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Hajj at a glance
Summary
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Ihram

Ihram is the state of consecration for Hajj or Umrah wherein certain things are prohibited (haraam) for them.

Meeqat

The duties of Hajj and Umrah begin with Ihram at the 'meeqat', which is any geographical location some distance from Makkah beyond which a pilgrim may not pass without being in Ihram.

The prophet has specified five such points for assuming Ihram for people coming from various locations to Makkah. It is obligatory for everyone intending Hajj and Umrah to assume Ihram before passing meeqat or else will have to return to the meeqat again to enter Ihram.

"They are for those who come from them and those from beyond them who intend Hajj and Umrah" (Bukhari, Muslim)

 

Dhul-Halaifah	This is the appointed place for the people of Madina. It is 435 KM from Makkah.
Al-Juhfah	for people of al-Shaam (Syria, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon region) and Egypt. It is 180 KM from Makkah.
Yalamlam	For people coming from the side of Yemen. It is about 92 KM from Makkah.
Qarn al-Manaazil	For those coming from or through Najd or Taaif. It is 75 KM from Makkah.
Dhaat Irq	For those coming from Iraq, Khurasan, Central and North Najd. It is about 100 KM from Makkah.

For a person already living within the appointed places can enter the Ihram at their place of residence for Hajj, but for Umrah one should go outside these limits to enter the ihram there.

When the pilgrim reaches the meeqat the male pilgrim wears two clean ihram garments - one wrapped around his waist and the other over his shoulders. Slippers (but not shoes) can be used. No stitched clothes should be used.

There is no particular dress or colour of dress for a woman in Ihram, other than the usually specified. But she should not wear face mask (niqab). (She can cover her face before strange men using a part of her head cover).

When the pilgrim comes by sea or by air, the flight captain will announce approach to meeqat so that the pilgrims can enter the Ihram.

It is permissible for the pilgrim to put on his Ihram garments at home in his own country.

Before Ihram it is recommended to do the following:

• Trim the nails and moustache, remove underarm and pubic hair.
• Take a Ghusl (complete bath)
• Perfume the body (not Ihram garments)

On reaching the meeqat, keeping the intention for the Umrah or the type of Hajj in mind (including on who's behalf Hajj is performed if done on someone else's behalf) start the Talbiyah (chanting). In contrary to the usual practice the Prophet said the niyyat for Ihram aloud, which is hence allowed for ihram alone.

"labbayk-aLLahumma labbayk. labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk. innal-Hamda wanni:mata laka wal-mulk. la shareeka lak"

I respond [in obedience] to you, O Allah, I respond. I respond - There is no partner to you. The Praise and the Favour is Yours, and the Kingdom. There is no partner to you.

In fact this short but beautiful supplication is the only one taught specifically for Hajj.

Men should recite the Talbiya in a loud voice, and women quietly to themselves.

Keep alive the remembrance of Allah

The Talbiyah should be recited as often as possible from the moment of Ihram until the beginning of Tawaaf for Umrah, and until the stoning of the large pillar on the morning of Eid for Hajj.

Also try to praise and glorify Allah, making supplications using standard Duas, which one may specially learn for the occasion, as well as with one's own Duas as often possible.

Especially utter Subhan Allah, Al-Hamdu lilla, Allahu Akbar, La Ilaha Illallah, etc. and the glorification:

Subhan Allah Wabe Hamde hi Subhan Allah Hil Azeem (Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmizi)

This glorification, according to the Prophet is light on tongue but weigh heavy on the scale on the Day of Judgment.

Another valued supplication is

"rabbanaa aatina fid-dunya hasanatan wafil aakhirati hasanatan waqina :daabannaar"

"Our Lord, give us in this world what is good and in the hereafter what is good and protect us from the punishment of fire"

Prohibition during Ihram

1) Removing hair or cutting the nail intentionally

2) Using perfume or scent on the body or clothing.

3) Hunting land animals. The pilgrim is allowed to slaughter livestock as part of the hajj rituals and also kill water animals and eat them. Also he may kill any harmful animals.

4) Cutting or uprooting any trees or green plants.

5) Picking up anything dropped or lost in Makkah except to assist in finding the owner.

6) Marrying, proposing, arranging any marriage, marital intercourse or anything that stimulates desire.
"One in Ihram must mot marry, be wedded or propose"

7) Women should not wear gloves and face mask but may cover their faces using a part of the head cover.

8) Man should not wear stitched garments or cover his head intentionally.

Permissible during Ihram

1) Wear wrist watch, ring, eye glasses, ear phones, belt and sandals.

2) Shade oneself under an umbrella or ceiling

3) Carrying baggage, mattress etc.

4) Bandage a wound

5) Change one's garments.

6) Wash one's head and body.

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