelling companions and family members with kindness and excellent conduct. If it is customary among them to bring gifts, one should bring gifts to please them.
It is not essential for pilgrims to visit Madinah Sharif. Visiting Madinah is, rather, an independent Sunnah. It has no connection with Hajj. It is discussed together with Hajj because many people come from very distant places. Since it is difficult to come twice with the intention of travelling to the two places separately, they visit both places in a single journey.
It is appropriate for pilgrims to return with firm faith, renewed resolve and understanding, and far greater obedience, worship, and excellent character. This is because, through Hajj, it is as though they are born anew. (O Allah, accept us. Indeed, You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. Accept our repentance. Indeed, You are the Accepter of Repentance, the Most Merciful.)
[1]. (Al-Baqarah: 199–202)