Hajj, the pilgrimage to Makkah, holds significant importance in Islam.
However, Hajj is obligatory act once in their lifetime, for those who meet the following conditions:
- Maturity: It means hajj is not obligatory for the children, although they can go for it with their parents.
- Sanity: the insane has no obligatory of hajj.
- Capability (Istita’ah):
- Having sufficient time.
- Physical ability and health to perform the acts of Hajj.
- Having an open and safe route towards Makkah.
- Having the financial means for the journey.
- Ability to provide for one's own and family's expenses.
Based on the said conditions, Hajj is not obligatory for a poor person who cannot afford the cost of the journey or a sick person who lacks the physical strength to go on Hajj or who faces great distress and difficulty in doing so. The same applies to a person to whom the route for Hajjis closed or who faces time shortage such that he could not go onHajj in time.
If, while having istita’ah, a person abstains from going on Hajj, he will be committing a sin and is duty-bound to go on Hajj in any way possible.
The person who meets all above conditions should personally perform Hajj. Deputation of Hajj would not suffice for him, unless for one who cannot perform Hajj due to old age and sickness.
Types of Hajj:
The Hajj in Islam is of three types: Hajj at-Tamatto, Hajj al-Qiran, and Hajj al-Ifrad. Those who live over 48 miles away from Makkah should perform Hajj at-Tamattu, while Hajj al-Qiran and Hajj al-Ifrad are incumbent on others.
We explain only about Hajj at- Tamatto which is most common amongst the Muslims.
Hajj At-Tamatto in Brief:
Hajj at-Tamatto includes two rites: Umrah at- Tamatto and Hajj at-Tamatto.
Umrah at-Tamatto has to be done prior to the Hajj at-Tamatto.
Umrah at- Tamatto has the following five acts:
- Getting into the state of the ihram: a state of ritual purity marked by specific clothing (Men wear two pieces of white, seamless cloth, while women wear modest, loose clothing) and intentions are made at designated location known as “Meeqat.” Typically, “Dhul Hulayfa” is for pilgrims entering from Madinah and “Al-Juhfah” is for pilgrims entering from the direction of Jeddah.
Please note there are certain things, become haraam (unlawful) to pilgrims when they are in the state of ihram.
2. Tawaaf around the Ka’bah: Pilgrims perform circumambulation of the Ka’bah seven times in a counterclockwise direction. During Tawaaf, the pilgrims are recommended to recite some specific supplications.
3. Prayer of Tawaaf: After completing Tawaaf it is obligatory to perform two units of Salah.
4. Sa’iy between Safa and Marwah: Pilgrims perform Sa'iy, walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, commemorating lady Hajera's search for water for her son Ismael.
5. Taqsir: Pilgrims trim their hair, symbolizing the renewal of their commitment to God.
When the Pilgrim accomplishes these 5 tasks, things which had become unlawful to him due to ihram, become permitted.
Hajj at-Tamatto comprises of the following thirteen acts:
1. Getting into the state of Ihram from Makkah.
2. Staying (Wuquf) at Arafat from noon until sunset on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijja.
3. Staying at Mash'ar al-Haram (Muzdalifah) and remaining there from dawn until sunrise on the day of Eid al-Adha.
4. Going to Mina and performing the stoning of the Jamarat al-'Aqabah (throwing pebbles at the large pillar) on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijja.
5. Offering the sacrifice in Mina on the day of Eid al-Adha (the 10th of Dhu al-Hijja).
6. Shaving or shortening the hair (Halaq or Taqsir), meaning cutting a portion of the hair or nails; however, only the hair must not suffice.
By performing these six acts, everything that was forbidden by Ihram becomes permissible, except for the spouse and the pleasant scent.
7. Performing seven circuits of Tawaaf around the Ka'ba (this Tawaaf is called Tawaaf Ziyarat).
8. Offering two Rak'ahs of prayer after Tawaaf.
9. Sa'iy (walking) between Safa and Marwah.
When these three actions are also performed, the pleasant scent becomes permissible for the person in the state of Ihram.
10. Performing another Tawaaf around the Ka'ba (this Tawaaf is called Tawaaf al- Nisa).
11. Offering two Rak'ahs of prayer after Tawaaf Nisa.
By performing these two acts, the spouse also becomes permissible for the person.
12. Returning to Mina and staying overnight on the 11th and 12th nights (and sometimes on the 13th night of Dhul Hijja) there.
13. Stoning the three pillars (throwing seven stones on each of the 11th and 12th days to each of the three locations in Mina, which are called the first, middle, and last Jamarat).
After performing these actions in the afternoon of the 12th day of Dhul Hijja, the pilgrims can return to Makkah, and their Hajj is complete.
Note: It is essential to follow the guidance of knowledgeable scholars and adhere to the rules and regulations set by the authorities overseeing Hajj to ensure a safe and spiritually fulfilling experience.
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