Showing posts with label MECCA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MECCA. Show all posts

19 Dec 2016

This is Makkah.


The Honourable Makkah, the Sacred and Secure valley on earth; Allah has distinguished it from among all places and made it sacred from the day He created the heavens and the earth.

Allah commanded Prophet Ibraheem, may Allah exalt his mention, to build the first House on earth for Allah to be worshipped in at this spot and sent down the Black Stone from Paradise as a manifest sign of the sanctity of His Sacred House.

In Makkah springs the finest water on the surface of the earth, the water of Zamzam, which is food that suffices the hungry and a cure for the sick. It is the water with which the chest and heart of the chosen Prophet Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) was cleansed in order to prepare him  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) for  the paramount mission from the Almighty Allah.

Allah has made Makkah eternally sacred and secure; He Says (what means): {Have they not seen that We made [Makkah] a safe sanctuary, while people are being taken away (i.e. killed and taken captive) all around them?} [Quran 29:67]

Allah has sent down blessings and mercy upon Makkah, the likes of which have not been bestowed upon any other place or person on earth.

In order to make the matter clear, lest people confuse what is virtuous with what is not and what is sacred with what is not, Allah the Almighty sent down the Jibreel, may Allah exalt his mention, (the angel Gabriel) to point out the boundaries of the Sacred City, and Prophet Ibraheem, may Allah exalt his mention, placed signs marking its boundaries. Furthermore, Allah commanded His messenger, Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) to rebuild the structure of the House. This, indeed, is a clear sign and evidence manifesting the sanctity and holiness of this Secure City.

It was with the command of Allah that Prophet Ibraaheem, may Allah exalt his mention, proclaimed to the people the Hajj (pilgrimage) and Allah took it upon Himself to convey the sound of the call all around the world. Thereafter, the caravan of the honourable prophets, the righteous and those who followed them began to respond and come forth to the Sacred City. Prophet Moosaa (Moses), may Allah exalt his mention, the one who was honoured by the miracle of Allah speaking to him, came forth, as came Prophet Yoonus (Jonah), may Allah exalt his mention, the one who was swallowed by the whale, as well as a multitude of other prophets.

Makkah is the land where the Prophet Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) was born and where his  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) prophethood commenced. It is where he  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) first received revelation; on the peak of one of its lofty mountains lies the famous Cave Hira’ in which the Quran was revealed to him  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ).

The honouring and sanctity of Makkah continued with the prophethood of Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) and he  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) conveyed to us that the Ka’bah was to be the direction which the Muslims should face during their prayers, and that a single prayer in the Sacred Mosque was to be equivalent to a hundred thousand in any other mosque.

He  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) guided the people to know that shedding blood (i.e., killing) in Makkah is prohibited as is felling trees and hunting, and that picking up lost items from its streets is prohibited, unless certain strict conditions are fulfilled.

The last and final Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) openly announced his love of Makkah and its lofty status in the sight of Allah when he  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said, addressing it: “I swear by Allah! You are the best of the lands of Allah and you are the most beloved land to Allah.” [At-Tirmithi and Ahmad]

How could we not glorify Makkah when it is a land that Allah Almighty has designated and singled out with the qualities of sanctity and of being glorified magnificently? How could we not glorify it when Allah has made it sacred, magnified the reward of performing good deeds in it, and has made its mention eternal by mentioning it in the Quran?Allah says: (what means): {That [has been commanded], and whoever honours the sacred ordinances of Allah — it is best for him in the sight of his Lord} [Quran 22:30]

Allah also says (what means): {That [is so]. And whoever honours the symbols [i.e. rites] of Allah - indeed, it is from the piety of hearts} [Quran 22: 32]

The sacred ordinances and symbols (rites) of Allah refers to the Sacred City, the Sacred House of Allah, and sacred places within them, and it is due to their special qualities that Allah has distinguished them from all other cities and lands.

Honouring and glorifying the rites of Allah is accomplished by respecting this city, by realising its status and virtues, and by continually expressing gratitude upon seeing it, as well as by holding the matter of worshipping Allah within it in high esteem. This is so because the first House of worship ever to be built was in Makkah, and it is towards it that the hearts of the Muslims are directed from all places on earth. How can worship in it not then have such a high status and value?

Allah made the reward of performing acts of worship in it multiples of that performed elsewhere and made the reward of a single prayer in the sacred mosque equivalent to a hundred thousand prayers in any other mosque. Additionally, fasting, spending in charity and all other acts of virtue in Makkah have a much higher reward than anywhere else in the world, higher than any other act of worship could reach in value.

A glimpse on the history of Makkah.


History informs us about what happened during specific points in the past as well as events that have taken place over time and gives us information related to this. Such information may be true or false, and every Muslim is obliged to seek the truth and confirm any information he hears so that he may ascertain what is correct from what is fabricated. Moreover, every Muslim should refer to reliable sources in order to obtain definite, authentic and verifiable information.

Makkah is the SacredCity as well as the holiest and the absolutely most honourable place on earth. The most truthful sources from which one can take news about its history are the Noble Qur’aan and the authentic prophetic narrations in this regard, and from these we can ascertain its ancient history as well as how it was prior the message and prophethood of Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ).

After the advent of Islam, Muslim scholars and historians have endeavoured to record chronicles of Makkah in general history books as well as books concerned with the biographies of the Muslim scholars who lived in it. Some scholars authored books that dealt primarily with its history and the areas surrounding it, one of the most famous being “Chronicles of Makkah and its Ancient Monuments” authored by Abu Al-Waleed Al-Azraqi  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him from the third century AH. Another book was “Chronicles of Makkah in Ancient and Contemporary Times” authored by Al-Faakihi  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him who also lived during the third century AH, and his book was larger than that written by Al-Azraqi  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him but the initial parts of his book were lost over time.

Thereafter, chronicling the affairs and events of Makkah ceased for a period of almost four centuries. It was thereafter resumed and one of the scholars who is considered to be the most prolific author regarding it and its history was Imaam Taqiyyud-Deen Al-Faasi Al-Makki  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him (775 AH - 832 AH). In his book entitled “The Therapy for those who Harbour Affection for the History of the Sacred City”, Imaam Taqiyyud-Deen  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him expressed his amazement at the fact that chronicling the history of Makkah had halted after Imaams Al-Azraqi and Al-Faakihi  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  them.

This incited him to write many publications on the history of Makkah that took different sizes; large, medium and small. One of the largest books he authored was “The Treasured Necklace on the History of the SecureCity” which consisted of eight volumes. Next in size came “The Therapy for those who Harbour Affection for the History of the Sacred City” which consisted of two volumes, which he later summarised in books such as “The Gift for the Honourable on the History of the Sacred City” and others.

Thereafter, many scholars and schools of history arose which contributed to the writing of the history and chronicles of Makkah such as, Aal Fahd and Aal At-Tabari, and this has continued ever since, to include the contemporary.

The establishment of Makkah:

The history and building of Makkah is directly connected to Prophet Ibraaheem, may Allah exalt his mention, as he was the first person to settle his family in it when he left his wife Haajar and his son Ismaa’eel, may Allah exalt his mention, there in compliance with the command of Allah for him to do so.

Imaam Al-Bukhari  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him reported on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, in the long narration in which the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) informed us that Ibraaheem, may Allah exalt his mention, once came with his wife Haajar and his son Ismaa’eel, may Allah exalt his mention, who was still a suckling infant, from ancient Syria to Makkah. At that time, Makkah had no water and nobody residing in it. Ibraaheem, may Allah exalt his mention, took them both under the shade of a tree and left with them a bag of dates and a flask of water, then headed back to ancient Syria. As he was leaving, his wife Haajar called to him, saying: “Where are you going? How can you leave us in this deserted valley that has neither humans nor anything else (in terms of life)?” She repeated this a few times but he did not reply, so she asked: “Did Allah command you to do this?” Ibraaheem, may Allah exalt his mention, replied: “Yes” Thereupon she said: “Then He shall never forsake us”.

Ibraaheem, may Allah exalt his mention, walked for a while and then stood upon a small hill, raised his hands in supplication, and said, as Allah informs us saying (what means): “Our Lord! I have settled some of my descendants in an uncultivated valley near Your sacred House, our Lord, that they may establish prayer. So make hearts among the people incline toward them and provide for them from the fruits that they might be grateful.” [Quran 14:37]

Allah blessed Haajar and her son with the well of Zamzam, and then people came from all directions and resided in Makkah. The first tribe to reside there was the tribe of Jurhum among whom Ismaa’eel, may Allah exalt his mention, grew up and from whom he married.

Ibraaheem, may Allah exalt his mention, came many times to Makkah to check upon their condition, and later Allah commanded him to build the Ka’bah; Allah says (what means): “And [mention] when Ibraaheem (Abraham) was raising the foundations of the House and [with him] Ismaa’eel (Ishmael), [saying]: 'Our Lord! Accept [this] from us. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.'” [Quran 2:127]

Allah also says (what means): “And [O Muhammad], when We designated for Ibraaheem (Abraham) the site of the House, [saying] “Do not associate anything with Me and purify My House for those who perform Tawaaf (circumambulation of the Ka’bah) and those who stand [in prayer] and those who bow and prostrate.” [Quran 22:26]

Ibn Katheer  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him said commenting upon this verse in his famous book of history entitled “The Beginning and the End” in Volume 1, page 135: “There is no authentic report from the infallible (i.e. Prophet Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention )) informing us that the House (the Ka’bah) was built before Ibraaheem, may Allah exalt his mention, and whoever states that, relying upon this verse (for evidence of that), has no basis for such a claim because what is meant by the verse is that he was simply being informed of where the House was to be built.” In Volume 2 page 227 of the same book, he said: “The verses of the Qur’aan clearly indicate that Ibraaheem was the first person to build it.”

Abu Tharr, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated: “I asked the messenger of Allah: `O messenger of Allah! Which mosque was the first built on earth?` He  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) replied: “The Sacred Mosque (in Makkah)” “I then asked: ` Which mosque was built next?` He  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said: “The Aqsaa mosque (in Jerusalem).” “Thereupon, I asked: `What was the period between the building of the two mosques?` He  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) replied: “Forty years.”" [Al-Bukhari]

These reports clearly highlight the virtue of Prophet Ibraaheem, may Allah exalt his mention, and confirm that he was the one who built the two mosques, and that the period between the two was forty years.

Therefore, it becomes evident that the first thing to be established in Makkah was the Sacred Mosque (i.e. the Ka’bah), and that the first water to gush forth from it was Zamzam.

Thereafter, the offspring of Ismaa’eel, may Allah exalt his mention, multiplied in the area of Hijaaz (the province in which Makkah lies) and its surroundings, and their families succeeded each other in caring for the Sacred House and maintaining it for a long period of time, until the tribe of Khuzaa’ah took over this responsibility. People remained upon the monotheism with which Prophet Ibraaheem, may Allah exalt his mention, came until the time when, ‘Amr bin Lahy Al-Khuzaa’i introduced idol worshipping in the Ka’bah.

The number of idols then increased in the Ka’bah and this phenomena spread all around the Arabian Peninsula to the extent that the number of idols in the Ka’bah reached three hundred and sixty, as stated by Al-Kalbi in his book “The Idols”.

Due to numerous wars and tribal struggles, the well of Zamzam was buried and people could no longer find it. Qusay bin Kilaab, a great-grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) forcefully took over the custody of caring for the Sacred House and maintaining it from the tribe of Khuzaa’ah, as it had abused its authority. Qusay gathered the scattered families of the Quraysh tribe, relocated them in Makkah, and restored the sanctity of Makkah, which had been lost due to Khuzaa’ah's misuse of  authority and because some of the Quraysh tribe had been placed in the surrounding areas of Makkah in order to protect it.

This marked the beginning of an authority that glorified Makkah and which freely offered all types of services to its visitors, such as food, water and the cleaning and maintaining of the Ka’bah.

After ‘Abdul-Muttalib saw a dream in which he saw the exact spot of the buried well of Zamzam, he had the area dug up and restored the well. Thus, the well of Zamzam once again became the source of water to the pilgrims and visitors, as well as to the residents of Makkah.

After this, a grave event took place during the time of ‘Abdul-Muttalib when Abrahah the Ethiopian headed towards Makkah riding a huge elephant in order to demolish the Ka’bah. This is why that year came to be known as “The Year of the Elephant”, during which the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) was born.

A city with such a magnificent history is worthy of having such an exalted status and should, therefore, be glorified and honoured. It deserves to occupy a special place in the hearts of its residents, as well as the Muslims in general.

3 Oct 2016

HAJJ 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 () 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). Unfortunately, Hajj is also one of the ritual acts where many people involve themselves in shirkiyat (polytheism) and bidah (innovation). Imam Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “What a noise in hajj, but very few are performing hajj” and that was in the time of Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) where people were supposed to be closer to the wahi (revelation)!

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 () brought us. There is ample evidence for this that include the following:

Prophet Muhammad () said:

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

Prophet Muhammad () 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 ():

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 () 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 () 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 () 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 () was asked about the best of deeds. He () 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 () replied: Hajj Mabrour (an accepted pilgrimage).” [Bukhari- Chapter of Hajj].

2) The best supplication is on Arafat.

Prophet Muhammad () 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 () 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 ()) “Messenger of Allah is there jihad for women” The Prophet () 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 () 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 () 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 () 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 () 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 () 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 () said:

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

Prophet Muhammad () 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:.

A. Finance – to pay for travel and expenses, and have no debts.

B. Health – to be able to perform all the rites of Hajj.

C. 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.

a. 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).

b. You can put your walking stick on it as Umar al Khattab did.

c. 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.

d. 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:

A. Surah Al-Kafiroun – “Say O you Disbelievers” [EMQ 109] in the first rakah.

B. 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:

a. Jamarah As Sughra (Small)

b. Jamarah Al Wasatah (Middle)

c. Jamarah Al Aqabah/Al Kubrah (Big)

2. 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 Jamarah

2. Halaq wa Taqseer – Shave or trim hair

3. 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 () 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 () Mosque ‘Masjid an-Nabawi is the second Most Holiest Mosque.