Introduction

Virtues of Hajj

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and all Muslims who are physically and financially able to make this pilgrimage to Makkah are required to do so at least once in their lives.

“And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah”

Surah Al-Baqarah 2:196

Hajj is one of the best acts of worship and is one of the Pillars of Islam.
Sahih Bukhari: 8


Hajj purifies the sins and pilgrim becomes sinless as a newborn child.
Sahih Bukhari: 1521


Reward of Hajj Mabroor (the one accepted by Allah) is Jannah (Paradise).
Sahih Bukhari: 1773


The pilgrims performing Hajj are guests of Allah.
Ibn Majah: 2892


For women, Hajj equals (in reward) to observing Jihad for the sake of Allah.
Sahih Bukhari: 1520


What makes Hajj obligatory?

Has to be a Muslim.
Has to be Sane and of Sound Mind.
Abu Dawud: 4403


Has to be an Adult.
Abu Dawud: 4403


Being Free (Hajj is not obligatory for a slave).
One who has the ability to do it (both Bodily and Monetarily).
Surah Al-Imran 3:97


The Etiquette of Hajj

Following points should be observed by a pilgrim for Hajj: (these are not obligatory)

All expenses of the Hajj should be arranged from Halal earnings.
Intention of Hajj should remain sincere i-e there should be no thought of trade or business or any other intention other than performance of Hajj.
During your entire journey of Hajj, don’t talk harshly with anyone, be gentle and loving with everyone.
You should not involve yourself in quarrels, indecent talks and conversations about the matters of this world. Instead, you should busy yourself in recitation of the Holy Quran and Dhikr of Allah.
Do as much good deeds as possible during this blessed journey.

Essentials (Faraidh) of Hajj

Entering Ihraam with the intention to start the rituals of Hajj.
Standing / Staying in Arafat (also called Wuquf at Arafat).
Tirmidhi: 2975


Tawaf Al-Ifadah, also called Tawaf Al-Ziyaarah.
Surah Hajj 22:29


Obligations (Wajibaat) of Hajj

Staying at Muzdalifah.
Sa’yee between Safa and Marwah (This can be performed with Tawaf Al-Ifadah).
Stoning / Pelting of Jamarah ( Rami).
Sacrifice of an Animal (only for pilgrims performing Hajj-e-Tamattu & Hajj-e-Qiran).
Shaving the head or cutting the hair.
Tawaf-ul-Wada of Kaaba (Farewell Tawaf).
Remember that Hajj becomes invalid if any essential part (Faraidh) is omitted, whereas if an obligatory act (Wajibaat) is omitted, Hajj is still valid, but the one who omits it must offer a compensatory sacrifice called “Dam” (a sheep) for each omission of obligatory act.