Hajj Series: Introduction to Hajj Rules

by AsmaArshad | Jul 31, 2015

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Table of Contents

Hajj rules are to be followed in sequence. Can you sense the sounds of dhikr ALLAH in the air? Hajj season is around the corner. And many of the lucky Muslim brothers and sisters would be going to perform this sanctified ritual this year. The magnificent building of Islam is held high by five strong pillars; Shahadah, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj. All the pillars are strong enough to bear the weight of the most glorious religion of all the times, “ISLAM.” Order of these pillars priority-wise. Hajj being the last one, is not performed by everyone. But, as per custom, lots of Muslims would be heading to perform Hajj this year too. Since this is not an ordinary ritual and lots of things, need to be taken care of. So we are presenting you with the Hajj rules series. This hajj rules series will be a complete guide to Hajj explained step by step covering all days of Hajj. Before the details of how Hajj is performed, We would explain a basic introduction of hajj rules. There are lots of things to be done before you start Hajj on 8th dhul hijjah. Hajj is a pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah, which is performed once every year. It is an obligatory religious duty for every adult Muslim to perform Hajj at least once in a lifetime. However, it’s mandatory only if one is “Mustati,” which means one is financially and physically capable of performing Hajj.

Conditions of Hajj Rules:

Faith: you must be Muslim to offer Hajj. Sanity: For anyone who is not sane or mentally ill, Hajj is not obligatory for him. Puberty: Hajj becomes an obligation on one when he/she reaches puberty. Ability: It was explained by the Messenger of Allah (S) as the transportation and the provision during the journey. Today, Hajj is done through special arrangements and requirements. Anyone who can fulfill those requirements and can afford to pay for his journey without begging others or taking loans should go for Hajj. Pilgrimage to it is duty men owe to Allah, those who can afford the journey. In the case of women, they must perform Hajj in the company of a mahram; she is not allowed to travel alone. Every country has its own formal procedure for applications of Hajj. However, once you have your visa and passport confirmed for Hajj, there are a few matters you must take care of:

Guidance And Rules When Leaving for Hajj :

Before you leave for Hajj, make sure you have followed these rules:

Make sure you have learned all the necessary details about how to perform the Hajj. This can be done via reading booklets, attending seminars, and workshops for Hajj. Many online sources can also be found, for example, our hajj series.
You must leave some money safe at home for the family if you are earning a source of the family to get the system running after you have left. Complete all necessary tasks, e.g., Paying bills, applying for vacations, job duties, etc.
There is no pre-defined time for death! Do leave a written bequest with necessary details if the pilgrim dies and never makes it back home.
Check for currency exchange before leaving for Hajj; avoid using traveler’s cheque.
Make sure you have paid your debts, repented, absolved yourself of any wrongdoing toward others.
Has your vaccination been done before leaving for Hajj?
Take light cotton clothes, slippers, ahraam, and another necessary thing you need to pack before leaving.
Do recite Dua for Hajj before leaving.
Do memorize all the dua mandatory to be recited at Hajj during different rituals.
You can keep a small booklet for duas to help to memorize them.

Arriving Saudi Arab According to Hajj Rules

Pilgrims normally arrive by air, sea, and land, almost one week before the 8th dhul hijjah. Most of the pilgrims arrive at Jeddah, which has a major seaport and airport. It is almost 45 Km from the Makkah. From Jeddah, you will travel with your hajj group towards Makkah. As you approach Makkah, the group stops at a destined place to enter the state of Ihram. Ihram: A pilgrim enters the state of Ihram when he /she is 10km from Makkah. Clean yourself before entering the state of Ihram. Clip your nails, remove pubic hairs, trim your mustache and beard, take a shower and make wudu. After this, you can wear clothing off Ihram. Men’s Ihram consists of 2 pieces of pure white cloth. One piece is to be warped on the lower part of the body; you can secure it with a pin or belt as you feel comfortable. The other one is used to cover the shoulders. Make sure your footwear should not cover the toes and ankles. Socks and shoes, therefore, should not be used by men. Women’s Ihram is a simple loosely fitted shirt and trouser which must cover your whole body properly except hands and feet. There is no footwear restriction for females. After wearing Ihram, you can do neeah(intention) for Hajj and start your pilgrimage. It is recommended to intend after performing one of the obligatory prayers or after praying two rakaats. You express this intention by saying, in the case of `Umrah, “Labbayka, Allahuma, `Umrah” (O Allah, I answer Your call by performing `Umrah).

Restrictions for Ihram:

Cutting nails or hairs from any part of the body.
Using perfume in any way.
Having sexual intercourse with your spouse, not even foreplay or lust full words.
Concentrating marriage!
Hunting or eating from game meat. Pilgrims are forbidden to hunt, help in hunting, or eat of any land game prepared for their sake, at their suggestion, or with their help.
Covering the head or wearing clothes sewn to fit the body’s limbs is forbidden for men. So wearing shirts, robes, trousers, turbans, hats, gloves, socks, etc., is banned.
Women must not wear gloves or veils on the face.

With the neeah done, now we move towards the first day of Hajj, which happens to be on 8th dhul hijjah. Details and obligations of the first day of Hajj are discussed in the next part of our hajj series.