HAJJ AND OBSERVING THE RULES

Hajj is a very great Ibadah because it requires a great sum of money and expense, in addition to the fatigue of the journey and the inconveniences during the stay. It is known that despite all our efforts, it is not certain that our Hajj will be accepted.

This is similar to the one who does not eat or drink from Subh-e-Saadiq (dawn) until sunset without receiving any reward for his fast (Roza). For the validity of the fast, depriving oneself of food, etc., is not sufficient. There are other conditions and regulations that must be observed.

Similarly, a person who has put on clean clothes, made his Wudhu properly, and performed Salah on time in Jama'ah may eventually discover that his Salah is not valid because he has committed something that makes the Salah invalid or at least defective.

For Hajj too, there are regulations, principles, and conditions that must be respected for it to be valid.

To facilitate our brothers in their duty, we will briefly explain how to perform Hajj here. In our presentation, we will avoid the details that are difficult to implement nowadays. Therefore, we will focus on the essential practices so that our brothers may perform a Sahih (correct) and valid Hajj.

Considering that most pilgrims, and perhaps even all, opt for Hajj-e-Tamattu, we will focus on this type of Hajj.

THE "SUPERIORITY" OF HAJJ-E-TAMATTU'

There are three types of Hajj. They are:

  1. Hajj-e-Ifraad,
  2. Hajj-e-Qiraan,
  3. Hajj-e-Tamattu'.

Hajj-e-Qiraan involves the most difficulties. Rasulullah (Sallallāhu 'Alaihi Wasallam) performed only one Hajj, and it was Hajj-e-Qiraan. This type of Hajj is therefore superior to all other types of Hajj.

However, this Hajj is very difficult. Generally, people do not have the same courage and patience to respect the conditions of Ihraam for an extended period. This is why scholars recommend Hajj-e-Tamattu'. This Hajj therefore has a relative "superiority": this superiority is defined in relation to the lack of courage of the people.

This is quite logical in the end: a less nourishing but more digestible meal is superior to a richer but heavier meal.

The 'Hajj-e-Tamattu' is more "digestible", and therefore, the most recommended for the public.

THE MEANING OF HAJJ-E-TAMATTU'

The word "tamattu" literally means "to benefit" and "to enjoy."

A Hajj-e-Tamattu' is a type of Hajj in which the Haaji benefits from a rest or a period of time between the two Ihraams: that of the 'Umrah and that of the Hajj. The Haaji can remove his Ihraam after completing the 'Umrah and does not have to observe the conditions and clauses imposed by wearing the Ihraam.

In Hajj-e-Tamattu', the Haaji should normally tie his Ihraam and complete his 'Umrah first, then remove the Ihraam to dress as usual. Later, when the days of Hajj arrive, he will put on his Ihraam to perform the Hajj.

HOW TO PERFORM HAJJ-E-TAMATTU'?

First, one must perform 'Umrah.

1. Do Wudhu, but preferably Ghusal.

Note: The hygienic aspect of this Ghusal has also been considered, and it is mustahab for a lady in a state of haiz as well.

2. Put on Ihraam and perform two Rak'ats Nafl.

Note: These two Rak'ats should not be performed at the following times:

a. At sunrise – at the zenith – and at sunset.

b. Between Subh-e-Saadiq‎ and sunrise.

c. After Namaaz-e-'Asr until sunset.

3. After performing these two Rak'ats of Nafl, recite the Talbiyah with the intention of performing 'Umrah.

The Talbiyah is as follows:

"Labbaik Allaahumma Labbaik, Labbaik laa sharika laka Labbaik, Innal hamda wanni'mata laka wal mulk la sharika lak."

4. Upon arrival in Makkah, perform Tawaaf:

Tawaaf consists of going around the Ka'bah seven times in an anti-clockwise direction.
a. First, pass the right side of the Ihraam under the right arm and place it on the left shoulder: this is called "Iztiba."

b. Then, come in front of Hajar-e-Aswad. Raise your hands as in Takbir-e-Tahrimah and say "Bismillah Allahu Akbar Walillahil Hamd." Lower your hands.

c. Then, touch Hajar-e-Aswad with both hands and kiss the hands.

Note: Today, due to large crowds, it is very difficult to touch Hajar-e-Aswad. Therefore, it is sufficient to symbolically do so by facing Hajar-e-Aswad with the palms of your hands and then kissing your hands.

d. Perform seven circuits around the Ka'bah. Each time you approach Hajar-e-Aswad, make signs with your hands and kiss the hands.

Note: During the first three circuits, it is Sunnah to make "Ramal" – walk at a small gallop while moving both shoulders.

5. After the Tawaaf, perform two Rak'ats Nafl, preferably near the Maqam-e-Ibrahim.
Note: These two Rak'ats are Waajib. They must be performed after each Tawaaf. However, they should not be performed during the Makruh times defined above (see point 2).

Rasulullah (Sallallāhu 'Alaihi Wasallam) recited Surah Al-Kafirun and Surah Al-Ikhlaas during these two Rak'ats.

6. After performing the 2 Rak'ats, drink Zamzam water.

7. Perform Sa-ee between Safa and Marwah:

  • Sa-ee begins at Safa.
  • From Safa to Marwah, it counts as one round, and from Marwah to Safa, it counts as two rounds.
  • The seventh round ends at Marwah.

Note: When going towards Marwah, it is mustahab to walk at a small gallop when passing a place called Meelain al-Akhdarain.

8. After completing Sa-ee, perform two Rak'ats if possible. Then, shave your head or trim the hair to a fingertip length.

Remove the Ihraam and dress normally.

The 'Umrah is now complete.

'UMRAH IN BRIEF

  1. Ghusal or Wudhu
  2. Ihraam
  3. Two Rak'aat Nafl
  4. Tawaaf + two Rak'aat
  5. Sa-ee between Safa and Marwah
  6. Shaving or reducing hair

'UMRAH AND ITS LEGAL POSITION

'Umrah is a practice recommended by Allah Ta'ala and Rasulullah (Sallallāhu 'Alaihi Wasallam). Allah Ta'ala tells us in the Qur'an-e-Kareem:

"Complete the Hajj and 'Umrah for (the pleasure of) Allah Ta'ala." (2: 196)

In a Hadith of Tirmidhi reported by Hadhrat Jaabir (Radiyallāhu Anhu), Rasulullah (Sallallāhu 'Alaihi Wasallam), while answering a question from a Sahaabi (Radiyallāhu Anhu), said that 'Umrah is not Waajib, but it is better to do it.

In another Hadith of Ibn Majah reported by Hadhrat Talha Bin Ubaidullah (Radiyallāhu Anhu), Rasulullah (Sallallāhu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said:

"Hajj is Jihad, and 'Umrah is a voluntary practice."

On the other hand, there are other Ahaadith which show that 'Umrah is Waajib. For example, we have a Hadith from Ibn Majah where Hadhrat 'Aisha (Radiyallāhu Anha) asked Rasulullah (Sallallāhu 'Alaihi Wasallam) whether Jihad is obligatory on women. Rasulullah (Sallallāhu 'Alaihi Wasallam) replied:

"Yes, Jihad is Waajib, a Jihad in which there is no war – Hajj and 'Umrah."

In another Hadith, Hadhrat Jaabir (Radiyallāhu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallāhu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said:

"Hajj and 'Umrah are two obligatory duties."

There is another Hadith in the same sense reported by Hadhrat Zayd Bin Saabit (Radiyallāhu Anhu).

After analysing the Ahaadith from both sides, the scholars concluded that 'Umrah is not Farz. It is a Nafl, but different from other Nawaafil, because it has the degree of Sunnah Mu'akkadah. Therefore, for scholars, 'Umrah is Sunnah Mu'akkadah once in a lifetime, just as Hajj is Farz once in a lifetime.

Note: All practices that are not Farz fall into the categories of Nafl or Tatawwu'.

VIRTUE OF 'UMRAH

'Umrah is a means of purification from sins and spiritual development. Rasulullah (Sallallāhu 'Alaihi Wasallam) has said:

"From one 'Umrah to another 'Umrah, it is a Kaffaarah (expiation) of everything that happened in between."

THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF 'UMRAH

'Umrah consists of four essential elements: Ihraam, Tawaaf, Sa-ee between Safa and Marwah, and shaving or reducing the hair.

Ihraam is Farz for 'Umrah, just as Takbeer-e-Tahrimah is for Salah.

Tawaaf is the pivot or the backbone of 'Umrah.

As for Sa-ee between Safa and Marwah and shaving or reducing the hair, these are Waajib.

'UMRAH DURING RAMADAN

It is recommended to perform 'Umrah during Ramadhan. Rasulullah (Sallallāhu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said, addressing a lady:

"When Ramadhan comes, perform 'Umrah because 'Umrah in the month of Ramadhan is absolutely like Hajj."

In a Hadith of Muslim Sharif, Rasulullah (Sallallāhu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said:

"'Umrah in the month of Ramadhan is equivalent to Hajj."

However, this does not mean that the person no longer has to perform Hajj if he has the means, because Hajj is always Farz upon him. It simply means that this 'Umrah is equivalent to the amount of Sa'waab and reward of Hajj.

THE DAYS WHEN 'UMRAH IS FORBIDDEN

It is Sunnah Mu'akkadah to perform 'Umrah once in one's life. It can be performed throughout the year, except for the following five days:

  1. The day of 'Arafah
  2. The day of Baqre 'Eid
  3. Three days after Baqre 'Eid, except for the one whose Ihraam was tied before the day of 'Arafah.

PUSHING TO KISS HAJAR-E-ASWAD

Hadhrat 'Abdullah bin 'Umar (Radiyallāhu Anhuma) once addressed the Ka'bah in these words:
"How great are you! How sacred are you! However, the Mu'min is more sacred than you in the sight of Allah Ta'ala." (Tirmidhi)

This statement of Hadhrat 'Abdullah bin 'Umar (Radiyallāhu Anhuma) shows the major mistake committed by our Haajis when they rush and cause "takleef" to their Muslim brothers and sisters in the effort to kiss the Hajar-e-Aswad.

'Allaamah Shaami tells us in his Raddul-Muhtaar that if kissing the Hajar-e-Aswad causes jostling, then one should not jostle, because causing "takleef" to a Muslim is Haram.

Kissing the Hajar-e-Aswad involves great sawaab, but giving "takleef" to a Muslim is a very grave sin.

HAJJ

Once the 'Umrah is completed through shaving or shortening the hair, the Ihraam is removed. All the prohibitions imposed by wearing Ihraam (using perfumes, cutting nails and hair, sexual intercourse, etc.) are now waived. In the meantime, the pilgrim remains in Makkah awaiting the Hajj.

1. DEPARTURE FOR MINA

  1. On the 8th day of Zul Hijjah, after sunrise, put on the Ihraam again for Hajj and proceed to Mina.
  2. It is Sunnah to arrive in Mina in time for the Zuhr Salah.
  3. One must remain in Mina until the next morning, more precisely, the morning of the 9th day of Zul Hijjah.

2. DEPARTURE FOR 'ARAFAH

a) On the morning of the 9th day of Zul Hijjah, leave Mina to go to 'Arafah.

b) Let us remember that being present in 'Arafah for a moment is Farz.

c) If someone is not present in 'Arafah at all, he misses his Hajj. He has until Subh-e-Saadiq of the 10th day of Zul Hijjah to mark his presence in 'Arafah.

d) If he does not do it, even for a very short time, then his Hajj does not count.

e) The day of 'Arafah (9th Zul Hijjah) is a very blessed day when Du’as are not rejected.

In a Hadith, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said: "The best Du’a is the Du’a of the day of 'Arafah."

f) We remain in 'Arafah until sunset.

3. DEPARTURE FOR MUZDALIFAH

a) From 'Arafah, after sunset, proceed to Muzdalifah, without performing the Maghrib Salah.

b) It is Waajib to leave after sunset. It is not permitted to leave before.

4. ARRIVAL IN MUZDALIFAH

a) In Muzdalifah, perform the Maghrib and 'Isha Salahs at the time of 'Isha with only one Azaan and one Iqaamah.

b) It is highly recommended to spend this night in Ibaadah, because it is, in fact, the night of Baqr 'Eid.

In a Hadith, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Whoever spends the two nights of 'Eidain (in Ibaadah) for Allah Ta'ala with the intention of earning sawaab, his heart will not be dead on the day when the hearts will be dead."(Ibn Majah)

c) After performing the Salah of Fajr earlier than usual, leave Muzdalifah a little before sunrise to go to Mina.

5. RAMI JIMAAR IN MINA

a) Upon arriving in Mina, perform "Rami Jimaar" – throw seven small stones at "Jamra Kubra," which we call the big Shaitaan in our country.

b) It is Sunnah to perform "Rami" until Zawaal (zenith), but it can also be done after Zawaal until sunset. However, it is Makruh to delay it beyond that.

6. QURBANI

After Rami, perform the Qurbani, and then shave or shorten the hair.

7. INTERDICTION LIFTED

a) After shaving the head or shortening the hair, the prohibitions regarding the use of perfume, cutting the nails and hair, and covering the head are lifted.

b) However, the prohibition of sexual intercourse and any action that may lead to it will not be lifted until after Tawaaf-e-Ziyaarah.

8. TAWAAF-E-ZIYARAAH

a) After Qurbani and shaving or shortening the hair, perform Tawaaf-e-Ziyaarah. This is a Farz of Hajj. The Haaji can perform this Tawaaf until the 12th day of Zul Hijjah.

b) A woman in the state of Haiz (menstruation) should perform it after purifying herself.

c) After Tawaaf, there are normally two Rak'aats of Salah for Tawaaf. However, they should not be performed during the Makruh times.

d) Then, perform Sa-ee between Safa and Marwah and return to Mina.

9. RETURN TO MINA

a) Return to Mina to spend two nights there.

b) Pelt the three "Jamaraat" on the 11th and 12th of Zul Hijjah after Zawaal.

c) Normally, there are the "Jamaraat" on the 13th of Zul Hijjah as well, but this is not obligatory.
d) One can return to Makkah on the 12th of Zul Hijjah after pelting the "Jamaraat." There is no sin in doing so. Indeed, this is what most Haajis do.

e) Thus ends the Hajj.

10. TAWAAF-E-WADA

a) We stay in Makkah until we decide to leave. Then, we perform Tawaaf-e-Wada.

b) This Tawaaf is Waajib for all Haajis who do not stay in Makkah (except for the ladies in the state of Haiz, who have the right to leave Makkah without performing this Tawaaf if the day of departure has arrived).

HAJJ IN BRIEF

  1. Departure from Makkah for Mina on the 8th of Zul Hijjah.
  2. Departure from Mina after sunrise for ‘Arafah on the 9th of Zul Hijjah.
  3. Departure from ‘Arafah, after sunset and without performing the Maghrib Salah, for Muzdalifah on the 9th of Zul Hijjah.
  4. Departure from Muzdalifah a little before sunrise, for Mina on the 10th of Zul Hijjah.
  5. Upon arriving at Mina, perform the Rami (throwing of stones) at the Jamra al-Aqaba (the big Shaitaan), perform the Qurbani (sacrifice), and then shave or shorten the hair.
  6. Tawaaf-e-Ziyaarah on the same day or on the 11th or 12th of Zul Hijjah, before sunset. Afterward, perform two Rak‘aat of Salah for Tawaaf and complete Sa-ee between Safa and Marwah.
  7. Return to Mina and perform the Rami (throwing of stones) at the three Jamaraat on the 11th and 12th of Zul Hijjah after Zawaal. The Hajj is considered completed after this.

Return to Makkah and perform Tawaaf-e-Wada before leaving Makkah, except for women who are in the state of Haiz (menstruation), as they are exempt from performing Tawaaf-e-Wada.

[English version of "‎Le Hadj et l'observation des règlements" – Al Haadi – Vol. 1 No. 8]