What are the recommended acts of performing Hajj in accordance with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)?

While there are so many methods, conditions and restrictions associated with the adoption of Ihram, bathing and other rituals of performing hajj. The most recommended are the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad which are followed in the utmost true spirit of your love and respect for the last prophet Muhammad (SAW). Thus, any acts during the performance of Hajj which are not regarded as a compulsion in the rituals of Hajj, are considered as the Sunnah acts of Prophet. Thus, Sunnah that includes spending the night at Mina, performing Tawaf-al-Qudum, making Talbiyah and reciting the supplications and so on. It is also a point to be noted that these acts would earn you reward for imitating the Prophet (SAW) but there is no compensation for neglecting them.

Bathing before assuming Ihram
It is important to take complete bath before entering the state of Pilgrim Sanctity which also includes acts like pare nails, trims your moustache, shave his armpits and pubic hairs as well. Even the women during their menstruation and postnatal are required to take bathe while intending for ihram. It is suggested to take as much as possible brief time, preferably not more than 12 hours.

The Talbiyah

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ والنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكُ ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ

Its omission doesn’t entail any consequences though a pilgrim misses a great virtue by neglecting it. There are quite a few evidences of instances when Prophet Muhammad emphasized on importance of saying Talbiyah. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was asked a question in regard to best hajj for the great rewards. And he (SAW) responded:
"One in which voices are raised when saying talbiyah and a sacrifice is offered."

Tawaf Al- Qudum
 Tawaf-al-Qudum means circumambulation around the Kaaba on arrival at the Masjid-al-Haram in Makkah. This is basically a Sunnah to be followed by anyone who enters Makkah for any particular reason whether it’s Umrah, Hajj or even Business unless he has to stand unfavorable time constraints. The procedure for performing Tawaf-al-Qudum starts with invocation of intention while facing the Kaaba. And he performs Tawaf in accordance with the provisions of performing Tawaf.

Spending the night of Arafat at Mina
As soon as the pilgrim arrives in Mina on the afternoon of Tarwiyah i.e. 8th Dhul-Hijjah, a pilgrim is required to spend the rest of the day there. It is recommended according to Sunnah that he spends the evening of 9th Dhul-Hijjah there until he offers the dawn prayer. He is then to leave Mina on 9th Dhul-Hijjah after sunrise and proceed to Arafat.

Spending the Nights of the Days of Tashriq at Mina
Tashriq are the days of 11th, 12th and 13th Dhul-Hajj which are spent in Makkah during the Hajj days.  The pilgrims are required to complete tashriq days in Makkah. After his return to Mina on the third day of Hajj, it is highly recommended to stay at Mina until propelling of stones on the last day of tashriq. Although there are no repercussions of not following the Sunnah of staying at Mina by following the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who did not leave Mina except for the Tawaf-al-Ifaadah.

Spending the night at Muzdalifa
After you have performed the rituals at Arafaat until sunset, a pilgrim should move ahead to Muzdalifa. Then, a pilgrim is to spend the evening at the same point on 10th Dhul-Hijjah. Following this, pilgrims collect seven pebbles to perform ramy at Jamarat Al Aqaba after he sets out for Mina again.