Hajj & Umrah


NFORMATION

These notes have been prepared by the Council on Islamic Education, a national, non-profit educational resource organization, dedicated to providing information on Islam and Muslims to Non Muslims.
Islam has two major religious celebrations. The first occurs after the completion of Ramadan, the Islamic month during which Muslims (believers in Islam) fast daily from dawn to sunset as part of an effort towards self-purification and betterment. This holiday is known as Eid ul-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast).
The second major Islamic celebration takes place during the time of theHajj, or annual pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca). This week-long event occurs two months and ten days after Ramadan ends, during the Islamic month of DhulHijjah, and its culmination is a holiday known as Eid ul-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). The Hajj consists of several ceremonies, meant to symbolize the essential concepts of the Islamic faith, and to commemorate the trials of prophet Abraham and his family. Over two million Muslims perform the pilgrimage annually, and the rest of the over one billion Muslims world-wide celebrate the Eid holiday in conjunction with the Hajj.
In order to teach about the important holidays of Islam, teachers can photocopy the "Information for Students" pages of this packet and distribute them to their students. After providing 15-20 minutes to read the pages, teachers can use the provided questions to guide discussion and elicit responses from the students. Some suggested activities for students are also included in this packet.

ABRAHAM
Abraham is a figure revered by Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike as a righteous person who lived over four thousand years ago. His story can be found in the Bible as well as the Qur'an (the Muslim holy book). Abraham is considered to be the patriach of monotheism, or "belief in the One God," who sought a personal relationship with his Creator. He left his native city of Ur in Mesopotamia after voicing opposition to his people's polytheistic practices, and eventually settled in Egypt with his family. Later, he escorted one of his wives, Hajar, and their infant son Ishmail, to a desolate valley in Arabia and left them there, trusting in God's promise to care for them.Hajar, concerned about feeding her young baby, began searching the surroundings for food and water. According the the Qur'an, in response to Hajar's prayers, a spring miraculously gushed forth at Ishma'il's feet to quench their thirst. Hajar climbed nearby hills searching for food and looking for caravans on the horizon. Eventually, some passing traders stopped in the valley, and asked Hajar's permission to water their camels. In time, the traders decided to settle in the little valley, and eventually the settlement grew into the city of Makkah. Abraham returned from time to time to visit, and when Ishma'il was about thirteen years old, he and Ishma'il constructed the Katbah, an empty cube-shaped building, as a place dedicated for the worship of the One God. Eventually, Makkah became an important trading post by the time of Prophet Muhammad, twenty- five hundred years later.
THE HAJJ
In commemoration of the trials of Abraham and his family in Makkah, which included Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son in response to God's command, Muslims make a pilgrimage to the sacred city at least once in their lifetime. The Hajj is one of the "five pillars" of Islam, and thus an essential part of Muslims' faith and practice.Muslims from all over the world, including the United States, travel to Makkah (in modern- day Saudi Arabia). Before arriving in the holy city, Muslims enter a state of consecration (dedication) known as ihram, by removing their worldly dothes and donning the humble attire of pilgrimsÑtwo seamless white sheets for men, and simple white dresses and scarves for women. The white garments are symbolic of human equality and unity before God, since all the pilgrims are dressed similarly. Money and status no longer are a factor for the pilgrims - the equality of each person in the eyes of God becomes paramount.
Upon arriving in Makkah, pilgrims perform the initial tawaf, which is a circular, counter- clockwise procession around the Ka'bah. All the while, they state "Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk," which means "Here I am at your service, O God, Here I am!" The tawaf is meant to awaken each Muslim's consciousness that God is the center of their reality and the source of all meaning in life, and that each person's higher self-identity derives from being part of the community of Muslim believers, known as the ummah. Pilgrims also perform the sa'i, which is hurrying seven times between the small hills named Safa and Marwah, reenacting the Biblical and Qurtanic story of Hajar's desperate search for lifegiving water and food.
Next, on the first official day of Hajj (8th of Dhul-Hijjah), the two million pilgrims travel a few miles to the plain of Mina and camp there. From Mina, pilgrims travel the following morning to the plain of Arafat where they spend the entire day in earnest supplication and devotion. That evening, the pilgrims move and camp at Muzdalifa, which is a site between Mina and Arafat. Muslims stay overnight and offer various prayers there.
Then the pilgrims return to Mina on the 10th, and throw seven pebbles at a stone pillar that represents the devil. This symbolizes Abraham's throwing stones at Satan when he tried to dissuade Abraham from sacrificing his son. Then the pilgrims sacrifice a sheep, reenacting the story of Abraham,who, in place of his son, sacrificed a sheep that God had provided as a substitute. The meat from the slaughtered sheep is distributed for consumption to family, friends, and poor and needy people in the community. After the sacrifice, the pilgrims return to Makkah to end the formal rites of Hajj by performing a final tawaf and sa'i.
Muslims believe the rites of the Hajj were designed by God and taught through prophet Muhammad. Muslims believe that since the time of Adam, there have been thousands of prophets, including such well-known figures as Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and David, and that Muhammad was the final prophet of God.
The Hajj is designed to develop God consciousness and a sense of spiritual upliftment. It is also believed to be an opportunity to seek forgiveness of sins accumulated thoughout life. Prophet Muhammad had said that a person who performs Hajj properly "will return as a newly born baby [free of all sins]." The pilgrimage also enables Muslims from all around the world, of different colors, languages, races, and ethnicities, to come together in a spirit of universal brotherhood and sisterhood to worship the One God together.
EID-UL-ADHA
Although only the pilgrims in Makkah can participate in the Hajj fully, all the other Muslims in the world join with them by celebrating the Eid ul Adha [eed ul ud-ha], or Festival of Sacrifice. On the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, Muslims around the world wear their nicest clothing and attend a special prayer gathering in the morning. This is followed by a short sermon, after which everyone stands up to hug and greet one another. The traditional Eid greeting is "Eid Mubarak," which means "Holiday Blessings." Next, people visit each other's homes and partake in festive meals with special dishes, beverages, and desserts. Children receive gifts and sweets on this joyous occasion.In addition, like the pilgrims in Makkah, those Muslims who can afford to do so offer domestic animals, usually sheep, as a symbol of Abraham's sacrifice. The meat is distributed for consumption to family, friends, and to the poor and needy.
The Eid ul-Adha is a major religious event in the lives of Muslims. Usually, communities celebrate tnis occasion over a period of several days.
VOCABULARY LIST
LUNAR CALENDAR
Ramadan - the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset.Eid ul-Fitr - Festival at the end of Ramadan, in celebration of ending the month of fasting.
Dhul-Hijjah - the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which the Hajj takes place, from the 8th through 13th.
Eid ul-Adha - Festival that takes place during the Hajj, on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, in commemoration of the sacrifices of Abraham and his family.
PEOPLE:
Abraham - a prophet and righteous person revered by Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike as the patriarch (father figure) of monotheism.Hajar - one of Abraham's wives, who, along with her infant son Ishma'il, was settled in Arabia by Abraham.
Ishma'il - the elder son of Abraham, who helped Abraham build the Ka'bah when he was thirteen years old.
PLACES:
Arafat - a place where pilgrims travel to as part of the Hajj. There pilgrims offer prayers throughout the day.Makkah (Mecca) - the sacred city of Muslims, in modernday Saudi Arabia, where the Ka'bah is located.
Mina - a place where pilgrims camp, located on the outskirts of Makkah. Muzdalifa - a place where pilgrims stay overnight and pray during the Hajj. Safa and Marwah - two hills near the Ka'bah.
THE HAJJ:
Hajj - the annual pilgrimage (spiritual journey) to Makkah, performed by two million Muslims every year.Ihram - a state of consecration (dedication) in which Muslims remove their worldly clothing and don the simple, white attire of pilgrims. This symbolizes a state of purity and human equality. Ka'bah - an empty cube-shaped structure built as a house of worship by Abraham and Ishma'il, for the worship of the One God.
"Labbayka Allakumma Labbayk" - a statement which pilgrims call out while performing the Hajj, which means "Here I am at your service, O God, Here I am!"
Sa'i - one of the rites of the Hajj, in which pilgrims hurry between two hills, Safa and Marwah, reennacting Hajar's desperate search for food and water.
Tawaf - one of the rites of the Hajj, in which pilgrims move in a circular, counter-clockwise procession around the Ka'bah.
Ummah - the entire Muslim community around the world, which comprises over one billion people of every race, color, and ethnicity.
MISCELLANEOUS:
"Eid Mubarak" - a greeting used by Muslims during the Eid holidays. It means "Holiday Blessings!"Monotheism - belief in One God.
Polytheism - belief in many gods.
Qur'an (Koran) - the holy book of Muslims
DlSCUSSION QUESTIONS
& SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
After reading the information provided, the following discussion questions can be used for a written or oral activity. (Appropriate answers are indicated in parentheses)1. What are the two major religious celebrations in Islam, and what important events do they correlate with? (Eid ul-Fitr correlates with Ramadan, Eid ul-Adha correlates with the Hajj)
2.Explain the concept of a lunar calendar. Because the lunar calendar is shorter than the Gregorian calendar, even though the Islamic date for Eid ul-Adha remains the same every year (10th of Dhul Hijjah), the holiday falls 11 days earlier every year in the Gregorian calendar. In 1996, the Eid tentatively falls on April 28. What days will it fall on in 1997 and 1998, according to the sighting of the new moon? (April 18 and April 7)
3.What is the Hajj, and how many Muslims participate every year? (annual pilgrimage to Makkah; two million)
4.Overall, what do the ceremonies of the Hajj symbolize? (They symbolize the essential concepts of the Islamic faith, such as monotheism, and commemorate the trials of Prophet Abraham and his family.)
5.How do Muslims, Jews, and Christians view Abraham? (He is a figure revered by these three religious groups because he is considered to be the patriarch of monotheism, who sought a relationship with the One God.) 6.How did the city of Makkah come to be? (Hajar,once left in a desolate valley in Arabia, began searching for water. In response to her prayers, a spring gushed forth. Eventually, some traders stopped in the valley to water their camels, and over time decided to settle there. This settlement became the city of Makkah.)
7.What is the significance of the Ka'bah, and who was it built by? (The Ka'bah was built by Abraham and his elder son Ishma'il as the first house of worship dedicated to the worship of the One God.)
8.How often must a Muslim perform the Hajj? (at least once in their lifetime)
9.In what way do the pilgrims change their physical appearance before embarking on the Hajj? (Muslims enter a state of consecration, ihram, by removing one's worldly clothes and donning the attire of the 5 pilgrims - two seamless white sheets for men and simple white dresses and scarves for women.)
10. What is the significance of the white garments of the pilgrim? (They are symbolic of human equality and unity before God.)
11. What are other ceremonies that pilgrims must perform during the time of the Hajj? (tawaf, sa'i, and travelling to other locations close to Makkah.)
12.Explain the importance of the Hajj. (Muslims believe it was designed by God (Allah) and taught through Prophet Muhammad to make each pilgrim aware that he or she has a unique and personal responsibility to seek truth and to pursue justice by promoting good and opposing evil in human affairs.)
13.What did Prophet Muhammad say about the Muslims who perform the Hajj properly? (A pilgrim who performs the Hajj properly will "return as a newly born baby [free of all sins]."
14. What does the pilgrimage enable Muslims from all over the world to do? (It enables them to come together in a spirit of universal brotherhood and sisterhood to worship the One God together.)
15. What is one of the lessons learned by a Muslim on the Hajj? (The equality of all people, regardless of wealth or status, is an essential and important part of Islam.)
16.When does Eid ul-Adha take place? (10th of the Islamic lunar month Dhul-Hijjah)
17. How do Muslims celebrate the Eid holiday? What is the significance of the celebration? (Muslims celebrate by dressing in their nicest clothes, gathering for a special Eid prayer, then greeting one another with "Eid Mubarak". Later, they visit one another's homes to share meals, and give gifts. The significance of Eid lies in remembering Abraham and his family's sacrifices.)


In this article the procedure to wear Ihram and to perform the rites of Hajj and Umrah are presented in a simplified way. Also included is the procedure to visit the Holy Prophet (pbuh)'s Tomb and his Mosque.

1. IHRAM
The literal meaning of Ihram is to make haraam (forbidden). When a haji pronounces theNiyyah (intention) of Hajj and Umrah and utters Talbiyah, certain halaal (permissible) things become haraam for him. This combined action (Niyyah and Talbiyah) is called Ihram. The two sheets that a haji wears are figuratively known as Ihram but the real Ihram is Niyyah & Talbiyah. If someone wears these two sheets and does not declare his intention and utter Talbiyah, he does not become a Muhrim. That is why, before Niyyah and Talbiyah, he can cover his head during two rakahs of Nafl, an act which is not allowed in the real state of   Ihram.
PROCEDURE
  1. Preparations for Ihram. Comb your hair, shape the beard, trim your mustache, cut your nails, and remove unwanted body hair.
  2. Purification. Take a bath with the intention of Ihram otherwise do wudu. Here it is noted that there are two ways of purification:
    • Purification of the body, shower or wudu.
    • Internal purification, sincere repentance on your sins. Say something like this: "O Allah, I sincerely repent on my sins and seek your forgiveness."
  3. Ihram Sheets. Men should wear a sheet of white cloth around the waist and cover the upper body with the other sheet. Women's ordinary clothes are their Ihram. Both should wear the flip-flops (hawai chappal) so that the middle bones of the upper part of the feet are not covered.
  4. Nafl Salah. If it is not makruh (undesirable) time, offer two rakahs of nafl for Ihram bycovering your heads.
  5. Advice. If going to Jeddah by an airplane, it is convenient to get into the status of Ihram inside the plane. Here is what you do. Do everything at home or at the airport except Niyyah (intention) and Talbiyah. Have your shower, pray two rakahs of nafl but you are still not in the status of ihram because you haven't done the main thing yet, i.e., intention and Talbiyah which is done at or before the boundary line called Miqat.Go to the airplane and sit down with the white sheets on. In a Hajj flight when you are close to Miqat, the pilot will announce that this is the border line to make your intention and to say Talbiyah. Those who did not change their clothes before should do so now although it is not convenient inside the plane. Please note that:
    • It is a good idea to ask at the time of boarding if the arrival of Miqat will be announced by the pilot. If not, make your intention and say Talbiyah on your own approximately one hour before you reach Jeddah.
    • If you are flying with a group, follow the instructions of the group leader.
  6. Intention and Talbiyah. Now uncover your head and declare your intention. It is assumed that you are performing Hajj al-Tammat'u in which Umrah is performed first as described later in the "Kinds of Hajj".
    "O Allah! I intend to perform Umrah. Please make it easy for me and accept it from me. Amen."
    Immediately after that utter the words of Talbiyah three times and as often afterwards as possible. If you don't remember it, you can say its translation in English or in any other language but Talbiah or its translation is pronounced in a loud voice by men and in a subdued voice by women.

    TALBIYAH
    Talbiyah


    "Labbayk,
    Allahumma Labbayk.
    Labbayk.
    La shareeka laka.
    Labbayk.
    Innal-hamda wan-n'imata
    laka wal-mulk.
    La shareeka lak."
    ( Here we come,
    O Allah, here we come !
    Here we come.
    No partner have You.
    Here we come!
    Praise indeed, and blessings, are Yours---
    the Kingdom too!
    No partner have You!)
  7. Du'a. After this recite Darud Sharif and supplicate to Allah Almighty any du'a in Arabic or in your own language.
  8. Prohibitions of Ihram. After intention and Talbiyah, you are in the status of Ihram and from this time on you should not do acts that are forbidden in Ihram , for example, here are some of the things a muhrim must not do:
    • Cover head (men), cover face (women)
    • Cover the middle bone of the upper part of the feet (Both men and women))
    • Shave / cut hair
    • Cut nails
    • Wear perfume
    • Wear stitched clothing (men) / (Women can wear their ordinay clothes)
    • Hunting / killing
    • Sex
  9. Journey towards Makkah. When this sacred journey towards Makkah al-Mukarrama starts, recite Talbiyah frequently on the way. Then enter the city very humbly and with great fondness still reciting Talbiyah.After arranging for your residence, proceed to the Haram Sharif to perform Umrah.

2. HAJJ
KINDS OF HAJJ
There are three ways of performing the Hajj:
  • Hajj al-Tamatt'u (Interrupted)
    This is the easiest way of performing Hajj as described below.
  • Hajj al-Qiran (Combined)
    This denotes entering into ihram for both Umrah and Hajj at the same time, not taking it off until the day of sacrifice at Mina.
    In Qiran one has to stick to the long-lasting restrictions of Ihram
  • Hajj al-Ifrad (Single)
    This means entering into ihram only for the Hajj and taking it off only on the day of sacrifice.

HAJJ   AL-TAMATT'U
People who come to Saudi Arabia from other countries usually perform Hajj al-Tamatt'u. The Ihram they wear on or before Miqat is for Umrah only and perform Umrah first, then they slip into their ordinary clothes and on 8 Zil Hijjah they put onIhram for Hajj at their residence in Makkah and perform the rites of Hajj. It is taken off on the day of sacrifice. This article describes the procedure to perform Hajj al-Tamatt'u.


HOW TO PERFORM UMRAH

THE RITES OF UMRAH: The only rites of Umrah are:
  • Entering the state of Ihram
  • Tawaf of Ka’bah
  • Sa’yee between the hills of Safa and Marwah
  • Shaving or clipping of the hair
IHRAM FOR UMRAH AND ENTERING MASJID AL-HARAM
  1. Ihram: You should be already in Ihram for Umrah before entering Mecca as mentioned above.
  2. Entering Masjid al-Haram: While reciting Talbiyah, enter Masjid al-Haram preferably through Bab
    Entrance to Grand Mosqueas-Salam with right foot first. Supplicate to Allah and proceed towards Ka’bah. You may recite the following supplication which is usually used before entering a mosque:
    Allah huma aftah li abwabe rahmate ka
  3. First Sight: At the first sight of Ka’bah, keep your eyes fixed at Baitullah and standing at one side, it is suggested that you do the following:
    • Say Allahu Akbar three times
    • Say La Ilaha Illallah three times
    • Proclaim Darud on our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) and very humbly and with tears in your eyes supplicate to Allah for whatever you wish. This is a special time for the acceptance of prayers.

      The idea is to praise and glorify your Creator before proclaiming Darud and supplications. Therefore, in lieu of Allahu Akbar and La Ilaha Illallah, you may recite some other similar holy verses if you so desire.
After this, while uttering Talbiyah, move forward to perform Tawaf of Ka’bah.
TAWAF OF UMRAH
Tawaf means circling around something . Here it means moving around Ka’bah seven times with extreme love and devotion.
  1. Preparation: Pass the upper sheet of Ihram from underneath the right arm and put it on the left shoulder. This act bares the right shoulder and is known as Iztaba. Ablutions (vudu) is essential for tawaf. Reciting of Talbiyah is stopped when you reach Hajar-e- Aswad, the starting point of tawaf.
  2. Niyyah (Intention): Stand in front of Ka’bah facing Hajar-e-Aswad (the Black Stone) in such a way that the whole Hajre-e-Aswad is on your right side. To achieve this end, you may get help from the black stripe on the floor. This stripe should be on your right side. Then without raising your hands make Niyyah (intention) for Umrah:
    " O Allah, I perform Tawaf of Umrah to please You. Make it easy for me and accept it from me."
  3. Istilam: Now moving towards right, come in front of Hajar-e-Aswad and kiss it if possible, or touch it with a stick and kiss the stick; if that also is not possible, raise your hands to your ears keeping your open
    Hajre Aswad (The Black Stone)palms towards Hajre-e-Aswad and say:
    " Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lilla Hil Hamd"
    and drop your hands down. Now point the palms of your hands again towards Hajar-e- Aswad and kiss them. This act of kissing Hajar-e-Aswad or pointing towards it is called Istilam.
  4. Tawaf Starts: After Istilam, turn right and start tawaf counter clockwise.WARNING
    • The authorities often apply perfume to Hajar-e-Aswad, Rukn Yamani and Multazam. If so, do not touch them while in the state of Ihram, otherwise a dum will be required as a penalty.
    • During tawaf, it is not permissible to face or turn your back towards Ka’bah except when you are kissing or pointing towards Hajar-e-Aswad.
  5. Ramal: For the first three circuits of Tawaf of Umrah and Tawaf of Arrival, men are required to move their shoulders and walk with quick short steps. This act is called Ramal and is Sunnah. They walk normally during the remaining four circuits.
  6. Supplications of Tawaf: There are no fixed supplications for tawaf but there are several recommended supplications listed in the books of Hajj and Umrah out of which the following supplication is easy to memorize:
    "Subhan-Allah wal-hamdu-lillahi wa la ilaha ill-Allah wa-Allahu Akbar wa la haula wa la quwwata illa-billah."
    If you don’t remember these words, you may glorify Allah by repeatedly uttering:
    Subhan Allah,
    Al-Hamdu lilla,
    Allahu Akbar,
    La Ilaha Illallah, etc.
    The Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) has said that there are two kalimahs that are light on tongue and (on the day of judgment) they weigh heavy on the scale (Mizan) and are liked by Allah. These kalimahs are:
    Subhan Allah Wabe Hamde hi Subhan Allah Hil Azeem (Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmizi)
    You may also use supplications used in the daily Salah or you may seek forgiveness of Allah and ask Him whatever you wish in your own language.
  7. Hatim: Hatim is a semi-circular half-built portion which was originally a part of the Ka’bah but which could not be included in the main structure when the Ka’bah was rebuilt. It is obligatory to go around Hatim also while performing tawaf.
  8. Rukn Yamani and its Supplications: After passing the three corners of the Ka’bah you reach the fourth corner known as Rukn Yamani. Touch it with both hands or with right hand. There is a beautiful supplication to be used while walking between Rukn Yamani and Hajar-e-Aswad:
    "Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina azabin-nar."
    Our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) has repeatedly recited this supplication. The first circuit is complete when you reach Hajar-e-Aswad.
  9. Seven Circuits: At Hajar-e-Aswad, start the second circuit by kissing it or pointing towards it as you started the first circuit, i.e., come in front of Hajar-e-Aswad, raise both hands to your ears with open palms towards it and say:
    " Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lillah Hil Hamd
    Now kiss both palms and drop your hands. After this go around Ka’bah as you did before and similarly complete the seven circuits.
  10. The End of Tawaf: At the end of seven circuits, do Istilam of Hajar-e- Aswad or point towards it eighth time which is Sunnat Mu’akidah. Also say:
    "Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lillah Hill Hamd"
  11. Iztaba Finished : Now Iztaba is finished, therefore, you cover your both shoulders with upper portion of the Ihram sheet. This does not apply to women.
  12. Multazam: Now, come to Multazam which is a place five or six feet in length between Hajar-e-Aswad and the door of Ka’bah. This is a highly sacred place where prayers are accepted. Among a large crowd of people, if it is possible to reach Multazam, cling to it pressing your chest and cheeks, and while trembling and crying with devotion and with all humility seek Allah’s mercy, His blessings and ask Him whatever you wish. If you are unable to come close to Multazam, just face towards it and supplicate from a distance.
  13. Maqam Ibrahim: Next offer two rakahs of nafls behind and close to Maqam Ibrahim without covering
    Muqam Ibrahim (Station of Abraham)your head. If it is zawal time when sajdah is not allowed, you have to wait till this undesirable time is passed and then offer prayers.In the niyyah (intention), say that you are offering 2 rakahs of nafls wajib al- tawaf. Recite Qul ya ayya hal kafroon in the first rakah and Qulhu wallah in the second rakah. After this, supplicate to Allah in Arabic or in your own language. Ask Him whatever you wish and invoke His blessings.
    If it is not possible to offer this obligatory prayer near Maqam Ibrahim, it can be offered anywhere in Mataf, or in Hatim or anywhere in Masjid al-Haram or even at any place in Haram of Makkah.
  14. Zamzam: Now go to Zamzam well situated in the basement of the Haram about 200 feet from the Ka’bah’s door. There are separate portions for men and women. Zamzam is the best available water in the world. Drink this water to fill while in standing position saying Bismillah. Then supplicate to Allah:
    "Allahummah inni as’aluka ilm-an naafi’an wa rizqan waasi’an wa shifa’am min kulli daa’in."

    (O Allah! I implore Thee for beneficial knowledge, for vast provisions, and for cure from every disease.)


SA’EY

The literal meaning of Sa’ey is to run or to make effort, but as a Hajj and Umrah term, Sa’ey denotes
Sa'ey between Safa & Marwawalking back and forth seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah which are situated to the south and north of the Ka’bah respectively. Now there are only signs of these hills and the whole route between them is enclosed in a long gallery.Sa’ey has a historical background. Prophet Abraham left his wife Hazrat Hajra and infant son Hazrat Ismael in the wilderness of Makkah at the command of Allah. The mother and son lived for five days on the food and water they had when the water was completely finished. The mother ran frantically seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah in
search of water for her son. Suddenly the fountain of Zamzam oozed miraculously near the feet of Hazrat Ismael. Sa’ey is included in the rites of Hajj and Umrah to commemorate this event of search and struggle.
HOW TO PERFORM SA’EY
  1. Istilam of Hajar-e-Aswad. Before starting Sa’ey, do Istilam of Hajar-e-Aswad again the ninth time or point towards it, saying:
    "Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lillah Hil Hamad."
    Now Proceed towards Safa. It is a Sunnah to be in the state of ablutions during Sa’ey.
  2. Start of Sa’ey at Safa. Climb the hill of Safa and make intention (niyyah) for Sa’ey:
    " O Allah! I perform Sa’ey between Safa and Marwah to please You. Make it easy for me
    and accept it from me."
    Now recite:
    "Inn-as-Safa wal-Marwah min Sha’a’irillah."
    (Al-Qur’an 2 : 158)

    (Indeed Safa and Marwah are among the Signs of Allah.)
    After this climb Safa to the point from where you can see the Ka’bah, then facing the Ka’bah raise your hands in supplication, say Allahu Akbar three times and recite the following supplication or ask Allah whatever you wish:
    "La ilaha ill-Allahu wahdahu la Sharika lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa ‘ala kulli shai’in Qadeer."
    If you don’t remember this, you may use the supplication recited earlier during Tawaf:
    "Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lillah Hill Hamd"
  3. Proceed towards Marwah. Come down from Safa and move towards Marwah while reciting this supplication:
    "Subhan-Allah wal-hamdu-lillahi wa la ilaha ill-Allah wa-Allahu Akbar wa la haula wa la quwwata illa-billa."
    If you don’t remember this supplication also, recite Subhan Allah, Alhamdu Lillah, Allahu Akbar repeatedly and keep moving. You may also praise Allah and ask for His mercy in your language or use supplications taken from the daily Salah. When you reach two green pillars between which men have to run but the women walk with their normal pace.
  4. At Marwah. When on top of marwah, praise Allah facing the Ka’bah and repeat the same supplications that were recited at Safa. One trip is over, second trip will be on Safa and third trip will be on Marwah.
  5. End of Sa’ey. In the same way, the seventh trip will end at Marwah. In all trips the men will run between the green pillars but the women will walk in a normal way.
  6. Two raka’at Nafl. If it is not an undesirable (Makrooh) time, offer two raka’ats of nafl in the al-Haram.
  7. Shaving or clipping of hair. After Sa’ey, men should get their heads completely shaved or get their hair clipped to the length of the upper third of their finger or a little more. Both shaving and clipping are permissible for men, though shaving is preferable. Women are, however, allowed to have a lock of their hair clipped. They are forbidden to shave their heads.
  8. Umrah is complete. After cutting the hair, umrah is complete. The restrictions of Ihram are finished. Now wear your everyday clothes and lead a normal life. Be thankful to Allah that He provided the opportunity for performing Umrah and lead rest of your life according to the commands of your Creator.
NAFL TAWAF
You may perform Umrah as often as you want according to the above procedure. And if you want to perform just a nafl Tawaf, follow the same procedure, however, in a nafl Tawaf there is no Ihram, no Ramal, no Iztaba and even no Sa’ey.


PERFORMANCE OF HAJJ
(STEP BY STEP)



SYMBOLS
     Red color is the symbol of Fard the performance of which is imperative otherwise Hajj and Umrah will be invalid.
     Orange color is the symbol of Wajib the performance of which is obligatory otherwise Dam is required as a penalty.
     Green color stand for Sunnah or Mustahab (desirable). Try to perform these acts but no Dam is required if not done.
     White color is a symbol indicating general instructions.

8 Zil Hijjah--First Day of Hajj
Hajj PreparationsThe date 8 Zil Hijjah starts after the Maghrib prayer of 7 Zil Hijjah. Complete all the Hajj preparations during these night hours.
Preparations for IhramComb your hair, shape the beard, trim your mustache, cut your nails, and remove unwanted body hair.
BathTake a bath with the intention of Ihram otherwise do wudu.
IhramMen should wear a sheet of white cloth around the waist and cover the upper body with the other sheet. Women's ordinary clothes are their Ihram. Both should wear the flip-flops (hawai chappal) so that the middle bones of the upper part of the feet are not covered.
Nafl SalahIf it is not makruh (undesirable) time, men offer two rakahs of nafl for Ihram in the Haram Sharif by covering their heads. Women can offer these nafls at home.
IntentionandTalbiyahNow uncover your head and declare your intention saying:
"O Allah! I intend to perform Hajj. Please make it easy for me and accept it from me. Amen."
Immediately after that utter the words of Talbiyah three times and as often afterwards as possible. Men should say it in a loud voice but women should say it in a subdued tone.
Prohibitions of IhramNow the prohibitions of Ihram start. Recall their detail and follow the rules. From this point on men cannot cover their heads for the duration of Ihram.
Departure to MinaAfter the sunrise proceed towards Mina. On the way, pronounce Talbiyah as often as you can and also utter other supplications. But it is ok to follow the procedure of your Mu'allim who usually arranges for hajis to leave for Mina during the night after Ishaprayers.
In MinaIn Mina offer ZuharAsrMaghrib and Isha prayers. Spend that night in Mina and on 9 Zil Hijjah, offer Fajr prayer there.


9 Zil Hijjah--Second Day of Hajj

Departure   for   ArafatOffer Fajr prayer in Mina, say Takbir Tashriq (Allah-u Akbar, Allah-u Akbar La Ilaha ill-Allah wa-Allah-u Akbar, Allah-u Akbar wa Lillah-il-hamd) and Talbiyah. Get ready and reach Arafat byzawal (declining of the sun).
BathTake a bath, if possible, otherwise perform wudu and have meals. Packages of food are usually provided by the Mu'allim. Also take some rest.
Waquf-e-ArafatWaquf is started at the beginning of zawal (declining of the sun) and ends at the sunset. Spend this time uttering Talbiyah, repent on your sins, seek forgiveness and mercy of Allah, say Darud Sharifand utter all the supplications (du'as) in Arabic and in your own language. It is better to do Waquf while standing but sitting down is also allowed.
Zuhr and Asr PrayersIn Masjid-e-Namrah, the imam leads Zuhr and Asr prayers, combined and shortened, at Zuhr time with one adhan but separateiqamahs. At other places in Arafat, some people similarly combine these two salats. But it is advisable that away from Masjid-e-Namrah, offer them at their proper times with   jama'at as recommended by the most scholars.
Departure for MuzdalifahWhen the sun sets in in Arafat, proceed to Muzdalifah without offering Maghrib prayer reciting Zikr and Talbiyah on the way.
MaghribandIsha PrayersIn Muzdalifah offer Maghrib and Isha prayers together at Isha time. For both prayers there is one adhan and one iqamah.
  • First offer Fard prayer of Maghrib with jama'at. Then say Takbir Tashriq and Talbiyah.
  • Immediately after that offer Fard prayer of Isha with jama'at.
  • After this offer two Sunnah of Maghrib.
  • Then offer two Sunnah of Isha followed by Witr prayer.
  • Offering Nafl prayer is optional.
Zikr and Du'aThis is a very blessed night in which glorify Allah, recite Darud Sharif, read Quran, utter Talbiyah and supplicate very humbly. Also take some rest.
PebblesPick up forty-nine pebbles of the size of big grams (chick peas) ifRami is to be performed for three days and seventy if for four days.
Fajr Prayer and WaqufAt the Fajr time after two rakah Sunnah, offer Fard prayer with jama'at. then perform waquf.
Return to MinaProceed to Mina when the sun is about to rise.


10 Zil Hijjah--Third Day of Hajj

Rami of  Jamrah Aqabah In Mina, hit Jamrah Aqabah with seven pebbles one after the other. On account of risk to life, the old, weak or sick persons can perform Rami a little before sunset or at night.
Stop TalbiyahStop saying Talbiyah when you throw the first pebble. Also don't stop for du'a. Just go to your residence and do Qurbani (animal sacrifice).
Qurbani (Animal Sacrifice)There are three days designated for qurbani, i.e., 10, 11 or 12 Zil Hijjah. It can be done any time during day or night. It is usually easy to sacrifice an animal on 11 Zil Hijjah. Do qurbani yourself or ask a reliable person to do it for you.
Halq or QasrAfter qurbani men should preferably get their whole head shaved (Halq) but it is permissible to cut the hair (Qasr) of their whole head equal in length to a joint of a finger (about an inch). It is also permissible to cut the hair (about an inch) of one fourth of the head. A woman is prohibited to shave her head. She can cut about an inch long hair of one fourth of her head. But according to some scholars it is sufficient for a woman to have a lock of her hair clipped.
  • If the sacrifice is postponed till the next two days, Halq or Qasr is also postponed because it comes after the sacrifice.
  • Halq or Qasr can be done at any time up to the 12 of Zil Hijjah even if the sacrifice is not postponed. After Halq or Qasr all prohibitions of Ihram are lifted except the private relations between husband and wife which are permissible after Tawaf-e-Ziarah.
  • Halq or Qasr in Mina is a Sunnah. But you are allowed to do it anywhere in Haram. If done outside the precincts of Haram, it requires a Dam.
  • You have to make sure that Rami, sacrifice and shaving or clipping of the hair are performed in the order in which they are listed otherwise a Dam is required as a penalty.
Tawaf-e-ZiaratNow perform Tawaf-e-Ziarat. It can be performed any time, day or night, from 10 Zil Hijjah to the sunset of 12 Zil Hijjah. Usually it is convenient to do it on 11 Zil Hijjah. Its procedure is similar to that of Tawaf of Umrah and it is essential that you have performed wudu. According to Sunnah this tawaf is to be performed after Rami, sacrifice and shaving or clipping of the hair, and every effort should be made to do that, but the Fard stands discharged even if Tawaf-e-Ziarat is performed prior to all these practices. As mentioned earlier, Halq or Qasr after Qurbani lifts all the prohibitions of Ihram but the private relations between man and wife are permitted only after this Tawaf.
Sa'ey of HajjAfter this perform Sa'ey. Its procedure is the same as that of Sa'ey of Umrah. It is a Sunnah to make sure that your wudu is intact
Return to MinaReturn to Mina when Sa'ey is done and spend the night there.


11 Zil Hijjah--Fourth Day of Hajj

  Rami of  Jamrarat  Throw seven pebbles on each of three Jamarat after zawal (decline of the sun). Rami is usually easy a little before sunset and at night. And it is permissible to do Rami at night if there is a risk to life.
SupplicateThrow seven pebbles at Jamrah Oolah. Then move a little forward. And with your hands raised and facing Qibla, praise Allah and recite Arabic du'as or supplicate in your own words. There are no prescribed du'as.
SupplicateAfter this throw seven pebbles at Jamrah Wustah. Here too facing Qiblah, praise Allah and earnestly seek his mercy and blessings. No particular du'a is prescribed here either.
Do not supplicateThen throw seven pebbles on Jamrah Aqabah. But this time do not supplicate at all, after Rami just return to your place.
Second chance for Tawaf
of Ziarah
If you could not do Tawaf-e-Ziarah yesterday, do it today and return to Mina for overnight stay.
Zikr and IbadahAt your residence, recite Quran, glorify Allah, repent on your sins, and seek forgiveness. Ask Allah whatever you want and don't commit any sin.


12 Zil Hijjah--Fifth Day of Hajj

  Rami of  Jamrarat  Throw seven pebbles on each of three Jamarat after zawal (decline of the sun). Rami is usually easy a little before sunset and at night. And it is permissible to do Rami at night if there is a risk to life.
SupplicateThrow seven pebbles at Jamrah Oolah. Then move a little forward. And with your hands raised and facing Qibla, praise Allah and recite Arabic du'as or supplicate in your own words. There are no prescribed du'as.
SupplicateAfter this throw seven pebbles at Jamrah Wustah. And facing Qiblah, glorify Allah, recite Darud Sharif and supplicate earnestly for whatever you desire. There is no du'a prescribed for this occassion.
Do not supplicateThen throw seven pebbles on Jamrah Aqabah and come back to your residence without any du'a.
  Last chance for Tawaf
of Ziarah
If you could not do Tawaf-e-Ziarah earlier, it is essential to do it today before Maghrib.
OptionAfter today's Rami, you have the option to return to Makkah before sunset. But if the sun sets before you are able to depart, remain in Mina for the third night and throw pebbles the next day in the same order.
Tawaf-e-WidaAfter Hajj, when you intend to return to your country from Makkah, it is Wajib (obligatory) to perform Tawaf-e-Wida (Farewell Tawaf). Its procedure is the same as that of a Nafl Tawaf.


     
VISITING MADINAH
(A Journey of Love)



Picture of Masjid al-Nabvi
Magnificent View of The Prophet's Mosque
To visit Madinah is not a Hajj or Umrah rite, but the unique merits of the Prophet’s city, his Mosque and his sacred tomb attract every pilgrim to visit it. There is no Ihram nor talbiyah for the visit to Madinah or the Prophet’s Mosque.Unique Merit of the Prophet’s Mosque. The Prophet (peace be upon him) himself participated in the construction of this mosque, called it "My Mosque" and led prayers in it for years. He has also said that a salah performed in the Prophet’s Mosque is better than a thousand salats in any other place except Masjid al-Haram in Makkah.
According to Hazrat Anas, the Prophet (peace be upon him) has also said:
"The person who offers 40 prayers consecutively in my Mosque, without missing a prayer in between, will secure immunity from the fire of Hell and other torments and also from hypocrisy." (Musnad Ahmad)
Visiting the Holy Tomb. It is a great privilege for the pilgrims to visit our beloved Prophet’s tomb. The Prophet (peace be upon him) once said:
The Holy Tomb
"The person who comes solely for the purpose of paying a visit to my grave, has a right on me that I should intercede for him." (‘Ilm al-Fiqh, Vol. V)
And he has also said:
"The person who performs Hajj and then visits my Tomb, will be regarded as though he had seen me in my worldly life." (Baihaqi)


PROCEDURE TO VISIT MADINAH

  1. Travel to Madinah and Niyyah. When you start travel to Madinah, Make niyyah(intention) as such:
    " O Allah! I start journey to visit the holy tomb of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Please accept it from me."
    During this journey, recite Darud Sharif frequently. When the city of Madinah is in sight, show your extreme fondness and excitement and humbly enter the city while reciting Darud and Salam.
  2. Masjid-e-Nabvi. After putting your luggage at your residence, take a bath or perform ablutions (vudu), wear nice dress, apply perfume and proceed towards the Prophet’s Mosque while uttering Darud.
  3. Bab-e-Jibril. Enter the mosque through Bab-e-Jibril or Bab-us-Salaam or if this is not possible, enter through any other door.
  4. Right Foot. Place your right foot first in the entrance, praise Allah (such as say Allhu Akbar, Subhan Allah, Alhamdu Lillah, etc.), recite Darud and say:
    "Allah humma aftah li abwabe rahamte ka"
  5. Two Raka’t Nafl. If it is not undesirable (Makrooh) time, offer two rakahs of nafltahiyyat al-masjid (greeting of the masjid) preferably in Riaz al-Jannah near the tomb of the Prophet or otherwise anywhere else in the mosque.
  6. In front of the Holy Tomb.
    Brass screens in front of grave of the Holy Prophet
    1. The Holy Prophet2. Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique3. Hadrat Umar Farooq
    In front of the sacred tomb of The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), there are three sections of brass screens and all three have holes in them. Look at the picture carefully. If you stand in front of the middle section between the pillars, you'll see a big round hole on your left. This is in front of the face of the Holy Prophet. Adjacent to it is a door that stays closed. Right after it on the right side is a round hole which is in front of the face of Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique. On the right of it, there is another round hole which is in front of the face of Hadrat Umar Farooq.

    Sacred grave of the Holy ProphetHere is an enlarged view of the screen in front of the sacred face of our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him). Standing in front of it and facing it, say in a respectful and hushed voice:
    "Assalamu alaika, ayyuhan-nabiyya wa rahmatul-lahi wa barakatuhu"
    (Peace be on you, O Prophet, and the mercy and blessings of Allah.)
    After this say:
    "Assalatu was-salamu alaika ya Rasul-Allah"
    "Assalatu was-salamu alaika ya Nabi-yallah"
    "Assalatu was-salamu alaika ya Habib-Allah"
    Then supplicate to Allah for good things in this life and the life after death. You may use the same supplication recited earlier during the Tawaf :
    "Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina azabin nar."

  7. Offer Salam of others. Now offer salam of relatives or friends in your own language or say:
    "Asslamu alaika ya Rasul Allah min----."
    After the word "min", add the name of your friend or relative.
  8. Salam on Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique. Then move a little to the right and stand before the grave of Hazrat Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him). Greet him and supplicate to bestow His mercy and forgiveness on him.
  9. Salam on Hazrat Umar Farooq. Again move a little to the right before the grave of Hazrat Umar ( may Allah be pleased with him), and greet him and make supplication for him.
  10. Forty Prayers. Men should offer forty prayers (Salat) in the Prophet's Mosque, but it is not a requirement of any kind. It is only Mustahab, i.e., rewarding if done, but if not done there is no sin.
  11. Other places to visit. Some of the other important places to visit are: Masjid Quba, Jannat al-Baqee, graves of Hazrat Hamzah and other
    Masjid Qubamartyrs of Uhud (may Allah be pleased with them) and Masjid Qiblatain, etc.Among them Masjid Quba is the most important. It is the first mosque in the history of Islam whose foundation stone was laid down by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself on his migration to Madinah. To offer 2 raka'ats of nafl in it is equal to one Umrah. After visiting the Prophet’s Mosque and his tomb every pilgrim should try his best to visit it and pray in this mosque as well.
  12. Departure from Madinah. When you have to leave Madinah, offer your Salam again to the Prophet (peace be upon him), cry at this separation, supplicate to Allah and leave with the earnest desire to come back.
  

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