Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is an obligation for all who are financially, physically, and mentally capable Muslims. This online platform explores its importance, conditions, rites, and different types of Hajj, as a step-by-step guide to the Muslim pilgrimage.

Foreword

Hajj is a sacred pilgrimage for Muslims, it is important for every pilgrim to prepare and plan the devotion. Find out how to perform Hajj & Umrah, following the 1400-year-old Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

The Importance of Hajj

Hajj is a significant Islamic event showcasing obedience, devotion, love for Allah, unity, and spiritual cleansing for millions of Muslims from diverse backgrounds. Performing Hajj is one of the best deeds, as it helps to eliminate sins and paradise is the reward.

Conditions of Obligation of Hajj

Hajj is obligatory for Muslims if they meet certain conditions, including:

1- Muslim

2- Sane

3- Adult (reached puberty)

4- Physical abilities to perform the act of Hajj

5- Being able to do it physically and financially (Financially able to pay all the expenses to perform the Hajj until it is completed and return to the homeland, and have enough to support the people who are under their care.

Types Of Hajj

1- Hajj al-Tamattu involves performing Umrah first, then Hajj. After completing Umrah (including tahallul), the pilgrim re-enters a new Ihram for Hajj on 8 Dhul-Hijjah.

2- Hajj al-Qiran involves combining Umrah with Hajj during the Hajj season, with only one intention and being in the state of Ihram for both.

3- Hajj al-Ifrad refers to Hajj that performs Hajj only (usually adopted by those who visit the Kaaba on a regular basis such as residents of Makkah).

Pillars Of Hajj

The essential parts of Hajj are four:

1- Entering Ihram, which is forming the intention to start the rituals of Hajj.

2- Standing in Arafah, because of the hadith: “Hajj is Arafah.”

3- Tawaf al-Ziyarah (also called Tawaf al-Ifadah).

Sa’i.

Wajib Act Of Hajj

The obligatory actions of Hajj are seven:

1- Entering Ihram - the intention to perform Hajj from Miqat

2- Wuquf in Arafah until sunset.

3- Spend the night (mabit) in Muzdalifah.

4- Spent the night (mabit) in Mina (on the 11th and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah).

5- Stoning the jamraat on Tasyriq days in the right order.

6- Tahallul (to shave or shorten the hair).

7- Perform Tawaf al-Wida (except for women who are menstruating or in postpartum).

Sunnah Act Of Hajj

The rest of the actions are sunnah/ encourage to do and no penalty is due, such as:

1- Perform ghusl and use perfume (for men only) before entering Ihram. Which also includes acts like cutting nails, trimming your mustache, shaving his armpits, and shaving the pubic hairs (if necessary).

2- Recite the Talbiyah, adhkar, and du’a.

3- Spend the night (mabit) in Mina on the night of Arafah.

4- Kissing the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad).

5- Wearing ihram by uncovering the right shoulder during Tawaf al-Qudum and Tawaf al-Umrah (Idtiba).

6- Walking quickly for the first three rounds during tawaf.

7- Performing Tawaf al-Qudum for those who perform Hajj al-Qiran or Hajj al-Ifrad.

The difference between the essential (pillar) part, the obligatory acts, and the Sunnah acts is that Hajj is not valid without the essential (pillar) part. Whereas if an obligatory act is omitted, the Hajj is still valid but one who omits it must offer a compensatory sacrifice (a sheep); according to the majority of scholars. As for the Sunnah acts, the one who omits them does not have to do anything. Reference: Ash-Sharh al-Mumti‘, 7/380-410.

How to Perform Umrah

Fiqh (Islamic law and literature based on the teachings of the holy Quran and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad) describes in detail carrying out the rites of Umrah, and pilgrims generally follow handbooks and expert guides to successfully fulfill the requirements of Umrah.

Step 1

Niyyah

Every pilgrim has to be clear about their intent (niyyah) whether for Umrah or Hajj before they start their journey.

Step 2

Ihram

Ihram is a sacred state in which every pilgrim must enter before crossing the pilgrimage boundary, known as Miqat, both physically and spiritually.

Step 3

Talbiyah

Talbiyah is the unique prayer said while on the journey towards Makkah, in supplication to attain Ihram. It is the conviction that they intend to perform the Hajj only for Allah. By repeating it over and over, they get themselves ready for the spiritual journey and further from non-spiritual concerns. Each pilgrim has to repeat the supplication:

“لَبَّيْكَ ٱللَّٰهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ ٱلْحَمْدَ وَٱلنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَٱلْمُلْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ”

“Here I am O Allah, here I am. Here I am.You have no partners (other gods). To You alone is all praise and all excellence, and to You is all sovereignty. There is no partner to You.”

FIRST DAY

TARWIYAH DAY – DHUL-HIJJAH 8

This is where the rituals of Hajj in the sacred mosque begins.

Step 1

Niyyah

Every pilgrim has to be clear about their intent (niyyah) whether for Umrah or Hajj before they start their journey.

Step 2

Ihram

Ihram is a sacred state in which every pilgrim must enter before crossing the pilgrimage boundary, known as Miqat, both physically and spiritually.

Step 3

Talbiyah

“Here I am O Allah, here I am. Here I am.You have no partners (other gods). To You alone is all praise and all excellence, and to You is all sovereignty. There is no partner to You.”

FIRST DAY

TARWIYAH DAY – DHUL-HIJJAH 8

This is where the rituals of Hajj in the sacred mosque begins.

Guide To Hajj

Foreword

How to Perform Umrah

FIRST DAY

FIRST DAY

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