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Islam Quran Hadiths Zakir naik Duas Muslim Islamic Women VideosIn this article the procedure to wear Ihram and to perform the rites of Hajj and Umrah are presented in a simplified way. Also included is the procedure to visit the Holy Prophet (pbuh)’s Tomb and his Mosque.
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HAJJ STEP BY STEP VIDEO GUIDE IN ENGLISH
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1. IHRAM
The literal meaning of Ihram is to make haraam (forbidden). When a haji pronounces the Niyyah (intention) of Hajj and Umrah and utters Talbiyah, certain halaal (permissible) things become haraam for him. This combined action (Niyyah and Talbiyah) is called Ihram. The two sheets that a haji wears are figuratively known as Ihram but the real Ihram is Niyyah & Talbiyah. If someone wears these two sheets and does not declare his intention and utter Talbiyah, he does not become a Muhrim. That is why, before Niyyah and Talbiyah, he can cover his head during two rakahs of Nafl, an act which is not allowed in the real state of Ihram.
PROCEDURE
“O Allah! I intend to perform Umrah. Please make it easy for me and accept it from me. Amen.”
Immediately after that utter the words of Talbiyah three times and as often afterwards as possible. If you don’t remember it, you can say its translation in English or in any other language but Talbiah or its translation is pronounced in a loud voice by men and in a subdued voice by women.
TALBIYAH
| “Labbayk,
Allahumma Labbayk. Labbayk. La shareeka laka. Labbayk.Innal-hamda wan-n’imata laka wal-mulk. La shareeka lak.” |
( Here we come,
O Allah, here we come ! Here we come. No partner have You. Here we come! Praise indeed, and the Kingdom too! No partner have You!) |
2. HAJJ
KINDS OF HAJJ
There are three ways of performing the Hajj:
In Qiran one has to stick to the long-lasting restrictions of Ihram
People who come to Saudi Arabia from other countries usually perform Hajj al-Tamatt’u. The Ihram they wear on or before Miqat is for Umrah only and perform Umrah first, then they slip into their ordinary clothes and on 8 Zil Hijjah they put on Ihram for Hajj at their residence in Makkah and perform the rites of Hajj. It is taken off on the day of sacrifice. This article describes the procedure to perform Hajj al-Tamatt’u. |
THE RITES OF UMRAH: The only rites of Umrah are:
IHRAM FOR UMRAH AND ENTERING MASJID AL-HARAM
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as-Salam with right foot first. Supplicate to Allah and proceed towards Ka’bah. You may recite the following supplication which is usually used before entering a mosque:
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Tawaf means circling around something . Here it means moving around Ka’bah seven times with extreme love and devotion.
” O Allah, I perform Tawaf of Umrah to please You. Make it
easy for me and accept it from me.”
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palms towards Hajre-e-Aswad and say:
and drop your hands down. Now point the palms of your hands again towards Hajar-e- Aswad and kiss them. This act of kissing Hajar-e-Aswad or pointing towards it is called Istilam. |
“Subhan-Allah wal-hamdu-lillahi wa la ilaha ill-Allah wa-Allahu
Akbar wa la haula wa la quwwata illa-billah.”
If you don’t remember these words, you may glorify Allah by repeatedly
uttering:
Subhan Allah,
Al-Hamdu lilla,
Allahu Akbar,
La Ilaha
Illallah, etc.
The Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) has said that there are two kalimahs
that are light on tongue and (on the day of judgment) they weigh heavy on the scale
(Mizan) and are liked by Allah. These kalimahs are:
Subhan Allah Wabe Hamde hi
Subhan Allah Hil Azeem (Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmizi)
You may also use supplications used in the daily Salah or you may seek forgiveness
of Allah and ask Him whatever you wish in your own language.
“Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan
wa qina azabin-nar.”
Our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) has repeatedly recited this supplication.
The first circuit is complete when you reach Hajar-e-Aswad.
” Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lillah Hil Hamd
Now kiss both palms and drop your hands. After this go around Ka’bah as you did
before and similarly complete the seven circuits.
“Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lillah Hill Hamd”
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your head. If it is zawal time when sajdah is not allowed, you have to wait till this undesirable time is passed and then offer prayers.In the niyyah (intention), say that you are offering 2 rakahs of nafls wajib al- tawaf. Recite Qul ya ayya hal kafroon in the first rakah and Qulhu wallah in the second rakah. After this, supplicate to Allah in Arabic or in your own language. Ask Him whatever you wish and invoke His blessings. If it is not possible to offer this obligatory prayer near Maqam Ibrahim, it can be |
“Allahummah inni as’aluka ilm-an naafi’an wa rizqan waasi’an
wa shifa’am min kulli daa’in.”(O Allah! I implore Thee for beneficial knowledge, for vast provisions,
and for cure from every disease.)
The literal meaning of Sa’ey is to run or to make effort, but as a
Hajj and Umrah term, Sa’ey denotes
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walking back and forth seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah which are situated to the south and north of the Ka’bah respectively. Now there are only signs of these hills and the whole route between them is enclosed in a long gallery.Sa’ey has a historical background. Prophet Abraham left his wife Hazrat Hajra and infant son Hazrat Ismael in the wilderness of Makkah at the command of Allah. The mother and son lived for five days on the food and water they had when the water was completely finished. The mother ran frantically seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah in |
search of water for her son. Suddenly the fountain of Zamzam oozed miraculously near the feet of Hazrat Ismael. Sa’ey is included in the rites of Hajj and Umrah to commemorate this event of search and struggle.
“Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lillah Hil Hamad.”
Now Proceed towards Safa. It is a Sunnah to be in the state of ablutions during
Sa’ey.
” O Allah! I perform Sa’ey between Safa and Marwah to
please You. Make it easy for me
and accept it from me.”
Now recite:
“Inn-as-Safa wal-Marwah min Sha’a’irillah.”
(Al-Qur’an 2 : 158) (Indeed Safa and Marwah are among the Signs of Allah.)
After this climb Safa to the point from where you can see the Ka’bah, then facing
the Ka’bah raise your hands in supplication, say Allahu Akbar three times and
recite the following supplication or ask Allah whatever you wish:
“La ilaha ill-Allahu wahdahu la Sharika lahu, lahul-mulku wa
lahul-hamdu wa ‘ala kulli shai’in Qadeer.”
If you don’t remember this, you may use the supplication recited earlier during
Tawaf:
“Bismillahi Allahu Akbar Wa Lillah Hill Hamd”
“Subhan-Allah wal-hamdu-lillahi wa la ilaha ill-Allah wa-Allahu
Akbar wa la haula wa la quwwata illa-billa.”
If you don’t remember this supplication also, recite Subhan Allah, Alhamdu
Lillah, Allahu Akbar repeatedly and keep moving. You may also praise Allah
and ask for His mercy in your language or use supplications taken from the daily
Salah. When you reach two green pillars between which men have to run but the
women walk with their normal pace.
NAFL TAWAF
You may perform Umrah as often as you want according to the above procedure. And
if you want to perform just a nafl Tawaf, follow the same procedure, however, in a nafl
Tawaf there is no Ihram, no Ramal, no Iztaba and no Sa’ey.
PERFORMANCE OF HAJJ
(STEP BY STEP)
| SYMBOLS |
| Red color is the symbol of Fard the performance of which is imperative otherwise Hajj and Umrah will be invalid. | |
| Orange color is the symbol of Wajib the performance of which is obligatory otherwise Dam is required as a penalty. | |
| Green color stand for Sunnah or Mustahab (desirable). Try to perform these acts but no Dam is required if not done. | |
| White color is a symbol indicating general instructions. |
| 8 Zil Hijjah–First Day of Hajj |
| Hajj Preparations | The date 8 Zil Hijjah starts after the Maghrib prayer of 7 Zil Hijjah. Complete all the Hajj preparations during these night hours. |
| Preparations for Ihram | Comb your hair, shape the beard, trim your mustache, cut your nails, and remove unwanted body hair. |
| Bath | Take a bath with the intention of Ihram otherwise do wudu. |
| Ihram | Men should wear a sheet of white cloth around the waist and cover the upper body with the other sheet. Women’s ordinary clothes are their Ihram. Both should wear the flip-flops (hawai chappal) so that the middle bones of the upper part of the feet are not covered. |
| Nafl Salah | If it is not makruh (undesirable) time, men offer two rakahs of nafl for Ihram in the Haram Sharif by covering their heads. Women can offer these nafls at home. |
| Intentionand Talbiyah | Now uncover your head and declare your intention saying:
Immediately after that utter the words of Talbiyah three times and as often afterwards as possible. Men should say it in a loud voice but women should say it in a subdued tone. |
| Prohibitions of Ihram | Now the prohibitions of Ihram start. Recall their detail and follow the rules. From this point on men cannot cover their heads for the duration of Ihram. |
| Departure to Mina | After the sunrise proceed towards Mina. On the way, pronounce Talbiyah as often as you can and also utter other supplications. But it is ok to follow the procedure of your Mu’allim who usually arranges for hajis to leave for Mina during the night after Isha prayers. |
| In Mina | In Mina offer Zuhar, Asr, Maghrib and Isha prayers. Spend that night in Mina and on 9 Zil Hijjah, offer Fajr prayer there. |
| 9 Zil Hijjah–Second Day of Hajj |
| Departure for Arafat | Offer Fajr prayer in Mina, say Takbir Tashriq (Allah-u Akbar, Allah-u Akbar La Ilaha ill-Allah wa-Allah-u Akbar, Allah-u Akbar wa Lillah-il-hamd) and Talbiyah. Get ready and reach Arafat by zawal (declining of the sun). |
| Bath | Take a bath, if possible, otherwise perform wudu and have meals. Packages of food are usually provided by the Mu’allim. Also take some rest. |
| Waquf-e-Arafat | Waquf is started at the beginning of zawal (declining of the sun) and ends at the sunset. Spend this time uttering Talbiyah, repent on your sins, seek forgiveness and mercy of Allah, say Darud Sharif and utter all the supplications (du’as) in Arabic and in your own language. It is better to do Waquf while standing but sitting down is also allowed. |
| Zuhr and Asr Prayers | In Masjid-e-Namrah, the imam leads Zuhr and Asr prayers, combined and shortened, at Zuhr time with one adhan but separate iqamahs. At other places in Arafat, some people similarly combine these two salats. But it is advisable that away from Masjid-e-Namrah, offer them at their proper times with jama’at as recommended by the most scholars. |
| Departure for Muzdalifah | When the sun sets in in Arafat, proceed to Muzdalifah without offering Maghrib prayer reciting Zikr and Talbiyah on the way. |
| Maghriband Isha Prayers | In Muzdalifah offer Maghrib and Isha prayers together at Isha time. For both prayers there is one adhan and one iqamah.
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| Zikr and Du’a | This is a very blessed night in which glorify Allah, recite Darud Sharif, read Quran, utter Talbiyah and supplicate very humbly. Also take some rest. |
| Pebbles | Pick up forty-nine pebbles of the size of big grams (chick peas) if Rami is to be performed for three days and seventy if for four days. |
| Fajr Prayer and Waquf | At the Fajr time after two rakah Sunnah, offer Fard prayer with jama’at. then perform waquf. |
| Return to Mina | Proceed to Mina when the sun is about to rise. |
| 10 Zil Hijjah–Third Day of Hajj |
| Rami of Jamrah Aqabah | In Mina, hit Jamrah Aqabah with seven pebbles one after the other. On account of risk to life, the old, weak or sick persons can perform Rami a little before sunset or at night. |
| Stop Talbiyah | Stop saying Talbiyah when you throw the first pebble. Also don’t stop for du’a. Just go to your residence and do Qurbani (animal sacrifice). |
| Qurbani (Animal Sacrifice) | There are three days designated for qurbani, i.e., 10, 11 or 12 Zil Hijjah. It can be done any time during day or night. It is usually easy to sacrifice an animal on 11 Zil Hijjah. Do qurbani yourself or ask a reliable person to do it for you. |
| Halq or Qasr | After qurbani men should preferably get their whole head shaved (Halq) but it is permissible to cut the hair (Qasr) of their whole head equal in length to a joint of a finger (about an inch). It is also permissible to cut the hair (about an inch) of one fourth of the head. A woman is prohibited to shave her head. She can cut about an inch long hair of one fourth of her head. But according to some scholars it is sufficient for a woman to have a lock of her hair clipped.
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| Tawaf-e-Ziarat | Now perform Tawaf-e-Ziarat. It can be performed any time, day or night, from 10 Zil Hijjah to the sunset of 12 Zil Hijjah. Usually it is convenient to do it on 11 Zil Hijjah. Its procedure is similar to that of Tawaf of Umrah and it is essential that you have performed wudu. According to Sunnah this tawaf is to be performed after Rami, sacrifice and shaving or clipping of the hair, and every effort should be made to do that, but the Fard stands discharged even if Tawaf-e-Ziarat is performed prior to all these practices. As mentioned earlier, Halq or Qasr after Qurbani lifts all the prohibitions of Ihram but the private relations between man and wife are permitted only after this Tawaf. |
| Sa’ey of Hajj | After this perform Sa’ey. Its procedure is the same as that of Sa’ey of Umrah. It is a Sunnah to make sure that your wudu is intact |
| Return to Mina | Return to Mina when Sa’ey is done and spend the night there. |
| 11 Zil Hijjah–Fourth Day of Hajj |
| Rami of Jamrarat | Throw seven pebbles on each of three Jamarat after zawal (decline of the sun). Rami is usually easy a little before sunset and at night. And it is permissible to do Rami at night if there is a risk to life. |
| Supplicate | Throw seven pebbles at Jamrah Oolah. Then move a little forward. And with your hands raised and facing Qibla, praise Allah and recite Arabic du’as or supplicate in your own words. There are no prescribed du’as. |
| Supplicate | After this throw seven pebbles at Jamrah Wustah. Here too facing Qiblah, praise Allah and earnestly seek his mercy and blessings. No particular du’a is prescribed here either. |
| Do not supplicate | Then throw seven pebbles on Jamrah Aqabah. But this time do not supplicate at all, after Rami just return to your place. |
| Second chance for Tawaf of Ziarah |
If you could not do Tawaf-e-Ziarah yesterday, do it today and return to Mina for overnight stay. |
| Zikr and Ibadah | At your residence, recite Quran, glorify Allah, repent on your sins, and seek forgiveness. Ask Allah whatever you want and don’t commit any sin. |
| 12 Zil Hijjah–Fifth Day of Hajj |
| Rami of Jamrarat | Throw seven pebbles on each of three Jamarat after zawal (decline of the sun). Rami is usually easy a little before sunset and at night. And it is permissible to do Rami at night if there is a risk to life. |
| Supplicate | Throw seven pebbles at Jamrah Oolah. Then move a little forward. And with your hands raised and facing Qibla, praise Allah and recite Arabic du’as or supplicate in your own words. There are no prescribed du’as. |
| Supplicate | After this throw seven pebbles at Jamrah Wustah. And facing Qiblah, glorify Allah, recite Darud Sharif and supplicate earnestly for whatever you desire. There is no du’a prescribed for this occassion. |
| Do not supplicate | Then throw seven pebbles on Jamrah Aqabah and come back to your residence without any du’a. |
| Last chance for Tawaf of Ziarah |
If you could not do Tawaf-e-Ziarah earlier, it is essential to do it today before Maghrib. |
| Option | After today’s Rami, you have the option to return to Makkah before sunset. But if the sun sets before you are able to depart, remain in Mina for the third night and throw pebbles the next day in the same order. |
| Tawaf-e-Wida | After Hajj, when you intend to return to your country from Makkah, it is Wajib (obligatory) to perform Tawaf-e-Wida (Farewell Tawaf). Its procedure is the same as that of a Nafl Tawaf. |
VISITING MADINAH
(A Journey of Love)
Magnificent View of The Prophet’s Mosque
To visit Madinah is not a Hajj or Umrah rite, but the unique merits of the Prophet’s city, his Mosque and his sacred tomb attract every pilgrim to visit it. There is no Ihram nor talbiyah for the visit to Madinah or the Prophet’s Mosque.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) himself participated in the construction of this mosque, called it “My Mosque” and led prayers in it for years. He has also said that a salah performed in the Prophet’s Mosque is better than a thousand salats in any other place except Masjid al-Haram in Makkah.
According to Hazrat Anas, the Prophet (peace be upon him) has also said:
“The person who offers 40 prayers consecutively in my Mosque,
without missing a prayer in between, will secure immunity from
the fire of Hell and other torments and also from hypocrisy.”
(Musnad Ahmad)It is a great privilege for the pilgrims to visit our beloved Prophet’s tomb. The Prophet (peace be upon him) once said:
“The person who comes solely for the purpose of paying a visit to
my grave, has a right on me that I should intercede for him.”
(‘Ilm al-Fiqh, Vol. V)And he has also said:
“The person who performs Hajj and then visits my Tomb, will be
regarded as though he had seen me in my worldly life.”
(Baihaqi)
- Travel to Madinah and Niyyah. When you start travel to Madinah, Make niyyah (intention) as such:
” O Allah! I start journey to visit the holy tomb of Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him). Please accept it from me.”During this journey, recite Darud Sharif frequently. When the city of Madinah is in
sight, show your extreme fondness and excitement and humbly enter the city while
reciting Darud and Salam.- Masjid-e-Nabvi. After putting your luggage at your residence, take a bath or perform ablutions (vudu), wear nice dress, apply perfume and proceed towards the Prophet’s
Mosque while uttering Darud.- Bab-e-Jibril. Enter the mosque through Bab-e-Jibril or Bab-us-Salaam or if this is not possible, enter through any other door.
- Right Foot. Place your right foot first in the entrance, praise Allah (such as say Allhu Akbar, Subhan Allah, Alhamdu Lillah, etc.), recite Darud and say:
“Allah humma aftah li abwabe rahamte ka”
- Two Raka’t Nafl. If it is not undesirable (Makrooh) time, offer two rakahs of nafl tahiyyat al-masjid (greeting of the masjid) preferably in Riaz al-Jannah near the tomb of the Prophet or otherwise anywhere else in the mosque.
- In front of the Holy Tomb.
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In front of the sacred tomb of The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), there are three sections of brass screens and all three have holes in them. Look at the picture carefully. If you stand in front of the middle section between the pillars, you’ll see a big round hole on your left. This is in front of the face of the Holy Prophet. Adjacent to it is a door that stays closed. Right after it on the right side is a round hole which is in front of the face of Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique. On the right of it, there is another round hole which is in front of the face of Hadrat Umar Farooq.
Here is an enlarged view of the screen in front of the sacred face of our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him). Standing in front of it and facing it, say in a respectful and hushed voice: “Assalamu alaika, ayyuhan-nabiyya wa rahmatul-lahi wa barakatuhu”
(Peace be on you, O Prophet, and the mercy and blessings of Allah.)
After this say:
“Assalatu was-salamu alaika ya Rasul-Allah”
“Assalatu was-salamu alaika ya Nabi-yallah”
“Assalatu was-salamu alaika ya Habib-Allah”
Then supplicate to Allah for good things in this life and the life after death. You may use
the same supplication recited earlier during the Tawaf :“Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan
wa qina azabin nar.”- Offer Salam of others. Now offer salam of relatives or friends in your own language or say:
“Asslamu alaika ya Rasul Allah min—-.”
After the word “min”, add the name of your friend or relative.
- Salam on Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique. Then move a little to the right and stand before the grave of Hazrat Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him). Greet him and supplicate to bestow His mercy and forgiveness on him.
- Salam on Hazrat Umar Farooq. Again move a little to the right before the grave of Hazrat Umar ( may Allah be pleased with him), and greet him and make supplication for him.
- Forty Prayers. Men should offer forty prayers (Salat) in the Prophet’s Mosque, but it is not a requirement of any kind. It is only Mustahab, i.e., rewarding if done, but if not done there is no sin.
- Other places to visit. Some of the other important places to visit are: Masjid Quba, Jannat al-Baqee, graves of Hazrat Hamzah and other
martyrs of Uhud (may Allah be pleased with them) and Masjid Qiblatain, etc.Among them Masjid Quba is the most important. It is the first mosque in the history of Islam whose foundation stone was laid down by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself on his migration to Madinah. To offer 2 raka’ats of nafl in it is equal to one Umrah. After visiting the Prophet’s Mosque and his tomb every pilgrim should try his best to visit it and pray in this mosque as well. - Departure from Madinah. When you have to leave Madinah, offer your Salam again to the Prophet (peace be upon him), cry at this separation, supplicate to Allah and leave with the earnest desire to come back.
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