Hajj Book (English)
Hajj Book (English)
Hajj Book (English)
C O L L E C T E D & WR I T T E N BY
S HEIKH D R. A BU A BDELRAHMAN N ABIL Z AHR
The linguistic meaning of the word Hajj in Arabic is to set out with the intention of
devotion to a sacred place.
As an Islamic term, it denotes setting out for the purpose of pilgrimage to the Sacred
House in Makkah in order to perform the specific rites such as Tawaf and Sa`i and
standing at the plains of `Arafah, in addition to other rituals.
Hajj is one of the very old practices, it was said that Adam (Peace be upon him)
performed pilgrimage and the angels congratulated him.
CHAPTER TWO
OBLIGATION OF HAJJ
Hajj is one of the five pillars that Islam is built upon; Allah, the Exalted, says: "And Hajj
to the House is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses;
and whoever disbelieves [i.e., denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a
disbeliever of Allah], then Allah stands not in need of any of the `Alamin (mankind, jinn
and all that exists).'' (3:97)
Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (Peace
Be Upon Him) said, "(The superstructure of) Islam is based on five (pillars), and
mentioned the pilgrimage to the House.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (Peace
Be Upon Him) delivered a Khutbah and said, "O people! Hajj (pilgrimage to the House
of Allah) has been made incumbent upon you, so perform Hajj.''
In so doing, Hajj is compulsory at least once in a lifetime for those who have the means.
MERITS OF HAJJ
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (Peace
Be Upon Him) said, "Whoever performs Hajj (pilgrimage) and does not have sexual
relations (with his wife), nor commits a sin, nor disputes unjustly (during Hajj), then he
returns from Hajj as pure and free from sins as on the day on which his mother gave birth
to him.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (Peace
Be Upon Him) said, "(The performance of) `Umrah is an expiation for the sins
committed between it and the previous `Umrah; and the reward of Hajj Mabrur (accepted
Hajj) is nothing but Jannah.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
„Abd-Allaah ibn Mas‟ood said: the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) said: “Keep on doing Hajj and „Umrah, for they eliminate poverty and sin
just as the bellows eliminate impurities from iron and gold and silver.” (Narrated by al-
Tirmidhi, 810; al-Nasaa‟i, 2631. The hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani – may
Allaah have mercy on him – in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 1200).
CHAPTER THREE
UPON WHOM IS IT OBLIGATORY TO PERFORM HAJJ
Hajj is obligated upon:
A Muslim
Sane
Adult
The Free, and
Capable Person
CHAPTER FIVE
DEFINITION OF ABILITY IN ISLAM
Hajj is an obligation upon those who have the ability to do so. Here, we will define and
understand the limits of “ability” in Islam. The “Ability” to perform Hajj can generally be
defined as the physical and financial ability without any Islamic prevention; we will now
give a more detailed explanation.
Physical Ability means that the body is healthy and free from any disability. If one is
disabled by old age or a disease that is incurable or is unable to perform Hajj for some
other similar reason, he may, if he is financially capable, assign someone else to perform
Hajj on his behalf.
Means of Traveling:
o Means of traveling is defined as that which enables him to go to Hajj and come
back, whether it is by land, by sea, or by air.
CHAPTER SIX
Ibn 'Abbas narrates that a woman from the tribe of Johainah came to the Prophet (peace
be upon him) and said: "My mother had vowed to perform Hajj but she died before
fulfilling her vow, should I perform Hajj on her behalf? The Prophet (peace be upon him)
said: "Yes, perform Hajj on her behalf. Would you not pay off any debts your mother
might have left behind upon her death? Pay off what you owe to Allah, for He is most
deserving of settlement of His debt." (Bukhari)
Ibn 'Abbas, Zaid bin Thabit, Abu Hurairah, and Ash-Shafi'i hold this opinion. They
consider that the expenses of the substitute (the hired person) must be paid out of the
wealth of the deceased before dividing it up among his heirs.
Imam Malik says: "A person may perform Hajj on behalf of the deceased only if the
deceased leaves a will to that effect. If the deceased leaves no such will, then a Hajj on
his behalf may not be performed, for this worship involves, more than anything else,
physical exertion and struggle and as such, no other person can replace or substitute
another person. If a deceased makes a will regarding it, then Hajj may be performed,
meeting all its cost from out of one third of the share of his estate."
CHAPTER EIGHT
FIXED TIMES FOR IHRAM
Allah (Subhanuh Wa-Talaa) Says: "For Hajj are the months well-known." (Qur'an 2.197)
o This refers to the specific period of time when the rites of Hajj have to be
performed to be valid. This is clear from the words of Allah: "They ask you
concerning the new moons. Say: They are but signs to mark fixed periods of time
8 ISLAMIC HERITAGE CENTER – USA (VA)
(in the affairs of) men, and for Hajj”. The months of Hajj are the months of
Shawwal, Zhul-Qui'dah, and the first ten days of Zhul-Hijjah.
o Ibn 'Umar said, "The months of Hajj are Shawwal, Zhul-Qui'dah and ten days of
Zhul-Hijjah." Ibn 'Abbas said: "The sunnah is to declare one's intention and to put
on ihram with the intention of performing Hajj during the months of Hajj."
(Bukhari)
BEST TYPE
The best type of the three is Tamattu‟ as the Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered his
companions to perform it.
'Ata said, "I heard Jabir ibn Abdullah saying, 'We (the Companions) declared our intention to
perform Hajj only. On the 4th of Zhul-Hijjah the Prophet (peace be upon him) commanded us to
terminate our state of ihram, saying, "Terminate your state of ihram and go to your wives." He
did not, however, oblige us to do so but he permitted us. We said: 'There are only five days left
to the Day of 'Arafah. Shall we go to 'Arafah while semen is dribbling from our male organs?"
The Prophet (peace be upon him) stood up and said: "You know that I fear Allah the most, and
that I am the most truthful, and the most pious amongst you. If I had not brought my sacrificial
animals with me, I also would have terminated my state of ihram. If I were to again come (to
Makkah), I shall not bring the sacrificial animals with me. So terminate your state of ihram." At
this we terminated our state of ihram; we listened to and obeyed (the Prophet)." This was
reported by Muslim.
2. To use perfume or apply it on ones clothes. Perfumes like Saffron, Camphor, Cloves,
Cardamom, Amber and all their uses are forbidden.
4. Sexual intercourse, or any acts of courtship, which would arouse sexual desire, is forbidden.
Even lustful glance at ones own wife or husband or any other lady or man who is non-
Mihram is forbidden. The expiation is one camel or a cow or a sheep in that order of
affordability.
a. Kissing one's wife or any other woman with lust and semen is discharged; the
expiation is one camel that has completed 5 years. If it is done without lust the
expiation is one sheep.
b. Touching one's wife or any other woman with lust, the expiation is one sheep. If it is
without lust then there is no expiation.
c. Romancing with one's wife or any other woman as a result of which semen is
discharged the expiation is one camel that has completed 5 years. Likewise, for
looking at a strange woman with or without lust as a result of which semen is
discharged the expiation is a camel that has completed 5 years, if he is rich, a cow if
he is middle class, a sheep if he is poor. As Allah states in the Qur‟an: "So during
Hajj there should not be obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling." (2-197)
5. Hunting (Game of the Land) 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 if an ostrich is hunted then a camel should be sacrificed. If
one cannot offer a sacrifice then he should feed six poor people and if that is not possible,
then he should fast for three days. Allah says in the Holy Quran: “O ye who believe! Kill
not game while you are in a state of pilgrimage. And whomsoever amongst you kills it
intentionally, its compensation is a quadrupled like unto that which he has killed, as
6. Allah says: “The pilgrimage is (in) the well-known months, and whoever is minded to
perform the pilgrimage therein (let him remember that) there is (to be) no lewdness
nor abuse nor angry conversation on the pilgrimage.” (Al-Baqarah 2:197)
This verse points out three main aspects related to Hajj:
The prohibition of lewdness (rafath) during Hajj
The Arabic word rafath "lewdness" refers to sexual intercourse
and whatever is related to it, such as foreplay and kissing. That is
to say, a pilgrim is prohibited to have sexual intercourse or the like
with his or her spouse during the performance of Hajj.
The prohibition of abuse (fusuq) during Hajj
The Arabic word fusuq "abuse" refers to disobedience to Almighty
Allah, Exalted and Glorified be He, whether such disobedience is
related to the state of ihram or to whatever is prohibited by Allah in
general.
8. As for a woman pilgrim, they may wear all of the above. But she is forbidden to use
perfumed clothes, a veil that covers the face, and gloves.
A Muhrim who for a genuine reason is compelled to violate any of the restrictions of
ihram, like shaving his head, wearing sewn clothes because of cold or heat or something
else, with the exception of having sexual intercourse with his spouse, he may do so, but
he will have to give Kafarra (expiation).
Ali, 'Umar and Abu Hurairah issued a verdict concerning a man who had sexual
intercourse with his wife in the state of ihram. In this verdict they said: "They both must
complete their Hajj, but must also make another Hajj the following year and slaughter an
animal.“
If the violation was done intentionally or purposely and without any valid excuse, then
the pilgrim must repent to Allah, and an expiation is due.
3. Holding the Izar (male lower garment) with belt to prevent it from falling, or wearing a
belt pocket around the waist to keep one's money.
6. Taking a Bath when needed, with a no-fragrance soap. Also, the pilgrim may itch the
head and body gently if needed.
7. Carrying the luggage over the head, as long as the pilgrim does not intend to cover the
head.
9. Performing Hijamah: is the name in Arab traditional medicine for wet cupping, where
blood is drawn by vacuum from a small skin incision for therapeutic purposes. The
prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Hijama is among your best remedies"
A'isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon
him) went (into the house of) Duba'a bint Zubair and said to her: Did you intend to
perform Hajj? She said: By Allah, (I intend to do so) but I often remain ill, whereupon he
(the Holy Prophet) said to her: Perform Hajj but with condition, and say: O Allah, I shall
be free from Ihram where you detain me. And she (Duba'a) was the wife of Miqdad.
If a pilgrim performs Hajj “without” condition, and later becomes prevented from
completing it, he/she becomes free from Ihram, but a sacrificial animal is required.
STATEMENT OF ALLAH:
ك فَإِذَا أَمِنتُ ْم
ٍ صي اٍم أَو صدقٍَة أَو نس ِ ِ ِِ
ُ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َ أَو بِه أَذًى مِّن َّرأْسه فَف ْديَةٌ مِّن
ِ ًكم مَّرِيضا
ْ ُ ان مِن
َ َ"فََمن ك
ِ ِ
”يِ ن الْ َه ْد ْ فََمن تََمتََّع بِالْ ُع ْم َرة إِلَى الْ َحجِّ فََما
َ استَ ْي َس َر م .
”And if any of you is ill, or has an ailment in his scalp, (Necessitating shaving),
(He should) in compensation either fast, or feed the poor, or offer sacrifice; and
when ye are in peaceful conditions (again), if any one wishes to continue the
'umra on to the hajj, He must make an offering, such as he can afford,” ((2-196))
Imam Muslim (may Allah have mercy upon him) reports: Abdullah b. Ma'qil said: I sat with
Ka'b (Allah be pleased with him) and he was in the mosque. I asked him about this verse:
"Compensation in (the form of) fasting, or Sadaqa or sacrifice." Ka'b (Allah be pleased with him)
said: It was revealed In my case. There was some trouble in my head. I was taken to the
Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) and lice were creeping upon my face. Thereupon he
said: I did not think that your trouble had become so unbearable as I see. Would you be able to
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
COMMON MISTAKES & INNOVATIONS
Mistakes in Visiting the Mosque of The Messenger (Peace be Upon Him)
Many believe that visiting Medina is part of Hajj. The fact is, visiting Medina has nothing to do
with Hajj. It is something different and separate.
The belief that when entering the Masjid of the Prophet, he (the prophet) must be visited first is
false. The rule is that upon entering the Masjid, Two Rakah of Greeting the Masjid should be
performed.
Do not make Dua‟ to the Prophet. Dua‟ is to be made to Allah and Allah alone. If you want to
pray for the Prophet to intercede for you on the Day of Judgment (Shifaa‟ah), pray to Allah for
that. “O Allah, allow Your Prophet to intercede for me..”
When Making Dua‟, face the Qiblah not the grave of the Prophet. Due to the order of the
prophet, women are not allowed to visit the graveyard, there is no exeption to the grave of the
Prophet (peace be upon him).
Wiping or kissing any walls for barakah is a clear innovation. It is only rock and/or marble.
Voice cannot be raised in Dua‟ or for any other reasons near the grave. Face the Qiblah and
leave the grave area when you want to make Dua‟.
Ihraam is not needed to enter Madinah.
Mistakes in Tawaf
Do not state your intention out loud to begin Tawaf. Saying intentions out loud is something the
Prophet (peace be upon him) never did except after Ihraam when he said, “Labbayk Allahuma
Umrah wa Hajj.”
The pilgrim does not have to touch the black stone in order for his/her Tawaf to be accepted. If it
is crowded you may face your hand toward the stone and say “Allahu Akbar”.
Do not kiss the Yemeni corner. You may only touch it.
Do not worship the black stone. You are glorifying Allah by coming to this House and
worshiping Him, following the Sunnah of the Propjet (peace be upon him).
Do not follow those Dua‟ books that make up dua for each time you go around the Ka‟bah. Read
Quran and make Dua‟ from your heart and glorify Allah.
The belief of many is that the two rakahs must be prayed at the Station of Ibrahiem (peace be
upon him) while in reality, it is only a sunnah and it may be prayed anywhere in the Masjid.
Do not lengthen your 2 Rakas after Tawaf, the prophet (peace be upon him) prayed the two
rakahs with Surat Al-Kafroon & Al-Ikhlas.
There is nothing in the sunnah about: Dua‟ at the Station of Ibrahim (Maqam Ibraheem). After
you pray the 2 Rakas of Tawaf move on.
Mistakes in Sa’y
The belief of some that facing the Qiblah is a Sunnah while shaving or trimming.
Shaving head completely, do not leave parts unshaved.
If you shall trim, take from all sides of your head.
Do not take off your Ihraam until you have shaved or trimmed. You are still in Ihraam until you
do so.
The action of some women by showing their hair while shortening it (not knowing that their hair
must be covered in front of men).
The belief of some that Ihram must be done from Masjid Al-Haram, (the Sunnah for the pilgrim,
is to start Ihram from his/her location in Makkah).
The belief of some that they cannot use the same Ihram clothe used for Ummrah again for Hajj.
Some pilgrims fast the Day of Arafah. The sunnah is to break-fast on that day.
It is highly important to not leave Arafah before Maghrib time.
Not knowing the borders of Arafah may results in some pilgrims being outside the premises of
Arafah.
Do not face Mt. Rahmah on the Day of Arafah when you make Dua. Face the Qiblah.
The pilgrim should not treat his/her time in Arafah like any other day. He/she should realize the
significance of such a day and pray to Allah in humility.
Mistakes in Muzdalifah
At Maghrib time in Arafah, do not pray Maghrib and Isha‟ until you reach Muzdalifah, and do
not delay the prayers when arriving at Muzdalifah.
Many people think they are in Muzdalifah but they are not. Look for the border signs.
Remember, sleeping in Muzdalifah is from the Wajibat of Hajj.
After praying Maghrib and Isha in Muzdalifah, go to sleep immediately, this is what the
Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) did.
The belief of some that the pebbles are to be collected in Muzdalifah.
Staying in Muzdalifah until the sun-rises. The Sunnah is leaving Muzdalifah after Fajir and
before the sun-rises.
Mistakes in Sacrificing
Giving the money as Saddaqa (Charity) rather than buying the animal and slaughtering.
Slaughtering before the Day of Eid
Throwing the animal after slaughtering.
Not fulfilling the conditions of the sacrificial animal. It has to be healthy and free from all
physical defects. It should not be one eyed, nor should it limp, be mangy, or very thin and weak.
The pilgrim must spend the night in Mina on the 10th and 11th night. The days of Mina, are the
11th and 12th, not the 10th and 11th.
The pilgrim cannot do his/her final Jamarat after Tawaf Al-Wada‟, as some people attempt.