 Hajj & Umrah |
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| Hajj : |
| Thinking of going on Hajj? Read our Hajj guide before you do. |
- What is Hajj?
- Background of Hajj
- Importance of Hajj
- Virtues of Hajj
- Schedule for Hajj
- "Hajje-e-badal"
- Hajj video clips
- Hajj Packages
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What is Hajj?
The journey to Ka'ba and Haram, in Makka, Saudi Arabia by Muslims, and the performance of specific Arka'n (Rites) in a specific sequence from 8th through the 13th of Dhul Hijjah.
Background of Hajj
It is the realization of Prophet Abraham's Prayer (PBUH). Muslims commemorate pious deeds of Prophet Abraham (PBUH) as prescribed by "sunnah" of Prophet Muhammad and injunctions in Al Quran.
Importance of Hajj
It is a "Faridah" (An Obligation):
"..And Hajj (pilgrimmage to Makkah) to the House (Ka'ba) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for one's conveyance, provision, and residence)..."
Al-Quran:Surah 3 (Al-Imran); Verse 97
It is The "Fifth" Pillar Of Islam:
Performance of pilgrimage to Makkah at least once in a lifetime (is fulfilling the Fifth Pillar Of Islam). Bukhari;Book 26
It provides an opportunity for Muslims with diverse racial, ethnic and geographical heritage to exchange views, get acquainted and feel unified as ONE "Ummah" (community) on a global level. Muslims from almost all regions of the world perform Hajj and thus co-mingle.
Virtues of Hajj
The Holy Prophet Muhammad has said:
"He who performs (Hajj) with no obscenity or evil practices will come out as a newly born baby free from all sins." (Bukhari and Muslim)
Schedule for Hajj : Hajj is during 8th -13th of Dhul Hijjah.
"Hajje-e-badal" : Obligatory Hajj being completed by a substitute person due to special circumstances.
For more information on Hajj-e-badal, click here : Guide to performing Hajj |
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| Umrah : |
| Umrah is a requirement of Hajj but it is an option to perform Umrah independent of Hajj. |
- What is Umrah?
- Umrah Requirements
- Umrah Rites
- Umrah in Ramadan
- Umrah Travel
- Umrah Packages
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| What is Umrah? |
- The journey to Ka'ba and Haram, in Makka, Arabia by Muslims.
- Performance of specific Arka'n (rites) of Umrah, while in a state of Ihram, at any time of the Islamic calendar.
- The "lesser" pilgrimmage to Makka.
- In Arabic, the word "Umrah" literally means to "visit a populated place".
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Umrah Requirements
Umrah performed independently of Hajj is optional. However, if you are performing Hajj, then at least TWO Umrah SHOULD be performed at the time of Hajj. Those Umrah are part of the requirements of Hajj. Umrah can be performed at anytime during the year. |
| Umrah Rites |
- Specific Rites for FIRST Umrah (outline):
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- You MUST arrive in Makka in a state of Ihram.
- Proceed to Masjid-ul-Haram to perform Tawaf.
- After completing Tawaf, pray two rakaat behind Maquamu Ibraheem and drink Zamzam.
- You then peform Saiy.
- Finally, end your Umrah by shaving your hair. It is preferred that men shave head completely. Women should clip at least one and a half inch of hair.
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- Rites for SUBSEQUENT Umrah (outline):
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- Leave for the Miquat from Makka.
- Take a bath, use perfume (men only; women do not put on perfume) and then put on the Ihram.
- Say two Rak'a prayer at the Miquat and make the Niyya for Umrah.
- While reciting the Talbiya, proceed back to Makka.
- When you reach Makka, perform Tawaf.
- After completing Tawaf, pray two Rak'a behind Maquamu Ibraheem, drink Zamzam, and peform Saiy.
- Again, end your Umrah by passing the razor over your head so any new stubs of hair are shaved off. Women should also clip at least one and a half inch of hair everytime after performing Umrah.
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| Umrah in Ramadan |
- Compiled in Abu-Dawud's , "The Rites of Hajj", (Book 10), Hadeeth narrated by Abdullah Ibn Abbas , Prophet Muhammad, has said:
"To perform Umrah in Ramadan is like performing Hajj in my company."
- Although, the reward for performing Umrah in Ramadan is equal in reward to a Hajj. It is NOT a substitute for Hajj. Hajj is the obligatory once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage.
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Umrah Travel
Umrah travel and arrangements are very similar to Hajj travel and arrangements. Please visit the packages page for more relevant information. |
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