How to Perform Hajj

When choosing a Hajj Group and which package to go on, you may notice that different packages have different Hajj methods, depending on the group and one's preference of performance. This article will explain the three ways one can perform Hajj so that people are more acquainted with the methods before choosing a package. More detail will be given by each Hajj group before the journey.

Three Different Methods

1. Tamattu` - means performing Umrah during the Hajj season before the hajj starts. Therefore, it is necessary to get into the state of Ihram twice; once for Umrah on their entrance to Makkah, and the other on the 8th day of Dhul-Hijjah known as the day of Tarwiyah. The pilgrim who performs Hajj Tamattu' should make intention for `Umrah when approaching the Miqat. The pilgrim should say,
   
   "Labbayk-Allahumma labbayka bi'Umrah!" or "Labbayka 'Umratan!" "O Allah! I answer Your call to perform `Umrah." 
   
   The pilgrim can add some other dua such as: " O Allah! I intend to perform `Umrah, so make it easy for me, and accept it from me." It is also allowed for the pilgrim, though intending initially to complete Hajj or 'Umrah, to put a condition whereby if for some unexpected sickness or circumstances the journey could not be completed, he, or she, can end the state of Ihraam without having to sacrifice an animal or fast. Therefore, the pilgrim can address Allah saying,
   
   "Inna mahilli minal-Ardi haythu habastani" "I will end up my state of Ihraam wherever I cannot proceed."
   
   After this, the pilgrim proceeds with Talbiyah as shown in the previous section. Once the pilgrim reaches Makkah, he heads for al-Masjid al-Haraam and starts his Tawwaf. After Tawwaf, the pilgrim prays two Rak'aas at Maqaamu Ibraahim - without disturbing those who circumambulate- drinks Zamzam water then proceeds with the Say'ee. With this the state of Ihraam and 'Umrah are ended. On the day of Tarwiyah, the pilgrim enters another time in the state of Ihraam saying,
   
   " Labbayk-Allahumma labbayka bi-Hajj!" or "Labbayka Hajjan" "O Allah! I answer Your call to perform Hajj." 
   The pilgrim can add, "O Allah! I intend to perform Hajj, so make it easy for me, and accept it from me. I intend to perform Hajj and I am entering in the state of Ihram only for Your sake, O Allah!" Then the Talbiyah is repeated throughout the rituals of Hajj in Mina, Arafah, and Muzdalifah. On the 10th of dhul-Hijjah, a sacrifice should be offered to Allah as mentioned in Qur'an after stoning at al-Jamaraat. After the sacrifice is done, the pilgrim can shave or cut the hair. The pilgrim then proceeds back to Mekkah and performs the Tawwaf of Ifaadah. Once the Tawaaf of Ifaadah is completed, the pilgrim should perform Say'ee for Hajj. However, if a person starts with the Tawaaf of Ifaadah, then Say'ee, then shaves, and then stones at al-Jamaraat, it is also accepted. Hajj Tamattu' is the most recommended for people and it was more encouraged by the Prophet (S). Therefore, it is known as the best way to perform Hajj and is indeed the most common amongst the Hajj groups.
2. Qiran - means to combine Hajj and Umrah. This means that the pilgrim should declare the intention to perform both Hajj and `Umrah together, and say:
   
   "Labbayk-Allahumma labbayka bi-Hajjin wa-'Umrah!" or "Labbayka Hajjan wa 'Umratan!" "O Allah! I answer Your call to perform Hajj and 'Umrah!" 
   In this kind of Hajj, it is not allowed for the pilgrim to end the state of Ihraam after Say'ee. The pilgrim will not have to perform the Tawwaf of Ifaadah and Say'ee on the 10th of dhul Hijjah because it is already performed for both Hajj and `Umrah. The pilgrim is supposed to bring his sacrificial animal with him as the Prophet (S) did. This must be done because the rituals of Hajj and `Umrah were joined together. Some groups will have Hajj Qiran as an option for the pilgrims to perform.
3. Ifraad - means that the pilgrim declares his intention for Hajj only, and says:
   
   " Labbayk-Allahumma labbayka bi-Hajj!" or " Labbayka Hajjan" "O Allah! I answer Your call to perform hajj." The pilgrim maintains his Ihraam up to the Day of Sacrifice. No animal sacrifice offering is required from him. Many Hajj groups have Hajj Ifraad available as the express package since it is the quickest of the three.

Pillars of Hajj

Ka'bah 

The Pillars

1. Ihram - The first pillar of Hajj is the state of Ihram. Although, the word Ihram is often referred to as the two pieces of white cloth that men wear while doing Hajj and Umrah, it is more than that. Ihram is actually a state one is in while performing the rituals of Hajj and Umrah. The dress of Ihram just represents the state that one is in; two unstitched cloths for men, and regular loose clothing for women. However, it is important to note that the pilgrim is allowed to bathe and use the washroom as they require so the Ihram may be removed and put back on for such circumstances. The key element to the Ihram is to make the intention of Ihram, after taking a bath and praying two raka'h of prayers. Once the intention is made, and the necessary clothing are put on, one must adhere to the following rules:
   1. Recite the Talbiyyah saying:
      
      "Labbayka-Allahummma labbayk, Labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk. Innal-Hamda wanni'mata laka wal-Mulk, laa shareeka lak!"
      
      "Here I am O Allah! Here I am! Here I am, there is no partner for you, here I am! Surely, all praise, blessings, and dominion are for You. There is no partner for you!" 
      
      It is recommended to keep repeating the Talbiyah occasionally on the way to Makkah especially after prayers or when meeting other pilgrims or when ascending and descending...etc.
   2. The pilgrim should avoid arguing, slandering, acting without humility and decency, and harming others with the hands and the tongue. Allah, the Almighty, says,
      
      "For Hajj are the months well-known. If any one undertakes that duty therein, let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the Hajj and whatever good you do, (be sure) Allah knows it." (2:198).
   3. The pilgrim is also restricted from showing love and affection to his/her spouse while in Ihram, which could lead to intercourse. The unmarried pilgrim is restricted from getting married or asking for someone's hand in marriage while in Ihram.
   4. It is undesirable to joke around in the state of Ihram, since the pilgrim should be reciting the Talbiyah and submit themselves to Allah (SWT).
   5. Shaving or cutting hair from any part of the body, clipping the nails of the fingers or the toe, and wearing or even touching perfume are all forbidden acts while in Ihram.
   6. Men are not allowed to cover their heads by anything except for an umbrella provided that it does not touch the head or wearing seamed and perfumed clothes, socks and shoes. Women may wear socks. Both, men and women are permitted to wear a watch, or glasses on their face.
   7. It is not permissible to hunt, kill, or harm animals unless they are harmful insects such as lice, fleas, beetles and also ants if they stick to the body. It is better to throw them away, but if they represent a harm and disturbance they can be killed. Harmful and dangerous animals can only be killed if they become a threat to one's life such as snakes, scorpions, rats, desert crows and any dangerous wild animals or birds.
2. Tawwaf - The second pillar of Hajj is Tawwaf. Tawwaf is the action of circuiting and circumambulating seven times around the Ka'bah in an anti-clockwise direction. Allah Almighty says, "Then let them complete the rites prescribed for them, perform their vows, and (again) circumambulate the Ancient House." (22:29). In order to have the Tawwaf properly completed one must adhere to the following:
3. 1. Make intention for Tawaaf as an act of obedience dedicated to Allah alone.
   2. Cleanliness with Wudu as for prayer.
   3. Covering 'Awrah - private parts - for both men and women. Anything, which is considered a 'Awrah cannot be displayed otherwise the Tawwaf becomes null.
   4. Tawaaf should be inside al-Masjid al-Haraam.
   5. The number of rounds should be exactly seven beginning from the Black Stone and ending at it. These rounds should be continued without interruption except in the case of an extreme necessity.
   The following are some desirable sunnah acts while performing the Tawwaf:
   1. Performing the first three rounds hastily, almost jogging for men who are capable of doing so, and if the circumstances permit it. Do not try this if there are way too many people around.
   2. Uncover the right shoulder for men, and place the cloth underneath the armpit.
   3. Kissing the Black Stone in the beginning of Tawwaf if possible. Otherwise, if it's impossible to touch it or because the pilgrim fears harming others by pushing them, it is better to raise the hands to make Istilaam - salutation - to the Black Stone starting Tawwaf by saying,
      
      "Bismillahi w-Allahu Akbar! Allahumma Imaanan bika wa-tasdeeqan bikitaabika wa-Wafaa'an bi'ahdika wat-Tibaa'an lisunnati Nabiyyika Muhammadin Salla Allahu 'alayhe was-Sallam"
      
      "In the Name of Allah, Allah is The Greatest! O Allah I have faith in You, I believe in Your Book, I am fulfilling the promise made to You, and following the Sunnah of Your Prophet (S)".
   4. The pilgrim can make a lot of dhikr such as:
      
      "Subhaana Allah wal-Hamdu-lillah wa-Laa ilaaha ill-Allah w-Allahu Akbar walaa Hawla walaa Quwwata illaa billaahi!"
      
      "Glory be to Allah! All Praise is due to Allah! There is no god except Allah! Allah is the Greatest! There is no Power or strength except with Allah!" 
      There are not specific du'aas for circumambulating. However, the best thing to say is the word of Allah; the pilgrim can recite without disturbing the others some chapters of the Qur'an he, or she, memorizes.
   5. When the pilgrim passes by the Rokn al-Yamaani - the fourth corner of the Ka'abah right before the black stone corner - it is good that he, or she, touches it with the hand if possible in every round, and then recite the following dua until they reach back to the black stone:
      
      "Rabbanaa Aatinaa fid-Duniaah Hasanatan wafil-Aakhirati Hasanatan waqinaa 'adhaaban-Naar" 
      
      "Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire!" (2:201).
   6. Being in a state of serenity, concentration, and humbleness. The pilgrim should avoid harming others and should also refrain from talking to others unless it is necessary.
   7. Making dua after finishing Tawaaf at the Multazam - the spot between the Black Stone and the Ka'bah's door. Praying 2 Rak'aas behind the Maqaam -station- of Ibraaheem (A), then drinking from Zamzam water in three sequences while having the intention to be cured with the blessing of Allah from any disease and facing Qiblah. The pilgrim can make the following du'aa:
      
      Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman naafi'an wa-rizqan waasi'an was-shifaa'a min kulli dhaa'in wa saqam!"
      
      "O Allah! I beseech You to bless me with a useful knowledge, a generous subsistence, and a cure from any ailment and disease!"
   8. Finally going back to the Black Stone and salute it before leaving to Safa and Marwaa for Say'ee.
4. Say'ee - The third pillar of Hajj is the Say'ee which is the walking between mount safa and marwa. Although the history of such a noble act is very rich and enlightening to know, Hajjplans.com will only look at the required acts in this section. Further information should be studied under your leader/teacher.
   
   Describing the Hajj performed by the Prophet (S), Jabir (r) narrated, "Then, he - the Prophet (S) - got out from the door heading for As-Safaa, then, recited the above Qur'anic aayah: "Innas-Safaa wal-Marwata min Sha'aa'iril-Laah. Faman hajjal-Bayta awi'atamara falaa junaaha 'alayhi an yattawwafa bihimaa. Waman tattawwa'a khayran fa'inna Allaha Shaakirun 'Aleem."(2:158) 
   
   Then, he (S) said, "We begin with what Allah began." Then, he mounted as--Safaa until he faced the House and there he glorified Allah (i.e. raised his voice) saying "Allahu Akbar!" three times then" Laa ilaaha illa Allah wahdahu laa shareeka lah. Lahul-Mulku walahul- Hamdu wa huwa 'alaa kulli shay'in Qadeer. Laa ilaaha illa Allahu wahdahu, Sadaqa Wa'adahu, wa nasara 'abadahu wa hazamal-Ahzaaba wahdah!." 
   "There is no god but Allah. He is One and has no partner, to Him is the dominion and all praise is due to Him. We are returning, repenting, worshipping, prostrating, and to Allah we are very grateful. Allah is true to His promise, He gave victory to His servant and defeated the confederates all by Himself." 
   Habibah bint Abi Taghrah (r) heard the Prophet (S) saying to his companions,
   
   "Perform Say'ee for Allah Almighty has ordained it upon you." [Ahmad]. 
   
   In order to have the Say'ee properly completed one must adhere to the following:
   1. Being after Tawwaf not before and make proper intention for beginning the Say'ee
   2. Continue doing the Say'ee without interruption except when it is extremely necessary.
   3. Stand on as-Safaa and al-Marwa by going back and forth seven times- 4 stops at each hill - and make the above-mentioned du'aa facing Qiblah.
   The following are some desirable sunnah acts while performing the Tawwaf:
   1. Khabab, which is fast walking that is closer to running, between the two green signs on the sides of the way as Haajar (A) did and as it is recorded about the Prophet (S).
   2. Making dhikr and du'aa or reading Qur'an.
   3. To be clean and have Wudu is recommended but not compulsory as in Tawwaf
   4. To walk unless the pilgrim is weak.
   5. To lower the gaze and abstain from talking to others, harming others, and try to be humble and serene and to remember the Day of Judgement.
5. Arafah - The fourth pillar of Hajj is Arafah, which known as the Big Day of hajj and is on th 9th of dhul hijja. The Prohet (S) said: "Hajj is 'Arafah." [Ahmad and at-Tirmidhi]. The pilgrim must be at 'Arafaat on the ninth of dhil Hijjah after Dhuhr time. Anyone, who misses Arafaat day, his, or her, Hajj is void. All the scholars said in consensus that this pillar is the most important one. The Prophet said, "Hajj is only valid by attending `Arafah." [At-Tirmidhi, an-Nassaa'i, Abu Dawud, Malek and ad-Daarimi]. In order to have the Arafah properly completed one must adhere to the following:
   1. Going to Arafaat on the 9th of dhul-Hijjah: After Sunrise on the 9th, the pilgrim can head for 'Arafaat through the road of Dabb making Talbiyah and dhikr. Once the pilgrim prays at Masjid Namirah Dhuhr and 'Asr combined and shortened with the Imam - if possible - he, or she, goes to the Mawqif where the standing is valid because Namirah mosque is not fully a part of 'Arafaat. Standing means to be present there and it does not mean that the pilgrim is not allowed to sit down and rest.
   2. The presence in Arafaat on the 9th of dhul-Hijjah between Dhuhr and Maghrib is essential.
   3. Sleeping in Muzdalifah after spending the day in 'Arafaat.
   4. Throwing pebbles at Jamrat al-'Aqabah on the 10th day of dhil-Hijjah.
   5. Shaving off the hair of the head or cutting some of it after the stoning at Jamrat al-'Aqabah. After this, the pilgrim ends his state of Ihraam and can wear regular clothes and put perfume and clip the nails…etc, but intimate intercourse is not allowed until the Ifaadah Tawaaf is performed.
   6. Sleeping on the eve of the 11th, the eve of the 12th, and the eve of the 13th. If the pilgrim has to leave, the eves of the 11th and the 12th would be enough.
   7. Throwing pebbles at the three Jamaraats after Dhuhr of every day of Tashreeq: 11-12-13.

Many Hajj groups recommend doing extra acts of worship during the day of Arafah, and the final days of Hajj, since indeed these are the most significant days in the entire journey.

Significance of Hajj

Interior of Ka'bah

Significance of Hajj : 

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. It is a visit to the Ka'ba, the house of Allah (SWT). The Ka'ba is a cube-like building that was built by Prophet Adam, the first man and Prophet on earth. During the battles that took place over time, the Ka'ba was damaged. Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail then rebuilt the Ka'ba and restored its dignity. The Ka'ba is the oldest House and was built for the purpose of worshipping Allah (SWT). Today it is known as the holiest place for Muslims and represents the direction that Muslims pray five times a day; from all around the world.

It is compulsory for every Muslim to make at least one journey in their lifetime to Makkah for Hajj if they can afford it. The teachings of Hajj are very significant to a Muslim's daily life. During Hajj, we learn to establish our prayers five times a day and stay clean and pure at all times. Prayer is mandatory during the period of Hajj as well as throughout one's life. Praying near the Ka'ba rewards a Muslim more then 100,000 times the reward of praying anywhere else in the world.

Sacrificing a lamb or goat during Hajj teaches us to share and to give to the poor. It teaches us generosity, kindness, and the ability to share with others less fortunate. In Mina, when we throw pebbles at the three pillars representing shaitaan, we learn that we should be truthful and clean and live a life free of sins. We learn to try to reject and avoid the evil whispers of shaitaan and stand against him. Apart from kindness and generosity, Hajj teaches us that Allah (SWT) has blessed us greatly. The water from Zam Zam is a special gift from Allah (SWT) to Muslims till the Day of Judgement. It is that anyone who drinks the water of Zam Zam will be granted a cure from all the illnesses and diseases. Some of the scholars say that Zam Zam is whatever you make it to be, so for instance, if you drink Zam Zam water and supplicate to Allah (SWT) that He make it a source of healing from a sickness, it will indeed play that role, insha'Allah. Supplicating at Arafaat is also a blessing. All duas are answered and all wishes are made true.

This pilgrimage helps us learn the history of Islam and see how it has been held up over the past centuries. We should remember the work of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (S). We should learn the patience and the sacrifices made by our Prophet at this very time and place many centuries ago. The gathering of Muslims all around the world helps us to remember that we are all Muslims and worshippers of Allah (SWT) and that we are all brothers and sisters in Islam. We learn the different nations and we see that Muslims are not joined together on the basis of color or race. They are joined together on the basis of belief in Allah (SWT) and his messenger (S). The pilgrimage brings Muslims of all countries, colors, and races to one place -- the Ka'ba. This strengthens the spirit of unity, equality and brotherhood. These are the values on which Islam builds the human society and it will continue this way till the Day of Judgment insha'Allah.

Dua e qunoot

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