Umrah Guide

Umrah is one of the most beloved acts of worships in the eyes of the Creator. Shortly after the Hajj season comes to an end, the season of Umrah opens up to the world to visit the blessed land of Arabia; and in particular the house of Allah (SWT) known as Masjid-Al-Haraam in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. As Muslims, we should make sacrifices from our lives in order to fulfill such a reward-filling task as much as we can in hopes that Allah (SWT) forgives our past sins and makes us pure believers and good-hearted people.

Umrah is known to be the ‘minor Hajj’ and is a Sunnah act performed at any time of the year except for the five days of Hajj, in which it is makrooh, or disliked, to perform Umrah. One who steps out in the path of Umrah is considered a pilgrim until he reaches back home. In a hadith found in the book of Ibne Maajah, The Prophet (S) said: “The performers of Hajj and Umrah are deputations of Allah (SWT). If they call Him, He answers them and if they seek His forgiveness, He forgives them.” This hadeeth clearly shows the great significance of Umrah and how much Allah (SWT) loves those who sacrifice their time and wealth for His cause. In another hadeeth, the Prophet (SWS) says:

One Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and another Umrah. (Bukhari, Muslim)

The above hadeeth implies that Umrah is not something we perform just once, but rather one should strive to perform Umrah multiple times in their lives. Unfortunately, now-a-days, some people go for Umrah without even knowing the great virtues and blessings of the many actions we perform on this journey. It is extremely critical and important that a person who intends to perform Umrah learn the basics of this act of worship including the obligatory actions and what makes Umrah null and what should be done in case there is a chance to compensate for mistakes. As is the case for Hajj, there are many people who perform Umrah and it will be accepted from them by Allah (swt), but there are others who do not just perform Umrah as a duty and leave, but they also cease this great opportunity to get a lot of reward from Allah (swt) and have their sins forgiven.

The Four Pillars of Umrah

  1. Ihram– The first pillar of Umrah 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:
    • 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.
    • The pilgrim should avoid arguing, slandering, acting without humility and decency, and harming others with the hands and the tongue.
    • 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.
    • 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).
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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 Umrah 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:
    • Make intention for Tawaaf as an act of obedience dedicated to Allah alone.
    • Cleanliness with Wudu as for prayer.
    • Covering ‘Awrah – private parts – for both men and women. Anything, which is considered a ‘Awrah cannot be displayed otherwise the Tawwaf becomes null.
    • Tawaaf should be inside al-Masjid al-Haraam.
    • 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:

  • 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.
  • Uncover the right shoulder for men, and place the cloth underneath the armpit.
  • 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)”.
  • 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 no 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.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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!”
  • Finally going back to the Black Stone and salute it before leaving to Safa and Marwaa for Say’ee.
  1. 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:

    • Being after Tawwaf not before and make proper intention for beginning the Say’ee.
    • Continue doing the Say’ee without interruption except when it is extremely necessary.
    • 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:

  • 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).
  • Making dhikr and du’aa or reading Qur’an.
  • To be clean and have Wudu is recommended but not compulsory as in Tawwaf.
  • To walk unless the pilgrim is weak.
  • 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.
  1. Shaving of the Head– Once the Say’ee is complete (ie. The seventh round is done and the pilgrim is standing on mount Marwa), it is time to cut the hair. Men are encouraged to have their hair shaven completely although trimming is also permitted but there is less reward in this. Women, however, only trim their hair slightly. Having done this, you may remove your Ihraam and revert to wearing your normal clothes. This final pillar completes your Umrah.

Visiting the City of the Prophet (S)

Medinah, which lies 447 kilometers north of the Holy City of Makkah, is the city of the Prophet (S). This is the place in which the Holy Quran was compiled and the Prophet’s (S) companions administered the affairs of the Muslim Ummah. The following is a list of things to consider and implement before and after your arrival to Medinah.

  1. When you start traveling to Medinah, Make your intention as such: “O Allah! I am starting my journey to visit the holy tomb of Prophet Muhammad (S). Please accept it from me”. Also during this journey, recite Darud Sharif frequently, which is asking Allah to give peace and blessings on the Prophet (S).
  2. When the city of Medinah is in sight, show your extreme fondness and excitement and humbly enter the city while reciting Darud Sharif.
  3. After putting your luggage at your hotel or place of residence, take a bath or perform ablution (wudu), put on new and nice looking clothes, apply perfume, and proceed towards the Prophet’s Mosque while repeating Darud Sharif.
  4. Try to enter the mosque through gate Al-Jibril or gate As-Salaam as these are the gates which lead to the grave of the Prophet (S). However, if this is not possible, enter through any other door.
  5. Place your right foot first in the entrance, praise Allah (such as say Allahu Akbar, Subhan Allah, Alhamdu Lillah, etc.), recite Darud Sharif and say:
    “Allah humma aftah li abwabe rahamte ka” “Oh Allah open for me the doors of your mercy.”
  6. Upon entrance into the Masjid, offer two raka’s of nafl tahiyyat Al-Masjid (greeting of the Masjid) anywhere in the mosque. If one is able to do this in the Riyadh Al-Jannah area, (the area in the Masjid which is known to rise into Jannah, this is also where the Prophet (S) used to lead the Salah) then this is preferred. However, this place is normally packed of people at all times, especially in the Hajj season. Don’t let that stop you from praying two raka’s there at least once on your visit, but also don’t exhaust yourself trying to always pray there, for this could involve harming other to do so.
  7. Visit the grave of the Prophet (S) and that of Abu Bakr and Omar. In front of the sacred tomb of The Holy Prophet (S), there are three sections of brass screens and all three have holes in them. 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 (S). 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 Abu Bakr As-Siddique. On the right of it, there is another round hole which is in front of the face of Umar Bin Khattab. Standing in front of it and facing it, say in a respectful and low 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. Then move a little to the right and stand before the grave of Abu Bakr. Greet him and supplicate to Allah to bestow His mercy and forgiveness on him. Then move a little to the right and stand before the grave of Umar. Greet him and supplicate to Allah to bestow His mercy and forgiveness on him.
  8. When you have to leave Medinah, offer your Salam again to the Prophet (S), cry at this separation, supplicate to Allah and leave with the earnest desire to come back.

Historical Places of Medinah

The following are some of many historical places in Medinah which a pilgrim would like to visit. Out of these, a visit to Masjid Quba is highly recommended as holds very high status, next to the Holy Prophet’s Mosque.

  1. Al-Baqee
    The graveyard of Medinah, where a large number of Sahabah (companions) including Usman, Abbas, Imam Hassan, and wives and daughters of the Holy Prophet are buried. This graveyard is close to the tomb of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), right after the courtyard of Masjid Al-Nabawi.
  2. Masjid Quba
    This is the first mosque in the history of Islam whose foundation stone was laid down by Prophet Muhammad (S) himself on his migration to Medinah. To offer 2 raka’s of nafl in it is equal to one Umrah. After visiting the Prophet’s Mosque and his tomb every pilgrim should try his/her best to visit it and pray in this mosque as well. A visit to Masjid Quba is highly recommended since the Prophet (SWS) used to visit it quite frequently to pray 2 raka’s.
  3. Masjid Qiblatain In this mosque, Allah directed Prophet Muhammad (S), who was in the middle of a Salah along with his companions, to turn his face from Islam’s first Qibla (Bait-ul-Muqqadis) to Ka’aba in Masjid Al-Haram. That is why this mosque is known as a mosque with two Qiblas.
  4. Masjid Jumuah This mosque was built at a place where the Prophet (S) offered his first Jumuah prayer in Medinah.
  5. Masjid Ghamama This mosque is not far from Masjid Al-Nabawi. The Prophet (S) used to offer his Eid prayers here. Once the Prophet led Istasqa prayer (prayer for rain) in it and suddenly the clouds appeared and it started raining, hence the name Ghamama (clouds).
  6. Masjid Abu Bakr, Masjid Umar Farooq and Masjid Ali These three mosques that are near Masjid Ghamama.
  7. Badr The plain of Badr is south west of Medinah where the first battle between 313 Muslims and 1000 Quraish of Makkah took place in 624 A.D. The Muslims had seventy camels and two horses whereas the Quraish had a cavalry of 200 Horses and 700 camels. They were superior in weapons too, but Muslims were victorious because they were strong in morale and strategy due to the leadership of the Holy Prophet (S).
  8. Jabal Al-Uhad About four miles on the north of Medinah, famous battle of Uhad was fought at 3 A.H. Hazrat Hamza, the Holy Prophet’s uncle, and other companions are buried here.

There are also many other historical sites in the blessed city of Medinah. Each pilgrim is recommended to visit as many sites as possible in Medinah, and it is therefore encouraged to ask group leaders which sites are planned to be visited in the journey.

HAJJ Guide

Journey of a lifetime

Learning how to perform Haj

Haj is performed from the 8-13 of Dhul – Hijjah.

The Manasik (rites) of Haj At – Tamattu are described below and has been summarized on the right.

Early on the Day of Tarwiyah, the pilgrim assumes Ihram for Haj as he did for Umrah, but says ‘’Labbayk Allahumma Hajjan’’ and begins reciting the Talbiyyah. All the rules of Ihram which applied to Umrah also holds for Haj. He then proceeds to Mina where he spends the day in worship and performs Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha shortened but not joined .He spends the night there.

After Fajr on 9th Dhul Hijjah, the Day of Arafah , he leaves for Arafah. At the time of Dhuhr he prays Dhuhr and Asr shortened and combined with one Adhan and two Iqamah. He remains there until Maghrib, standing with hands raised in supplication anywhere within the boundaries of Arafah.

After sunset he proceeds to Muzdalifah where he performs Maghrib and Isha shortened and combined with one Adhan and two  Iqamah. He then goes to sleep until Fajr. After performing Fajr at its earliest time on 10th Dhul Hijjah, the Day of Sacrifice he leaves Mudalifah before sunrise and returns to Mina. He continues reciting the Talbiyah.

He collects seven pebbles and does stoning of the Big Jamarah some time between sunrise and night, standing with Makkah to his left and Mina to hs right. He says ‘’Allahu Akbar’’ with each stone throw.

The slaughter must be done and then he may partially come out of the state of Ihram by shaving the head or cutting hair for men and trimming the hair for Women.

Perform Tawaf   Al –Ifadah walking normally, then do Sa’ee, one is now completely out of Ihram.

On the 11th -13th Dhul Hijjah, the Days of Tashreeq, one stays in Mina and performs stoning of three Jamarat each day between Zawal (sun is at its peak)and night

21 pepples must be collected for this, ten the Jamarah is stoned first , then the medium then the big one. After stoning at the first two one may face the Qiblah and supplicate to Allah.

On the 13th after stoning the Jamarat one leaves Mina.

One must perform the Farewell Tawaf prior to leaving Makkah.

This completes the Manasik of Haj, May Allah grant all pilgrims Haj Mabroor (an accepted Haj, the reward of which is nothing but Jannah)

 

 Pillars of Haj:

(1)   Ihram

(2)   Standing on Arafat

(3)   Tawaf Al- Ifaadah

(4)   Sa’ ee

Note: Intentionally or unintentionally missing any of these pillars invalidates one’s Haj but Allah the Almighty is the best judge of all.

8Dhul Hijjah

Days of Tarwiyyah

Assume Ihram

Go to Mina

Pray 5 Salaat, start with Dhuhr ( shortened but not joined ) stay until sunrise of 9th 9 Dhul Hijjah

Day of Arafat

Go to Arafat

Join and shorten Dhuhr and Asr at time of Dhuhr

Make such Dua until sunset

Leave after sunset for Muzdalifah

Pray Magrib and Isha in Muzdalifah and spend night there

10 Dhul Hijjah

Pray Fajr as early as possible then go to Mina before sunrise

Pick up seven pebbles

Stone Jamarat Al- Aqabah

Do sacrifice

Cut hair (partially out of Islam)

Do Tawaf Al- Ifadah ( and sa’ee ) before sunset ( fully out of Ihram)

Stay in Mina

11 Dhul Hijjah

Pick up 21 pebbles

Throw pebbles in afternoon as small, medium and big Jamarat

Stay in Mina for night

12 Dhul Hijjah

Pick up 21 pebbles

Throw pebbles in afternoon at small, medium and big Jamarat

Stay in Mina for night or leave before sunset

13 Dhul Hijjah

Pick up 21 pebbles

Throw pebbles in afternoon at small, medium and big Jamarat

Stay in Mina for night or leave before sunset

Fatwas  Haj on Someone’s behalf

Q  – Is it permissible for a person to perform the obligation of the Haj on behalf of someone else who is financially able  ( to perform the Haj himself ) in exchange for money ?

A  –  Whoever is able to perform the obligation of the Haj  himself then it is not permissible for him to appoint someone else to perform the Haj on his behalf, and he will not be rewarded for it ( by Allah ) if he does so.

As for the one who is unable to perform the Haj himself due to a condition which permanently prevents him from doing so, then it is permissible for him to appoint someone else to perform the Haj on his behalf.

And there is no harm in him taking money (for performing the Haj ) if he intends to use it for the Haj and not intending (to seek) any financial benefit. And we have a rule which some of the scholars use which has been extracted from the authentic sources which says:

Whoever  (makes the intention to) perform the Haj to seek financial gain , then he should not perform the Haj. And whoever takes money in order to perform the Haj, then he should (go ahead and) perform the Haj.

(Majmoo  Al – Fatawa of Ibn Taymiyyah  volume  26, page 19)

The meaning of this is, whoever uses money uses money as a means to perform the Haj, there is no harm in that (but) whoever uses (performing) Haj as a means to earn money then that is not permissible.

(Sheikh Saleh Bin Foezan ; Fatawa – volume 3 page 190 , Fatwa No291)

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                                                   3 Types of Haj

Haj Al – Qiran

At a Meeqat in the months of Haj one enters into Ihram for Haj and Umrah at the same time not coming out of  state of Ihram until the day of sacrifice (10th Dhul Hijjah) .

Alternatively, one may enter to Ihram for Umrah and before beginning the Tawaf, the intention of Ihram for Haj may be made. The Sa’ee  may be done after the Tawaf of Umrah or left to be done after Tawaf Al – Ifadah. One performing  this type of Haj is called a Qarin.

Haj Al- Ifrad – At a Meeqat, in the months of Haj  one enters into Ihram for Haj alone. Like the Qarin he remains in the state of Ihram until the 10th Dhul Hijjah. It is not obligatory on him to sacrifice animal. No Umrah is required.

Haj  At- Tamattu  – Many  scholars consider this the best type of Haj, as it is what the prophet ( peace be upon him )  urged  his companions to do. One performing this type of Haj is call a Muttamatti. This involves performing Umrah first during any of the months of Haj ( Shawwal,Dhul Qada and the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah ) removes the Ihram clothes after Umrah, and then reassumes the Ihram state for Haj on the eighth day of Dhul Hijjah of the same year.

Note : For those who choose to do At –Tamattu or Al-Qiran, a mandatory sacrifice is required from them during the days of Eid.

Those who live in Makkah are exempted from this requirement.

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Some Common mistakes during Haj Entering Ihram

Some pilgrims bypass the designated Meeqat ( Station of Ihram) on their route without either being in Ihram or entering into Ihram there, proceeding until they reach Jeddah or some other place at which they enter into Ihram. This is against the command of Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) that every pilgrim should enter into Ihram at the Meeqat

which lies on his route. If this be the case with someone, he must either go back to the Meeqat lying on his route and enter into Ihram, or he must make expiation by sacrificing a sheep in Makkah and feeding all its meat to the poor.

This applies to all pilgrims regardless of whether one passes the Meeqat by air,sea or land.

If one did not pass through one of the five designated Meeqat points, he should enter into Ihram at a point which is nearest to the Meeqat on his route.

During Tawaf

Starting the Tawaf at some point other than the site of the Black Stone, while it is obligatory to begin Tawaf from the Black Stone.

Doing Tawaf inside the Hijr Ismail, which means going around a portion of the Ka’ba rather than the whole of it since the Hijr Isma’il is a part of the Ka’ba which would then be left out of Tawaf, such a Tawaf is invalid.

Doing Ramal (ie.walking briskly with one’s right shoulder bared) during all seven circuits while Ramal is  to be done only during the first three of the Tawaf of Arrival

(Tawaf Al- Qudum).

Pushing and jostling to kiss the Black Stone in this process and hitting people ; such acts, which may harm other Muslims are not permissible.

The Tawaf remains perfectly valid without kissing the Black Stone. If one does not or cannot kiss the Black stone, it is sufficient simply to point to it saying ‘’Allahu Akbar’’ when one comes parallel to it – although one may be at a distance from it.

Wiping hands over the Black Stone with the ‘’ intention of seeking blessings ‘’

is an innovation (Bid’ah) with no basis in the Shariah of Islam. The Sunnah is to touch it or kiss it when it can be done easily.

Touching the four corners of the Ka’ba or its walls , and wiping hands over them.

The Prophet (peace be on him) touched only the Black Stone and the Yemeni Corner.

Reserving specific supplications for each circuit.The Prophet (peace be on him)

did not specify any supplications except to say ‘’Allahu Akbar ‘’ when he reached the Black stone and at the end  of each circuit between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone ,he said

‘’Rabbana , Aatina Fid- Dunya Hasanatan Wa Fil- Aakhirati Hasanah Wa Qina Adhaaban Naar ‘’.

(Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and  save us from the punishment of the Fire.)

Raising one’s voice above the voices of others  – whether in following someone or a group or leading the Tawaf as it causes confusion among the worshippers.

Struggling and hurting other pilgrims to pray at the Maqam (station) of Ibrahim.

If one is unable to pray behind the Maqam of Ibrahim it is sufficient to pray the two Rak’at of Tawaf anywhere within the Sacred Mosque.

During Sa’ee

Accelerating one’s pace throughout the entire distance between the two hills.

The sunnah is to accelerate one’s pace only between the two green posts, while walking at normal pace in the remainder of the way.

In Arafat

Some pilgrims camp outside the boundaries of Arafat and remain there until sunset; then they depart for Muzdalifah without staying at Arafat properly. This is a  serious error which invalidates their Haj since the attendance in Arafat is the essence of Haj, and it is obligatory to be within its boundaries and not outside them. If it is not easy to do that they one may enter before sunset and remain there until sunset. It is quite acceptable to stay in Arafat during the night of sacrifice in particular.

Departing from Arafat before the sunset is not permissible, because the Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) stayed at Arafat until the sun had set completely.

Struggling through crowds in order to climb the Mount of Mercy in Arafat is not permissible, because it may harm and causes injuries others. The entire plain of Arafat is a place of attendance, and neither climbing the Jabal Al – Rahman nor offering Salah there has been recommended.

Making heaps of earth or pebbles on the day of Arafat, at particular places has no bases in the Shariah.

In Muzdalifah

Some pilgrims start collecting pebbles to throw at the jamarat (stone pillars) in Mina as soon as they arrive in Muzdalifah, even before praying the Maghrib and ‘Isha prayers. This is not correct, and so is the practice that all the pebbles must be collected from Muzdalifah (not correct).

The correct position is that the pebbles can be collected from anywhere within the boundaries of  Al – Haram.

The Prophet  ( peace be on him) did not ask that the pebbles for Jamrat Al – Aqabah be picked up for him from Muzdalifah.

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Haj tips for Pilgrims

Always have drinking water as you may become dehydrated.

Use your time wisely – be busy with Dhikr, Dua  and recitation of the Qur’an.

Wear Comfortable footwear.

Be very careful to stay within the specific boundaries during the days of Haj, especially

in Arafat – overstepping them may affect the correctness of your Haj.

If you wear spectacles, secure them with a spectacle cord.

Take some rest in the night of Muzdalifah because the following day is full of activity and requires energy.

Observe landmarks when going out so you can find your way back..

Arrange a meeting place with your group in case you get lost.

Keep the phone number of your hotel / flat and the group leader with you whenever you go out.

Don’t go out alone on the days of Haj as it is very easy to get lost.

Always inform someone in the group when you go out and when you are expected to return.

Have some cash with you when you go out, incase you get lost.

Bathrooms are plenty at Haj sites, select one which is clean.

Requirements for Umrah / Hajj

  1. A passport that’s valid for at least 6 months with 3 or 4 blank pages for each traveler.
  2. A completed and signed visa application, original and copy.
  3. 2 passport size photographs  for each traveler (ladies preferably in Hijab).
  4. A stamped Immunization Card showing vaccination against Meningitis (one dose of ACYW135 vaccine) for adults.  Meningitis and POLIO record for children under 15 years old. Two doses of (A) vaccine (1 to 2 months between each dose for children ages 3-24 months).
  5. Fully completed and signed Saudi visa application form: Umrah Visa application.
  6. Ladies and children need proper proof of relationship (marriage certificate for married couples, long birth certificates for children indicating names of both parents).
  7. All original documents must be accompanied by their photocopies.