In the name of Allah, the Beneficant, the Merciful.

[3:97] In it are clear signs: the station of Abraham. Anyone who enters it shall be granted safe
passage. The people owe it to GOD that they shall observe Hajj to this shrine, when they can
afford it. As for those who disbelieve, GOD does not need anyone.

What is Hajj?
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. It is a pilgrimage to the city of Mekkah during the
sacred month of Dhu al-Hijja. Each Muslim must undertake at least once in a
lifetime if he or she has the health and the wealth to do so.

Types of it
There are three types or forms of Hajj, which are Ifrad, Qiran and Tamattu:

Ifrad (Hajj Only)

This Hajj type refers to Hajj without Umrah. The pilgrim performing this type of
Hajj is called a Mufrid. This Hajji is required to enter the state of Ihraam with the
intention of doing Hajj only.

Qiran (Hajj and Umrah combined)

This Hajj type is referred to Hajj combined with Umrah. This pilgrim preforming
this type of .The Qaarin should enter the state of Ihraam with the intention of
performing 'Umrah and Hajj together.

Tamattu (Hajj and Umrah separate)

This hajj type refers to Hajj and umrah separate but in the same month. This is
done so by releasing himself or herself from ihram after performing the rites of
`Umrah and thus taking a little rest and comfort before embarking on Hajj by
resuming ihram for Hajj again on 8 Dhul-Hijjah.

Hajj Rituals:

The First Day

Before arriving in the holy city, Muslims enter a state of special effort known as
ihram. They remove their normal clothes and put on the humble attire of
pilgrims, two seamless white sheets for men, and simple white dresses and
scarves for women.

The white garments are symbolic of human equality and unity before God, since
all the pilgrims are dressed similarly. You must leave the world behind youand
are no longer important.

The first thing a Muslim will do is rush to the Ka'ba and circle it seven times. This
is called the tawaf.

If the can they will touch the Black Stone, otherwise they will wave towards it.

The next occasion is the Saai. The pilgrims run between the two low hills of
Marwa and Safa. You must do this to remember the time when Hagar searched
for water for her child Isma'il.

Then the pilgrims (or hajji) then drink from the well of Zamzam. The water is said
to give special blessings.

At the end of the day, the pilgrims (or hajji) set off for Mina and camp there for
the rest of that day and night.

How to Enter into a State of Ihram

• Men wear the lower part by wrapping it around their waist
• The top part is thrown over, covering both shoulders, the right shoulder is
only open during Tawaf
• It is acceptable to wear a money belt to assist in “keeping up” the lower
part
• A safety pin is also very useful to keep the top part from falling off or
constantly opening up
• There are no special clothing requirements for women in Ihram; other
than, not covering the face and hands while in Ihram
• It is acceptable to adopt the Ihram clothes prior to reaching the Meqaat
• The intention to begin Hajj and Umrah is to be made aloud by saying:

or

• Men should recite the Talbiyah loudly, a woman raises her voice only to
the extent of being heard by the person next to her; the Talbiyah is made
by saying:
The Second Day
After leaving Mina, the pilgrim (or hajji) goes to Arafat.

Arafat is a desert approximately nine miles from Makkah. Pilgrims do not have to
get crowded on the Mount of Rahmah (Mountain of Mercy). They can stay in any
place within the borders of Arafat.

Once you’re in Arafat, the pilgrim should spend as much time in prayer and
remembrance of Allah as possible. This is a very extraordinary day and the
pilgrim may never see it again. Everyone must make the most of out it.

The pilgrim stays in Arafat until sunset. It is suggested to spend the entire time
reading the Quran, or making any special prayers to Allah. The pilgrim (or hajji)
asks Allah to forgive his/her sins and pray for all the people that they know.

The pilgrim then walks to the nearby hills, and collects about 70 pea-size pebbles
for throwing.

The Third and Forth Day

Because of the large crowd going to Mina, the pilgrim (or hajji) must remain
calm, avoid pushing people, and must be respectful to others.

Stoning the Devil.

The pilgrim (or hajji) stones the pillar preferably before midday. Stoning the pillar
symbolizes stoning the devil. The pebbles must touch the inside of the Jamrah's
fence.

This reminds pilgrims of the time when Ibrahim was tempted by the Devil when
he was asked to sacrifice Ismail.

The Jamrat al-Kubra is the closest to Makkah. The size of the pebbles should not
be big. It should be anywhere between 1-1.5 cm. The pilgrim (or hajji) may throw
either from under the bridge or from over it.

Sacrificing an Animal

A sacrifice is now required for the pilgrim (or hajji) performing Hajj. The choice of
the animal is either a sheep, or 1/7th of a cow or a camel shared with other
people.
The pilgrim (or hajji) should always choose the best animal and avoid animals,
which do not look healthy or have defects. The pilgrim (or hajji) can slaughter
him/herself or appoint someone to do it on his/her behalf.

One third of the meat can be consumed, one third is offered as a gift and one
third distributed to the poor people.

Cutting Hair

The pilgrim (or hajji) may now shave/trim the hair, shower, and change into
everyday clothes. The hair may be shaved or trimmed for men. It is
recommended to start from the right side. For women, trimming only a fingertip’s
length is required.

Celebrating Eid ul-Adha

Muslims around the world celebrate this special occasion.

EID-AL-ADHA is a very cheerful day. It is a feast of self-sacrifice, commitment and

obedience to Allah. It commemorates the great act of obedience to Allah by the
Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) in showing his willingness to sacrifice his son Isma'il
(pbuh).

Maqam Ibrahim

The step-stone used by the Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) during the original
construction of the Ka'ba.

The stone carries the imprints of his feet, and is housed in a glass enclosure on
the North side of the Ka'ba. It is good to pray behind Maqam Ibrahim, if it is
possible.

The Fifth Day

The pilgrims encircle the Ka'ba another 7 times. Ihram is over and the rest of the
pilgrimage has a holiday feeling.

Pilgrims will buy water from Zamzam and they dip their white ihram cloths in it.

The black cloth, which covers the Ka’ba, is cut up and sold to the pilgrims to
keep as souvenirs.