The Jurisprudential
The Fiqh Guide in the “Nusuk” app provides a reliable reference for all Islamic rulings related to Hajj and Umrah, helping you perform the rituals according to the correct teachings of Islam. It offers a detailed explanation of the steps, supplications, and prohibitions, supported by evidence from the Quran and Sunnah, ensuring you perform your worship with confidence and peace of mind.
The fundamentals of rituals and their rulings :
First: The Pillars of Hajj
Hajj has four pillars: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and Standing at Arafah. Hajj is not valid without these pillars. **Ihram** means formally initiating the intention of Hajj or Umrah. It is not enough to have the intention in your heart; it must be accompanied by actions that indicate it, such as:
The First Pillar:
1- Ihram
Ihram from the Miqat:
The Miqat is the place from which one must begin the intention of Ihram. The Prophet ﷺ specified certain locations for those intending to perform Hajj, such as:
Dhul-Hulaifah for the people of Madinah.
Al-Juhfah for the people of Sham (Greater Syria).
Qarn al-Manazil for the people of Najd.
Yalamlam for the people of Yemen.
Wearing the Ihram Garments:
For Men: Two pieces of unstitched white cloth.
For Women: Regular clothing, adhering to the requirements of Islamic modesty.
These steps reflect the reverence for the Sacred House (Kaaba) and the preparation for beginning the journey of Hajj.
In a sound hadith, Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that a man asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), “What should a pilgrim wear?” The Prophet (ﷺ) replied: “Do not wear shirts, nor turbans, nor trousers, nor cloaks, nor any clothing that has been touched by saffron or wars (a type of dye).”
Al-Makhit refers to any clothing that is sewn to fit, such as shirts and trousers. This is to avoid luxury and ensure a humble, submissive appearance, reminding the pilgrim of their state of Ihram at all times, and of death and the shroud. It serves as a reminder of the Day of Resurrection when people will rise barefoot and naked.
The Sunnahs of Ihram include the following:
Among the Sunnahs of Ihram are the following: Ghusl (ritual washing): Even for a woman in postpartum bleeding or menstruation. As mentioned in the hadith of Asma' bint Umais, the wife of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with them), who gave birth while intending to perform Hajj. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) commanded her to perform ghusl. Similarly, he instructed Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) to perform ghusl for the intention of Hajj while she was menstruating, as agreed upon by the scholars. Using perfume on the body: As Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said, “I used to perfume the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) for his Ihram before he entered the state of Ihram and before he performed Tawaf.” Repeating and renewing the Talbiyah (the declaration of intent): Every time a new situation arises. This is supported by the hadith of Sahl ibn Sa'd, in which the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "There is no Muslim who recites the Talbiyah except that it is answered by the stones, trees, and clay to his right and left until the earth ends here and there." Praise, glorification, and Takbir (saying "Allahu Akbar") before entering the state of Ihram: As narrated by Al-Bukhari, he titled a chapter: "The praise, glorification, and Takbir before the state of Ihram when riding the animal." This is further supported by the hadith of Anas, in which the Prophet (ﷺ) praised Allah, glorified Him, and said the Takbir before he entered the state of Ihram for both Hajj and Umrah.
These Sunnahs, if neglected by the person in Ihram, do not require any compensation (like blood money or a sacrifice). However, by neglecting them, one misses out on abundant rewards and great blessings.
The Second Pillar:
2 - Standing at Arafah
Standing at Arafah is the most crucial step in Hajj and takes place on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah (the Day of Arafah). This day is considered an immense opportunity for supplication, seeking forgiveness, and asking for Allah’s mercy.
What to do at Arafah?
Standing at Arafah means that the pilgrim is present in the Arafah area, which is a key condition for the validity of Hajj.
When does the standing begin?
The standing at Arafah begins from the time of the midday (Dhuhr) prayer on the Day of Arafah and continues until the dawn of the Day of Sacrifice (the following day).
If you stand at any time during this period, you have completed the pillar.
What to do at Arafah?
Engage in abundant supplication and remembrance of Allah.
Recite simple supplications such as: "La ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahu al-mulk wa lahu al-hamd, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer."
Seek forgiveness and mercy from Allah.
The Third Pillar:
3- Tawaf
Tawaf al-Ifadah is one of the essential pillars of Hajj, also known as the Tawaf of Hajj. It involves circumambulating the Kaaba seven times with the intention of drawing closer to Allah.
When to perform Tawaf al-Ifadah?
You can begin performing Tawaf al-Ifadah right after midnight of the Day of Sacrifice (the night of Eid).
It is preferable to do it on the Day of Eid (the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah) after spending the night in Muzdalifah.
If you’re unable to perform it on the Day of Eid, you can delay it until the days of Tashreeq or until you leave Mecca.
Conditions for Tawaf:
First: The intention (niyyah) at the beginning of the Tawaf. Actions are judged by intentions, so the pilgrim must have the intention of performing Tawaf as an act of worship to Allah.
Second: Purity from major and minor ritual impurity (hadath and khabath).
Third: Covering the awrah, as the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “No one should perform Tawaf of the House naked.”
Fourth: The Kaaba must be on the left side of the person performing Tawaf, as narrated by Jabir: “When the Prophet (ﷺ) entered Mecca, he approached the Black Stone, kissed it, then walked to his right, walked briskly three times, and walked normally four times.”
Fifth: The Tawaf must be seven rounds, beginning at the Black Stone. The pilgrim should stand facing the Black Stone at the start, and then each time they pass by it, they should face it again. This is the interpretation of the verse: “And let them perform Tawaf of the ancient House.” (Al-Hajj: 29)
Sunnahs of Tawaf:
First: It is recommended, when seeing the Kaaba, to raise your hands as if making a supplication and say: “O Allah, You are Peace, and from You comes peace. Keep us alive in peace, O Lord. O Allah, increase this House in honor, respect, and greatness, and bless those who honor it, from among those who perform Hajj and Umrah, in honor, respect, greatness, and goodness.”
Second: Al-Istibra’ (Uncovering the right shoulder): This refers to uncovering the right shoulder during the Tawaf, which is only recommended in Tawaf al-Qudum (the initial Tawaf) and for men only. Some scholars recommend it for all seven rounds, while others suggest it only for the first three rounds (with brisk walking).
Third: Kiss the Black Stone if possible; if not, simply touch it with your hand or point towards it with your right hand. Do not raise your hands as if making Takbir for prayer.
Fourth: Say “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” at the beginning of the Tawaf, meaning: “In the name of Allah, I begin the Tawaf. Allah is greater than everything.” Some scholars suggest saying: “La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar.”
Fifth: Ramal (Walking briskly): Ramal means to walk quickly with shorter steps.
Sixth: During Tawaf, it is recommended to frequently remember Allah and make supplications. There are no fixed supplications, but it is Sunnah to conclude each round between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone with the following supplication:
“Rabbana atina fi dunya hasanatan, wa fi al-akhirati hasanatan, wa qina ‘adhab an-nar.”
Seventh: During Tawaf, you should be calm and humble, with a heart full of faith. Show proper manners in all your actions, including your gaze, movements, and behavior. Remember that Tawaf is like prayer, so treat it with the same respect and devotion, reflecting on the greatness of the Kaaba and the sanctity of the place.
Eighth: After completing the Tawaf, it is recommended to pray two rak’ahs behind the Maqam Ibrahim if possible. If not, you may pray anywhere within the Haram. In these two rak’ahs, it is preferred to recite Surah Al-Fatiha in each rak’ah, followed by Surah Al-Kafirun in the first and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second, based on the verse: “And take from the standing place of Ibrahim a place of prayer.” (Al-Baqarah: 125)