A Summary of the Rituals of Hajj

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

الحمد لله رب العالمين , والصلاة و السلام على اشرف المرسلين , و على اله و اصحابه اجمعين , و بعد 

Preparation for Hajj

The journey of Hajj is indeed a sacred one, and it is a source of great rewards. However, at times, during the journey, many people undergo difficulties on account of their own mistakes or the mistakes of others. In such cases, people are affected to the extent that they lose the blessings of Hajj, and they deprive themselves from achieving its spiritual benefits. In order to protect one’s Hajj from losing its blessings and rewards, the following (few) guidelines are given:

  1. The pilgrim must understand from the onset that the journey of Hajj is not one of a vacation or a business. Instead, it is a journey which is undertaken to please Allah and to achieve His forgiveness and blessings. This must be understood from the time one leaves his home for the trip, until one returns home. Like any other travel, undertaking a journey is indeed
    a difficult task. In this regard, the Prophet (S.A) said, ‘Undertaking a journey is a part of a punishment’.[1]

That is, the difficulties undertaken seem as though they are a means of punishment.

For the Hajj, pilgrims undertake a journey to a foreign land and are required to adjust to new conditions. They are required to interact with thousands of other Muslims who have travelled for the same purpose. During the days of Hajj, there are huge crowds of people that the pilgrims become part of. All these and many more, bring about a type of difficulty and uneasiness that everyone must face. The pilgrim must therefore be prepared to bear these situations with patience, forbearance and firmness of intent.

Remember the Prophet (S.A) said, ‘The rewards for Hajj are achieved in accordance to the expenses and difficulties one has to bear’.[2]

It means that one’s rewards for Hajj increases to the extent of the difficulties one has to bear. In another hadith, the Prophet (S.A) referred to Hajj as a ‘Jihad’ for the women and the old people. (Tibrani)

So while preparing to undertake this holy trip, one should reflect on these traditions of the Prophet (S.A).

  1. While setting out for the journey, one should take sufficient provisions (and a little extra) to the extent that his / her needs and necessities can be fulfilled. Provisions include money, medications (that one may need), clothing and other requirements. One must not travel with the intention of asking from others, or depending on their kindness.

Hajj becomes compulsory upon those who have the means and provisions to undertake the trip. It therefore means that those who are embarking on this pilgrimage are from among those who already have sufficient means and provisions. Hence, it will not be permissible to ‘beg’ or ‘ask’ for ‘things’ from others.

  1. Pilgrims must remember that undertaking a journey is a great trial that tests their forbearance, sincerity and altruism. Therefore, during the course of the journey, they must try their best to do everything on their own. They should not place the burden of doing ‘their work’ upon others.

If a mistake/error occurs from another group member, then a person should overlook it. If a travelling friend / companion is weak, then he / she should be assisted. If a person is sick, then one should visit him and try to look after him.

A pilgrim must abstain (totally) from backbiting, slandering or speaking ill of other group members.

  1. On the Hajj journey, a person has no choice except to adjust himself to the changes that come upon him. He is not able to enjoy the same conveniences he had at home. The time of sleeping and awaking changes. He is not able to access the meals as he is accustomed to. His sleeping accommodation also changes. Travelling for days· and nights takes place which makes it difficult’ for the pilgrim. In all these states, one is required to be forbearing, and accept these changes with a willing and good heart for the sake of Allah.
  2. Those who have different medical complaint, should take their relevant medications with them, along with other important medicines.
  3. During the Hajj, the pilgrim is sometimes confronted with a situation which makes him angry. At times, it is a matter of sleeping accommodation. Sometimes it is about meals, and at times, it is about not receiving the facilities one had paid for. Under these circumstances, although a person may become angry and upset, he/she must learn self-control, and while making the necessary demands, he / she must not allow a situation to reach the state of quarrels, arguments or fights. In cases of this condition, one should remember the words of the Prophet (SA) in
    which he said, ‘the person who gives up quarrels and arguments although he is upon the truth, I give him the guarantee of a house in paradise’.[3]

Females, who wish to undertake the pilgrimage, are reminded that they must be accompanied by their respective Mahram or husband. It is haram and sinful for a woman, who has reached the age of puberty, to go for Hajj without a Mahram. It is also haram and sinful for a woman to make a non-blood relative or stranger her ‘temporary Mahram’ for the journey. Women should be precautious in this matter, and must strictly adhere to the instruction of the Prophet (SA) in which he said, ‘No woman must undertake a journey except with her Mahram’. Upon this, a companion stood up and said, ‘0 Prophet of Allah (SA), my wife has gone for Hajj and my name has been written to go on such expedition’. Hearing this, the Prophet (SA) said, ‘Proceed and perform hajj with your wife’.[4]

  1. During one’s stay in Makkah and Madinah, it is seen that many pilgrims waste their precious time in shopping and sightseeing. One must realize that the Holy Ka’ba and the Masjid of the Prophet (SA) are the two holiest places on the face of the earth. Here, in these respected and sacred places, one should utilize one’s precious moments in the recitation of the Holy Quran, duas, dhikr, seeking forgiveness, and making repentance to Allah. Missing these moments is indeed losing the greatest opportunities of a lifetime, which cannot be regained in the future. Each pilgrim must therefore value his time on the sacred journey, and use it in the best possible manner so that he can truly obtain an accepted Hajj.
  2. During the time of Tawaaf (circumambulating around the Ka’ba) and Sa’ee (movement between Safaa and Marwa), pilgrims become separated from their groups. In this state, they become scared and feel that they are lost. To ease this problem, a particular place or spot can be identified to the members of the group with the directive that all should meet at that place after Tawaaf and Sa’ee. Members can also form themselves into smaller groups rather than large ones. This helps to minimize the chances of being lost or separated from the group.
  3. Before departing to Mina on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims can write the name of their Hajj group on a paper. They should also write the name of the place where they will be staying at Mina (on this paper) and keep it safeguarded. In case a person becomes separated from his/her group, then he/she can show the paper and ‘name’ to any of the officers, who can then help them connect with their group. The same can be done while staying in Makkah and Madinah. The pilgrim can document the name of the hotel and the number of the room on a paper and keep it with him. In case one is lost, he/she can show the name of the hotel to any officer, who would then guide the person to the hotel.
  4. Those who wish to cook part of their Qurbani meat should not do so in their tents at Mina. This is very dangerous, and one should refrain from doing so.
  5. While walking to the Jamaraat to throw the pebbles, pilgrims should follow the guidelines which have been given by the relevant authorities. In doing so, one will save himself from difficulties due to the large crowd.

Women can appoint their Mahram to throw the pebbles if they fear hardship upon themselves. The same can be done by the old, weak and feeble ones. They can appoint other members of the group to throw the pebbles if they fear harm upon themselves.

 

  1. Pilgrims should try their best to learn about Hajj before embarking on this journey. They should learn the rituals that must be done, and the correct manner of doing these. They must also learn the duas that are to be recited at the different places, especially while making the Tawaaf and Sa’ee. One must not depend on others to recite the duas.
  2. Although a pilgrim may try his/her best to avoid difficulties, there are times that he/she may have to undergo trials and hardships. Many unexpected things occur, and one may encounter difficult experiences. Howbeit, one must not dwell on these matters and lose focus on what one has set out to accomplish. The pilgrim must therefore forebear these situations for the sake of Allah, and refrain from anything that may cause his Hajj to be ruined.

In addition, pilgrims should not speak repeatedly of the difficulties and hardships they encountered after returning home. This behavior causes the rewards of Hajj to be lost. Remember the Hadith of the Prophet (SA) in which he said, ‘The harms or difficulties that touch a believer, Allah causes these to be a means of forgiving the believer’. (Tirmizi)

THE HAJJ AND UMRAH

One must be in the state of Ihraam before he reaches the Miqaat. The Miqaat is that area where one (who has the intention of performing Hajj or Umrah) cannot cross except that he/she is in the state of Ihraam. As such, one may go into Ihraam when he is leaving his place in Madina or may go into Ihraam at Zul Hulaifa where there is a Masjid with facilities for taking a bath and dressing oneself with Ihraam garb.

Whoever crosses the Miqaat without Ihram will be a sinner. It is wajib (essential) for this person to return to the Miqaat and go into Ihraam. If in returning to the Miqaat, .one fears for his life or wealth or is sick and unable to return, then it will not be wajib to return. Instead, this person must make Tawba and Istighfaar and pay a dam (do a sacrifice).

The Ihraam

Ihraam refers to the state as well as the garb of a person who is performing Hajj or Umrah. This state of going into Ihraam by donning oneself with a specific type of garb or even the normal clothing (in the case of females) is compulsory for Hajj and Umrah.

For males, the clothing for Ihraam consists of a piece of cloth to cover the lower body from the waist to above the ankles, which must be wrapped around the waist, and a sheet which covers the upper body, and shoes which must be under the ankles (i.e. it cannot cover the ankles). Men are not allowed to wear sewn clothing. If the waistband cloth is sewn together it is permissible, however, the best is that it should not be sewn.

Before going into Ihraam one should make the Niyyah for Umrah and Hajj or for Umrah alone or for Hajj alone (based on what he/she is about to perform). This Niyyah is done by saying

  1. ‘Labbaik Umratan wa Hajja’ (for Umrah and Hajj)
  2. ‘Labbaik Umratan’ (for Umrah alone)
    3. ‘Labbaik Hajjan’ (for Hajj alone)

Before going into Ihraam, one should remove unwanted hairs, trim nails, moustache etc, and take a proper bath with the niyyah of Ihram. (If one cannot take a bath then he will just perform wuzu). Then remove all sewn clothing from the body, put on the Ihraam cloth and apply Itr (perfume) on the body. This act of applying the perfume on one’s body is only for males. (Hadith of Tirmizi from Zaid bin Thabit [RA] and Hadith of Muslim from Aisha [RA])

Then one will perform 2 rakaats of Nafl Salaah with the Niyyat (intention) of Ihraam. In the first rakaat, one should recite Sura Fatiha and Sura Kaafiroon. In the second rakaat, recite Sura Fatiha and Sura Ikhlas (QuI Huwallahu Ahad).

After making salaams, while facing the Qibla, one will uncover the head (for males), and then make Niyyah (intention).

 

If a person has gone into Ihraam for Umrah then while making the Niyyah he/she should say,

 

اَللَّهُمَّ اِنِّيْ اُرِيْدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِيْ وَ تَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّيْ

‘Allahumma Innii Ureedul Umrata fayassirhaa lee wa taqabbal haa minii’.

 

If he/she has gone into Ihraam for Hajj then the following must be said,

 

اَللَّهُمَّ اِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ الْحَجَّ فَيَسْرِهُ لِيْ وَ تَقَبَّلْهُ مِنِّيْ

“Allahumma Inni Ureedul Haj fayassirhu lee wa taqabbalhu minni’.

Immediately after going into Ihraam with the Niyyah (as mentioned above), one should begin to say the Talbiya, which is:

لَبَّيْكَ اللّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ

لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ

إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَ النِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَ الْمُلْكَ

لَا شَرِيْكَ لَك

 

Labbaik Allahumma labbaik, Labbaik Laa shareeka laka, labbaik, Innal Hamda wan Ni’mata-laka wal Mulka,
Laa shareeka laka.

One should. say the Talbiya three times, then recite Darood Shareef and then make dua. After this, saying the following dua is Mustahab:

 

اَللَّهُمَّ اِنِّيْ اَسْئَلُكَ رِضَاكَ وَ الْجَنَّةَ وَ اَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنْ غَضَبِكَ وَ النَّارِ

‘Allahumma inni As’aluka Ridhaka wal Jannah wa A’ouzu bika min Ghadhabika wan Naar’.

Only having the niyyat in the heart is not sufficient to be in Ihraam (for Ihraam). Talbiya and/or any Zikr must be said. Similarly, saying the Talbiya without niyyah is not proper. Niyyah must be accompanied with Talbiya.

Men should recite the Talbiyah loudly, while women should recite it in a soft manner to the extent that they can hear themselves.

In Umrah, one should stop the recitation of the Talbiyah when he/she is about to perform the Tawaaf.

The recitation of the Talbiyah carries a great amount of blessings and one should busy himself/herself reciting it in abundance, whether sitting, lying, walking or in a transport.

Wuzu is not a condition for its recitation, as such, even without wuzu a person should continue reciting it.

A tradition narrated by Sahl bin Sa’ad As Sa’idi (RA) relates that the Prophet (SA) said, ‘Whenever one recites the Talbiyah, then whatever is on his right and left from the stones, trees and pebbles, all recite it from one corner of the land to the other corner’.[5]

It is recommended for women who are in their menses or Nifaas to also take a bath before going into Ihraam. Such women must also go into Ihraam before crossing the Miqaat.

The Ihraam for women is their normal clothing which they usually wear. They are allowed to wear coloured clothing and also wear jewellery. They are not allowed to wear unsewn clothing. In this regard, they are reminded that the Shariah does not allow them to wear tight-fitted and transparent clothing. Also, such garments which are worn to imitate men are not allowed for them. The same laws are applicable in the state of Ihraam. Although coloured garments are allowed for Ihraam, it is recommended that one wear white since it has been ordained by the Prophet (S.A).

In Ihraam, while men are encouraged to wear white, women are at liberty to wear coloured clothing. Wearing jewellery is permissible but not wearing it is better. Garments which are scented with Itr (perfume) would not be permissible to be used for Ihraam. It is Mustahab to go into Ihraam immediately after the performance of a farz Salaah.

 

Prohibited things in Ihraam

While in the state of Ihraam, it is not permissible for men to wear any type of sewn clothing. Undergarments like vests and underwears would fall under this prohibition.

Sweaters and sweat-tops are all prohibited since they are all sewn garments.

It is also impermissible for men to wear turbans and caps (topis, taj) and to wrap their bodies with sheets etc. To cover with sheet etc. is permissible (but not the face and head).

Wearing socks and any other thing which covers the ankle would. all be prohibited for men. To apply Itr (perfume) on the Ihraam and the body would also be prohibited for both men and women, while in the state of Ihraam.

It is also not permissible for one in Ihraam to hunt animals/birds (of game) of the land or slaughter them, nor would it be permissible for a person in this state to render assistance to one who is hunting. However, it would be permissible to kill a scorpion, centipede, snake or any other harmful insect or creature.

It is prohibited for women to cover their faces while the state of Ihraam. However, in cases of necessity (where there is fear of sins) one may cover the face with her sheet that she is wearing (Jilbaab) or the head piece. lt is also not permissible for the females in the state of Ihraam to wear hand gloves.

A tradition recorded by Imam Tirmizi and graded as Saheeh (sound) states that Abdullah bin Umar (RA) narrates that the Prophet (SA) said, ‘A woman in the state of Ihraam must not cover her face and should not wear hand gloves’.[6]

Another tradition recorded by Ahmad, Abu Dawood and Ibn Majah states that Aisha (RA) narrates that while they were in the state of Ihraam (performing the Hajj), the riders would pass close to them and they were with the Messenger of Allah (SA). When they (the riders) came in front of them, one of them (the women) would place her Jilbaab from the head over the face and when the riders had passed they would remove the covering from their faces.[7]

In the state of Ihraam it is strictly prohibited to speak of indecent or immoral things, or to speak of matters that are associated with husband/wife relationships etc. Similarly, having sexual relationship would completely invalidate one’s Hajj/Umrah. It is also strictly prohibited to quarrel, dispute or fall into arguments or to do or say anything which amounts to disobedience to Allah and His Rasool (SA).

It is strictly prohibited while one is in the state of Ihraam to trim/cut/remove hair from the body or trim/shave the hair of the head. It is also prohibited to trim one’s nails.

It is allowed for one in the state of Ihraam to shade himself from the heat of the sun by taking shelter under a tent or an umbrella. When the need arises, it is allowed for one to scratch his body/skin.

It is also permissible for one in the state of Ihraam to use rings, watches, mirrors and it is also allowed to use medication. Allowance is also granted to use body lotion/oils and soaps which are not scented while in the state of Ihraam.

While in the state of Ihraam, it is permissible for one to take a bath, wash his head and also rub his body. He must ensure that he does not cause hairs from the body to fall off.

Having gone into the state of Ihraam, one must recite the Talbiyah (in a loud manner for males and in a soft manner for females). He/She must continue to recite the Talbiyah until they begin with the Tawaaf. At that time, recitation of the Talbiyah must be stopped.

 

Before beginning the Tawaaf (for Umrah) one must place the sheet under the right shoulder and wrap it over the left shoulder and must perform his Tawaaf in this manner. (This is called Idhtiba and is only for males). This act of Idhtiba is Sunnah in the Tawaaf of Umrah.[8]

This is evident from the tradition of Abdullah bin Abass (RA) in which he said that the Prophet (SA) and his companions made Umrah from Al Ji’erana. They made Ramal of the Kaaba and they placed their sheets beneath their right arms and threw them over their left shoulders.[9]

 

After this, one should begin the Tawaaf from the Hajr Aswad (black stone) after making ‘Istilaam’ of it. (Istilaam is that a person should kiss the black stone. If this is not possible. Then he can raise his hands towards it and then kiss his hands). At the time of Istilaam, a person should say ‘Bismillah Allahu Akbar’.

 

In every round of the seven rounds of Tawaaf, one must do Istilaam. In the first three rounds of the Tawaaf of Umrah, one must walk in a quick, swift manner (Ramal). In the remaining four rounds, he can walk normal. (Ramal is only for males).

 

One should also make Istilaam of the ‘Rukn Yamani’. While walking around the Kaaba in each round. of the Tawaaf, one should recite ‘Rabbana Atina fid Dunya Hasana wa fil Aakhirati Hasana wa Qina Azaaban Naar’ between ‘Rukn Yamani’ and ‘Hajr Aswad’ (the black stone). For the remaining round, one can recite any Quraanic verse or duas of the Prophet (SA). For one Tawaaf, a person must complete seven rounds.

After completing seven rounds around the Kaaba, a person should go to the station of Ibraheem (AS) (Maqaam-e-Ibraheem). While doing so, one should recite ‘Watta Khizu mim Maqaame Ibraheema Musallaa’. Upon reaching the station of Ibraheem, one should perform two rakaats of Salaah. (He can do this wherever he finds a place at Maqaame Ibraheem). In the first rakaat, one should recite Sura Fatiha and Sura Kaafiroon, and in the second rakaat, one should recite Sura Fatiha and Sura Ikhlas. This is Sunnah.

After performing two rakaats at the station of Ibraheem, one should drink the zam zam water and put some on his head. This is Mustahab (commendable).

 

After drinking the zam zam water, one should do Istilaam of the Hajr Aswad (that is one should kiss the black stone. If this is not possible, then he can raise his hands towards it and then kiss the hands).

One will then proceed to Mount Safa to perform the Sa’ee between Safa and Marwa. While going on Mount Safa, one should recite:

إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ ۖ فَمَنْ حَجَّ الْبَيْتَ أَوِ اعْتَمَرَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِ أَنْ يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا ۚ وَمَنْ تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ شَاكِرٌ عَلِيمٌ

‘Innas Safa Wal Marwata Min Sha’aa irilllah Fa man Hajjal Baita Aw Umrata Falaa Junaaha Alaihi An Yattawafa Bihimaa, Wa Man Tattaw wa’a Khairan Fa Innallaha Shaakirun Aleem’.[10]
Along with this, a person should say,

نَبْدَأُ بِمَا بَدَأَ اللَّهُ بِهِ

‘Nabda’u bima badaa Allahu bihi’. When one reaches on the the top of mount Safa, he should turn towards the Qibla (Kaaba) and read the following words three times:

لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ، أَنْجَزَ وَعْدَهُ، وَنَصَرَ عَبْدَهُ، وَهَزَمَ الْأَحْزَابَ وَحْدَهُ

‘Laa ilaha Illallaahu Wahdahu Laa Shareeka Lahu, Lahul Mulku Wa Lahul Hamdu Yuhyee wa Yumeetu Wa Huwa A’laa Kulli Shay’in Qadeer, Laa ilaha Illallaahu Wahdahu Laa Shareeka Lahu Anjaza Wa’dahu Wa Nasara A’bdahu Wa Hazamal Ahzaaba Wahdahu’.

”

While reciting this, one should make supplications (duas). After this, one will begin to make Sa’ee by starting to walk from Mount Safa and go to Marwa. This Sa’ee between Safa and Marwa comprises of seven trips on foot. From Safa to Marwa is one trip, and from Marwa to Safa is another trip. One will start Sa’ee from Safa and end the seventh trip at Marwa.

The males will increase their pace in each trip between the two points indicated by two green lights overhead.

While making these trips between Safa and Marwa, one should recite duas which he knows from the Quran or from the Sunnah. After Sa’ee, the males will either shave or cut (trim) the hair of their heads, and the females will cut a small portion (about one inch) of the hair of their heads. The act of shaving or cutting the hair indicates the termination of the state of Ihraam for Umrah, as well as the completion of Umrah. At this time, one can come out from the Ihraam clothing and wear normal clothing.

 

 

 

An overview of the Sunnah method of

performing Tamattu Hajj

 

On the 8th of Zul Hijja, one should go into Ihraam from his place of residence in Makka. This Ihram will be adopted for Hajj.

 

Before going into the Ihraam garment, one should say ‘Labbaik Hajja’ and make the intention for Hajj. Before going into Ihraam, one should take a bath and apply Itr on his body.

 

It is Mustahab to go into Ihraam after the performance of Zuhr Salaah.[11]

 

After going into Ihraam (and putting on the Ihraam garb) one should say the Talbiya in an audible manner. One should also say the following dua one time:

اللَّهُمَّ حَجَّةٌ لَا رِيَاءَ فِيهَا، وَلَا سُمْعَةَ

‘Allahumma Hajjatun laa riyaa feeha wa laa sum’a’

(0 Allah, this is a Hajj in which there is no ‘showing-off’ and there is no seeking fame in it.[12]

 

On the 8th of Zul Hijja while in the state of Ihraam, one should proceed to Mina before the Zuhr Salaah while reciting the Talbiya. Here, at Mina, one will perform Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha and the Fajr of the 9th of Zul Hijja. One should perform these Salaah in its time in congregation. Hence, one spends the night at Mina.

 

On the 9th of Zul Hijja (the Day of Arafah) one should leave Mina after sunrise and proceed to Arafah. While moving from one place to the other, one should be engaged in saying ‘Allahu Akbar’, ‘Laa ilaha illallah’ and the Talbiyah (Labbaik Allahumma labbaik. .. ).

 

One must not observe the fast of Arafah. Before entering Arafah, one should stay at the valley Namira and listen to the khutba of the Imam at Zuhr time. After listening to the khutba, one should join Zuhr and Asr Salaah and perform these in congregation in the Zuhr time. Both these Salaah would be performed with one Azan and two separate Iqamah (one for each Salaah).

Note: In these times, due to the large crowd, if a person cannot go to the valley of Namira and stay for a while then there is no harm. In this case, one will go straight to Arafah.

 

There is no Nafl or Sunnah Salaah to be read between Zuhr and Asr. After performing the Zuhr and Asr Salaah, one will enter into Arafah and go to the bottom of Mount Rahma (mercy) and do the standing there (wherever one finds a place). This is known as wuqoof. Here, in this standing position, one will turn towards the Qibla, raise his hands and recite as much duas (supplications) as possible. During this time, the pilgrim should also recite ‘Allahu Akbar’, Laa ilaha Illallah’ and the Talbiya. Standing at the bottom of Mount Rahma or close to it is Mustahab. However, if one cannot find a place there, then one can stand in any other place at Arafah.

 

The standing at Arafah is Fardh (compulsory). If it is not done, then one’s Hajj is not valid. The allotted time for this standing is from the midday on the 9th of Zul Hijja until the Fajr time of the 10th of Zul Hijja.

 

It is not permissible to do wuqoof at Arafah before sun has passed its meridian. At Arafah, it is Sunnah to turn to the Qibla while making dua, and it is  Sunnah to raise one’s hands while making dua.

 

It is not a Sunnah to climb on Mount Rahma for the wuqoof (standing). However, for this standing, one must be at Arafah. The plain of Arafah is a place where duas (supplications) are accepted. In fact, it is the best place for the acceptance of duas, and the day of Arafah (9th of Zul Hijja) is the best day for the acceptance of duas.

 

Regarding the best dua to be made on the plain of Arafah, the Prophet (SA) said, ‘The best dua on the day of Arafah, and the best (words) which the other Prophets and I have uttered from my heart is, ‘Laa ilaha illallah wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul Mulku wa lahul Hamdu wa Huwa Ala Kulli Shai’in Qadeer’[13]

 

On the 9th of Zul Hijja after the sun has set, one should leave Arafah and go to Muzdalifa. During this time, the Maghrib Salaah must not be performed at Arafah or on the road to Muzdalifa. While going to Muzdalifa, one should recite the Talbiya.

 

After reaching Muzdalifa, one should perform the Salaah of Maghrib and Isha together. This must be done with one Azan and one Iqamah, and the four Farz rakaats of Isha must be read as two on account of being a traveler. At Muzdalifa, one will spend the night in dhikr, dua, recitation of Quran, Talbiya etc. One must also spend some time in rest.

 

On the morning of the 10th of Zul Hijja (while still at Muzdalifa), one should perform the Fajr Salaah in Jamaat at an early time (within the permissible time), which is earlier than the normal time.

 

After the Fajr Salaah, one will go at the bottom of the mountain (at Mash’ar Al Haram) or one can go wherever he finds a place at Muzdalifa and do the wuqoof (standing). For this, one will turn towards the Qibla while standing and raise his hands in supplications to Allah. One should engage himself in the remembrance of Allah, making repentance, seeking forgiveness from Allah and much supplications. One should also recite the Takbeer and the Kalima, ‘Laa Ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah’. These should continue until a little before sunrise when the place has become bright.

 

On the 10th of Zul Hijja, just before sunrise, one must proceed to Mina with calmness and grace. While doing this, one must be engaged in reciting the Talbiya, and when passing at the valley of Muhasar, he should move with a quick pace.

 

Upon reaching Mina (on 10th Zul Hijja) a person will proceed to throw the pebbles at Jamra Aqaba after the sun has risen. Before throwing the pebbles, one must stop reciting the Talbiya.

 

After throwing the pebbles at Jamra Aqaba, one must do the sacrifice, and should cook part of the meat and partake of it.

 

After the sacrifice (Qurbaani), one must have his head shaved or trimmed and then remove the clothing of Ihraam. At this time, one will wear the normal clothing.

 

One will then proceed from Mina to Makkah in order to perform the Tawaaf Al Ifadha. After this, one will drink the zam zam water and can also pass some of it on his head. Then one will go to Mt. Safa and Marwa to do the Sa’ee. After this, one must return to Mina.

During the days of Tashreek (11th,12th,13th of Zul Hijja) one should spend the nights at Mina. Here, everyday, after Zawaal (midday), one will go to throw the pebbles at Jamra Al Oola then Jamra Wustaa and then Jamra Aqaba.

After throwing pebbles at Jamra Oola as well as after throwing the pebbles at Jamra Wusta, one should turn towards the Qibla while standing and make dua. (This is to be done after throwing the pebbles at Jamra Oola and Jamra Wusta). However, after throwing the pebbles at Jamra Aqaba, one will not make dua. He will return to his place at Mina.

During the stay at Mina, one should be engaged in acts of Ibadah (worship). One should try to make tawaaf everyday, go to Masjid Khaif for Salaah in congregation and recite in abundance, the takbeer and the kalima ‘Laa Ilaha illallah’. He should praise and glorify Allah excessively and should make a lot of dua while repenting and seeking forgiveness from Allah.

One will stay at Mina until the evening of the 12th of Zul Hijja, then one can leave Mina to return to Makkah. If one wishes to leave on the 12th, then one must leave Mina before sunset of that day. If however, one remained at Mina until sunset, then one will have to remain in Mina for the 13th of Zul Hijja. In this case, one will have to throw the pebbles at the three Jamaraat after Zawaal (midday) and then leave Mina.

After completing the throwing of the pebbles on the 12th or 13th day of Zul Hijja, one will return to his place of residence (in Makkah or Azizia etc.). Then, when one is ready to depart to his country, one must do the farewell Tawaaf (Tawaaf Wada). In this Tawaaf, there is no Sa’ee after it, and there is also no Ramal and Idhtiba for males.

After making the Tawaaf, one will peform two rakaats of Salaah, then drink zam zam water. After this, one should turn towards the Kaaba and make a lot of Duas.

[1] Bukhari, Hadith No.1807, Pg.483, Vol.1, Altaf and Sons

[2] Bukhari, Hadith No.1787, Pg.479, Vol.1, Altaf and Sons

 

[3] Abu Dawood, Hadith No.4800, Pg.318, Vol.2, Maktaba Rahmania

[4] Muslim, Hadith No.3272, Pg.566, Darussalam

[5] Ibn Majah, Hadith No.2921, Pg.174, Vol.2. Maktaba Tiajariya and graded as Saheeh, Sound

 

[6] Tirmizi, Hadith No.833, Pg.389, Vol.1, Altaf and Sons

[7] Ibn Majah, Hadith No.2935, Pg.979, Vol.2,Maktaba Tijariya

[8] Irshad As Saari, Pg. 202

[9] Abu Dawood, Hadith No.1884, Pg.383, Darussalam

 

[10] Surah Baqarah, Verse 158)

[11] As recorded in the hadith of Ibn Abbas by Imam Muslim, Hadith No.3016, Pg.528, Darussalam

[12] Recorded by Ibn Majah from the tradition of Anas (R.A), Hadith No.2890, Vol.2, Pg.965, Maktaba Tijariya

[13] Tirmizi, Hadith No.3585, Vol.2, Pg.517, Altaf and Sons