What is Hajj?

Hajj is one the five pillars of Islam. It is both a financial and physical worship. Hajj is Farz (religious oblligation) for those who holds the condition in himself. If he is financially available but physically not available by end of his life he can send a proxy. In dictionary, Hajj is an intention to visit those holy places planned. In terminology, Hajj is a visiting certain places ( Kaba Al Muazaama and other holy sites around) at certain times ( Sawwal, Dhil Kade, Dhu Al Hijja) with certain actions (with Fard, Vacep, Sunnah). Probhet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam ) said that Islam is formed on 5 basic foundations. These are bearing there is no God but Allah and witnessing that Mohammed is the messenger of Allah, Praying (Salat), Zakat (giving of alms), Fasting in Ramadan and performing Hajj.

Preparations before Hajj

1 -Spiritual preparations

Spiritual preparation

It is very important to ask for forgiveness from relatives, friends, neighbours, colleagues. One should read lots of Istigfar (Estagfurullah Al Aziym) before departure. As we will visit probhet (pbuh) on this journey we should also prepare presents as reading too many Salawat Sharif for him. In addition to this, one should read Yaseen Sharif, Ihlas Sharif and similar duas to make spiritual preparations. It is strongly advised to start and continue praying Nafls such as Salat Tasbih, Duha, Evvabin and Tahajjud prayer. It is good to know reading Qur`an Kareem in advance. If one does not know how to read it please get in touch with your group leader in our organisation to learn it.

You should definitely join one of the pre-departure seminars organised to learn and get advised your about Hajj journey. Seminar dates and time will be shared as time nearers.

Please note that you should pay attention to those advises shared during seminar and do not forget to take your Hajj essentials such as Ihram, slippers and belts with you.

It is highly advised to stay awake with Wudu during Hajj journey at buses and flights. Therefore please allow some time to have enough sleep before your journey.

2 -Other preparations

Other preparations

Hajj and Umrah contain hardship (Hadith Sharif) One should always keep this Hadith Sharif in mind. See you doctor or GP before going Umrah and remember to take your regular medication with you.

Get your meningitis injection done on time.

Make sure you write your name and contact details on the luggage tags which you will use for your Umrah Trip.

Read Hajj and Umrah guide books few times before you set off. Click here to download.

Take Qur`an Al Kareem with you together with our guide books.

Baggage allowance is 30kg and 8 kg for cabin

Take as little money as possible in SAR which be handy in the first place. You can find exchange office near hotels.

Please be punctual for departure time.

Keep your passport and other official document outside your luggage.

Follow and listen your group leader carefully.

Due to busy time of Hajj, there might be possible delays and longer waiting times at the airport, therefore please remain patient during your journey.

Always remember that you should bear hardship of travelling to sacred house of Allah (swt)

The Wisdom and Virtues of Hajj

The wisdom of hajj

The Wisdom of Hajj

Some of the wisdoms why Hajj was enjoined Fard upon Muslims are; the dignity of Islam, unity of Muslims and brotherhood. All Muslims coming from different parts of the world benefit from each other. Hajj is one the most beneficial and holiest journey in one`s lifetime. When the pilgrim puts on the two garments of his Ihraam, he cannot help but be reminded of the shroud in which he will be wrapped [after he dies]. This prompts him to give up disobedience and sin. Just as he has given up his regular clothing [for Hajj], so he has to give up sin. Just as he has put on two clean, white garments, he has to make his heart clean and white [pure], and keep his faculties clean and pure, uncontaminated by the stain of sin and disobedience.

When a person travels to carry out the rituals of Hajj, he is reminded of his journey to Allaah and the Hereafter. When he travels, he leaves behind his dear friends, wife, children and homeland, and the journey to the Hereafter is like that.

Travelling is a kind of torment, and the same is true of the journey to the Hereafter, only much more so. Ahead of man there is his dying, death, the grave, the gathering, the accounting, the scales and al-Siraat, followed by either Paradise or Hell. The blessed one will be the one whom Allaah saves.

There is a great community come together at Hajj. All Muslims learn one anothers` life, and help each other about taqwa and goodness. Everyone benefits the wisdom of Hajj while becoming stronger spiritually with the effort and crowds.

Virtues of Hajj

Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Makkah – blessed and a guidance for the worlds. In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds. (Ali`Imran 96-97)

What is Ihraam ?

IHRAAM : Ihraam is, in Islam, a sacred state which a Muslim must enter in order to perform the major pilgrimage or the minor pilgrimage. Men’s Ihram is two pieces of clothing called Rida and Izar, whereas a women’s Ihram would be her normal clothing. (concealing her entire body and leaving her face and hands revealed.

How to get into Ihram state?

The person who will enter Ihram needs to cut their nails to begin with, clean their pubic hair, if needed they can shave their hair and beard and fix their moustache. It is recommended to perform Ghusl (purification bath) however, if its not possible you can perform normal ablution ( a ceremonial act of washing parts of the body or sacred containers).

How to get out of Ihram state?

In order to leave Ihram, men and women have different duties. For men, they either need to shave their hair with a straight razor or they need to shorten their hair within 1.5 – 2 cm. On the other hand, women does not need to shave their hair but instead shorten it with 1-2 cm. When these duties are performed you are able to leave Ihram.

Where to enter Ihram?

There are certain locations to enter ihram. These are called Miqat Locations. Those who want to reach Kaaba should be in state of ihram and make intentions for ihram from these miqat locations and onward. There are three classifications of people for Miqat locations.

Those coming outside miqat locations
Those residing between miqat locations and haram
Those residing around Makkah

The Condition of Ihram

Taking blood
To scratch your body or head without pulling any hair.
Take a bath, use unscented soap.
To hide beneath a tree, house or shelter to protect yourself from the sun, using an umbrella without it touching the head.
To wear a belt, gun, rings, watch and apply odourless eyeliner.
Wearing shoes that aren’t covering the heels and the top of you feet.
extracting tooth ,vaccination
To have a jacket hanging on the shoulders without putting your arms through the sleeve.
To cover your body with a blanket or any item that is similar apart from your face and head

Ihram prohibitions

IHRAM PROHIBITIONS :

One enters ihram by making intention for Hajj or Umrah and reading Talbiyah. There are certain things and acts forbidden by the time exiting ihram. These are called ihram prohibitions.

A. GENERAL

Applying fragrance
Using fragrant soap
To have a shave, cutting your moustache.
Applying henna, nail polish or lip stick or any other product with the intention of looking attractive.
To clip nails
To pull or cut any hair attach to the body.
To shave pubes.
CLOTHING PROHIBITIONS (for men)

Not to wear a skullcap or a turban
Not to wear stitched clothes such as trousers, shirts etc.
Not to wear socks , gloves or footwear that conceals the heels and the top of the feet
SEXUAL PROHIBITIONS

Not to have sexual intercourse
Not to kiss or act in a flirtatious way.
To act in a way that can lead to sexual interactions.
PROHIBITIONS OF ACTIONS TO ONE AND ANOTHER

To fight or argue
To be in interaction and competition
To use inappropriate language , insult others and hurt others feelings.

Ihram for ladies

The ladies enter ihram like men except those mentioned below.

Ladies ihram consists of stitched clothes that can be white or any other colour It should be in loose fitting covering your body completely including your head. However the hands and the face must be exposed. It is forbidden for both men and women to cover their face and hands during ihram. Women can wear any type of shoes unlike men.

Ladies should not call talbiyah out loudly

Ladies do not run during tawaaf or sa`y like men

Ladies only shorten their hair, they do not shave.

Ladies should stay away men during tawaaf and they shouldn`t approach to kiss black stone unless it`s quite.

Ladies do not sacrifice if they leave or postpone tawaaf ziyarah due to their period.

Tawaf

Tawaaf is the circumambulation seven times of the Holy Kaaba. Each circumambulation (shawt) starts from the black stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad)

Types of Tawaf

Tawaaf Al Qudum: This is Sunnah for those coming outside Makkah Al Mukarramah. This tawaf is performed by anyone coming to Makkah for any reason, whether for Umrah, Hajj, business or just a visit. Also known as welcome tawaaf.
Tawaaf Al Ifadha: This tawaaf must be performed by all pilgrims undertaking Hajj.
Tawaf Al Wadaa: This is wajeeb for those coming outside Makkah Al Mukarramah. Also known as the farewell tawaf. This is the last ritual before leaving the Holy City of Makkah on completion of your Hajj or whatever you came for.
Tawaaf Al Umrah: This is a fareedah of Umrah. This tawaaf is performed as part of the rituals of Umrah.
Tawaafi Nadhir: This is a tawaaf dedicated to someone else.
Tawaafi Tahiyyatul Masjid: This is Sunnah tawaaf which is done whenever you enter the Masjid Al Haram.
Tawaaf Al Nafl: Except Fardh and Nafl Tawaaf, one can perform this tawaaf at any time and as often as desired.

Wajeebs of Tawaf

Cleanness and getting Wudhu
Covering your mahram parts
Performing tawaaf by walking unless one is disabled or feels well.
Starting tawaaf from line of black stone.
Performing tawaf by having black stone on the left side through Rukn Al Iraqi.
Performing tawaaf outside Khatim area.
Praying two rekat of Salah following tawaaf
Performing tawaaf in 7 shawts.
Performing Tawaafi Ziyarah during Eid Al Adha days.
Giving up one of the wajeebs require you to pay penalty. If tawaaf is performed again then penalty won`t incur.

How to perform tawaf?

To prepare for the Tawaf, the pilgrim must ensure ablutions have been performed. The pilgrim should pass the upper garment of the Ihram (the rida’) under the right arm and over the left shoulder, thus leaving the right shoulder bare. This procedure is called iddtibaa’.

When you reach the Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad), you have arrived at the starting point for the circumambulation (Tawaf), and you may cease reciting the Talbiyah.

NIYYAH: You are now ready to perform Niyyah (i.e. express your intention to perform Umrah):

“O Allah, I perform Tawaf of Umrah to please You. Make it easy for me and accept it from me.”

ISTILAM: Now, moving right, if space permits, stand before the Black Stone and kiss it. If you are unable to move close enough to kiss the Black Stone, you may touch it with by hand. If you are unable to kiss or touch the Black Stone, place your hands at your heart level, palms facing outwards, and say:

“Bismi’Llah Allahu akbar wa li’Lah al-hamad”

This alternative is perfectly acceptable so there is no need for pushing or shoving which may harm yourself or others if you are not able to reach the Black Stone.

This act, whether you kiss the Black Stone, touch it by hand or utter a prayer while pointing by the palm of your hands towards the Black Stone is called Istilam.

TAWAF: You may now begin your seven circumambulations, moving to the right so that you keep the Kaaba to your left, counter-clockwise, around the Kaaba.

When performing the first three circumambulations, men may uncover their right arm and move with quick, short steps. (This procedure is called Ramal.) The remaining four circumambulations should be performed at a normal walking pace.

PRAYERS DURING TAWAF: While performing Tawaf, there are no prescribed prayers but there are a number of supplications which are recommended. You may also use the prayers that form part of your daily prayer sessions and pray to Allah in your own way in your own language.

HATEEM: Hateem is a semi-circular section which originally formed part of the Kaaba but was not incorporated into the Kaaba when the Kaaba was rebuilt. You should include the Hateem in your circumambulations.

When you reach the fourth corner of the Kaaba (Rukn Yamani), touch it with your right hand or both hands and, as you walk between Rukn Yamani and the Black Stone, you may pray:

“Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina azabin-nar”.

When you reach the Black Stone, perform Istilam again, to mark the start of your second circumambulation.

Continue in the same way, until you have completed the seven circumambulations, including Istilam at the end of each circuit.

COMPLETION OF TAWAF: On completion of your seven circumambulations, men should cover their right shoulder, thus ending iddtibaa’.

MULTAZAM: Between the Black Stone and the door of the Kaaba is a deeply holy place about two meters in length where it is very good to pray. If you are able to reach this place, pray to Allah for His mercy and for His beneficence. If you are prevented by the number of people from reaching Multazam, simply face towards the area and make your prayers.

MAQAM IBRAHIM: On completion of the seven circumambulations, you should approach Maqam Ibrahim (the Station of Ibrahim) and offer two short prayers (rakaat). This is wajeeb to pray after tawaf.

What is Sa`y?

Sa’y is one of the conditions of Hajj and Umrah and it is shuttling seven times between the two hills of Safa and Marwah. Allah (swt) ordered it wajeebs  for muslims due to sincerety and obedience of Hager.

Wajeeb of Sa'y

  1. Performing Sa`y on foot unless you are disabled, elderly or ill.
  2. Complete Sa`y in seven passages
    .

Sunnah of Say

    Performing Sa`y upon completion tawaf
    Cleannes
    Getting Wudhu
    Pointing blackstone by the palms of your hand on the way to Sa`y
    Stand on both Safa and Marwah by facing Kaaba
    Praying by facing Kaaba on Safa and Marwah
    Men running under the green marker and normal walkin on the rest
    Completing shuttle with no stopping
    Praying, reciting Qur`an and reading Takbir during Sa`y

How to do Say

After pointing blackstone by the palms of your hand: You are now ready to perform the Sa’y, the shuttling between the two hills of Safa and Marwah. As you approach Safa, you recite the Quranic verse:

“Verily, Safa and Marwah are among the shrines of Allah”.

You should now ascend Safa and, facing the Kaaba, make whatever supplication you choose. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), when he stood on Safa, proclaimed three times “There is no god but Allah”.

You should now proceed towards Marwah, walking at a normal pace until you reach the green marker. Men, if they are able, should run until they reach the next green marker, whereupon they should revert to a normal walking pace until you reach Marwah. Women should proceed throughout at normal walking pace. The area between the two markers is where Haajar used to hear her baby Ishmael crying out of thirst while she was looking for help. She ran whenever she heard his cries. When you stand on Marwah, face the Qibla, and repeat the prayers and supplications you voiced at Safa. You are now ready to make the return journey, walking where you should walk and, if a man, running, if able, where you should run. This is your second passage.

You should now repeat the procedure until you have completed seven passages, ending your Sa’y at Marwah. While performing Sa’y, you should pray to Allah as you wish and recite verses from the Holy Qur’an.

On completion of Sa’y, men may shave their heads or shorten/clip their hair. Women should clip their hair one or two centimeters. (If the Umrah is a precursor to performing Hajj, men may not want to shave their heads but merely clip their hair so that there will be enough hair to shave when performing Hajj.)

The Umrah rituals are now concluded and the pilgrim may change into every day clothes. The prohibitions on conduct during Umrah are now ended.

Proceed Booking

Open chat
1
Scan the code
Hello 👋
How can we help you?