Hajj Guide

Holy History of Sacred Kaaba – Baitullah 

The center of Islamic world and the most critical piece of architecture in Islam, Kaaba is the first place of worship constructed centuries ago by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Prophet Ismael (AS). Over the ages, it has undergone several changes due to natural calamities and renovations. One of the most significant renovations happened during the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself. It is believed that this cube-shaped stone structure was built on the same foundation where Prophet Adam (AS) constructed a sanctuary to worship Allah the Almighty. Today, thousands of people circle the Kaabah while performing tawaf 24 hours a day, and millions of Muslims across the globe face the direction of the Kaaba while offering salah five times a day.

Here are a few facts about Kaaba that speaks about the history of Kaaba and the importance of Kaaba in Islam:

It has been reconstructed several times over the centuries. The structure of the Kaaba we see today is not the same as Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Prophet Ismael (AS) constructed. It has gone through several changes because of natural disasters and renovations. The major renovation of Kaabah took place during the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) before he achieved his Prophethood. The Prophet (PBUH) averted major bloodshed because of his quick thinking and wisdom when he provided the solution about placing the stone using a piece of cloth so that every tribe could participate. The Quraish also agreed to use money from pure sources only to complete the construction. However, there needed to be more untainted money in this wealthy trading city, so they had to settle for the smaller version of Kaabah.

The last renovation occurred in 1996 when many stones were replaced, and its foundations were re-strengthened along with a new roof.
Kaaba used to have two doors and a window. One thing to know about the Kaaba is that its original structure had an entry for entrance and another for the exit. It also had a window situated to one side for a considerable time. The Kaaba that we see today has only one door and no window.

It was not always black. We are so used to seeing Kaaba covered in its trademark black Kiswah with gold banding that we cannot imagine it in another color. Before the time of the Abbasids, whose household color was black, Kaaba was covered in multiple colors, including green, red, and white.

The keys of the Kaaba are in the hands of one family. At the time of the Prophet (PBUH), the legends of different aspects of the rites of Hajj were in the hands of other tribes of the Quraish, who eventually lost control of their guardianship except one. After conquering Makkah, the Prophet (PBUH) was given the keys to the Kaaba, but he returned them to Osman ibn Talha of the Bani Shaiba family. This family has been the traditional critical keepers of the Kaaba for centuries, and the Prophet (PBUH) himself confirmed that role till the end of time when he said,

“Take it, O Bani Talha, eternally up to the Day of Resurrection, and it will not be taken from you unless by an unjust, oppressive tyrant.”

Kaaba used to be open to everyone. Until recently, everyone was allowed to enter and pray inside Kaaba when it was opened twice a week. But, due to the heavy influx in the number of pilgrims, Kaaba is now opened only twice yearly for dignitaries.

People used to swim around it. The Makkah valley, where Kaabah is situated, tends to flood during heavy rain. It was not an uncommon occurrence and caused many problems before the days of the flood control system and sewage drainage. Muslims would perform tawaf around the half-submerged Kaaba by swimming around it.

The interior of the Kaaba contains plaques commemorating the rulers who renovated it. The upper walls of Kaabah are lined with marble and green cloth, along with the plaques commemorating different rulers who renovated or repaired Kaaba.
There is another Kaaba in Paradise. This Kaaba was mentioned in the Quran and by the Prophet (PBUH) when he narrated his journey of Isra’a -Wal-Miraj,

“Then I was shown Al-Bait-al-Ma’mur (i.e., Allah’s House). I asked Gabriel about it, and he said, This is Al Bait-ul-Ma’mur, where 70,000 angels perform prayers daily, and when they leave, they never return to it (but always a fresh batch comes into it daily).”

The Black Stone is broken. It was damaged in the middle ages by a highly heretical Ismaili group from Bahrain called the Qarmatians, who declared that the Hajj was an act of superstition. They killed thousands of hujjaj and dumped their bodies in the well of Zamzam. Qarmatians also took the Black Stone to the East of Arabia and then Kufa in Iraq but were later forced to return it by the Abbasid Caliph. The stone was in pieces, and the only way to keep it together was by encasing it in silver.

Kaabah was never meant to be cube-shaped. The original structure of the Kaaba started rectangular-shaped and included the semi-circular area of Hijr-e-Ismael. It is one of the least-known facts about Kaabah.

Meeqats – Ihram Places for Hujjaj

(Enthusiasm Begins)

Meeqats have prescribed places of Ihram on all four sides of Makkah, as set for Muslims by Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). The five places of Meeqat for Umrah & Hajj are as follows:

1. Al- Juhfah, also known as “Rabegh” (For the people coming from Egypt, Syria, or the west)
2. Dhul-Hulaifah, also known as Abyar Ali (For people coming from Madinah)
3. Dhatul-Iraq (For the people coming from Iraq)
4. Qarn-Al-Manazel (For the people coming from Najd and Taif)
5. Yalumlum (For the people coming from India, Pakistan, and Yemen by sea)

Pilgrims by Air transport: From UK/Europe:

(Step Towards Allah)

The Nearest Miqat to Makkah for Muslims traveling from the UK is Ralegh. However, Pilgrims traveling by air from the UK need to wear Ihram before reaching the locations of Miqat. Still, they should make the intention (Niyyah) and call out “Talbiyah” only upon reaching the Meeqat following the announcement. (Saudi Airlines announce Meeqat). If traveling by another airline, Meeqat zone comes approximately one hour before arrival at Jeddah Airport.
Note: It is not permissible for pilgrims to pass through these prescribed stations without donning Ihram, whether they arrive by Road, Air, or Sea.

Ihram:( Being into Sacred state)

It’s Rules and Regulation. How to assume the state of ihram?
What is ihram for men and women?

The meaning of ihram is to declare a lawful thing as Haram (unlawful) on oneself. After pronouncing niyyah and Talbiyah, a pilgrim, certain permissible things become prohibited, such as wearing stitched garments, perfume, and hair cut, which are not allowed in Ihraam. The combined state of niyyah and Talbiyah is called ihram.

Usually, two white sheets of clothes are worn when a pilgrim enters the state of ihram, but the real ihram is the intention and Talbiyah. Women can join the ihram in their ordinary clothes. Women are required to perform all the rituals of Hajj like men. Similarly, there is not much difference in ihram for men and women except for the different Ihram clothing for males and females. People are usually confused about when to assume ihram. It is obligatory to take ihram from the prescribed Meeqat, Rabegh, for pilgrims traveling from the UK.

It is also wrongful thinking that once you put on the ihram sheets, you cannot take them off. A person does not relinquish ihram by taking them off or changing them. The pilgrim comes out of the state of ihram, where he had entered to perform Hajj, only when he completes all the essential rites of Hajj and has his head shaved or hair cut short.

Different Forms/Methods of Performing Hajj. 

Our sincere Recommendations

There are three different types of Hajj, namely:
1. Hajj-ul-Ifrad
2. Hajj-ul-Qiran
3. Hajj-ul-Tamattu

What is Hajj-ul-Ifrad?

The Isolated Hajj

It is the simplest form of Hajj. A pilgrim enters the state of Ihram to perform Hajj only before passing through the Meeqat (place for assuming Ihram). The pilgrim does not combine Hajj with Umrah and makes sure not to perform Umrah in the months of Hajj. The person acting Hajj-ul-Ifrad is called Mufrid.

What is Hajj-ul-Qiran?

Al Hajj

During this kind of Hajj, a pilgrim who performs Hajj-ul-Qiran combines Hajj and Umrah. He assumes Ihram to accomplish both. The pilgrim who performs this kind of Hajj is called a Qarin.
Qarin wears Ihram first for Umrah and then for Hajj making his intentions for Hajj just before performing Tawaf for Hajj. The obligations of one performing Hajj-ul-Qiran are the same as the one serving Ifrad, except that the former must slaughter, whereas the latter is not obligated to do so.

What is Hajj-ul-Tamattu?

Joy of Hajj (relaxation of Ihram)

In this type of Hajj, a pilgrim assumes Ihram for only Umrah during the months of Hajj. After reaching Makkah, he performs Tawaf and Saa’ee for Umrah. He then performs Qasr, i.e., shaves or clips his hair. On the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah, he puts on his Ihram for Hajj and performs the rites and duties of Hajj. The person who performs this kind of Hajj is called a Mutamatti.
All the forms of Hajj are rewarded, but the most recommended form of Hajj by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is Hajj-ul-Tamattu, and he encouraged his followers to perform it. Even if a pilgrim forms niyyah to perform Qiran or Ifraad, he is allowed to change it to achieve Tamattu.

How to perform Hajj? 

The Basic Hajj Procedure is to be kept in mind by First-timers.
Day-wise step-by-step guide to Hajj served during the designated five days of Dhul Hijjah.

First Day of Hajj (8th Dhul Hijjah)

Tarwiyah Day

Hajj starts after the maghrib prayers of the 7th Dhul Hijjah. Pilgrims make the same preparations for Hajj as Umrah, like taking Ghusl, declaring intention, wearing Ihram, and reciting Talbiyah. Complete all the Hajj preparations during the night hours.
Enter the state of Ihram from Miqat or the staying place at Mecca. After offering Fajr salah, proceed towards Mina while reciting Talbiyah and pronouncing it as often as possible.
After reaching Mina, offer Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha prayers. Spend the night in Mina doing Zikr and ibadah.

Second Day of Hajj (9th Dhul Hijjah)

Arafat

Offer Fajr prayer in Mina and set out for Arafat after saying Takbir and Talbiyah. Reach Arafat by Lawal (declining of the sun) and spend this time of Waquf-e-Arafat repenting for your sins, seeking the forgiveness of Allah, praying, and supplicating. It is better to do Waquf while standing but sitting down is also allowed. Later, proceed to Arafat ground to offer combined prayers of Zuhr and Asr with Jama’at.
After the sunset in Arafat, proceed to Muzdalifah without offering Maghrib prayer and reciting Talbiyah. Upon reaching Muzdalifah, offer Maghrib and Isha prayers together at Isha time. For both prayers, there is one adhan and one iqamah. First, show the Fard prayer of Maghrib with jama’at, then recite Takbir Tashriq and Talbiyah, and immediately after that, present the Fard prayer of Isha with jama’at. Afterward, offer two Rakat Sunnah of Maghrib followed by two Rakat Sunnah of Isha and three Rakat of Witr prayers.
Spend this blessed night in Zikr and supplicate to Allah. Glorify Allah and recite Darud, and read Quran. Pronounce Talbiyah and make Dua.
Also, collect stones for the next day of stoning at the Jamarat. Pick 49 pebbles of the size of a chickpea if Rami is to be performed for three days and 70 for four days.

The third day of Hajj (10th Dhul Hijjah

The day of sacrifice

On this day of Eid, leave for Mina from Muzdalifah after Fajr prayers. Stone the largest Jamarat, Jamarat-ul-Kubra, and perform Qurbani. Stop saying Talbiyah the moment you throw the first stone. Now go back to your accommodation for Qurbani. Do it yourself or ask a reliable person to do it on your behalf. There are three days designated for Qurbani. It is usually easy to do Qurbani on 11 Dhul Hijjah.
Afterward, Qasr is performed, i.e., male pilgrims shave their heads, and females clip their hair as part of the Hajj ritual. Now, pilgrims are free to remove their Ihram and wear ordinary clothes. All the restrictions regarding Ihram are lifted after Qasr except the sexual relationship between husband and wife, which is permissible after Tawaf-ul-Ifadah. It is Sunnah to perform Qasr in Mina, but you can do it anywhere in Haram. Ensure that Rami, Qurbani, and shaving or clipping of the hair are performed in the listed order; otherwise, a Dam is required as a penalty.
Now, move to Haram to perform Tawaf-al-Ifadah and offer two racket nafl near Maqam-e-Ibrahim. Also, drink Zamzam after completing see, the seven circuits between the hills of Safa and Marwah, and spend the night at Mina.
Takaful Ifadah or Tawafuz Ziyarah can be performed any time from 10 Dhul Hijjah to the sunset of 12 Dhul Hijjah. It is most convenient to perform on 11 Dhul Hijjah. The procedure is similar to that of Tawaf of Umrah, and it is essential to complete it in the state of wudu. According to Sunnah, Tawafuz Ziyarah is to be performed after Rami, Qurbani, and shaving or clipping of the hair, and every effort should be made to do that in the given sequence. However, Fard stands discharged even if Tawaf-e-Ziyarat is performed before all these practices.

Fourth Day of Hajj (11th Dhul Hijjah)

On the second day of Eid, proceed to Jamarat from Mina after Zuhr’s prayers for the stoning of the devil. Stone all the three Jamarats (Jamarat-e-Sughra, Jamarat-e-Wusta, and Jamarat-e-Qubra) in sequence from small to large by throwing seven pebbles at each of these pillars. It is pretty easy to perform Rami just before sunset or at night. It is permissible to do Rami at night if there is a risk to life. After completion of this ritual, return to Mina for a night stay. If you could not perform Tawafuz ziyarah yesterday, you can do it after the stoning. Later, go back to Mina for a night stay.

Fifth & Final Day of Hajj (12th Dhul Hijjah)

Start the rituals for the final day of Hajj by proceeding to Jamarat from Mina after Zuhr for the stoning. The stoning of Jamarat will be completed from small to large. After stoning, leave for Makkah before Sunset. If you could not perform Tawafuz ziyarah earlier, it is essential to do it before the maghrib on this day.
Before leaving Makkah and returning to your country, the pilgrims will also perform Tawaf-ul-Wada (Farewell Tawaf). It is obligatory to perform the farewell tawaf. At this stage, all the required rituals of Hajj are completed.

Mentioned above was the simple Hajj procedure about how to do Hajj after assuming Ihram from the Meeqat. May Allah accept your Hajj and reward you in this life and the Hereafter. Aameen!

Note: It is recommended to consult and seek scholars’ opinions on doubtful Islamic matters.

Obligations of Hajj

The three obligatory rules (Fard) or the pillars of Hajj are:

Entering Ihram from the Meeqat: It is obligatory to form the intention of Hajj and assume the state of Ihram from the Meeqat. Raleigh is the prescribed Meeqat location for pilgrims from the UK. However, pilgrims traveling by air cross the Meeqat, so they must form the intention in the flight. Saudi airlines announce Meeqat on the plane. If you are traveling by other flights, the Meeqat comes one hour before reaching the Jeddah airport.
Wuquf at Arafat: It is essential to stop at Arafat even for a moment from Lawal (declining of sun) of 9th Dhul Hijjah to the dawn of 10th Dhul Hijjah. This is an indispensable part of Hajj and must be performed in the prescribed order at its proper time and place. In case of its omission, Hajj would not be adequately accomplished.
Tawafuz Ziyarah: It can be performed any time from the morning of the 10th Dhul Hijjah to the dawn of the 12th Dhul Hijjah after completing the ritual of Qasr (shaving or clipping of hair). Tawafuz Ziyarah, also called Tawaf-ul-Ifadah, is an obligatory Hajj ritual performed after leaving the state of Ihram and just before returning to Mina to perform Rami al-Jamarat. If Tawafuz Ziyarah is delayed, the sacrifice of an animal (Dam) becomes essential.

Important (Wajib) acts of worship during Hajj

• Overnight Stay in Muzdalifah.
• Overnight Stay in Mina at Tashriq nights.
• Raul Jamar, i.e., stone pelting at the Jamaats.
• Qurbani, or the sacrifice of an animal, is only due on a Qarin or Mutamatti.
• Shaving or cutting of hair.
  Tawaf-ul-Wada or Farewell tawaf.

Tawaf and its Rules
What is Tawaf? How to perform Tawaf e Hajj?

Most inspiring Ritual of Hajj

The Arabic meaning of Tawaf is going round and round. In the context of Hajj and Umrah, it means circumambulating around Baitullah (The House of Allah) seven times.
It is an obligatory act of Hajj and Umrah. There are seven types/kinds of Tawaf:

Tawaf al Qudum: Tawaf performed upon entering Masjid-ul-Haram in the state of Ihram by those performing Hajj al-Qiran or Hajj al-Ifrad.

Tawafuz Ziyarah: Also known as Tawaf al-Ifadhah, it is the Tawaf that is performed between the dawn of 10th Dhul Hijjah to the sunset of 12th Dhul Hijjah, after leaving the state of Ihram and just before returning to Mina to perform Rami al-Jamarat. If it is delayed, the Dam becomes Wajib.

Tawaf al Wada: Also known as Tawafus Sadr, Tawaf el Wida (Farewell) is the farewell tawaf performed at the end of the Hajj.

Tawaf al Umrah: This is mandatory for Umrah.

Tawaf al Nadhr: It is mandatory when a person has made a vow to Allah to do it.

Tawaf al Tahiyya: It is not mandatory for a person but recommended to perform when he enters into Masjid-ul-Haram. If any other tawaf is completed, it becomes its substitute.

Tawaf al NFL: Can be performed at any time. It is similar to other Tawafs if you want to know how to perform nafl Tawaf. Pilgrims have to form the intention (niyyah) of performing nafl tawaf.

Obligations of Tawaf

A set of rules or guidelines for doing Tawaf must be followed. It is necessary to complete these rituals correctly and follow the rules, or a Dam becomes Wajib. The main directions of Tawaf are as follows:

• It is essential to be in the state of wudu for the entire Tawaf.
• Niyyah is a necessary condition for Tawaf. There is no tawaf without niyyah.
• Tawaf should begin from Hajar-al-Aswad (the black stone) and finish at Hajar-al-Aswad, moving in the direction of Hatim (anti-clockwise), keeping Hajar-al-Aswad to the left.
• It is obligatory to include Hijr (Hatim), Ismael, into Tawaf, which means to perform the Tawaf of Hijr Ismael from outside.
• Pilgrims must circumambulate seven complete rounds around the House of Allah – the Kaabatullah and anything less is not enough.
• If the time of obligatory or supererogatory “Vitr” prayer comes during obligatory Tawaf, a pilgrim can leave Tawaf, perform the prayer and then return and continue the rest of Tawaf.
• You are performing Islam, i.e., kissing the Hajr-e-Aswad. If you cannot kiss the Black stone because of the crowd, touch it with your hand and then kiss your hand as the Prophet did (PBUH). If you cannot reach the stone, point your hands towards the rock and say, “Allahu Akbar.”

Note: It is recommended to consult and seek scholars’ opinions on doubtful Islamic matters.

Recommended supplications for Tawaf, Saa’ee, and other rites:

There are no special Dua & Supplications during Hajj; People should recite any dua they remember and wish. But one should try to perform the rituals of Hajj and Umrah as closely as how the Prophet (PBUH) performed. Here are some of the most recommended essential Hajj duas and supplications that one should recite while on their journey for Hajj and Umrah:

Common mistakes to Avoid during Hajj

Below are the misconceptions and prohibitions during Hajj that one should be careful about to have a blissful Hajj experience:

Mistake 1: Changing the intention of Hajj

(Essence of  hajj)

Making intentions is an essential part of Hajj. The reward of a deed depends on the purpose. One can change their choice about the type of Hajj they want to perform before assuming ihram. If one wants to change their intention afterward, they can vary from Tamattu to Qiran but not from Tamattu to Ifrad.

Mistake 2: Not changing the ihram clothes

(absolute Submissions)

Some people wrongly think that changing the white sheets of the ihram will relinquish their ihram. One is allowed to change the ihram whenever they require it. The pilgrim comes out of the ihram, which they intended, only after completing all the essential rites of Hajj and shaving or clipping hair.

Mistake 3: Touching or wiping over the Kabah or any part of Masjid-ul-Haram

(Non permissive act)

Some people try to touch and wipe over any part of Kabah and Maqam-e-Ibrahim, thinking there is barakah and Khair. This is one of the most common misconceptions and mistakes during Hajj and has no basis in hadith or Sunnah. The Prophet (PBUH) did not touch any part of Kabah except the Black stone and Yemeni Corner. Innovation in religion is forbidden in Hajj, so it must be prohibited.

Mistake 4: Doing multiple Umrahs

(Do the Rewarded act)

Some people perform multiple Umrahs by going to Masjid Ta’neem or other Meeqat to assume ihram repeatedly. It is not from the Sunnah, and one should not make the mistake of doing it. Instead of performing multiple umrahs, one should try to complete as many Tawafs as possible to gain greater rewards.

Mistake 5: Getting emotional at Jamarat

(only Do the Obligatory act)

Jamarats are not the devil/s disguised as the stones. There is no devil present at the Jamarat. The stone indicates where the devil (shaitan) tried to mislead Prophet Ibrahim (AS). It is recommended to glorify Allah by saying Allahu Akbar each time you throw a pebble at the stone pillar.

Mistake 6: Kissing Hajr-e-Aswad from Distance”

(Holy Ritual)

Kissing the black stone is a beautiful sunnah, and it is an honor to be able to do that. But most people cannot reach Hajr-e-Aswad because of the crowd. Therefore, many people try to kiss it from a distance. They stop in the middle of performing Tawaf, face the black stone and put their hands up to kiss it in the air as if it is right in front of them.

Distance kissing is not from Sunnah. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would kiss the black stone if he could easily do so or touch it with his hand and then kiss his hand. But, if it were too crowded, he would only point towards it with his hands and say, “Allahu Akbar.”

Ibn Abbas said, “The Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) performed Tawaf on his camel, and every time he came to the corner (where the Black Stone is), he would point to it and say, Allāhu Akbar.” [Al-Bukhari]

Mistake 7: Thinking Dua is accepted at first glance of Kaaba;

(ALLAH ‘Promise)

Most people have the wrong notion that the first time they witness the Kaabah, any du’a they make will be answered. It is simply not true and has no evidence in Shariah. Any Hadith that we find in this matter is weak or fabricated.

Mistake 8: Shouting Du’a in Unison

Some people shout dua in unison while performing Tawaf. They follow a leader or an imam who speaks out different dua’s loudly, and the people repeat after him in unison. This creates a lot of confusion and disturbs others engaged in their dues. It is not correct.
Before going for Tawaf, the right thing to do is to make a list of Du’a that you want to make or the verses from the Qur’an you want to recite. So you won’t have to follow anybody, and you will make Du’a from your heart in your language. Make your dua with humility and Khushoo’.

The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Each one of you is conversing with his Lord, so do not disturb one another or raise your voices over one another when reading (or he said) when praying.” [Abu Dawood, Sahih by Al-Albani]

Mistake 9: Designating specific Du’a for different rounds of Tawaf

Some pilgrims designate specific Du’as for each round; there are even books with specific Du’as written for every game. This is not from Sunnah. Neither the Prophet (PBUH) nor the Sahabas recited any specific Du’a in Tawaf’s fun. The only Du’a that the Prophet (PBUH) specified during Tawaf was upon reaching between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone when he would say,
“Rabbana atina’ fid-dunya hasana wa fil-akhirati hasana wa qina adhaban-nar”
[“Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and save us from the punishment of the Fire.”]

Mistake 10: Doing Tawaf on someone’s behalf
Many people make this mistake. They complete their Tawaf and then perform an extra round for a friend, relative, or a deceased person. It is not correct and has no basis in the Sunnah. Only Hajj and Umrah can be performed on behalf of someone, but Tawaf cannot be done on someone’s behalf.

Mistake 11: Thinking praying 40 Rakat prayers in Madinah is compulsory

Some people think praying 40 racket Naf’l is compulsory in Masjid-e-Nabawi and is part of the Hajj. Neither the Naf’l prayers nor visiting Madinah is a part of Hajj. It is good that you spend as much time as possible praying inside the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah but to think it is necessary to do so is not correct.

Note: It is recommended to consult and seek scholars’ opinions on doubtful Islamic matters.

Essential Tips for Your Hajj Journey

(The Way to ALLAH)

Here are the top tips for Hajj travel and staying healthy during the Hajj pilgrimage: