Common mistakes in Hajj - In stoning the Jamarat

• The Jamarat are not Devils, and Shaytaan is not tied up for the stoning of himself. Hajjis that hold this misconception end up cursing, swearing, throwing sandals, etc. It is a commandment from Allah to glorify Allah by saying ‘Allahu Akbar’ with each pebble.
  
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• You do not have to wash your stones.
  
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• Do not throw sandals or wood or big rocks. This is all against the Sunnah.
  
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• Do not hurt/shove when at the Jamarat.
  
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• Say Allahu Akbar with each pebble. Do not say Bismillaah.
  
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• Throw the pebbles separately.
  
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• Make Dua’ after the first and second Jamarat.

• Do not throw the Jamarat before it is time.
  
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• Throw the Jamarat from small to medium to large. Not the other way.
  
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• If someone is throwing on your behalf, you must be unable to throw yourself.
  
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• If someone is throwing on your behalf, you do not have to collect the stones yourself and hand the stones to that thrower.
  
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• Throw seven pebbles, not more or less.
  

Hajj and Umrah Tips & Tricks - Masjid al-Haram

DO NOT forget what gate you enter the Haram from and the hotel you are staying at.

REMEMBER you are there to worship. Shopping, eating, etc are all just a waste of time. Food: it will be tempting to eat all this food there, but remember this much: the more you eat, the more tired you will get and in Makkah you will NEED your energy.

Take all this advice with a grain of salt. Every situation/time is different. Most of the information here is suitable for umrah. Hajj may be a completely different experience!

TAWAF - There are large groups who perform Tawaf together and link hands. If you see them approach you, then let them pass or step aside and give them way.

Also watch out for the elderly who are being carried around the Kabah and people taking their relatives around in wheelchairs.

As a rule the nearer the Kabah you perform your Tawaf the more squashed you will get and I mean squashed. This is especially true when going around Maqam Ibrahim because of the people trying to pray.

JUMAH - Go EARLY!!!! Our first Jumah in Makkah the Adhaan was 12:05 or something and we got to Masjid Al Haram at 11am. BIG mistake. The concourse outside the Masjid was full let alone trying to get in there. We sat in the beating sun for over an hour and prayed. The next week we got there at 9 am !!!

Hajj and Umrah Tips & Tricks - Money and Medicine

Hajj and Umrah Tips & Tricks
Money and Medicine



DO NOT change money before you go. There are tons of exchanges there that you can go to on the streets and you'll get a better rate than the usual bank rate too.

Bring enough cash for what you want to buy. Don't rely on using your credit card. There are finance charges of at least 2-3% and the exchange rate of Visa.

Most shops in the areas near the two Mosques do not accept credit cards. Do not arrive in The Holy Land in the hope that you can survive with your credit cards.

DO bring a lot of medicine - Tylenol, asprin, Theraflu, Tums, Pepto Bismol, Midol, Chapstick/Vaseline. Believe me you'll be glad you did and if by some miracle you don't get sick other people in your group will.

DO bring some snack food like chocolates, biscuits, dried fruit. You'll be glad when your stomach starts doing loops or you are starving in the haram. Not to mention sometimes getting stuck for hours on a bus during heavy traffic or waiting for clearance.

DO bring a cheap plastic bag/canvas bag to put your shoes and janamaz (prayer rug) and quran in when you go into the haram.

Hajj and Umrah Tips & Tricks - Clothes

Hajj and Umrah Tips & Tricks
Clothes

DO NOT bring a lot of clothes. All you need really is 3-4 jilbabs - for umrah time (lighter colors for hajj and summer season) and a few clothes underneath that you can mix and match.

Bring enough socks and inner garmets. You can always wash clothes if you have to. But bringing alot of clothes just wastes your time and suitcase room.

A regular travelling rule of thumb is to never pack more than you can carry for a trip!

It goes without saying that you should bring some comfy shoes/sneakers for when you go on Ziyara or shopping.

Also bring some good chappals/shibshib for when you are going to the haram. Don't overpack your suitcase. You won't be able to get it all back home especially if you buy things.

You can always give away some of your clothes/shoes while there or try this well-known travelling tip: bring an extra empty suitcase/bag with you or buy one there.

A NOTE for Madina. The weather there is very different from Makkah. Madina is much cooler. We were in 80-90 degrees everyday in Makkah and then in Madina we were at 60-70s and it was extremely COLD around Fajr, so bring a sweatshirt/sweater and a few warm clothes so you don't get sick.

DO NOT bother bringing anything expensive, like jewelry or electronic equipment. If it's lost or stolen you'll never see it again.

Hajj and Umrah Tips & Tricks

Hajj and Umrah Tips & Tricks
Janaza (funeral prayer) & Duas


Also VERY IMPORTANT: Learn the fiqh of praying a Janaza (funeral prayer). You will be doing it after every single prayer, no joke. (There was only one prayer in our entire 2 week stay that we didn't.) Learn the dua for it too. Praying at someone's janaza is a very good thing and you have ample opportunity of participating so take them.

Also learn the dua for visiting the graveyard.
You don't want to go to the Baqi and not know what to wish! or visit the grave of the leader of the martyrs Hamza at Uhud and not say you dua!

Salams on the Prophet
Also learn the different ways to send Salams on the prophet (saw) for the time you are in Madina.
Learn what is allowed and what is not. Insha Allaah after this Hajj season, I will try and put an article on Loving the Prophet sallahualahiwassalam

Another good suggestion is to draw a chart of the Kaaba (looking from above) and along each of it's walls (and along each of the special points), write the relevant duas

PREPARE yourself mentally for a lot of frustration, mental anguish, annoyance and anger. To obtain a Hajj Mabrur (one that is accepted and forgives all your sins) you must not let these things interfere with your goal.

PREPARE yourself physically for a lot of walking and physical exercise. You may be walking back and forth from your hotel to the Haram at least 10 times a day, not to mention logging Tawafs and Sai'ys that come out to miles in the end.

Quick FAQ

A quick look at some common Qs.

1. Is there a Haj Akbar?
If Arafat is on a Friday, then many describe it as Haj Akbar (Big Haj). There is no big or small Hajj. There is only one Hajj. Every year is Hajj Akbar. The 10th day of Dhul Hijja is described in The Qur'an as Yaum-ul-Hajjil-Akbar.

2. Is it a requirement to enter Masjid Haram from the Baab as-Salaam entrance?
There is no such requirement. You can enter from any of the many gates.

3. Can I smoke when I'm in Ihraam?
No. Try to give up this habit for the good of your health and the well-being of your family. Many chain smokers have returned from the Hajj as non-smokers for good. Alhamdulillah.

4. When I stone the jamr'at, is it necessary to hit the target?
It is acceptable if the stone falls into the circle without hitting the target.

5. Can I perform the Hajj every year?
Performing the Hajj ONCE is obligatory for Muslims who are financially and physically able to do so. There is no rule prohibiting anyone from performing the Hajj more than once.

If you plan to perform it yearly, you are obviously financially well endowed. You should consider the following. One, there are numerous things you can do to walk in the way of Allah. Consider contributing your Hajj trip funds to uplift downtrodden Muslims. Two, with nearly 2 1/2 million people converging in The Holy Land, the Saudi authorities have understandably imposed Hajj quotas. Have a heart for those waiting in line to perform the Hajj for the first time. Allow a reasonable time gap before going to perform the Hajj again.

Common mistakes in Hajj - In Ihraam

Common Mistakes You don’t want to Make
Translated by Muhammad Alshareef

It's an interesting way of learning. Going backwards, seeing what people commonly do wrong, and learning Hajj by way of what 'not' to do.

In Ihraam

• Do not pass the Meeqat without being in the state of Ihraam. If you are landing in Jeddah and going to Makkah to perform Umrah directly, you must be in a state of Ihraam before you land, as the plane shall enter the Meeqat. Jeddah is inside the Meeqat.
  
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• If you are landing in Jeddah, you need your Ihraam towels with you on the airplane in your carry-on bag.
  
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• Women may wear anything Islamically permissible for Ihraam.
  
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• Do not take pictures of yourself in Ihraam. You came to worship Allah and taking pictures for showing others later may contradict your sincerity of doing this for the sake of Allah.
  
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• Women in their menses must be in a state of Ihraam when they pass the Meeqat. They should shower and do talbiyah like everyone else.
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• Do not uncover your right shoulder until you reach the Ka’bah and begin Tawaf. This is the time that the Messenger uncovered his shoulder and it is an act of Hajj, so we must follow when the Prophet did it.
• It is disliked for a man to pray with his shoulders bare, for the Prophet has said, "None of you must pray in a single garment of which no part comes over his shoulders." [Narrated by : Bukhari and Muslim; vide Bulugh al-Maram #223]
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• You may change your Ihraam towels if they get dirty
  
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• You do not enter into Ihraam by just wearing the towels. You must make the intention to begin.
  
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• Do not shave your beard, whether before, during or after Ihraam.                                                                                                                               
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• You should wear sandals, but if you do not have sandals, you do not have to walk barefoot. Wear what you have until you find a place to get sandals.
  
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• When beginning your Ihraam for Hajj, do it from where you are: in your hotel, on the street, etc. You do not have to go to the Ka’bah to start your Ihraam for Hajj.
  
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• DO pay attention to what you are saying when you are making the Talbiyah: Labayk Allahumma Labbayk…
  
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• When you hear that you are not allowed to wear stitches in Ihraam, know that what is meant is that you cannot wear pieces of cloth that are sewn together to wrap your body, such as a T-Shirt or underwear.
  
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• Both men and women may shower with unscented soap. Yes, for women and men, you may comb your hair, as the Prophet’s wives used to do when they were in Ihraam.
  
  

One stop guide to HAJJ

Main Stages
1) Steps for Entering the State of Ihram
2) Steps for Performing Umrah
3) Going to Mina
4) Going to Arafat
5) Going to Muzdalifah
6) Returning to Mina
7) Tawaf al-Ifada
8) Returning to Mina
9) Farewell Tawaf
10) Going Home

1) Steps for Entering the State of Ihram
1. Bathe yourself (Ghusl).
2. Wear Ihram garments.
3. Make the intention for Umrah or Hajj.
4. Recite Talbeyah*.
5. Avoid acts forbidden while in the state of Ihram


2) Steps for Performing Umrah
1. Make Tawaf around the Ka`bah.
2. Pray two Rak`ah behind Maqam Ibrahim.
3. Make Sa`i between Safa and Marwah.
4. Trim hair and remove Ihram garments.

3) Going to Mina
1. Put on Ihram garments again, if you have performed Umrah.
2. Make intention for Hajj.
3. Remain in Mina during the 8th of Dhul-Hijja and perform five prayers starting with the Zuhr prayer and ending with the Fajr prayer on the day of Arafat.


4) Going to Arafat
1. Leave for Arafat on the morning of the 9th of Dhul-Hijja and stay until sunset.
2. Stay in any part of Arafat.
3. Glorify Allah, repeat supplication, repent to Allah and ask for forgiveness.
4. Pray Zuhr and Asr prayers shortened and combined during the time of Zuhr.


5) Going to Muzdalifah
1. Leave for Muzdalifah soon after sunset on the 9th of Dhul-Hijja.
2. Perform the Maghrib and the shortened Isha prayers combined.
3. Stay overnight and perform the Fajr prayer.


6) Returning to Mina
1. Shortly before sunrise, leave Muzdalifah for Mina. Go to Jamrat al-Aqabah and stone it with seven pebbles.
2. Slaughter your sacrifice.
3. Shave your head or trim your hair.
4. Take off Ihram garments.
5. All Ihram restrictions are lifted except for the ban on sexual intercourse.

7) Tawaf al-Ifada
1. Make Tawaf al-Ifada and Sa`i between Safa and Marwah.
2. After Tawaf al-Ifada, all restrictions are lifted


8) Returning to Mina
1. Spend the Tashreeq days (11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijja) in Mina.
2. After Zuhr prayer each day, stone the three Jamarat, starting with the small one and ending with al-Aqabah.
3. You may leave on the 12th after stoning the Jamarat if you wish.


9) Farewell Tawaf
1. Go to Makkah and make a farewell Tawaf. Perform two Rak`ah.
2. Let the Tawaf be the last thing you do in Makkah.

10) Going Home

The true Global Village

 This weekend, I took my little family to the Global Village. It was a long queue of cars and took two hours of what should have been a 30 mins ride. But seeing the joy of seeing my wife and daughter smiling as we roamed the different pavillions, the efforts were worth it.

As we were shifting from one country to another, from Jordan to China to Tanzania - we wondered if this was a good example of a real feel of global community and global gathering. But no, when we though of a rather parallel event taking place, this huge Global Village faded away, very quickly too.

Yes, we are talking about the annual Hajj. The conference of millions - who all gather to worship one Lord. We dont have to build pavillions but this unity of hearts is inspired by faith.


Can there be a greater Global Village that the one that the world witnesses as Mecca - the first place of worship of God?

Hajj Fun Game

My comments: Just missed my favourite ways to learn about Hajj - the game board way. After all one of the things we try to do at our Burooj Chidlren circle is play, interact and then learn.

So this is for all those parents who want their kids as well to be a part of their enthusiasm.

Description:

The Hajj Fun Game offers you entertainment and fun and at the same time makes it easy for you to learn the meaning and message of hajj and to acquire a knowledge of the important historical places associated with it. It will enable you to learn how the acts and rites are performed during hajj and what its dos and don'ts are. In short, the Hajj Fun Game will bring alive the annual pilgrimage of Hajj.

Price: $19.99
Publisher: Goodword
Ages: 9 - 12 Years


 

Today is 01, Dhul Hijjah, 1427 according to Arab News i.e. Saudi and 30 Zul Qaadah, 1427 according to Khaleej Times website i.e. UAE. So now it remains to be seen how would the authorities decide on Eid al-Adha and significantly the day of Arafat.

But as we are so close to this blessed days and in the blessed month, it would be worthwhile to begin our short and precise essays on Hajj and related topics.

Today, we decide to talk about some of the books and multimedia available to begin our journey towards Hajj. Insha Allaah hope this resourses on Hajj would be useful to those who aspire to do their Hajj in future.


Getting the Best out of Hajj

By Abu Muneer Ismail Davids

There are many books on the subject of Hajj , however none are so comprehensive as this. The book details all of the realities of hajj as well as the worship and details with a practical element including location of hotels, car hire, rules and regulations etc.

Price: £14.95; Pages: 473



Hajj, Umrah & Ziyarah (Pocket Size)

Verifying & Explaining Many Matters of Hajj, Umrah & Ziyarah
In the light of the Quran & Sunnah
by Sheikh Abdul Aziz Abdullah bin Baz

"I am here at your service O Allah, I am here at Your Service. I am here, You have no partner, I am here. Verily all Praise, Grace and Dominion are yours, and you have no partner."

Price: $4.74

Comments - This small book was what I took for my first Umrah and masha Allah what an abundant resource it was! I ask Allaah to bless the noble Shaikh and fill his grave with noor. ameen



The Hajj Video

An informative video of the Hajj rituals, produced by the Ministry of Hajj, Saudi Arabia. This documentary gives the viewer a good idea of what to expect, as well as the correct method of performing the Hajj and Umrah. Available in five languages.
English £7.95



The Rituals of Hajj DVD
Highly recommended

An informative film of the Hajj rituals, produced by the Ministry of Hajj, Saudi Arabia. This documentary gives the viewer a good idea of what to expect, as well as the correct method of performing the Hajj and Umrah. Includes sound tracks in the following languages: English, Urdu, Arabic and Bengali.

The DVD also covers the rituals of Umrah as well as visiting Madinah.
Price: £5.95



Tell Me About Hajj
By Saniyasnain Khan
Price: £6.95 Pages: 40 Binding: H/B Product Code: 12.284
Finally a book that deals with the subject of Hajj for children!

The young Muslim will find this book informative and interesting – full of illustrations and photographs – covering the history of the ka’bah, the story of the well of zam-zam and the rites of Hajj.

An insight into the significance, importance and meaning of Hajj.

On My Way To HAJJ 2007

Hajj is the season of gathering and aspirations. The flavour of the month is nothing but forgiveness. Foremost isseeking forgiveness from the Rabb and then all those who aspire to take the journey (of lifetime for a lot many), they call and ask for forgiveness for thier past mistakes from the near and dear ones.

As I was listening to a rather ordinary Friday khutbah, sitting in the New Muslim Masjid in Sharjah, the Khatib told an amzing incident. The Khutbah suddenly came up to life and bought tears to my eyes.

He mentioned of Ameer ul-Moimineen Umar bin al-Khattab who said, "I wish to send messengers around the new Islamic lands and command all those who have the wealth and means to perform their compulsory Hajj and havent yet set unto, to pay the JIZYA."

And then the khatib mentioned that HAJJ is the 5th pilalr of Islam. As i heard this, it occured that i almost missed this point and forget that the 5 pillars that we keep repeating and have learnt right from the days of my Ustaab coming home to teach me, I had completely and conviniently forgotton about!

After the khutbah, I compared my situation or a new awakening to the verse recited by Abu Bakr at the time of the death of Rasullalah sallahualhiwassalm, "And Several Messengers has passed before", and most of the SAhabas including Umar, thought they heard it for the first time!

Insha Allaah, it was then that I made a sincere and determined intention to perform HAJJ next season in 2007.

As we progress through that one year, I will post all I know about Hajj and hope to make this blog a record of my efforts to realise my 5th pillar of Islam as well as become a resource and encouragement for all those who wish to undertake this journey of lifetime.