Makkah Haj Information

Makkah Haj Information

INTRODUCTION

Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca (Makkah al-Mukarramah) during the month of Dhul-Hijjah. It is one of the five pillars of Islam. Every Muslim is obligated to perform Hajj once in their lifetime if they have the financial means to do so.

Allah (the Glorified and Exalted) says in the Holy Quran:

“And Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca (Makkah al-Mukarramah) to the House (Kaaba) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala), those who can afford the expenses.” [EMQ 3:97]

“And perform properly the Hajj and Umrah for Allah.” [EMQ 2:196]

“And proclaim to mankind the Hajj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Hajj).” [EMQ 22:27]

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Islam is that you testify that there is none worthy of worship (in truth) but Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, you establish the prayer, you pay the Zakah, you fast in Ramadan, and you perform pilgrimage to the House (of Allah) if you have the capability.” [Muslim] “Islam is built upon five; to testify that there is none worthy of worship (in truth) but Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, and to establish the prayer, to pay Zakah, to make pilgrimage and fast in Ramadan.” [Muslim]

HAJJ IS WORSHIP

In Arabic the word Ibadah (worship) is a noun composed of all which pleases Allah (the Glorified and Exalted) whether the deeds are ones intentions (action of the heart), sayings (action of the tongue) or actions (bodily actions).

Today Muslims may perform Hajj according to their own interpretation; this is not allowed as the ritual act has a form which must be in accordance with what Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) brought us. There is ample evidence for this that include the following:

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Take (learn) your ritual acts from me.” [Ahmed]

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also said:

“He who does an act which our matter [Islam] is not [in agreement] with will have it rejected.” [Muslim]

We have been ordered by Allah (the Glorified and Exalted) to follow Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):

Say: “If you (really) love Allah then follow me (the Messenger) , Allah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [EMQ 3:31] “And whatsoever the Messenger gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it).” [EMQ 59:7] “Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have a good example.” [EMQ 33:21]

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) explicitly warned us from innovating in Islam. He said, “And the worst of all affairs are newly-invented matters and every innovation is a misguidance, and every misguidance is in the fire of Hell.” [Abu Dawud] [Tirmidhi]

HAJJ IS OBLIGATORY

It is obligatory on the Muslim who fulfils the conditions for going to Hajj, to perform it at least once in their lifetime.

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) addressed us and said:

“O people, Allah has made Hajj obligatory for you; so perform hajj.” Thereupon a person said: “Messenger of Allah, (is it to be performed) every year? He (the Prophet) kept quiet, and he repeated (these words) thrice, whereupon Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said: If I were to say “Yes,” it would become obligatory (for you to perform it every year) and you would not be able to do it.” [Muslim]

THE VIRTUES OF UMRAH AND HAJJ

There are many virtues for the ones who perform Hajj or Umrah correctly. Some of them have been listed below:

1) It is one of the best deeds.

Abu Hurairah reported:

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was asked about the best of deeds, said: Belief in Allah. He (the inquirer) said: What next? He replied: Jihad (struggle to the utmost) in the cause of Allah. He (the inquirer) again said: What next? He PBUH replied: Hajj Mabrour (an accepted pilgrimage).” [Bukhari- Chapter of Hajj].

2) The best supplication is on Arafat.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“The best supplication is the supplication on the day of Arafat (i.e. on Arafat).” [Tirmidhi – Chapter of Supplication]

3) It is expiation (kaffarah) for sin.

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) as saying:

“An Umrah is expiation for the sins committed between it and the next, and hajj which is accepted will receive no other reward than Paradise.” [Muslim]

4) You will return like the day you were born (sinless).

Narrated by Abu Hurairah:

Allah’s Apostle said, “Whoever performs hajj to this House (kaaba) and does not approach his wife for sexual relations nor commits sins (while performing hajj), he will come out as sinless as a newly-born child.” [Bukhari]

5) The Hajj for the woman is Struggle (Jihad).

Narrated by Aisha (the mother of the faithful believers, who said:

I asked the Messenger (PBUH) “Messenger of Allah is there jihad for women” The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Yes there is jihad upon them, there is no fighting involved in it, Hajj and Umrah.” [Ibn Majah] #3013

6) Its reward is Paradise (Jannah).

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“The accepted hajj has no other reward, except Paradise.” [Bukhari] #1773

THE PREPARATION FOR HAJJ

1) Taqwa.

Allah (the Glorified and Exalted) says:

“O you who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared and die not except as a Muslim (in a state of Islam).” [EMQ 3:102]

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Fear Allah where ever you are.” [Tirmidhi]

2) Study the Rulings (ahkam) related to Hajj.

Studying the Islamic rulings related to hajj. This will cause greater awareness and thereby increase ones taqwa.

Allah (the Glorified and Exalted) says:

“Those who truly fear Allah, among His Servants, who have knowledge.” [EMQ 35:28] It will also ensure that a person is not ignorant with regards when to perform a particular action whilst on Hajj and thereby avoid making any errors or bidah (innovation)

3) Give people their Rights (haqouq).

Give back what was given to you in trust (amanah) by others, as you do not know whether you will return from Hajj. It may be that Allah (the Glorified and Exalted) has decreed that your life ends whilst you are there.

Allah (the Glorified and Exalted) says:

“And if you are on a journey and cannot find a scribe, then let there be a pledge taken (mortgaging); then if one of you entrust the other, let the one who is entrusted discharge his trust (faithfully), and let him be afraid of Allah, his Lord. And conceal not the evidence for he, who hides it, surely his heart is sinful. And Allah is All-Knower of what you do.” [EMQ 2:283]

4) Leave worldly matters (dunyaa) behind you.

The hajj has hardship associated with it, which will test each and every one of our limits. We should be concerned with performing all the hajj rites correctly. Avoid taking more than what is necessary as it will only become a distraction, this could be even in the case of mobile phones, laptops, cameras, camcorders, etc.

Imam Ali (may Allah be pleased with him)) said:

“The hour of your life is three, the first hour passed and you don’t know if Allah (the Glorified and Exalted)) accepted it. The hour you are in now invest with good deeds. The hour coming you don’t now if you going to reach it.”

5) Clear your debts (adyaan) if you have any.

The one in debt must always have intention to pay back the creditor.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Whosoever takes money of the people and has the intention to give it back Allah will pay it back on his behalf, and whosoever takes it without the intention to pay it back, Allah will waste it.” Muslim]

6) Remove the diseases (amraad) of the heart.

Get rid of diseases such as nationalism, arrogance, backbiting, hatred, partisanship and showing off.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“He is not one of us who calls for `Asabiyyah, (nationalism/tribalism) or who fights for `Asabiyyah or who dies for `Asabiyyah.” [Abu Dawud]

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also said:

“Leave it, it is rotten” (Muslim and Bukhari) in reference to racism, nationalism, and patriotism.”

7) The funding for Hajj should be lawful (halal).

Do not use money from usury, gambling, and the sale of alcohol sale or any other means of fasad (corruption).

Allah (the Glorified and Exalted) says:

“O you who believe! Fear Allah, and give up what remains of your demand for usury, if ye are indeed believers.” [EMQ 2:278]

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Verily Allah is pure and accepts only what is pure.” [Muslim].

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also said:

“The halal (lawful) is clear and the haram (unlawful) is clear.” (Bukhari).

8) Be careful of oppression (zhulm).

Stop oppression such as to prevent your wife from going to hajj or not to leave enough provision for the wife is she is left behind. Even to leave the cat alone at home without making provisions for it is zhulm.

THE PILLARS OF UMRAH AND HAJJ

During Umrah and Hajj there are many religious acts carried out in order to fulfill the pilgrimage. Some of them are Pillars which are obligatory and some are recommended. It is important that you understand these and fulfill the pillars in order for it to be accepted.

There are three Pillars of Umrah:

1) Ihram – the Hajj clothes.

2) Tawaf – circumambulation of the kaaba.

3) Sa’ee – going between Safaa and Marwah.

Any other action, such as praying two rakah behind Maqam Al-Ibrahim, drinking Zamzam water and trimming the hair are recommended (mandoub).

There are four Pillars of Hajj:

1) Ihram – the Hajj clothes.

2) Arafat – standing in Arafat.

3) Tawaf – circumambulation of the kaaba.

4) Sa’ee – going between Safaa and Marwah.

Any other action, such as praying two rakah behind Maqam Al-Ibrahim and drinking Zamzam water, stoning Jamrah, Udhiyah/Qurbani (sacrifice) and shaving the hair are recommended (mandoub).

THE THREE DIFFERENT WAYS TO MAKE HAJJ

1) Hajj Al-Ifrad – Solely Hajj (without Umrah).

2) Hajj Al-Qiraan – Umrah and Hajj with no break in ihram.

3) Hajj At-Tamattu – Umrah and Hajj with a break in ihram.

Make sure you are clear in your intention. So say “Labaykallah Umrah” or say “Labaykallah Hajj Tamattu” (if you are performing Hajj Tamattu).

THE CONDITIONS OF THE PILGRIM

Hajj becomes obligatory upon the one who fulfills the following conditions:

1) Al-Islam – To be Muslim.

2) Al-Aql – To be sane.

3) Al-Balough – To be mature (i.e. reach puberty).

4) Kamal Al-Hurriyah – To have complete freedom i.e. is not a slave.

5) Al-Istataa’ah – To have capability. The capability is three:.

  1. Finance – to pay for travel and expenses, and have no debts.
  2. Health – to be able to perform all the rites of Hajj.
  3. Security – to be able to travel to and from without harm.

6) Wajoub Al-Mahram – A woman must have a mahram with her when she goes to Hajj.

If a Muslim fulfils all the above criteria, then he or she should not delay performing the Hajj, rather it would be considered Qada (missed/owing).

IHRAM

Ihram is an Arabic word that denotes a sacred state in which a Muslim must enter in order to perform Umrah or Hajj. The Ihram has two aspects: Zone (Miqat) and Clothes (Libas).

IHRAM OF THE MIQAT ZONE.

The Miqat is the place where every pilgrim must wear their ihram and make intention to perform Umrah or Hajj. The pilgrim must not pass this zone without ihram; otherwise they will have to pay fidyah (penalty). The Messenger () specifically named the Mawaaqeet (zones) and for whom they are applicable.

Prophet Muhammad () said:

“(the Miqat) for the people of Madinah is Dhul Hulaifah, for the people of Sham is Al Jahfah, for the people of Najd is Qarn Al Manzil and for the people of Yemen is Yalamlam.” (Bukhari).

Prophet Muhammad () also said:

“For the people of Iraq (their Miqat is) Dhaat ‘Irq’.” [Nasai – Chapter: The Rites of Hajj]

The Mawaaqeet (Zones) For Umrah And Hajj

There are five zones:

1) Dhul Hulaifah is 450km to the north of Mecca (Makkah al-Mukarramah) and is the Miqat for the people of Medina.

2) Al-Juhfah is 187km north-west of Mecca (Makkah al-Mukarramah); people also call it Rabigh, usually for people from Jeddah and also those coming from Syria, Jordan, Palestine and Lebanon.

3) Qarn Al-Manazil is 94km to the east of Mecca (Makkah al-Mukarramah) overlooking Arafat and is the Miqat for the people of Najd.

4) Yalamlam is 54km to the south of Mecca (Makkah al-Mukarramah) and is the Miqat for those coming from Yemen.

5) Dhatu Iriq is 94km to the north-east of Mecca (Makkah al-Mukarramah) and is the Miqat for the people of Iraq.

However, today it has become common practice for the pilgrims to wear their ihram before reaching the Miqat and to make their intention once they reach the zone. If you travel to Hajj by plane, they will announce when to wear the ihram and make niyah (intention). Those pilgrims not flying will make ihram at the closet Miqat to them and those residing inside the zone i.e. (Mecca (Makkah al-Mukarramah)) will start from where they are.

IHRAM OF THE LIBAS (CLOTHES).

A person that is in the state of ihram is called muhrim (masculine) and muhrimah (feminine).

THE HAJJ CLOTHING FOR MEN:

The Men’s clothes entail two helmless towels (color white preferred) and slippers.

1) Ridaa’: is the towel used to cover the upper torso.

2) Izaar: is the lower towel, sometimes this is clipped on by a belt. or safety pin. It must cover the part of the body that is between the navel and knees.

3) Ni’aal: are the slippers; the straps should not cover majority of the feet. In ihram you cannot wear shoes of any form.

The Prophet Muhammad () said:

“let some of you wear Ihram with the Izaar, Ridaa’ and Niaal.”

The recommended acts before putting on the ihram:

It is recommended for the muhrim to clip his fingernails, trimming the moustache, shave off the hair from under the armpits, shave the pubic hair, make ablution or preferably taking a complete bath (ghusl), to comb their beard and hair.

Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said:

“It is Sunnah for a pilgrim to take a complete bath before entering the state of ihram or before entering Mecca (Makkah al-Mukarramah).” This is reported by Al-Bazzar, Ad-Daraqutni, and Al-Hakim, who considers it a sound hadith. Perfume may be used on the body as well as the Hajj clothes initially, even if it continues to smell afterwards.

Ibn ‘Abbas said:

“Allah’s Messenger () combed his hair, wore some perfume, put on his Hajj clothes, along with his Companions, and then he set out from Medina accompanied by them.”(Bukhari)

Once in the state of Ihram do not put perfume or cover your head with anything (such as a hat).

THE HAJJ CLOTHING FOR WOMEN

Women’s clothes entail Khimar and Jilbab, without Niqab or gloves.

Prophet Muhammad () said:

“women who make Ihram should not cover their face nor wear gloves.” A woman may temporarily cover her face by her hand, or make sadlu, which is to bring the khimar slightly over the face temporarily to shield the face from foreign men. If she keeps the covering on for longer than necessary she will have to pay fidya (penalty) for this.

Women usually cover using the following:

Khimar: A head scarf which must cover up to the jabe (chest).

Jilbab: The outer garment which must be loose.

Niqab: A face veil (NOT ALLOWED IN IHRAM).

Kinah: A mask from leather used a lot by the women from Kuwait and other Khaliji (Gulf) states (NOT ALLOWED IN IHRAM).

There is no restriction for the woman regarding the colors she can wear. White is the best color to wear at the time of Hajj. However, women must take care to wear a dark tunic beneath it so that the sun will not shine through it revealing their form. The feet is considered awrah by the majority of the schools of thought (Hanafi does not accept this), so women are allowed to wear socks and shoes while in ihram.

CONDITIONS IMPOSED WHILST IN IHRAM

What is permitted in Ihram?

  1. Bathing and changing 2. Women wearing shoes 3. Cupping, opening abscess, pulling a tooth 4. Wearing a belt or ring 5. Wearing non-perfumed kohl to the eyes 6. Killing flies or harmful animals 7. Sitting under the shade of a umbrella, tree or even a tent

What is prohibited in Ihram?

  1. Sexual intercourse 2. Fighting or arguing 3. Wearing sewn clothes 4. Cutting the hair 5. Trimming the nails 6. Using perfumed soap 7. Wearing perfume 8. Wearing hats (men) 9. Getting engaged 10. Getting married 11. Hunting

You must pay a penalty if you commit any of the acts prohibited in ihram, which will usually mean an extra sacrifice.

HOW TO PERFORM HAJJ TAMATTU

Hajj Tamattu is the type of Hajj where Umrah and Hajj are combined with a break in wearing the ihram. Umrah is performed BEFORE Hajj.

IHRAM FOR HAJJ AL-TAMATTU

1) Wear your Ihram before or at the Miqat, this time for the intention of doing Umrah.

2) Once you finish Umrah you can change into ordinary clothes until the 8th of Dhul Hijjah.

3) On the 8th day of Dhul Hijjah put on your Ihram, which can be done in your hotel, you do not need to go back to the Miqat. Make intention for Hajj.

4) The ihram must be taken off on the day of sacrifice (no sooner).

AL UMRAH

NIYYAH (INTENTION)

The best niyah is the one in the heart; however on Hajj we openly proclaim our intention which can be said as follows: “Labbaik Allahumma Umrah wal Hajj”.

TALBIYAH

It is the Sunnah to recite the Talbiyyah loudly (for men) from the point of the Miqat until you reach Mecca (Makkah al-Mukarramah). The Talbiyyah is as follows: “Labbaik Allahumma labbaik, labbaika la shareeka laka labbaik, innal hamda wanne’matah laka wal mulk, la shareeka laka” (“Here I am, O Allah! Here I am; Here I am, there is no partner unto You, Here I am; all praise and favors and sovereignty belong to You, there is no partner unto You”).

ENTERING MASJID AL HARAM

1) Recite the Talbiyyah until you enter Masjid al-Haram. You can enter the Masjid from any gate available and leave by any gate. 2) Enter with right foot first. The Sunnah is to say the following when entering: “Allahhummaaftah li abwaba rahmatik” (“O Allah the doors to your mercy”) 3) Once you have entered Masjidul Haram make Al Idtibaa’, which is to uncover the right shoulder and cover the left with the ridaa’ (upper towel).

TAWAF AL QADOUM (CIRCUMBULATION OF ARRIVING)

1) Go straight to Al Hajr Al Aswad (The Black Stone) and start your tawaf from there. There is no need to make salutations of the masjid (i.e. pray tahyahtul masjid), as tawaf is salah. 2) Touch the black stone with right hand and say Allahu Akbar. It is worth noting that Prophet Muhammad () used to kiss it and then say Allahu Akbar.

  1. Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said when approaching the Black Stone: “I know you cannot harm nor benefit, but because I saw the Messenger () kiss you, I do it” (Muslim).
  2. You can put your walking stick on it as Umar al Khattab did.
  3. If you can not touch the black stone, raise your right hand and point towards it and say Allahu Akbar. To point the hand is called ‘Istilam’. Don’t raise your left hand.
  4. Then make tawaf around the kaaba anti-clockwise seven times.

Dua (ءاعد) supplication during Tawaf

1) You may recite the following Dua whilst making tawaf: “Subhanallah, walhamdulillah, wala ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar, wala hawla wala quwwata illa billah” “Glory be to Allah, All praise is to Allah, there is no god but Allah. There is no power and no strength except in Allah.” 2) Towards the end of each tawaf (round) when passing Yemeni Corner recite the following dua “Rabbana aatina fidduniya hasanah wa fil aakhirati hasanah wa qina azaban nar.” (“O Allah, our Lord, give us good in this world, and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of fire”). 3) It is acceptable to recite the Quran during tawaf since it is dhikr (remembrance). 4) You may make dua in any language you while performing tawaf. However, it is recommended in Arabic since it is part of the Sunnah. 5) Study the dua of Prophet Muhammad ().

Raml (walking quickly with short steps)

1) The Sunnah is to hurry in the first three tawaf (recommended for men not women). This is known as Raml. 2) The last four should be done at ease. Thus, it’s better if the women meet their men at a meeting point after making the tawaf.

Taharah (Purity)

1) You must have purity for tawaf the minimum being wudu. 2) If you forget how many tawaf you made, then build on yakeen (certainty) and continue counting from the last tawaf. 3) If you break your wudu during tawaf, you must go back and make wudu and start the count from the last full tawaf, i.e. starting again at the Hajr Al-Aswad (The Black Stone).

PRAYING BEHIND MAQAM AL-IBRAHIM

1) When you have completed your seventh Tawaf, cover right shoulder with the ridaa’ (towel). 2) Go to Maqam Al-Ibrahim and pray two rakats of voluntary salah (nafilah). 3) You need to pray behind Maqam Al-Ibrahim. However, you can pray anywhere in the masjid as a divine permit if you are unable to pray directly behind the Maqam Al-Ibrahim. 5) Don’t pray in Jama’ah (congregation). 6) Prophet Muhammad () used to recite the following surahs:

  1. Surah Al-Kafiroun – “Say O you Disbelievers” [EMQ 109] in the first rakah.
  2. Surah Al-Ikhlas – “Say He Allah is One” [EMQ 112] in the second rakah.

DRINKING ZAMZAM WATER

1) After praying 2 rakat at Maqam Al-Ibrahim, touch or kiss the black stone and say Allahu Akbar (recommended). 2) Then drink Zamzam water. 3) Perform Sa’ee.

SA’EE (BETWEEN SAFAA AND MARWAH)

Dua’ (supplication) between Safaa and Marwah

Firstly go to Mount Safaa, any step of it, and face the qibla. Raise your hands, and say the following verse: “Innas-Safaa wal marwata min sha’aairillah” (“Verily! Safaa and Al Marwah (two mountains in Mecca (Makkah al-Mukarramah)) are of the Symbols of Allah”). Then say the following dua three times. “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa ilaha ilallah wahdahu lashareeka lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul hamd, wa huwa ala kulli shayyin qadir, laa ilaha ilallah wahdahu, anjaza wadahu, wanasara abdahu, wahazamal ahzaab wahadau” (Allah is Great! Allah is Great! Allah is Great! There is none worthy of worship except Allah alone, no partner has He, for Him is the sovereignty and the praise, and He is able to do all things. There is none worthy of worship except Allah alone, He helps his servants, He dealt with the confederate alone).

Key Points to Remember:

  1. Start the Sa’ee at Mount Safah. 2. Always focus on the kaaba when making dua’. 3. It is recommended to make dua three times whenever you reach Mount Safaa and Marwah. 4. It is not necessary to go right to the top of Mount Safah or Marwah rather any point of it. 5. During the Sa’ee there is bit in the middle where to hurry is recommended which is called Raml, this for both men and women (women should take care not to expose themselves). 6. You may continue to perform Sa’ee if you have lost your wudu since the Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with them) were giving the permission to do so. However, you must be on wudu at the start of Sa’ee. 7. If the time for Salah enters while performing Sa’ee, then break away to pray Salah and then continue from the last full cycle that you stopped at. 8. The last Sa’ee (i.e. the 7th one) should finish on Mount Marwah.

Note: On Hajj Tamattu you need only to do Sa’ee once which is done with the Umrah, there is no need to do it again. However, you will have to do the Sa’ee again if you stay in Mecca (Makkah al-Mukarramah) after Hajj.

HAJJ

A summary of what is required on each key date has been given below.

7TH OF DHUL HIJJAH

  1. You must stay in Mecca (Makkah al-Mukarramah) and not leave for Mina. This is sometimes done for the convenience of the travel agent and not from the Sunnah.

8TH OF DHUL HIJJAH – YAWMUL TARWIYYAH

  1. Make ihram, from anyplace you are in Mecca (Makkah al-Mukarramah), you do not need to go to any mosque. 2. It is recommended to make ghusl (bath) and wear perfume beforehand. 3. Go and pray fajr at Masjidul Haram, then go to Mina. 4. At Mina you will pray Zhuhr and Asr combined without shortening. You will do the same with magrib and Isha. 5. You must be in Ihram before you go to Mina. If you do not have your ihram on you need to go back to Mecca (Makkah al-Mukarramah) to make ihram. 6. You will spend the night in Mina.

9TH OF DHUL HIJJAH – YAWMUL Arafat

AL WAQIF BIL Arafat (STANDING AT Arafat)

  1. After sunrise you must leave Mina to go to Arafat 2. Make sure you pray Fajr in Mina first 3. The Messenger () said “Al Hajj al Arafat – Hajj is Arafat” 4. You can go to Masjid Namirah (optional) 5. The Imam will give a khutbah then lead the Zhuhr salah and then tell the Hajjis to combine their salah with Asr 6. Stay in Arafat until Maghrib. Cant leave Arafat before Maghrib 7. The is a place called Wadi Urana in Arafat; you must avoid to stand there 8. If you have a horse or a camel it is recommended to stand over it. The Messenger () stood over his camel and made dua facing the qibla 9. Whilst in Arafat you can do dawah, command good and forbid evil, read Qur’an, the best is to make dua (supplication). Te Messenger () said the best dua’ is the one of Arafat, 10. the Messenger () made the following dua in Arafat:

“Laa ilaha ilallah, wahdahu laa shareeka lahu , lahul mulku wa lahul hamd, yuhyi wa ymeet wa huwa ala kulli shayyin qadr” (There is none worthy of worship except Allah alone, no partner has He, for him is the sovereignty and the praise, he is the one who gives life and takes life and he is able to do all things).

THINGS TO AVOID AT Arafat

  1. Do not pray Maghrib in Arafat but join it with Isha in Muzdalifah 2. In Arafat, avoid any dunya (worldly) matter 3. Idle chit-chat or political talk 4. Do not cover the head with ihram 5. Do not hunt, shave, cut tree whilst in ihram 6. Do not make a special point of standing on the Jabl Ar Rahmah (Mount of Mercy) as it is bidah to believe it is more rewardable

AL WAQIF BIL MUZDALIFAH (STAYING AT MUZDALIFAH)

  1. The Messenger () left after sunset for Muzdalifah 2. Leave Arafat with tranquility 3. Find a place in Muzdalifah and stay till fajr 4. Pray Maghrib and Isha shortened and combined i.e. make one adhan and two Iqaamat; you have until the middle of the night to do this. 5. If you do not reach Muzdalifah before midnight you need to stop where you are and pray 6. In Muzdalifah you can go to an area called Misharul Haram where there is a masjid. Once you are there face the qibla and make dua t this is the Sunnah of the Messenger () 7. You need to collect stones from Muzdalifah to use to stone the Jamaraat 8. Women may leave Muzdalifah before fajr i.e. when two thirds of the night has passed to go to Mina Ibn Abbas (ra) said: “The Messenger () sent me with the weak women, the elderly and the disabled people when it was two thirds of the night”

10TH DHUL HIJJAH – YAWMUL NAHR (The Day of Slaughtering)

  1. This is the Day of Eid al Adha 2. Pray Fajr at Muzdalifah and then travel to Mina to stone the Jamrah 3. Make Talbiyyah as you go to Mina, and travel at a hurried pace 4. First pray Zhuhr in Mina before you go to Wadi Muhasr (the place to stone the Jamarah)

RUMI JAMRAH AL AQABAH (STONING THE FIRST JAMRAH)

  1. There are three Jamaraat there:
  2. Jamarah As Sughra (Small)
  3. Jamarah Al Wasatah (Middle)
  4. Jamarah Al Aqabah/Al Kubrah (Big)
  5. You must only go to Jamrah Al Aqabah on this day. 3. Stone the Jamrah with seven stones saying “Allahu Akbar” each time. 4. Ensure the stones actually hit the Jamrah, preferably going into the hole/funnel 5. When stoning the Jamarah Mecca (Makkah al-Mukarramah) should be on your left and Mina to your right 6. Once you have finished stoning you will go and make Qurbani (sacrificial slaughtering of an offering)

DHABIH AL HADI (SLAUGHTER AN OFFERING)

  1. It is rewardable to do the slaughtering yourself 2. If you cannot then delegate this duty to someone who is trustworthy 3. The condition for the one that slaughters are that he must be Muslim and prays 4. If you delegate the slaughtering, verify that it took place, either by confirming or witnessing it. 5. Normally people will offer a sheep for slaughtering, though you can offer extra to please Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) i.e. a camel etc, note this is not obligatory 6. Once you have slaughtered then shave or trim the hair

TAQSEER WAL HALAQ (TRIMMING OR SHAVING HAIR)

  1. Men have to option to shave the head (recommended) or trim. Women should only trim their hair. The Messenger () made dua’ three times for the one who shaved their hair, whereas he () made dua only once for the one who trimmed his hair. 2. You may now have a wash and change out of ihram and wear fresh clothes 3. After that all prohibitions are removed except having intercourse with your wife, this is called: At Tahallul

TAWAFUL IFAADAH

  1. Go back to Masjidul Haram and make seven circumbulations around the Kaaba (Tawaful Ifaadah) 2. There is no need to prayer two rakat behind Makam Ibrahim after this tawaf 3. There is no need to do idtaaba’ as you will make tawaf in your ordinary clothes 4. Then do the Sa’ee for Hajj between Safaa and Marwah 5. Leave Mecca (Makkah al-Mukarramah) to return back to Mina before midnight 6. All that all things are halal even your wife.

THE ORDER OF ACTS ON THE 10TH OF DHUL HIJJAH

The ayah says, Then let them complete the prescribed duties (Manasik of Hajj) for them, and perform their vows, and circumambulate the Ancient House (the Kaaba at Mecca). (Al-Hajj 22:29)

From which we derive the order of acts on the day as follows:

  1. Rumi – Stoning Jamarah2. Halaq wa Taqseer – Shave or trim hair3. Dhabi Hadi – Slaughter animal 4. Tawaful Ifaadah – Tawaf of Hajj

However to do it in a different order is acceptable as the following hadith say. Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amar:

I saw the Prophet near the Jamarah and the people were asking him questions (about religious problems). A man asked, “O Allah’s Apostle! I have slaughtered the Hadi (animal) before doing the Rami.” The Prophet replied, “Do the Rami (now) and there is no harm.” Another person asked, “O Allah’s Apostle! I got my head shaved before slaughtering the animal.” The Prophet replied, “Do the slaughtering (now) and there is no harm.” So on that day, when the Prophet was asked about anything as regards the ceremonies of hajj performed before or after its due time his reply was, “Do it (now) and there is no harm.” [Bukhari]

11TH DHUL HIJJAH

RUMI (STONING) DAY 2

  1. From Mina after Zhuhr Salah go to Stone the Jamaraat. 2. Start by small, then middle and then the biggest; using 7 stones for each jamarah. 3. Mecca (Makkah al-Mukarramah) should be on your left hand side and mina on your right. 4. Make dua facing the qibla, after stoning the small and middle Jamaraat, but not after the big one. 5. Spend the night in Mina.

12TH DHUL HIJJAH

RUMI (STONING) DAY 3

  1. From Mina after Zhuhr Salah go to Stone Jamarah. 2. Go there and start by small, then middle and then the biggest; using 7 stones for each jamarah. 3. Mecca (Makkah al-Mukarramah) should be on your left hand side and mina on your right. 4. After this go back to Mina and leave for Mecca (Makkah al-Mukarramah). You must leave the borders of Mina before Maghrib. 5. The one who does not must stay for a forth day and complete stoning prior to leaving. You have the length of the entire day to do so and then leave.

TAWAFUL WADAA’ (FAREWELL TAWAF)

  1. Tawaful Wadaa’ is the farewell tawaf for when you leave Mecca. 2. There is no prayer behind Makam Ibrahim for this tawaf. 3. It can be left, but best not to leave it more than two days. 4. Upon completion of Tawaful Wadaa’ you must leave the Miqat area.

Ibn Abbas (ra) said,

“The Messenger (PBUH) said the last thing you do in Mecca after mina is to leave Mecca.”

THIS NOW COMPLETES YOUR HAJJ. Should you remain and stay in the province then please note that the remainder of stay is not part of hajj nor should be attributed to it. A common practice is to go to Madinah after hajj and to stay there 8 days to complete 40 sessions of prayer. This is not part of Hajj and is a bidah (innovation) should it be attributed to Hajj. However you may travel to Madinah after Hajj and pray as often as you like in the Prophet (PBUH) Mosque ‘Masjid an-Nabawi is the second Most Holiest Mosque.

Nimra Mosque, Al-Khaif Mosque, Masjid Uqbah and Taneem Mosque

Taneem Mosque (Masjid Ayesha)

The mosque is roughly 4.5 miles (7.2 km) from Masjid al-Haram. This mosque is also known as Masjid Ayesha. “When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) performed his pilgrimage, he advised his companions to start with the Umrah and wait for the pilgrimage days to start on their major duty. However, Ayesha was on her menstrual period and was unable to perform the Umrah on her arrival. When she mentioned to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that she would go back having performed the pilgrimage only while others did both duties, he told her brother to take her to the nearest point outside the Haram area. He took her to Taneem where she started her Ihram again and came back to perform the Umrah.” (Shakoor, Ahamed A.).

Nimra Mosque

Nimra mosque is located next to Mount Arafat. Part of the mosque is actually within the borders of Mount Arafat.

Al-Khaif Mosque

Al-Khaif Mosque is located in Mina. Prophet Muhammad (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) prayed here during hajj. Pilgrims also pray in the Mosque during their stay at Mina.

Masjid Biah/Masjid Uqbah

Masjid Biah/Uqbah is located in Mina, near Jamarat. It is here that the Ansar of Medina who were of the Banu Khazraj and the Banu Aws tribes pledged their allegiance with Prophet Muhammad (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him).

Mina,Mount Arafat, Zamzam Well and The Black Stone

Mina

It is in this city of Mina near Mecca that the Hajj pilgrims perform the ritual stoning of the Devil (ramy al-jamarat) on the last day of the Hajj. In the low lying Mina valley is the Jamarat Valley. Three pillars stand here, representing Satan or the Devil, the perpetrator of all evil. The pilgrims denounce sin and stone these pillars, pledging allegiance to God and virtue. Mina is best known for the role it plays during the annual Hajj pilgrimage when its tent cities provided by the Saudi government give temporary accommodation to millions of visiting pilgrims. In the low lying Mina valley is the Jamarat Valley. Three pillars stand here, representing Satan or the Devil is where pilgrims cast stones at them which is performed between sunrise and sunset on the last day of the Hajj.

Jabal ar-Rahmah (Mount Arafat)

The Hill of Arafat is also known as Jabal ar-Rahmah, meaning Mountain of Mercy. On the ninth day of hajj, pilgrims leave Mina for Mount Arafat where they stand in contemplative vigil and pray and recite the Qur’an. It is here that Prophet Muhammad (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) gave his last sermon to the Muslims who had accompanied him for the Hajj towards the end of his life. A pilgrim’s Hajj is considered invalid if they do not spend the afternoon on Mount Arafat.

Zamzam Well

Allah (the Glorified and Exalted) created the well to provide Hajira, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (peace be upon him), and her baby Prophet Ismail (Ishmael) (peace be upon him) with water in the hot, dry valley they were in, around the year 2000 BC. In her desperate search for water, Hajira ran seven times back and forth in the scorching heat between the two hills of Safa and Marwa to provide for her baby who was dying of thirst. The Zamzam Well is located approximately 20 m (66 ft) east of the Kaaba.

Hajar al-Aswad (The Black Stone)

Hajar al-Aswad (The Black Stone) is situated on the south-eastern corner of the holy Kaaba which marks the starting and finishing point for circling the Kaaba (known as tawaaf). Today, only parts of the stone are present; consisting of 8 pieces of varying sizes. These are affixed to a larger stone, encased in a silver frame and attached to the corner of the Kaaba about 1.5 meters above the ground. Prophet Muhammad (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) informed us of three main virtues of the Stone: 1) Allah sent it down to earth from paradise whiter than milk; however the sins of mankind turned it black. 2) It will come on the Day of Judgment with two eyes with which it will see and a tongue with which it will speak and will testify for those who have touched it in truth and sincerity. 3) Touching the Stone is also one of the means by which Allah erases sins.

Where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his first revelation

Where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his first revelation

Jabal-al-nour-the-mountain-of-light
Jabal-al-nour-the-mountain-of-light

Jabal al-Nour is located in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia, just outside of Mecca. Jabal al-Nour translates to “Mountain of Light.” Prophet Muhammad (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) received his first revelation from Allah (the Glorified and Exalted) through Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) in the Hira cave which is on this mountain. Prophet Muhammad (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to climb this mountain often even before receiving his fist revelation from Allah (the Glorified and Exalted).

Ghar Hira (Cave of Hira)

On Jabal al-Nour is Ghar Hira (Cave of Hira). It is a small cave about 3.5 meters long and a little over 1.5 meters wide. It is in this cave that Prophet Muhammad (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) found the solitude he needed to meditate. The Prophet (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) would come here to find solitude In the year 610, when Prophet Muhammad (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was 40 years old, he received his first divine revelation from Allah (the Glorified and Exalted) through Angel Jibreel. When Angel Jibreel, appeared to him he said, Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who has created (all that exists), He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood), Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous, Who has taught (the writing) by the pen. He has taught man that which he knew not. Holy Quran (Al Alaq 96: 1-5).

Jabal Thawr (Thawr Mountain)

Prophet Muhammad (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) took refuge in Cave of Thawr from the Quraysh during their migration to Madinah.

It is in this mountain that the houses the cave where Prophet Muhammad (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) stayed for three days and nights fleeing persecution from the Quraysh during their migration to Madinah. The mountain is at the southern end of Mecca and rises about 760 meters above sea level.

Ghar al-Thawr (Cave of Thawr)

This is the cave in Mountain Thawr that the Prophet (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) took refuge. The Quraish people almost entered the cave because they believed that Prophet Muhammad (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was in there. But since Allah (the Glorified and Exalted) commanded a spider to spin a web from a bush across the entrance of the cave and Allah (the Glorified and Exalted) also commanded two doves to fly down between the spider and the tree, make a nest and lay eggs. When the pursuers reached close to the cave’s entrance they thought it was impossible that someone could have entered the cave without ruining the spider web.

Makkah-Masjid al-Haram,Mecca

Makkah-Masjid al-Haram,Mecca

Makkah officially Makkah al-Mukarramah,is the holiest city in Islam and the capital of the Makkah Province of Saudi Arabia. The city is located 70 km (43 mi) inland from Jeddah on the Red Sea,The very first construction of the Kaaba was done by Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his son Ismail(peace be upon him) as a house of worship to one God Allah (the Glorified and Exalted) says in the Quran that this was the first house that was built for humanity to worship Allah (the Glorified and Exalted). Soon after Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) died,people started filling the Kaaba with idols. It was not until Prophet Muhammad (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) defeated the idol-worshipers that the idols inside the Kaaba were destroyed.

One of the Five Pillars of Islam requires every Muslim to perform the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in his or her lifetime if they are able to do so. Multiple parts of the Hajj require pilgrims to walk seven times around the Kaaba in a counter-clockwise direction. This circumambulation (Tawaf), is also performed by pilgrims during Umrah.

Muslims around the world face the Kaaba during prayers, no matter where they are. This is called facing the Qiblah. As mentioned in this verse in the Quran, “Verily, We have seen the turning of your (Muhammad’s Peace be upon him)  face towards the heaven. Surely, We shall turn you to a Qiblah (prayer direction) that shall please you, so turn your face in the direction of Masjid al-Haram. And wheresoever you people are, turn your faces (in prayer) in that direction.” [2:144 ]

Al-Masjid al-Haram (The Holy Mosque)

Masjid al-Haram was built around the Kaaba. It is also the largest mosque in the world. It was first built under the leadership of the Caliph Omar Ibn al-Khattab (634-644) and has been modified continuously under several Muslim rulers. Omar, the first Caliph, ordered the demolition of some houses surrounding the Kaaba in order to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims and built a 1.5 meter high wall to delineate a large prayer area. During the reign of his successor Caliph Uthman Ibn Affan (644-656), the prayer space was enlarged and was covered with a roof carried on wooden columns and arches. In 692, after Caliph Abdul Malik bin Marwan conquered Mecca from Ibn Zubayr, the guardian of the holy site, the outer walls of the mosque were raised, the ceiling was covered with teak and the column capitals were painted in gold. His son, al-Walid (705-715), contributed to the Mosque of al-Haram by replacing the wooden columns with marble ones and by decorating its arches with mosaics. Later, Abbasid Caliph Abu Ja’far al-Mansur (754-775) added mosaics to the columns. He also doubled the size of the northern and western wings of the prayer hall and erected the minaret of Bab al-Umra on the northwest corner. In 777, due to the growing number of pilgrims, Abbasid Caliph al-Mahdi (775-785) ordered the rebuilding of the mosque, demolishing more houses around the Kaaba. The new mosque enclosure centered on the Kaaba, measured 196 meters by 142 meters. It was built on a grid plan, with marble columns from Egypt and Syria, decorated with gilt teak wooden inlay. Al-Mahdi also built three minarets crowned with crenellations and placed above Bab al-Salam, Bab Ali and Bab al-Wadi of the mosque

Umrah1441 H Yearly Update

Umrah1441 H Yearly Update

Umrah 1441 Hijri  Yearly Updates.

Ministry of Hajj and Umrah,released the yearly stats till Thursday (26th of December). That is after accessing information such as the number of visas issued, footfall of pilgrims visiting the Kingdom via air, land or sea, and the highest number of nationalities entering the Kingdom.

From 01st Muharram to 07 Rabi Al- Akhir 1441 H

From 31st August 2020 to 26th December 2019

The Ministry has announced the issuance of 2,371,441 visas and arrival of 2,031,213 pilgrims to the Kingdom, by the end of 26th of December 2019.

“Most pilgrims arrived in the Kingdom via air with a total of 1,938,991 pilgrims while 91,443 entered by land entry point and 779 pilgrims arrived via seaports,” the Ministry stated.

According to the Ministry, the highest number of pilgrims of various nationalities, entering the Kingdom are 495,270 Pakistanis, 443,879 Indonesians, 262,887 Indians, 116,335 Malaysians, 104,820 Egyptians, 80,238 Algerians, 78,512 Turkish, 73,142 Bangladeshis, 46,370 Emiratis, and 32,011 Jordanians.

Meanwhile, the number of pilgrims who left the Kingdom is 1,559,764 after completing Umrah.

Recently, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has also launched the insurance of expat Umrah pilgrims who arrive in Saudi Arabia, and that is to provide exceptional services to the Guests of Allah. The insurance will also play a role in facilitating the pilgrims’ spiritual journey in the Kingdom and quickly fix problems they might face during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Mohammad Saleh Benten has also explained that the insurance of expat Umrah pilgrims is one of the ministry’s initiatives that contribute to achieving one of the main goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to improve the pilgrims experience and enable them to perform Umrah rites through quick treatments for the pilgrims to complete Umrah comfortably and easy

By Air

By Road

By Sea

Pakistan

Malaysia

Emirates

Indonesia

Turkey

Iraq

India

Bangladesh

Jordon

Hajj evaluation and preparations for Umrah soon

Hajj evaluation and preparations for Umrah soon

JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will assess the experience  gained in organizing this year’s exceptional Hajj within two weeks and will try to benefit from it learned.

Dr. Hussein Al-Sharif, deputy minister of Hajj & Umrah for Hajj affairs, said that the ministry will soon start preparations related to the upcoming Umrah season.

He said the ministry will start evaluating lessons learned from the unprecedented pilgrimage,which witnessed high-quality health and organizational procedures amid coronavirus pandemic.

Al-Sharif said that the Hajj pilgrims must spend seven days in home quarantine and they should not leave their homes during this period. The Ministry of Health will follow and check up on them in accordance with its health protocols.

He said that the pilgrims assembled at their accommodation in Makkah after the completion of pilgrimage on Sunday and they would then be taken to the airport for those wishing to travel by air.

As for those who will leave for their cities by road, Ministry is providing transportation facilities to them to send them home and would monitor their health conditions & safety while ensuring their compliance with the quarantine Procedures.

Al-Sharif praised the services, arrangements, and organization for this year’s Hajj season that enabled the pilgrims to perform their rituals in ease and comfort.

Hajj 2023 Makkah Holy pilgrims returns in full-swing after pandemic restrictions end

Hajj 2023 Makkah Holy pilgrims returns in full-swing after pandemic restrictions end. Makkah : Over 2 million Muslims Pilgrims taking part in this week's Hajj pilgrimage to the most holy city of Mecca /Makkah in Saudi Arabia, After the Covid As one of the world's...

Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Announces Issuance of Ramazan Umrah Permits For Pilgrims

Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Announces Issuance of Ramazan Umrah Permits For Pilgrims. Blog Review by Musafir Services Team. The Ministry of Haj & Umrah  officials have announced that they start granting permits to individuals Pilgrim who wish to perform  Umrah...

Demand for Ramazan or Ramadan 2023 Umrah Pilgrims trip on the rise from India Pakistan and Bangladesh

As the number of Umrah  pilgrims are increasing starting from February  that all the Guests Including Umrah Visa, Visit Visa and Family Visa holders are mostly Performing Umrah and Visiting Prophets Mosque to Saudi Arabia by land,Sea and air, The Umrah Packages 2023...

Umrah Packages from India 2023: Online Application, Processing Time, Cost and How to Book Packages to Perform Pilgrimage?

umrah packages from India 2023 Updated February 2023 No Other travel or Journey is more fulfilling for the devout than making a visit and Performing Umrah to the earthly abode of the almighty Allah. Anyone with willingness & means to do so has the best opportunity...

Umrah Visas from India 2023: Online Application, Processing Time, Cost and How to Apply for Visa to Perform Pilgrimage?

Umrah Visas from India 2023: How to Apply Visa from India to Perform the Pilgrimage ? Updated 21st February 2023 The Umrah Pilgrimage is a minor, non-compulsory Rituals that any Muslim able-bodied with adequate and Good financial means may undertake to get the...

Non Umrah performers can apply for Tawaf permit soon

SAUDI ARABIA MAKKAH — Visitors & Worshipers other than #Umrah pilgrims performers will also be allowed soon to perform (Tawaf) circumambulation around the Holy Kaaba , Okaz News has learnt from well-informed sources in #Makkah. Tawakkalna and Eatmarna  application...

Umrah Performing Starting From Masjid E Ayesha Importance and History

Masjid e Ayesha: History And Importance of Performing Umrah Masjid e Ayesha, known as Masjid e Taneem or Taneem Mosque it is a renowned Masjid (destination) for pilgrims performing rituals of the umrah and Hajj. This Masjid Named as Masjid e Aisha after the wife of...

Umrah Resumption Fully vaccinated foreign pilgrims to begin arriving from 09 Aug 2021

Umrah Resumption Fully vaccinated foreign pilgrims to begin arriving from 09 Aug 2021 “The Grand Mosque Makkah & Madina is ready to receive pilgrims and worshippers for Umrah 2021 & Umrah 2022” said the deputy head of the affairs of the Grand Mosque, Saad bin Muhammad...

Haj 2021 Vaccinated 60000 pilgrims residing in Saudi Arabia can perform Hajj

JEDDAH — Ministry of Haj & Umrah Authorities in Saudi Arabia have decided to allow 60,000 pilgrims of vaccinated citizens and residents who are already in the Kingdom to do this year’s Hajj. In a statement on Saturday, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said in light of...

Haj 2021 Saudi Arabia is all set for allowing 60,000 Pilgrims

Saudi Arabia is all set for welcoming Pilgrims for Hajj 2021. Due to pandemic, several stringent measures are being laid in place to contain the spread of infection during the annual Islamic pilgrimage. Hajj and Umrah Ministry said that Hajj 2021 will go ahead this...