Hajj and Umrah are profound acts of worship in Islam, and CONDUCT.EDU.VN offers a comprehensive guide to Hajj and Umrah, outlining the essential steps and requirements for these sacred journeys. This guide to Hajj and Umrah provides detailed instructions, ensuring a spiritually enriching and properly performed pilgrimage. Explore CONDUCT.EDU.VN for in-depth resources on Islamic pilgrimage, Hajj rituals, Umrah guidelines, spiritual journey, and sacred travel.
1. Understanding Ihram: Preparation and Garments
Ihram is a sacred state of purity and dedication that Muslims enter into when performing Hajj or Umrah. It involves specific preparations, rituals, and garments signifying spiritual readiness and equality before Allah.
1.1 Physical Purity Before Ihram
Before donning the Ihram garments, personal hygiene is paramount. This includes clipping nails and removing hair from under the armpits and beneath the navel. A highly emphasized Sunnah is performing Ghusl, a complete ritual cleansing, intending to enter the state of Ihram. If Ghusl isn’t possible, Wudhu (ablution) suffices. Men may apply Attar (perfume) to their heads/beards, avoiding the Ihram garments. This preparation should occur at your residence before the journey.
1.2 Ihram Garments: A Symbol of Equality
For men, Ihram garments consist of two seamless, typically white, pieces of cloth. The sheet wrapped around the waist covering the lower body is the Izar, and the sheet draped over the upper body is the Rida. Sandals that don’t cover the heel and ankle are required. The Hanafi school of thought further stipulates that the top of the foot should also remain exposed.
1.3 Timing and Location for Wearing Ihram
Wearing the Ihram attire before crossing the designated Miqat is crucial. The location for donning these garments depends on your departure point and destination.
If traveling to Makkah via Jeddah by plane, it’s advisable to change into Ihram at home, the airport before departure, or during a layover. Airports often provide prayer rooms or bathrooms for this purpose. Changing mid-flight is the least recommended option due to space constraints. Ensure you change at least an hour before reaching the Miqat.
If heading to Madinah before Makkah, you don’t need Ihram garments during your stay in Madinah. Wear regular clothing. Before departing for Makkah, wear the Ihram garments at your hotel in Madinah or the designated Miqat for Madinah, Masjid Dhul Hulayfah. Taxis/coaches will stop at the mosque, allowing you to enter into Ihram there. If traveling by train to Makkah, wear the Ihram at the hotel or train station before departure.
1.4 Niyyah and Ihram Conditions
Delaying your intention (Niyyah) until approaching the Miqat is permissible. Before crossing, remove any clothing violating Ihram conditions, such as socks, headwear, and underwear. Announcements on planes, trains, and coaches will indicate the upcoming Miqat.
Women are not required to adhere to a specific dress code but should wear modest Islamic dress with a head covering of any color. Hands and faces must remain exposed, although socks are permitted.
1.5 Performing Salah al-Ihram
Performing two Rak’ahs of Salah before entering the state of Ihram is a Sunnah. This can be done at home, after changing at the airport, or in-flight before crossing the Miqat, provided prayer facilities are available. In Madinah, the prayer can be observed at your hotel, in Masjid Nabawi, at the designated Miqat point, or on the train. Observe the prayer intending to perform two Rak’ahs Nafl for Ihram.
1.6 Making the Niyyah for Umrah
The Niyyah for Umrah should be made at or near the Miqat as you move toward it. Delaying the intention until the last moment is recommended to minimize the duration of Ihram prohibitions. Verbally stating the intention while reiterating it internally is Mustahabb (recommended).
1.7 Reciting the Talbiyah
After making your Niyyah, you must recite the Talbiyah to validate your intention and enter Ihram. The Talbiyah’s utterance is Wajib (obligatory) according to the Hanafi and Maliki schools of thought, while the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools consider it a Sunnah.
The Talbiyah must be recited at least once after intending to perform Umrah. Failure to do so invalidates the Umrah.
1.8 Entering the State of Ihram
After reciting the Talbiyah, you enter the state of Ihram and are known as a Muhrim. Be aware of Ihram’s prohibitions to avoid violating its rules. Violating an Ihram rule requires Damm or Sadaqah as expiation.
It is recommended to send Salawat on the Prophet ﷺ after reciting the Talbiyah and make Du’a for yourself and others. Continue reciting the Talbiyah until reaching Masjid al-Haram before performing Tawaf.
1.9 The Haram of Makkah: A Sacred Boundary
The Haram of Makkah is a sacred area extending several miles around Masjid al-Haram. Within this area, certain actions are prohibited:
- Cutting or damaging vegetation
- Harming or killing wild animals
- Carrying weapons
- Fighting or disruptive behavior
Remember the sanctity of Makkah.
Note: For additional Umrahs, enter Ihram outside the Haram boundary before returning to Masjid al-Haram. Masjid Aisha is the nearest and most convenient location for entering Ihram.
1.10 Entering Makkah with Reverence
As you approach the Haram’s limits, continuously recite the Talbiyah, engage in Dhikr, and send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ. Reciting this Du’a upon entering the Haram is recommended:
Allāhumma hādhā ḥaramuka wa amnuka fa ḥarrimnī ʿala n-nār, wa aminnī min ʿadhābika yawma tabʿathu ʿibādak, wa jʿalnī min awliyā’ika wa ahli ṭāʿatik.
O Allah, this is Your sanctuary and security, so make me unlawful to the hellfire, make me safe from Your punishment on the day You resurrect Your servants, and make me one of Your friends and one of the people who obey You.
1.11 Preparing to Enter Masjid al-Haram
After arriving at your accommodation in Makkah, you may freshen up or rest before heading to Masjid al-Haram to perform Tawaf al-Umrah. Avoid using scented soaps or shampoos if you shower.
Consider which belongings to take with you, mindful of potential thieves in the mosque. Carrying a drawstring bag for your shoes is recommended to keep them close.
1.12 Entering Masjid al-Haram with Humility
Entering Masjid al-Haram via Bab al-Salam (the Gate of Peace) is Sunnah, although authorities may designate specific entrances for Umrah pilgrims. Enter with your right foot first and recite the supplication for entering a mosque.
Bismi Llāh. Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammad. Allāhumma-ghfir lī wa-ftaḥ lī abwāba raḥmatik.
In the name of Allah, send prayers upon Muhammad ﷺ. O Allah, forgive me and open for me the doors of Your Mercy.
2. Performing Tawaf al-Umrah: Circling the Kaaba
Tawaf al-Umrah is a central ritual, symbolizing devotion and unity as pilgrims circle the Kaaba, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
2.1 Essential Requirements for a Valid Tawaf
For Tawaf to be valid, the following conditions must be met:
- Perform Tawaf yourself.
- Make an intention (verbally or not).
- Perform Tawaf in Masjid al-Haram.
- Be in a state of Wudhu and free from conditions requiring Ghusl.
- Conceal the Awrah.
- Start Tawaf from Hajar al-Aswad.
- Move in an anti-clockwise direction.
- Avoid the Hatim.
- Perform Tawaf by foot, if able.
- Perform seven circuits.
- Perform two Rak’ahs of Salah after the Tawaf.
2.2 Preparing for Tawaf: Physical and Spiritual Readiness
Ensure you’re in a state of Wudhu. Men should uncover their right shoulder by passing the top sheet of their Ihram under their right armpit, allowing the garment to hang over the left shoulder (Idtiba).
2.3 Identifying the Starting Point: Hajar al-Aswad
Position yourself in line with the corner of the Kaaba where the Hajar al-Aswad is located. This corner faces a single minaret. A green light on the Masjid wall opposite the Kaaba indicates the Tawaf’s starting point. Stand just before this point facing the Kaaba to begin each circuit (Shawt).
2.4 Making the Intention (Niyyah) for Tawaf
As with any act of worship, make the Niyyah to perform Tawaf solely for Allah. Ask for acceptance and ease in completing your Tawaf. The following words may be said:
O Allah, I intend to perform the Tawaf of Umrah of the Kaaba for your sake and your sake alone. Please accept it from me and make it easy for me.
2.5 Istilam: Kissing, Touching, or Saluting the Hajar al-Aswad
Kissing the Hajar al-Aswad is virtuous, but often impossible due to crowds. Avoid harming others in the attempt.
- Kissing If you reach the Hajar al-Aswad, place your hands on it, put your face between your hands, and say “Bismi Llāhi wa Llāhu akbar” and kiss it lightly.
- Touching If you’re within reach but unable to kiss it, touch it with your hand(s) and kiss your hand(s).
- Saluting If reaching the stone is impossible, perform a symbolic Istilam from afar by facing the Hajar al-Aswad and raising your hands to your earlobes. Ensure your palms face it, as if your face and hands are on the stone, and say “Bismi Llāhi wa Llāhu akbar.” You may kiss your palms.
2.6 Beginning the Tawaf: Circling with Devotion
Turn to your right and start the first circuit of your Tawaf, keeping the Kaaba on your left. Proceed anti-clockwise and avoid walking through the Hijr Ismail. Walking through it invalidates the circuit, requiring repetition.
2.7 Performing Raml: A Sunnah for Men
In the first three circuits, men should perform Raml: walking briskly, lifting the legs forcefully, and sticking out the chest. If congestion is present, perform this Sunnah only if it doesn’t harm or inconvenience others.
2.8 Dhikr and Du’a During Tawaf
Recite prayers and supplications of your choice during Tawaf. Du’as are accepted, so remember Allah with sincerity and devotion. Supplicate in any language and manner you prefer. Memorize and learn the meanings of Quranic and Prophetic supplications. Reciting Quran and sending Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ is also recommended.
2.9 Reaching Rukn al-Yamani: Touching or Gesturing
Upon reaching the Rukn al-Yamani, touch it with your right hand or both hands and say “Allāhu akbar.” If congestion prevents touching it, proceed without saying Takbir or gesturing.
Reciting the following Du’a between the Rukn al-Yamani and the Hajar al-Aswad is a Sunnah:
Rabbanā ātinā fi d-dunyā ḥasanatan wa fi l-ākhirati ḥasanatan wa qinā ʿadhāba n-nār.
O our Lord, grant us the good of this world, the good of the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the fire.
2.10 Completing a Circuit: Returning to Hajar al-Aswad
Returning to Hajar al-Aswad marks the completion of one circuit. Begin the second by performing Istilam of Hajar al-Aswad and saying “Allāhu akbar.” Say Allāhu akbar while performing Istilam in all subsequent circuits. You will perform Istilam eight times total during Tawaf: once before starting and once at the end of each of the seven circuits.
2.11 Maintaining Continuity During Tawaf
Complete the Tawaf continuously without interruptions between circuits. If a congregational prayer starts, join the congregation and resume your Tawaf from where you stopped. The circuit need not be repeated. These rules apply if you need to repeat your Wudhu.
2.12 Finalizing Tawaf: Seven Circuits Completed
Proceed in the same manner until completing seven circuits. Performing Istilam at the start and end of Tawaf is a highly emphasized Sunnah, and performing Istilam on the other six occasions is desirable.
If in a state of Idtiba, cover your shoulder with your Ihram.
2.13 Performing Salah After Tawaf
After finishing the Tawaf, perform two Rak’ahs of Salah, ideally with Maqam Ibrahim between you and the Kaaba. If performing the prayer there is impossible due to crowding, it can be performed anywhere in Masjid al-Haram.
While moving to the place where you intend to perform the two Rak’ahs, it is recommended to audibly recite the following:
Wattakhidhū min maqāmi Ibrāhīma muṣalla.
And take the Maqam Ibrahim as a place of Salah.
2.14 Drinking Zamzam Water: A Blessed Tradition
After completing Salah and making Du’a, drink your fill of Zamzam water, available around the Tawaf area and from water fountains in Masjid al-Haram. Before drinking, make an intention that its consumption will fulfill your wishes. When drinking, it is Mustahabb to stand and face the Kaaba, say Bismillah, pause to take a breath three times, and say Alhamdulillah after finishing. You can also rub it on your face and body. Recite this Du’a after drinking the water:
Allāhumma innī as’aluka ʿilman nāfiʿa, wa rizqan wasiʿa, wa ʿamalan mutaqabbala, wa shifā’an min kulli dā’.
O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is beneficial, provision that is abundant, accepted deeds, and a cure for every illness.
2.15 Reaching the Multazam: A Place for Supplication
After drinking Zamzam water, proceed to the Multazam, the area between the Hajar al-Aswad and the door of the Kaaba.
2.16 Making Du’a at the Multazam
If reaching the Multazam is possible, raise your hands above your head, cling to the wall, and press your chest and cheeks against it. Lengthen your Du’a here as it’s a station where supplications are accepted. If you can’t reach it due to crowds, face it and supplicate from a distance.
3. Performing Sa’i: Walking Between Safa and Marwa
Sa’i, the act of walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa, commemorates Hagar’s desperate search for water for her son Ishmael, demonstrating faith and reliance on Allah.
3.1 Essential Requirements for a Valid Sa’i
For Sa’i to be considered valid, the following is necessary:
- Perform Sa’i yourself.
- Have entered into Ihram before performing Sa’i.
- Stay in Ihram until the Sa’i has been completed.
- Perform Sa’i at its correct time.
- Begin Sa’i at Safa and finish at Marwa.
- Perform Sa’i after having done Tawaf.
- Perform Sa’i on foot unless you have a valid excuse.
- Perform seven laps.
- Cover the complete distance between Safa and Marwa.
3.2 Istilam of the Hajar al-Aswad Before Sa’i
Before Sa’i, performing Istilam of Hajar al-Aswad one last time is Sunnah. This will be the ninth time, following the eight times you performed Istilam during Tawaf.
If you’ve forgotten or find it difficult to return to the line of the Hajar al-Aswad, it may be omitted. However, you can do Istilam anywhere else in Masjid al-Haram, as long as you face the Hajar al-Aswad.
3.3 Proceeding to Safa: Beginning the Sa’i
Proceed to the hill of Safa, located inside Masjid al-Haram, in line with the Hajar al-Aswad. Signs indicate its location. As you approach Safa, reciting the following is Sunnah:
Inna ṣ-Ṣafā wa l-Marwata min shaʿā’iri Llāh.
Indeed, Safa and Marwa are from the Signs of Allah.
3.4 Making Du’a at Safa: Supplicating with Hope
Upon reaching Safa, face the Kaaba and raise your hands in supplication. Don’t raise your hands to your earlobes or gesture towards the Kaaba as you did during Tawaf. You may say Takbir (Allāhu akbar), Tahlil (lā ilāha illa Llāh), and send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ.
Reciting this Du’a is Sunnah:
Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, wa li Llāhi l-ḥamd.
Allah is the Greatest; Allah is the Greatest; Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise.
3.5 Proceeding to Marwa: Commemorating Hagar’s Journey
From Safa, make your way towards Marwa. Between Safa and Marwa, you’ll find two sets of green fluorescent lights approximately 50 meters apart, marking the distance Hagar ran to reach higher ground. These are known as Milayn al-Akhdharayn. Between these lights, men should run at a medium pace while women continue normally.
3.6 Dhikr and Du’a During Sa’i: Remembering Allah
No fixed Dhikr or Du’a is prescribed during Sa’i, so you may recite any prayers or supplications of your choice and send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ.
3.7 Making Du’a at Marwa: Completing the Circuit
Upon reaching Marwa, face the Kaaba, raise your hands in supplication, and repeat the supplications recited at Safa.
This completes one lap of Sa’i. Returning back to Safa is a second lap.
3.8 Finalizing Sa’i: Seven Laps Completed
Repeat this procedure until completing seven laps, ending at the hill of Marwa.
3.9 Du’a and Salah After Sa’i
Making a final Du’a and performing two Rak’ahs of Nafl Salah in Masjid al-Haram following Sa’i is recommended.
3.10 Leaving the Haram: Reflecting on the Pilgrimage
As you leave Masjid al-Haram, step out with your left foot and recite this Du’a, following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ:
Bismi Llāhi wa ṣ-ṣalātu wa s-salāmu ʿalā rasūli Llāh. Allāhumma innī as’aluka min faḍlik.
In the name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, I ask of you from Your bounty.
4. Halq or Taqsir: Concluding the Umrah
Halq (shaving the head) or Taqsir (trimming the hair) signifies the completion of Umrah, symbolizing a fresh start and the shedding of worldly concerns.
4.1 Performing Halq or Taqsir: Symbol of Renewal
After Sa’i, shave your head (Halq) or trim your hair by at least an inch (Taqsir) to leave the state of Ihram and complete your Umrah. For men, shaving the head completely is more virtuous. Women may only trim their hair.
Licensed barbershops are available in Makkah, open 24 hours a day, except during Salah times. You can find many barbershops in Zamzam Towers, Hilton shopping complex, and al-Safwa Towers. You will also see barbers outside the Marwa door after finishing Sa’i. Alternatively, you may shave or trim your own hair to exit Ihram.
4.2 Congratulations on Completing Your Umrah
You are now free from Ihram restrictions and may change into regular clothing. To perform another Umrah, travel to the Haram’s boundary to re-enter Ihram. Most pilgrims choose to enter Ihram at Masjid Aisha, the nearest and most convenient location from Masjid al-Haram. Taxis are available near the mosque.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Hajj and Umrah
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What is the significance of Ihram garments?
Ihram garments symbolize purity, equality, and unity among pilgrims, removing distinctions of wealth or status before Allah.
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Can women wear any color of clothing during Ihram?
Yes, women can wear modest Islamic dress in any color during Ihram, with their hands and faces exposed.
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What should I do if I accidentally violate a rule of Ihram?
If you accidentally violate a rule of Ihram, you may need to offer Damm (sacrifice) or Sadaqah (charity) as expiation. Consult with a knowledgeable scholar for guidance.
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Is it mandatory to kiss the Hajar al-Aswad during Tawaf?
While kissing the Hajar al-Aswad is virtuous, it is not mandatory. If it is too crowded, you can perform Istilam (saluting from a distance).
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Can I read a Du’a book during Tawaf?
It is better to make sincere supplications from your heart in any language you are comfortable with. If you choose to read from a Du’a book, understand the meaning of the supplications.
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Do I have to run between the green lights during Sa’i?
Only men are recommended to run at a medium pace between the green lights during Sa’i, while women should continue at a normal pace.
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Can I take a break between Tawaf and Sa’i?
Yes, you may take a break between Tawaf and Sa’i if you feel tired or need to rest.
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Is it better to shave my head completely (Halq) or trim my hair (Taqsir) after Sa’i?
For men, shaving the head completely (Halq) is more virtuous, while women are only allowed to trim their hair (Taqsir).
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Can I perform Umrah on behalf of someone else?
Yes, you can perform Umrah on behalf of someone who is deceased or unable to perform it themselves due to valid reasons.
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