Does Hajj Forgive Major Sins? The 117 New Answer

holy state

In Islam, Ihram (Arabic: إِحْرَام‎, romanized: iḥrām, from the triconsonant root Ḥ-R-M) is a sacred state that a Muslim must enter in order to perform the major pilgrimage (Ḥajj) or the minor pilgrimage (ʿUmrah). A pilgrim must enter this state before crossing the pilgrimage limit known as Mīqāt by performing the purification rituals and wearing the prescribed clothing.

Restrictions[edit]

wear [ edit ]

A man in the state of Ihram must not tie knots or wear sewn objects. Sandals and flip-flops must also not be sewn and should allow the ankle and back of the foot to be exposed (some other schools of thought also agree that the front of the foot must also be shown).

Men in the state of Ihram are also not allowed to cover their head or any part of it with a songkok, keffiyeh, turban, ihram cloth, etc.[1]

In the state of Ihram, women and men are not allowed to wear gloves.[1]

Fragrances [ edit ]

In the state of Ihram, a Muslim is not allowed to use fragrances on the body or on the robes. If the robe has been soiled with najas (نَجَس, dirty) material or (deliberately) wiped with scented liquids, rubbed or touched, new iḥrām clothing must be worn or the Umrah or Hajj is void.

Aside from being as clean (cleaned) as for prayer, male Muslims are expected not to cut their nails and not to trim their hair and beards. They are also not allowed to wear fragrances, including deodorants. They must wear ihram clothing, a white, seamless garment. Many also shave their heads as this is considered hygienic. Most wait until they have completed Umrah or Hajj before shaving their heads, as this is a prerequisite for leaving the state of Ihram. Female Muslims are also expected to be clean. Sexual activity, smoking, and swearing are also prohibited during the pilgrimage.[2]

Environment [ edit ]

A Ihram belt used to carry valuables during Hajj, 19th century

It is forbidden for every pilgrim of Hajj and Umrah when men and women in his Ihram uproot, cut, break and grind the branches of trees and trees that are planted alive and growing in the Holy Land. This prohibition is also not permitted by any person present in the Holy Land (al-Haramain: Mecca, Medina, Masyair Haram: Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina, Jerusalem: Al-Aqsa Mosque). For the trees that thrive in the Holy Land are the “blessed trees.”

It is forbidden for any pilgrim of Hajj and Umrah to hunt, shoot, kill, sacrifice, imprison, destroy and abuse any land animal that may or may be eaten while in Ihram. This prohibition applies to all species of land animals, birds and insects except sea creatures.

If a person accidentally steps on or kills small animals/insects such as small black ants, grasshoppers, etc., they will not be considered guilty, but it is very necessary to pay the dam according to the value of the insects killed.

It is permissible for a person to kill animals and insects that can harm him and endanger his sight and that of other pilgrims if he continues to leave it in Ihram, such as mosquitoes, snakes, scorpions and spiders, without being subjected to Dam, though If this is the case, it is best to expel the insect or animal first if possible.

Sexual activity[edit]

Any pilgrim (male and female) of Hajj or Umrah who is in Ihram is forbidden to perform mukaddimah (initiation/initiation) to sexual intercourse, whether in the form of words, deeds, bodily gestures or the like. However, Dam is not imposed on those in Ihram who ejaculate from seeing women and fantasizing about sex. Husband and wife or mahram are allowed to hold hands (not the genitals) in Ihram provided they are in a situation where it is called “masyaqqah”, that is, needs without pleasure (wanting to have sex). Husband and wife or mahram are allowed to hug each other during Ihram for desperate reasons (not wanting to have sex) as well as for safety reasons like pain etc. provided they must be in a state where it is called “Masyaqqah”. namely: needs without pleasure (wanting to have sex).

The act of intercourse is strictly forbidden and can ruin the Hajj, especially when the congregation is in the state of Ihram before Tahallul Awwal. The state of this ban is able where:

Consciously having intercourse (sex) together (voluntarily) without being forced to do so

Do you know the law, having sex while performing ihram is haram

Already Mumaiyiz (can distinguish between good and bad deeds, so from about 7 or 9 years)

If it turns out that the husband and wife have performed the above act, then it is obligatory for them to continue the rest of the Hajj that has not been performed as perfectly as possible until it is completed, and then to qada immediately replace the Hajj (for the second time), even if it is only the Hajj of the Sunnah (generally, the Hajj performed for the second time and so on is the Hajj that falls under the category of the Sunnah only), be it because there is an illness between the two. Only the husband is subject to Dam (Order and Justice). Both (husband and wife) must also seek forgiveness from Allah SWT. However, if after the intercourse there is another intercourse (connected with it) that spoils the Hajj for the first time, then the husband succumbs to dam (takhyir and taqdir). If intercourse occurs after Tahallul Awwal but before Tahallul Thani, the Hajj is not invalid but the husband is subject to Dam (Takhyir and Taqdir). Husband and wife are allowed to have sexual intercourse after (both types of Tahallul Awwal and Tahallul Thani) are duly completed. However, it is more afdhalic (better and more encouraged) to postpone action until all pillars and activities of Hajj are completed.

All acts of marrying, marrying or accepting a marriage representative are strictly forbidden when the congregation is in the state of Ihram. In fact, premarital and postmarital activities such as merisik, engagement and marriage are illegal. The marriage contract is also considered haram. However, the people involved are not subject to Dam.

When flying[edit]

Ihram Room in Queen Alia International Airport, Amman, Jordan A sign detailing departing flights and indicating the location of a dedicated room in Queen Alia International Airport, Amman, Jordan

When flying on a pilgrimage, appropriate measures are usually taken to ensure that the pilgrim is in the state of Ihram when flying over or near the Miqat stations.[3] For this reason, some airports in Muslim areas have special Ihram rooms where pilgrims can put on necessary clothing. When flying on an airline originating from a Muslim-majority country, airline staff will announce that they are in the state of Ihram before entering the Miqat borders.

See also[edit]

References[edit] [1]

Saudi Arabian authorities have announced they will be raising their maximum age limit for foreign pilgrims traveling to the country to perform Umrah.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah previously had a policy that meant international pilgrims over the age of 50 were not eligible for a permit to perform Umrah. The new policy allows any international traveler over the age of 18 to visit Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah.

Annually, millions of Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia to perform the Umrah, also known as the “minor pilgrimage.”

Because of r, this number has dropped significantly in recent years. With coronavirus cases now declining, Saudi authorities have eased their restrictions and decided to open their borders to more international travellers.

These new rules will allow a greater number of pilgrims to visit Saudi Arabia for the Umrah, which will be a welcome increase in the number of foreign visitors entering the country.

Relaxed COVID-19 measures in Saudi Arabia

After a significant drop in the number of positive coronavirus cases and a successful vaccination programme, the government has taken action to ease its current restrictions and try to stabilize the country again.

The relaxed measures include restoring full capacity and ending distancing for worshipers at the two holy mosques in Mecca and Medina. The use of face masks is still an entry requirement.

Opening of the kingdom to the Umrah pilgrimage

On November 19, 2021, the Saudi government announced that it would allow foreign pilgrims between the ages of 18 and 50 to apply for an umrah permit. However, this move has meant that Muslims over 50 could not travel to Saudi Arabia to perform the pilgrimage.

With the new entry policy for international pilgrims, many can now enter Saudi Arabia for the Umrah. All other travel requirements remain the same and foreigners wishing to enter Saudi Arabia still have the option to apply for a Saudi e-Visa.

This decision by the authorities is a positive step in the right direction to relax borders and boost the economy.

Obtaining an Umrah permit

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recently launched a service allowing international Umrah pilgrims to obtain special permits for the rituals at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and for prayer to the Prophet Muhammad in Medina.

The service is requested via the health apps Eatmarna and Tawakkalna. Applicants must first register on the Qudum platform. This move is intended to ease the process of passengers arriving in Saudi Arabia for the Umrah.

Pilgrims under the age of 18 are only allowed to perform umrah and pray in the two holy mosques if they are residents of Saudi Arabia and are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Residents under the age of 18 who have not received a double dose of a vaccine are not permitted to perform the pilgrimage, as are all international travelers under the age of 18.

Umrah Permit Requirements

In order to apply for an Umrah permit, all visitors must:

Over 18 years

Holding an online visa for Saudi Arabia

Fully vaccinated with Saudi Arabia approved COVID-19 vaccine

Umrah pilgrims who have been vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) must be quarantined for 3 days. You must then provide a negative PCR test result 48 hours after the quarantine.

How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia with my umrah permit?

The Umrah permit allows the holder to stay in Saudi Arabia for a maximum of 2 weeks.

Pilgrims must perform umrah and leave Saudi Arabia within the two-week period for which their umrah permit is valid.

Exceeding the allotted time in the country is a criminal offense and will be prosecuted by the Saudi authorities. This can include a hefty fine, deportation and even imprisonment.

Vaccinated passengers can now enter the country

All overseas travelers to Saudi Arabia must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and present a certificate showing they have received both doses of a vaccine approved by the Saudi Arabian government.

This vaccination requirement applies to international pilgrims who are eligible to visit Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah.

Quarantine lift for some visitors to Saudi Arabia

In line with Saudi Arabia’s previous COVID-19 restrictions, citizens of certain countries were required to complete a 14-day quarantine in a third country before entering the country. These included citizens of Pakistan, Indonesia, Brazil, Vietnam and Egypt.

From December 1, 2021, this entry obligation will no longer apply and travelers from these countries will not have to go into quarantine before entering the country.

Regardless of your financial situation, it is important to carefully plan your budget for Hajj and Umrah. Then you can enjoy the spiritual experience of visiting the holy cities of Mecca and Medina without worrying about money problems.

The total cost of your pilgrimage depends on many decisions. Read our tips for a great Hajj or Umrah experience at an affordable price.

What Hajj or Umrah packages are available?

Hajj pilgrims must book a package that includes visas, accommodation and transportation through an agency approved by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Umrah pilgrims are free to arrange their own accommodation and transport, but may wish to take advantage of special Umrah package deals. These range from basic to VIP, so take your time to compare packages and find the best one for your budget.

Prices depend on your country of residence and you may be able to find a better deal by booking accommodation in Mecca and Medina independently – especially if you want to stay in a luxury hotel.

Can I travel off-peak?

Traveling in the off-season and off-holiday periods offers a more relaxed umrah experience. You can also benefit from lower flight costs and special hotel offers. If you need to perform umrah during a busy time of year, consider traveling on weekdays rather than weekends.

Most pilgrims stay in Saudi Arabia for 15-28 days. A shorter trip saves some money – but once you’ve paid for your flights and visas, you might as well make the most of your stay!

What are my travel costs in Saudi Arabia?

Taxis and private chauffeur-driven transfers are the most convenient travel options for pilgrims with large families and lots of luggage — but for the long journeys between Mecca and Medina, they can add significantly to your budget. For the latest information and tips on travel options in Saudi Arabia, check out our blog articles on the best travel routes to Mecca and how to get around Mecca once you’re in the city.

Alone or as a group?

Extended families and groups traveling together can save money by sharing taxis and booking family suites at hotels. On the other hand, traveling with children or elderly relatives can mean that you have to spend more on transport, shopping and meals.

What comfort do I need?

Don’t underestimate how tiring Hajj and Umrah can be, especially at peak times and in hot weather. In Mecca, many pilgrims appreciate the comfort of a 5-star hotel near Al Haram with reliable air conditioning and high-quality facilities. By budgeting wisely, booking early and keeping an eye out for special offers, you can treat yourself to a higher level of comfort and enjoy your Hajj or Umrah experience even more.

What do I need to buy in Mecca?

Shopping for gifts for loved ones back home is an important aspect of Hajj or Umrah for many pilgrims. You may also need to include Ihram clothing, sunscreen, and unscented toiletries. Haircuts and shaving are other minor expenses. You have a lot of flexibility on the ‘shopping’ part of your budget – but cautious, large shoppers may have to pay excess baggage fees on the flight home!

Check out our blogs on sensational Hajj gifts and souvenirs and the best places to shop in Mecca.

How much should I budget for food and drink?

Eating and drinking together should be one of the joys of a pilgrimage, so it’s worth planning a reasonable amount depending on the type of restaurants you prefer. Hotel rates, especially at higher-end hotels, often include a full breakfast, and you can also book half-board or even full-board packages. Remember to budget money for snacks and drinks as the weather in Mecca is very hot and you will need to stay fueled and rehydrated while performing your rites.

How much does the sacrifice cost?

Unless it is included in your package, you must plan for a mandatory sacrifice during your stay in Mecca. You can buy a sacrifice voucher in advance or in Mecca itself, with the cost depending on the type of animal to be sacrificed. If you miss an obligatory rite, you must pay for another sacrifice to atone for it.

How much does WiFi and mobile internet cost in Saudi Arabia?

Calling, texting, and sending photos to friends and family back home—as well as staying in touch on social media—are all part of the pleasure of a pilgrimage. Many good hotels now offer free WiFi and you can get great deals on prepaid SIM cards for your smartphone when traveling in Saudi Arabia.

This column is part of our ongoing opinion piece on faith entitled Living Our Faith. Find this week’s reader question and receive weekly recaps of the project in your email inbox by subscribing to the Living Our Faith newsletter.

Imagine you are in the midst of millions of people.

When you start looking at the different faces and different colors of people walking all around you and speaking in languages ​​you may never have heard in your life, how do you feel?

You’re cold.

The mere sight will put you off seeing individuals as you will begin to see an ocean of them. Similarly, when the awe of where you are is overcome, the sounds of their voices speaking languages ​​you do not know are drowned out, and you hear your inner voice saying to yourself, “ That is amazing.”

And why not? Because this is Hajj. This is the Islamic pilgrimage. This is the fifth pillar of Islam for the nearly 1.8 billion Muslims around the world.

In Islam, pilgrimage is not just an act of worship. It is an invitation from God Himself.

In all the commandments of Islam, believers are called upon to fulfill the duties and practices incumbent upon them wherever they may be. Hajj pilgrimage is also a command, but with a unique twist.

God is not commanding us to do or not to do anything, rather he is calling us to be guests in his house as we fulfill this unique ritual.

The history of Hajj pilgrimage is really deep and profound. Its roots go back to Abraham, peace be upon him, and his family, Hagar and Ishmael. When God told them to go to Mecca in the desert, Hagar trusted him to take care of her and Ishmael, and God blessed their commitment.

God loved it so much that he made a trip to Mecca a pillar of the Islamic faith and its followers.

However, it’s easy to get lost in the glitzy and glamorous atmosphere that pulsates outside the walls of the two sacred sites. Saudi Arabia is home to state-of-the-art high-rise buildings, five-star brand hotels, chain restaurants and shops with names that are well known throughout the western world. Malls are packed with people shopping at stores like Footlocker and MAC and UK chain stores like Next and The Body Shop while eating at KFC and Smashburger.

If the understanding of pilgrimage is not instilled in one before departure, one mistakes it for a vacation.

Regardless, traveling across continents to a foreign country to worship together with people of the international Muslim community, who all acknowledge being guests of their Lord, seeking His blessings and appreciating His hospitality, creates a shared atmosphere. The uniformity, the discipline and the focus of around 2 million people unite. For the days of Hajj have now begun.

The five days of the pilgrimage itself are an opportunity for genuine soul searching while performing the prescribed rituals. An opportunity a believer may never have experienced before and may never see again.

The time for this is either in the world’s largest tent city, Mina, on the open plains of Arafat, or while pilgrims in Muzdalifa try to stretch their legs in the dark of night with no protection but heaven.

At this point, the hajj is half complete.

Now pilgrims are realigning their lives and priorities in the last half of the Hajj. They go to three walls depicting the devil and throw them at them to throw off all desires and habits that lead to sin. They are determined to return home as better people with a broader perspective on life, hoping to accomplish something before the pilgrimage ends.

At the end of the Hajj, the pilgrims have successfully rehearsed death. Whatever tweaks and adjustments they want to make, they have the rest of their lives to get it done.

Imam Azhar Subedar heads the Islamic Association of Collin County. He wrote this column for the Dallas Morning News.

Renunciation of Hajj and Qiyamah Author: Zain Miah

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Hadith on Hajj: The Hour will not come until Hajj is given up

Narrated Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم said: “The Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages will continue even after the appearance of Gog and Magog.”

Al-Shu’bah also narrated:

“The hour is not built until nobody takes the Hajj.” [Source: ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhaari 1593] عَنْ سَعِيدٍ ا ا اللَّهُ عَنْهُ ا اocket ا ا عَ وَسَ قَلَّمَ

“Struction sce وَ وَ خُرُوجِ يَأْجُوجَ قَ قَ قَ قَ َ َ ا السَّاعَةُ َ َ َ الْبَيْتُ” [1593 ا البخاري كتاب الحج]

To dispel the misconceptions that this year could be the unprecedented moment when Hajj is abandoned, let’s look back at history. If Hajj were indeed canceled in 2020, it would not be the first, it would be added to a list of nearly 40 dramatic cancellations since the first in 629 AD. We take a look at some of the most notable cancellations in history:

865 AD Massacre of pilgrims by the Karmatians

The Shia Qarmatian state began continuous attacks on Mecca and its pilgrimage routes before 930 AD, part of a larger conflict with the Abbasid Caliphate. In 930 AD, Islamic scholars issued a fatwa forbidding pilgrimage to Mecca due to the lack of life and property security. In the same year, the leader of the Qarmatians, Abu Tahir Al-Jannabi, raided Mecca and massacred tens of thousands of pilgrims. Historians state that the Carmatians banned pilgrimage for more than 10 years. Before the Shia Qarmatians left Mecca, they stole the Hajar Al-Aswad (The Black Stone), which dates from the time of Adam and Eve. The two stolen items remained under their control for 20 years. The Abbasids paid 120,000 dinars in 952 for the return.

983 AD Political dispute between Abbasid and Fatimid caliphs

Politics have also disrupted the Hajj. 983 AD, a bitter political dispute between the rulers of two conflicting caliphates; The Abbasids in Iraq and Syria and the Fatimids in Egypt prevented Muslims from traveling to Mecca for the holy pilgrimage. The dispute lasted eight years before the Hajj routes resumed in 991 AD.

1814AD & 1831AD plague epidemic

Not only conflicts and massacres have canceled the Hajj. The spread of the plague epidemic in the Hijaz region (southeastern Arabia) in 1814 AD, which caused the deaths of about 8,000 people, also brought the pilgrimage to a standstill that year. Similarly, Mecca was struck by a plague from India in 1831, killing three quarters of the pilgrims and halting pilgrimage.

1837AD-1858AD series of epidemics

In a period of nearly two decades, the Hajj was interrupted three times, preventing pilgrims from entering Mecca for a total of seven years. In 1837, another plague struck the holy city, putting things on hold until 1840. Then, in 1846, a cholera outbreak hit Mecca, killing more than 15,000 people and plaguing its inhabitants until 1850. In 1858, another global cholera pandemic hit Mecca, prompting Egyptian pilgrims to flee en masse to the Red Sea coast , where they were quarantined.

History shows many different obstacles that led to the cancellation of the Hajj, this current pandemic would be no different. Yes, it would be a devastating blow to our hearts and livelihoods; but taking it as a sign of the approaching end of the world is pointless. At the present time, the facts and predictions for the very near future are still uncertain. As this year’s COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt life as we know it, the Hajj pilgrimage could be canceled due to the coronavirus. Saudi officials have sealed off the country’s borders to foreigners and imposed sweeping restrictions on movement within the kingdom, partly in hopes of eradicating the disease ahead of the Hajj. Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Muhammad Saleh bin Taher Banten told state television:

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stands ready to ensure the safety of all Muslims and nationals”, “That is why we have urged all Muslims around the world to keep signing agreements until we have a clear vision.”

Preparations must rightly be made for a possible cancellation of the pilgrimage and protecting the health and welfare of Saudi citizens will be a priority for the Saudi state. Includes protection of millions of potential believers who may fall victim to the virus during the pilgrimage.

The looming cancellation of this year’s Hajj has led some observers to believe that a prophecy of the end of days is near, as quoted at the beginning of this article. Shiraz Maher, Lecturer in War Studies at King’s College London, commented: “The Saudi authorities appear to be preparing people psychologically for the possibility that the Hajj may have to be cancelled. They have started to point to historical instances from the past when Hajj had to be suspended due to various reasons including disasters and war. I think this is part of a broader attempt to reassure people that when it happens it’s not entirely unprecedented.”

That is indeed the attitude we should hold as Muslims, an optimistic approach with full faith in our Creator and Sustainer. Allah is the best planner and knows best. Whatever He foresees is for the good of our Ummah and humanity as a whole. If the Hajj is to be canceled this year, this does not refer to the ‘abandonment’ as perceived.

When could this time be? Therein would lie the reality of the last few hours. However, at the moment this is not the case. Praise be to Allah, our nation is strong and prospering and continues to prosper under all the difficulties we face. We should take comfort in the glorious quarantine and isolation that Allah has placed across the globe to allow us individuals to reflect and correct our closeness to Him. To take this blessing to eliminate misconceptions and theories that are thrown around our wonderful religion. Let us immerse ourselves in the true belief in Allah and use our free time to open guidance to mankind; The Holy Quran. Find rest and contentment in the words of Allah.

The one mentioned in the hadiths and prophecies of our Prophet Muhammad, s of Hajj. It refers to a time when people will immediately give up the desire for Hajj. That is to say, there are no longer any Muslims who have any desire to undertake the pilgrimage, and at a time when the religion of Islam is almost on the verge of diminution…

The world and all our affairs are gloomy at this moment, open your heart and hands in du’a to heaven and ask for protection from the various calamities, for ourselves and our loved ones far away, by giving us patience and infuse Allah’s decree. Before and after our obligatory prayers in remembrance of Allah and His Messenger, take time out when Allah addresses us: “Those who believe and whose hearts are safe by the remembrance of Allah. Undoubtedly, hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah.” [Surat al-Rad 13:28]

With oceans of useful knowledge, from physical books to the digital world, let’s find the subject we’ve always wanted to digest further and spend some of our time investing in the afterlife. As narrated from Abu Hurairah, a companion of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم: The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم said: ‘Is not cursed and is not the world cursed? It is so except for the remembrance of Allah and what facilitates it, the scholar and the seeker of knowledge.’” [Al-Tirmidhi 2322] We pray that we will all come through together as stronger and better Muslims.

اللّّهُمّّ إِنِّي أá أوذُ بِكِك مِنَ الْبَ bump

(Allahumma inni a’uzubika minal baros, wal junuun wal juzzam, wa min sayyi’il-asqam) O Allah, I seek refuge in You from leprosy, madness, elephantiasis and evil diseases [Abi Dawud 20]

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FILE – In this September 11, 2016 file photo, Muslim pilgrims pray outside the Namira Mosque in Arafat, on the second and most important day of the annual haj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. After spending the night in the vast valley of Mina, the pilgrims head to Mount Arafat, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of Mecca, for the culmination of the pilgrimage. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty, File)

FILE – In this September 11, 2016 file photo, Muslim pilgrims pray outside the Namira Mosque in Arafat, on the second and most important day of the annual haj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. After spending the night in the vast valley of Mina, the pilgrims head to Mount Arafat, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of Mecca, for the culmination of the pilgrimage. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty, File)

Over 2 million Muslims from around the world begin the five-day Haj pilgrimage on Friday. You will circumambulate Islam’s holiest site, the cube-shaped Kaaba in Mecca, and participate in a series of rituals designed to bring about greater humility and unity among Muslims.

This year’s Hajj comes at a time of heightened sectarian and political tensions in the Persian Gulf and as Muslim minorities in China, Myanmar, India, New Zealand and other countries face increasing threats, even attacks.

Here is a look at pilgrimage and what it means to Muslims:

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WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF HAJJ?

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Hajj is a pillar of Islam that is required of all Muslims once in their lifetime. It’s a physically demanding journey that Muslims believe offers a chance to wipe away past sins and start anew before God. Pilgrims attempt to deepen their faith during Hajj, with some women adopting the head covering known as “hijab.”

Despite the physical challenges, many people rely on sticks or crutches and insist on walking the routes. Those who cannot afford the Hajj are sometimes funded by charities or community leaders. Others save their entire lives to make the journey.

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WHAT IS THE STORY OF HAJJ?

Following a route once trodden by Prophet Muhammad, Muslims trace the rites of Hajj to the Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail, or Abraham and Ishmael as they are called in the Bible.

Muslims believe that Ibrahim’s faith was tested when God commanded him to sacrifice his only son, Ismail. Ibrahim was ready to submit to the command, but then God held back his hand and spared his son. In the Christian and Jewish versions of the story, Abraham is commanded to kill his other son, Isaac.

Pilgrims also trace the path of Ibrahim’s wife Hagar, who Muslims believe walked between two hills seven times to find water for her dying son. Tradition holds that God then created a fountain that continues to flow today.

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WHY IS THE KAABA SO IMPORTANT TO MUSLIMS?

Islamic tradition holds that the Kaaba was built thousands of years ago by Ibrahim and Ismail as a house of monotheistic worship. Over the years, the Kaaba has been reconstructed, attracting different types of pilgrims that once lived in the Arabian Peninsula. In pre-Islamic times, the Kaaba was used to house pagan idols worshiped by local tribes.

Muslims do not worship the Kaaba, but it is Islam’s holiest site because it represents the metaphorical house of God and the oneness of God in Islam. Devout Muslims around the world face the Kaaba during their five daily prayers.

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WHAT RITUALS ARE PERFORMED DURING HAJJ?

Pilgrims enter a state of spiritual purity known as Ihram, which aims to discard symbols of materialism, abandon worldly pleasures, and focus on the inner self rather than outward appearance.

Women eschew make-up and perfume and wear loose-fitting clothing and a hat, while men dress in seamless white terrycloth clothing. The white garments must not contain any seams – a restriction intended to emphasize the equality of all Muslims and to prevent wealthier pilgrims from differentiating themselves with more elaborate garments.

Muslims in the state of Ihram are forbidden from having sexual intercourse, cutting their hair or trimming their nails. It is also forbidden for pilgrims to quarrel, fight or lose their temper during the Hajj. Inevitably, the pilgrims’ patience and tolerance are tested by the large crowds and physical exhaustion.

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THE FIRST DAY OF THE HAJJ

The Hajj traditionally begins in Mecca with a smaller “Umrah” pilgrimage, which can be performed throughout the year. To perform Umrah, Muslims circumambulate the Kaaba counterclockwise seven times while reciting supplications to God, and then walk between the two hills traveled by Hagar. The Great Mosque of Mecca, the largest in the world, includes the Kaaba and the two hills.

Before traveling to Mecca, many pilgrims also visit the Saudi city of Medina, where the Prophet Mohammed is buried and where he built the first mosque.

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THE SECOND DAY OF HAYY

After spending the night in the vast valley of Mina, the pilgrims head to Mount Arafat, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of Mecca, for the culmination of the pilgrimage.

Thousands will also scale a hill called Jabal al-Rahma, or Mount of Mercy. It was here that Prophet Muhammad delivered his last sermon, in which he called for equal rights for mankind and for the unity of Muslims. He reminded his followers of women’s rights and that all Muslim life and possessions are sacred.

Around sunset, pilgrims head to an area called Muzdalifa, 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) west of Arafat. Many walk while others use buses. They spend the night there, collecting pebbles along the way to be used in a symbolic stoning of the devil at Mina, where Muslims believe the devil was trying to dissuade Ibrahim from submitting to God’s will.

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THE LAST THREE DAYS OF HAJJ

The last three days of Hajj are marked by three events: a final circumambulation of the Kaaba, the pouring of stones at Mina, and the removal of Ihram. Men often shave their heads and women cut off a lock of hair at the end as a sign of renewal.

The last days of the Hajj coincide with Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, celebrated by Muslims around the world to commemorate Ibrahim’s test of faith. During the three-day Eid, Muslims slaughter cattle and distribute the meat to the poor.

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History of accidents during the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca

During the Hajj, the Muslim pilgrimage to the city of Mecca, there were numerous incidents that resulted in deaths. Every follower of Islam is obligated to visit Mecca during Hajj at least once in his life if he is able; According to Islam, pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam. During the Hajj month, Mecca has to deal with up to three million pilgrims.[1]

Air travel makes Mecca and the Hajj more accessible to pilgrims from all over the world. As a result, the Hajj has become more and more crowded. City officials must control large crowds and provide food, shelter, sanitation and emergency services to millions of people. Despite these efforts, incidents kept occurring.

Crushes and crowd control failures[edit]

At times, the dense, billowing troops marching from one pilgrimage station to the next cause an onslaught, or more accurately, a progressive collapse of the troops. At densities greater than six[2] to seven[3] people per square meter, individuals cannot move, groups are swept away in waves, individuals jostle to find air to avoid falling and being trampled, and Hundreds of deaths can result. The ceremony of stoning the devil (ramī aj-jamarāt) is particularly crowded and can be dangerous. Pilgrims ritually throw pebbles at three walls (formerly pillars before 2004) representing the three locations where the hadiths describe how the devil tempted Abraham. It is one of a series of ritual acts performed during Hajj.

Some notable incidents are:

fires [edit]

December 1975: An exploding gas bottle caused a fire in a tent colony, killing 200 pilgrims. [14]

April 15, 1997: A tent fire kills 343 pilgrims and injures 1,500. [15] Tents are now fireproof.

The tents are now fireproof. February 13, 2002: Forty Hajj pilgrims from the United Arab Emirates died when the bus they were traveling in collided head-on with a truck in Al Ihsa province, Saudi Arabia.

November 1, 2011: Two pilgrims, a wife and a husband, died in a fire in a carriage. There were two buses in the convoy and a person on the second bus noticed smoke rising from the front of the bus. He radioed the driver to stop. Everyone evacuated the bus, and as the last two got off, the bus suffered three explosions.

Protests and violence[ edit ]

Plane crashes related to the Hajj[edit]

disease [edit]

The mixing of visitors from many countries, some with poor health systems still plagued by preventable infectious diseases, can lead to the spread of epidemics. Should an outbreak occur on the road to Mecca, pilgrims could exacerbate the problem by returning home and spreading their infection to others. It used to be more of a problem. One such disease that the Saudi government has responded to is meningitis, as it became a major concern following an international outbreak following Hajj in 1987. Due to global post-Hajj outbreaks of certain types of meningitis in recent years, a visa is now required to be vaccinated with the ACW135Y vaccine prior to arrival. Each year, the Saudi government publishes a list of required vaccinations for pilgrims, which in 2010 included yellow fever, polio and influenza.[26][27]

Middle East respiratory syndrome[edit]

On September 9, 2013, the Saudi government urged “elderly and chronically ill Muslims to avoid the Hajj this year” and limited the number of people entering the country due to the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). were allowed.[28][28] 29] Although MERS-CoV has not been detected in pilgrims, this does not rule out the risk of contracting the disease during Hajj.[30] However, the disease is only slightly contagious.

The spread of COVID-19 prompted the Saudi Arabian government to discourage people from planning Hajj in 2020. On April 21, the Saudis announced that there would be no public participation in Taraweeh in Mecca or in Medina.[31]

Notable disease outbreaks[edit]

During Hajj 1821, about 20,000 Meccan pilgrims died from a cholera epidemic. The disease had started in India in 1817.[32]

Another cholera epidemic began in 1863. It began in the Ganges delta of the Bengal region and traveled to Mecca with Muslim pilgrims during the 1865 hajj. In the first year, the epidemic killed 15,000 to 90,000 pilgrims. Cholera spread throughout the Middle East and was carried to Russia, Europe, Africa and North America. It resulted in the deaths of nearly 600,000 people.[33][32]

In 1905, the El Tor cholera strain was detected in six pilgrims returning from the Hajj at the El Tor quarantine camp in Egypt.

In 2009, 73 cases of H1N1, also known as swine flu, were recorded during the last days of Hajj. 5 pilgrims died from the virus.[34]

Construction error[ edit ]

2006 Hotel collapse in Al Ghaza

A multi-story concrete building in Mecca near the Grand Mosque collapsed on January 5, 2006. The building, the Al-Ghaza Hotel, is said to have housed a restaurant, a supermarket and a hotel. It was reported that the hotel accommodated pilgrims for Hajj 2006. It is unclear how many pilgrims were in the hotel at the time of the collapse. According to the latest reports, the death toll was 76 and the number of injured 64.[35]

2015 crane collapse[edit]

On September 11, 2015, ten days before Hajj, a crane fell into the Grand Mosque, killing 111 and injuring 394.

Other Fatal Events[ edit ]

Of the millions of pilgrims each year, many are elderly and some die from their illnesses, which in some cases are aggravated by heat and exertion (for example, at least 1,500 pilgrims died in the 1927 pilgrimage season[36]).

On November 25, 1908, the passenger cargo ship SS Sardinia caught fire off Malta’s Grand Harbor and ran aground, killing at least 118 people. Most of the victims were Moroccan pilgrims on their way to Mecca. [37] [38]

caught fire off Malta’s Grand Harbor and ran aground, killing at least 118 people. Most of the victims were Moroccan pilgrims on their way to Mecca. On May 21, 1930, the SS Asia of the Fabre Line brought 700 Algerian pilgrims to Mecca for the Hajj and then invited about 1,500 pilgrims, c. 1,200 of them Yemenis return to Aden and c. 300 from French Somaliland returning to Djibouti caught fire in Jeddah port. At least 112 pilgrims died, possibly many more. [39]

, after taking 700 Algerian pilgrims to Mecca for the Hajj and then loading about 1,500 pilgrims, c. 1,200 of them Yemenis return to Aden and c. 300 from French Somaliland returning to Djibouti caught fire in Jeddah port. At least 112 pilgrims died, possibly many more. Before the start of the first day of the Hajj in December 2006, 243 pilgrims had died, according to the Saudi government. [40] Most of the deaths were reportedly due to heart problems, exhaustion in the elderly and those in frail health caused by the heat and tedious physical labor of the pilgrimage. After the Hajj concluded, the Nigerian government reported that 33 nationals had died mainly “as a result of hypertension, diabetes and heart attack,” not epidemic diseases, and dismissed claims that Nigerian pilgrims had died in an accident on a road mine [41] Egypt’s official news agency reported that as of December 30 (10 Dhu al-Hijjah), 22 Egyptian pilgrims had died. [42] Four elderly Filipino pilgrims in their 50s died of disease or other “natural causes” during the pilgrimage and were buried in Mecca. [43] Pakistan’s Hajj Medical Commission has announced that about 130 Pakistani pilgrims died during the Hajj season in Saudi Arabia, “mostly old people and victims of pneumonia and heart patients,” and that 66 pilgrims were hospitalized in Saudi Arabia for similar ailments were admitted.

Most of the deaths were reportedly due to heart problems, exhaustion in the elderly and those in frail health caused by the heat and tiring physical labor of the pilgrimage. After the Hajj concluded, the Nigerian government reported that 33 nationals had died mainly “as a result of hypertension, diabetes and heart attack,” not epidemic diseases, and dismissed claims that Nigerian pilgrims had died in an accident on a road mine Egypt’s official news agency reported that as of December 30 (10 Dhu al-Hijjah), 22 Egyptian pilgrims had died. Four elderly Filipino pilgrims in their 50s died of disease or other “natural causes” during the pilgrimage and were buried in Mecca. The Pakistan Hajj Medical Commission has announced that about 130 Pakistani pilgrims died during the Hajj season in Saudi Arabia, “mostly old people and victims of pneumonia and heart patients” and that 66 pilgrims were admitted to Saudi hospitals for similar ailments. In early December 2006, a bus transporting pilgrims from holy sites in Medina to Mecca crashed 55 miles north of Rabegh Harbour, near Jeddah, killing 3 Britons and injuring 34 others including two children. [44]

In 2009, 77 hajj pilgrims were killed by floods. [45]

In November 2011, thirteen Afghans died and a dozen others were injured as a result of disease and road accidents.[46]

pickpocketing [edit]

Recently, pickpocketing has created numerous problems for Hajj pilgrims. According to the Save Madina Foundation, 321 were victims of pickpocketing during Hajj in 2010.[47]

Sexual abuse and miscarriage[edit]

Female pilgrims have spoken out about sexual abuse experienced during Hajj by a movement called the Mosque Me Too movement.[48][49] Under the hashtag #MosqueMeToo, originating from the Me Too movement that used the hashtag #MeToo, Muslim women have shared online their experiences of sexual abuse in Mecca.[50][51][52]

Many pregnant pilgrims suffer miscarriages due to the Hajj. In 2011, 20 pregnant women performing the pilgrimage suffered miscarriage due to exhaustion.

Official Answers[edit]

The Saudi government has set up a CCTV network to monitor security during the event.

Critics say the Saudi government should have done more to prevent such tragedies. The Saudi government insists such mass gatherings are inherently dangerous and difficult to manage, and has taken a number of measures to prevent the problems. The death toll in the worst tragedy in September 2015 is said to have been downplayed by the Saudis at up to 1,700.[13]

One of the biggest moves, which is also controversial, is a new system of registrations, passports and travel visas to control the flow of pilgrims. This system was designed to encourage and accommodate first-time visitors to Mecca while restricting repeat visits. Pilgrims who have the means and desire to perform the Hajj multiple times have protested what they see as discrimination, but the Hajj Commission has said they see no alternative if further tragedy is to be prevented.

After the 2004 onslaught, the Saudi authorities began extensive construction work in and around the Jamaraat Bridge area. Additional approaches, footbridges, and emergency exits were built, and the three cylindrical pillars were replaced with concrete walls to allow more pilgrims to access them at once, without the crowding and fighting for position of recent years. The government has also announced a multi-million dollar project to expand the bridge to five levels; the project should be completed in time for Hajj 1427 AH (Dec 2006 – Jan 2007).[53] After the 2006 incident, the Jamaraat Bridge and the pillars depicting Satan were demolished and rebuilt. A wider, multi-tiered bridge was built, and massive columns replaced the piers. Now each level of the bridge allows easier and safer access to the pillars representing Satan. Additionally, the stoning ceremony must be conducted according to set schedules to avoid overcrowding and the risks it entails. The Jamaraat Basin has been expanded from its current circular shape to an oval to allow better access to the pillars. The new regulations provide for separate arrival and departure routes.[54] However, a security problem is cited as the cause of the mass panic in 2015.[55] A group of pilgrims who had thrown their own stones and were returning to their camp, instead of taking the path for returning pilgrims, took the path designated for those who were to come, and crossed the other group of pilgrims going straight to the Jamaraat went. [55][56][57]

Safety index:

51

Mecca, Islam’s holiest city, is located in western Saudi Arabia, the largest country in the Middle East.

It is a city that all physically and financially able Muslims must visit at least once in their lifetime, while non-Muslims are forbidden from entering here.

In the city of Mecca, the streets near the mosque often become crowded with mosque-goers during prayer times, as most Muslims prefer to pray in the Holy Mosque.

Most of the tourists visiting Saudi Arabia are religious pilgrims visiting Mecca or Medina, so the city of Mecca is also important economically for Saudi Arabia.

Mecca offers wonderful architecture, breathtaking views and a wealth of historical, religious and cultural attractions.

Warnings and Dangers in Mecca

OVERALL RISK: LOW Mecca is very safe as this is the holy safe city in Saudi Arabia. Some of the biggest concerns for tourists here should be disobeying their moral codes as doing so will result in severe penalties.

TRANSPORT AND TAXI RISK: MEDIUM Traffic accidents are common in Mecca. If you visit Mecca as part of a pilgrimage, you must be prepared for extreme traffic jams and heavily overcrowded public transport. The quality of the roads outside of the big cities varies from well maintained to extremely poor.

RISK OF PICKPOCKETING: HIGH With more than 15 million visits a year, pickpocketing is relatively common in Mecca. Pickpockets are particularly active on pilgrimages. Avoid carrying wallets and keep your money in a hidden place that is not easily accessible to pickpockets.

RISK OF NATURAL DISASTER: MEDIUM When it comes to natural disasters, you can expect extremely high temperatures of up to 50°C. Because of this, it is highly recommended that you always carry water with you and stay hydrated. Sandstorms and thunderstorms are also common.

RISK OF ATTACK: LOW Assault or kidnapping can be a concern, although generally not common in Saudi Arabia.

TERRORIST RISK: HIGH Terrorists are very likely to attempt attacks in Mecca. The main threat comes from Daesh, formerly known as ISIL. Stay alert at all times and be aware of your surroundings.

FRAUD RISK: LOW Not only in Mecca but in the whole territory of Saudi Arabia, except for credit card fraud, there is practically no scams to be expected.

RISK FOR WOMEN TRAVELERS: LOW There are some risks for women traveling to Saudi Arabia, especially if they don’t respect their moral codes, such as: B. wearing an abaya all the time. That being said, women should take basic precautions.

So… how safe is Mecca really?

Probably the main concern for travelers in Mecca is the situations they may find themselves in if they disregard the Islamic code of ethics, which is much stricter than anyone outside of the UAE can imagine.

What you see as insignificant or irrelevant can get you in serious trouble.

Despite strict crowd control measures, overcrowding and stampedes are extremely common during the Hajj month and pose a great danger, killing dozens of people.

Mina, Jamrat and the bridges leading to them are known to be particularly dangerous, although work is in progress and four parallel bridges are being built, along with the route now going in one direction.

Pickpockets are a real problem during Hajj month

Be sure to avoid taking valuables with you as you navigate the crowds.

Saudi Arabia generally has one of the lowest crime rates in the world due to the regular police presence on the streets, but there is always a small amount of petty theft such as pickpocketing and purse snatching.

How does Mecca compare?

useful information

Visa – All nationals require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the intended return date from Saudi Arabia. If you are unsure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com where you will know whether you need a visa or not based on your nationality and the country you wish to visit.

All nationals require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the intended return date from Saudi Arabia. If you are unsure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com where you will know whether you need a visa or not based on your nationality and the country you wish to visit. Currency – Saudi Riyal is the official currency of Mecca. Airports offer the best exchange rates and ATMs are widely available across the country. Credit cards are accepted in most establishments.

Saudi Riyal is the official currency of Mecca. Airports offer the best exchange rates and ATMs are widely available across the country. Credit cards are accepted in most establishments. Weather – Mecca has a desert climate characterized by extremely high temperatures exceeding 50°C. The period from June to September is the hottest time of the year.

Mecca has a desert climate characterized by extremely high temperatures exceeding 50 °C. The period from June to September is the hottest time of the year. Airports – King Abdulaziz International Airport is an airport located 19 km north of Jeddah. This is the busiest airport in Saudi Arabia. It is well-known for its Hajj terminal, specially built to accommodate Islamic pilgrims who travel to Mecca annually.

King Abdulaziz International Airport is an airport located 19 km north of Jeddah. This is the busiest airport in Saudi Arabia. It is well-known for its Hajj terminal, specially built to accommodate Islamic pilgrims who travel to Mecca annually. Travel Insurance – As with everywhere, we recommend purchasing travel insurance when traveling to Mecca, as it not only covers medical issues, but also theft and loss of valuables.

Mecca – Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan 25°C Feb 27°C Mar 29°C Apr 32°C May 36°C Jun 37°C Jul 37°C Aug 37°C Sep 36°C Oct 34°C Nov 30°C Dec 27°C Select temperature Unit Celsius Fahrenheit

Average high/low temperature

Q.1. Can I perform Umrah for my parents and my two sisters, who are all deceased, at the same time if I do not have enough time to perform Umrah for each of them?

F.2. If you have a checking account with a foreign bank, the interest goes directly to the bank. In this case, is it permissible to open a current account? How should one dispose of the accruing interest? Can you use it for your own needs?

MRS. Khan, Jeddah

A.1. If you want to make Umrah on behalf of your parents and two sisters, you must do it four times, each for one of them. It is not possible to do this for more than one person at a time. However, what you can do is that after completing an umrah, go to the nearest point of the Hil area, such as: B. Go to the mosque in Taneem and re-enter the state of consecration or Ihram.

Then you proceed to do the other duties of Umrah. This way you can do two or more umrahs in the same day.

A.2. We discourage people from investing their money in interest-bearing bank accounts. According to the majority of scholars, interest is usury, although one or two scholars say that in certain cases this may not be the case.

Having made this clear, I would like to add that if a person is credited with interest on their deposits in a bank, they should use that money for the benefit of the Muslim community or give it to the poor and needy. He shouldn’t add it to his own money. This is the verdict now proclaimed by most scholars.

acceptance of Islam

Q. I have been working in Alkhobar for years and now my stay has been extended for another 2 years. During that time, I learned a lot about Islam through Arab News and other sources. Now I feel like I want to belong to that faith. Can you please tell me where to go and what to do? I would like to know how to proceed step by step.

S.M., Al-Hassa

A. Accepting the religion of Islam is very easy. Nothing is required except a declaration by the person concerned that they believe in God as the only deity in the universe and in Muhammad as his messenger. What this declaration actually means is the acceptance that worship can only be offered to God and that the authority to legislate for people in all aspects of their lives rests with God alone. Man’s position is to obey and implement God’s laws, whatever they are. Should the law of any agency, government, legislature, corporation, or tribal council conflict with God’s laws, then the latter must be implemented without question. The prophet says what can be translated as: “No creature is to be obeyed, which is disobedience to the Creator.”

So how do we know God’s law? The answer to this question is provided in the second half of our explanation. Our acceptance of Prophet Muhammad as God’s Messenger means that we accept him as the man through whom God has transmitted to us the code of law that we are to implement in our lives for our own benefit. Through the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) the Qur’an was revealed to us as the book containing the divine constitution for human life. Prophet Muhammad’s own utterances serve as an explanatory memorandum for the Qur’an, providing the details of what the Qur’an can say in general terms and giving us guidance on how to implement the Qur’an in our lives. So obedience to God requires obedience to His Messenger. In fact, God commands us: “Whatever the Messenger gives you, accept it, and whatever he forbids you, desist.” (59:7)

Thus, the declaration that God alone is the only one to be worshiped means that obedience to Him and submission to His law is an essential part of worshiping Him and that Muhammad, His Messenger, is the one who taught us how to worship God and has transmitted his laws to us.

Anyone who makes this statement with full conviction is a Muslim. The Arabic text of the declaration reads: Ashhadu an la ilah illallah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasoolullah. This is translated as follows: “I testify that there is no deity but God, and I also testify that Muhammad is His Messenger.” Once the declaration is made by anyone in full awareness of its meaning, then the person making it is power, a Muslim. However, anyone who accepts Islam must have a full ablution, i.e. a full bath, at the time of the declaration. This is a gesture symbolizing washing away all past misdeeds. No Muslim will be held accountable for anything he or she did before accepting Islam.

When one becomes a Muslim, one must do whatever Muslims do and refrain from whatever they are not allowed to do. Therefore, he is obliged to perform 5 prayers every day, fast in the month of Ramadan, pay zakah according to the rules for its payment and undertake the pilgrimage at least once in life. There are also other duties that a Muslim should perform and these are learned gradually. A Muslim must also refrain from all sinful acts such as murder, adultery, drinking, lying, stealing, gambling, perjury and all corruption in general. Islam is a religion of serious morality and strict discipline. Therefore, a Muslim must always weigh his actions before doing them and avoid all kinds of sins. Should he give in to temptation and commit a sin, he should repent and pray for God’s forgiveness.

According to Islam, all Muslims are equal and should be treated equally. The Prophet has emphasized this on many occasions and God establishes the only distinguishing criterion among Muslims. He says in the Qur’an, “The noblest among you in God’s sight is the most godly among you.” (49:13) But human beings cannot meet this very important requirement. Family or tribal or national considerations can lead to different forms of discrimination. Islam avoids such practices. However, it is often the case that people’s practices fall short of their ideals. We must therefore distinguish between what Islam prescribes and what Muslims do.

What I have outlined is the religious aspect of becoming a Muslim. However, there may be times when people require documentation of the fact that a person has embraced Islam. For this, one must bring this fact to court, where he will be questioned about his desire to become a Muslim and witnesses will be present. He receives a certificate that he has accepted the religion of Islam. This can be useful to make certain things easier, such as B. Traveling to offer pilgrimage and marriage to a Muslim person. From a religious point of view it is unnecessary.

Converts to Islam often change their names to adopt Islamic or Arabic names. This is unnecessary unless one’s name is directly related to another faith or has a meaning unacceptable to Islam. Otherwise, the Prophet did not change anyone’s name after becoming a Muslim except for either of these two reasons.

How to perform the rituals of Hajj and Umrah

by Shaikh Muhammad As-Salih Al-Uthaimeen In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Gracious

foreword

Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Universe. May peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, the last of the Prophets and Messengers, and upon his family and esteemed companions.

Hajj is one of the best forms of worship and one of the most sublime acts because it is one of the pillars of Islam that Allah sent Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) with. A servant’s religion is incomplete without them.

A form of worship is acceptable only when the following is true.

1. One devotes it to Allah alone, with a desire for the Hereafter. It cannot be done with the intention of being seen among the people or for worldly gain.

2. One follows the example of the prophet in word and deed. This can only be achieved through knowledge of the Sunnah.

forms of pilgrimage

There are three forms of Hajj:

Tamattu’-Ifraad-Qiran

Tamattu’: A pilgrim wears Ihram for Umrah only during the Hajj months, meaning that when he reaches Mecca he makes Tawaf and Sa’yi for Umrah. He then shaves or cuts his hair. On the day of Tarwiya, the eighth of Dhul-Hijja, he puts on his Ihram for Hajj only and performs all his requirements.

Ifraad: A pilgrim wears Ihram only for Hajj. When he reaches Mecca he performs Tawaf for his arrival and Sa’yi for Hajj. He does not shave or cut his hair as he does not break away from Ihram. Instead, he remains in Ihram until he stones Jamrah Al-Aqaba on Eid Day. He is permitted to postpone his Sa’yi for Hajj until after his Tawaf for Hajj.

Qiran: A pilgrim wears Ihram for both Umrah and Hajj, or he wears Ihram for Umrah first and then makes intentions for Hajj before his tawaf for Hajj. The duties of an Ifraad performer are the same as those of a Qiran performer, except that the latter must slaughter while the former is not obliged to do so. The best of the three forms is Tamattu’. It is the form that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) encouraged his followers to perform. Even if a pilgrim intends to perform Qiran or Ifraad, it is permissible for him to change his intentions to Tamattu’; he can do this even after performing tawaf and sa’yi.

When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) performed the farewell Hajj with his Companions Tawaf and Sa’yi that year, he ordered all those who had not brought sacrificial animals to change their intentions for the Hajj to intentions for Umrah. cut their hair and detach from Ihram to Hajj. He said, “If I hadn’t brought the sacrificial animal, I would have done as I commanded you.”

If a pilgrim wishes to be ritually pure for umrah, he should remove his clothing and bathe as he would after sexual defilement, if appropriate. He should perfume his head and beard with the best oil he can find. What remains of it after Ihram does no harm.

Bathing for Ihram is Sunnah for both men and women, including menstruating women and women with postnatal hemorrhage. After bathing and preparing, a. Pilgrims, with the exception of those who are menstruating or have postnatal bleeding, pray the obligatory prayer when the time comes. Otherwise, he makes his intention by praying the two Sunnah Rakass that are made every time Wudhu is performed.

When he has finished his prayer he should say: “Here I am for Umrah, here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am. you don’t have a partner Here I am. and you have no partner.” [Talbeyah].

A man raises his voice when he says this, and a woman says it in a way that only one next to her can hear.

One should say the talbijah in Ihram as often as possible, especially when times and places change. For example: when descending or ascending while driving or when day or night is approaching. He should also seek Allah’s pleasure, seek heaven and seek refuge in Allah’s mercy from Hellfire.

One should say the talbiyah during Umrah from the time of putting on his Ihram to the beginning of Tawaf. During Hajj he should say it from the moment he puts on his Ihram until he starts stoning Jamrah Al-Aqaba on Eid day.

When a pilgrim enters the Holy Mosque, he first puts his right foot up and says: In the name of Allah, may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, forgive me my sins and open the doors of Your mercy to me. I seek refuge in Allah Almighty and in His Exalted Face and in His Eternal Reign from the accursed Satan.”

He approaches the Black Stone, touches it with his right hand and kisses it. If this is not possible, he should turn to the Black Stone and point to it.

It’s best not to push and shove to cause damage and get hurt by other people.

Upon touching the stone, a pilgrim should say: “In the name of Allah, Allah is the greatest (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).”

A pilgrim must walk and hold the Kaaba on his left. When he reaches the Rukn Al Yamani he should touch it but not kiss it and say: “Our Lord, give us good things in this life and good things in the Hereafter and save us from the punishment of Hellfire.” O Allah, I ask of You for forgiveness and good health in this life and in the Hereafter.”

Every time he passes the Black Stone, he should say, “Allah is the Greatest.”

During the rest of his Tawaf he can say whatever he likes in terms of supplications, mentioning Allah and reciting the Qur’an. This is because Tawaf, Sa’yi and stoning the Jamrah were developed for the purpose of mentioning Allah.

During this tawaf, a man must do two things:

1. Al-ldhtebaa’ from the beginning of Tawaf to the end. Al-ldhtebaa’ means to put the middle of one’s reda’ under the right arm and the ends of it over the left shoulder.

When he finishes tawaf, he can restore his reda’ to its original state as the time for idhtebaa’ is only during tawaf.

2. Al-Raml during the first three circuits. Al-Raml means to increase one’s pace in small increments. A Pilgrim should walk at a normal pace for his last four laps.

When he has completed seven rounds of Tawaf, he approaches Maqam Ibrahim and recites, “And take the station of Abraham as a place of prayer” Chapter 2, verse 125 [2:125].

He prays two short rakaas as close behind Maqam Ibrahim as possible. During the first rak’ah he recites Surat Al-Kafirun [chapter 109] and during the second Surat Al-lkhlas [chapter 112].

When he has completed the two Rakaas, he should return to the Black Stone and touch it when it suits him. He goes out to the Mesa’a and as he approaches As-Safaa he recites: “Verily, As-Safaa and Al-Marwah belong to the shrines of Allah” [2:158].

He climbs As-Safaa until he can see the Kaaba. Facing the Kaaba and raising his hands, he praises Allah and makes any supplications of his choosing. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) prayed like this: “There is no deity but Allah alone”, three times, interceding supplications.

He descends As-Safaa and drives to Al-Marwah at a normal pace until he reaches the green marker. He should then run quickly to the next green marker. He continues at a normal pace towards Al-Marwah. When he reaches it, he climbs up, faces the Qibla, raises his hands and repeats what he said on As-Safaa. He descends from Al-Marwah towards As-Safaa, taking care to walk where walking is intended and run where running is intended.

He continues this process until he has completed seven rounds. The journey from As-Safaa to Al-Marwah is one round and the return is another round.

During his sa’yi he can recite whatever he likes in terms of supplications, recitation of the Qur’an and mention of Allah.

At the end of Sa’yi he shaves his head. A woman cuts her hair to the length of a fingertip.

Shaving is preferable except when Hajj is coming up and the hair does not have enough time to grow back. In this case it is best to trim so that hair is left for shaving during Hajj.

With that, Umrah is complete. and a pilgrim is free to change clothes, wear perfume, and enter into conjugal relations, etc.

On the morning of the eighth day of Dhul-Hijja, a pilgrim cleanses himself again by bathing as he did before Umrah at the place where he is staying, if it suits him. He puts on his Ihram and says, ‘Here I am for Hajj. Here I am, oh Allah, here I am. Here I am. you don’t have a partner Here I am you have no partners.”

If he fears that something will prevent him from completing his Hajj, he should make a condition when expressing his intentions, saying: ‘If I am prevented by any obstacle, my place is where I am staying If he is not so afraid, he does not make this condition.

A pilgrim goes to Mina and there prays Dhuhr, Asr, Magrib, Isha and Fajr, shortening his four unit prayers to make them two units each without combining them.

When the sun rises he goes to Arafah and there prays dhuhr and asr combined at the time of dhuhr, each unit forming two units. If possible, he stays in the Namira Mosque until sunset. He remembers Allah and makes as many supplications as possible while facing the Qibla.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) prayed like this: “There is no deity but Allaah alone. He has no partner. All dominion and praise are His, and He is mighty over all things.

When he gets tired, it is permissible for him to have useful conversations with his companions or to read whatever useful books he can find, especially those pertaining to Allah’s mercy and bounty. This will increase his hope in Allah.

He should then return to his supplications and make sure to spend the end of the day deep in supplications because the best supplication is the supplication of the day of Arafah.

At sunset he goes from Arafah to Muzdalifah and there he prays Magrib, Isha and Fajr. When tired or low on water, it is permissible for him to combine Magrib and Isha. If he fears that he will not reach Muzdalifah before midnight, he should pray before reaching it because it is not permissible to postpone prayer until after midnight. He stays there in Muzdalifah, praying and remembering Allah until just before sunrise.

If he is weak and cannot handle the crowds during Ar-Ramy, it is permissible for him to go to Mina at the end of the night to stone the Jamrah before the crowds arrive.

At sunrise a pilgrim goes from Muzdalifah to Mina. When he achieves it, he does the following:

a) He throws seven consecutive pebbles at Jamrah Al-Aqaba, the monument closest to Mecca, and says: “The Greatest”, while he: “Allah is the one who throws each pebble.

b) He kills the sacrificial animal, eats some of it and gives some of it to the poor. Slaughtering is obligatory on Mutamati and Qiran.

c) He shaves or cuts his hair; Shaving is preferable. A woman cuts her hair to the length of a fingertip.

These three should be performed in the above order when convenient, but there is no restriction if one precedes the other.

With that, one is permitted to come out of Ihram. He can wear different clothes and do everything that was permissible before Ihram except to engage in conjugal relationships.

He goes to Mecca to perform Tawaf Al-lfadha and Sa’yi, also for Hajj. It is sunnah to put on perfume before going to Mecca.

With the completion of this tawaf and sa’yi, a pilgrim is permitted to do whatever was permitted prior to ihram, including entering into a marriage relationship.

After performing Tawaf and Sa’yi, he returns to Mina to spend the nights of the eleventh and twelfth days.

He stones the three Jamrah on the afternoon of the eleventh and twelfth days. It begins with the first Jamrah, which is furthest from Makkah, then the middle and last Jamrah Al-Aqaba. Each should be stoned with seven consecutive pebbles accompanied by takbir. He stops after the first and middle Jamrah to make supplications facing the Qibla. Stones may not be stoned before noon on these two days. The best way to get to the Jamrah is on foot, but horseback riding is permitted.

If he is in a hurry after the stoning on the twelfth day, he will leave Mina before sunset. But if he wishes to prolong his stay, which is best, he spends the night of the thirteenth in Mina and Steine ​​that afternoon in the same manner as he did on the twelfth day.

When he is ready to return to his country, he makes Tawaf Al-Wadaa, which is seven rounds around the Ka’bah. Menstruating women and women with postnatal discharge are not obligated to perform Tawaf Al-Wadaa.

1. A pilgrim goes to Medina before or after Hajj with the intention of visiting and praying in the Prophet’s Mosque. Prayer there is better than a thousand prayers anywhere except in the Holy Mosque in Mecca.

2. Upon reaching the mosque, he prays two rakaas in greeting or performs a due obligatory prayer.

3. He goes to the tomb of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and stands in front of it. He greets him with the words: “May Allah’s peace, mercy and blessings be upon you, O Prophet. May Allah grant you a good reward on behalf of your people.”

He takes a step or two to the right to position himself in front of Abu-Bakr and greets him by saying, “May Allah’s peace, mercy and blessings be upon you.” O Abu-Bakr, Caliph of the Messenger of Allah. May Allah be pleased with you and grant you a good reward on behalf of Muhammad’s people.”

He then takes a step or two to the right to position himself in front of ‘Umar and greets him by saying, ‘May Allah’s peace, mercy and blessings be upon you, O ‘Umar, Prince of the Believers. May Allah be pleased with you and grant you a good reward on behalf of Muhammad’s people.”

4. In a state of purity, he goes to the Qubaa Mosque to pray.

5. He goes to Al-Baqee to visit Uthman’s grave (may Allah be pleased with him). He stands in front of it and greets him with the words: “May Allah’s peace, mercy and blessings be upon you,

oh Uthman prince of the believers. May Allah be pleased with you and grant you a good reward on behalf of Muhammad’s people.” He greets all other Muslims in Al-Baqee.

6. He goes to Uhud and visits with him the tomb of Hamza (may Allaah be pleased with him) and the other martyrs there. He greets them and begs Allah to grant them forgiveness, mercy and goodwill.

The following is incumbent on the Muhrim for Hajj or Umrah:

1. That he is committed to Allah’s religious duties such as prayer in due time (in the assembly for men).

2. That he avoids what Allah has forbidden, such as obscenity, injustice and disobedience. when someone performs Hajj in it. Let there be no obscenity, malice or quarrels during Hajj ~ [2:197].

3. That he avoids harming the Muslims by word or deed within the Masha’ir or elsewhere.

4. That he avoids all limitations of Ihram:

a. He should not cause the loss of his hair or nails. A thorn prick and the like is harmless, even if it bleeds.

b. He should not perfume himself, his clothes, his food or his drink after entering Ihram. He should also refrain from cleaning himself with scented soap. It does not harm what remains of the effect of the perfume used before Ihram.

c. He should not passionately touch, kiss, etc. his spouse and, even worse, not engage in sexual intercourse.

e. He should not be married or propose to a woman for himself or anyone else. f. He should not be wearing gloves, although there is no harm in wrapping your hands in cloth. This rule applies to both men and women.

a) He cannot cover his head with anything that touches him, although there is no harm in using an umbrella, car top or tent as a shade. It also doesn’t hurt to carry your luggage on your head. b) He must not wear a shirt, turban, hooded trousers or shoes. Only if he cannot get an ezar or sandals can he wear pants or shoes.

c) He cannot wear anything with the same attributes as the above, such as: B. Abea’, Qubaa, hat, undershirt, etc.

He is allowed to wear sandals, rings, glasses, a hearing aid. a watch worn on the wrist or hung around the neck, or a speaking aid. He is permitted to clean himself with unscented detergents and to wash and scratch his head and body, even if he falls out some hair unintentionally. In such a case, there is no obligation for him.

A woman cannot wear a niqab or a burka’. The Sunnah is for her to uncover her face except when men not related to her might see her, in which case it is obligatory for her to cover her face during Ihram and otherwise.

Allah is the giver of success. May His blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad and all his family and companions.

By those in need before Allah, Muhammad As-Salih Al-Uthaimeen

glossary

Abaya’: cape-like wool coat.

Abu Bakr: first Muslim caliph.

Al-Baqee’: a place in Medina.

Al-ldhtebaa: Placing the middle of the Reda’ under the right arm and the ends of it over the left shoulder during Tawaf.

Al-lkhlas: Chapter 112 (Purity of Faith).

Al-Kafirun: Chapter 109 of the Qur’an (Those who reject the Faith).

AlMarwah: Name of the hill where a Muslim Sa’yi begins.

Al-Raml: walking briskly but with small steps during the first three rounds of tawaf.

Arafah: the most important station during the Hajj, located after Muzdalifah.

Ar-Ramy – The stoning.

As-Safaa: Name of the hill where a Muslim finishes his last round of Sa’yi.

Asr: the afternoon prayer.

Burqa’: a face veil like a niqab.

Dhul-Hijja: the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar.

Dhuhr: the noon prayer.

Eid: Celebration for Muslims.

Ezaar: lower cloth of Ihram.

Fajr: Morning prayer.

Hajj: official Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca.

Hamza: one of the Prophet’s uncles and a martyr during the Battle of Uhud.

Ifraad: isolated form of Hajj.

Ihram: the ceremonial state of Hajj making or Hajj clothing itself. Isha night prayer.

Jamrah: Monument in Mina.

Jamrah Al-Aqaba: the monument closest to Mecca.

Ka’bah: the House of Allah in the Holy Mosque in Mecca.

Magrib: Twilight Prayer.

Maqam Ibrahim: the stepping stone of Prophet Abraham.

Mes’aa: the stretch between As-Safaa and Al-Marwah.

Masha’ir: ceremonial shrines.

Mina: one of the ceremonial shrines, a valley near Mecca.

Muhammad – the last of the Prophets, the Prophet of Islam.

Muhrim: a person in Ihram.

Mutamati: a pilgrim performing Hajj Tamattu’.

Muzdalifah: one of the ceremonial shrines of Hajj, between Mina and Arafah.

Namira: Mosque in Mina.

Niqab: a face veil that reveals the eyes through slits

Qiran: a pilgrim who performs Hajj Qiran.

Qibla: The direction in which Muslims pray.

Qiraan: Accompanied form of Hajj.

Quba: a mosque in Medina, formerly on the outskirts.

Quran: the Book of Allah.

Rakaa: a unit of prayer.

Reda’: the upper cloth of Ihram.

Rukn Al-Yamani: The corner of the Ka’bah facing Yemen.

Sa’yi: the walk between As-Safaa and Al-Marwah.

Sunnah: Way of the Prophet.

Surah: a chapter of the Koran.

Takbir: Saying “Allahu Akbar” (“Allah is the Greatest”)

Talbeeya: the supplication that a Muslim recites once he is in Ihram and has formulated his intention.

Tamattu’: pleasant form of Hajj.

Tarwiyya: the eighth of Dhul-Hijja.

Tawaf: circumambulation of the Kaaba

Tawaf Al-lfadha: Tawaf for Hajj.

Tawaf Al-Wadaa: Farewell Tawaf.

Uhud: the name of a mountain in Medina and the site of the battle of that name.

Umar: the second Muslim caliph and first prince of the faithful.

Umrah minor Hajj: the combination of Tawaf and Sa’yi.

Uthman: the third Muslim caliph and second prince of the believers.

Wudhu: Ablution.

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Aurah, concept in Islam

“Awrah” redirects here. For the related term, see Aurat

According to Islam, the intimate area (Arabic: عورة ‘awrah, Arabic: ستر, satr) of the human body must be covered by clothing.[1][2] Exposing the intimate parts of the body is illegal in Islam since the Qur’an directs the covering of male and female genitals and, for adult women, the breasts. Baring them is usually considered a sin. The exposure of intimate parts when necessary, such. B. when going to the toilet or taking a bath, falls under a certain set of rules. Exactly which parts of the body need to be covered differs depending on the Islamic school of thought.

Etymology[ edit ]

In Arabic, the term ‘awrah or ‘awrat (عورة) derives from the root ‘-w-r, which usually means “nudity”.[3]

In Persian and Kurdish, as well as Urdu, the word ‘awrat (Persian: عورت‎), derived from Arabic ‘awrah, has been widely used to mean “woman”. In Mohammad Moin’s Persian dictionary, ‘Awrah leads to two meanings:

Nudity young woman[4]

Other derivations range from blind in one eye to false or artificial, among others. means weak) was associated with femininity and women living under the protection of a man. In contemporary Iran, the use of the two words (‘awrah and za’ifah) for women is uncommon and considered sexist language. Instead, the words zan and xânom are used. In Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, the word za’if is still used in the Tajik dialect of Persian and its subdialects.

Avrat is an often derogatory term for “woman” or “wife” in Turkish.

In the Qur’an[edit]

Aura must be covered. Muslims performing the ritual prayer. They must be covered during the salad.

The term ‘aura as used in the Qur’an is not limited to women or to the body. The Qur’anic text reveals the use of the term in various passages of Surah An-Nur and Surah Al-Ahzab.

The following verse is about privacy as stated in the Qur’anic text:

… and those of you who have not yet reached puberty ask your permission three times (before coming to you); before morning prayers and when undressing for midday (rest) and after night prayers. (These) three times are for your privacy, other than these times there is no sin for you or for them to move and serve (help) one another.[6]

Another passage in the Qur’an that uses the term ‘Awrah is in Surah Al-Ahzab, where it is about fleeing from battle.

It states: “A group of them seek permission from the Prophet and say: ‘Our houses are ‘Aura’, although their houses are not Aura. Their intention is to flee from the battle.”[7][8] In this case, the term ‘awrah means “vulnerable”.[9][7]

There is another context that tells the story of the creation of Adam and Eve in the garden. In both of these cases, the term Saw’ah is used as the equivalent of ‘Awrah.

The text says:

O children of Adam! We lent you clothes to cover your nakedness…[10]

Another word that has almost the same meaning as ‘Awrah is the word farj (Arabic: فرج), the plural is furuj (Arabic: فروج).[11] Another quote regarding the covering of the ‘aura is:

“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the believing women to put their cloaks (veils) over their bodies. That will be better that they should be known (as a decent woman) so as not to get angry. And Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.” -Al-Ahzab:59 (Quran)

The Koran admonishes Muslim women to dress modestly and to cover their private parts.[12] The Qur’an specifically says that “O wives of the Prophet, you are not like any other woman” (Qur’an 33:32) and therefore has separate rules specifically for the wives of the Prophet. The Qur’an requires male believers (Muslims) to converse with the wives of Prophet Muhammad from behind a hijab (curtain or veil). [Quran 33:53] This passage was as follows:

And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and keep their modesty; that they should not show their beauty and their adornments except what (usually) must appear of it; that they should draw their khimār over their breasts and show their beauty only to their husband, their fathers, their husband’s fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers, or their brothers’ sons, or their sisters’ sons, or their wives, or the Slaves possessing their right hands, or male servants devoid of bodily needs, or small children insensitive to the shame of sex; and that they should not kick their feet to draw attention to their hidden adornments. (Quran 24:31)

The khimār is a waist-length veil with a cut-out for the face. It therefore conceals the entire shape of the upper body.

In the following verse, the Prophet’s wives and believing women are asked to put on their jilbab (outer clothing) over themselves (when going out) as a measure to distinguish themselves from others (as Muslim women) so that they are not molested. Sura 33:59 reads:

Those who undeservedly harass believing men and believing women indict (themselves) a slander and a grave sin. O Prophet! Command your wives, your daughters and the wives of true believers to throw their outer garments [jilbāb] over their person (when they are abroad): This is most convenient so that they may be distinguished and not be bothered. […] (Quran 33:58-59)

In the Hadith[ edit ]

Shaykh Tabarsi in Majma’ Al-Bayan commented on this Hadith:

Awrah refers to anything that can be easily damaged, just like a bare or exposed place. It is thus clear that a woman’s body is said to be vulnerable because it is like a house that has no walls and is easily damaged and needs to be covered with appropriate clothing.[13]

Some people, especially in modern times, argue that this does not apply to all Muslim women due to the ayah of Qur’an 33:32. However, the hadiths clearly testify that these were considered universal directions at the time and that most of the face was considered part of the body to be covered:

“After Muhammad commanded the women (Quran 24:31) to cover themselves, the women responded by tearing sheets [or outer garments] to cover their faces.” Sahih Bukhari (60:282)[14]

(This hadith deals with an interpretation of the Quran and not with the Quran itself)

What did the jilbāb usually cover? This is also answered in a hadith:

It was narrated from ‘Aa’ishah that Safwaan ibn al-Mu’attal al-Sulami al Dhakwaani fell behind the army. She said: “He came to where I had stopped and saw the black shape of a sleeping person. He recognized me when he saw me because he had seen me before hijab was prescribed. I woke up hearing him say: ‘Inna Lillaahi wa inna ilayhi raaji’un (Verily Allah we belong and to Him is our return)’ and I covered my face with my jilbāb.” (Narrated by al-Bukhāri, kitāb al maghazi – bābu Hadīth ul ifk, 4141;[14] Muslim, 2770[15])

The details are important and show that Aisha was only recognizable because Safwaan knew her before the sura of the veil. If only Muhammad’s wives had covered their faces, he would still have known her, for she would have been the only woman on that journey whose face he would not have recognized immediately, as she was the only one of his wives on that journey. Therefore, when a woman went out of her house, she was commanded to cover her whole body, including most of her face. Note that although the man would not normally have seen a woman’s face, it was not an act of indecency for Aisha’s face to be seen. She was not later blamed for this.

Within the home, a head veil alone seemed to be sufficient for a woman to be considered dressed. The most quoted passage was this:

“Asma, the daughter of Abu Bakr, entered the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) in thin clothes. The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) turned his attention away from her. He said: O Asma’, when a woman reached the age of menses, it does not become her to show her body parts except this and that, and he pointed to her face and hands Abu Dawud[16]

Asma was not a mahram for Muhammad, and the fact that he did not order her face to be covered indicates that face veiling was not obligatory, at least indoors, and thus exposing the face was not obscene in other contexts either. There are other ahadith that state that Muhammad said that the ‘aura of women included everything except the face and hands and possibly the feet as long as they still wore shoes.

Not only was it traditionally required that all that is ‘Aurah be covered, but it was also required that the ‘Aurah be so covered that the form beneath could not be discerned. These requirements are now usually enforced more often in relation to women’s ‘awrah than men’s.

Differences between men and women[edit]

men [edit]

Pilgrims go to the “Mountain of Mercy”.

In Sunni interpretations, a man’s ‘aura refers to the part of the body from the navel to the knees. The Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanafi and Hanbali schools of thought observe that the abdominal region is included. In particular, these observations generally require that the cloth not be too thin, that it not be so pale that the color of the skin is visible, that a man provide additional covering when the shape of his genitals is discernible, and that the modesty of adulthood applies as soon as a boy turns ten years old.[17]

women [edit]

‘Aura parts. A Turkish woman with a headscarf. Most Muslims are of the opinion that the face and hands are excluded from parts.

‘Aura. A Yemeni woman covering her face with niqab. Some women who wear the niqab believe that a woman’s face is also a part of her

The aura of women is a more complicated subject and changes depending on the situation.

In ritual prayer: A woman should cover her whole body except her entire face and her hands up to the wrist. (The Hanafis differ only on this issue, as they believe that feet, including ankles, can also be excluded). The part between the neck and the chin can also be excluded. (Different scholars have different opinions on this.) A woman should cover her hair and body while performing the ritual prayer, whether she is praying in the presence of her husband or she is praying alone in her chamber, as this is the basis for covering in the Prayer is different than the basis for covering from people.

: A woman should cover her entire body except for her entire face and hands up to the wrist. (The Hanafis differ only on this issue, as they believe that feet, including ankles, can also be excluded). The part between the neck and the chin can also be excluded. (Different scholars have different opinions on this.) A woman should cover her hair and body while performing the ritual prayer, whether she is praying in the presence of her husband or she is praying alone in her chamber, as this is the basis for covering in the Prayer is different than the basis for covering from people. In front of her husband: There is no restriction in Islam on which parts of the body a woman may show her husband in private. The man and woman can see every part of each other’s bodies, especially during intercourse.

: There is no restriction in Islam as to which body parts a woman may show her husband privately. The man and woman can see every part of each other’s bodies, especially during intercourse. In Privacy: It is recommended that a person covers their genitals even when alone in privacy. There are exceptions if necessary, for example when bathing or going to the toilet.

: It is recommended that a person covers their genitals even when alone in private. There are exceptions if necessary, for example when bathing or going to the toilet. Among other women: A woman’s ‘aura among other women is the same as a man’s ‘aura (from her navel to her knees). ‘Awrah in front of non-Muslim women is a point of contention. Some scholars say that women should cover everything but their hands and face, while the most preferred view is that a Muslim woman can reveal just as much to a non-Muslim woman as she would to other Muslim women. [18]

: A woman’s body among other women is that of men (from belly button to knees). in front of non-Muslim women is a point of contention. Some scholars say that women should cover everything but their hands and face, while the most preferred view is that a Muslim woman can reveal just as much to a non-Muslim woman as she would to other Muslim women. Before a mahram (close male relative): there are three Sunni opinions:

It is from the shoulders and neck down (or navel) to below the knees (inclusive) (Maliki and Hanbali opinion) (Alternative Hanafi opinion)

In front of male children: When the child understands what the aura is, a woman is not allowed to reveal her aura in front of him.

If the child understands what that is, then it is not permissible for a woman to bare it in front of him. In front of non-mahram men: There is disagreement as to what parts of the body a woman should cover in front of men who are not her mahram. In today’s world there is a common argument that a free woman’s body (except for her face and hands up to her wrists/forearms) is ‘Aurah and therefore not only during prayer but also in public and closed Rooms must be covered from all non-mahram men. The Hanafis also see the feet (including the ankles) as excluded from ‘Aurah.[19][20][21]

However, these above views are only the dominant view and do not represent all of Islam as there are alternative views such as: B. the view that covering all parts of a woman’s body except for the face and hands applies only during Salah and Ihram and the view that a woman must cover every part of her body at all times except in front of her husband.[22]

Whether a woman was required to cover her face is more controversial. Most contemporary scholars agree that covering the face of women was not mandated by either the Qur’an or the traditions of Muhammad. However, many classical jurists felt that such a covering was nonetheless strongly recommended or even required in times of fitnah. Al-Razi, for example, held that by covering her face, a married woman made it clear that she was unavailable. In particular, a man is permitted and even encouraged to face a woman he wishes to marry, even in countries where he would not normally be permitted to do so.

In today’s world, some Muslims insist that a woman’s aura in front of unrelated men is her whole body, including her face and hands, which must be covered in front of non-mahram men at all times.[23][24][25 ] The practice of covering the face is common in several Muslim countries such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Yemen, Oman and Afghanistan. It is not common in other Muslim-majority countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, modern-day Iran, modern-day Turkey, and most of South Asia. These differences reflect different interpretations and understandings of Sharia regarding the wearing of a niqab.

There is disagreement among scholars as to how much should be revealed for a woman before other women and a man before another man. In a hadith narrated by Abu Sa’id al-Khudri, the Prophet said: “A man should not look at another man’s privates, and a woman should not look at another woman’s privates. A man should not lie with another man without wearing underclothes under a blanket; and a woman should not lie with another woman without wearing a slip under a blanket.” (Abu Dawud – authenticated by Sheikh Naseeruddeen-al-Albani.)[26]

Relationship to hijab[edit]

Afghan women wear burqas, the most veiling of all Islamic garments, with netting protecting the eyes

Some Muslim women, especially those living in some parts of the Middle East and South Asia, wear the hijab headscarf. [citation needed] The style most commonly worn in the West is a rectangular cloth that covers the head and neck but leaves the face visible. [citation needed] Other styles also completely cover the hair, neck and shoulders but the face and hands are not covered as they are not considered an aura for the Muslims who wear them.

Female voice[edit]

According to most scholars, the woman’s voice is not in principle (see quote) aura because according to the hadith, women complained to the Prophet and asked him about Islamic matters.

Also, according to tradition in ritual prayer, a woman should attract the imam’s attention by clapping instead of saying “Subhanallah,” which is for men. There is disagreement as to whether or not a woman may recite the Qur’an in the presence of non-mahram men.

Certain scholars have concluded from the above differences that in some cases a woman’s voice is also her aura.[27][28][29]

Debates, deliberations and activism[ edit ]

Especially since modern times, the concepts of awarah (private area), haya (modesty), various levels of seclusion of Muslim women, and the extent to which Muslims limit their exposure to physical aspects and associations with Islamic dress; have not only been disputed by non-Muslims and ex-Muslims, but have also been a constant subject of discussion, deliberation, debate, movement and also part of advisory literature within Muslim societies, including that of ordinary Muslim individuals, various traditional school scholars, intellectuals, numerous political dispensations and sometimes challenged by individuals and groups of cultural Muslims; Liberals and progressives, modernists and Islamic feminists.[17] (Needs additional citations as well)

In the 1930s, shortly after the Turkish reforms under Kemal Atatürk, Malaysians (Malaysians) debated how far they adhered to traditional Islamic social restrictions on aura – commonly referred to as “aurat” in Indonesia and Malaysia – and modesty in contemporary Islamic dress should and should Western modernity is truly essential and conducive.[17]

See also[edit]

Renunciation of Hajj and Qiyamah Author: Zain Miah

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Hadith on Hajj: The Hour will not come until Hajj is given up

Narrated Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم said: “The Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages will continue even after the appearance of Gog and Magog.”

Al-Shu’bah also narrated:

“The hour is not built until nobody takes the Hajj.” [Source: ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhaari 1593] عَنْ سَعِيدٍ ا ا اللَّهُ عَنْهُ ا اocket ا ا عَ وَسَ قَلَّمَ

“Struction sce وَ وَ خُرُوجِ يَأْجُوجَ قَ قَ قَ قَ َ َ ا السَّاعَةُ َ َ َ الْبَيْتُ” [1593 ا البخاري كتاب الحج]

To dispel the misconceptions that this year could be the unprecedented moment when Hajj is abandoned, let’s look back at history. If Hajj were indeed canceled in 2020, it would not be the first, it would be added to a list of nearly 40 dramatic cancellations since the first in 629 AD. We take a look at some of the most notable cancellations in history:

865 AD Massacre of pilgrims by the Karmatians

The Shia Qarmatian state began continuous attacks on Mecca and its pilgrimage routes before 930 AD, part of a larger conflict with the Abbasid Caliphate. In 930 AD, Islamic scholars issued a fatwa forbidding pilgrimage to Mecca due to the lack of life and property security. In the same year, the leader of the Qarmatians, Abu Tahir Al-Jannabi, raided Mecca and massacred tens of thousands of pilgrims. Historians state that the Carmatians banned pilgrimage for more than 10 years. Before the Shia Qarmatians left Mecca, they stole the Hajar Al-Aswad (The Black Stone), which dates from the time of Adam and Eve. The two stolen items remained under their control for 20 years. The Abbasids paid 120,000 dinars in 952 for the return.

983 AD Political dispute between Abbasid and Fatimid caliphs

Politics have also disrupted the Hajj. 983 AD, a bitter political dispute between the rulers of two conflicting caliphates; The Abbasids in Iraq and Syria and the Fatimids in Egypt prevented Muslims from traveling to Mecca for the holy pilgrimage. The dispute lasted eight years before the Hajj routes resumed in 991 AD.

1814AD & 1831AD plague epidemic

Not only conflicts and massacres have canceled the Hajj. The spread of the plague epidemic in the Hijaz region (southeastern Arabia) in 1814 AD, which caused the deaths of about 8,000 people, also brought the pilgrimage to a standstill that year. Similarly, Mecca was struck by a plague from India in 1831, killing three quarters of the pilgrims and halting pilgrimage.

1837AD-1858AD series of epidemics

In a period of nearly two decades, the Hajj was interrupted three times, preventing pilgrims from entering Mecca for a total of seven years. In 1837, another plague struck the holy city, putting things on hold until 1840. Then, in 1846, a cholera outbreak hit Mecca, killing more than 15,000 people and plaguing its inhabitants until 1850. In 1858, another global cholera pandemic hit Mecca, prompting Egyptian pilgrims to flee en masse to the Red Sea coast , where they were quarantined.

History shows many different obstacles that led to the cancellation of the Hajj, this current pandemic would be no different. Yes, it would be a devastating blow to our hearts and livelihoods; but taking it as a sign of the approaching end of the world is pointless. At the present time, the facts and predictions for the very near future are still uncertain. As this year’s COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt life as we know it, the Hajj pilgrimage could be canceled due to the coronavirus. Saudi officials have sealed off the country’s borders to foreigners and imposed sweeping restrictions on movement within the kingdom, partly in hopes of eradicating the disease ahead of the Hajj. Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Muhammad Saleh bin Taher Banten told state television:

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stands ready to ensure the safety of all Muslims and nationals”, “That is why we have urged all Muslims around the world to keep signing agreements until we have a clear vision.”

Preparations must rightly be made for a possible cancellation of the pilgrimage and protecting the health and welfare of Saudi citizens will be a priority for the Saudi state. Includes protection of millions of potential believers who may fall victim to the virus during the pilgrimage.

The looming cancellation of this year’s Hajj has led some observers to believe that a prophecy of the end of days is near, as quoted at the beginning of this article. Shiraz Maher, Lecturer in War Studies at King’s College London, commented: “The Saudi authorities appear to be preparing people psychologically for the possibility that the Hajj may have to be cancelled. They have started to point to historical instances from the past when Hajj had to be suspended due to various reasons including disasters and war. I think this is part of a broader attempt to reassure people that when it happens it’s not entirely unprecedented.”

That is indeed the attitude we should hold as Muslims, an optimistic approach with full faith in our Creator and Sustainer. Allah is the best planner and knows best. Whatever He foresees is for the good of our Ummah and humanity as a whole. If the Hajj is to be canceled this year, this does not refer to the ‘abandonment’ as perceived.

When could this time be? Therein would lie the reality of the last few hours. However, at the moment this is not the case. Praise be to Allah, our nation is strong and prospering and continues to prosper under all the difficulties we face. We should take comfort in the glorious quarantine and isolation that Allah has placed across the globe to allow us individuals to reflect and correct our closeness to Him. To take this blessing to eliminate misconceptions and theories that are thrown around our wonderful religion. Let us immerse ourselves in the true belief in Allah and use our free time to open guidance to mankind; The Holy Quran. Find rest and contentment in the words of Allah.

The one mentioned in the hadiths and prophecies of our Prophet Muhammad, s of Hajj. It refers to a time when people will immediately give up the desire for Hajj. That is to say, there are no longer any Muslims who have any desire to undertake the pilgrimage, and at a time when the religion of Islam is almost on the verge of diminution…

The world and all our affairs are gloomy at this moment, open your heart and hands in du’a to heaven and ask for protection from the various calamities, for ourselves and our loved ones far away, by giving us patience and infuse Allah’s decree. Before and after our obligatory prayers in remembrance of Allah and His Messenger, take time out when Allah addresses us: “Those who believe and whose hearts are safe by the remembrance of Allah. Undoubtedly, hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah.” [Surat al-Rad 13:28]

With oceans of useful knowledge, from physical books to the digital world, let’s find the subject we’ve always wanted to digest further and spend some of our time investing in the afterlife. As narrated from Abu Hurairah, a companion of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم: The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم said: ‘Is not cursed and is not the world cursed? It is so except for the remembrance of Allah and what facilitates it, the scholar and the seeker of knowledge.’” [Al-Tirmidhi 2322] We pray that we will all come through together as stronger and better Muslims.

اللّّهُمّّ إِنِّي أá أوذُ بِكِك مِنَ الْبَ bump

(Allahumma inni a’uzubika minal baros, wal junuun wal juzzam, wa min sayyi’il-asqam) O Allah, I seek refuge in You from leprosy, madness, elephantiasis and evil diseases [Abi Dawud 20]

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FILE – In this September 11, 2016 file photo, Muslim pilgrims pray outside the Namira Mosque in Arafat, on the second and most important day of the annual haj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. After spending the night in the vast valley of Mina, the pilgrims head to Mount Arafat, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of Mecca, for the culmination of the pilgrimage. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty, File)

FILE – In this September 11, 2016 file photo, Muslim pilgrims pray outside the Namira Mosque in Arafat, on the second and most important day of the annual haj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. After spending the night in the vast valley of Mina, the pilgrims head to Mount Arafat, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of Mecca, for the culmination of the pilgrimage. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty, File)

Over 2 million Muslims from around the world begin the five-day Haj pilgrimage on Friday. You will circumambulate Islam’s holiest site, the cube-shaped Kaaba in Mecca, and participate in a series of rituals designed to bring about greater humility and unity among Muslims.

This year’s Hajj comes at a time of heightened sectarian and political tensions in the Persian Gulf and as Muslim minorities in China, Myanmar, India, New Zealand and other countries face increasing threats, even attacks.

Here is a look at pilgrimage and what it means to Muslims:

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WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF HAJJ?

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Hajj is a pillar of Islam that is required of all Muslims once in their lifetime. It’s a physically demanding journey that Muslims believe offers a chance to wipe away past sins and start anew before God. Pilgrims attempt to deepen their faith during Hajj, with some women adopting the head covering known as “hijab.”

Despite the physical challenges, many people rely on sticks or crutches and insist on walking the routes. Those who cannot afford the Hajj are sometimes funded by charities or community leaders. Others save their entire lives to make the journey.

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WHAT IS THE STORY OF HAJJ?

Following a route once trodden by Prophet Muhammad, Muslims trace the rites of Hajj to the Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail, or Abraham and Ishmael as they are called in the Bible.

Muslims believe that Ibrahim’s faith was tested when God commanded him to sacrifice his only son, Ismail. Ibrahim was ready to submit to the command, but then God held back his hand and spared his son. In the Christian and Jewish versions of the story, Abraham is commanded to kill his other son, Isaac.

Pilgrims also trace the path of Ibrahim’s wife Hagar, who Muslims believe walked between two hills seven times to find water for her dying son. Tradition holds that God then created a fountain that continues to flow today.

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WHY IS THE KAABA SO IMPORTANT TO MUSLIMS?

Islamic tradition holds that the Kaaba was built thousands of years ago by Ibrahim and Ismail as a house of monotheistic worship. Over the years, the Kaaba has been reconstructed, attracting different types of pilgrims that once lived in the Arabian Peninsula. In pre-Islamic times, the Kaaba was used to house pagan idols worshiped by local tribes.

Muslims do not worship the Kaaba, but it is Islam’s holiest site because it represents the metaphorical house of God and the oneness of God in Islam. Devout Muslims around the world face the Kaaba during their five daily prayers.

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WHAT RITUALS ARE PERFORMED DURING HAJJ?

Pilgrims enter a state of spiritual purity known as Ihram, which aims to discard symbols of materialism, abandon worldly pleasures, and focus on the inner self rather than outward appearance.

Women eschew make-up and perfume and wear loose-fitting clothing and a hat, while men dress in seamless white terrycloth clothing. The white garments must not contain any seams – a restriction intended to emphasize the equality of all Muslims and to prevent wealthier pilgrims from differentiating themselves with more elaborate garments.

Muslims in the state of Ihram are forbidden from having sexual intercourse, cutting their hair or trimming their nails. It is also forbidden for pilgrims to quarrel, fight or lose their temper during the Hajj. Inevitably, the pilgrims’ patience and tolerance are tested by the large crowds and physical exhaustion.

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THE FIRST DAY OF THE HAJJ

The Hajj traditionally begins in Mecca with a smaller “Umrah” pilgrimage, which can be performed throughout the year. To perform Umrah, Muslims circumambulate the Kaaba counterclockwise seven times while reciting supplications to God, and then walk between the two hills traveled by Hagar. The Great Mosque of Mecca, the largest in the world, includes the Kaaba and the two hills.

Before traveling to Mecca, many pilgrims also visit the Saudi city of Medina, where the Prophet Mohammed is buried and where he built the first mosque.

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THE SECOND DAY OF HAYY

After spending the night in the vast valley of Mina, the pilgrims head to Mount Arafat, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of Mecca, for the culmination of the pilgrimage.

Thousands will also scale a hill called Jabal al-Rahma, or Mount of Mercy. It was here that Prophet Muhammad delivered his last sermon, in which he called for equal rights for mankind and for the unity of Muslims. He reminded his followers of women’s rights and that all Muslim life and possessions are sacred.

Around sunset, pilgrims head to an area called Muzdalifa, 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) west of Arafat. Many walk while others use buses. They spend the night there, collecting pebbles along the way to be used in a symbolic stoning of the devil at Mina, where Muslims believe the devil was trying to dissuade Ibrahim from submitting to God’s will.

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THE LAST THREE DAYS OF HAJJ

The last three days of Hajj are marked by three events: a final circumambulation of the Kaaba, the pouring of stones at Mina, and the removal of Ihram. Men often shave their heads and women cut off a lock of hair at the end as a sign of renewal.

The last days of the Hajj coincide with Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, celebrated by Muslims around the world to commemorate Ibrahim’s test of faith. During the three-day Eid, Muslims slaughter cattle and distribute the meat to the poor.

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Hajj, also spelled ḥadjdj or Hajj, is the Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia that every adult Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime. Hajj is the fifth of the fundamental Muslim practices and institutions known as the five pillars of Islam. The pilgrimage rite begins on the 7th day of Dhū al-Ḥijjah (the last month of the Islamic year) and ends on the 12th day.

The Hajj is incumbent on all Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the pilgrimage, but only if their absence does not cause hardship for their families. A person can perform the Hajj by proxy and appoint a relative or friend who is going on the pilgrimage to “stand up” for him or her.

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The pattern of pilgrimage rites was laid down by the Prophet Muhammad, but variations in it have arisen, and the strict formal itinerary is not strictly observed by the mass of pilgrims, who frequently visit the various Meccan sites out of order.

When the pilgrim is approximately 10 km from Mecca, he or she enters the state of holiness and purity known as Ihram and dons the Ihram attire. for men they consist of two white seamless cloths wrapped around the body, while women may wear sewn clothing. The pilgrims do not cut their hair or nails until the pilgrimage rite is over. They enter Mecca and walk around the holy shrine called the Kaaba seven times, in the Grand Mosque, kiss or touch the Black Stone (al-Ḥajar al-Aswad) in the Kaaba, pray twice towards the Maqām Ibrāhīm and the Kaaba, and run seven times between the small ledges of Mount Ṣafā and Mount Marwah. On the 7th day of Dhū al-Ḥijjah, pilgrims are reminded of their duties. In the second phase of the ritual, which takes place between the 8th and 12th days of the month, the pilgrim visits the holy places outside Mecca – Jabal al-Raḥmah, Muzdalifah and Minā – and sacrifices an animal in commemoration of Abraham’s sacrifice. The male pilgrims’ heads are then usually shaved, and the female pilgrims remove a strand of hair. After the Rajm ritual at Minā, during which pilgrims throw seven stones at three walls (formerly pillars symbolizing the devil) for three consecutive days, the pilgrim returns to Mecca to perform the Farewell ṭawāf, or circumambulation of the Kaaba before he leaves town .

Rajm pilgrims throw stones (rajm) in Jamrat al-ʿAqabah during Hajj, Mecca. Amelli

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About two million people perform the Hajj each year, and the rite serves as a unifying force in Islam, bringing devotees from diverse backgrounds together in religious celebrations. Once a believer has completed the pilgrimage, he can add the title ḥājj or ḥajjī (for a man) or ḥājjah (for a woman) to his name. Pilgrimage, if done properly, is believed to erase previous sins for the sincere believer. Compare ʿumrah.