Hajj and Umrah

      Hajj and Umrah                

The Hajj, or 'pilgrimage' to Makkah and Madinah, is a central duty of Islam whose origins date back to the Prophet Abraham (alaihi as-salaam), bringing together Muslims of all races and tongues for one of life's most moving spiritual experiences.

For 14 centuries, countless millions of Muslims, men and women from the four corners of the earth, have made the pilgrimage to Makkah the birthplace of Islam and to Madinah the home of the Most Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam). In carrying out this obligation, they fulfill one of the 'five pillars of Islam' or central religious duties of the believer.

                                      

Here I am, O God, at Thy Command! Here I am at Thy Command! Thou art without associate; Here I am at Thy Command! Thine are praise and grace and dominion! Thou art without associate. 
The most complete and comprehensive guide for all pilgrims
  

How to use this guide  Take your time in memorizing the text as well as understanding the meaning of these prayers.They will keep you focussed before and during your journey on your mission of Hajj, as well as on your obligations towards Allah 

Glossary This Guide uses a large number of technical terms applicable to Umrah and Hajj. They are defined, and where considered necessary, briefly described below Before you leave 3.1  General3.2  Who Must Perform Hajj3.3  Prerequisites Of Hajj3.4  Preparations For Hajj Travel Agent Vaccinations Documents General 3.5  Things To Take With You Ihram Medication Waist Pouch Suitcase Money Clothing Foods/Snacks/Water Miscellaneous When you get to Saudi Arabia

4.1  General4.2  At Meeqat4.3  Obligations And Prohibitions Of Ihram4.4  Dum4.5  Jeddah And On To Makkah4.6  Travel Within Saudi Arabia4.7  The Do's and Dont's of Hajj4.8  Prices In Saudi Arabia To Madinah with Love ''He who performs Hajj but does not visit me has commited an act of oppression against me." (Al-Akhaam Al-Fiqhiyya)  "Whoever performs Hajj and then, after my passing away, visits my grave, it will be as if he visited me when I  was alive." (Al-Akhaam Al-Fiqhiyya)

Hajj and Umrah

5.1    General5.2    Tawaf5.2.1 Types of Tawaf5.2.2 Details Of Tawaf5.3     Sai5.3.1 General5.3.2 Details Of Sai5.4    Umra5.4.1 General5.5     Hajj5.5.1  General5.5.2 Types Of Hajj5.5.2 (I) Hajj al-Ifrad5.5.2 (II) Hajj al-Qiran5.5.2 (III) Hajj ut Tamattu 5.6     Mina, Arafat, And Muzdalifah (8th-13th of Zul Hijjah)5.6.1 Mina (8th of Zul Hijjah)5.6.2 Arafat, and Muzdalifa (9th of Zul Hijjah)5.6.3 Mina (10th of Zul Hijjah)5.6.4 Mina (11th-13th of Zul Hijjah)5.7    Tawaf al-Wuda A Womans Guide to Hajj Introduction Chapter (1) Ihraam Chapter (2) Differences in worship Conclusion A Sisters Diary of Hajj 2005 Read the complete 'live' diary of a Sister who performed the Hajj this year. A Brothers Hajj Diary 2005 Read a mureeds Hajj diary with Hadrat Shaykh al-Islam

Prayers and Supplications  (a)  Talbiyah(b)  Prayer At Maqam-o-Ibrahim(c)  Prayer at Multazam(d)  Prayers of Tawaf The Sacrifice of Animals Its Merits The Ruling The Rationale of Sacrifce Tie time of Sacrifice The animals of Sacrifice

Umrah flow diagram Quick glance directional chart

Hajj flow diagram

 Quick glance directional chart        Discuss Hajj/Umrah More information, diaries, stories, and events from our special Hajj forum.

                                                                                                         

Guide

Chapter 1

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

The writer's experience with the existing texts available on the subject of Umrah and Hajj, which provided him with the incentive and the justification for writing this guide, has already been mentioned in the introduction "A Personal Note". The format and the subject matter presented in this guide are a direct outcome of that experience.
Even a quick and cursory glance through these pages will show that their structure, organization, and textual format are radically different from most books on the subject. In order to be able to use it in the most efficient way possible, it is recommended that the reader follow the sequence of study suggested below. It is the writer's opinion that any attempt to circumvent the suggested methodology is likely to cause confusion and, indeed, will be self-defeating in that it would force the reader eventually to revert to the suggested sequence anyway!
Since the thrust of this guide is the simplification of the understanding of Umra and Hajj, the following sequence of study is strongly recommended:

1. Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the terms defined and described in Chapter 2 (Glossary). All technical and ritual details of Umra and Hajj that follow in subsequent sections use these terms extensively without elaborating upon them in the text. You will be lost without an adequate study of this chapter.
2. Skip Chapter 3 (Before You Leave) and Chapter 4 (When You Get To Saudi Arabia), except for Sections 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 which contain useful information about the prerequisites of Hajj. The rest of these chapters advise you on how to prepare for Hajj, what to pack for the journey, etc. They can wait till later. Use the information you have learned in Chapter 2 to your advantage since it is still fresh in your mind, and proceed to Chapter 5 to learn the technical aspects of Umra and Hajj in its light.
3. Go to Chapter 5 (Umra And Hajj) and study it in the light of Chapter 2. You may need to return frequently to Chapter 2 to refresh your memory of definitions and procedures. You must be fully comfortable with your understanding of all that is involved in Umra and Hajj before you advance any further in your reading. At this stage, you may also want to decide on the type of Hajj you wish to perform and pay special attention to its specific details.
4. You may now read Chapter 3 and Chapter 4. You can also start planning your schedules, travel and residential arrangements, etc. in the light of this information. Talk to your travel agent if any questions come to your mind during this study that are not answered in these chapters.
5. Save Chapter 6 (Prayers And Supplications) for a "rainy day" when you have a reasonable amount of time to memorize any or all of the prayers if you so desire. The seven prayers for the Tawaf of Kabah are highly recommended. They possess an intensity of emotion and devotion that increases as the Tawaf progresses. It moves you even as it enlightens you, and it reaches its zenith in the seventh prayer where you find yourself asking Allah for His ultimate Grace and Mercy.

Take your time in memorizing the text as well as understanding the meaning of these prayers.They will keep you focussed before and during your journey on your mission of Hajj, as well as on your obligations towards Allah.
As a matter of convenience, this guide is written as if addressed to male pilgrims only. Needless to say, all information presented is equally applicable to female pilgrims also. Such information as is meant for male pilgrims only is self-evident. Information which is intended exclusively for female pilgrims has been italicized for easy recognition. Additionally we have added another article specifically for Women,entitled  - The Womens Hajj.

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Glossary

This handbook uses a large number of technical terms applicable to Umrah and Hajj. They are defined, and where considered necessary, briefly described below. A discussion of terms that require more extensive treatment is deferred until later in the text at the appropriate places. It is strongly recommended that the reader familiarize himself thoroughly with all terms defined. It may be emphasized that since definitions of various terms often incorporate other terms, more than one reading of this chapter may be needed for a fuller understanding of its contents:

Arafat : A desert location approximately nine miles from Makkah where the pilgrim spends the 9th of Dhul Hijjah as a rite of Hajj.

Ayyam ut Tashreeq : The 11th, 12th, and 13th of the month of Dhul Hijjah. The pilgrim performs Rummy in Mina on these days.

Dhul Hijjah : The last month of the Islamic calendar during which Hajj is performed.

Dum : The expiation required of a pilgrim for a willful violation of a prohibition or obligation of the state of Ihram.

Hajj : A set of acts of worship prescribed by the Lord of the Worlds Allah Almighty and by His Most Beloved Messenger Sayyadina Rasulullah (peace and blessings upon him) to be performed in and around Makkah at least once in a lifetime by every Muslim satisfying certain conditions. Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. There are three types of Hajj one may perform as defined below:

Hajj al-Ifrad : The type of Hajj wherein the pilgrim pronounces his Niyyah (i.e.,intention) to perform only Hajj at Meeqat while changing into Ihram.

Hajj al-Qiran : The type of Hajj wherein the pilgrim pronounces his intention to perform both Umrah and Hajj together with the same Ihram at Meeqat.

Hajj ut Tamattu : The type of Hajj wherein the pilgrim pronounces his intention to perform only Umrah at Meeqat when changing into Ihram. A second niyyah, and a second change into Ihram follow on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah for the performance of the remaining rites of Hajj.

Hajar al-Aswad : The Sacred Black Stone built into the south-east corner of the Ka'bah at a height of approximately four feet. The stone does not belong to the geology of the region and is a part of the original construction of the Ka'bah by Prophet Ibrahim (Alaihi as-salaam) Hajar al-Aswad has a special significance for Muslims during Hajj. It was personally installed in the wall of the Ka'bah by Sayyadina Rasulullah (peace and blessings be upon him) himself during its reconstruction following its destruction by a flash flood. The Beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also kissed it during his Last (Farewell) Hajj. Thus, touching and kissing, or Istilam, of Hajar al-Aswad during Umra and Hajj are not only His Sunnah but also constitute an emotional and spiritual bond between Him and His people.

Halq : The act of completely shaving his head by the male pilgrim on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. This is the last thing he does before getting out of the state of Ihram. See Taqseer also. For female pilgrims, the requirements of Halq and Taqseer are satisfied if they trim their hair by approximately half an inch.

Haram ash Shareef : The Mosque around the Ka'bah in Makkah, as well as the Mosque in Madinah. The latter, also known as Al Masjid un Nabawi contains within its premises the blessed grave of Sayyadina Rasulullah (peace and blessings be upon him).

Hateem : The area adjacent to the Ka'bah on its west side, enclosed by a low semi-circular wall. Tradition has it that Hajar (wife of Prophet Ibrahim) is buried in this enclosure. It is highly recommended that the pilgrim should offer Salaat us Sunnah and supplications to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) in this area. However, this is not a part of the official rites of Hajj.

Idtiba : The mode of Ihram used during Tawaf al-Qudoom. The male pilgrim drapes one end of the top part of his Ihram over his left shoulder back-to-front. The other end goes across his back, under his right arm, across his front, and is finally draped over his left shoulder.

Idtiba is not observed in any other type of Tawaf. Also, when the pilgrim offers salat us sunnah after Tawaf ul Qudoom or an obligatory salat during this Tawaf, he must cover both his shoulders. In other words, Idtiba is practiced only while actually performing Tawaf ul Qudoom. Female pilgrims wear no Ihram, so that the question of Idtiba for them does not arise.

Ihram : The distinctive garb of the male pilgrim worn during Umrah or Hajj. It consists of two pieces of white, unsewn and plain cloth. One of the pieces is wrapped around the midriff to cover his body from just above his navel to his ankles, and the other is draped around his shoulders to cover the upper body. For ladies, their ordinary, and unpretentious clothes of daily wear constitute their Ihram.

Istilam : The act of kissing Hajar al-Aswad at the beginning and the end of every circumambulation (circuit) of the Ka'bah during Tawaf. If it is not possible physically to kiss Hajar al-Aswad for any reason, the pilgrim may extend his hand to touch the Sacred Stone and then kiss his own hand. If even that is not possible, he may raise his hand towards Hajar al-Aswad and, thereafter, kiss his own hand.

Jamraat : The three stone pillars in Mina which symbolically represent the locations where the devil (shaitan) is stated in tradition to have tried to tempt Prophet Ibrahim (alaihi as-salaam) in an effort to dissuade him from the path of Allah. The pilgrim symbolically stones these pillars on the 10th through the 13th of Dhul Hijjah in commemoration of the rejection of the devil by Prophet Ibrahim (alahi as-salaam), and of his steadfastness to the cause of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala). The Jamraat are located within a few hundred feet of one another in a line and are named as follows:

Jamrat ul Kubra : The last stone pillar in the line. This is also called Jamrat al-Uqabah.

Jamrat ul Ula : The first stone pillar in the line.

Jamrat ul Wusta : The second (middle) stone pillar in the line.

Kaffarah : Another name for Dum.

Marwah : A small knoll (i.e., hillock) located approximately one hundred yards from the Kabah inside Al Masjid al-Haram. The pilgrim performs the devotional rite of Sai between the knolls of Safa and Marwah.

Mahram : The husband, or a male companion of a female pilgrim to whom her marriage is expressly prohibited by the shariah (e.g., father, brother, uncle, nephew, etc.) A woman must necessarily be accompanied by a Mahram for Umra and Hajj.

Masjid al-Haram : The mosque around the Kabah also known as Haram ash-Shareef.

Meeqat : An imaginary boundary around Makkah. A prospective pilgrim cannot cross this boundary without first changing into Ihram. This boundary is anchored by different townships and localities in different directions (Zul Hulaifa in the north, Yalamlam in the south-east, Dhat Irq in the north-east, Juhfah in the north-west, Qarn al-Manazil in the east.) The pilgrim changes into Ihram at Meeqat and pronounces his intention to perform Umrah or Hajj. For people living inside the Meeqat permanently, their place of residence is their Meeqat.

Mina : A desert location approximately three miles from Makkah where several rites of Hajj are performed.

Muallim : A knowledgeable professional who can guide the pilgrim during Hajj; also called a Mutawwif.

Muhrim : A pilgrim in the state of Ihram.

Multazam : The part of the Ka'bah between its door and Hajar al-Aswad. This is a specially sacred part of the Ka'bah. It is recommended that, if possible, the pilgrim should touch the Kabah at Multazam and offer supplications to Allah. However, this is not a part of the official rites of Hajj.

Maqam-o-Ibrahim : The step-stone used by Prophet Ibrahim (alaihi as-salaam) during the original construction of the Ka'bah. The stone carries the imprints of his feet, and is housed in a glass enclosure on the north side of the Ka'bah.

Mutamatti : One who has performed Hajj ut Tamattu.

Mutawwif : See Muallim.

Muzdalifah : A desert location approximately midway between Mina and Arafat. The pilgrim spends the night of the 10th of Dhul Hijjah here.

Niyyah : Intention. All acts of worship are preceded by an appropriate Niyyah.

Qarin : One who has performed Hajj ul Qiran

Qasr : The mode of shortened prayers usually offered when on a journey.

Ramal : The ritual in which male pilgrims are required to walk briskly with their chests thrust forward and with their shoulders rolling slightly during the first three circuits of Tawaf ul Qudoom. Ladies are not required to practice Ramal.

Rummy : The act of symbolically stoning the devil (shaitan) in Mina on the 10th through the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. This commemorates the tradition that Prophet Ibrahim (alaihi as-salaam) was tempted three times by the devil, and rejected all three of his overtures by stoning him, and driving him away. These three locations are symbolized by three stone pillars in Mina.

Safa : A small knoll approximately half a mile from the Kabah inside Al Masjid al-Haram. The pilgrim performs the devotional act of Sai between the knolls of Safa and Marwah.

Sai : The devotional act of walking seven times back and forth between the knolls of Safa and Marwah. This act retraces the footsteps of Hajar (wife of Prophet Ibrahim alaihi as-salaam), during her desperate search for water for her infant son Ismail after they were left in the desert by Prophet Ibrahim in response to a divine vision.

Salaat : Obligatory or supererogatory prayers.

Shawt : One complete circumambulation, or circuit, of the Kabah. Each shawt (pl. ashwaat) starts and ends at Hajar al-Aswad. Seven ashwaat constitute one Tawaf.

Talbiyah : A devotional recital of the following words by the pilgrim during Umra and Hajj.

(Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik. Labbaik, La Shareek Laka, Labbaik. Innal Hamdah, Wan Nematah, Laka wal Mulk, La Shareek Laka)

Trans: "Here I am at Thy service O Lord, here I am. Here I am at Thy service and Thou hast no partners. Thine alone is All Praise and All Bounty, and Thine alone is The Sovereignty. Thou hast no partners."
The Talbiyah is a prayer as well as an assertion of the pilgrim's conviction that he intends to perform Hajj only for the glory of Allah. The pilgrim starts the recital upon changing into the Ihram, and continues to recite it frequently throughout Hajj. Male pilgrims recite the Talbiyah loudly whereas female pilgrims are required to recite it in a low voice.

Taqseer : Shortening or clipping of the whole head of hair by the male pilgrim following the completion of Hajj. This may be performed in lieu of Halq. However, snipping off a few hairs here and there is not acceptable. The Sunnah of The Beloved Rasulullah (peace and blessings be upon him) supports only Taqseer and Halq.

Tawaf : The devotional act of circumambulating the Ka'bah while reciting prayers. It constitutes an integral part of Umra and Hajj. There are five different types of Tawaf one may perform:

Tawaf al-Ifadah : The Tawaf performed by the pilgrim on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah as the last formal rite of Hajj in Makkah after changing into street clothes (also called Tawaf uz Ziyarah).

Tawaf un Nafl : A devotional Tawaf which may be performed any time.

Tawaf al-Qudoom : The initial Tawaf performed by the pilgrim upon entering Al Masjid al-Haram in Makkah pursuant upon his intention for Hajj.

Tawaf al-Umra : The Tawaf performed as a rite of Umra.

Tawaf al-Wuda : The Farewell Tawaf performed by the pilgrim just before leaving Makkah for his next destination.

Umra : A set of religious and devotional rites performed in Makkah in an order ordained by Allah and His Beloved Messenger Sayyadina Rasulullah (peace and blessings be upon him). Umrah can be performed at any time of the year and, unlike Hajj, does not involve the rites at Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat.

Yaum un Nahr : The 10th of Dhul Hijjah. This day is designated as the preferred day of sacrifice during Hajj.

Yaum ut Tarwiyah : The 8th of Dhul Hijjah signifying the start of Hajj. The pilgrim proceeds to Mina on this day.

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Before you leave

3.1 General
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. All Muslims who fulfill certain conditions must perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime. What are these conditions? Are there any prerequisites of Hajj? The answers to these and many other similar questions can help you in making decisions, and in planning for Hajj in a better and more efficient fashion.
3.2 Who Must Perform Hajj
Every Muslim who fulfills the following conditions must perform Hajj at least once in his lifetime:

1. He must be of sound mind, and in full control of his mental faculties.
2. He must be old enough, and mature enough to understand the full import, and significance of what he is setting out to do.
3. He must be financially sound enough to be able not only to bear all of his expenses for Hajj but also to provide adequately for his dependents during his absence and until his return.

3.3 Prerequisites Of Hajj
Since Hajj is an act of worship, it must be performed in peace, and with single minded devotion. There are a number of simple, yet important, things you can do to get in the right frame of mind for this unique experience. All of these are self-evident and are based on common sense. They are reiterated below for completeness of the discussion and as a reminder:

1. Your intention must be to perform Hajj solely for the sake of Allah. Considerations of pleasing or impressing others with your show of piety should never be a factor.
2. All Hajj expenses must be paid out of money obtained through legitimate (Halaal) means. Money obtained through illegitimate or doubtful means is not acceptable.
3. All of your debts and financial obligations must be fully discharged before you start your journey and, where necessary, a written acknowledgement of the transaction obtained for future use.
4. You must make an honest effort to resolve your outstanding differences with others and seek forgiveness from those you may have hurt in any way in the past. This is based on specific instructions of Sayyiduna Rasool Allah (pbuh) and must be followed for the Hajj to be meaningful.

3.4 Preparations For Hajj
Since Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most people, the importance of early and adequate preparation cannot be over-emphasized. There is a considerable investment of money, time, and physical effort required for the Pilgrimage to be fulfilling and meaningful. Information has to be collected, itineraries must be worked out, and documents have to be readied. The purpose of these preparations is not only to minimize physical discomfort, emotional aggravation and monetary expenses, but also to enable you to perform Hajj in relative peace of heart and mind. Therefore, it makes sense to be as ready as possible for this momentous journey of self-discovery, self-appraisal, and spiritual enlightenment.
Arrangements must be started early enough so that you are not rushed for time in the few days before your voyage commences. The paperwork, shopping, finalizing your travel and residential arrangements inside Saudi Arabia etc., consume a great deal of time. Three to four months ahead of your actual date of departure is a good estimate for starting your preparations. Your travel agent, or a knowledgeable friend who has performed Hajj recently, can also guide you in your preparations. Be sure to apply a "factor of safety" to their recommendations and allow yourself a somewhat greater period of preparation than they advise!
The following guidelines are intended to get you started in the right direction. Since individual needs and preferences vary widely you will, in all probability, add to the list as you prepare for the journey:

1. Travel Agent

Choose a travel agent who offers a wide selection of "packages" for Hajj. There are a large number of travel agencies all over the country that offer Hajj services, and not all of their products are of equal quality and value. Choosing the right agent is of crucial importance. Hopefully, a representative of your travel agent will be your constant guide and trouble shooter during Hajj. Invest time and effort in this essential phase of your preparation.
Talk to friends and acquaintances who may have recently used the services of various companies and ask them for recommendations. The quality of service and commitment to the comfort and well-being of the pilgrims vary significantly among travel agents. Whereas a good and responsible agent can "make" your Hajj, a bad one can just as easily "break" it.
Be sure to ask the travel agent specific questions and have him give you specific answers:

1. What will be the duration of your stay in Makkah and Madinah? What dates? Is the program flexible or will it allow no changes once it is made? Is there any additional cost to such changes? If so, what is it?
2. How far away will you be staying from Haram ash Shareef, both in Makkah and in Madinah? If your place of residence is not within easy walking distance (10-15 minutes), what type of transportation to and from Haram ash Shareef will be made available? How often during the day will it be available?
3. Will a representative of the travel agent who is fully conversant with the rites of Hajj, and Saudi rules and procedures for customs, immigration, and travel be with you at all times? Will he stay in Saudi Arabia for the duration of your visit? You do not want to be left in Saudi Arabia without adequate guidance and assistance. The laws and procedures there can be very difficult, frustrating, and time-consuming.
4. Will the representative of the agent be conversant with the Arabic language? If not, will an interpreter be provided in Saudi Arabia? Most Saudi authorities do not speak English, and your command of Arabic is likely to be limited.
5. Will you have the option of travelling within Saudi Arabia, (for example from Makkah to Madinah), in a taxi hired by you at your own expense instead of the prepaid bus provided by your muallim? How about possible return by air from Madinah to Jeddah on your way out of the country instead of the usual prepaid bus? Get a good idea of this additional expense. You may want to use the above options in view of the fact that the bus journeys during Hajj season can be nerve-racking. For example, a bus journey from Makkah to Madinah (approximately 400 km or 250 miles) can take as long as twenty to thirty hours, whereas a taxi will cover the same distance in three to four hours. The small additional cost you will incur is well worth the money in terms of time saved and physical discomfort avoided.
   If you choose to use any of the alternate travel options (and it is highly recommend that you give them very serious consideration), be sure to redeem your unused bus coupons at Jeddah airport on your way out. Your travel agent should be able to help you in this.
   
6. What kind of arrangements will be made for your stay in Mina and Arafat? How about the food arrangements in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah?
7. Does the price of your package include meals? See if the agents make an effort to vary the menu. You may have to supplement your meals with milk, fruits etc. Food supplied by the agents tends to be monotonous, and the lack of variety is likely to kill your appetite after a couple of days!
8. Will the agent arrange for a sacrifice on your behalf on the 10th of Zul Hijjah? This is a common service agents often provide for a small fee. They will inform you of the time of the sacrifice so that you may perform other rites accordingly.

1. Vaccinations You will need certain vaccinations for the issuance of a Hajj visa. The World Health Organization (WHO) issues annual guidelines and requirements concerning vaccinations for travel to various countries including Saudi Arabia. Your physician will have the necessary information or will be able to access it readily.
   Check either with your travel agent or the Saudi Arabian Embassy for additional requirements. The Saudi Government requirements are usually stricter than the WHO recommendations. For instance, whereas the WHO recommended immunization against only meningococcal meningitis for travel to Saudi Arabia in 1997, the Saudi authorities required immunization against cholera also.
   Your doctor may recommend additional vaccinations in the light of his knowledge and experience. The writer's doctor (a specialist in infectious diseases) recommended and administered immunization against typhoid fever, polio, pneumonia, diphtheria/tetanus (D/T) and malaria.
   This may sound like "over-kill" and it probably is in most cases. However, it can also save you a lot of worry and misery in those unfortunate instances where extra care is needed. To cite an example : in 1997 there was an outbreak of typhoid in India and some of the pilgrims in the writer's group, who travelled to India after Hajj, became seriously ill with the illness while there. It is possible that they contracted the disease from carriers among the Indian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, or they may have contracted the disease in India itself. In any case, earlier vaccination against the disease would have saved them from much suffering and anxiety. Had they contracted typhoid in Saudi Arabia itself from the Indian pilgrims, they would have had serious problems completing their Hajj.
   Be sure to obtain an official Vaccination Record Book (the "Yellow Book") from your County or State Health Department. Have your physician fill it out, sign it, and stamp it. Anything less may be unacceptable to the Saudi visa authorities, and you don't want your visa application rejected for a small detail like this. Keep the vaccination record book with your other important documents and take it with you to Saudi Arabia. You never know when you may need it.
   
2. Documents

1. Saudi Government regulations require your passport to be valid for at least six months past the date of your departure. If it is not, have its validity extended or get a new passport well ahead of time. It takes several weeks for a passport to be issued or extended under normal circumstances. Your local post office should have the necessary forms and other relevant information. If you are not a U.S. citizen and hold a "green card", your passport also needs to be valid for six months past the date of your departure. Your travel agent will be able to advise you of any additional requirements.
   
2. You will need a round-trip ticket to Saudi Arabia for a Hajj visa to be issued. Your travel agent will ask you for a specific package of documents to be submitted with your visa application. Normally, the agent will take care of the visa application as a part of his services.
3. Your travel agent will probably ask you for four to five passport-sized pictures for a visa and other paper work. Have an additional four to five copies of the photos made and take them with you to Saudi Arabia. They may be needed for ID cards issued by your muallim and other Saudi documents and procedures. Having spare pictures on hand will save you the time, aggravation, and expense involved in having them made in a foreign land.
4. If you were born in the U.S.A., you may be required to have a certificate issued by a competent authority (e.g., the Imam of your local mosque) stating that you are a Muslim. Since non-muslims are not allowed in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, such a document is of crucial importance, especially if you do not happen to have a typical Muslim name. Your travel agent or the Saudi Embassy can advise you about the details of the said certificate.
5. Prepare a Last Will and Testament and have it properly notarized. Consult an attorney if it is a complicated will, or if you have concerns about your assets and property in case of something untoward happening to you during Hajj. Leave the original in a safety deposit box accessible to a member of your family. The executor/executrix of your will should also be given a copy, and your attorney should probably retain a copy also. Have him explain to you, and the immediate members of your family affected by the will, the probate laws of your state and advise them as to the best course of action in case of your death abroad.

1. General

1. You will be exerting considerable physical effort during Hajj. All Hajj rites (Tawaf, Sai, Rummy etc.) require a great deal of strength and endurance. The constant crush of hundreds of thousands of other pilgrims, each trying to perform the same rites at the same time in limited spaces and very hot weather, compounds the demands on your physical conditioning and mental toughness. In order to be prepared for the rigors expected of you, you must be in good physical shape. To achieve this, start a program of brisk walking and jogging for twenty to thirty minutes a day about three to four months before your departure. Gradually increase this regimen to an hour every day or every other day.
   After a few days of walking/jogging start reciting audibly the Talbiyah and the prayers for Tawaf.This will keep your mind occupied during the monotony of the exercise, and will also help you get in a peaceful frame of mind. Concentrating on the meaning of the prayers will help you get ready for the actual Hajj as well.
   
2. Obtain and study books on Hajj and its rites if you wish to know more about its history and traditions. Familiarize yourself with all aspects of the Hajj process. Memorize the prayers you will be reciting and also learn their meaning. It requires very little effort to do so and it is so much more fulfilling and rewarding when you understand what you recite. It serves little purpose to recite prayers mindlessly with no comprehension of the words spoken. The more you know about Hajj, its obligations, and prohibitions, the more comfortable and at peace you will feel during the whole process. You will be confident of what you are doing, and will also be independent of the advice and prompting of your friends or a mutawwif. Your prayers will bear the hallmark of the single-mindedness and devotion born of knowledge and confidence. You will also be able to help and guide your less knowledgeable companions, answer their questions, and allay their fears.
   Some people do not take the trouble of learning the rites and prayers of Hajj themselves and, consequently, depend on professional mutawwifs for the performance of these rites. You will find such people performing the Tawaf under the leadership of these professionals, trying to keep up with their "leader" in the milling throngs of pilgrims around the Kabah, and at the same time, trying to repeat the prayers intoned by their mutawwif! With a little bit of effort, you can avoid the problems and frustrations of trying to follow some one else closely enough in a vast, moving crowd to listen to and parrot his intonations.
   
3. A female pilgrim must travel in the company of her husband or a mahram i.e., a member of her immediate family with whom her marriage is expressly prohibited by the shariah e.g., father, brother, son, uncle, etc.
   

3.5 Things To Take With You
The following is a fairly comprehensive list of things you will need to take with you to make your journey, and subsequent stay in Saudi Arabia safe, convenient, and relatively care-free. Since personal needs and preferences vary, you may want to make changes in this list to suit your own requirements.

1. Ihram

The Ihram consists of two pieces of white, unsewn and plain cloth, either 100% cotton or light terry-cloth. These are cool to wear and also provide for better absorption of the heavy perspiration you will inevitably experience during Hajj. The sizes of the two pieces are as follows:
Bottom Part : 45" (1 1/4 yd) x 120" (3 1/3 yd)
Top Part : 45" (1 1/4 yd) x 72" (2 yd)

1. Tear off two, two to three inch wide strips of a sufficient length from the same material. Use one as a belt to secure the bottom portion of the Ihram. Keep the other as a spare. An ordinary belt or waist belt may also be used for the same purpose, but a strip of Ihram cloth is a lot more practical, and unobtrusive. It keeps the Ihram firmly in place and, unlike a fanny belt or pouch, does not have to be inspected by the police at the entrance to the Haram ash Shareef.
2. Tear off an eight to ten inch wide strip of sufficient length from the same material. Use it to secure money, credit cards, airline ticket, etc. around your midriff under the Ihram. Use a plastic sandwich bag inside this make-shift pouch to keep these things dry, and secure. This is as pilfer-proof as possible and,unlike a belt or waist pouch, does not attract the unwanted attention of pickpockets and thieves. You may still use a waist pouch to carry other things such as medication, pen, a handkerchief, and a small amount of money for daily use. Your waist pouch will be inspected by the police at the entrance to Haram ash Shareef in Makkah and Madinah. Be patient and understanding as the police are only doing their job.

1. Medication

Gastrointestinal and respiratory infections are very common during Hajj. People from all over the world bring with them all kinds of infections, and the unavoidable closeness of the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims facilitates easy spread of these illnesses. Fatigue, and lack of sleep from the physically demanding regimen of Hajj rites as well as the over-enthusiastic exertions in prayers and devotions, lower one's immunity and resistance, thereby making one more vulnerable to disease. However, you can take elementary precautions to minimize your chances of becoming ill, and also to ensure that you will get back on your feet faster should you get sick. Getting and staying in good physical shape by regular exercise prior to your departure is a good first step. You can also carry certain medicines with you for use later.

1. Ask your doctor to prescribe a broad-spectrum antibiotic to be taken prophylactically (i.e., as a preventive measure) throughout your stay in Saudi Arabia. The writer's doctor prescribed 250 mg of the antibiotic CIPRO to be taken daily. He found it to be very helpful and effective as he was about the only person in his group of approximately seventy five people who remained healthy and free of all infections during his stay. CIPRO is easily available in Saudi Arabia. Some people were prescribed AMOXICILLIN by Saudi doctors and pharmacists with good results. Most medicines are available over the counter in Saudi Arabia, and even pharmacists readily prescribe medication. However it is preferable to consult your doctor in the Europe/U.S.A. for your needs for obvious reasons.
2. Carry a reasonable supply of over-the-counter drugs such as :

ASPIRIN, TYLENOL, ADVIL or ALEVE (for pain) TYLENOL PM (as a sleep-aid) BENGAY, ASPERCREME (for muscular pain) PEPTOBISMOL, IMMODIUM (for diarrhea) EMETROL (for nausea) COUGH DROPS, MULTI-VITAMINS, BAND-AIDS, ANTI-BACTERIAL CREAM (for cuts)

1. Waist Pouch Keep valuables (documents, money, travellers' checks, keys, credit cards, etc.) in the fanny pouch around your waist at all times. Do not ever leave your home without it. Be especially careful and wary in crowded places. Unfortunately, there are thieves and pickpockets even inside Haram ash Shareef! Hold on to the pouch with your hand in crowds e.g., while doing Tawaf or when visiting Al Masjid un Nabawi in Madinah. Buy a good quality waist belt or pouch. It is a small but a very good investment.
   
2. Suitcase Hard-cased, high quality luggage with a built-in locking system is highly recommended. Do not use a soft, vinyl suitcase with outside hasps for locks. Both the suitcase as well as the locks can be easily cut and the contents stolen. Many people have the mistaken notion that every one in and around the Holy cities of Makkah and Madinah and Al Haram ash Shareef is a God fearing, devoted Muslim. Therefore, they feel immune from criminal activity. Unfortunately, that is just not true. Inspite of the severe punishments awarded to convicted criminals by Saudi authorities, crime does exist. Pickpockets and crooks find it easy to prey on unsuspecting pilgrims whose guard is down because of their preoccupation with Hajj activities.
   Always keep your suitcase locked and do not ever leave money, important papers or other valuables in it.Your residential room will be periodically cleaned by the cleaning staff, and the best way to keep every one honest is not to offer any temptation. Take two sets of keys for your suitcase. Keep one set in the waist pouch, and the other in a separate, and safe location.
   
3. Money

Take a sufficient amount of currency to cover your projected expenses. It is difficult to recommend an amount since individual needs, travel and living arrangements, shopping plans etc. vary widely. Only you can decide on the amount to carry. In any event,do not advertise to others either the amount of money you possess or its place of safekeeping. You can never be too careful.The following are some useful guidelines in this area:

1. Have most of your money in the form of travellers' checks. They are safe to carry, can be cashed almost anywhere, and are easily replaced in case of theft or loss. Since your passport will have been taken from you for the duration of your stay by the Saudi authorities in Jeddah, the ID card issued by your muallim will most probably be used for check cashing purposes. The importance of this card cannot be over-emphasized. Take good care of it! Besides the Saudi banks, the travellers' checks can also be cashed at the numerous "sarrafs" (money changers) located in the market in Makkah and Madinah.
   
2. Carry a small amount of Saudi riyals with you. A minimum of one thousand riyals (1 Dollar = 3.75 Riyals) is recommended. You can purchase them at almost all currency exchanges located in major American airports. This Saudi currency will help you take care of your immediate expenses upon your arrival until you become familiar with the local system. You will also save time and aggravation associated with making trips to the banks to cash your checks. All banks tend to be crowded during the Hajj season and may also be closed at certain times of the day and certain days of the week.
3. Take only one credit card with you to minimize problems in case of its loss. Make sure that you can use it to charge telephone calls also. Do not forget to carry the information required to contact the credit card issuing institution in case of its theft or misplacement.
4. Take some U.S./Euro currency also with you. You can exchange it for Saudi currency everywhere in emergencies, and may need it immediately upon your return to the Europe/U.S.A.

1. Clothing Saudi Arabia is a very hot part of the world most of the year. The presence of two to three million pilgrims during Hajj in rather congested spaces with the inevitable pushing and shoving adds to the discomfort. The Hajj rites, ziyarat (i.e., visiting places of religious or historical interest), shopping, etc. require considerable walking and physical exertion. Consequently, light and airy clothes for street wear are the best.
   Take enough changes of clothes to make your stay comfortable, but be careful not to overburden yourself with unnecessary clothes. In the hot Saudi Arabian weather, one set of clothes lasts only a day. Professional laundry facilities are available in Saudi Arabia, though coin-operated laundries are a rarity. Getting your clothes cleaned professionally is quite expensive, particularly as the prices tend to sky-rocket during the Hajj season.
   Some do-it-yourself light laundry may be necessary and is, indeed, highly recommended. It is a good idea to pack some laundry detergent, and wash your Ihram and other light items yourself. You will have a considerable amount of spare time before and after Hajj. Use it for "housekeeping".
   For street wear, Indo-Pak shalwar-qamees, and kurta-pajama as well as the Saudi thoub (Jubaah-a one-piece head-to-toe garment) are ideal and are recommended. Thoubs are easily available everywhere in Saudi Arabia.
   Depending on the time of the year, you may want to pack a light sweater for early morning wear in Madinah, which tends to be cool at that time of day in November and December.
   
2. Foods/Snacks/Water

There is no real need for you to carry items of food with you. Everything is readily available in Saudi Arabia at a reasonable cost. Saudi authorities do not allow perishable food items to be brought into the country in significant quantities anyway. Packaged and canned products in limited quantities, however, may be brought in by tourists and pilgrims. For emergencies and during periods of long waiting (e.g., at Jeddah airport) carry-on food may come in useful and handy. All kinds of food are available at Jeddah airport also. Some people may, however, prefer to use their own food immediately upon arrival in a foreign land. Some general guidelines are given below:

1. A couple of packs of cookies and crackers are helpful and provide a good snack. Remove them from their boxes; they occupy much less space as individual rolls. Granola bars, packaged dates, fig newtons and similar items are recommended also.
2. All varieties of fruits are easily obtainable everywhere in Saudi Arabia and provide much needed flavor and nutrition. Peelable fruits (bananas, oranges etc.) are recommended to minimize exposure to infection from insanitary handling. Wash all fruits carefully before use, and avoid fruits and food exposed to the elements.
3. Soft drinks of all kinds are obtainable in Saudi Arabia at all major and minor shopping establishments, and are entirely safe to drink. Bottled water is cheap, and should be the only water you drink.Tap water or water from any other source (except, of course, the Zam-Zam water) should not be used for drinking purposes.
4. Milk, yogurt, buttermilk, ice cream, and other dairy products are widely available, and should be liberally used to supplement your diet.
5. Take two 18-oz cans of powdered POWERADE or GATORADE with you. Mixed directly with a bottle of cold water, they make for a nutritious and delicious drink and also serve to replenish body salts and chemicals lost through the inevitable heavy perspiration.

1. Miscellaneous

The following is a list of items of daily use you should carry with you. They will make your life easier, and your stay in Saudi Arabia more comfortable.

1. multi-blade pocket knife, can opener, nail clipper, small scissors.
2. tooth brush, tooth paste, disposable razors, shaving cream, small mirror, comb, toilet paper (2 rolls), napkins, soap (2 cakes), plastic soap dish, small shampoo bottle, deodorant, chapstick, small vaseline, tooth picks.
3. pocket Quran, tasbeeh, pen, pencil, notebook.
4. slippers (flip-flops, thongs, chappals), sneakers, folding umbrella, sunglasses (or clip-on sunshades), small flash light with extra batteries, travel alarm clock, elastic eye-glass holder, sun-hat, 10 zippered sandwich bags, 4 garbage bags, plastic spoons, laundry detergent, 6 plastic grocery bags.
5. towels (2 large, 2 small), musalla (i.e. prayer rug), one heavy sheet, inflatable pillow. 
   

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When you get there

4.1 General
Very little information is available about Saudi Arabia in books on Hajj. Answers to the many questions you will have are hard to come by. What should you expect in Saudi Arabia in terms of living conditions, rules and regulations, customs and travel? What is going to happen in Jeddah? Where is Meeqat, and what facilities for shower and bath, if any, are available there? What precautions and arrangements will make your stay more comfortable? These and other similar questions are dealt with in this chapter.
4.2 At Meeqat
Your travel agent will inform you about the location of your Meeqat. There, you will shower if possible, take care of general personal hygiene and then change into Ihram.
Wrap the larger of the two portions of the Ihram around your waist to cover your body from just above the navel to about the ankles. Secure the Ihram either with a belt or with a two to three inch wide strip of fabric torn from the Ihram material. Drape the other part of the Ihram over the back and the shoulders. Do not cover your head even for salat while in a state of Ihram. You may use perfume before changing into Ihram, but be sure not to apply it directly to your Ihram.
You are now a Muhrim (i.e., one in a state oh Ihram) and are subject to certain obligations and prohibitions which are given later in this chapter.
Offer two rakah salat us sunnah and pronounce your intention to perform Umra or Hajj, as the case may be. Start reciting the Talbiyah loudly and frequently, and continue to do so until you arrive at the Masjid al-Haram.
Ihram for ladies consists of their simple and unpretentious clothes of daily wear. They are required to keep their hands and faces uncovered in the state of Ihram.
While in Ihram, you may use certain things for comfort and convenience. You may wear flip-flops, or similar slippers, provided that they cover as little of your feet as possible. You may also wear eyeglasses or a watch, use an umbrella, take a shower or a bath, wash and change your Ihram, use unscented soap, use a belt and a pillow, and cover yourself with a blanket during cold weather leaving your head and face uncovered. Ladies may continue to wear intimate apparel and socks but may not use gloves.
4.3 Obligations And Prohibitions Of Ihram
A Muhrim must observe certain obligations and prohibitions. A willful violation of any of them will require a Dum or Kaffarah, while an inadvertent violation carries no penalty. A Dum is not designed to punish you for your violation! It simply reminds you of your special state and offers you an opportunity to renew your commitment to perform Hajj according to the dictates of Allah Ajwaajal and the Sunnah of Sayyiduna Rasool Allah (pbuh). The rules of Ihram are as follows:

1. Keep your head uncovered at all times. Ladies will keep their heads covered.
2. Do not shave, cut your hair, clip your nails, use perfume, or wear sewn clothes of any kind.
3. Do not perform a marriage (nikah) or enter into one yourself.
4. Do not kill an animal of any kind for any reason unless it poses a danger to you or to other people around you.
5. Do not enter into conjugal relations with your spouse. Avoid suggestive and provocative talk or gestures, and remain focussed on your mission of Hajj.

4.4 Dum
As has already been mentioned, you are not accountable for inadvertent violations of the prohibitions of Ihram. Should you violate the sanctity of the Ihram knowingly and willfully, you are required to offer a Dum by way of expiation and of renewing your commitment to Hajj. There are three ways you may offer this Kaffarah:

1. By offering a sacrifice.
2. By feeding six indigent and poor people.
3. By fasting for three days.

You must offer the Dum as soon as possible. However, you may delay it to a more suitable time and place if absolutely necessary.

4.5 Jeddah And On To Makkah
There are legal formalities to be completed and paperwork to be done at Jeddah airport, and they will take a lot of time! To put things in perspective : Makkah, which is usually the first stop after Jeddah for most people, is a mere fifty miles from Jeddah. You will, in all likelihood, spend as many as eight to twelve hours completing formalities and travelling in a bus to cover this distance. Be patient. There is not much you can do to speed up the process.
After going through a maze of procedures, paperwork, customs and immigration, travel coupons for internal travel within Saudi Arabia will be attached to your passport and you will be escorted to government buses for your journey to Makkah. At this time, your passport will be taken away. Do not expect a receipt; none will be provided. The passport will be kept by the muallim assigned to you by the Saudi government, and you will next see it again at Jeddah airport the day you leave for home! You will be issued a picture-ID card in Makkah by your muallim in lieu of the passport. Take good care of this vital document until your passport is returned to you.
The bus will take you first to the Hujjaj Reception Center on your way to Makkah. After your papers are checked once again over an indeterminate period of time, you will be taken to your muallim's office in Makkah. There you will be issued a plastic bracelet or some other form of a document with the name, address and the telephone number of your muallim printed on it. Be sure always to have it on your person. If you ever get lost or are in an accident, the bracelet/document will be your passport to the right people. Without it you may face tremendous difficulties in returning to your place of residence. Your agent will next take you to your residence in Makkah.
Once you put your belongings safely away, and finally settle down, you will be ready to go to Masjid al-Haram for Tawaf ul Qudoom!
4.6 Travel Within Saudi Arabia
Travel within Saudi Arabia is highly restricted. As a pilgrim, your travels will be limited to the cities of Makkah and Madinah, to the tent cities of Mina and Arafat, and to Muzdalifah. Inter-city travel (for example between Makkah and Madinah) will require you, or your travel agent, to inform your muallim's office twenty four to forty eight hours before the projected time of your departure. You will travel by government bus using one of your travel coupons. You may also be able to travel by taxi at an additional cost to you. In either case, your passport will be handed over to the Saudi bus/taxi driver (a non-Saudi driver is not acceptable) by the muallim. The driver will personally hand the passport over to the relevant Saudi authority at your destination. At every such exchange of the passport, request to see the document in order to ensure that it really is yours! You do not want to reach your destination only to discover that someone else's passport has been inadvertently substituted for yours! This can happen. Be pro-active, alert and informed of everything that is happening at all times.
It may be to your advantage to use private taxis at an extra expense to you for inter-city travel. Your travel coupons are designed to be used for such trips by government buses only. However, the paperwork, government bureaucracy, and the bus system are excruciatingly slow, especially during the Hajj season. To cite a couple of examples :

1. The Jeddah-Makkah journey (a distance of merely fifty miles) may take eight to twelve hours by bus from the time you land to the time you reach your residence in Makkah.
2. The Makkah-Madinah journey (a distance of about 250 miles) may take twenty to thirty hours by bus from the time you report to the muallim's office to when you arrive at your final destination. Some people in the writer's group spent forty hours during this journey in a government bus!

A taxi will make short work of these trips in one and a half to two hours and three to four hours, respectively. The paper work is also abbreviated because you arrange for the taxi yourself and don't have to wait on other passengers, nor are you at the mercy of the bus driver. You will pay for the taxi out of your own pocket, but the time, frustration, and physical toll this will save far outweighs the small monetary expense. Talk to your travel agent beforehand to ensure that this highly desirable option will be available to you.
Also, remember to redeem your unused travel coupons at Jeddah airport on your way out of the country. Your agent should be able to help you in this matter. Do not forget to inform your muallim of your plans to travel by taxi well ahead of time, otherwise he will remove the coupons from your passport and you will not be able to have the appropriate amount of money refunded.
There is no civilian airport at Makkah, but there is one in Madinah. You may choose to fly from Madinah to Jeddah at your own expense. However, with the extra paperwork, the drive to the Madinah airport, and the inevitable wait there, you will probably end up spending as much time flying as you will spend by travelling in a taxi.
4.7 The DO'S and DONT'S Of Hajj
The following are some suggestions based on common sense and the experience of the writer and his fellow pilgrims. They will make your life easier and your Hajj experience more pleasurable, Insha Allah:
The DO'S:

1. DO carry sufficient money with you to cover your expenses comfortably. Even if your agent has made adequate arrangements for your meals, you will want to eat out at times, and then there is shopping! You may also choose to travel by taxi between cities at an additional charge to you. It is no fun running short on funds in a foreign country, especially during Hajj.
2. DO wash all fruits in clean water before consumption. Stick to fruits that have to be peeled before use. Avoid pre-cut fruits, salads, and food handled in an insanitary fashion. Avoid all food exposed to the elements. Fast food is available at some places but tends to be of somewhat lower quality than its American counterpart. It is, however, safe and sanitary.
3. DO keep the name, address and the telephone number of your muallim as well as of your place of residence with you at all times. DO wear the bracelet issued by the muallim and DO carry your picture ID card at all times. They will prove to be invaluable should something happen to you or if you get lost.
4. DO be aware of the heat and the problems it can cause (e.g., dehydration, heat stroke). Drink plenty of water (bottled water only, with or without GATORADE), soft drinks, and fruit juices. Stay in the shade when possible and use an umbrella and sunglasses to protect yourself from the harsh sun.
5. DO pace yourself in everything, including acts of worship. Know your physical limits and stay well within them. It is only too easy to get caught up in the emotion of the moment and exceed the boundaries of your strength and stamina. Pilgrims often try to spend every spare moment of their time in prayers and devotionals in Haram ash Shareef and often become sick. It is very painful and frustrating to get sick in a foreign country and an illness during Hajj is even worse as it defeats the purpose of your visit.
6. DO carry an ample supply of general purpose medicines for personal use. Most medicines are readily available in Saudi Arabia over the counter. Talk to a pharmacist or see a doctor promptly if you need help.
7. DO spend some time in studying and memorizing the layout and the location of your tent at Mina and Arafat, and your place of temporary stay in Muzdalifah with respect, possibly, to a nearby permanent landmark. All tents and pilgrims look alike. Should you get lost or confused, you will be faced with an extremely difficult, even an impossible, task of getting back to your base.
8. DO be patient, understanding, caring and compassionate. The hot weather, the tremendous crush of the pilgrims, and the considerable physical demands of Hajj tend to make people irritable and short of temper. You can avoid potentially awkward situations and unnecessary arguments by remaining focussed on your mission of Hajj, and by maintaining a positive and caring attitude towards others.
9. DO try to be responsive to others in need of guidance or help. Realize that your physical stamina and mental toughness will be repeatedly tried during Hajj.

The DONT'S:

1. DON'T ever leave money or other valuables (eg. papers, jewelry etc.) in your room. Always carry them with you on your person and be aware of people around you. Unfortunately, there are pickpockets and thieves in and around the Haram ash Shareef. Keep your waist pouch covered by the top part of your Ihram in order to avoid drawing unwanted attention.
2. DON'T expect Hajj to be a pleasure trip. Try to take your frustrations, hardships, and disappointments (and there will definitely be many!) in stride as a part of the sacrifice expected of you. See if you can ease someone else's burden a little by offering your support.
3. DON'T break or try to circumvent Saudi laws and regulations. The rules are clear and rigid, and the authorities are very strict.
4. DON'T get involved in unnecessary religious discussions with anyone. You will see slight variations in religious and Hajj practices among different people. Someone may even point out to you the "wrongness" of your ways. Be patient and walk away from a difficult situation. Patience and understanding go a long way towards making your Hajj more meaningful and enjoyable.

4.8 Prices In Saudi Arabia
The following prices in Saudi Riyals (SR) of a few representative items are intended to give you an idea of what to expect in the marketplace. Haggling for prices is common and, indeed, seems to be expected. Talk to knowledgeable people (e.g., your travel agent or a local friend) to decide on an opening price for an item. In the experience of the writer and his fellow pilgrims, 75% to 85% of the asking price appeared to be an acceptable opening figure:
Casual Shirt : SR 10-15
Average Quality Thoub : SR 20-25
High Quality Thoub : SR 60-80
Musalla : SR 15-20
Bottled Water (1 liter) : SR 1
(2 liters) : SR 2
Soft Drinks (12 oz can) : SR 1
Fruit Juice (12 oz can) : SR 1-2
Ice Cream (2 scoops) : SR 2
Milk (1 liter) : SR 3-4
Vegetarian Dinner : SR 5-7
Non-Vegetarian Dinner : SR 7-10
Deep-fried Chicken Dinner : SR 10-12
Barbecued Chicken Dinner : SR 12-15
Flip Flops (Thongs) : SR 10
Taxi (Mecca-Medina) : SR 50-60 per person
Halq/Taqseer (Haircut) : SR 10

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Madinah t'al-Munawarah

 
To Madinah With Love 

There has always been a tradition for pilgrims to visit the sacred city of Madinah while on Hajj or Umra. But does this tradition have any basis in Islam or is it just another fancy innovation ?

Recently there has been a growing movement deterring pilgrims from visiting Madinah. They argue that it is not one of the requirements of pilgrimage to visit Madinah.

One Wahhabi/Deobandi/Tableeghi Imam addressed a gathering in which he stated 'What is there to be gained from visiting Madinah!'. Such statements have been echoed throughout the Muslim world by these so called 'learned scholars'. More and more Muslims are making the annual pilgrimage to Makkah and less and less are visiting Madinah as a result of brainwashing from ignorant self proclaimed scholars.

Let us look at the traditions regarding the city of Madinah.

Allah's Beloved Apostle (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said, "I was ordered to migrate to a town which will swallow (conquer) other towns and is called Yathrib and that is Madinah, and it turns out (bad) persons as a furnace removes the impurities of iron. (Bukhari)

Abu Huraira RA said, If I saw deer grazing in Madinah, I would not chase them, for Allah's Apostle (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said, "(Madinah) is a sanctuary between its two mountains." (Bukhari)

Allah's Most Blessed Apostle (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said, "Verily, Belief returns and goes back to Madinah as a snake returns and goes back to its hole (when in danger)." (Bukhari)

I heard the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) saying, "None plots against the people of Madinah but that he will be dissolved (destroyed) like the salt is dissolved in water." (Bukhari)

The Beloved Prophet (Sallalahu alayhi wa sallam) said, "The terror caused by Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal will not enter Madinah and at that time Madinah will have seven gates and there will be two angels at each gate guarding them." (Bukhari)

Allah's Most Beloved Apostle (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said, "There are angels guarding the entrances (or roads) of Madinah, neither plague nor Ad-Dajjal will be able to enter it." (Bukhari)

The Blessed Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said, "There will be no town which Ad-Dajjal will not enter except Makkah and Madinah, and there will be no entrance (road) (of both Makkah and Madinah) but the angels will be standing in rows guarding it against him, and then Madinah will shake with its inhabitants thrice (i.e. three earth-quakes will take place) and Allah will expel all the nonbelievers and the hypocrites from it." (Bukhari)

The Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said, "O Allah! Bestow on Madinah twice the blessings You bestowed on Makkah." (Bukhari)

Anas RA said, Whenever the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) returned from a journey and observed the walls of Madinah, he would make his Mount go fast, and if he was on an animal (i.e. a horse), he would make it gallop because of his love for Madinah. (Bukhari)

The Blessed Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said, "There is a garden from the gardens of Paradise between my house and my pulpit, and my pulpit is on my Lake Fount (Al-Kauthar) ." (Bukhari)

Umar (RA) said, "O Allah! Grant me martyrdom in Your cause, and let my death be in the city of Your Apostle (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam)." (Bukhari)

Jabir said, a Bedouin came to the Most Noble & Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) and gave a pledge of allegiance for embracing Islam. The next day he came with fever and said (to the Prophet), "Please cancel my pledge (of embracing Islam and of emigrating to Madinah)." The Beloved Prophet(Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) refused (that request) three times and said, "Madinah is like a furnace, it expels out the impurities (bad persons) and selects the good ones and makes them perfect." (Bukhari)

They may argue that these Hadith point out the excellence of Madinah but make no reference to visiting it. Therefore, we now quote a few Hadiths on visiting the shrine of the Most Beloved and Holy Prophet(Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) which is in Madinah.

"It has become Wajib upon me to intercede for those who visit My shrine" (At-Tabarani)

"If someone visits Me solely for visiting Me and without any other intentions, he deserves My intercession for him on the Last Judgement" (Muslim)

"The one who does not visit Me after carrying out the Hajj will hurt Me"(Imam Malik)

It should be evident, from the above mentioned Hadiths, to any self respecting Muslim, that Madinah holds a very special place in the Most Beloved Prophets (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) heart. The companions like Hadrat Sayyidina Umar (RA) supplicated to Allah for martyrdom in Madinah. And Sayyiduna Rasulullah (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) guarantees intercession for those who visit his shrine.

If Muslims, after coming thousands of miles and spending vast amounts of money for Hajj, are unwilling and make excuses not to make a journey to Madinah, then how will Allah accept their Hajj. For such people have clearly hurt the feelings of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) and who is more dearer to Allah then His Most Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam).

If these ignorant people think that they are too special to show their faces in Madinah then they are clearly mistaken. For it is clear from the above Hadiths that Madinah has a heart and a soul . It can distinguish between good and bad. It decides, who can enter it and who should be barred from it.

The truth is simply this, that, it is not that these people don't want to visit Madinah. But Madinah does not want them to visit it, due to their bad characters and the lack of love for the Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam).
Wake up 'O' Muslims don't fall into the traps of Satan and his followers who want you to pay respect to them but not to the Most Beloved and Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam). The same Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) who taught us the rituals of Hajj, otherwise which one of us knew them.

So, be of those that Madinah chooses, not of those it rejects. Next time you go to Hajj or Umra remember this well.

Of course there are genuine cases where people have the intention to visit Madinah but are to weak, sick or restricted to visit Madinah, that is a different matter altogether. We are only concerned with those people who come back from pilgrimage and actually feel proud that they did not visit Madinah. They even go around advertising their miserable deed and justify it according to Shari'ah, just to show off their limited knowledge or lack of it.

May Allah forgive us and protect us from the fitna of Satan and his followers. Ameen.

Hajj and Umrah

5.1 General
This chapter describes the rites of Umra and Hajj in detail. The following are pertinent to this discussion:

1. Since the rites of Tawaf and Sai are central to both Umra and Hajj, they are described first.
2. Because the rites of Umra are an integral part of Hajj, they are described next, followed by the remaining rites specific to Hajj only.
3. The technical terms defined in Chapter 2 are liberally used in this chapter. This makes for a concise, easy-to-follow presentation and avoids repetition. Therefore, you must be thoroughly familiar with this vocabulary in order to understand the process of Umra and Hajj.
4. The rites of Hajj to be performed in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah are described in a separate section, even though reference to them is made in earlier sections about the rites of Hajj. This is done for convenience and to avoid redundancy.

5.2 Tawaf
The devotional act of circumambulating (i.e. walking around) the Kabah while reciting prayers and supplications is called Tawaf. One complete circuit around the Kabah constitutes a shawt (pl. ashwaat), and seven ashwaat complete one Tawaf.
5.2.1 Types of Tawaf
As was briefly described in Chapter 2, there are five types of Tawaf you may perform:

1. Tawaf al-Qudoom is the initial Tawaf you will perform upon arrival at the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah for the first time pursuant upon your niyyah of Umra or Hajj. This is the only Tawaf in which you are required to wear Ihram and practice Idtiba and Ramal. They are not required in any other type of Tawaf.
2. Tawaf al-Ifadah (Tawaf uz Ziyarah) is the Tawaf you will perform on the 10th of Zul Hijjah after taking off the Ihram and changing into street clothes and before returning to Mina for Rummy. Ihram, Idtiba and Ramal are not required in this Tawaf. However, Sai is required of a Mutamatti, but is not required of a Qarin or a Mufrid.
3. Tawaf al-Wuda (The Farewell Tawaf) is the Tawaf you will perform immediately before leaving Makkah for your next destination following the completion of Hajj. This is the last act you perform in Makkah. You are not supposed to linger there after this Tawaf. Ihram, Idtiba, Ramal and Sai are not required in Tawaf al-Wuda.
4. Tawaf un Nafl is a devotional Tawaf you may perform any time, and as many times as, you wish. No Ihram is required for this Tawaf. Sai is also not required, although you may perform it if you so desire.
5. Tawaf al-Umra is the Tawaf you perform as a part of the rites of Umra. It is identical to Tawaf al-Qudoom in its essentials except for the niyyah.

5.2.2 Details Of Tawaf
Tawaf of the Kabah is the heart and soul of the rites of Hajj. The mode and the details associated with Tawaf were prescribed by The Beloved Prophet Sayyiduna Rasool Allah (pbuh) himself. The intent in this section is to describe the Tawaf in some detail in order to clarify the procedure, and also to answer any questions that may arise during that process.
The essentials of Tawaf are as follows:

1. Like any other act of worship, Tawaf also starts with the intention (niyyah) to perform this act for the sake of Allah only.
2. Each circuit, or shawt, starts from Hajar ul Aswad with the pilgrim reciting "Bismillah, Allah-o-Akbar" and performing the Istilam of the sacred stone. In order for you to recognize the point of initiation of the Tawaf, the floor of the Masjid ul Haram has a strip of brown-black marble radiating from the Hajar ul Aswad out to the wall of the Masjid ul Haram. At night, there is a green light on the same wall to identify this location.
3. Each shawt ends at Hajar ul Aswad with its Istilam. The pilgrim will begin a new shawt after reciting "Bismillah, Allah-o-Akbar" as before from this spot.
4. Each shawt is performed in the counterclockwise direction with the Kabah always to your left.
5. Ihram is worn only for Tawaf ul Qudoom and Tawaf ul Umra. Every day street clothes are worn for other types of Tawaf.
6. Idtiba and Ramal are performed only in Tawaf ul Qudoom and are not required for other types of Tawaf.
7. Women are not required to perform Ramal.
8. Tawaf is to be completed with no interruptions. However, if "azan" (the call to prayers) is recited during the Tawaf, you should stop to join the prayers at wheresoever you may be at that point in time, and resume the Tawaf from there after the prayer is over. It is not necessary to restart the interrupted shawt afresh from Hajar ul Aswad.
9. After the Tawaf, you will offer two rakahs of salat us sunnah, preferably with the Maqam-o-Ibrahim between you and the Kabah. If that is not possible, prayer offered anywhere in the Masjid ul Haram is acceptable.
10. Sai may be required after Tawaf depending on the niyyah pronounced by you at the beginning. However it is not essential for Sai to follow the Tawaf immediately. Tawaf can be performed in the morning with the Sai following in the afternoon or evening.
11. You will be reciting prayers and supplications during Tawaf. However, there are no specific prayers to be recited during Tawaf. You may pray in any way and in any language you prefer, but the prayers most often recited by pilgrims are given in Chapter 6. You will find them very moving and meaningful and may want to use them.
12. There are special provisions to be observed by a female pilgrim who is in a state of "ceremonial impurity" (menstruation or post-natal bleeding). Should she enter this state before Meeqat, she will pronounce her intention to perform Hajj, and enter in the state of Ihram as usual. She will then proceed to perform all rites of Umra and Hajj, including those at Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah, except:

1. She will refrain from offering all prayers (salats).
2. She will perform neither Tawaf nor Sai.
3. She will not perform Tawaf ul Ifadah.

After she gets out of her state, she will perform Tawaf, Sai, and Tawaf ul Ifadah to complete her Hajj.

5.3 Sai
5.3.1 General
The devotional act of walking seven times between the knolls of Safa and Marwah which are located some distance from the Kabah inside Masjid ul Haram, is called Sai.
According to tradition, Prophet Ibrahim left his wife, Hajar, and infant son, Ismail, in the desert close to where Kabah is located today in response to a divine revelation. Unfortunately, his wife and son were with few provisions. After her meager supply of water was exhausted and her son started crying with thirst, Hajar began looking for water in the desert. In her desperation, she repeatedly ran between the hillocks of Safa and Marwah, climbing them to get a better view of the landscape and, perhaps, also to see if there was a desert traveler in sight. Upon her return to her son after one of her runs, she discovered that a spring had miraculously sprouted near the infant. This spring, called Zam-Zam is located to the east of Kabah inside Masjid ul Haram today. It still runs as strong today as it has for thousands of years. In a land where water is scarce, the sweet elixir of Zam-Zam runs abundantly in eloquent testimony to the power and mercy of Almighty Allah. Millions of people have drunk from it since that amazing day, and continue to do so today with no end in sight to this miracle of God.
You will retrace the steps of Hajar in Sai, in commemoration of her search for water and Allah's mercy in answering her prayers with the miracle of Zam-Zam, and also to assert your own commitment to walk in the path of Allah.
5.3.2 Details Of Sai
The details of Sai are as follows:

1. You will start your Sai at Safa where you will face the Kabah, raise your hands in supplication to Allah, recite "Bismillah, Allah-o-Akbar" three times and start walking towards Marwah, all the time reciting prayers and supplications of your choice.
2. Starting about midway between Safa and Marwah, you will walk faster, or jog, for the length marked by green lights overhead. These lights define the length covered by Hajar running to get to higher ground faster. Your arrival at Marwah completes one leg of the Sai.
3. Upon arriving at Marwah, you will repeat the supplications offered at Safa (i.e. face the Kabah and repeat "Bismillah, Allah-o-Akbar" three times), turn around and retrace your walk back to Safa. This will complete the second leg of the Sai.
4. You will repeat steps 1 to 3 until you complete the seventh leg which will end at Marwah. The Sai is now complete.

Notes:

1. If azan is recited for prayer during the Sai, you will stop wheresoever you may be at that point in time, and resume the Sai from that spot after the prayer. It is not necessary to restart the Sai, or the leg affected by the pause, afresh from its starting point.
2. Women are not required to run between the green lights in deference to the modesty expected of them in Islam.

5.4 Umra
5.4.1 General
Umra (sometimes referred to as The Lesser Pilgrimage) consists of the performance of a set of devotional rites in the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. These rites also form an integral part of Hajj, and were prescribed by Allah and Sayyiduna Rasool Allah (pbuh). Umra may be performed at any time of the year and as many times as you may wish.
The following are the essential elements of Umra:

1. Changing into Ihram at Meeqat, followed by the pronouncement of the intention (niyyah) to perform Umra and frequent recital of the Talbiyah thereafter.
2. Tawaf ul Umra of the Kabah followed by two rakah salat us sunnah and partaking of the waters of Zam-Zam.
3. Performance of Sai.
4. Halq or Taqseer, followed by changing into street clothes.

This will complete your Umra. See also the Flow Diagram For Umra at the back of this handbook.
  
5.5 Hajj
5.5.1 General
Hajj consists of the performance of a set of devotional rites in and around Makkah (i.e., in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah) in a prescribed order. The rites of Umra form an integral part of Hajj. They have already been described above.
5.5.2 Types Of Hajj
There are three different types of Hajj a pilgrim may perform. All of them involve the performance of essentially the same rites and acts of worship. The difference consists basically in the niyyah pronounced by the pilgrim at Meeqat. The specifics of the Hajj then follow directly from this niyyah. The three types of Hajj are described below:
5.5.2 (I) Hajj al-Ifrad
In Hajj al-Ifrad, you will pronounce the intention of performing only Hajj at Meeqat. The rites that follow from this niyyah are given below in order:

1. Tawaf al-Qudoom, followed by two rakah of salat us sunnah, partaking of the waters of Zam-Zam, and the Sai in that order.
2. After step (a) above, you will not take off your Ihram,and will continue to observe all of its obligations and prohibitions.
3. You will then complete the rites of Hajj on the 8th through the 10th of Zul Hijjah in Mina, Arafat,and Muzdalifah. See Section 5.6. These rites will culminate in Rummy of Jamrat ul Kubra in Mina on the 10th of Zul Hijjah.
4. A sacrifice is not obligatory for Hajj al-Ifrad. It is, however, recommended (i.e., mustahab) that you do offer a sacrifice.
5. Halq or Taqseer will follow. You may then shave, shower, and change into street clothes. You are no longer bound by the prohibitions of the Hajj, except that you may not engage in conjugal relations with your spouse until you have performed Tawaf al-Ifadah.
6. Tawaf al-Ifadah will follow in Makkah as soon after step (e) as possible. The sunnah prayers and the Sai associated with Tawaf al-Qudoom, are not required after Tawaf al-Ifadah. The Sai performed after Tawaf al- Qudoom will suffice since you are performing only Hajj. You may, however, perform Sai once again if you so desire. You will return to Mina after the above rites.
7. You will stay in Mina until at least the 12th of Zul Hijjah as Rummy on the 13th is optional. Rummy of Jamrat al-Oola, Jamrat al-Wusta, and Jamrat al-Kubra, in that order, will follow on the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Zul Hijjah.
8. You will perform Tawaf al-Wuda just before departing from Makkah on your way to your next destination. Again, the two rakaah of Salaat us-Sunnah and the Sai are not required after Tawaf al-Wuda. The Sunnah of Sayyiduna Rasool-Allah (pbuh) directs that you leave Haram ash Shareef and Makkah as soon after Tawaf al Wuda as possible and do not linger in town.

You have completed Hajj al-Ifrad and are, now, a Mufrid.
5.5.2 (II) Hajj al-Qiran
For Hajj al-Qiran, you will pronounce your niyyah of performing both Hajj and Umra simultaneously with the same Ihram. Thereafter, the rites to be performed are as below in order:

1. Tawaf al-Qudoom followed by two rakaah of Salaat us-Sunnah, partaking of the waters of Zam-Zam, and the Sai. These rites will qualify as your Umra.
2. You will not take off your Ihram after step (a) and will continue to observe all of its obligations.
3. You will then fulfill the rites of Hajj on the 8th through the 10th of Zul Hijjah in Mina as detailed under Hajj al- Ifrad.
4. A sacrifice is required for Hajj al-Qiran. In the days of The Beloved Last Messenger of Allah, Sayyiduna Rasool Allah (pbuh), people who brought their sacrificial animals to Makkah with them were instructed to perform Hajj al-Qiran. Those, who did not bring their animals, were instructed to perform Hajj ut Tamattu. Sacrificial animals are available in Mina these days. Your agent will help you arrange for one.
5. Halq or Taqseer, Tawaf al-Ifadah, Rummy on the 11th through the 13th of Zul Hijjah and Tawaf al-Wuda will follow, exactly as in Hajj al-Ifrad.

You have completed Hajj al-Qiran and are, now, a Qarin.
5.5.2 (III) Hajj ut Tamattu
For Hajj ut Tamattu, you will pronounce your Niyyah of performing Umrah only at Meeqat. A second Niyyah for Hajj will follow later as described below. Thereafter, the rites of Hajj will be as follows in order:

1. Tawaf al-Qudoom followed by two rakaah of Salaat us-Sunnah, partaking of the waters of Zam-Zam, and Sai.
2. Halq or Taqseer will follow. You will now shave, shower, and change into normal clothes. This will complete your Umra. All restrictions of the Ihram are now temporarily lifted from you. You will wait for the 8th of Zul Hijjah to start the rites of Hajj.
3. On the 8th Zul Hijjah, you will pronounce a new niyyah to perform Hajj at your place of residence. There is no need for you to go to Meeqat for this. You will change into Ihram in the prescribed manner and will proceed to Mina soon after the Fajr prayers.
4. You will stay in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah to perform the prescribed rites as detailed in Hajj al-Ifrad.
5. A sacrifice is required for Hajj ut Tamattu.
6. Halq or Taqseer, Tawaf ul Ifadah with the Sunnah prayers, partaking of the waters of Zam-Zam, and a second Sai will follow. This Sai is required simply because your first Sai was performed for Umra.
7. Rummy on the 11th through the 13th of Zul Hijjah and Tawaf al-Wuda will complete the rites of Hajj.

You have completed Hajj ut Tamattu and are, now, a Mutamatti.
5.6 Mina, Arafat, And Muzdalifah (8th-13th of Zul Hijjah)
The rites to be performed at Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah are an integral part of Hajj. Since they are performed in all three types of Hajj in an identical manner and since they require a somewhat lengthy description, they are presented in a separate section here. This keeps the treatment of Hajj short, concise, and free of repetitions.
You will be staying at Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah in the following sequence:

1. Mina: From after Fajr on 8th of Zul Hijjah to after Fajr on 9th of Zul Hijjah.
2. Arafat: From after Fajr on 9th of Zul Hijjah to slightly after sunset on the same day.
3. Muzdalifah: From after sunset on 9th of Zul Hijjah to after Fajr on 10th of Zul Hijjah.
4. Mina and Makkah: (10th-13th of Zul Hijjah)

1. Arrive in Mina on 10th of Zul Hijjah, preferably before midday, for the Rummy of Jamrat al-Kubra followed by the sacrifice and Halq or Taqseer.
2. Go to Makkah for Tawaf ul Ifadah on 10th of Zul Hijjah.
3. Come back to Mina the same day to stay for Rummy of the three Jamraat on 11th-13th of Zul Hijjah.

The details are as below:
5.6.1 Mina (8th of Zul Hijjah)
This day is called Yaum ut Tarwiyah. You will depart for Mina from Makkah in the morning after Fajr. One of the following two conditions applies to you:

1. If you are performing Hajj al-Ifrad or Hajj al-Qiran, you are already in a state of Ihram since you did not take off your Ihram after performing Umra.
2. If you are performing Hajj ut Tamattu, you took off your Ihram after Umra. Therefore, you will now shower and pronounce a new niyyah for Hajj after changing into Ihram afresh at your place of residence. Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to perform Sai after putting on the Ihram for Hajj. You will offer the Fajr prayers in Makkah before leaving for Mina:
3. Proceed to Mina after sunrise so as to arrive there before midday. Recite the Talbiyah often and with devotion and fervor during your journey.
4. After you settle down in your tents, you will offer Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha prayers in the "qasr" mode by shortening them as if you are in the course of a journey. This applies to every one regardless of whether he is a resident of Makkah or is an outsider. While in your tent, spend as much time as you can in prayers, and supplications to Allah.
5. After spending the night in Mina, you will offer the Fajr prayers there in the morning. Thus, you will have offered a total of five obligatory prayers at Mina before departing for Arafat after sunrise on the morning of the 9th of Zul Hijjah.
6. You may collect some or all of the seventy pebbles required later for Rummy in Mina during your stay there. Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary that you collect all of them at Muzdalifah.

5.6.2 Arafat, and Muzdalifa (9th of Zul Hijjah)
(I) Arafat:
You will have arrived at Arafat before midday. This is the Day of Arafat! Your Hajj will not be complete without Qayam al-Arafat (see below) in accordance with the Sunnah of Sayyiduna Rasool-Allah (pbuh). You should spend as much time in prayers and remembrance of Allah as possible. You may never see this day again in your life. Make the most of it:
After settling down in your tent, you will offer the Zuhr and Asr prayers in the qasr mode. You will also combine them, i.e. offer them at the same time with one azan and two separate takbeer, one each for Zuhr and Asr. Only two rakahs each will be offered both in Zuhr and Asr prayers. No nafl, or any other prayers, will be performed either before or after these obligatory prayers.
You will thereafter stay in Arafat until sunset. Spend your time in reading The Qur'an, Talbiyah, and offering supplications to Allah.
Qayam al-Arafat : In the late afternoon just before sunset, stand in the open outside your tent facing the Qiblah and raise your hands in supplication to Allah. Sayyiduna Rasool-Allah (pbuh) spent this time in submitting himself in humility and total devotion to Allah, raising his hands in prayers until after sunset. There are no prescribed prayers for Qayam ul Arafat. During these sacred moments, you are alone with Allah. Pray as you want to and ask that your sins and lifelong shortcomings be forgiven. You may pray in any language and in any manner you desire.
You will not offer Maghrib at Arafat. You will do so at Muzdalifah later tonight.
After sunset, you will depart for Muzdalifah. Keep reciting the Talbiyah and other prayers as you proceed towards Muzdalifah.
(II) Muzdalifah:
You will stay under the sky at Muzdalifah. No tents or other residential facilities will be available. Arrangements for toilet and wudu are, however, available. They are, understandably, very crowded all the time. Give yourself plenty of time for your needs and be patient with fellow pilgrims.
You will also collect seventy pebbles at Muzdalifah for Rummy if you have not collected them at Mina already. Stay close to your bus and memorize its location with respect to a prominent and permanent landmark,such as a light pole or a wudu facility. Light poles and buildings are usually marked with identification numbers. It is very easy to get lost and equally difficult to get back "home"!
You will offer Maghrib and Isha prayers combining them in the qasr mode. Thus, after the azan, three rakahs of Maghrib will be offered following the usual "iqamah". Another iqamah (but no azan) will be called and then two rakahs of Isha will be offered.
Walk to the foot of the nearby hills, and collect seventy pea-size pebbles for Rummy. It is a good idea to collect an additional ten stones to make up for accidental losses. Do not collect the pebbles lying around the bathroom facilities.
You will spend the night at Muzdalifah and offer Fajr there. You will then leave for Mina before sunrise on the morning of the 10th of Zul Hijjah.
5.6.3 Mina (10th of Zul Hijjah)
The rites to be performed on this day are as follows:
You will perform Rummy of Jamrat al-Kubra only. Preferably before midday, you will stone the pillar symbolizing the devil seven times as you recite "Bismillah, Allah-o-Akbar" with each pebble. Rummy for the elderly, the sick and women may be performed by others delegated for this responsibility.
A sacrifice is now required for Hajj al-Qiran and Hajj ut Tamattu, and is recommended for Hajj al-Ifrad.
You may now shave, shower, and change into street clothes. You are no longer bound by the obligations of Ihram except that you may not have conjugal relations with your spouse until after Tawaf al-Ifadah.
You will now proceed to Masjid al-Haram in Makkah for Tawaf al-Ifadah.
You will return to Mina after Tawaf al-Ifadah and stay there until the 12th or the 13th of Zul Hijjah for Rummy.
5.6.4 Mina (11th-13th of Zul Hijjah)
You will perform Rummy of Jamrat al-Oola, Jamrat al-Wusta and Jamrat al-Kubra, in that order, after midday on all three days. Rummy on the 13th of Zul Hijjah is optional. You may return to Makkah after Rummy on the 12th of Zul Hijjah to perform Tawaf al-Wuda.
5.7 Tawaf al-Wuda
This is the Farewell Tawaf you will perform just before leaving Makkah for your next destination. Spend as much time as you can in Haram ash-Shareef in Tawaf un Nafl, prayers and supplications in the days preceding Tawaf al- Wuda. Make the most of this golden opportunity Allah has provided you. You may never see these times again.
There is no Ihram, Ramal, or Sai required in Tawaf al-Wuda. You will offer two rakaah Salaat us-Sunnah after Tawaf, offer any supplications you desire, and leave Mecca as soon as you can.
Alhamdulillah, you have now completed your Hajj. May Allah accept your Hajj, and may you be a better person for your efforts in His path.
See also the Flow Diagram For Hajj at the end this page.

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Womens Hajj

A Woman's Guide to Hajj Introduction All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him, seek His help, and ask His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil of our souls, and the adverse consequences of our deeds. Whoever Allah guides, there is none that can misguide him. And whoever He misguides, then none can guide him aright. I bear witness that there is no deity that is worthy of worship except for Allah; He is alone, having no partners. And I bear witness and testify that Muhammad, His Most Beloved Prophet - Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam - is His Perfect Worshipper and Messenger. The goal of this additional article was to give the Muslim woman a chance to see the Fiqh rulings that are specific to her in Hajj - since many a time her rulings are lost in the general discussion of how to perform Hajj. In the end one should have a general idea of those things that a woman differs in Hajj from men. They should be able to recognize differences in ritual worship between the women and men. And they - Insha' Allah ta'ala - should get a clear understanding of issues that are commonly differed upon.

The four main (Imam's) schools of thought of the Ahl as-Sunnah wa'h Jama'ah, mainly the Hanafi'eeyah, Maliki'eeyah, Shafi'eeyah and Hanbali'eeyah are used as reference points wherever possible. In conclusion, all praise is due to Allah, Subha'anahu wa ta'ala. All goodness is from Him - Jalla wa a'ala - and no matter how much we praise Allah it would not equal the blessings that He - Subha'anahu wa ta'ala - bestowed upon us. And our final prayer is that to Allah Subha'anahu wa ta'ala and His Most Beloved Final Messenger  Sayyiduna Muhammad Mustufa Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam belong all praise. Chapter One: Ihraam Should a woman shower upon entering the Meeqaat It is equally part of the Sunnah for a woman to shower before Ihraam just as it is for a man. In fact, in the case of women who at the time may be experiencing Hayd or Nifas, there is specific proof that she should take this shower. Imam Muslim relates in his Sahih that from Aysha - Radi Allahu'anha - that she said, "Asma' bint `Umays had nifas after giving birth to Muhammad ibn Abu-Bakr. This happened at Ash-Shajarah (a place near the Meeqat outside of Madinah). So Allah's Beloved Messenger - Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam - directed that she should bathe and begin the tahleel." In this regard of showering before Ihraam, the menstruating woman is in the same ruling as one who finds herself in Nifas. Sayyiduna Rasul Allah - Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam - said, "If the Menstruating woman and the one in Nifas enter the time they should bathe and enter into Ihraam and complete all the rituals (like others) except Tawaf of the (Ka'bah)." Showering Abu Dawood and others narrated that Ibn Abbas - Radi Allahu'anhu - asked Abu Ayub Al-Ansari, "While he was in a state of Ihraam, how did Sayyiduna Rasul Allah - Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam - wash his head?" Abu Ayub (who was bathing at the time) replied by asking someone to pour water on his head. He then rubbed his head with his hand, going back and forth. He then said, "In such a way I saw the Most Beloved Prophet - Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam - wash." This narration is used by the scholars as proof that it is permissible for a male or female in Ihraam to take a bath and pour water over their head and to pass their hand through their hair. If the bath is needed because of sexual impurity (Janabah), then the scholars agree that it is permissible. Even if the bath is desired to just cool off or for other non-essential reasons, the majority of scholars say that it is permissible without any reservations. Imam Ash-Shafi'ee said - after narrating this incident about Abu Ayub Al-Ansari, "This is the opinion that we hold. A Muhrim may take a bath whether it is due to sexual impurity or for other reasons. One may wash their head and soak their body with water." However, some scholars have recommended that a woman should not shower unless it is necessary. This is because she is in Ihraam and busy with the actions of Hajj. In fact, to bathe during Ihraam is simply an issue of permissibility, but there is no one that says that it is recommended (Mustahab). To some scholars, it is more recommended to remain dusty and disheveled. Imam An-Nawawi said, "It is more desirable that the pilgrim remain dusty and disheveled. The proof of this is the statement of Allah ta'ala [Then let them end their untidiness...] (22/29) and the statement of Sayyiduna Rasul Allah - Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam : [Verily Allah boasts the people of Arafah to the inhabitants of the heavens, saying,  "Look at my slaves, they have come to me dishevelled and dusty.']" Combing one's hair during Ihraam It is Makruh for a woman (or man) in Ihraam to aggressively comb their hair - causing excessive amounts of hair to fall out - or to brush unnecessarily. This is because doing so may lead to hair being cut - which is one of the forbidden acts when someone is in Ihraam. As for brushing lightly or scratching one's head, this is permissible. There is a famous saying in the books of Fiqh where they suggest that someone should scratch with the insides of their hands - i.e. softly. Imam An-Nawawi said, "As for a Muhrim (someone in the state of Ihraam), I do not know of any opinion that says he is not permitted to scratch his head. Rather, it is something permissible." There is a phenomenon amongst some women which works as such: They tie up their head very tightly and do not un-tie it until their Hajj is over. When they are in need of making Wudu, instead of wiping their hair they do wipe over their hijaab instead. An example of someone placing a hardship upon themselves, a hardship that the Shari'ah does not require, is when a person combs their hair lightly or scratches, the person is not held responsible for the dead hairs that naturally come out. The colour of clothes a woman in Ihraam may wear It is permissible for the woman to wear any women's clothes she pleases which are not attractive or resemble the clothes of men, or are tight-fitting showing the dimensions of her limbs, or transparent - not concealing what is underneath, or too short - not covering her legs or hands, but instead should be abundant, thick and wide. "There is consensus among the scholars that the woman in Ihraam can wear shirts, vests, baggy trousers, khimaars, and leather socks." She does not have to wear a particular color (such as green) and can instead wear any colours she desires from among those specific to women (such as dark red, green or black). It is also permissible for her to change these colors if she wishes. Wearing Jewellery in Ihraam It is permissible for women to wear jewelry while she is in a state of Ihraam. It was narrated in Al-Bukhari, that Umm Al-Mu'mineen Aysha - Radi Allahu'anha - used to not consider anything wrong with a Muhrimah wearing jewellery. This permissibility of wearing jewellery is also the opinion of the Hanafiyah and Malikiyah Schools. They quote as their proof - in addition to the above - the fact that wearing jewellery is an act of adornment and a woman in Hajj is not forbidden from adorning herself. Covering the face A woman in Hajj should not cover her face or wear gloves, just as a male should not cover his head. There is no difference of opinion on this issue, based on the clear statement of Sayyiduna Rasul Allah - Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam, it is accepted that the, "The Muhrimah (a female in Ihraam) should not cover her face, nor should she wear gloves." Having said that, it is permissible for her to cover her face if she fears the gaze of non-Mahram men upon her. It was narrated that Umm Al-Mu'mineen Aysha - Radi Allahu'anha - said, "The riders would pass by us while we were with Rasul Allah - Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam - in a state of Ihraam. When one of them would ride next to us, we would take our Jilbaab and cover (coming down with the cloth from our heads) our face. When the rider would pass, we would uncover once again." Scholars have used this Hadith to show that if a woman is in need of covering her face then it is permissible for her to do so. However, the Shafi'eeyah set a condition to this covering saying that the Niqaab should not touch the women's face. This was also the opinion of Al-Qadee from the Hanabilah. In actuality, this condition does have overall agreement from all of the scholars. Hadrat Imam Abu Hanifaah Radi Allahu Anhu says, ''she may cover her face if she has something beneath the covering that prevents the covering from touching the face.'' any contradiction and the Most Beloved Prophet - Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam - would have explained it." And Allah knows best. Touching one's spouse intimately or non-intimately If a male in Ihraam touches his wife with desire, or kisses her, then he would be obliged to pay the Fidyah (penalty) - and the same would go for women. This is the opinion of the Hanabali'eeyah. More so, the male is between two situations after touching his wife: either he releases some fluid or not. If he does not release anything, then the penalty for him is that he must slaughter a sheep. If he does release something, then he must slaughter a camel. The Hanafi'eeyah and Shafi'eeyah said: It is Wajib for someone who kisses or touches his or her spouse with desire that they pay the fidyah - which is the slaughtering of a sheep. If they cannot find or afford the sheep, then they should alternatively either feed the poor or fast. From what the Hanafi'eeyah and Shafi'eeyah are saying, it seems that the same applies to women if they kiss or touch their husband with desire. Chapter Two: Male / Female differences in Ritual Worship What is the ruling of women performing Hajj without a Mahram? There are five general conditions before Hajj becomes compulsory upon someone. They are that the person is Muslim, has reached the age of discernment, is of full mental capacity and is not a slave. Additionally, they must be capable of completing the journey to Hajj, both physically and financially. Both males and females share these conditions. However, the Muslim woman has an extra condition before she can be held accountable for not performing Hajj and that is the accompaniment of a Mahram. The statements of the scholars regarding this matter The Shafi'eeyah state that Hajj is not obligatory upon a woman until she finds a male Mahram relative or a husband or a group of trusted women. If she finds any of the previous three, it is obligatory upon her to perform Hajj. If she cannot find one of the three, she is not obliged to perform the Hajj. The condition that the Shafi'eeyah hold for a woman to perform Hajj is that she must be able to perform the journey securely. This security can be found when a husband or a Mahram or a group of trusted women accompanies her. However, if she has already performed her first obligatory Hajj and this is a voluntary performance, then she is not permitted to travel alone - she must be accompanied by a husband or a Mahram. In this case, traveling with a group of trusted women is not permitted; this is the more correct position in the Madhhab. The opinion of the Maliki'eeyah is similar to that of the Shafi'eeyah in that they allow a woman who does not find a Mahram or husband to travel with a secure group. They add that this secure group may be a group of men, a group of women, or a group made up of men and women. They cited as proof for what the opinion that they took a selection of Ahadith which we shall mention shortly. The Hanafi'eeyah held an opinion similar to that of the Hanabali'eeyah. They said that Hajj is not compulsory upon a woman who does not find a mahram or husband to travel with. In addition to the following Ahadith, they said that for her to perform Hajj without male assistance would expose her to situations that may very well harm her. Should a woman raise her voice when saying the Talbiyah? The talbiyah is a chant that someone performing Hajj recites throughout his or her Hajj rites. It includes the words: [I am here, O Allah, I am here. I am here, there is no god but you, I am here. Verily, all praise and all blessings and all sovereignty belong to you. There is no god but you.] It is not permissable for women to recite it loudly or to chant it loudly. It is the belief of the Ahl as-Sunnat wal Jama'at for the Talbiyah to be recited by women without raising their voices. As for men, they should raise their voice's over and above what is needed for them to hear themselves.  "There is a consensus amongst scholars that the Sunnah regarding women is that they do not have to raise their voice when chanting the Talbiyah. All she is required to do is to raise her voice enough so that she can hear herself. This is the opinion of Imams Maliki, Ash-Shaafi'ee, and it is also the opinion of Imam's Hannabilah and the Hanafees. They feared that with her raising her voice, a fitnah make occur. For the same reason, it is not Sunnah for her to give the Adhaan for Salaah, nor the Iqaamah." Hadrat Aysha Radi Allahu'anha used to raise her voice until the men could hear her. Abu Atiyyah said: "I heard Aysha saying, `Verily I know how was the talbiyyah of Sayyiduna Rasul Allah Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam.' I heard her after that saying: Labbaikallaahumma labbaika..." What both men and woman perform equally in Tawaf Firstly, the desirability of making dua'a, remembering Allah, or reciting Al-Qur'an. Secondly, the desirability of touching the black stone or kissing it if its possible, on condition that a woman does not crowd the men in doing so. The same ruling applies to the Yemeni corner. Thirdly, the permissibility of speaking if its necessary or with befitting speech. Fourthly, the undesirability of eating or holding the urge to urinate, or pass wind, or having a strong desire for food and other things of this nature. The Difference in Tawaf between men and women In general, the method of performing Tawaf is the same for men and women. The agreed upon rule is that what is mentioned concerning the men applies to the women so long as there is no specific proof which shows that her ruling is different. To review the aspects of Tawaf that apply to both men and women, one may refer to the many Fiqh books on this subject. Our concern here is to illustrate the differences which are as follows: Women should not jog in Tawaf At the beginning of Tawaf, it is sunnah for the men to jog, known in Arabic as Raml, the first three circumbulations around the Ka'bah. The woman is not required to do this. Al-Idtiba' - uncovering the right shoulder It is logically clear that a woman should not uncover her right shoulder when performing Tawaf. Imam An-Nawawi said, "Uncovering the right shoulder is Sunnah for the men and not permissible for the women. There is no difference of opinion on this matter." Nearing the Ka'bah It is recommended that the women should not crowd themselves near the wall of the Ka'bah, crushing themselves in to the men. Instead, she should perform her Tawaf on the outer circles of the Tawaf, away from the crowd. This is recommended as a protection for her. However, if she is performing Tawaf at a time when the crowd is light, she may draw as near as she can to the Ka'bah. This ruling is based on an incident that happened in which Umm Salamah - the wife of Allah's Beloved Messenger, Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam - complained of a sickness. He instructed her to perform the Tawaf riding on a camel, behind the people. Ibn Hajar, explaining this Hadith, said, "He instructed her such because the Sunnah for the women is that they should distance themselves from the men in Tawaf." Performing Tawaf at Night The scholars mentioned that it is desirable for a woman to delay her Tawaf until night if she arrives in Makkah during the day. The reason, they say, is that this would be more protective for her and others since the crowd would be lighter at that time. This ruling is illustrated by that which Imam al-Bukhari narrated from `Ataa' who said; Aysha -Radi Allahu'anha- use to perform tawaf away from the men, not crowding them. A woman said to her, "Let us go, O Umm Al-Mumineen, to touch the black stone." Aysha declined until night came and then they went for tawaf. Whenever they wished to perform tawaf they stood there until the crowd of men would be on their way out. However, if she feels that she may be nearing her monthly cycle, it is better that she performs the Tawaf as soon as she can so that she does not miss it. Crowding to kiss the black stone It is desirable that a woman should not crowd with the men to kiss the black stone. Instead, she should wave to it with her hand just like the person who cannot reach it. Imam An-Nawawi said, "Our Ulema' have said that it is not desirable for a woman to kiss the black stone, nor to touch it, except at those times when the Tawaf area is light or empty, like during the night or at other times. This is because in her crowding the men it would bring hardship upon herself and hardship upon the men." The difference in Sa'ee between men and women The method of performing Sa'ee, in general, is the same for men and women. However, there are basic differences in the etiquettes of Sa'ee between men and women. Firstly: A woman in her Menses As is explained in the books of Fiqh, it is not a must that a person be clean from sexual impurity (Janabah) or, for women, her monthly period in order to perform Sa'ee. However this issue needs a no clarification. According to all of the Ahl as-Sunnah wal Jama'at scholars, it is only permissible for a woman in sexual impurity or her menses to perform the Sa'ee if she has already performed the Tawaf in a state of purity. Meaning, if her menses started after the Tawaf then it is ok to continue with the Sa'ee. Ramal, jogging, between Safa and Marwa Imam Ash-Shafi'ee Radi Allahu'anho said, "A woman should not jog between Safa and Marwah, nor should she uncover her arm like a man. This is because she is seeks coming closer to Allah by covering and protecting herself and jogging and uncovering would contradict that." However, according to the scholars of the Shafi'ee school of thought, there are two opinions on this issue. The first, which is the opinion of the majority, is that she should not jog in the jogging area. Instead she should walk all through out the distance from Mount Safa to Mount Marwah - whether it be daytime or nighttime when no one is watching. This is because she is `Awrah and her fiqh is based on covering and protecting herself. The second, which is held by a minority, is that if she is performing Sa'ee at night and there is no one watching, it is desirable for her to jog in the area of jogging. This is also the opinion of the Hanbali school of thought. Women leaving Muzdalifah early Spending the night in Muzdalifah on the eve of the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah is just as much a part of Hajj for the women as it is for the men. When she leaves the plain of Arafah, she does as the male would do in Muzdalifah - that is, she should join her Maghrib and Isha at the time of Isha, remember Allah ta'ala and spend the night there. Some scholars have noted that it is permissible for women who fear the crowd of Muzdalifah (and the predicted crowd at the Jamarat the next day) to leave early from Muzdalifah before Fajr. The default Sunnah however is that a person should wait until after Fajr - after the sun has come up bright - to move on to Mina. Following is an example of the many Ahadith that were narrated regarding this issue. Firstly: Bukhari narrated from Aysha - Radi Allahu'anha - who said, "(Umm Al-Mu'mineen) Sowdah sought permission from Allah's Most Beloved Messenger - Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - to leave Muzdalifah before him (i.e. before Fajr) and before the crush of the people, because she was heavy. He - Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - gave her permission." Secondly: Muslim narrated from Umm Habibah - Radi Allahu'anha - that the Allah's Most Beloved Prophet - Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - sent her from Muzdalifah during the night (before Fajr). Thirdly: Muslim narrated from Ibn Abbaas - Radi Allahu'anhu - who said, "Allah's Beloved Messenger - Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - sent me with the weak folk from Muzdalifah during the night (before Fajr)." Fourthly: Muslim narrated that Ibn Umar - Radi Allahu'anhu - used to take the weak of his family to Muzdalifah. They would stand at al-Mash'ar al-Haraam in Muzdalifah at night, remembering Allah. Then before the Imam would move out (from Muzdalifah) they would leave before him. Some of them would arrive in Mina before Fajr time (i.e. at Fajr time); others would arrive after that. When they would arrive, they would throw their Jamaraat. Ibn Umar would comment, "Allah's Most Beloved Messenger - Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - granted permission to these people." Concerning the issue of leaving Muzdalifah halfway through the night, Imam Ash-Shafi'ee - rahimahullah - said: The Sunnah is that women and weak folk should move out of Muzdalifah before Fajr - after half the night has passed, so that they may throw their Jamaraat before the crowd arrives. This is based on the hadith of Aysha - Radi Allahu'anha - in which she said, "(Umm Al-Mu'mineen) Sowdah sought permission from Allah's Most Beloved Messenger - Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - to leave Muzdalifah before him (i.e. before Fajr) and before the crush of the people, because she was heavy. He - Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - gave her permission." This is also the opinion of the Hanbali school of thought we read: It is all right for women and weak folk to leave Muzdalifah early. From those who would allow their women and weak family members to precede them were Abdur-Rahman ibn -Auf and Aysha. This is the opinion of Imam Ash-Shafi'ee and Imam Abu Hanafi'ee. We do not know anyone that differs with this opinion, as it is an opinion that carries facility for the women and weak folk and saves them from the hardship of the crowd, and it is also the permission of their Most Beloved Prophet - Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam. Thus from the previous quotes we see that it was permissible for the women and weak folk to leave Muzdalifah during the night, i.e. before Fajr and before the crowd arrived after Fajr. Those that enter into this permission are the women and children and those in their situation. And Allah knows best. How much hair should a woman cut when coming out of Ihraam Shaving one's head is one of the rites of Hajj and Umrah. On this topic, the following verse praises the state of the Muslims: [with shaved heads and trimmed] The Hanafi'eeyah have said: to shave one's head or to trim it is a Waajib aspect of Hajj. This is also the Madhhab of the Maliki'eeyah who said: The shaving itself is Waajib, the trimming on the other hand is sufficient. The Shafi'eeyah state: Our Madhhab is that shaving is a rite that one is rewarded for performing - by performing it one leaves the first stage of Ihraam, the tahallul al-Asghar. Thus, according to this, shaving or trimming is a rukn by which Hajj or Umrah is not accepted until it is performed. And according to the Hanabali'eeyah, shaving or trimming is a rite from the rites of Hajj or Umrah. Thus according to them it is Waajib. In the book Al-Uddah sharh Al-Umdah, it states: " And shaving the head is Waajib because the Most Beloved Prophet - Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam - did it, this coupled with the Hadith, "Take from me your Hajj rituals." Having said that, the question that begs to be asked now is: which is better for a man, to shave his head or trim it, i.e. going bald or using a no.2 clipper? And how is this preference viewed in regards to women. As for men, it is better for them to shave their head. The proof for this is the obvious order given in the verse [having shaved your heads and trimmed] because the Arabs would often begin with that which more important and preferred. Also, this preference is based on the hadith in which the Most Beloved Prophet - Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - said, "Oh Allah, be merciful to those that shave." They asked, "what about those that trim O Messenger of Allah?" He said, "O Allah, be merciful to those that shave." And in another narration according to Muslim, he prayed for those that would shave three times and those that would trim once. Even The Most Beloved of Allah - Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - shaved his head during Hajj, and no doubt, Allah would never choose for his Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam anything other then that which is more preferred. But having said that, there is no difference of opinion that it is permissible to choose trimming instead of shaving. In Sahih Muslim with the explanation of Imam Nawawi it states: There is Ijmaa' (consensus) from the Ulema' that shaving is better then trimming, but that trimming is permissible. Does this preference of shaving apply to women "The consensus (Ijmaa') of the people of knowledge is that a woman should trim and not shave. This is because shaving in a woman's case would be considered mutilation." And Ibn Hajar - Rahimahullaah - said, "As for women, the Sunnah is that they should only trim their hair. There is Ijmaa' on this." How much should a woman trim of her hair According to the Maliki'eeyah, a woman should take from all her hair the span of an Anmulah (a fingertip span, about 1 centimeter), or a little bit more or less. Explaining this further, in Mawahib Al-Jaleel Imam Malik - rahimahullaah - said, "There is no set measurement according to us. Whatever a man or woman takes from their hair it will be sufficient." The Hanabali'eeyah said; A Woman should trim from her hair the span of an Anmulah. Said Abu Dawud: I heard someone ask Ahmad about whether a woman should cut from her entire head or not. He said, "Yes, she should join her hair together and then take from the ends of her hair the span of an Anmulah." An According to the Shafi'eeyah it is desirable for a woman to trim the span of an Anmulah from all sides of her head. Al-Mawardee said, "She should not trim from the sides of her head because that will mar her. Instead she should lift up the hair and cut from that which is underneath." Having said this, according to the Shafi'eeyah, all that is sufficient for both a man and a woman is three hairs whether they cut it or shave it. Nothing less than this is acceptable. The Hanafi'eeyah said: What is meant by trimming is that a man or a woman should take from at least a quarter of the hair of their head, the span of an Anmulah. Meaning, they should take from all of that hair this measurement. They also said, it is wajib to cut a little more than the span of an Anmulah so that for sure at least an Anmulah was cut. A woman receives her menses before her performance of Tawaf Al-Ifaadah This issue which comes up very often is as such: What if a woman gets her Menses, has not performed her Tawaf Al-Ifaadah, and is in a situation where she has to leave Makkah. What should she do? It needs to be said that being free from menses is a condition for a woman who wants to perform any Tawaf. Thus, with this in mind, if a woman performs Tawaf while in her menses her Tawaf will not be valid. This is based on the authentic Hadith that Umm Al-Mu'mineen Aysha - Radi Allahu 'anha - said, "I arrived in Makkah and at the time I was in my monthly period. I had not performed the Tawaf of the (Ka'bah), nor had I performed the (Sa'ee) between Safa and Marwah. I mentioned this to Sayyiduna Rasul Allah - Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - and he said to me, `Do as the Haaji (Hajj pilgrim) does other then performing Tawaf of the (Ka'bah) until you are clean.' This Hadith makes it crystal clear that a woman in her menses cannot perform any Tawaf until she has completed her period. What she should do is wait in Makkah until she completes her period, washes up, and then goes and performs her Tawaf. Her Mahram should stay with her during this time. This is based on the Hadith in which Umm Al-Mu'mineen Aysha - Radi Allahu'anha - said to Allah's Most Beloved Messenger - Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - "Safiyah bint Huyay has received her period." He replied, "She may be blocking us from leaving (then). Did she not perform Tawaf with you (i.e. the women)?" Aysha said, "Yes (she did)." He said, "Then you may go." On these lines, the scholars and the Muslims in the early generations would not leave Makkah until the menstruating women in their group got a chance to complete their period and perform Tawaf Al-Ifaadah. As the Most Beloved Prophet - Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - said, "She may be blocking us from leaving (then)." Hadrat Abu Hurayrah - Radi Allahu'anhu - used to say: An Ameer who is not an Ameer, who is it? It is a woman with a group of people who receives her period before performing Tawaf Al-Ifaadah. They, because of her, will be forced to stay until she completes her period and performs the Tawaf. But what happens if, due to circumstances out of her control, a woman cannot stay in Makkah until her period is over in order to perform Tawaf Al-Ifaadah? She would have one of three scenarios: One: She may cut off her Hajj and go home with no Hajj. Two: She may perform Tawaf even though she has her period because of the dire necessity she is in. Or... Three: If she leaves without performing Tawaf Al-Ifaadah then she would still be in Ihraam. Her husband would not be Halal for her until she returned to Makkah and made up the Tawaaf. Many scholars have debated over the solution to this problem. Perhaps the most merciful scenario and that which is closer to the principles of the Shari'ah is scenario two in which she performs Tawaf even though she has her period due to the dire necessity. A woman in her period should do the Hajj rites that she is capable of. What she has no control over is forgiven - thus she may perform Tawaf (even though she is in her period). She should shower as she showers for Ihraam, in fact this situation is more deserving, and she should wrap herself tightly as she would during Istihadah blood, in fact this situation is more deserving. This is what the texts (of the Qur'an and Sunnah) point to, in addition to the principles of the Shari'ah. With this opinion no contradiction is made with Islamic principles. The texts point to Tahaarah being a Wajib aspect of Tawaf. Such as the statement of Allah's Beloved Messenger - Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam: "The menstruating woman should perform all the rites of Hajj except the Tawaf." This is a general Wajib. But we know from the principles of Shari'ah that an issue is Wajib only if the person is capable of performing it. As Allah ta'ala says in the Qur'an [Thus, Fear Allah as much as you are able]. And as the Messenger of Allah - Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - said, "If I command you with something then do what you are capable of." The most Taharah is in Tawaf is that it is a condition. At the same time we know that in Salah if a person is not able to be in a state of Tahaarah due to some external situation out of their control they are allowed to pray without it. Case in point: The Salah of a woman in Istihadah or someone who cannot control their urine may perform Salah regardless. If this is the case - where the conditions of Salah are forgiven when a person cannot fulfill them - then the conditions of Tawaf should also be forgiven when someone cannot fulfill them. In fact, the situation of Tawaf is more deserving of this ruling. In any other solution (either she cancels her Hajj or tries to come back in the future, remaining in Ihraam until she does) there is a huge hardship on her. And hardship is cancelled in Shari'ah. As for those who say she may perform the Tawaf in her state, but she must pay a penalty for it - our opinion is that there is no penalty. This is because the Wajib, if a person is not blame-worthy for not performing it, then there is no penalty upon them. This is different then when someone leaves a Wajib due to forgetfulness, or ignorance, or intentionally. The menstruating woman did not leave this Wajib in this case due to a blame-worthy reason. She could not fulfill the Wajib due to her menses, which is something that does not begin according to her will and desire. Thus there is no penalty upon her. Thus, if a woman has received her period before she has performed Tawaf Al-Ifadah, she must remain in Makkah until she is clean and then go and perform it. If in special circumstances and under dire necessity she needs to leave Makkah before completing her period, then according to most scholars she may perform her Tawaf even though she has her period and there is no penalty upon her. And Allah knows best. Does a menstruating woman need to perform Tawaf Al-Wadaa'" If a woman receives her menses before she has completed her Tawaf Al-Wadaa' (her farewell Tawaf) and she has already done her Tawaf Al-Ifaadah, then she may leave Makkah without performing the Wadaa'. There is no penalty for her to do this. This is the opinion of the general body of scholars. This facilitation is proved by the authentic statement of Ibn Abbas - Radi Allahu'anhu - in which he said, "The people were commanded that the last thing they do (in Makkah) is Tawaf, except for the menstruating woman the command was lightened." Moreover, in the Hadith in which Hadrat Aysha told the Allahs Beloved Prophet - Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - about Safiyah's menses, he asked her if she performed Tawaf Al-Ifaadah. When Aisha said that she had, the Beloved Prophet - Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - said that they would not be held back. Meaning, she was allowed to leave Makkah without performing Tawaf Al-Wadaa'. Also, there is no penalty upon a woman in doing this for the Most Beloved Prophet -Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - did not make mention of any penalty upon Safiyah. Conclusion The goal of this article was to distinguish the Fiqh rulings that are specific to Women in Hajj. These rulings were divided and organized into two basic chapters, one dealing with the Ihraam of a woman, the other discussing the ritual differences between men and women. We learnt that it is equally part of the Sunnah for a woman to shower before Ihraam just as it is for a man and that this ruling is not different for a woman in her Hayd or Nifas. We learnt that showering during Ihraam was permissible and that a person may pour water on their hair and rub lightly their head. Additionally, we learnt that she may wear any color of clothing, as long as it meets the Islamic standard of modest dress. And they may wear jewelry. She should uncover her face while in Ihraam, but if she fears the gaze of non-Mahram men upon her, she may cover her face as the wives of the Most Beloved Prophet - Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam - used to do. And they should not touch their spouse with desire. In the second chapter on male/female ritual differences, we learnt that a woman should not travel to Hajj without the company of a Mahram. She should not raise her voice excessively when saying the Talbiyah. Concerning the Tawaf, she differs with the men in that she should not do ramal (jogging) for the first three circumbulations, she should not uncover her right shoulder, and she should not crowd the men in trying to get near the Ka'bah or to kiss the black stone. And it is desirable for her to choose a time when there will be a less crowded. Regarding the Sa'ee, we learnt that being clean of menses is not a requirement, and that a woman may perform it even if she is in her menses. She is not required for her to run in the valley of Safa and Marwah. We learnt that it is a Prophetic permission for the women and the weak folk to leave Muzdalifah early. Also, that shaving the head is only preferred for men and that women should not cut more then a centimeter of hair from the tips of her braids. In detail, we discussed the situation of a woman who receives her Hayd before her performance of Tawaf Al-Ifadah. She should wait until she completes her Hayd to perform it, and her Mahram should stay with her. And finally, we learnt that a woman who receives her menses before performing Tawaf Al-Wadaa does not have to wait in Makkah until she completes her menses. She may leave without performing it, as shown in the Sunnah of The Most Beloved Sayyiduna Rasul Allah - Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam.

Prayers

Chapter 6

Prayers And Supplications

Hajj is an act of worship. It is also one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The fact that a Muslim is required to perform Hajj only once in his lifetime imparts certain unique qualities to it. During the few days that Hajj lasts, the pilgrim is required to immerse himself totally in this unique experience. He discards his usual clothes and changes into a shroud-like attire, gives up all pleasures and temptations of everyday life and, along with millions of similar minded and attired Muslims from all over the world, devotes every waking minute to the remembrance of Allah. He lives in tents and under the sky, is subject to physical hardship and emotional stress, and sacrifices of himself and whatever he possesses-all in the path of Allah. He expects that his sins will be forgiven, and believes that he will be transformed by this great experience into a better human being. This spiritual and religious event in Islam has absolutely no parallel in human history.
Hajj is also unique in that it has no prescribed prayers and supplications. The pilgrim may pray in a fashion and language of his choosing. Books on Hajj, however, do recommend some prayers, many of which have their origin in books of Ahadith. The reader is advised to consult these books if he so desires. The intent of this chapter is to present a few of the prayers commonly recited by the pilgrims during Hajj. The seven prayers of Tawaf are specially recommended.
(a) Talbiyah

  

" Here I am at Thy service O Lord, here I am. Here I am at Thy service, and Thou hast no partners. Thine alone is All Praise and All Bounty, and Thine alone is The Sovereignty. Thou hast no partners. "
(b) Prayer At Maqam-o-Ibrahim

   

O Allah! Thou knowest that which I keep secret and that which I disclose. Grant me Thy pardon. Thou knowest my needs; grant me my wishes. Thou knowest that which is in my breast; forgive me my sins. O Allah! I seek from Thee a faith that will saturate my heart, and a true conviction that will make me realize that naught can befall me except what Thou hast decreed for me, and that I may find contentment in whatever Thou hast given me. Thou art my patron in this world and the Hereafter. Allow me to die in a state of Islam and to be counted among the righteous. O Allah! on this occasion of our presence in this place, let not any of our sins go unforgiven, nor any of our worries undispelled, nor any of our needs unfulfilled or unfacilitated by Thee. And let all our tasks be made easy, and our minds relieved, and our hearts illuminated and our actions judged as pious. O Allah! allow us to die as Muslims and to join the ranks of the virtuous without any distress. Amen, O Lord of the Universe.
(c) Prayer at Multazam

   

O Allah! Lord of this Ancient House, free our necks and the necks of our fathers and mothers and brothers and children from the fires of Hell. O Thou who art Master of Beneficence, Benignity, Grace, Bounty, Munificence and Benevolence! O Allah! let the final result of all our affairs be good, and protect us from degradation in this world and eternal doom in the Hereafter. O Allah! truly I am Thy slave and the son of Thy slave, standing beneath Thy door and holding to Thy threshold in humility before Thee. I hope for Thy Mercy and I fear Thy punishment in Hell. O The Eternally Beneficent! O Allah! I ask Thee to accept my remembrance of Thee, and relieve me of my burdens, and set right my affairs, and purify my heart, and illuminate my grave for me and forgive me my sins. And I beseech of Thee high ranks in Paradise. Amen.
(d) Prayers of Tawaf
The prayers usually recited during Tawaf of the Kabah are given below:
(i) First Shawt (i.e., Circuit)

  

All Glory is to Allah! All Praise is to Allah! There is none worthy of worship but Allah! Allah is the Greatest. There is no power, nor strength except that from Allah, The Most High, The Greatest! Blessings and Peace be upon the Beloved Prophet of Allah, Muhammad (pbuh). O Allah! By my faith in Thee, and by my belief in Thy Book, and in fulfillment of the vows I made to Thee, and following the Sunnah of Thy Beloved Prophet, Muhammad (pbuh), (I perform the Tawaf of the Holy Kabah). O Allah! truly I ask Thy forgiveness, and Thy protection, and everlasting soundness in faith in this world and in the Hereafter , and that I be granted Paradise and be freed from the fires of Hell.
Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of fire, and allow us to enter Paradise with the righteous ones. O Glorious One! O All Forgiving! O Lord of the Universe!
(11) Second Shawt (i.e., Circuit)

  

O Allah! This House is Thy House, and this Sanctuary is Thy Sanctuary, and this Security is Thy Security, and this slave is Thy slave. I am Thy slave and the son of Thy slave. And this place is a refuge from the fires of Hell for him who seeks Thy protection. Forbid our flesh and our bodies to the Fire. O Allah! Endear to us the Faith, and adorn with it our hearts, and make hateful to us disbelief, wickedness and transgression, and cause us to be among those who are rightly guided.
O Allah! Protect me from Thy punishment on the Day when thou shalt resurrect Thy slaves. O Allah! Allow me to enter Paradise without any accounting.
Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of fire, and allow us to enter Paradise with the righteous ones. O Glorious One! O All Forgiving! O Lord of the Universe!
(iii) Third Shawt (i.e., Circuit)

  

O Allah! Truly, I seek refuge in Thee from doubt and from associating with Thee others (in worship), and from discord, hypocrisy, and immorality, and from returning home to see my family and my children in an evil state of affairs. O Allah! Truly I ask Thee for Thy pleasure and that I be allowed to enter Paradise. And I take refuge in Thee from Thy anger and from the fire of Hell. O Allah! I seek refuge in Thee from falling from your grace in my grave and from the temptations in this life and trials at the time of death.
Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of fire, and allow us to enter Paradise with the righteous ones. O Glorious One! O All Forgiving! O Lord of the Universe!
(iv) Fourth Shawt (i.e., Circuit)

 

O Allah! Allow this pilgrimage to be accepted, and this endeavor to be rewarded, and my sins to be forgiven , and my good deeds to be approved and cause my business to flourish; O Thou, who knoweth all that is in our hearts! O Allah! Take me out of darkness into light. O Allah! I ask thee, that I be worthy of Thy Mercy, and certain of Thy Forgiveness, and immune to all sins, and be worthy of rewards for all my virtues, and be worthy of entering Paradise and be immune from Hell. O My lord! Make me content with what Thou hast bestowed upon me. And let Thy Blessings be with what Thou hast given me. And compensate all that I lack with Thy own favor.
Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of fire, and allow us to enter Paradise with the righteous ones. O Glorious One! O All Forgiving! O Lord of the Universe!
(v) Fifth Shawt (i.e., Circuit)

  

O Allah! Bestow upon me the shade of Thy Throne on the Day when there shall be no shade except Thine, and there shall be no countenance except Thine. And allow me a drink from the cistern of Thy Beloved Prophet, Hadrat Muhammad (pbuh)- a drink so pleasant that it may quench my thirst for ever. O Allah! I ask Thee the best of that which Thy Beloved Prophet, our Master Muhammad (pbuh) has asked of Thee. And I seek refuge in Thee from the evils from which Thy Beloved Prophet, our Master, Muhammad (pbuh) has sought refuge in Thee. O Allah! Truly I beseech Thee to grant me Paradise and its delights and whatever may bring me nearer to it whether by word, or by act, or by deed. And I seek refuge in Thee from the fires of Hell and whatever may bring me nearer to it whether by word, or by act or by deed.
Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of fire, and allow us to enter Paradise with the righteous ones. O Glorious One! O All Forgiving! O Lord of the Universe!
(vi) Sixth Shawt (i.e., Circuit)

  

O Allah! Thou hast many claims on me in my relations to Thee, and many claims in my relations to Thy creatures. O Allah! release me of those which I owe to Thee, and give me the strength to bear those which I owe to Thy creatures. Make me content with what Thou hast made lawful and enable me to reject what Thou hast declared forbidden. And make me content with obedience to Thee, and let me beware of Thy disobedience. And make me content with Thy favor so that I may not seek favor from any one else, O Thou, whose Mercy is All Embracing. O Allah! Truly Thy house is Glorious and Thy Countenance Benign, and Thou, O Allah! art Clement, Noble and Great. Thou lovest forgiveness, so forgive me.
Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of fire, and allow us to enter Paradise with the righteous ones. O Glorious One! O All Forgiving! O Lord of the Universe!
(vii) Seventh Shawt (i.e., Circuit)

  

O Allah! I seek from Thee a faith that is perfect, a conviction that is true, a heart that is full of devotion towards Thee, and a tongue that is forever engaged in Thy remembrance; and provisions that are vast, lawful and clean, and a repentance that is sincere; a repentance before death, peace at the time of death and Thy Benign Forgiveness and Mercy after death, and Thy Pardon at the time of reckoning, and the reward of Paradise and a reprieve from the fires of Hell. Accept my prayers O The Mighty One! O The Forgiver! O My Lord! Increase me in my knowledge and may I be counted among the righteous.
Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of fire, and allow us to enter Paradise with the righteous ones. O Glorious One! O All Forgiving! O Lord of the Universe!

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Qurbani

The Sacrifice of Animals

Adhiyah : Literally means that which is slaughtered during the days of sacrifice. Technically it refers to the particular animal that is slaughtered with the intention of worship during the period of sacrifice (10 12 Dul Hijjah).

Its Merits
1. The Blessed Final Messenger of Allah (Salla Allahu ta'ala Alayhi wa Sallam0 said, " On the day of sacrifice there is no deed of the son of Adam (alaihi as-salaam) which is more liked by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) than the drop of blood. The slaughtered animal will come on the Day of Judgement with its horns, hoofs and hairs. The  blood is accepted by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) before it drops on the ground and they will be made happy by it". (Ibn Maajah)

2.  The Noble Companions (Radi'Allahu ta'ala Anhum) once asked : O Beloved Messenger (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam) what are these sacrifices ? He (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam) replied,  " This is the way of your father Ibraheem."  They then asked : what do we get for them, O Allah's Messenger ? He (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam) said  " For each hair you receive a merit." They asked : what about the wool ? He (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam) replied, " For every hair of wool there is a merit."  (Ibn Maajah)




The Ruling
Making the sacrifice is Wajib under the following conditions ;

1. Being a Muslim for it is a worship therefore not obligatory on a non-Muslim.2. Being a freeman therefore not for the slave because he owns nothing.
3. Being a resider thus it's not obligatory on a traveller because if it becomes obligatory on a traveller it will
     be a distraction in his travel. But if he makes sacrifice voluntarily it will be valid. The sacrifice is Wajib
     on all citizens, villagers and the people of deserts.
4. Capability and affordability : If he meets the criteria required for a person to pay Zakaat al-Fitr.
5. The days of sacrifice : there are three days of sacrifice ; 10th,11th and 12th of Dhul Hijjah and the most
     excellent of them is the first day. It is better to slaughter during the daytime.

Note:

These conditions apply equally to men and women so the women must also slaughter the animals and give the sacrifice if they fulfil the conditions.


The Rationale of Sacrifice1.  The sacrifice is a means of coming closer to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala). The Qur'an al-kareem says, " Therefore offer prayer for your Lord, and do the sacrifice."    (Al-Qur'an : 108 : 2)

The Qur'an also says : " Say you, undoubtedly, my prayer, my sacrifice, my life and my death are for the Lord of the Universe."     (Al-Qur'an : 6 : 163).

The sacrifice here refers to the slaughtering of an animal for the purpose of seeking the purpose of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala).

2.  To revive the practise of Ibrahim Alayhi Assalam when he was about to slaughter his son Ishmail (Alayhi Assalam) and as an exchange for his son he sacrificed a ram. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) says, " And we compensated him with a great sacrifice. "      (Al-Qur'an : 37 : 107)
3.   To be generous to the family on the Eid Day and to show kindness to the needy and the poor.
4.  Thanksgiving to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) for providing us with animals for our benefit. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) says, " And eat from them and feed the content and the needy as he has made them for your service so that you may be grateful. "       (Al-Qur'an : 22 :36)



The Time of Sacrifice
The time of sacrifice begins after sunrise on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. However for city dwellers they should wait until the Eid prayer has been completed. The Blessed Messenger (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam of Allah said : " Whosoever slaughters before the Eid Prayer has slaughtered it for himself and whoever has slaughtered after the Eid Prayer has protected his sacrifice and followed the practise of Muslims. "
The Beloved Messenger (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam) also said, " Who slaughtered before Prayer he must give sacrifice anew."     (Bukhari Shareef)
However people in rural areas can slaughter after dawn. It is permissable for three days i.e 10th to 12th Dhul Hijjah. The condition is that an animal must be slaughtered, simply paying the equivalent price of an animal or giving the animal it self as charity is not sufficient because Adhiya refers to slaughtering.



The animals of Sacrifice

Which Animals ?
Animals from anyone of the following three groups can be slaughtered : Sheep, Camel or Cow, this includes goat and buffalo. Both the male and female as well as castrated and non-castrated are permissable. However wild animals are not permissable.
Their age ;
The camel should be at least five years old, the cow should be at least two years and the goat/sheep should be one year but if the sheep's kid looks big and fat it is lawful as young as six months.
How many are to be sacrificed ?Up to seven people can take equal share in a cow and a camel but for a sheep and goat a single person.


Their description ;
They should be healthy and free from any visible defects. One-eyed or blind or crippled and lame animals that cannot walk to the slaughterhouse, should not be sacrificed. Not an animal with a chopped ear or a tail, but if a major portion of the ear or tail remains then it is permissable to sacrifice them.   (Qudoori)

It is preferred that the animal be big, fat and beautiful.


Slaughtering ;
It is better to slaughter the animal with one's own hands, if one is able to do so. The Most Beloved Prophet
(Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam) drove one hundred camels and slaughtered over sixty of them with his own hands and the remainder were slaughtered by Hadrat Ali (Radi'Allahu ta'ala Anhu). If one cannot slaughter them by himself, help from others can be sought.  However one should at least witness the slaughtering. Since the Blessed Messenger (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam) said to Fatima (Radi'Allahu ta'ala Anha) " O Fatima ! daughter of Muhammad Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam get up and be present with your animal, for its first drop of blood will bring you forgiveness and recite " My prayer, my sacrifice, my life and my death are all for Allah the Lord of the Universe and has no associate. "  Its meat and blood will be put onto your scales and multiplied seventy times so Abu Saeed Al-Khudri (Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu) asked O Messenger ! Is this specifically for the family of Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam) or for all the Muslims ?  He replied it is specifically for the family of Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam) and for the Muslims as a whole.

Distribution of the Meat ;
It is preferred that the meat be divided into three equal parts, one third to be eaten by the family, one third to be presented to freinds and one third given as a charity to the needy. The Beloved Messenger (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam) said, " Eat, store and donate. "      (Muslim)
It is permissable to donate all of the meat as is also permissable to keep all of the meat for one's own use if one has a big family and the family is needy. In this state it is better to keep it for the family and be generous towards them. However the skin must be donated or made it for use in the home (as a prayer mat), but it should not be given to the butcher as a compensation for his labour.

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Umrah diagram

Flow Diagram for Umra

Hajj diagram

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