Haj and Umra Guide
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We are delighted to offer useful information taken from the book ‘Hajj and Umrah – A comprehensive guide’ by Maulana Ebrahim Ibn Ismail. Published by Ilmi Publications & Propagations, Leicester.
Allah ta-Allah says
“Perform Haj and Umra for Allah”. (Baqarah 196)
“Pilgrimage to the house of Allah is a duty onto mankind for him who has the means to find the way thereunto; and whosoever disbelieves, then verily Allah is free and independent from the entire universe.” (Al-Imran 197).
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There are three types of Haj the selection of which is on personal choice, however Qiraan is most rewarding than Tamattu and then Ifraad.
Qiraan (combined)
To perform Umra and Haj with one Ihram.
Tamattu (interrupted)
To perform Umran and Haj with two separate ihrams. Once for Umra and once for Haj. The one who performs tamattu is called Mutamatti.
Irfaad (Single)
Perform Haj only.
Back to the top of the pageThe conditions that make Haj compulsory are:
- To be a Muslim
- To be mentally fit
- To be physically fit
- Baaligh (physically matured)
- To have sufficient provision for dependents for the duration of absence; to possess all requirements for travel and be financially independent
- Security of route
- A woman must be accompanied by her husband or a Mahram (a male adult whom she cannot marry according to Islamic law)
- A woman must not be in iddat (4 months and 10 days after the death of her husband or 3 months after a divorce)
When conditions that make Haj faraz are found then one must perform Haj during the first available Haj period. Delaying the Haj is a very grave sin.
Back to the top of the pageSincerity in intention is necessary for all out actions, as no Ibadat is accepted by Allah ta-Allah without sincerity. It is necessary that the intending Haji performs Haj solely for the pleasure of Allah. Before departure one should repent sincerely. One should ask Allah to forgive all his past sins and make a firm intention to abstain from committing sins in the future.
During travel one is usually neglectful with salaat. Salaat should not be disregarded under any circumstance, even during the journey. The intending Haji should visit all family members, relatives and friends; seek their blessings forgiveness and request to make dua’s for this journey.
At the time of departure say the following dua:
Istudeh Ullaha Deenakum Wa A Ma Na Ta Kum Wa Ghawateema Ahmalehkum
Translation: In the name of Allah, upon all I rely, there is no strength (to do good) nor power (to prevent evil) except with the help of Allah.
When travelling to Haj:
Bismillah. Al Humdo Lillah Hillazee Sughara Lana Haza Wa Ma Kunna Lahoo Mukreh Feena Wa Inna Elah Rabbena Lamoon Ka Le Boon
Translation: In the name of Allah. Praise be to Allah who made it submissive to our control and we are not to control it without doubt we certainly will return to our creator.
One who intends to travel beyond the Haram boundary (Makkah) for whatever reason must enter into Ihram before the Meeqat boundary.
One who intends to proceed directly to Makkah via Jeddah for whatever reason must wear Ihram before entering Jeddah. Wear the Ihram before landing at Jeddah. The best method is to enter into Ihram from home or the last point leaving for Jeddah, at the airport (e.g. London Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester, Cairo, Amman, etc).
Those travelling directly to Madina via Jeddah will not enter into Ihram when travelling from Madina to Makkah enter into Ihram before entering the Meeqat boundary on the way to Makkah. The Meeqat for those travelling from Madina is ZilHuaifah, commonly known as Bir Ali or Abyaar Ali.
Before Ihram it is Mustahab(required) to clip the nails, remove hair below navel, armpits and trim the hair of the head, beard and moustache and to have coition with ones wife if there are no Islamic prohibitions.
Therefore perform Ghusl or Wudhu. This applies to women in the state of menstruation or Nifaas (bleeding after childbirth).
The mens’ Ihram comprises of two white sheets. Hang one sheet around the waist, this sheet must cover the navel but must not hang below the ankles. A money belt can be used to tie around the waist otherwise a know may be tied. Cover the upper part of the body with the other sheet, leaving the head and face uncovered. Do not leave the right arm/shoulder uncovered. It is unlawful for males to wear any other garment, even underwear. The footwear must be such that the central bones of the upper part of the feet (the area of the shoelace) are uncovered. Flip flops are convenient. Hair oil and attar can be used before the Neeyat intention of Ihram.
Women will continue to wear their everyday clothes however she should cover her face in a manner that the veil touches her face. Do not confuse the Ihram with the parda. The covering of the face is not part of the Ihram, but is part of the parda.
After wearing the Ihram, perform 2 rakats Nafl salaat. Men should cover their heads during this salaat. After the salaat, uncover the head.
Back to the top of the pageAfter Ihram salaat make intention for Umrah or Haj. It is wajib (required) to make intention and recite Talbiyah. Without the intention and Talbiyah the state of Ihraam is void.
Dua for Intention of Ihram:
Allaahumma Innee Ureedul Umrata Fayassirha Lee WaTaqabbalhaa Minee
Translation: O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, render it easy for me and accept it from me.
Talbiyah - To be recited three times:
Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk. Labbaykalaa Sharee Ka LaKa Labbayk. Innal Hamda Wanneh mata Laka wal Mulk - Laa Shareekalak.
Translation: Here I am at your service O Allah. I am present, you have no partner. I am present. All praise and
graciousness as well as the entire universe is yours. You have no partner.
After intention and Talbiyah, humbly ask Allah to forgive all your sins, protect you from the punishment of the Grave, reckoning on the day of Judgement and from the fires of Hell. Ask Allah to grant you Janna and accept your Hajj/Umrah and all your worship.