Al Khalid

What is the procedure for entering the Iĥraam?

If you are taking the holy journey of Hajj for the first time, then this will give you the correct procedure to enter Ihraam.

It is considered that before putting on the Ihraam, one should use Miswaak and have bath; it is sunnah. But if that is not possible then Wudhoo will suffice. Hazrat Zaid Bin Thaabit narrated that, Holy Prophet (SAWS) had taken bath before entering the Ihraam. This applies to children and women in state of offering Salaat too.

It is compulsory to remove hair from the pubic area, armpits and cut nails before taking the bath. Men should also consider trimming their hair before Ihraam. Men’s Ihraam has two pieces of cloth. It should be white and new. One cloth is for the lower portion of the body (covering waist to above ankles) and other to cover the upper part of the body. Besides these two clothes, no other garments should be worn.  The footwear needs to be in such a way that the centre bones of the upper part of the feet should be left uncovered.

Women on other side should put on their normal clothes, with their heads been covered fully. It becomes Waajib to cover their faces if they fear Fitnah. This entire thing should be done in a perfect manner that the covering doesn’t touch the face.

Men cannot wear socks or hand gloves, however women are free to do so. It is Sunnah for men to use perfume on their body and on the Ihraam cloth before putting it on. But one should be careful, they should be no trace or colour of perfume on the clothes. It is against the Sunnah to make Idhţibaa` at this stage. After one has put the Ihraam, reached the airport & completed all the formalities, if it is not a Makrooh time, then one should offer two  Rak`aat Sunnat-e-Iĥraam.

During Salaat, men are supposed to cover their heads with Ihraam sheets. It is Mustaĥab to recite Soorh Kaafiroon in first Rak`at and Soorh Ikhlaaŝ in second Rak`at. After the Ŝalaat men should uncover their heads.

Note: A woman who is not in the state to perform Ŝalaat, need not offer it. She should perform Ghusl, put on her normal clothes, which will serve as her Iĥraam.

KNOW MEEQAAT

What is Meeqaat? The points or stations from where people crosses their way to Holy Makkah either to perform Umrah or Hajj or any other purpose, inclusive of other businesses is required to assume the state of Ihraam.

This is applicable to even those people who live within the limits of Haram, i:e, if they go out of the Meeqaat, they cannot re-enter the boundary without Ihraam. It is compulsory or Waajib to wear Ihraam before entering Meeqaat. The Prophet has stated these places at all the popular routes to Makkah.

The person who is walking, flying towards Makkah should enter the state of Ihram at or before Meeqaat, if somehow he is not passing through one of them, then a point in his route that corresponds to the nearest Meeqaat. The person has the liberty to enter in Ihraam before leaving the house or before boarding the aircraft.

One must enquire about Meeqaat, if there is no one available to guide him, he must decide himself. If a person crosses Meeqaat without Ihraam, he has to offer Dam in Haram or go back to Meeqaat and re-enter after wearing Ihraam.

However, if someone is not going towards Makkah but some other place within Meeqaat he is not required to wear Ihraam. If he thereafter enters Makkah, he can go without Iĥraam.

Following are five different Meeqaat:

1. Dhul-Ĥulaifah: Dhul-Ĥulaifah is the Meeqaat for those who lives in Madinah and for those who approach Makkah from that particular direction. This is commonly known as Abyaar-e-`Ali. The Prophet had worn Iĥraam from here while going to perform `Umrah.
2. Juĥfah: This is the Meeqaat for the people who come from the direction of Syria. However, the Juĥfah has lost its identity and people assume the state of Iĥraam from Raabigh instead, which is near to Juĥfah.
3. Qarnul-Manaazil: This is the Meeqaat for the people of Najd or for those coming from that direction. This is near Ţaaif.
4. Dhaat-e-`Irq: This is the Meeqaat for the people of Iran, Iraq and all those coming from that direction.
5. Yalamlam: This is the Meeqaat for the people of Yemen and all those coming from that direction. It is also the Meeqaat for many of the pilgrims from China, Japan, India, and Pakistan and anyone who comes from that direction.

It is a priority to don the Ĥajj Iĥraam before entering the Meeqaat. It is not permissible to enter without Ihraam. Those people living within the Ĥaram limit can wear Iĥraam from any place within the Ĥaram, preferably from the Masjid-e-Ĥaraam. However, if they are going to perform `Umrah, the Iĥraam for the same should be worn somewhere outside the Ĥaram limit; preferably from the Masjid-e-`Aayishah. The area outside the Ĥaram limits is called Ĥil.

Fulfill These Conditions to Attain Hajj

CONDITIONS OF ACCOMPLISHMENT

Secure Routes – If due to various circumstances, the route turns out to be unsafe and dangerous then you are not obliged to start Hajj.

Maĥram is compulsory for Women: According to Islamic Law, a male member of the family should accompany the woman if she decides to perform Hajj as the journey is more than three days and more than 92 Kms. The condition is irrespective of age.

Women shouldn’t be in `Iddat: If a woman is her waiting period after death of her husband or divorce, she is not suppose to start Hajj.

Free from all restrains: A person who is under any kind of restrain by the ruler or is imprisoned for his crime, then he may postpone his Hajj.

Bahaar-e- Ĥajj 21

FARAAIDH OF ĤAJJ

 There are some special obligatory acts that one needs to take up for Hajj. Every act needs to be fulfilled for the Hajj to be successful. If you are going for Hajj for the first time, then please read through the following obligatory acts in Ĥajj:

1. Iĥraam: You cannot perform Hajj in your daily clothes; you are obliged to wear the distinctive garb as prescribed. It is the vital condition of Ĥajj.
2. Wuqoof-e-`Arfah: To remain present in `Arafaat at least for some time between Zawaal of 9th of Dhul-Ĥijjah and dawn of 10th of Dhul-Ĥijjah. It is a Rukn of Ĥajj.
3. Major part of Ţawaaf-e-Ziyaarat: That is four or more rounds of Ţawaaf-e- Ziyaarat. It is also one Rukn of Ĥajj.
4. Niyyat: It is important to have a firm intention in the mind to go for Hajj. If the intention is swayed away by doubts then it is not acceptable.
5. Sequence: It is obligatory to follow prescribed sequence. First is to enter in the Iĥraam, then to do Wuqoof followed by Ţawaaf-e-Ziyaarat.
6. Time: Each act must be performed on the prescribed timings.
7. Place: Each act must be performed on the prescribed places.

HOLY JOURNEY IS INCOMPLETE WITHOUT SUNAN OF ĤAJJ

Hajj being the religious obligation there are certain sunan for you to follow to attain the rewards. The experience from this journey is celestial if you abide by every sunan. Following acts are the Sunan of Ĥajj:

1. Every person entering in to Makkah from outside the Meeqaat should offer Ţawaaf-e-Qudoom, this is a Sunnah for a Mufrid and a Qaarin to offer this Ţawaaf. Those who are performing Ĥajj-e-Tamattu` are exempted.
2. To begin Ţawaaf from Ĥajr-e-Aswad, and to do Istilaam.
3. To do Ramal either in Ţawaaf-e-Qudoom or in Ţawaaf-e-Ziyaarat.
4. To run between two green pillars while performing Sa`ee.
5. To start from Makkah after Fajr prayer on 8th of Dhul-Ĥijjah for Mina, so as to complete five prayers in Mina.
6. To spend the night of 9th of Dhul-Ĥijjah in Mina.
7. To start from Mina for `Arafaat on 9th of Dhul-Ĥijjah after sunrise.
8. To take bath for Wuqoof -e-`Arafaat.
9. To stay in Muzdalifah for night while returning from `Arafaat.
10. To start from Muzdalifah for Mina before sunrise.
11. To spend the nights of 11th and 12th of Dhul-Ĥijjah in Mina. If one stays back in Mina for 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, then it is Sunnah to spend night of 13th of Dhul-Ĥijjah also in Mina.

DO YOU KNOW THE ETIQUETTES OF TRAVELLING FOR HAJJ?

If you decide to oblige your religious obligation, you should be aware about the etiquettes of travelling for Hajj.

1. If you are going to perform Nafl Ĥajj, it is important to take permission from parents or husband, if you are married. However, for Fardh Ĥajj no such permission is required.
2. Women must travel either with her husband or with a Maĥarm. It is not permissible for her to travel otherwise if the journey exceeds 91 kms. If she does no doubt her Ĥajj would be valid but she will be committing a sin at each step she takes.
3. To carry provisions for journey more than required for distribution to other companions and poor. This is a sign of acceptance of the Ĥajj by Allah.
4. An `Aalim is required to carry books according to his requirement. Those who choose not to carry any books must accompany an `Aalim, otherwise at least carry a book like this one.
5. It is a Sunnah to carry, Surmah, comb and Miswaak.
6. Choose your company wisely; travel with only those whom you think is trust-worthy, pious & ready to help. Avoid travelling with those who are disrespectful; you are not obliged to travel with irreverent people.
7. It is a Sunnah (tradition) to make a leader in the group of 3 or more people. That person will organise the affairs of journey. As the journey begins, among your co-travellers, choose the most righteous, intelligent, experienced, humble and forbearing person as the leader. He should fulfil the responsibility with utmost care. He should take note of the needs of his companions and see to their comfort. Others have to obey and comply with the decisions of the leader.
8. Before your departure, meet relatives and friends and request for their forgiveness.
9. Ask blessings from your relatives and friends before departure for their blessings. Their blessings are considered to be auspicious and full of prosperity. Request as many people as possible because one does not know whose prayer will be answered. Also ask from the people for those who come to say good bye.
10. After wearing the dress in which one wishes to travel, it is Sunnah to offer four Rak`aat Nafl Ŝalaat in such a way that in first Rak`at Soorh-e-Kafiroon is recited, in second Soorh-e-Ikhlaaŝ, in third Soorh-e-Falaq, and in fourth Soorhe- Naas. These are to be recited after Soorh-e-Al Ĥamd. This Ŝalaat will act as protector of his property as well as family till his return.
11. Do charity prior to leaving house as well as after leaving.
12. Recite Bismillaah while taking the first step out of the house, thereafter recite the following supplication: Bismillaahi Wa Billaahi Wa Tawakkaltu `Alallaahi

  Wa Laa Ĥaula Wa Laa Quwwata illaa Billaah”

 (Allah’s name I begin with, and I rely upon Allah, there is no power and no strength except Allah)

13. Recite Durood as frequently as possible.
14. Visit the local Mosque and offer Two Rak`aat Ŝalaat. Please note prayers are not to be offered during Makrooh Period.
15. Also recite Aayatul Kursee, Soorh-e-Kafiroon, Soorh-e-Naŝr, Soorh-e- Ikhlaaŝ, Soorh-e-Falaq, and Soorh-e-Naas all beginning with Bismillaah, and again at the end recite Bismillaah once more. Allah be willing one will be comfortable throughout his journey.
16. To return home safely recite following:

  “Innalladhee Faradha `Alaikal Quraana Laraadduka ilaa Ma`aad”

   (Verily He Who ordained the Quran for thee, will bring thee back to the place of return. Soorah 28: Aayat 85)

17. Recite following while boarding a bus, a car, a train or a plane:

  “Bismillaahir Raĥmanir Raĥeem”…thrice

  “Laa ilaaha illallaah” …once, and

          Bahaar-e- Ĥajj

  “Subĥaanal Ladhee Sakh-khra Lanaa Hadhaa Wa Maa

   Kunnaa Lahu Muqrineena Wa Innaa ilaa Rabbinaa Lamunqaliboon”

(Glory to Him Who has subjected these to our (use), for we could never be able to do it. And to our Lord, surely, must we turn back. Soorah 43: Aayaat 13-14)

18. Inform your date and time of arrival well in advance to the concerned people. People should welcome a Ĥaji on his return and request him to pray for them. Whatever Ĥaji prays before he enters his house, the prayer is answered favorably. And most importantly a Ĥaji must pray for everyone.
19. Visit the local Mosque and offer two Rak`aat Ŝalaat before going home. Please note prayers are not to be offered during Makrooh Period.
20. Don’t fail to bring gifts for relatives and friends, especially Dates, Zam-Zam, etc. But another important gift is to pray for relatives and friends.

Note:

During the Ĥajj journey you are bound to face difficulties. Make sure that you don’t complain about them. Keep your temperament in check. Don’t lose your temper, either with your family members, or fellow travellers or Arab residents. As mentioned in Quran, there are three conditions for acceptance of Ĥajj:

“Falaa Rafatha Wa Laa Fusooqa Wa Laa Jidaala Fil Ĥajj”

(Let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the Ĥajj. Soorah 2: Aayat 197)

If you think you are distracted, look at your heart and recite the above Aayat and Laaĥaul Shareef a few times and you will be able to concentrate well. Make sure that you do not start a quarrel nor others instigate you in a fight. Sometimes Allah to test you brings about a tensed situation. Showcase patience, and pass this test successfully.

Make sure that a few wrong words do not ruin your reward and waste your efforts and the money you have spent on this pilgrimage. The people of Makkah are strong headed, be polite with them no matter how humiliating situation can be; especially do not object to the doings of those residing in Madinah, so much so that even does not think ill of their doings in your hearts. In this lies the success of both worlds for you.

List Of Things To Carry For Hajj

If you have decided to proceed for Hajj, you must carry these necessary things according to the season.

Few of them are as listed below:

1. Few pairs of clothing
2. Few pairs Hawaii Chappals
3. Two pairs of Ihram cloth
4. One leather belt
5. A large bag for carrying luggage
6. A small bag specifically for Mina and Arafat
7. One sling bag for keeping currency and documents
8. A bucket, a water bottle, and a spouted jug
9. A mat, a pillow, and bed sheets for Mina and Arafat
10. Suitable utensils and a hand fan
11. The Holy Quran, praying mat, rosary and book detailing Hajj procedures
12. Some patent medicine for personal use, but then one should keep the doctor’s prescription in original; otherwise medicine may be confiscated by Saudi authority

Note:

Al Khalid Tours & Travels provides many facilities to the people going for Hajj. The facilities are customised according to your requirements. However, there are other things that you can take care on your end too.
Ensure the bags that you carry should have your name & address tag. Pack as light a luggage as you can to avoid unnecessary hassles.
Carry all your travel documents such as Meningitis Certificate, Passport, Currency, Bank Draft, Ticket and other important documents in a separate hand bag and keep a good eye on this hand bag.
However, if you face more discomfort during this pilgrimage, Allah will reward you more. He is always pleased with those who come to him in a tattered state.

PREPARATION FOR HAJJ

Intention

Hajj is all about staying in ‘Arafat’ on the 9^th day of Dhul-Hijjah and performs Hajj in Ihram and offer Tawaf to Allah. As Hajj is performed once in a lifetime, the intention behind every prayer should be sincere. The intention should define their sacred duty and seek pleasure of Allah & His beloved Prophet Sallalaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam. One shouldn’t carry any hidden motives as Allah judges everything. As reported in Bukhari, the Holy Prophet Sallalaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam said: “Verily actions are judged according to intentions and every man is granted what he intends.”

The sole intention should be to gain Allah’s pleasure and fulfil his obligation. Quoting The Holy Prophet Sallalaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam: “There will come a time when the aristocrats amongst my followers will perform Hajj merely for pleasure; and the middle class for trade; and the scholars for show and fame; and the poorer class for the sake of begging.”

We can only ask Allah, the Most Merciful, to make us a sincere and pious Muslim, and protect us from hypocrisy.

Learning of Manaasik

It is a must to study the Manaasik of Hajj before performing it. One must learn Manaasik under the guidance of a Sunni `Aalim, memorise the Talbiyah and all other important Du`aa. If a person is negligent in learning these Manaasik, he/she when they reach there, they realise that they do not know anything, they turn either to their Mu`allim or their friends, who themselves are unaware about the exact learning of the Manaasik.

Expediting Hajj

As soon as one becomes financially sound and physically fit, Hajj becomes compulsory for him/her. It is compulsory to perform Hajj in the same year one become capable of it. It is considered to be a sin if delayed. If delayed for years, one becomes Faasiq. No reasons are accepted for such a delay. However, if he performs Hajj, it is considered as Adaa and not Qadhaa.

Fulfilment of obligations

Before going to Hajj, one has to fulfil all human obligations. Pay off the debt or at least take the permission for delay in payment. In case the creditor has passed away, pay off the debt to his/her heirs. If neither of them is found, then give that amount in charity. If someone has kept anything under his trust, he must return the same to its owner or make arrangements for them to be looked after in his absence. If one has violated some rights, he should apologise with an open heart & ask for forgiveness. In Hadith it is said that, if a Muslim comes to his brother to ask for forgiveness, it is important for that the person to forgive him. If he doesn’t, he is not allowed to visit Ĥaudh-e-Kauthar. If such a person has any kind of obligation towards Allah, he must fulfil them. He must commit to not repeat such mistakes.

 Sincere repentance

One needs to repent genuinely. He must ask Allah to forgive all his past sins and transgressions. Regret all your bad deeds with utmost sincerity. Take a firm resolution to refrain from repeating the sins. Regret with all your heart and promise Allah not to repeat any kind of bad deeds. As Allah is all forgiving & ever accepting, he may forgive you, irrespective of your sins.

Funds for Hajj

 According to the Sharee`at, Hajj should be performed with wealth that is acquired lawfully; otherwise it is not accepted by Allah. The person’s Fardh of performing Hajj will be fulfilled. But Allah would only accept that which is pure & clean. One can borrow funds for Hajj and later repay from his earnings. He has to make proper arrangements for the maintenance of those he is responsible for i.e. his wife, children & all dependents till the time he is back from Hajj.

Significance Of Hajj

Hajj is a unique combination of Prayers, Fasting & Zakaat. A Muslim, who is financially & physically sound, has to go to Hajj once in lifetime.
In Holy Quran, Allah declares:
“Wa Lillaahi `Alan Naasi Ĥijjul Baiti Manis Tţaa`a ilaihi Sabeelaa.
Wa Man Kafara Finnallaaha Ghaniyun `Anil `Aalameen”
(Allah has a right on the people, who can afford to reach the House, are obliged to perform Hajj there; and the one who disobeys should know that Allah is All-Sufficient and does not stand in need  of any creature of the worlds. Soorah 3: Aayat 97)
Few Aĥaadith mentions the importance of Hajj:

1. Ĥazrat Aboo Hurairah Radiallaahu `Anhu says that the Prophet Ŝallalaahu `Alaihi Wa Sallam said “the one who performs Hajj, if he/she does not indulge in any kind of indecency and abstain themselves from sins, then such a person returns home from the Hajj free from all the kinds of sins committed by him since the day his mother gave him birth.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
2. Ĥazrat `Aayishah Radiallaahu `Anhaa narrated that the Holy Prophet Ŝallalaahu `Alaihi Wa Sallam said “Women’s Jihaad is Hajj.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
3. Ĥazrat Aboo Hurairah Radiallaahu `Anhu recites the words of the Holy Prophet Ŝallalaahu `Alaihi Wa Sallam, “Umrah serves as the compensation for sins committed between two `Umrah, but the reward for Hajj-e-Mabroor is nothing but Paradise.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
4. Ĥazrat `Abdullah Ibne `Abbaas Radiallaahu `Anhumaa narrated that the Holy Prophet Ŝallalaahu `Alaihi Wa Sallam said “An `Umrah performed during the month of Ramadhaan is like performing Hajj with me.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
5. Ĥazrat `Abdullah Ibne `Abbaas Radiallaahu `Anhumaa described what the Holy Prophet Ŝallalaahu `Alaihi Wa Sallam said “the one on whom a Hajj has become a religious duty (Fardh) should be quick to perform it, for truly one never knows what will transpire one.” (Aŝbahaani)
6. Ĥazrat Aboo Amamah Radiallaahu `Anhu narrated what the Holy Prophet Ŝallalaahu `Alaihi Wa Sallam said “a person who is not stopped by a bully, or a need, or a disease from performing Hajj, then he may expire as a Jew or a Christian.” (Daarmi)
7. Ĥazrat `Abdullah Ibne `Abbaas Radiallaahu `Anhumaa repeated what the Holy Prophet Ŝallalaahu `Alaihi Wa Sallam said – one who sets out on foot for Hajj from Makkah, Allah records seven hundred rewards of Ĥaram for each step he/she takes till he/she returns to Makkah.
   Although, the mates enquired, what will be the reward of Ĥaram? To which the Prophet replied that for every good deed in Ĥaram, the reward is one hundred thousand times. (Ĥaakam) This basically means a person who walks from Makkah to Mina, then to `Arafaat, Muzdalifah, Mina and back to Makkah gets seventy million rewards for each step he takes. Certainly Allah is the Most Generous and Most Merciful.

Quran Reading

Allah has guided us in the Quran, however, due to various distractions; we end up ignoring the virtues of reading Quran.  Reading the Quran will provide you with any kind of solutions that you are looking for. That is not the only reason why you should be reading the Quran.

Following are the benefits of reading Quran:

Fine tuning your Mind:
Our minds usually have no right framework to follow, which results in stress and a directionless life. If you make it a habit, to read the Quran on a daily basis your mind will be lead in the right direction – a framework that is specially given to us by Allah to keep us on the right path.

Purging of Heart:
Quran doesn’t carry just words, it has the capacity to influence your heart, either you are the listener or the reader. The words remove all the impurities from your heart and let your heart breathe in a pure environment.  This gives you a chance to be a much better person than you already are.

Conversation with Allah
Above all, Quran is not a one way method, where you keep reciting and Allah showers you with his rewards and blessings. It is much beyond that, it actually lets you talk to Allah, converse with Him and get the desired guidance for your life. By not reciting Quran every day, you will just miss the chance to talk to Allah and stick to the right path.

Don’t miss the chance, these precious words in Quran are going to benefit you in every situation of your life. Even in the worst of situations, Quran will calm you and ultimately guide you on the right path.

IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER/SALAH

It is believed that we all have some connection with our Creator. That connection determines our destiny, prosperity in the world and in the eternal one.

This connection is developed over a period of time. Our parents make that first effort to inculcate the habit of praying. If our connection grows stronger then we are going to do well in every walk of life. In Islam it is also believed that on Judgment Day, this connection is going to redeem a person from all misery, adversity and punishment.
The Islamic term of prayer is Salah, it needs to be performed properly. It is spoken of in the Qur’an, Allah uses words like ‘Aqim as-Salah’or‘Iqamah-as-Salah’. This simply translates in to performing Salah properly to have its effect and develop a stronger connection with Allah.
Salah is performed five times a day on specific timings. In Qur’an, Allah has described the importance of Salah. He has given it immense importance.
It is believed that a person doing Salah acquires all sorts of guidance to lead his/her life. It guides every Muslim because as the Prophet said, ‘Salah is the light’. The Prophet also instructs that performing Salah faithfully is the best deed in the eyes of Allah.
In Qur’an, Allah tells us to remember him so that he will remember us. This is the connection that Allah wants developed. Salah lights up the path for every Muslim. It is only through Salah that a person can battle the evils, find meaning and happiness in life. We need to encourage our souls through Salah and also encourage others to do the same. May Allah give us the strength and reliability to create that sturdy connection. Ameen!