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1. Introduction |
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Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca is one of
the five pillars of Islam. Hajj was made obligatory in the 9th year of
Hijra. The Holy Prophet sent off 300 Muslims under the leadership of
Hazrat Abubakr Siddique (may Allah be pleased with him) to Mecca so that
they could perform Hajj. That was the year when it was banned for the
Mushrikeen (those who associate partners with Allah) to enter Ka’ba. It
was also made unlawful to perform Tawaaf (circling of Ka’ba) with naked
body.
The following year, 10th Hijra, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him)
announced a head of time he himself would perform Hajj that year. He led
tens of thousands of Muslims to Hajj that year and demonstrated to
Muslims how to perform all the rites and rituals of the Hajj. This Hajj
is known in history as Hajjatul Wida’ or Farewell Pilgrimage because
this proved to be the last Hajj the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him)
performed. At the end of this farewell pilgrimage, the divine revelation
that had started some 22 years ago came to an end with the following
verse of Surah Al-Maidah:
“This day have I completed My commandments for you, and have brought to
its fullness the favor that I have bestowed upon you, and have chosen
Islam as your religion”
.Hajj is an act of worship just like Salat (five daily prayers) and Sawm
(fasting in the month of Ramadan). Muslims from all over the world
gather in Mecca in the last month of Muslim calendar and worship Allah.
Hajj is a special worship that lasts for several days. This is an
occasion that brings Muslims of all countries, colors, and races to one
place – the Ka’ba. This is a unique opportunity of worshipping Allah
collectively in a large gathering at one place.c |
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2. Significance & Philosophy of hajj |
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Every nation and society has a center of
unity where they get together to worship God. They see prosperity and
culture as relics of unity. People of the society get to know each other
and understand each other’s difficulties. They form a unified front to
remove these difficulties and achieve their goals. Allah says in the
Holy Quran: “And to every people We appointed rites of sacrifice, that
they might mention the name of Allah…” (22:34)
With this idea, Hajj has been made a pinnacle of worship in order that
Muslims who gather to perform Hajj can praise their Lord and Master, be
thankful for His blessings, and humbly pray to Him for the removal of
their difficulties. Muslims living in various parts of the world get to
know each other, lay the foundation of social culture, give advice to
each other, and provide opportunity for collective struggle. |
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3. Upon Whom Is It Obligatory To Perform
Hajj |
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An adult Muslim of a sane mind, an able
body and having means to bear the expenses must perform this act of
worship once in his/her lifetime. There should be peace on the way to
Mecca and there should be no hindrance or restriction in traveling to
Mecca. Hajj is not obligatory for children, the sick, and those who are
unable to bear the expenses for Hajj. |
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4. What are the Timings of Hajj
(Pilgrimage) |
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There are
specific months for performing the Hajj and are called “Months of
Pilgrimage.” These three Islamic months are Shawwal, Ze-Qa’d and Dul-Hajj.
During these three “Months of Hajj”, one prepares for the pilgrimage,
attains good morals, and completes other physical conditions for the
pilgrimage. All the essential duties of the pilgrimage have to be
completed between 8th and the 13th day of Dul-Hajj. Additional tawaaf
(circling around the Ka’ba), however, may be performed until the end of
the month of Dul-Hajj. |
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5. Pillars
of Hajj |
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There are
three basic pillars for performing Hajj:
1.To enter into state of “Ihram” and have the intention to
perform the pilgrimage.
2.To stay at the field of “Arafat” on the ninth of Dul-Hajj If
someone cannot go to the field of Arafat even for a short time then
his/her pilgrimage will not be complete. He/she has to perform the
pilgrimage again the following year.
3.Additional circling of the “Ka’ba” that is done after the stay
at the field of “Arafat” and performed from the tenth to the end of the
month. |
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6. Sequence of Rites and Actions for
performing Hajj: |
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A.
Departure From Home |
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A Muslim must
be mindful of his/her duties towards family and fellow human beings. A
Muslim who intends to perform Hajj must make sure, before departing for
Hajj that his family is provided for during the period he is away for
the Hajj. He should pay up his debt and seek forgiveness from fellow
human being whom he might have caused harm in the past. He should be
diligent in observing Salat (five daily prayers) and Sawm (fasting) in
the month of Ramadhan as well as carrying out other religious
obligations. He must shun all arrogance and exhibit a character of
modesty and humbleness. He must not use unlawfully acquired money or
unlawful means to perform Hajj. He should seek sincere repentance from
Allah of all his past sins. In short, one should depart for Hajj just
like one would wish to depart from this world.
One should spend some money in charity as well. A woman is not allowed
to perform Hajj alone and must be accompanied by an adult Muslim Mahram
(father, husband, son or brother etc.)
One should say two Rakat Nafl (supererogatory) prayer before leaving
home for Hajj. |
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B. Ihram at
Miqat |
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When one
reaches “Miqat” (any one of the appointed places in Mecca where pilgrims
make a vow of pilgrimage) one must perform ablution or take a bath, use
perfume, and put on two clean, unstitched, preferably white, pieces of
cloth. This pair of clothing is called Ihram. One sheet should be
wrapped around the lower part of the body and the other sheet around the
upper body; the head should not be covered. Women can perform pilgrimage
in the cloths they are wearing. Under normal circumstances a woman’s
face should not be covered unless she comes face to face with a stranger
and she has to conceal herself. During the five days of Hajj, all
Muslims engaged in this worship must remain in this same simple dress.
As soon as a pilgrim puts on Ihram and declares his intention to perform
Hajj, he/she enters into the state of Ihram and his/her Hajj begins. |
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C. Talbiyah |
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After putting
on the Ihram, men and women offer two Raka’ts of Nafl (supererogatory)
prayer followed by recitation of their “intention” and saying the
following words:
“Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik; La Shareeka-laka Labbaik; Innalhamda
wan-na’mata-laka wal-mulka Lashreeka-laka"
Translation:
“Here I am, O Allah! Here I am in Thy August presence; there is no
associate with Thee, here am I; surely all praise is Thine and all
favors are Thine and the kingdom is Thine, there is no associate with
Thee.”
These words are recited in Arabic and called “Talbiyah”. These words are
an essential part of the state of Ihram and Ihram will not complete
without reciting these words. After saying Talbiyah pilgrim is ready to
fulfill his obligation of Hajj and is required to fulfill all the
conditions laid down for Hajj. While one is in the state of Ihram it is
strictly forbidden to engage in foul talk, sexual conduct, arguments, or
enter into a war. Allah says in the Holy Quran: “ …so whoever determines
to perform the Pilgrimage in these months, should remember that there is
to be no foul talk, nor any transgression, nor any quarreling during
Pilgrimage. …” (2:198) |
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D.
Entering Masjid-el-Haram |
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After reaching
Mecca, one should head straight to Ka’aba that is situated in bounds of
Masjid-el-Haram and perform Tawaaf. It is said that when one has his/her
first glance at Ka’aba, whatever prayers one makes is granted. |
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E. Istlam (Kissing the Hajr-e-Aswad) |
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The act of
kissing the Hajr-e-Aswad (Black Stone) is called Istlam. While kissing
the Hajr-e-Aswad, ones hands should be on the wall of the Ka’ba in the
same position as when one performs a Sajdah (prostration) during a
prayer. If it is not possible to kiss the Hajr-e-Aswad, it is
permissible just touch it with a hand and if that is not possible the
just point to the Hajr-e-Aswad and blow a kiss to it. |
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F. Tawaaf (Circling of ka’ba) |
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After
performing Istlam (kissing the Hajr-e-Aswad) as described above, a
pilgrim should perform Tawaaf of Ka’ba. Tawaaf is performed by going
around Ka’ba seven times keeping the Ka’ba on left hand side (counter
clock-wise). Istlam should be performed during each circle. It is also
permitted to perform Istlam of Rukun-e-Yemeni (Pillar of Yemen). The
seventh circle ends at the Hajr-e-Aswad. |
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G. Nawafal at Muqam-e-Ibrahim |
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After
completing the Tawaaf, the pilgrim should move to the Muqam-e-Ibrahim
(Place of Ibrahim. At this place one should offer two Rakats of prayer
while facing Ka’ba. |
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H. Sa’ee (Running between Safa’ and Marwah) |
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Allah the
Exalted has said the Holy Quran:
“Surely, Al-Safa and Al-Marwah are among the Signs of Allah. It is,
therefore, no sin for him who is on pilgrimage to the House, or performs
Umra, to go round the two. And whoso does good beyond what is
obligatory, surely then, Allah is Appreciating, All-Knowing.” (2:159)
After praying two Rakats of prayer at Muqam-e-Ibrahim, the pilgrim then
moves to “Safa”. At this place, he should face towards Ka’ba and recite
Durood, Takbir and Talbiyah. The he should walk briskly towards Marwah
and recite the same at Marwah. This counts as one circuit. Now one
should move to Safa’ and repeat the prayers. One should complete seven
circuits between Safa’ and Marwah. These circuits are called Sa’ee.
After performing the circuits between Safa’ and Marwah, one is free to
move about and go to a resting place. |
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I.
Arriving at Mina |
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On 8th day of
Dul-Hajj the pilgrims reach at Mina early in the morning after
performing Tawaaf-Qudoom. A pilgrim offers Duhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha’
prayers at Mina and camp there for the night. |
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J.
Arriving at Arafat |
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On 9th day of
Dul-Hajj, after offering Fajr prayer, a pilgrim should move to Arafat.
Stay at Arafat is called Waqoof and is the most important part of Hajj.
Without this, Hajj cannot be considered complete. If someone misses
Waqoof, he should perform Hajj the following year. One listens to the
sermon at the plane of Arafat and offers combined Zuhr and Asr prayers.
One should stay at Arafat till sunset (Maghrib). |
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K.
Arriving at Muzdalifah |
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One leaves
Arafat after sunset and reaches Muzdalifah in the evening of 9th
Dul-Hajj. Combined Maghrib and Isha’ prayers are offered at Muzdalifah.
The pilgrims spend the night at Muzdalifah. |
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L. Departure from Muzdalifah |
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On the 10th
day of Dul-Hajj the pilgrims offer their Fajr prayer as early in the
morning as possible. After the Fajr prayer a pilgrim leaves Muzdalifah
and arrive at Mina. On the way to Mina one should pick up seventy small
stones. As soon as he reaches Mina, he should cast seven stones at
Jumrah-tul-Aqba. This act of throwing stones is called Rami. With the
throwing of the first stone the requirement to repeatedly recite
Talbiyah is lifted. If the pilgrim intends to sacrifice an animal then
he should do that after casting stones ad Jumrah-tul-Aqba. After
offering the sacrifices a male pilgrim should have his head shaven and
female pilgrims are required to cut a small part of her hair. Femle
pilgrims are not permitted to have their heads shaven. After the hair
cut one can remove the Ihram and may now wear regular cloths. |
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M. Return to Mecca after sacrifice and hair
cut. Perform Taawaf-e-Afaza |
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After the
removal of Ihram the pilgrim is required to return to Mecca to perform
another circuit of the Ka’ba. This particular circuit is called
Tawaaf-e-Afaza (additional circuit) and is an essential part of the
pilgrimage. After this circuit a pilgrim is permitted to return to
normal life and all those lawful things that were forbidden are now
allowed again. |
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N. Return to Mina after Tawaf-e-Afaza |
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After this
additional circuit, the pilgrim should return to Mina and stay there for
three days. During the stay at Mina on 11th, 12th and 13th day of Dul-Hajj
the pilgrim cast seven stones on each of the Jumrah in the following
order: Jumrah-tul-Oola, Jamrah-tul-Wusta, and Juramh-tul-Aqba. It is
permitted not to cast stones on the third day. |
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O. Return to Ka’ba and Farewell |
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On the 12th or
the 13th day of Dul-Hajj, the pilgrim returns to the Ka’ba and perform a
final circuit. This circuit is called Tawaf-al-Sadr or Tawaf-al-Wida
(parting or farewell circuit). After this last circuit, the pilgrim
should drink water from Zumzum, kiss the threshold of the door of the
Ka’ba, and pray to Allah for forgiveness. He should leave the Ka’ba
walking backwards, looking at it the last time, and saying farewell. |
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7. Prohibitions During the Pilgrimage |
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It is
forbidden to have a hair cut during Hajj or to wear sewn clothes.
Pilgrims should offer Fidya (redemption) if he has to wear sewn clothes
or have to shave his head due to illness or lice. |
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Hunting is
forbidden during the pilgrimage days. If the pilgrim hunts during these
days then he has to offer the sacrifice of one animal. If he has hunted
deer then a lamb should be sacrificed and of ostrich is hunted then
camel should be sacrificed. If one cannot offer a sacrifice the he
should feed six poor people and if that is not possible the he should
fast for three days. Allah says in the Holy Quran: |
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“O ye who
believe! Kill not game while you are in a state of pilgrimage. And whoso
amongst you kills it intentionally, its compensation is a quadruped like
unto that which he has killed, as determined by two just men from among
you, the dame to be brought as an offering to the Ka’ba; or as an
expiation he shall have to feed a number of poor persons, or fast an
equivalent number of days, so that he may taste the penalty of his deed.
As for the past, Allah forgives it; but whoso reverts to it, Allah will
punish him for his offense. And Allah is Mighty, Lord of retribution. |
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The game of
the sea and the eating thereof have been made lawful for you as a
provision for you and the travelers, but forbidden to you is the game of
land as long as you are in a state of pilgrimage. And fear Allah to Whom
you shall be gathered. |
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Allah has made
the Ka’ba the inviolable House as a mean of support and uplift of
mankind, as also the Sacred Month and the offerings and the animals with
collars. That is so that you may know that Allah knows what is in the
heavens and what is in the earth, and that Allah knows all things well. |
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Know that
Allah is sever in punishment and that Allah is also Most Forgiving,
Merciful.” (5:95-98) |
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If the pilgrim
has sexual intercourse with his/her spouse before the first Tawaaf the
Hajj will become invalid or unlawful. He/she should continue to perform
all the duties of the pilgrimage but he/she has to perform pilgrimage
again the next year. Moreover he/she has to sacrifice a camel at Mina to
atone the violation. |
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8. Ahsari |
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If some
difficulty arises after entering the state of Ihram for the Hajj or Umra
(i.e., illness, resistance by enemy to prevent from reaching Mecca) then
the sacrifice of an animal should be offered and the Ihram removed. We
read in the Holy Quran: “ … but if you are kept back, then make whatever
offering is easily available; and do not shave your heads until the
offering reaches its destination … “ (2:197). |
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9. Umra |
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To simply
circuit the Ka’ba and perform the seven circuits between Safa and Marwah
is called Umra. There is no fixed time for Umra and it can be performed
at any time during the year except between the 9th and the 13th of
Dul-Hajj (these days are only reserved for the full pilgrimage or Hajj).
Entering into the state of Ihram and removal of Ihram is carried out in
the same manner as for the full pilgrimage. |
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10. Types Of
Hajj: |
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There are
three types of Hajj: |
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a. Hajj Mufrad: |
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All
conditions of the Hajj Mufrad are same as described above. One enters
into the state of Ihram for Hajj only and no Umra is performed before
Hajj. |
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b. Hajj Tamattu : |
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This is Hajj
when Umra is performed before the Hajj. The pilgrim removes Ihram for
Umra on the 8th of Dul Hajj and re-enters into the state of Ihram again
for Hajj. |
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c. Hajj Qiran: |
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In this Hajj,
the pilgrim enters into the state of Ihram for both Umra and the Hajj at
one time. |
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11. Places of Hajj inside Mecca |
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A. Ka'aba: |
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The focus of
the pilgrimage is Ka’ba which was rebuilt by Prophet Ibrahim (peace be
upon him) some 4000 years ago. Today, Ka’ba stands in the middle of a
large courtyard of Masjid-el-Haram or the sacred Mosque. The courtyard
of Masjid-el-Haram contains, besides Ka’ba, the Muqam-e-Ibrahim (place
of Ibrahim) and the fountain of Zumzum. |
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Ka’ba is the
first house ever that was built for the worship of One and Only God,
Allah. It is also called “Bait-Ullah” (House of Allah), “Bait-ul-Ateeq”
(the Oldest House), and Baitul Ma’amoor (Inhabited House). |
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Muslims, all
over the world, face towards Ka’ba to offer their prayers. This house
and the places around it have several signs that have been manifested by
Allah. Every inch of this land testifies to the fact that Allah never
destroys those who offer sacrifices. To commemorate Allah’s signs and to
enhance their faith that Allah truly fulfils His promise, Muslims have
been ordered to pay homage to the Ka’ba and these other Signs of Allah.
Allah the Exalted, says in the Holy Quran: |
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“Surely, the
first House founded for mankind is that at Becca (the valley of Mecca),
abounding in blessings and a guidance for all peoples. In it are
manifest signs; it is the place of Abraham; and whoso enters it, enters
peace” (3:96-97) |
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Hadrat Ibrahim
(peace be upon him) laid a foundation stone for a community in a
deserted place by the order of All-Mighty Allah. The he settled his
wife, Hajira, and his son, Ishmael, at this place. There was no water at
this place and it was not a part of any thoroughfare. The ultimate goal
of this unparalleled sacrifice was that his place should serve as a
center of universal guidance; that from the progeny of Hadrat Ishmael
living in this area would come the greatest prophet whose advent marked
the sole cause for the creation of this universe and who would be a
mercy for all mankind. The teaching that he brought down would be for
the entire world and for all times. In spite of having no sign of any
provisions at this place, Hadrat Ibrahim’s (peace be upon him)
expectations were superceded. Allah made provisions for water at that
place. Slowly the place became populated and was called Becca or Mecca.
This was the place where Hadrat Ibrahim (peace be upon him) found lost
signs of the first House of Allah that was built for His worship and
re-built this house with the help of his son. He fervently prayed to
Allah to make this house the “Place for Humanity”. |
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B. Hajr-e-Aswad (The Black Stone) |
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There is a
black stone in the north-eastern corner of the Ka’ba. This stone is
called Hajr-e-Aswad (Black Stone). This stone was probably part of a
meteoroid that fell near Mecca on a mountain called Abu Qubais. At the
time of construction of Ka’ba, Hadrat Ibrahim brought it down and placed
in the corner of the Ka’ba as a great sign and a monument. Anyone who
performs pilgrimage is expected to kiss this memorial stone. This stone
is part of Allah’s mark and is a sign of Him being the Supreme Being.
One loves things that belong to one’s beloved. The same philosophy
exists behind kissing the stone. This stone has no power and it provides
neither benefit nor harm to anyone. |
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C. Hateem |
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A short
distance away from Ka’ba towards North there is an open space.The place
has small walls around it but there is no ceiling.There is a tradition
of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) that suggests that this place
was left without a roof because not enough wood was available to cover
the entire building.A pilgrim should keep this place inside the Tawaaf
but it is not right to face towards this place when offering prayers. |
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D. Multazam |
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The southern
part of the wall between the door of the Ka’ba and the black stone is
called Multazam. At the completion of the pilgrimage the pilgrims
embrace this part of the wall. This is one way of saying good-bye and a
way of expression of extreme love for the House of Allah. |
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E.
Rukun-e-Yemeni |
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The
north-western corner of the Ka’ba faces towards Yemen and this is why it
is called Rukun-e-Yemeni (Yemen’s Pillar). It is not appropriate to
touch or kiss this part during making a circuit of the Holy Ka’ba. |
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F. Mutaaf |
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There is a
circle of white stone around the Ka’ba. This is the place where the
circuit of the Holy Ka’ba is performed during the pilgrimage. The
circuit of the Holy Ka’ba is an integral part of the worship offered
seven times during Hajj. |
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G.
Muqam-e-Ibrahim (Place of Ibrahim) |
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There is a
small round-shaped building in front of the door of the Ka’ba and the
Multazam. This building has a stone that was used by Hadrat Ibrahim to
stand on to complete the walls of the Ka’ba. This is called
Muqam-Ibrahim (Place of Ibrahim). After completing the seventh circuit
during the pilgrimage, two Raka’t of prayer are offered. One gets more
blessings if these Raka’ts are offered at the Place of Ibrahim. |
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H. Zumzum |
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A small well
is present on the left side of the Place of Ibrahim and to the east of
the Ka’ba. This well appeared as a sign when the child Ishmael rubbed
his heels on the ground due to his thirst. One drinks water from this
well facing the Ka’ba to get blessings. |
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I. Masjid-el-Haram |
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Around the
Ka’ba is a mosque that has a rectangular shape with rounded corners.
Pilgrims offer prayers in this mosque by making circular rows and face
towards the Ka’ba. |
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J. Al-Safa and Al-Marwa |
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Two small
hills in Mecca were located in the north of Masjid-el-Haram. Now these
hills have been flattened. Hadrat Hajirah ran seven times between these
two hills in search of food and water. Pilgrims are ordained to follow
her footsteps and go to these hills seven times. |
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12.
Places Outside of Mecca |
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A. Mina |
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There is an
open ground three miles to the east of Mecca called Mina. There are
three stone pillars in this ground that are called Jumrat representing
Satan. These stones are called Jumrah-tul-Oola, Jumrah-tul-Wusta, and
Jumrah-tul-Aqbah. During the last day of Hajj, the 10th Dul-Hajj and
three Tashriq days, pilgrims are required to cast stones at these Jumrah.
This act of casting stones at Jumrah is called Ramy al-jimar (throwing
small stones). Thousands of animals are sacrificed on this ground to
commemorate the great sacrifice of Hadrat Ibrahim and Hadrat Ishmael. |
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B. Arafat |
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On the 9th day
of Dul Hajj pilgrims gather in a great ground that is located about 9
miles to the southeast Mecca. This ground is called Arafat. Pilgrims
stay at this place from the time of Duhr prayer until Maghrib.
Jabalu-Rahmat is a small hill that also stands on this ground. A pilgrim
is required to stay at this ground for his/her pilgrimage to be
acceptable. |
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C. Muzdalifah
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This ground is
located roughly three miles from Arafat towards Mina. A small hill
Mash’ar-al-Haraam is present in this field. Pilgrims spend the night of
9ht Dul Hajj in this field on their way back from Arafat. They offer
Maghrib and Isha prayers combined and then Fajr prayer on the morning of
the 10th day of Dul Hajj at this place. Pilgrims are commanded to
remember Allah after the Fajr prayer near the mountains of
Mash’ar-ul-Haraam. |
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D. Muwaqiat
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Muwaqiat is
the plural of Miqat. This is the place where pilgrims enter into the
state of Ihram. It is forbidden to go any further from this place
without entering the state of Ihram. Ihram is not only wearing specific
clothing but it is also a sincere intention to perform the pilgrimage.
There are several placed to enter into the state of Ihram that are
marked as Miqat depending upon the route taken towards Mecca. Following
are the well-known places where the Pilgrims enter into the state of
Ihram. |
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a. Mecca |
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Pilgrims who
live in and around Mecca enter into the state of Ihram in their homes.
People can enter into the state of Ihram before leaving their homes. It
is not absolutely necessary for “local” pilgrims to enter into the state
of Ihram at the Mawaqit, however, it is forbidden to proceed any further
from these place without being in the state of Ihram for the people
coming from other locations. |
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b. Dul-Hulaifah: |
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Five miles
from Madina towards Mecca is a small village. Pilgrims arriving from
Madina and from its surrounding areas are required to replace their
usual clothes with Ihram at this place |
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c. Juhfah |
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This place
located about forty miles to the south of Mecca. Pilgrims arriving from
Egypt, Syria and Southern Africa are required to enter into the state of
Ihram at this place. |
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d. Zaat-ul-Irq |
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Located about
thirty miles from Mecca, the pilgrims coming from Iraq and by land from
the eastern side enter into the state of Ihram at this place. |
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e. Qarn-al-Manazil |
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Located about
40 miles to the east of Mecca, the Pilgrims arriving from Yemen and by
sea enter into the state of Ihram at this place. |
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f. Taneem |
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This place is
near Mecca and acts as Miqat for people living in Mecca. If someone is
living in Mecca and wants to perform Umra then he should go to this
place, enter into the state of Ihram and then return to Mecca so that
the condition of traveling for the pilgrims is also fulfilled. The Holy
Prophet (peace be upon him) has said: “Part of the worship of Hajj and
Umra is to travel in the way of Allah and to go out of the city.” |
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E. Haram |
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Mecca and its
surrounding areas are called Haram. Haram has different boundaries.
These boundaries extend to three miles on one side, seven on the other
and nine miles towards Jedda. Within these boundaries of Haram it is
forbidden to hunt, bother any animal, or to cut grass or trees. One is
permitted to kill dangerous animals like snakes, scorpions, rats or
animals with rabies (dogs, etc.) |
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