Frequently Asked Questions About Hajj
Answer: Hajj is obligatory for every mentally sound, mature, and financially capable Muslim.
Answer: Those who cannot go for Hajj due to reasons like old age or a permanent illness can send a representative (proxy) to perform Hajj on their behalf. This way, they can both fulfill their obligation and attain the reward of Hajj, while being relieved of the duty.
Answer: They should make a will (bequest) to have Hajj performed on their behalf from their inheritance. Otherwise, they will remain accountable for not fulfilling the obligation. (İrşadüs-Sârî, p. 43)
Answer: According to the authentic narrations from Imam Yusuf and Imam Azam, the obligation of Hajj is immediate (fevrî). This means that when Hajj becomes obligatory for a person, they should go for Hajj at the earliest opportunity. Delaying it would lead to accountability. According to Imam Muhammad, however, immediate performance of Hajj is not obligatory. If one fulfills it in later years, they will not be held accountable. (İrşadüs-Sârî, p. 17)
Answer: If one-third of the inheritance left by your father is sufficient to fulfill his will, then fulfilling the will is obligatory. However, if the inheritance is not enough, it becomes optional for the heirs to fulfill the will. If the heirs choose to, they can use their own funds to fulfill the will.
Answer: Yes, he will be relieved. Just as your father would be relieved of a monetary debt when you pay it off.
Answer: No, under today’s conditions, it would not become obligatory. This is because there is no opportunity to wait there until the time of Hajj. (İrşadüs-Sârî, p.300)
Answer: No, if you couldn’t find the opportunity to go for Hajj, you wouldn’t pass away with the obligation. However, it would be advisable to leave a will for your heirs to perform Hajj on your behalf from your estate. (İrşadüs-Sârî, p.43)
Answer: Firstly, your intention should solely be for the sake of Allah’s pleasure. Any rights owed to others should be fulfilled, disputes should be settled, reconciliations should be made with those you are at odds with, elders should be visited to receive their blessings, farewells should be said to friends and family, acts of charity should be given, and before leaving your home, you should pray a two-unit travel prayer (salat al-safar).
Answer: Prayers made upon seeing the Kaaba are said to not be rejected. When you see the Kaaba, you should pray for good outcomes (leaving this world with faith and the Quran), entering paradise without being held accountable, guidance for your children, protection from all kinds of harm, calamities, and the evils of the ego and Satan. You should earnestly ask Allah for these blessings.
Answer: It is more appropriate for the person offering the gifts and completing the recitations to do so personally. However, delegating these tasks to scholars is also possible.
Answer: In brief, they can be dedicated like this: “Elhamdulillahi rabbil’alemin. Wassalatu wassalamu ala seyyidina Muhammedin wa ala alihi wa ashabihi ecmain. Ya Rabbi… I humbly dedicate the reward of this blessed recitation to the noble soul of the beloved Prophet Muhammad, to his noble family and companions, to the spirits of the exalted Ahl al-Bayt, to the spirits of our blessed lineage of saints… To my own humble and sinful soul, to the soul of my spouse… To the souls of our forefathers and relatives who have passed on to the Hereafter… To the souls of all believers and people of the Quran… I offer this gift. May You accept and convey it, O Lord… Additionally, you can include any other prayers you wish.”
The pilgrim who would like to perform hajj al-tamattu makes his intention to perform only umrah in the place of miqat as follows, “Nawaytu al-umrata wa ahramtu biha lillahi taala. Labbayk allahumma labbayk. Labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Inna al-hamda wa al-ni’mata laka wa al-mulk. La sharika lak.” (I intend to perform umrah and enter the state of ihram for it for the sake of Allah Almighty. Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am. You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty, You have no partner.)
When the pilgrim who performs hajj al-tamattu arrives in Mecca, he performs tawaf and sa’y for umrah and then has his hair shaved, and he is released from the state of ihram. He then enters the state of ihram again for hajj when the proper time comes and performs hajj. It is compulsory for the pilgrim who performs hajj al-tamattu to sacrifice a qurban. This is because the pilgrim who performs hajj al-tamattu benefits from the impunity of the prohibitions of ihram during the time between Umrah and hajj.
Individuals passing through the miqat locations and arriving in Mecca for hajj or umrah must enter into the state of ihram at these designated miqat points. However, if their arrival is not for hajj or umrah but rather for visiting relatives or specific business matters, such as postal workers or drivers, they are permitted to pass through the miqat locations without the requirement to enter into ihram.
This signifies that one must enter ihram at the recognized miqat locations when coming to Mecca for hajj or umrah. If a person passes through a miqat without entering ihram, they must return to that miqat location to initiate ihram. Additionally, if an individual arrives by plane in Jeddah, they should travel by car to the miqat of the Najd (Qarnul Manazil) inhabitants and enter into ihram from that point.
Answer: If this person is going to Makkah (with the intention of honoring the Kaaba), they should enter the state of ihram at the Miqat, perform their Umrah first, and then attend to their business. Otherwise, they would be required to offer a sacrifice as atonement. If they are traveling to a city other than Makkah (such as Jeddah or Medina), they are not obligated to assume ihram. If they finish their business in that city and then wish to go to Makkah to perform Umrah, there is no penalty. (In the Shafi’i school of thought, a person who travels to Makkah without the intention of Hajj or Umrah for business purposes can pass the Miqat without assuming ihram.)
Answer: There is another opinion among the Shafi’i scholars, and according to them, it is required that a person who resides within the Haram boundaries and intends to perform pilgrimage (naskh) should enter the Haram without being in a state of ihram. However, it is recommended for them to enter into ihram. Furthermore, it is obligatory for someone from the people of Mecca, if they are outside the specified miqat boundaries and intend to enter the Haram for pilgrimage, to enter into ihram from the miqat, and it is not permissible for them to cross the miqat boundary without being in a state of ihram.
Answer: If this situation lasts for one day or one night, they would be required to offer a sacrifice (qurban). If the situation lasts for only a few hours, giving charity (sedaka) would be sufficient.
Nothing is required of them. They should perform a ritual bath (gusül), then continue with their religious duties as usual.
Answer: Among us (Shafi’i school), there is no difference of opinion that performing two, three, or even more umrahs in a single year is not disliked. Similarly, when completed within a single day, it is even recommended to increase their frequency” (Refer to Muhyiddin Syarf An-Nawawi, Al-Majmu’ Syarhul Muhadzdzab, Jeddah, Maktabah Al-Irsyad, Volume VII, page 138).
Performing voluntary umrah on the Day of Arafah and the first four days of Eid al-Adha is not permissible.
Answer: No, it cannot. It is necessary to exit the ihram of the first Umrah and enter into ihram again for the second Umrah.
Answer:
- He enters into the state of ihram for it (umrah) in the same way as one enters into ihram for hajj
- He enters Mecca and performs the tawaf of umrah directly, without the tawaf of arrival.
- He performs the sa’y between Safa and Marwah.
- He shaves or shortens the hair of his head.
Answer: Tawaf is performed without being in the state of ihram, following the proper procedures. If it’s not during disliked times, offer a 2-unit prayer, and then make supplications.
Answer: To begin Ihram, a person should trim their nails, clean fine body hair, shave their head, groom their beard and mustache, and then perform a mandatory bath (ghusl). If there is no opportunity for an obligatory bath, performing wudu (ablution) is sufficient. The ruling for performing a mandatory bath when starting Ihram is highly recommended (sunah mu’akkadah). This mandatory bath is not for purification from major impurities but rather for cleansing the body, as someone called by Allah to visit the Kaaba should ideally be in a state of complete physical and spiritual cleanliness. Therefore, even women who are menstruating or in postnatal bleeding can perform this mandatory bath.
After the bath, it is advisable for the pilgrim to use unscented fragrances that do not leave marks or color on the body and clothes. The entire body should be covered by two pieces of cloth called “izar” and “rida.”
The head and feet should remain uncovered, but it is permissible to wear footwear that does not cover the ankles and the upper part of the feet.
After wearing the izar and rida, it is recommended to perform a two-unit sunnah prayer of Ihram. In the first unit, recite Surah Al-Fatihah and Surah Al-Kafirun, and in the second unit, recite Surah Al-Ikhlas after Surah Al-Fatihah. After the prayer, face the Kaaba and make the intention for either Hajj or Umrah. The intention can be expressed as follows:
“Labbaikallahumma hajjan aw ‘umratan.”
Meaning: “I respond to Your call, O Allah, for Hajj (or Umrah).”
Alternatively, one can say:
“Nawaitul hajja aw ‘umratan wa ahramtu bihi lillahi Ta’a’alaa.”
Meaning: “I intend to perform Hajj (Umrah) and enter into Ihram for it, for the sake of Allah, the Exalted.”
After making the intention, Ihram has officially begun. During the journey to Mecca, it is recommended to increase remembrance of Allah, recite the Talbiyah, send blessings upon the Prophet, and offer prayers until preparing for Tawaf. Reciting the Talbiyah loudly is recommended for men, while women can recite it quietly.
The Talbiyah is recited as follows:
“Labbaik. Allahumma labbaik. Labbaika laa syariika laka labbaik. Innal hamda wan ni’mata laka wal mulk. Laa syariika lak.”
Meaning: “I respond to Your call, O Allah, I respond to Your call. I respond to Your call; You have no partner, I respond to Your call. Indeed, all praise, blessings, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”
When someone intends to perform the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage and recites the Talbiyah, they enter into the state of Ihram. Several actions and behaviors become prohibited for them. These prohibitions during Ihram are referred to as the restrictions of Ihram.
Ihram prohibitions related to the body include:
Ihram prohibitions related to clothing (for males) include:
Ihram prohibitions related to clothing (for females) include:
Prohibitions related to intimate relations:
Prohibitions related to harming others:
Prohibitions related to the Haram territory:
Prohibitions related to land animals:
Answer: Using soap or other items with their natural scent does not cause harm. This is because the fundamental purpose of the prohibitions of ihram is to prevent seeking pleasure and enhancing one’s appearance. The ihram garment symbolizes a shroud.
Answer: If these oils are used to soften the body and enhance appearance, it would incur a penalty. However, using these oils for consumption or applying them for medicinal purposes on aching areas is permissible. (Hasan ŞAHİN p. 730-731: İrşadüsssari 208 and beyond)
Answer: Yes, they can apply powder or cream in such situations.
Answer:
1- Slaughtering livestock for food purposes.
2- Removing the ihram cloth due to necessity.
3- Making the intention (niat) before reaching the designated Miqat location.
4- Donating blood.
5- Scratching the head or other parts of the body without removing hair or fine hair.
6- Bathing using unscented soap.
7- Just as seeking shade under a tree or inside a house is allowed, it is also permissible to use an umbrella for shade from the hot sun without attaching it to the head.
8- Wearing a belt, carrying a weapon, wearing rings and wristwatches, and using eye makeup without fragrance.
9- Wearing shoes or sandals that do not cover the ankles and the upper part of the feet.
10- Extracting teeth or receiving injections.
11- Uncovering clothing such as a jacket on the shoulders without putting it on the arms.
12- Covering parts of the body other than the face and head with a blanket or any cloth.
Answer: To exit Ihram, a person must either shave a portion of their head or trim their hair by a minimum of three strands. Shaving the entire head is preferred over simply trimming the hair. For women, it is better to cut the tips of their hair by about 1-2 centimeters. By doing so, they have exited Ihram.
Answer: Male pilgrims shave their heads or shave them bald. When shaving bald, they can start from the right side of the head and then move to the left.
Female pilgrims only cut their head hair by gathering their hair and cutting it to the length of their fingertips.
The minimum number of head hairs to be cut is three strands. For pilgrims who do not have head hair, placing and moving the shaving instrument on the head is recommended. Shaving head hair cannot be substituted with other hair, such as mustaches.
Answer: Yes, they can.
Answer:
Firstly, pilgrims intend to perform Tawaf along with its specific type. Then, they walk from the Rukn Yamani towards the Black Stone (Hajar Aswad). If possible, they should kiss the Black Stone. If not possible, facing the Black Stone and greeting it by saying “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar” and then kissing their hand is sufficient. After that, they recite Takbir, Tahmid, and send blessings. During Tawaf, there is no need to recite the Talbiyah.
After greeting the Black Stone, they start the Tawaf with the Ka’bah to their left side. Each circumambulation is called a “Shawt,” and seven Shawt complete one Tawaf.
Specific supplications are recited at the door of the Ka’bah and at each corner of the Ka’bah, along with sending blessings, greetings, Takbir, and Tahlil. Tawaf is performed outside the Hijr Ismail.
When reaching Rukn Yamani, it is recommended to touch or greet it without kissing one’s hand. Then, the pilgrim performs the Istilam upon returning to the Black Stone, completing the first Shawt.
Female pilgrims should lower their voices when reciting prayers, Takbir, and Tahlil, and they should perform Tawaf in the quieter areas of the Tawaf space.
After completing the Tawaf with seven Shawt, it is recommended to pray at the Multazam, which is the area between the Black Stone and the door of the Ka’bah. Then, they should perform a 2 Rak’ah Sunnah prayer of Tawaf at the Station of Ibrahim, if possible; if not, it can be performed anywhere in the Masjid al-Haram. It is recommended that after Al-Fatihah, they recite Surah Al-Kafirun in the first Rak’ah and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second Rak’ah.
After the Tawaf prayer, drinking Zamzam water while facing the Ka’bah and sincerely praying is advisable.
Answer: The Tawaf prayer should not be performed during disliked times (sunrise, zenith, and from after the Asr prayer until the Maghrib prayer). However, it can be performed after the disliked time has passed. In the first unit (Rak’ah), recite Surah Al-Kafirun, and in the second unit, recite Surah Al-Ikhlas. The Tawaf prayer can be performed at any suitable place within the Tawaf area. After completing the prayer, conclude with the salutations (Tasleem) and make supplications.
Answer: In supplications, what truly matters is to recite the known supplications naturally and with heartfelt sincerity. Supplications don’t have to be in Arabic; it’s not necessary to read specific written texts. Trying to read specific supplications from written texts can disrupt your focus and inner peace. It’s better to recite the supplications you know with genuine devotion. (Mebsut vol. 9 p. 4)
Answer: It is disliked (makruh) to do so. The prayer for each Tawaf should be performed immediately after that Tawaf. However, if it is during a disliked time for prayer, you can perform consecutive Tawafs, and then pray the respective prayers separately.
Answer: It is more appropriate to dedicate the rewards of all kinds of worship to ourselves, our loved ones, and even to the entire Ummah of Muhammad. However, if someone wishes to specifically dedicate it to a loved one, that is also permissible.
Answer: When starting Tawaf, it is said that “I intend to perform Tawaf on behalf of so-and-so for their reward.” In Umrah, the same intention is made when entering the state of Ihram. (It is recommended to repeat intentions when starting Tawaf and Sa’y.) After completing Umrah, perform a 2-unit gratitude prayer (Salat al-Shukr) and make a supplication for forgiveness for yourself and the person you are performing on behalf of.
After completing the greeting to the Black Stone (Hajar Aswad), one should head towards Safa and Marwah and make their intention. Upon reaching the Safa hill, pilgrims should face the Kaaba and pray while raising their hands and praising Allah SWT.
Next, they should recite Takbir three times, followed by Tahlil and sending blessings. After this, it is recommended to pray for oneself and all Muslims while gradually moving towards the Marwah hill, accompanied by recitation of supplications.
When reaching the green-marked area, they should perform “Harwalah,” which involves running lightly until reaching the second green pillar while reciting the following prayer:
“Rabbighfir warham wa’fu wa takarram wa tajaawaz ‘ammaa ta’lamu innaka ta’lamu maa laa na’lamu innaka antallahu a’azzul akram.”
After passing the second green pillar, continue walking normally. Upon reaching the Marwah hill, face the Kaaba and recite Takbir, Dhikr, and prayers similar to those at the Safa hill. This completes the first round of Sa’y. Repeat this process from Safa to Marwah four times and from Marwah to Safa three times until you have completed seven rounds of Sa’y.
A 2 Rak’ah prayer after Sa’y in the Masjid al-Haram is recommended (mustahab). However, there is no need to perform a prayer at Marwah.
Answer: Just as the Eid prayer is a requirement during Hajj, the Udhiyah (sacrificial) animal is also obligatory. However, according to a narration from Allama Shurunbulali, it is stated that those performing Hajj who are residents (mukim) are required to offer the Udhiyah sacrifice. To avoid disputes, if the financial situation of resident Hajj pilgrims allows, it is advisable for them to offer the Udhiyah sacrifice. This sacrifice can be performed in their own countries or in other countries through delegation as well.
Answer: Women should pay great attention to the issue of privacy (mahramiyet). The reward for good deeds performed in Mecca is multiplied by one hundred thousand, and similarly, the punishment for sins is also multiplied by one hundred thousand.
While performing Tawaf, women should choose less crowded times, especially during the days leading up to Eid. During busy times, they can engage in prayer, remembrance, seeking forgiveness, and reading the Quran to make the most of their time. (If someone cannot read the Quran, they can recite Surah Al-Ikhlas 1000 times a day, which also earns them great rewards.)
Answer: During their special conditions (menstruation and postpartum bleeding), women are prohibited from entering the mosque, performing prayers, making Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Kaaba, touching or holding the Quran, and reciting it. However, they are still required to fulfill the other duties of Hajj and Umrah, such as the standing at Arafat and Muzdalifah, performing the rites of sacrifice and shaving. Women who are accustomed to performing Tawaf should wait until they are purified. If it is necessary for them to return to their homeland before purification, they can assume a state of ritual purity (ghusl) without actually performing it, then proceed to the Kaaba to perform Tawaf and Sa’y, cut their hair, and exit the state of ihram. However, a penalty for the sacrifice (dam) is required. If the Tawaf is a part of Hajj, a cow or a camel is to be sacrificed; if it’s a part of Umrah, a sheep or a goat is to be sacrificed. (Islamic Jurisprudence, Answers and Clarifications: Volume 4, Page 42)
Answer: The penalties for sacrificial animals (kurban) are only to be fulfilled within the boundaries of the Haram (sacred precincts in Mecca). As for the charitable donations (sadaka) as penalties, they can be given anywhere, even in one’s own country. There is no specific time limit for fulfilling these penalties, but it’s recommended to do so as soon as possible. (Note: The amount of the sadaka penalty is equivalent to 2917 grams of dates, which is around 30-50 riyals. – Ö. Nasuhi Bilmen, “Büyük İslam İlmihali” p. 363)
Answer: Arafat is a magnificent example of the Day of Judgment in this world. Everyone in their simple, shroud-like ihram garments, standing equally under the scorching heat, surrounded by an enormous crowd like nowhere else on Earth, bowing their heads in supplication to Allah, shedding tears – all of this creates a scene reminiscent of the Day of Judgment. Arafat is where the prophets and saints gather, where individuals, groups of three, seven, and forty converge, where figures like Hızır and İlyas meet hand in hand. Arafat is a lofty station where our ancestor Adam and our mother Eve were forgiven, and it’s where our beloved Prophet prayed before 124,000 of his companions, accounting for the 23 years of his prophetic mission before the Almighty Allah. The Day of Arafat, both in terms of time and place, is incredibly sacred and significant. Every minute and second of that day is invaluable. It’s important to recognize the worth of that day and make the most of every moment. Engaging in remembrance, glorification, seeking forgiveness, and especially offering prayers with tears are worth more than the entire world on that day.
Answer: After Arafat, on the evening of Arafah, pilgrims descend to Müzdelife. On that night, after performing the combined Maghrib and Isha prayers, there is a short rest. Early in the morning, pilgrims wake up and engage in acts of worship such as offering the Tashbih prayer, engaging in remembrance (zikr), and seeking forgiveness. Small pebbles, about the size of chickpeas, are collected for the symbolic stoning of the devil. At the earliest time of the morning, the Fajr prayer is performed, followed by a special supplication for the “Vakfe.” Before the sun rises, pilgrims head to Mina to perform the symbolic stoning of the devil.
Answer: On the first day of the Eid al-Adha, after the sun rises and until the zenith (midday), seven pebbles are thrown at the large pillar representing the devil. On that day, the other pillars are not stoned. On the second and third days, the small, then the middle, and finally the large pillars representing the devil are stoned with seven pebbles each, totaling 21 pebbles. While throwing the pebbles, the phrase “Bismillahi Allahü Ekber” is recited. After stoning the first two pillars representing the devil, a short prayer is offered.
Answer:
A person who has completed their Hajj rituals and is about to leave the holy city of Mecca Al-Mukarramah, should first perform Tawaf al-Wada and offer the Tawaf prayer. Then, they should drink Zamzam water while facing the Kaaba and wipe it on their face and body. After that, they should go to the Multazam and draw close to it, wiping their face, hands, cheeks, and chest against the wall of the Kaaba Muazzam while supplicating and praying with tears. In this state, bid farewell to the Kaaba and leave the Haram area.
Answer:
When we engage in any action or take a step, we should remember the promises we made to Allah here and avoid behaviors that don’t befit us. We must be especially cautious of lying and showing off, and avoid consuming anything that is Haram (forbidden). Our good manners, tolerance, humility, and generosity should set an example for everyone. We should not let what we’ve learned here remain here; our greatest aspiration should be to serve Islam. We should actively seek opportunities to serve, provide support, and contribute to places where there is a need for service. We must exercise control over our hands, eyes, and tongues, and strive to be worthy of the title “Hajj al-Haramayn,” the pilgrim of the two holy cities.
