What is IHRAM? What is the conditions imposed whilst in Ihram?

Ihram ( إحرام ) is an Arabic word that denotes a sacred state in which a Muslim must enter in order to perform Umrah or Hajj. The Ihram has two aspects: Zone (Miqat) and Clothes (Libas)

 IHRAM OF THE MIQAT ( ميقات ) ZONE

ihram

 The Miqat is the place where every pilgrim must wear their ihram and make intention to perform Umrah or Hajj. The pilgrim must not pass this zone without ihram; otherwise they will have to pay fidyah (penalty). The Messenger (saw) specifically named the Mawaaqeet (zones) and for whom they are applicable.

 وقت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم لأهل المدينة ذا الحليفة ولأهل الشام الجحفة ولأهل نجد قرن المنازل ولأهل »

صحيح البخاري- كتاب الحج] ]« اليمن يلملم

 The Messenger (saw) said “ (the Miqat) for the people of Madinah is Dhul Hulaifah, for the people of Sham is Al Jahfah, for the people of Najd is Qarn Al Manzil and for the people of Yemen is Yalamlam. [Bukhari – Chapter: Hajj]

 سنن النسائي- كتاب مناسك الحج] ] « أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم وقت لأهل العراق ذات عرق »

 The Messenger (saw) said “For the people of Iraq (their Miqat is) Dhaat ‘Irq” [Nasai – Chapter: The Rites of Hajj]

 The Mawaaqeet (Zones) For Umrah And Hajj مواقيت العمرة والحج

 There are five zones:

1. Dhul Hulaifah ( ذا الحليفة ) is 450km to the north of Makkah and is the Miqat for the people of Madinah
2. Al Juhfah ( الجحفة ) is 187km north-west of Makkah; people also call it Rabigh, usually for people from

Jeddah and also those coming from Syria, Jordan, Palestine and Lebanon.

3. Qarn Al Manazil ( قرن المنازل ) is 94km to the east of Makkah overlooking Arafah and is the Miqat for the

people of Najd.

4. Yalamlam ( يلملم ) is 54km to the south of Makkah and is the Miqat for those coming from Yemen
5. Dhatu Iriq ( ذات عرق ) is 94km to the north-east of Makkah and is the Miqat for the people of Iraq.

However today it has become common practice for the pilgrims to wear their ihram before reaching the Miqat and to make their intention once they reach the zone. If you travel to Hajj by plane, they will announce when to wear the ihram and make niyah (intention). Those pilgrims not flying will make ihram at the closet Miqat to them and those residing inside the zone i.e. (Makkah) will start from where they are.

 IHRAM OF THE LIBAS ( لباس الاحرام ) CLOTHES

IHRAM OF THE LIBAS

 A person that is in the state of ihram is called muhrim (masculine) and muhrimah (feminine)

 THE HAJJ CLOTHING FOR MEN لباس الاحرام الرجال

THE HAJJ CLOTHING FOR MEN

 The Men’s clothes entail two helmless towels (colour white preferred) and slippers.

1. Ridaa’ ( رداء ): is the towel used to cover the upper torso.
2. Izaar ( ازار ): is the lower towel, sometimes this is clipped on by a belt

or safety pin. It must cover between the navel and knees.

3. Ni’aal ( نعال ): are the slippers, the straps should not cover majority of

the feet. In ihram you cannot wear shoes of any form.

The Messenger Muhammad (saw) said,

“let some of you wear Ihram with the Izaar, Ridaa’ and Niaal.”

 The recommended acts before putting on the ihram

 It is recommended for the muhrim to clip his fingernails, trimming the moustache, shave off the hair from under the armpits, shave the pubic hair, make ablution or preferably taking a complete bath (ghusl), to comb their beard and hair.

Ibn ‘Umar said: “It is Sunnah for a pilgrim to take a complete bath before entering the state of ihram or before entering Makkah.” This is reported by Al-Bazzar, Ad-Daraqutni, and Al-Hakim, who considers it a sound hadith.

Perfume may be used on the body as well as the Hajj clothes initially, even if it continues to smell afterwards.

Ibn ‘Abbas said: “Allah’s Messenger (saw) combed his hair, wore some perfume, put on his Hajj clothes, along with his Companions, and then he set out from Madinah accompanied by them” reported by Bukhari.

Once in the state of Ihram do not put perfume or cover your head with anything such as a hat.

 THE HAJJ CLOTHING FOR WOMEN

THE HAJJ CLOTHING FOR WOMEN

 Women’s clothes entail Khimar and Jilbab, without Niqab or gloves.

The Messenger Muhammad (saw) said: ‘women who make Ihram should not cover their face nor wear gloves’

The women may temporarily cover her face by her hand, or make sadlu which is to bring the khimar slightly over the face temporarily to shield the face from foreign men. If she keeps the covering on for longer than necessary she will have to pay fidya (penalty) for this.

Women usually cover using the following:

1. Khimar: A head scarf which must cover up to the jabe (chest)
2. Jilbab: The outer garment which must be loose
3. Niqab: A face veil (NOT ALLOWED IN IHRAM)
4. Kinah: A mask from leather used a lot by the women from Kuwait

and other Khaliji (Gulf) states (NOT ALLOWED IN IHRAM)

There is no restriction for the woman regarding the colours she can wear. White is the best colour to wear at the time of Hajj, however for women they must take care to wear a dark tunic beneath it so that the sun will not shine through it and thus show off their form. The feet is considered awrah by the majority of the schools of thought (Hanafi do not accept this), so the women is allowed to wear socks and shoes whilst in ihram.

 CONDITIONS IMPOSED WHILST IN IHRAM

 What is permitted in Ihram?

1. Bathing and changing
2. Women to wear shoes
3. Cupping, opening abscess, pulling a tooth
4. Wearing a belt or ring
5. Wearing non-perfumed kohl to the eyes
6. Killing flies or harmful animals
7. Sitting under the shade of a umbrella, tree or even a tent

 What is prohibited in Ihram?

 Sexual intercourse

1. Fighting or arguing
2. Wearing sewn clothes
3. Cutting the hair
4. Trimming the nails
5. Using perfumed soap
6. Wearing perfume
7. Wearing hats (men)
8. Getting engaged
9. Getting married
10. Hunting

You must pay a penalty if you commit any of the acts prohibited in ihram, which will usually mean an extra sacrifice.

HAJJ IS WORSHIP

HAJJ IS WORSHIP

In Arabic the word Ibaadah ( عبادة ) worship is a noun composed of all which pleases Allah (swt) whether the deeds are ones intentions (action of the heart), sayings (action of the tongue) or actions (bodily actions).

Unfortunately Hajj is also one the ritual acts where many people involve themselves in shirkiyat (polytheism) and bidah (innovation), we have to be aware of these and avoid them.

Imam Ali (ra) said: “What a noise in hajj, but very few are performing hajj” and that was in the time Ali (ra) where people are supposed to be closer to the wahi (revelation)!

Today Muslims may perform Hajj according to their own interpretation; this is not allowed as the ritual act has a form which must be in accordance with what the Messenger (saw) brought us. There many evidences for this.

The Messenger (saw) said “Take (learn) your ritual acts from me” [Ahmed]

The Messenger (saw) said “”He who does an act which our matter [Islam] is not [in agreement] with will have it rejected.””[Muslim]

We are ordered by Allah (swt) to follow the Messenger Muhammad (saw)

Say: “If you (really) love Allah then follow me (the Messenger (saw)), Allah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [EMQ 3:31]

And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it) [EMQ 59:7]

Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad SAW) you have a good example [EMQ 33:21]

The Messenger (saw) specifically warned us from innovating in the deen.

He (saw) said “And the worst of all affairs are newly-invented matters and every innovation is a misguidance, and every misguidance is in the fire of Hell.” [Abu Dawud] [Tirmidhi]

HAJJ IS OBLIGATORY

It is obligatory on the Muslim who fulfils the conditions for going to Hajj, to perform it at least once in their lifetime. Abu Hurairah (ra) reported: Allah’s Messenger (saw) addressed us and said:

“O people, Allah has made Hajj obligatory for you; so perform hajj.

Thereupon a person said: Messenger of Allah, (is it to be performed) every year? He (the Prophet) kept quiet, and he repeated (these words) thrice, whereupon Allah’s Messenger (saw) said: If I were to say” Yes,” it would become obligatory (for you to perform it every year) and you would not be able to do it…” [Muslim]

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Introduction Hajj

Once a year, Muslims of every ethnic group, colour, social status, and culture gather together in Mecca and Stand before the Kaaba praising ALLAH together.

It is a ritual that is designed to promote the bonds of ISLAMIC brotherhood and sisterhood by showing that every one is equal in fornt of ALLAH. Every one is equal.

The hajj makes Muslims feel real importance of life here on earth and the after life, by stripping away all markers of social status, wealth and pride. In the Hajj all are truly equal.

The Hajjis or pilgrims wear simple white clothes called Ihram. During the Hajj the Pilgrims perform acts of worship and they renew their sense of purpose in the world.

Mecca is a place that is holy to all Muslims. It is so holy that no non-Muslim is allowed to enter.

The Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah) is one of the five pillars of Islam. Anybody declaring to be a Muslim must fulfil this ritual act, or at least have the intention to do so once in their lifetime. There are many evidences with regards to this obligation.

Narrated Ibn Abbas:

The people of Yemen used to come for Hajj and used not to bring enough provisions with them and used to say that they depend on Allah. On their arrival in Medina they used to beg the people, and so Allah revealed, “And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is the fear of Allah.” (2.197). ( Bukhari :: Book 2 :: Volume 26 :: Hadith 598)

Allah say in Quran

“And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka’bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses”[EMQ 3:97]

“And perform properly the Hajj and Umrah for Allah”. [EMQ 2:196]

“And proclaim to mankind the Hajj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Hajj)”.

[EMQ 22:27]

The Messenger Muhammad (saw) said,

“Al-Islam is that you testify that there is none worthy of worship (in truth) but Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, you establish the prayer, you pay the Zakah, you fast in Ramadan, and you perform pilgrimage to the House (of Allah) if you have the capability.” [Muslim]

Islam is built upon five; to testify that there is none worthy of worship (in truth) but Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, and to establish the prayer, to pay Zakah, to make pilgrimage and fast in Ramadan. [Muslim]

 

Umrah, Haj visa quotas to remain for 2015

Reduced quotas for the number of visas issued to pilgrims for Umrah and Haj will remain in place for 2015, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Haj has reportedly confirmed.

The number of visas for foreign Muslims was halved and the local quota was cut by 20 percent during construction work at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Islam’s holiest site.

Saudi Arabia is spending about $20 billion renovating and extending the Grand Mosque. It says it will eventually be able to accommodate 2.2 million pilgrims at a time, as well as doubling capacity at the Mataf from 48,000 per hour to 105,000 per hour.

About 6 million people are expected to visit the site during this Umrah and Haj season.

Ministry of Haj spokesman Hatem Al Qadi told Arab News that the decision to keep pilgrim numbers low would help maintain health and safety during the construction period, which is expected to be several years.

He also reiterated a plea for pilgrims to wait at least five years before again performing Haj – one of the Five Pillars of Islam that requires Muslims to visit Makkah at least once in their lives.

Hajj and Umrah: Is the fifth pillar of Islam (Part 1)

Hajj and Umrah was ordained in the sixth year after the migration of the Holy Prophet (SAW). It suffices for a Hajj and Umrah once in a lifetime, and performing more than once is voluntary.

The Pilgrim whose Hajj is accepted by ALLAH is given the good things that he would return with all his sins being forgiven. The Holy Prophet (SAW) says: “He who performs Hajj with no obscenity or evil practices will come out from all sins as a newly born baby.”(Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Pilgrimage we will guide you through the steps of pilgrimage and try to be as brief as possible without leaving anything important out or unattended.

Meeqat

Before arriving at the Meeqat (the place from where a Hajji assumes the state of Ihram), do Ghusl (a ritual take bathe), use perfume, but not your Hajji Cloths, perfume can be used in two piece of cloth on with no headgear. The cloths should not be in fitting. One piece to cover the upper part of the body, and the second to cover the lower part of body. The women’s Ihram (i.e. cloths of Hajji) is any good, loose cloth that covers her entire body and that fulfill all Islamic conditions of Hijab, while exposing her face, hands and not using any perfumes. If the time comes for obligatory prayer whilst assuming Ihram, you can offer prayer in Ihram. If not, you can pray two Rakat after ablution (wadu).

You should be start the state of Ihram by announce the types of Hajj you intend to perform. For Hajj-e-Ifraad you should say: “Labbike Allahumma Hajjan.” For Hajj-e-Qiraan you should say:”Labbike Umratan wa Hajjan.” For Hajj-e-Tamattu you say: “Labbike Umrah.” After finish his Umrah once go back to normal (No Ihram restrictions). Then, you repeat the DUA of Hajj, call Talbiyyah, saying: “Labbike Allahumma Labbike. Labbika laa shareeka laka labbike, Innalhamda wan-n’imata laka walmulk, laa shareek lak Labbike.”

When are you in condition of Ihram, you are not allowed to do any of the following: wear any form fitting clothes, cut or shave hair from any part of body, use perfumes on the body or clothes, clip your nails, engage in hunting, eat game meat (unless it was not exclusively hunted for him or another pilgrim), contract a marriage or have sexual relation and all matters leading to it. As for a women Hajji, she is forbidden to wear a Hijab (i.e. a veil that is tied on the face), or gloves. However, in the presence of men she draws down a veil from her head to cover her face.

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas: Allah’s Apostle was prevented from performing (‘Umra) Therefore, he shaved his head and had sexual relations with his wives and slaughtered his Hadi and performed Umra in the following year. (Bukhari: Book 3: Volume 28: Hadith 36)

Arriving in Makkah

Arriving at the grand mosque in Makkah (Masjid-Al-Haram) you should enter with your right foot and read dua Allahuma aftahli Abwaaba WA Rehmatika. You should enter in a manner expressing humility and gratitude to the blessings. He conferred on you.

Before performing tawaaf makes sure that the sheets of Ihram are in Idh-Dhibba’ position (to wrap the upper sheet of Ihram below the right arm and hang over the left shoulder so that the right shoulder is uncovered) this is done exclusively during tawaf.

Start Tawaaf from the black stone keeping the Kabah to your left. Kiss the black stone if possible, touch it with your right hand if possible, otherwise just point at it with your right hand, without harming others, saying “Bismillah, Allah ho Akbar.” Then sink yourself in remembrance of ALLAH, make dua and asking for forgiveness.

In the first three circuits of Tawaaf it is Sunnah to make Ramal (for men only).
Ramal means to walk hastily, take shorter steps, lifting the legs forcefully, keeping the chest out and moving the shoulders simultaneously.

One should walk normally in the four remaining circuits.

Commence the Tawaaf by moving towards the door of the Ka’ba counter-clockwise). Move around the Ka’ba and the Hateem. It is Mustahab to place the right palm or both the palms on the Rukne Yamaanee during every round.

Touching it any other way or kissing it, is not recommended by the Shari’at.

When there are huge crowds or inconvenience is caused to others by touching the Rukne Yamaanee, omit it.

Perform Tawaaf with utmost humbleness, sincerity, dignity and respect. It is recommended that during Tawaaf ones behavior and conduct be similar to that of Salah. Looking about, pushing, mocking, etc. should be avoided.

“Rabbanaa Aatinaa Fid Dunyaa Hasanatan Wa Fil Aakhirati Hasanatan Wa Qinaa Adhaabannar”

O Allah, grant us goodness in this world, and goodness in the hereafter and save us from the punishment of the fire

Circumambulate the Ka’bah for seven times starting from the Black Stone and ending by it; saying Allah-u-Akbar whenever you are parallel to it. After Tawaaf, cover your right shoulder again, go to Maqaam Ibrahim (Ibrahim’s station) and recite: “Wattakhithoo Min Maqaami Ibrahim Musallaa” [Al-Baqarah: 125] you should recite this in Arabic if you know how, otherwise just perform two Rak’ahs behind it (if possible or anywhere in the mosque when crowded). Recite chapter 109 of the Quran in the first Rak’ah and chapter 112 in the second.

Ascend Mount As-Safaa and recite (in Arabic only): “Inna As-Safaa Wal-Marwata Min Sha’aa’irillaah” [Al-Baqarah: 157]. After this you say: “I begin with what Allah began with.” Face the Ka’bah and raise your hands in supplication saying thrice: “Laa Ilaaha Illallaah wahdah, Anjaza Wa’dah, Wa Nasar ‘Abdah, WA Hazamal-Ahzaab Wahdah.” Then make dua for yourself.

Descend from As-Safaa and Al-Marwah, when you reach the two green signs, increase your pace between them and run. Then return to your normal pace until you reach Al-Marwah. Immerse yourself in remembrance of Allah praying to him whilst walking.

Narrated Salim: (Abdullah) bin ‘Umar used to say, “Is not (the following of) the tradition of Allah’s Apostle sufficient for you? If anyone of you is prevented from performing Hajj, he should perform the Tawaf of the Ka’ba and between As-Safa and Al-Marwa and then finish the Ihram and everything will become legal for him which was illegal for him (during the state of Ihram) and he can perform Hajj in a following year and he should slaughter a Hadi or fast in case he cannot afford the Hadi.” (Bukhari: Book 3: Volume 28: Hadith 37)

Upon reaching Al-Marwah, ascend it, face the Ka’bah and say as you’ve said on As-Safaa. Thus you have fulfilled one lap of seven. Going back to As-Safaa, walk calmly and hasten on reaching the aforementioned green sign. The same steps are repeated in each of the seven laps.

Shaving the head or Trimming the Hair

After say if you are performing Hajj-e-Tamattu is preferable to trim (and not shave) your hair and with this you end your Umrah rights. At this stage, the prohibitions of the state of Ihram are lifted and you can resume your normal life. If you are performing Hajj-e-Qiraan or Hajj-e-Ifraad you remain in the state of Ihraam and this Saai suffices you from having to do it at the end of Hajj.

Narrated Al-Miswar: Allah’s Apostle slaughtered (the Hadi) before he had his head shaved and then he ordered his Companions to do the same. (Bukhari: Book 3: Volume 28: Hadith 38)

Narrated Nafi: That Abdullah and Salim said to ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar, “(You should not go for Hajj this year).” ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar replied, “We set out with the Prophet (to Mecca for performing ‘Umrah) and e infidels of Quraish prevented us from reaching the Ka’ba. Allah’s Apostle slaughtered his Budn (camels for sacrifice) and got his head shaved.” (Bukhari: Book 3: Volume 28: Hadith 39)