Source: Sermons of Hafiz Muhammad Ishaq Zahid, compiled by: Tauheed.com
In the previous Friday sermon, we discussed the virtues of the Two Holy Sanctuaries in the light of the Quran and Hadith, and in connection with the Hajj season, today we will shed light on the obligation and importance of Hajj, its virtues, rulings, and etiquettes. We pray to Allah, the Almighty, to grant us all the opportunity to visit the Two Holy Sanctuaries repeatedly. Ameen.
The Obligation and Importance of Hajj
Hajj is a fundamental pillar of Islam, as the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
(بُنِیَ الْإِسْلَامُ عَلٰی خَمْسٍ: شَھَادَۃِ أَن لَّا إِلٰهَ إلِاَّ اللّٰہُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُہُ وَرَسُوْلُهُ، وَإِقَامِ الصَّلاَۃِ، وَإِیْتَاءِ الزَّکَاۃِ، وَحَجِّ بَیْتِ اللّٰہِ، وَصَوْمِ رَمَضَانَ)
Reference: (Agreed upon)
"The foundation of Islam is based on five things: bearing witness that Allah is the only true God and that Muhammad (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) is His servant and Messenger, establishing prayer, paying zakat, performing Hajj to the House of Allah, and fasting in the month of Ramadan."
And Hajj is obligatory at least once in a lifetime upon every man and woman who has the means to perform it.
Hazrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) addressed us and said:
(أَیُّهَا النَّاسُ، قَدْ فَرَضَ اللّٰہُ عَلَیْکُمُ الْحَجَّ فَحُجُّوْا)
"O people! Allah has made Hajj obligatory upon you, so perform Hajj." Upon hearing this, a man said: O Messenger of Allah! Is Hajj obligatory every year? The Prophet ﷺ remained silent until he asked the same question three times. Then the Prophet ﷺ said:
(لَوْ قُلْتُ نَعَمْ، لَوَجَبَتْ، وَلَمَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ)
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:1337)
"If I were to say yes, then Hajj would become obligatory every year, and if that happened, you would not be able to bear it."
Conditions for the Obligation of Hajj
There are five conditions for the obligation of Hajj:
➊ Islam
Meaning, Hajj is only obligatory upon a Muslim; it is not obligatory upon a disbeliever. If a disbeliever performs Hajj while in a state of disbelief, it will not be valid because being Muslim is necessary before Hajj. Therefore, after accepting Islam, if the person is capable, then Hajj becomes obligatory again. This is why when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ sent Hazrat Mu'adh (may Allah be pleased with him) to Yemen, he said:
(إِنَّكَ تَأْتِیْ قَوْمًا مِنْ أَھْلِ الْکِتَابِ، فَادْعُهُمْ إِلٰی شَھَادَۃِ أَن لَّا إلٰهَ إلَّا اللّٰہُ، وَأَنِّیْ رَسُوْلُ اللّٰہِ، فَإِنْ هُمْ أَطَاعُوْا لِذَلِكَ فَأَعْلِمْهُمْ أَنَّ اللّٰہَ افْتَرَضَ عَلَیْهِمْ خَمْسَ صَلَوَاتٍ فِیْ کُلِّ یَوْمٍ وَلَیْلَةٍ ۔۔۔۔۔ الخ)
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:1496, Sahih Muslim:19)
"You are going to a people of the People of the Book, so invite them to (سب سے پہلے) testify that there is no true deity except Allah and that I am the Messenger of Allah. If they accept your statement, then inform them that Allah has made five prayers obligatory upon them during the day and night..."
From this hadith, it is understood that first accepting Islam is necessary, and secondly, the obligations of the religion come after that.
➋ Intellect
That is, Hajj is obligatory only on a sane and conscious Muslim, not on a mentally ill person. Because the mentally ill has been declared by the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, as one with suspended accountability (غیر مکلف).
➌ Puberty
Puberty is a condition for the obligation of Hajj because a minor child is not accountable, however, a minor child can perform Hajj. As Hazrat Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates that a woman raised her child and said: O Messenger of Allah! Can he perform Hajj? So the Prophet, peace be upon him, said:
(نَعَمْ، وَلَكِ أَجْرٌ) "Yes, and you will also receive reward."
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:1336)
But this Hajj will not suffice for the obligatory Hajj. If he becomes capable after reaching adulthood, he will have to perform the obligatory Hajj again.
➍ Freedom
That is, Hajj is obligatory only on a free Muslim, not on a slave. However, a slave can perform Hajj, but this Hajj will not suffice for the obligatory Hajj, and he will have to perform the obligatory Hajj again after becoming free and being capable.
➎ Capability
That is, he must have the ability to perform Hajj, be financially able to bear the expenses of Hajj, and physically capable of traveling for Hajj. The route must be safe, and after gaining capability, it must be possible for him to reach Makkah by the days of Hajj. The Divine command is:
﴿وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ حِجُّ ٱلْبَيْتِ مَنِ ٱسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا﴾
Reference: (Al Imran 3:97)
"Hajj to the House of Allah is a duty owed to Allah by those who are able to undertake the journey."
And when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was asked about capability, he said: (اَلزَّادُ وَالرَّاحِلَةُ) meaning that this refers to having provisions for the journey and a means of transportation (یا سواری کا کرایہ ادا کرنے کی طاقت رکھتا ہو۔)
Reference: (Sunan Ibn Majah, Sahih al-Targhib wa al-Tarhib by Al-Albani:1131)
If a person has financial means but is physically unable to perform Hajj, it is obligatory for him to appoint someone who has already performed Hajj on his behalf.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) narrated that during the Farewell Pilgrimage, a woman from the Khath'am tribe came and said: O Messenger of Allah! Hajj has become obligatory on my father, but he is very old and unable to ride a mount. Should I perform Hajj on his behalf? The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: (نَعَمْ، حُجِّیْ عَنْهُ) "Yes, perform Hajj on his behalf."
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 1513, Sahih Muslim: 1334)
Similarly, the statement of Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) is that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) heard a man saying: (لَبَّیْكَ عَنْ شُبْرُمَةَ) So the Prophet (peace be upon him) asked: Who is Shabramah? He said: He is my brother (یا میرا رشتہ دار ہے۔) Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) asked: Have you performed Hajj yourself? He said: No. So the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
(حُجَّ عَنْ نَفْسِكَ، ثُمَّ حُجَّ عَنْ شُبْرُمَةَ)
Reference: (Sunan Abi Dawood:1811, Sunan Ibn Majah:2903. Graded authentic by Al-Albani)
"Perform Hajj for yourself first, then perform it on behalf of Shabramah."
It should be noted that besides these conditions, there is another condition for a woman that she must have a Mahram or her husband accompany her for the journey of Hajj. If this is not the case, then Hajj is not obligatory upon her. The Prophetic command (peace be upon him) is:
(لَا یَحِلُّ لِامْرَأَۃٍ أَنْ تُسَافِرَ ثَلَاثًا إِلَّا وَمَعَهَا ذُوْ مَحْرَمٍ مِنْهَا)
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:1086, Sahih Muslim:1338)
"It is not permissible for a woman to travel a distance of three days without her Mahram."
It should be remembered that when a person has the means to perform Hajj according to these conditions, he should perform Hajj at the earliest opportunity and should not delay it until the next year. Because the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
(مَنْ أَرَادَ الْحَجَّ فَلْیَتَعَجَّلْ، فَإِنَّهُ قَدْ یَمْرُضُ الْمَرِیْضُ، وَتَضِل الضَّالَّةُ، وَتَعْرِضُ الْحَاجَةُ)
Reference: (Ahmad and Ibn Majah. Sahih al-Jami' al-Saghir by Al-Albani:6004, and Al-Irwa:990)
"Whoever intends to perform Hajj (فرضیت کے بعد) should hasten to do so, for it may happen that he falls ill, or loses something, or some need arises for him."
While Hazrat Umar (RA) used to say that he wished to send some people to these cities to find out who has wealth and has not performed Hajj, so that he could impose Jizya on them because they are certainly not Muslims.
Reference: (Sahih Ibn Hajar in Al-Kaba'ir)
Virtues of Hajj
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ mentioned many virtues of Hajj. Listen to these virtues and refresh your faith.
➊ The reward of an accepted Hajj is Paradise alone
Narrated Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said:
(اَلْحَجُّ الْمَبْرُوْرُ لَیْسَ لَهُ جَزَاءٌ إِلَّا الْجَنَّةُ)
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 1773, Sahih Muslim: 1349)
"The reward of an accepted Hajj is Paradise."
An accepted Hajj means a pilgrimage in which no disobedience to Allah is committed, and its sign is that after Hajj, the pilgrim begins to do more good deeds and does not return to sins.
➋ Hajj erases sins
◄Hazrat Amr ibn al-As (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that when Allah placed the love of Islam in my heart, I came to the presence of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and said: Please extend your hand so that I may give you the pledge of allegiance. The Prophet (peace be upon him) extended his blessed hand, but I withdrew my hand. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Amr! What is wrong with you? I said: I want to make a condition. The Prophet (peace be upon him) asked: What condition? I said: My condition is that Allah forgives my sins. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
(أَمَا عَلِمْتَ أَنَّ الْإِسْلَامَ یَهْدِمُ مَا کَانَ قَبْلَهُ، وَأَنَّ الْهِجْرَۃَ تَهْدِمُ مَا کَانَ قَبْلَهَا، وَأَنَّ الْحَجَّ یَهْدِمُ مَا کَانَ قَبْلَهُ)
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:121)
"Do you not know that Islam erases previous sins, migration removes past mistakes, and Hajj wipes out all previous sins."
◄Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
(أَدِیْمُوْا الْحَجَّ وَالْعُمْرَۃَ فَإِنَّهُمَا یَنْفِیَانِ الْفَقْرَ وَالذُّنُوْبَ کَمَا تَنْفِیْ الْکِیْرُ خَبَثَ الْحَدِیْدِ)
Reference: (Al-Tabarani and Al-Daraqutni, authenticated by Al-Albani in Al-Sahihah: 1185)
"Always perform Hajj and Umrah because both of these remove poverty and sins just as a furnace removes rust from iron."
➌ After faith and jihad, the most virtuous deed is Hajj
It is narrated from Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was asked: Which deed is the most virtuous? He said: (إِیْمَانٌ بِاللّٰہِ وَرَسُوْلِهِ) "To believe in Allah and His Messenger." It was asked: Then which one? He (PBUH) said: (جِهَادٌ فِیْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰہِ) "To strive in the way of Allah (jihad)." It was asked: Then which one? He (PBUH) said: (حَجٌّ مَبْرُوْرٌ) "An accepted Hajj."
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:1519, Sahih Muslim:83)
➍ Hajj is the most virtuous jihad
It is narrated from Hazrat Aisha (RA) that she said: O Messenger of Allah! We think that jihad is the most virtuous deed, so should we not perform jihad? The Prophet (PBUH) said:
(لٰکِنْ أَفْضَلُ الْجِهَادِ حَجٌّ مَبْرُوْرٌ)
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:1520)
"The most virtuous jihad is an accepted Hajj."➎ For the elderly, weak, and women, jihad is Hajj and Umrah
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:
(جِهَادُ الْکَبِیْرِ وَالضَّعِیْفِ وَالْمَرْأَۃِ: اَلْحَجُّ وَالْعُمْرَۃُ)
Reference: (Sunan an-Nasa'i and authenticated by Al-Albani)
"Jihad for the elderly, the weak, and women is Hajj and Umrah."
➏ Pilgrims are the guests of Allah and their prayers are accepted
Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:
(اَلْغَازِیْ فِیْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰہِ وَالْحَاجُّ وَالْمُعْتَمِرُ وَفْدُ اللّٰہِ، دَعَاهُمْ فَأَجَابُوْہُ، وَسَأَلُوْہُ فَأَعْطَاهُمْ)
Reference: (Sunan Ibn Majah, Ibn Hibban, Sahih at-Targhib wa at-Tarhib:1108)
"One who wages jihad in the way of Allah, one who performs Hajj, and one who performs Umrah — all of these are guests of Allah. Allah has called them, so they have come. Therefore, whatever they ask from Allah, He will grant them."
➐ If a person dies during the journey of Hajj, he goes straight to Paradise
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:
(مَنْ خَرَجَ حَاجًّا فَمَاتَ، کُتِبَ لَهُ أَجْرُ الْحَاجِّ إِلٰی یَوْمِ الْقِیَامَةِ، وَمَنْ خَرَجَ مُعْتَمِرًا فَمَاتَ، کُتِبَ لَهُ أَجْرُ الْمُعْتَمِرِ إِلٰی یَوْمِ الْقِیَامَةِ۔۔)
Reference: (Narrated by Abu Ya'la, Sahih at-Targhib wa at-Tarhib:1114)
"Whoever sets out for Hajj and dies during the journey, the reward of a pilgrim will be recorded for him until the Day of Judgment. And whoever sets out for Umrah and dies during the journey, the reward of one who performs Umrah will be recorded for him until the Day of Judgment."
And the statement of Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) is that a man who stood with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ at Arafat was suddenly thrown down by his she-camel, breaking his neck and causing his death. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
(اِغْسِلُوْہُ بِمَاءٍ وَّسِدْرٍ، وَکَفِّنُوْہُ بِثَوْبَیْهِ، وَلَا تُخَمِّرُوْا رَأْسَهُ، وَلَا تُحَنِّطُوْہُ، فَإِنَّهُ یُبْعَثُ یَوْمَ الْقِیَامَةِ مُلَبِّیًا)
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:1849 and 1850, Sahih Muslim:1206)
"Give him a bath with water and leaves of berry, and shroud him in two sheets only. Do not cover his head and do not apply perfume to him, because on the Day of Resurrection he will be raised in this state while reciting Talbiyah."
➑ A great hadith on the virtue of the rituals of Hajj
It is narrated from Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "When you set out from your home intending to go to the House of Allah, for every step your mount takes, Allah records one good deed and forgives one sin. And when you are standing at Arafat, Allah Almighty comes to the sky of the world and, boasting about the pilgrims in front of the angels, says: 'Look, these are My servants who have come to Me from far and wide in a scattered and dusty state. They hope for My mercy and fear My punishment.' (حالانکہ انھوں نے مجھے نہیں دیکھا) And if they were to see Me, then what would their condition be! Then if you have sins as numerous as the layers of sand, or as many as the days of the world, or as many as the drops of rain, Allah Almighty washes all those sins away from you. And when you throw pebbles at the Jamrat, Allah stores the reward for you. And when you shave your heads, for every hair, Allah records one good deed for you. Then when you perform Tawaf, you become free from sins just as you were born completely free from sins in your mother's womb."
Reference: (Al-Tabarani. Hasan by Al-Albani in Sahih Al-Jami' Al-Saghir:1360)
The words of another narration of the same hadith are as follows:
"When you set out from your home intending to go to the House of Allah, with every step your she-camel takes, Allah writes a good deed for you and forgives one of your sins. After the Tawaf, your two Rak'ahs are equivalent to freeing a slave from the descendants of Prophet Ismail (peace be upon him). Your Sa'i between Safa and Marwah is equivalent to freeing seventy slaves. On the evening of the Day of Arafah, Allah comes to the sky of the world and proudly says: 'Look, these are My servants who have come to Me from far and wide, in a scattered and dusty state; they are hopeful of My mercy. Even if your sins are as numerous as the particles of sand, or drops of rain, or the foam of the sea, I have forgiven all those sins.' And (أَفِیْضُوْا عِبَادِیْ مَغْفُوْرًا لَّکُمْ وَلِمَنْ شَفَعْتُمْ لَهُ) 'Listen, My servants! Now return towards Muzdalifah; I have forgiven you and those for whom you prayed.' And when you throw pebbles at the Jamarat, with every pebble, one major sin is erased. When you offer the sacrifice, its reward is stored for you with your Lord. When you shave your head, for every hair, Allah writes a good deed for you and erases a sin. Then, when you perform Tawaf, you become free of sins as if you were born completely free of sins from your mother's womb. An angel comes and places his hand between your shoulders and says: 'Go now and act for the future, for all your past sins have been erased.'"
Reference: (Al-Tabarani. Sahih al-Targhib wa al-Tarhib by Al-Albani:1112)
Some Etiquettes Before the Journey of Hajj
➊ It is obligatory for the pilgrim to intend Hajj and Umrah solely for the pleasure of Allah and to seek closeness to Him, because sincerity is a condition for the acceptance of every righteous deed.
The Divine command is:
﴿وَمَآ أُمِرُوٓا۟ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ ٱلدِّينَ حُنَفَآءَ وَيُقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَيُؤْتُوا۟ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ ۚ وَذَٰلِكَ دِينُ ٱلْقَيِّمَةِ ﴿٥﴾
Reference: (Al-Bayyina 98:5)
"They were commanded nothing but that they should worship Allah, being sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth, and establish prayer and give zakah; and that is the correct religion."
➋ He should bear the expenses of Hajj from lawful earnings because the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
(یَا أَیُّهَا النَّاسُ، إِنَّ اﷲ طَیِّبٌ وَلَا یَقْبَلُ إِلَّا طَیِّبًا)
Reference: (Sahih Muslim: 1014)
"O people! Allah is pure and only accepts that which is pure."
Then you mentioned a person who, after traveling a long distance, prays in a disheveled and dusty state (حج کرنے جاتا ہے) with hands raised towards the sky, saying: O my Lord, O my Lord! Although his food, drink, and clothing were earned through unlawful means, and his body was nourished by unlawful sustenance, how can such a person's prayer be accepted!
In this hadith, pay close attention that this person adopted many causes for the acceptance of prayer: travel, being disheveled and dusty, raising hands before Allah, etc. ... but despite this, his prayer is not acceptable to Allah! The reason is that his food, drink, clothing, etc., were from unlawful earnings. Therefore, it is obligatory for all Muslims in general and especially for the pilgrims to avoid unlawful earnings and to bear the expenses of the pilgrimage from lawful earnings.
➌ He should sincerely repent from all sins, and if there is any right of people (قرضہ وغیرہ) upon him, he should fulfill it.
Advise your family members to remain conscious of Allah, and if you have not been able to fulfill some of their rights, then make a will regarding them.
➍ Learn the rulings of Hajj and Umrah in the light of the Quran and Sunnah, and do not rely on hearsay because the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said on the occasion of Hajj al-Wada':
(لِتَأْخُذُوْا مَنَاسِکَکُمْ، فَإِنِّیْ لَا أَدْرِیْ لَعَلِّیْ لَا أَحُجُّ بَعْدَ حَجَّتِیْ هَذِہ)
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:1297)
"Learn the rulings of Hajj, for I do not know, perhaps I may not perform Hajj again after this one."
Therefore, just as conformity with the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, is necessary for all other acts of worship, similarly the rulings of Hajj should also be performed according to his Sunnah.
Some essential etiquettes during the journey and while performing Hajj
➊ After making the intention of Ihram, especially guard your tongue and avoid idle talk, do not harm your companions and treat them brotherly. Spend all your free time in obedience to Allah. Allah Almighty says:
﴿ٱلْحَجُّ أَشْهُرٌ مَّعْلُومَٰتٌ ۚ فَمَن فَرَضَ فِيهِنَّ ٱلْحَجَّ فَلَا رَفَثَ وَلَا فُسُوقَ وَلَا جِدَالَ فِى ٱلْحَجِّ ۗ وَمَا تَفْعَلُوا۟ مِنْ خَيْرٍ يَعْلَمْهُ ٱللَّهُ ۗ وَتَزَوَّدُوا۟ فَإِنَّ خَيْرَ ٱلزَّادِ ٱلتَّقْوَىٰ ۚ وَٱتَّقُونِ يَٰٓأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَلْبَٰبِ ﴿١٩٧﴾
Reference: (Al-Baqarah 2:197)
"The months of Hajj are fixed, so whoever makes Hajj obligatory upon himself during these months should avoid intimacy with his wife, committing sins, and engaging in quarrels. Allah is fully aware of the good deeds you do, and always take travel expenses with you, and the best provision is the fear of Allah. Therefore, O wise one! Keep fearing Me."
And the command of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is:
(مَنْ حَجَّ فَلَمْ یَرْفُثْ وَلَمْ یَفْسُقْ رَجَعَ کَیَوْمِ وَلَدَتْهُ أُمُّهُ)
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:1819, Sahih Muslim:1350)
"Whoever performs Hajj and avoids obscenity and disobedience to Allah during it will return as pure as the day his mother gave birth to him."
➋ In the crowd of pilgrims, especially during Tawaf and Sa'i, and while stepping on pebbles, try not to cause any harm to anyone because of you. When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was asked who is the best believer, he said:
(مَنْ سَلِمَ الْمُسْلِمُوْنَ مِنْ لِّسَانِهَِ وَیَدِہٖ)
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:11, Sahih Muslim:42)
"The best Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand other Muslims are safe."
If someone causes you harm, forgive them and do not quarrel. Allah Almighty says: ﴿وَٱلَّذِينَ يَجْتَنِبُونَ كَبَٰٓئِرَ ٱلْإِثْمِ وَٱلْفَوَٰحِشَ وَإِذَا مَا غَضِبُوا۟ هُمْ يَغْفِرُونَ ﴿٣٧﴾
Reference: (Ash-Shura 42:37)
"And those who avoid the major sins and immoralities, and when they are angry, they forgive."
He also said: (مومن)
Reference: (Ash-Shura 42:37)
"And those who avoid the major sins and immoralities, and when they are angry, they forgive."
Also He said: ﴿وَجَزَٰٓؤُا۟ سَيِّئَةٍ سَيِّئَةٌ مِّثْلُهَا ۖ فَمَنْ عَفَا وَأَصْلَحَ فَأَجْرُهُۥ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ ﴿٤٠﴾
Reference: (Ash-Shura 42:40)
"The recompense for an evil is an evil like thereof, but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation, his reward is with Allah. Indeed, He does not like the wrongdoers."
3. Be strict in performing congregational prayers and do not show any negligence in this regard.
4. Women should not be unveiled in front of non-mahram men and should cover themselves with a dupatta or chador, etc. Allah Almighty says:
﴿يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّبِىُّ قُل لِّأَزْوَٰجِكَ وَبَنَاتِكَ وَنِسَآءِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يُدْنِينَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِن جَلَٰبِيبِهِنَّ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَدْنَىٰٓ أَن يُعْرَفْنَ فَلَا يُؤْذَيْنَ ۗ﴾
Reference: (Al-Ahzab 33:59)
"O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused."
After mentioning the virtues of Hajj and the essential etiquettes of the Hajj journey, we now discuss the rulings of Hajj al-Tamattu because the people from the Indian subcontinent who go to perform Hajj generally perform Hajj al-Tamattu. Hajj al-Tamattu is when the pilgrim, upon reaching the Miqat from his country, puts on the Ihram garment and makes the intention only for Umrah, then upon reaching Makkah performs Umrah. After that, he removes the Ihram and is freed from its restrictions. Then on the 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah, he puts on the Ihram again from his residence, makes the intention for Hajj, proceeds towards Mina, and completes the rituals of Hajj. So, first, let us discuss the detailed rulings of Umrah.
Detailed Rulings of Umrah
➊ Ihram
1. Ihram is the first pillar of Hajj and Umrah. It means putting on the Ihram garment, saying the Talbiyah, and making the intention to start the rituals of Hajj and Umrah. By doing this, it becomes obligatory to observe certain restrictions.
The Ihram for Umrah begins from the Miqat. However, it is possible that the Ihram clothing is worn first and the intention is made from the Miqat. Passing by the Miqat without wearing the Ihram is prohibited. If someone does so, they must return to the Miqat or go to Mecca and offer a Dam (sacrifice).
◄Mawaqeet
Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) narrates that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) appointed Dhu al-Hulayfah (ابیار علی) for the people of Madinah, Al-Juhfah for the people of Sham, Qarn al-Manazil for the people of Najd, and Yalamlam for the people of Yemen as Miqats. These Mawaqeet are for these countries and also for those who pass through these places with the intention of Hajj or Umrah. Those who reside within these Mawaqeet (مکہ مکرمہ کی جانب) should make the intention of Ihram from their homes, even the people of Mecca should make the intention of Ihram from Mecca itself."
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:1524, Sahih Muslim:1181)
➋ It is Sunnah to perform Ghusl (ritual bath), maintain cleanliness, and apply perfume on the body when putting on the Ihram.
Hazrat Aisha (RA) states that (کُنْتُ أَطَیِّبُ رَسُوْلَ اللّٰہَ صلي الله عليه وسلم لِإِحْرَامِهِ حِیْنَ یُحْرِمُ، وَلِحِلِّهِ قَبْلَ أَنْ یَّطُوْفَ بِالْبَیْتِ)
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:1539, Sahih Muslim:1189)
That is, "I used to apply perfume to the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, when he was putting on Ihram. Similarly, when you become permissible, you also applied perfume before the Tawaf of the House of Allah (طوافِ افاضہ)."
➌ Men should wear two white and clean sheets for Ihram, while women should intend Ihram in their regular clothes. If a woman is at the Miqat during specific days, she should perform Ghusl and then intend Ihram.
Hazrat Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, and Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrate that Hazrat Asma bint Umais, may Allah be pleased with her (حضرت ابو بکر رضی اللہ عنہ کی اہلیہ), gave birth to (محمد بن ابی بکر) at Bidaa near Dhu al-Hulayfah, after which she experienced postpartum bleeding. Therefore, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, instructed Hazrat Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, to order his wife to perform Ghusl and intend Ihram.
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:1209,1210)
➍ Make the intention of Ihram with these words: "لَبَّیْكَ اللّٰهُمَّ عُمْرَۃً" If there is a risk of encountering an obstacle on the way, these words should also be recited: "اَللّٰهُمَّ إنْ حَبَسَنِی حَابِسٌ فَمَحِلّی حَیْثُ حَبَسْتَنِی"
Then start reciting Talbiyah and continue reciting it until you begin Tawaf.
The Talbiyah is: (لَبَّیْكَ اللّٰهُمَّ لَبَّیْكَ‘ لَبَّیْكَ لاَ شَرِیْكَ لَكَ لَبَّیْكَ‘ إنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ‘ لَا شَرِیْكَ لَكَ)
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:1549, Sahih Muslim:1184)
“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner. Here I am. Verily, all praise, blessings, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”
➎ It is recommended for men to recite the Talbiyah aloud because the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ commanded the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) to do so, and the Prophet ﷺ said:
(أَتَانِیْ جِبْرِیْلُ عَلَیْهِ السَّلَامُ فَأَمَرَنِیْ أَنْ آمُرَ أَصْحَابِیْ وَمَنْ مَّعِیَ أَنْ یَّرْفَعُوْا أَصْوَاتَهُمْ بِالْإِهْلَالِ)
Reference: (Sunan al-Tirmidhi:829, Sunan Abi Dawood:1814, authenticated by al-Albani)
“Gabriel (peace be upon him) came to me and commanded me to order my Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) and everyone with me to recite the Talbiyah aloud.”
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ explained the virtue of reciting the Talbiyah by saying:
(مَا مِنْ مُّسْلِمٍ یُلَبِّیْ إِلَّا لَبیّٰ مَنْ عَنْ یَمِیْنِهِ وعَنْ شِمَالِهِ مِنْ حَجَرٍ أَوْ شَجَرٍ أَوْ مَدَرٍ)
Reference: (Sunan al-Tirmidhi:828, authenticated by al-Albani)
“When a Muslim recites the Talbiyah, every stone, every tree, and every particle of sand on his right and left also recites the Talbiyah.”
And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
(مَا أَهَلَّ مُهِلٌّ قَطُّ إِلَّا بُشِّرَ، وَلَا کَبَّرَ مُکَبِّرٌ قَطُّ إِلَّا بُشِّرَ۔ قِیْلَ: یَا رَسُوْلَ اللّٰہِ! بِالْجَنَّةِ؟ قَالَ: نَعَمْ)
Reference: (Al-Tabarani in Al-Awsat. Sahih Al-Targhib wal-Tarhib by Al-Albani:1137)
"Whenever a person recites the Talbiyah, he is given glad tidings, and whenever a person says Takbeer, he is also given glad tidings." It was asked: O Messenger of Allah! Are they given glad tidings of Paradise? He (peace be upon him) said: Yes."
➏ Some mistakes include crossing the Miqat without wearing Ihram. Upon wearing Ihram, exposing the right shoulder, whereas this should only be done during the Tawaf al-Qudum. Strictly adhering to specially made shoes (حالانکہ ٹخنوں کو ننگا رکھتے ہوئے ہر قسم کا جوتا پہنا جا سکتا ہے۔). After wearing Ihram, engaging in play and amusement instead of frequent remembrance, seeking forgiveness, and Talbiyah. Being lazy in performing congregational prayers. Women traveling without a Mahram or without their husband. Women not observing hijab in front of non-Mahram men. Taking photographs of many people after wearing Ihram.
➐ Prohibitions of Ihram After making the intention of Ihram, certain things become forbidden, which are: plucking or cutting hair from any part of the body, cutting nails, using perfume, having intimacy or kissing the wife, wearing gloves, and hunting... All these matters become forbidden for both men and women, and for men, wearing stitched clothes and covering the head become forbidden.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that a person asked: O Messenger of Allah! What clothes can a person in Ihram wear? The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
(لَا یَلْبَسُ الْقُمُصَ وَلَا الْعَمَائِمَ، وَلَا السَّرَاوِیْلاَتِ، وَلَا الْبَرَانِسَ وَلَا الْخِفَافَ، إِلَّا أَحَدٌ لَا یَجِدُ نَعْلَیْنِ فَلْیَلْبَسْ خُفَّیْنِ، وَلْیَقْطَعْهُمَا أَسْفَلَ مِنَ الْکَعْبَیْنِ، وَلَا تَلْبَسُوْا مِنَ الثِّیَابِ شَیْئًا مَسَّهُ زَعْفَرَانٌ أَوْ وَرْسٌ)
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari 1542, Sahih Muslim: 1177)
"Do not wear a shirt, turban, trousers (یا پاجامہ), or raincoat, and similarly do not wear socks. However, if someone cannot find shoes, he may wear socks provided he cuts them below the ankles, and do not wear clothes that have the scent or color of saffron or wars."
Whereas it becomes forbidden for a woman to wear a niqab. As in another narration of the same hadith of Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (RA), the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said at the end:
(وَلَا تَنْتَقِبِ الْمَرْأَۃُ الْمُحْرِمَةُ، وَلَا تَلْبَسِ الْقُفَّازَیْنِ)
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:1838)
"A woman in Ihram should neither wear a niqab nor gloves."
However, she will be obliged to cover her face in front of non-mahram men, even if the cloth touches her face.
Hazrat Fatimah bint al-Mundhir (RA) narrates that
(کُنَّا نُخَمِّرُ وُجُوهَنَا وَنَحْنُ مُحْرِمَاتٌ وَنَحْنُ مَعَ أَسْمَاءَ بِنْتِ أَبِی بَکْرِ الصِّدِّیْق)
"We used to cover our faces with Hazrat Asma bint Abi Bakr As-Siddiq (RA) while in the state of Ihram."
And Hazrat Asma bint Abi Bakr (RA) says:
(کُنَّا نُغَطِّی وُجُوهَنَا مِنَ الرِّجَالِ وَکُنَّا نَمْشِطُ قَبْلَ ذَلِكَ فِی الْإِحْرَامِ)
Reference: (Narrated by Al-Hakim and authenticated by Al-Albani in Irwa' al-Ghalil:212/4)
"We used to hide our faces from men while in Ihram, and before that, we used to comb our hair."
Whereas Hazrat Aisha (RA) states that
(کَانَ الرُّکْبَانُ یَمُرُّوْنَ بِنَا وَنَحْنُ مَعَ رَسُوْلِ اللّٰہِ صلي الله عليه وسلم مُحْرِمَاتٌ، فَإِذَا حَاذَوْا بِنَا سَدَلَتْ إِحْدَانَا جِلْبَابَهَا مِنْ رَأْسِهَا عَلٰی وَجْهِهَا،فَإِذَا جَاوَزُوْنَا کَشَفْنَاہُ)
Reference: (Sunan Abi Dawood:833, Sunan Ibn Majah:2935. Declared weak by Al-Albani but supported by the hadith of Asma and Fatimah mentioned)
"We were with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ in the state of Ihram, and when people would come in front of us, each woman among us would hang her veil from her head over her face, and when they passed by, we would remove the veil from our faces."
➑ It is permissible to perform ghusl (ritual bath) in the state of Ihram, to scratch the head, to shade oneself with an umbrella or similar, and to wear a belt. Regarding shading, Hazrat Umm Husain (RA) narrates that she performed Hajj al-Wada with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and saw Hazrat Usama (RA) and Hazrat Bilal (RA), one of whom was holding the rein of the Prophet’s camel and the other was holding a cloth over the Prophet ﷺ to protect him from the sun.
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:1298)
➋ Tawaf
1. Upon reaching Masjid al-Haram, stop reciting Talbiyah, then come in front of the Black Stone and bare your right shoulder. This is called Idtiba.
Reference: (Sunan Abi Dawood:1883,1884. Graded authentic by Al-Albani)
If you can easily kiss the بِسْمِ اللّٰہِ، اَللّٰہُ اَکْبَرُ, then it is fine; otherwise, touch it and kiss it, and if that is also not possible, then point towards it with your right hand and say with your tongue and start the Tawaf. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said to Hazrat Umar, may Allah be pleased with him:
(یَا عُمَرُ، إِنَّكَ رَجُلٌ قَوِیٌّ، لَا تُزَاحِمْ عَلیَ الْحَجَرِ فَتُؤْذِیَ الضَّعِیْفَ، إِنْ وَجَدْتَّ خَلْوَۃً فَاسْتَلِمْهُ وَإِلَّا فَاسْتَقْبِلْهُ، فَهَلِّلْ وَکَبِّرْ)
Reference: (Musnad Ahmad: 321/1, Hadith No: 190, it is a Hasan Hadith as stated by the verifier of Musnad)
"O Umar! You are strong, so do not resist the and do not harm the weak, and when you want to receive the , see if you can do it easily, otherwise come in front of it, make the intention for Tawaf, and say Takbeer."
And the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, described the virtue of the by saying:
(نَزَلَ الْحَجَرُ الْأَسْوَدُ مِنَ الْجَنَّةِ وَهُوَ أَشَدُّ بَیَاضًا مِّنَ اللَّبَنِ، فَسَوَّدَتْهُ خَطَایَا بَنِیْ آدَمَ)
Reference: (Sunan At-Tirmidhi: 877, authenticated by Al-Albani)
"When the descended from Paradise, it was whiter than milk, but the sins of the children of Adam made it black."
While Hazrat Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said about the :
(وَاللّٰہِ لَیَبْعَثَنَّهُ اللّٰہُ یَوْمَ الْقِیَامَةِ لَهُ عَیْنَانِ یُبْصِرُ بِهِمَا، وَلِسَانٌ یَنْطِقُ بِهِ، یَشْهَدُ عَلٰی مَنِ اسْتَلَمَهُ بِحَقٍّ)
Reference: (Sunan al-Tirmidhi and Ibn Hibban. Sahih al-Targhib wa al-Tarhib: 1144)
"By Allah! On the Day of Resurrection, Allah Almighty will raise him in such a state that he will have two eyes with which he will see and one tongue with which he will speak, and he will bear witness in favor of every person who received his right with justice."
Also, every pilgrim should keep in mind that the Black Stone is not the owner of benefit or harm. As it is narrated about Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that he kissed the Black Stone and then said:
(إِنِّیْ أَعْلَمُ أَنَّكَ حَجَرٌ لَا تَضُرُّ وَلاَ تَنْفَعُ، وَلَوْ لَا أَنِّیْ رَأَیْتُ النَّبِیَّ صلي الله عليه وسلم یُقَبِّلُكَ مَا قَبَّلْتُكَ)
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:1597, Sahih Muslim:1270)
"I know that you are a stone and neither can you harm nor benefit. And if I had not seen the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) kissing you, I would never have kissed you."
2. In the first three circuits of Tawaf, walk briskly with small steps while moving the shoulders. This is called Ramal. However, if there is a crowd, just moving the shoulders is sufficient. Women are exempt from this rule, as are their Mahram men. Nevertheless, Mahram men should adopt the Ramal manner.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (RA) narrates that when the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) performed Tawaf during Hajj or Umrah, he would first complete three circuits with brisk steps, then complete four circuits at a normal pace. After that, he would offer two Rak'ahs and then perform Sa'i between Safa and Marwah.
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:1616, Sahih Muslim:1261)
3. During Tawaf, remain engaged in Dhikr, Dua, and recitation of the Quran; there is no specific Dua for each circuit. However, it is Sunnah to recite (رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِی الدُّنْیَا حَسَنَةً وَّفِی الآخِرَۃِ حَسَنَةً وَّقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ) between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone.
Reference: (Sunan Abi Dawood:1892, Hasanah Al-Albani)
It is not correct to raise the voice in Dhikr and Dua. Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَٱذْكُر رَّبَّكَ فِى نَفْسِكَ تَضَرُّعًا وَخِيفَةً وَدُونَ ٱلْجَهْرِ مِنَ ٱلْقَوْلِ بِٱلْغُدُوِّ وَٱلْـَٔاصَالِ وَلَا تَكُن مِّنَ ٱلْغَٰفِلِينَ ﴿٢٠٥﴾
Reference: (Al-A'raf 7:205)
"And remember your Lord within yourself humbly and with fear and without loudness in words, in the mornings and the evenings. And do not be among the heedless."
And He said: ﴿ٱدْعُوا۟ رَبَّكُمْ تَضَرُّعًا وَخُفْيَةً ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُعْتَدِينَ ﴿٥٥﴾
Reference: (الأعراف7 :55)
"Call upon your Lord humbly and privately. Indeed, He does not like transgressors."
4. Saying "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar" while touching the Yemeni Corner is also Sunnah. Therefore, if you can easily touch it, that is good; otherwise, pass by without pointing or kissing it.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Amr (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
(إِنَّ الرُّکْنَ وَالْمَقَامَ یَاقُوْتَتَانِ مِنْ یَاقُوْتِ الْجَنَّةِ، طَمَسَ اللّٰہُ نُوْرَهُمَا، وَلَوْ لَمْ یَطْمِسْ نُوْرَهُمَا لَأَضَاءَ تَامَا بَیْنَ الْمَشْرِقِ وَالْمَغْرِبِ)
Reference: (سنن الترمذي: 878 وصححہ الألباني)
"Indeed, the Corner (حجر اسود) and the Maqam (ابراہیم) are two precious stones of Paradise. Allah has made them devoid of light. If He had not made them devoid of light, they would have illuminated the entire world between the east and the west."
5. After completing seven circuits, if there is space behind Maqam Ibrahim, then it is good; otherwise, offer two rak'ahs in any part of Masjid al-Haram. In the first rak'ah, after Surah Al-Fatiha, recite "Al-Kafirun" and in the second, recite "Al-Ikhlas."
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:1218)
Then drink Zamzam water and pour it over your head. After that, if possible, perform Istilam of the Black Stone because this is the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. Otherwise, proceed directly towards Safa.
Hazrat Jabir, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates that when the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, came to Makkah Mukarramah, he entered Masjid al-Haram, then he performed Istilam of the Black Stone, then proceeded to his right side. In the first three circuits, he performed Ramal (walking briskly with a slight trot), and completed the remaining four circuits at a normal pace. Then the Prophet, peace be upon him, came to Maqam Ibrahim and recited this verse: (وَاتَّخِذُوْا مِنْ مَّقَامِ إِبْرَاهِیْمَ مُصَلّٰی). He offered two rak'ahs of prayer placing Maqam Ibrahim between himself and the Ka'bah, then again came to the Black Stone and performed Istilam, then proceeded towards Safa.
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:1218)
Some mistakes in Tawaf: resisting kissing the Black Stone and causing harm to Muslims. Raising both hands while pointing towards the Black Stone. Performing Tawaf passing through the Hijr (Hatim). Kissing the Yemeni Corner and similarly, if unable to kiss it, pointing towards it. Reciting a specific supplication for each circuit. Passing the hands over the walls of the Kaaba for blessing. Keeping the right shoulder uncovered even after Tawaf al-Qudum. Raising the voice while reciting supplications during Tawaf.
The Virtue of Zamzam
Hazrat Ibn Abbas (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
(خَیْرُ مَائٍ عَلٰی وَجْهِ الْأَرْضِ مَاءُ زَمْزَمَ، فِیْهِ طَعَامُ الطَّعْمِ وَشِفَاءُ السَّقْمِ)
Reference: (Narrated by Al-Tabarani and Ibn Hibban. Sahih al-Targhib wa al-Tarhib:1161)
"The best water on the face of the earth is the water of Zamzam; it is a food for a meal and moreover, it is a cure for illness."
And Hazrat Ibn Abbas (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
(مَاءُ زَمْزَمَ لِمَا شُرِبَ لَهُ)
Reference: (Narrated by Al-Dar Qutni and Al-Hakim. Sahih al-Targhib wa al-Tarhib:1164)
"Drinking Zamzam water fulfills every purpose for which it is drunk."
6. After Tawaf, two Rak'ahs, and Istilam of the Black Stone, if one wishes to go to the Multazam, they may do so because this is established from the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. As narrated by Hazrat Abdullah bin Amr bin Al-As, may Allah be pleased with him, that he first performed Tawaf, then offered two Rak'ahs of prayer, then performed Istilam, then stood between the Black Stone and the door of the Ka'bah, pressing his chest, hands, and cheeks against the House of Allah. Then he said: I saw the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, doing the same.
Reference: (Sunan At-Tirmidhi 2962, Al-Sahihah by Al-Albani: 2138)
➌ Sa'i
Go near Safa and recite (إنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَۃَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ اللّٰہِ), then ascend Safa and face the Ka'bah while reciting this supplication: (لَا إلٰهَ إلَّا اللّٰہُ وَحْدَہُ لَا شَرِیْكَ لَهُ‘ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ‘ یُحْیِی وَیُمِیْتُ، وَھُوَ عَلٰی کُلّ شَیْئٍ قَدِیْرٌ، لَا إلٰهَ إلَّا اللّٰہُ وَحْدَہُ لَا شَرِیْكَ لَهُ، أنْجَزَ وَعْدَہُ وَنَصَرَ عَبْدَہُ وَھَزَمَ الأحْزَابَ وَحْدَہُ)
Then raise your hands and make dua, repeat this three times and proceed towards Marwah. Run between the two green markers on the way. However, women and the men accompanying them will not run. Then walk at a normal pace and reach Marwah; upon reaching here, one circuit will be completed. Now do the same here as you did at Safa. Then return towards Safa, run between the two green markers on the way, and upon reaching Safa, the second circuit will be completed. Complete seven circuits in this manner, with the last circuit ending at Marwah. During Sa’i, remain engaged in dhikr, dua, and recitation of the Quran.
Some mistakes: Facing the Qibla and pointing with both hands at Safa and Marwah. Continuing Sa’i after the Iqamah has been called. Performing fourteen circuits instead of seven.
➍ Shaving or cutting the hair of the head
After completing the Sa'i between Safa and Marwah, shave your head or cut the hair of the entire head short. However, shaving the head is preferable. A woman should cut hair from each of her braids equal to the length of one finger. It is against the Sunnah for men to become lawful by cutting hair from only some parts of the head.
In this way, your Umrah will be complete, and the restrictions imposed by Ihram will be lifted. Now you can remove Ihram. May Allah, the Almighty, grant us and the honored pilgrims an accepted Umrah. Ameen.
In the first Friday sermon, we discussed the importance and obligation of Hajj, the virtues of Hajj, some etiquettes of the Hajj journey, and detailed rulings of Umrah. Now the question is, what should the pilgrims do after performing Umrah until the 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah (یوم الترویۃ)?
➊ Some people, after completing Umrah, visit various mosques and mountains with the intention of gaining reward, although doing so is merely a waste of time. Similarly, wearing Ihram from the Mosque of Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) and performing Umrah repeatedly is not established from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) or his noble companions (may Allah be pleased with them). However, it is established only regarding Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that when she arrived in Makkah Mukarramah with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), she was in her menstrual cycle at that time, so the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade her from performing Umrah. After that, she performed Hajj with the Prophet (peace be upon him), and when he was about to return to Madinah Munawwarah, Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: "It will remain in my heart that people have performed both Hajj and Umrah, while I have only performed Hajj." So the Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered her brother to take her to Taneem, from where she could intend Ihram and perform Umrah. Thus, she performed Umrah.
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 1556, Sahih Muslim: 1211)
This was a specific matter that people have made so common that they repeatedly go into ihram from Taneem between Umrah and Hajj and perform multiple Umrahs, even though this is not established from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ nor from the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them. Therefore, we believe that instead of performing Umrah repeatedly from Taneem, it is better to perform congregational prayers in Masjid al-Haram and repeatedly perform the voluntary Tawaf of the Kaaba. And Allah knows best.
➋ Make it a habit to pray congregational prayers in Masjid al-Haram, and its virtue is sufficient in that one prayer there is better than one hundred thousand prayers in other mosques, as we have explained in the previous Friday sermon.
➌ Keep performing the voluntary Tawaf of the Kaaba. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
(مَنْ طَافَ بِالْبَیْتِ وَصَلّٰی رَکْعَتَیْنِ کَانَ کَعِتْقِ رَقَبَة)
Reference: (Sunan Ibn Majah: 2956, authenticated by Al-Albani)
"Whoever performs Tawaf of the House of Allah and prays two rak'ahs, it is as if he has freed a neck (i.e., freed a slave)."
In another authentic hadith, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
(مَا رَفَعَ رَجُلٌ قَدَمًا وَلَا وَضَعَهَا إِلَّا کُتِبَ لَهُ عَشْرُ حَسَنَاتٍ وَحُطَّ عَنْهُ عَشْرُ سَیِّئَاتٍ وَرُفِعَ لَهُ عَشْرُ دَرَجَاتٍ)
Reference: (Ahmad. Sahih al-Targhib wal-Tarhib by Albani:1139)
"(دوران طواف) At every step, ten good deeds are written, ten sins are erased, and ten ranks are elevated."
➍ If you wish to attain the honor of praying inside the Kaaba, then pray in the Hatim because the Hatim is a part of the Kaaba. Hazrat Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, narrates that she requested the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, saying that she wanted to enter the Kaaba and pray inside it. So he, peace be upon him, took her hand and entered her into Al-Hijr (حطیم) and said:
(صَلِّیْ فِیْ الْحِجْرِ إِنْ أَرَدْتِّ دُخْوْلَ الْبَیْتِ، فَإِنَّمَا هُوَ قِطْعَةٌ مِنَ الْبَیْتِ، وَلٰکِنْ قَوْمُكِ اِسْتَقْصَرُوْہُ حِیْنَ بَنَوْا الْکَعْبَةَ، فَأَخْرَجُوْہُ مِنَ الْبَیْتِ)
Reference: (Sunan al-Tirmidhi:876. Authenticated by Albani)
"If you want to enter the House of Allah, then pray in the Hatim because it is a part of the House of Allah, but when your people built the Kaaba, they wanted to make it smaller, so they separated it from the (یعنی حطیم کو) House of Allah."
The remaining rulings of Hajj will, God willing, be mentioned in the next Friday sermon. May Allah accept the worship of the honored pilgrims and all of us. Ameen
