Hajj
The Hajj is a central duty of Islam whose origins date back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH). In essence, it is to visit the sacred house of Allah in Makkah during the 8th- 12th Dhul-Hijjah, the fifth of the duties of a Muslim. However, any summary as short as this fails to convey the extremely deep and moving spiritual experience of Hajj. It brings together Muslims of all races and tongues. For fourteen centuries, countless millions of Muslims, men and women from all over the world, have obeyed Allah command and the Prophet (PBUH) to ‘hasten in performing Hajj, for verily one never knows what will befall him.’
Pilgrimage is an imperative duty for all Muslims who have the mental, physical and financial capability. It is to be performed during the days of Hajj once in a lifetime. Pilgrimage is a commemoration of love and celebration of faith, and each individual tries hard to reflect on his own mortality and the sacrifice shown by the line of Prophets sent to guide mankind. On the second day of Hajj, the miracle of the Quran is celebrated during the stop in the plains of Arafat where the final revelation was sent.
Hajj in around Makkah is a very humbling experience. Kinds, dignitaries, laborers and all stand shoulder to shoulder without anything to make them apart. Only death itself is a more equalizing experience men and women of all colours turn their faces to the Ka’bah and now savor Allah’s majesty and glory. [21]
1. Eid-ul-Adha
Eid-Al-Adha is the Festival of Sacrifice and is celebrated throughout the Muslim world as a commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim's (PBUH) willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah. It comes on the tenth day of the month of Thul-Hijja, and pilgrims make a reassertion of the conviction that they intend to do Hajj only for the glory of Allah; with zeal and verve they exclaim, just as at other times during the Hajj:
"Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik. Labbaik, La Shareek Laka, Labbaik. Innal Hamdah, Wan Nematah, Laka wal Mulk, La Shareek Laka"
"Here I am at Thy service O Lord, here I am. Here I am at Thy service and Thou hast no partners. Thine alone is All Praise and All Bounty, and Thine alone is The Sovereignty. Thou hast no partners."[22]
2. Types of Hajj
2.1. Tamattu
Tamattu means performing Umrah during the pilgrimage season, and on the Day of Tarwiah getting into the state of Ihram for pilgrimage. Anyone intending to do a Tamattu should on approaching the Miqat make intention for Umrah. After fulfilling the rites of Umrah, he or she is allowed to release the Ihram and perform the Hajj in the same year.
2.2. Qiran
In this type of pilgrimage, a pilgrim should declare his intention to do both pilgrimage and Umrah together. Only when he has pelted the Jamrah of Al-Aqabah,with seven pebbles. On the 12th and 13th of dhul Hijjah and had his hair shaved can he take off his ihram his hair shaved can , He should also offer a sacrificial animal.
2.3. Ifrad
At the Miqat, a pilgrim of Ifrad declares his intention for Hajj only. He maintains his Ihram up to the Day of Sacrifice and no offering is required from him[2].
Umrah
In the Arabic language, Umrah is derived from ‘I`timar’ which means visit. There are two compulsory acts in umrah: to wear the ihram; to complete tawaf [Circumambulation] of the ka’bah. Walking between Safa and Marwah seven times is ‘waajib’ (near compulsory), as is sharing or trimming the hair equally on all sides [2].
1. Umrah Requirements
- Umrah, when performed independently of pilgrimage is optional.
- If a pilgrim is performing Hajj, he/she will complete at least two Umrahs. These Umrahs are part of the requirements of Hajj.
- Umrah can be done at anytime during the year, but it is undesirable to perform it between the 9th and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah.
2. Umrah Rites
- Leave for the Miqat.
- Take a bath, use perfume (men only; women do not put on perfume) and then put on the Ihram.
- Say two units (Rak’a) prayer at the Miqat and make the intention (Niyya)for Umrah.
- While reciting the Talbiya,(labbaik, Allahumma Labbaik) proceed to Makkah.
- When you reach Makka, perform Tawaf.
- After completing Tawaf, pray two rak’a of prayer as spot named, ‘Maquamu Ibraheem’ (the place of Ibrahim standing) drink Zamzam, and peform Saiy between Safa and Marwah.
- Umerah is only completed by a shaving or trimming of the head hair. Women should also clip at least one and a half inches of hair every time on Umrah is performed. It is preferred that men shave the head completely.
3. Umrah in Ramadan
- In the compilation Abu-Dawud's, "The Rites of Hajj", (Book 10), the statement of the Prophet (PBUH) as narrated by Abdullah Ibn Abbas, is that:
"To perform Umrah in Ramadan is like performing Hajj in my company."
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