Hajj & Umrah

Performing Umrah and Hajj are among the most sacred acts of worship in Islam. These journeys to the holy city of Makkah embody submission to Allah and commemorate the trials and faith of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his family. While both pilgrimages share some rituals, Hajj is a compulsory duty for every financially and physically able Muslim at least once in their lifetime, whereas Umrah is highly recommended but not obligatory. This guide provides a detailed explanation of both Umrah and Hajj, covering each step, the historical and religious significance behind every ritual, and practical guidance for pilgrims.

Umrah: The Lesser Pilgrimage

Meaning and Importance of Umrah Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage that can be performed any time of the year. Unlike Hajj, it does not have a specific timeframe. The word "Umrah" means "to visit a populated place" and is an act of devotion, seeking closeness to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The performance of Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous one. And the reward of Hajj Mabrur (i.e., a Hajj accepted by Allah) is nothing except Paradise." (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Steps of Umrah

Ihram (State of Purity and Intention) Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba) Sa'i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah) Halq or Taqsir (Shaving or Trimming Hair) Each of these steps carries deep historical and religious significance. Let’s explore them in detail:

Step 1: Entering the State of Ihram

What is Ihram?

Ihram is a sacred state that a pilgrim must enter before performing Umrah or Hajj. It signifies purity, humility, and devotion.

Where and When to Enter Ihram?

Pilgrims must enter Ihram at designated locations known as Miqat (boundary points). The Miqat varies based on where a pilgrim is coming from: Dhul-Hulaifah (Abyar Ali) – For those traveling from Madinah. Juhfah – For those coming from the Levant (Syria, Jordan, Egypt, etc.). Yalamlam – For those arriving from Yemen. Qarn al-Manazil – For those coming from Najd (Central Arabia). Dhat Irq – For those arriving from Iraq.

Ihram Garments and Rules

Men: Wear two white, seamless pieces of cloth (Rida and Izar). Women: Wear modest clothing covering the entire body except the face and hands. Prohibited Acts in Ihram are: Cutting hair or nails Using perfumes Hunting animals Engaging in marital relations

Intention and Talbiyah

Pilgrims must make the intention (Niyyah) before entering Ihram: Intention for Umrah: Arabic: اللّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ عُمْرَةً Transliteration: Allahumma labbayka ‘umrah. Translation: O Allah, I answer Your call to perform Umrah. Recitation of Talbiyah: Arabic: لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكُ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ Transliteration: Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, inna al-hamda wa-n-ni‘mata laka wa-l-mulk, la sharika lak. Translation: Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am. No partner do You have. Here I am. Verily all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. No partner do You have.

Step 2: Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)

Tawaf symbolizes unity, as millions of Muslims walk around the Kaaba in unison, demonstrating devotion to one God.

How to Perform Tawaf?

Begin at Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone) – If possible, touch and kiss it, or simply point to it. Recite: Arabic: بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ Transliteration: Bismillah wa Allahu akbar. Translation: In the name of Allah, and Allah is the Greatest. Complete seven circuits around the Kaaba. Offer two rak’ahs of prayer at Maqam Ibrahim.

Step 3: Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah)

Sa’i commemorates Hajar’s (peace be upon her) search for water for her son Isma’il. This act symbolizes reliance on Allah.

How to Perform Sa’i?

Begin at Safa, facing the Kaaba, and recite: Arabic: إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ Transliteration: Inna as-Safa wa-l-Marwata min sha‘a’iri Allah. Translation: Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. Walk to Marwah and repeat the process seven times. Make du'a throughout, seeking Allah’s mercy and blessings.

Step 4: Halq or Taqsir (Shaving or Trimming Hair)

Men: It is preferable to shave the head completely (Halq). Women: Trim a small portion of hair (Taqsir). This step signifies renewal and humility before Allah. Upon completion of this step, Umrah is complete, and the pilgrim can exit Ihram.

Hajj: The Major Pilgrimage

Hajj is a compulsory pilgrimage for every Muslim who is financially and physically able to perform it at least once in their lifetime. It is a journey of spiritual purification, commemorating the trials and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his family. The rituals of Hajj are deeply rooted in history and serve as a testament to the unity and submission of Muslims before Allah.

Step 1: Entering Ihram and Making Intention

Before beginning Hajj, pilgrims must enter the state of Ihram at the designated Miqat. This is done with the intention of performing Hajj, symbolizing purity, humility, and detachment from worldly affairs. Spiritual Significance: Ihram represents the equality of all believers before Allah, stripping away distinctions of wealth, status, and nationality. It serves as a reminder that we come before Allah as mere servants, seeking His mercy and guidance.

Step 2: Day of Tarwiyah (8th Dhul-Hijjah)

On the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims travel to Mina, a small town outside Makkah, where they perform Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha prayers. They spend the night in Mina in preparation for the next day’s journey to Arafah. Why is this Important? This day replicates the actions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who spent the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah in Mina. It allows pilgrims to mentally and spiritually prepare for the most significant day of Hajj, the Day of Arafah.

Step 3: Day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah)

On the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims proceed to Mount Arafah, where they stand in supplication and prayer from noon until sunset. This act is known as Wuquf (standing), and it is the most critical part of Hajj. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Hajj is Arafah." (Tirmidhi) Spiritual Significance: - Arafah is where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered his Farewell Sermon, emphasizing the principles of justice, equality, and submission to Allah. - It is believed that on this day, Allah descends to the lowest heaven and forgives the sins of those seeking His mercy. - Standing in Arafah symbolizes standing before Allah on the Day of Judgment, reinforcing the pilgrim’s devotion and humility.

Step 4: Night in Muzdalifah

After sunset on the Day of Arafah, pilgrims leave for Muzdalifah, where they perform combined Maghrib and Isha prayers and sleep under the open sky. Here, they also collect pebbles for the next day’s ritual of stoning the Jamarat. Why is this Important? - Muzdalifah represents simplicity and submission, as pilgrims sleep on the bare ground, mirroring the reality of human insignificance before Allah. - Collecting pebbles prepares pilgrims for the symbolic stoning of Satan, reinforcing their commitment to resisting temptation and sin.

Step 5: Rami al-Jamarat (Stoning the Pillars) - 10th Dhul-Hijjah

On the morning of the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah (Eid al-Adha), pilgrims travel to Mina and throw seven pebbles at the largest of the three stone pillars (Jamarat al-Aqaba). This act symbolizes Prophet Ibrahim’s rejection of Satan’s temptation when he was commanded to sacrifice his son, Isma’il. Spiritual Significance: - Stoning the Jamarat represents the believer’s rejection of evil and commitment to obeying Allah’s commands. - It reenacts Prophet Ibrahim’s defiance of Satan, reminding pilgrims to resist temptation and remain steadfast in faith.

Step 6: Sacrificial Offering (Qurbani)

After the stoning, pilgrims perform the sacrificial offering, commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) to sacrifice his son Isma’il as an act of obedience to Allah. Why is this Important? - The sacrifice is a reminder of submission to Allah and the importance of placing His commands above all else. - The meat from the sacrifice is distributed among the needy, reinforcing the principle of charity and social responsibility.

Step 7: Halq or Taqsir (Shaving or Trimming Hair)

After the sacrifice, men shave their heads (Halq), while women trim a small portion of their hair (Taqsir). Spiritual Significance: - Shaving the head symbolizes renewal and humility before Allah. - It marks the transition out of the state of Ihram, signifying a purified soul.

Step 8: Tawaf al-Ifadah (10th-12th Dhul-Hijjah)

Pilgrims return to Makkah to perform Tawaf al-Ifadah, which consists of circumambulating the Kaaba seven times. This Tawaf is an essential pillar of Hajj. Why is this Important? - Tawaf symbolizes devotion to Allah and the unity of Muslims worldwide. - It is a demonstration of obedience, as it was performed by Prophet Ibrahim, Prophet Isma’il, and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them all).

Step 9: Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah)

After Tawaf al-Ifadah, pilgrims perform Sa’i by walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times, just as Hajar did in search of water for her son Isma’il. Spiritual Significance: - This act symbolizes patience, faith, and trust in Allah’s provisions. - It serves as a reminder that Allah answers the prayers of those who turn to Him with sincerity.

Step 10: Rami al-Jamarat (Stoning of the Pillars) - 11th to 13th Dhul-Hijjah

Over the next two or three days, pilgrims continue the ritual of stoning all three Jamarat (small, medium, and large) in Mina. This reinforces the lesson of resisting evil and staying firm in faith. Why is this Important? - Stoning the Jamarat over multiple days signifies ongoing resistance against sin and spiritual purification. - It teaches self-discipline and mindfulness in daily life.

Step 11: Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada’)

Before leaving Makkah, pilgrims perform a final circumambulation of the Kaaba, known as Tawaf al-Wada’ (Farewell Tawaf). This marks the completion of Hajj. Spiritual Significance: - Tawaf al-Wada’ is a final act of devotion before departing, symbolizing a pilgrim’s farewell to the sacred city. - It reinforces the connection between the pilgrim and Allah, urging them to carry the spiritual lessons of Hajj into their daily lives. Hajj is a journey of faith, devotion, and transformation. Every step of Hajj reflects a powerful story of sacrifice, obedience, and submission to Allah. It serves as a reminder that life itself is a pilgrimage towards the Hereafter, and the true success lies in our unwavering commitment to Allah’s guidance. May Allah accept the Hajj of all those who undertake this sacred journey and grant them spiritual renewal and forgiveness. Ameen.