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Subject:
From:
Musa Amadu Pembo <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
The Gambia and related-issues mailing list <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Wed, 20 Feb 2002 08:57:52 +0000
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Dear Members,
Al-salaamu alaykum wa rahmat-Allaahi wa barakaatuhu (Peace be upon you,
and the mercy of Allaah and His blessings).

HAJJ – Pilgrimage to the House of Allah in Mecca

Introduction
Significance & Philosophy of Hajj

Upon Whom Is It Obligatory To Perform Hajj

What are the Timings of Hajj (Pilgrimage)

Pillars of Hajj

Sequence Of Rites and Actions For Performing Hajj

Departure From Home

Ihram at Miqat

Talbiyah

Entering Masjid-el-Haram

Istlam (Kissing the Hajr-e-Aswad)

Tawaaf (Circling of ka’ba)

Nawafal at Muqam-e-Ibrahim

Sa’ee(Running between Safa’ and Marwah)

Arriving at Mina

Arriving at Arafat

Arriving at Muzdalifah

Departure from Muzdalifah

Return to Mecca after the sacrifice and hair cut.  Perform Tawaaf-e-Afaza

Return to Mina after Tawaf-e-Afaza

Return to Ka’ba and Farewell

Prohibitions During the Pilgrimage

Ahsar

Umra

Types of Hajj

Places of Hajj inside Mecca

Ka’aba

Hajr-e-Aswad (The Black Stone)

Hateem

Multazam

Rukun-e-Yemeni

Mutaaf

Muqam-e-Ibrahim (Place of Ibrahim )

ZamZam

Masjid-el-Haram

Al-Safa and Al-Marwa

Places Outside of Mecca

Mina

Arafat

Muzdalifah

Muwaqiat

Haram



  1.  Introduction

Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the five pillars of Islam. Hajj was
made obligatory in the 9th year of Hijra. The Holy Prophet sent off 300
Muslims under the leadership of Hazrat Abubakr Siddique (may Allah be
pleased with him) to Mecca so that they could perform Hajj. That was the
year when it was banned for the Mushrikeen (those who associate partners
with Allah) to enter Ka’ba. It was also made unlawful to perform Tawaaf
(circling of Ka’ba) with naked body.

The following year, 10th Hijra, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him)
announced a head of time he himself would perform Hajj that year. He led
tens of thousands of Muslims to Hajj that year and demonstrated to Muslims
how to perform all the rites and rituals of the Hajj. This Hajj is known in
history as Hajjatul Wida’ or Farewell Pilgrimage because this proved to be
the last Hajj the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) performed. At the end of
this farewell pilgrimage, the divine revelation that had started some 22
years ago came to an end with the following verse of Surah Al-Maidah:

“This day have I completed My commandments for you, and have brought to its
fullness the favor that I have bestowed upon you, and have chosen Islam as
your religion”

1.Hajj is an act of worship just like Salat (five daily prayers) and Sawm
(fasting in the month of Ramadan). Muslims from all over the world gather in
Mecca in the last month of Muslim calendar and worship Allah. Hajj is a
special worship that lasts for several days. This is an occasion that brings
Muslims of all countries, colors, and races to one place – the Ka’ba. This
is a unique opportunity of worshipping Allah collectively in a large
gathering at one place.c


  2.  Significance & Philosophy of hajj

Every nation and society has a center of unity where they get together to
worship God. They see prosperity and culture as relics of unity. People of
the society get to know each other and understand each other’s difficulties.
They form a unified front to remove these difficulties and achieve their
goals. Allah says in the Holy Quran: “And to every people We appointed rites
of sacrifice, that they might mention the name of Allah…” (22:34)

With this idea, Hajj has been made a pinnacle of worship in order that
Muslims who gather to perform Hajj can praise their Lord and Master, be
thankful for His blessings, and humbly pray to Him for the removal of their
difficulties. Muslims living in various parts of the world get to know each
other, lay the foundation of social culture, give advice to each other, and
provide opportunity for collective struggle.

  3.   Upon Whom Is It Obligatory To Perform Hajj


An adult Muslim of a sane mind, an able body and having means to bear the
expenses must perform this act of worship once in his/her lifetime. There
should be peace on the way to Mecca and there should be no hindrance or
restriction in traveling to Mecca. Hajj is not obligatory for children, the
sick, and those who are unable to bear the expenses for Hajj.

  4.   What are the Timings of Hajj (Pilgrimage)

There are specific months for performing the Hajj and are called “Months of
Pilgrimage.” These three Islamic months are Shawwal, Ze-Qa’d and Dul-Hajj.
During these three “Months of Hajj”, one prepares for the pilgrimage,
attains good morals, and completes other physical conditions for the
pilgrimage. All the essential duties of the pilgrimage have to be completed
between 8th and the 13th day of Dul-Hajj. Additional tawaaf  (circling
around the Ka’ba), however, may be performed until the end of the month of
Dul-Hajj.


  5.   Pillars of Hajj

There are three basic pillars for performing Hajj:

1.To enter into state of “Ihram” and have the intention to perform the
pilgrimage.

2.To stay at the field of “Arafat” on the ninth of Dul-Hajj If someone
cannot go to the field of Arafat even for a short time then his/her
pilgrimage will not be complete. He/she has to perform the pilgrimage again
the following year.

3.Additional circling of the “Ka’ba” that is done after the stay at the
field of “Arafat” and performed from the tenth to the end of the month.

  6.      Sequence of Rites and Actions for performing Hajj:


  A.   Departure From Home

A Muslim must be mindful of his/her duties towards family and fellow human
beings. A Muslim who intends to perform Hajj must make sure, before
departing for Hajj that his family is provided for during the period he is
away for the Hajj. He should pay up his debt and seek forgiveness from
fellow human being whom he might have caused harm in the past. He should be
diligent in observing Salat (five daily prayers) and Sawm (fasting) in the
month of Ramadhan as well as carrying out other religious obligations. He
must shun all arrogance and exhibit a character of modesty and humbleness.
He must not use unlawfully acquired money or unlawful means to perform Hajj.
He should seek sincere repentance from Allah of all his past sins. In short,
one should depart for Hajj just like one would wish to depart from this
world.

One should spend some money in charity as well. A woman is not allowed to
perform Hajj alone and must be accompanied by an adult Muslim Mahram
(father, husband, son or brother etc.)

One should say two Rakat Nafl (supererogatory) prayer before leaving home
for Hajj.

  B.  Ihram at Miqat

When one reaches “Miqat” (any one of the appointed places in Mecca where
pilgrims make a vow of pilgrimage) one must perform ablution or take a bath,
use perfume, and put on two clean, unstitched, preferably white, pieces of
cloth. This pair of clothing is called Ihram. One sheet should be wrapped
around the lower part of the body and the other sheet around the upper body;
the head should not be covered. Women can perform pilgrimage in the cloths
they are wearing. Under normal circumstances a woman’s face should not be
covered unless she comes face to face with a stranger and she has to conceal
herself. During the five days of Hajj, all Muslims engaged in this worship
must remain in this same simple dress. As soon as a pilgrim puts on Ihram
and declares his intention to perform Hajj, he/she enters into the state of
Ihram and his/her Hajj begins.

  C.   Talbiyah

After putting on the Ihram, men and women offer two Raka’ts of Nafl
(supererogatory) prayer followed by recitation of their “intention” and
saying the following words:
“Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik; La Shareeka-laka Labbaik; Innalhamda
wan-na’mata-laka wal-mulka Lashreeka-laka"
Translation:
“Here I am, O Allah! Here I am in Thy August presence; there is no associate
with Thee, here am I; surely all praise is Thine and all favors are Thine
and the kingdom is Thine, there is no associate with Thee.”
These words are recited in Arabic and called “Talbiyah”. These words are an
essential part of the state of Ihram and Ihram will not complete without
reciting these words. After saying Talbiyah pilgrim is ready to fulfill his
obligation of Hajj and is required to fulfill all the conditions laid down
for Hajj. While one is in the state of Ihram it is strictly forbidden to
engage in foul talk, sexual conduct, arguments, or enter into a war. Allah
says in the Holy Quran: “ …so whoever determines to perform the Pilgrimage
in these months, should remember that there is to be no foul talk, nor any
transgression, nor any quarreling during Pilgrimage. …” (2:198)

  D.  Entering Masjid-el-Haram

After reaching Mecca, one should head straight to Ka’aba that is situated in
bounds of Masjid-el-Haram and perform Tawaaf. It is said that when one has
his/her first glance at Ka’aba, whatever prayers one makes is granted.

  E.   Istlam (Kissing the Hajr-e-Aswad)

The act of kissing the Hajr-e-Aswad (Black Stone) is called Istlam. While
kissing the Hajr-e-Aswad, ones hands should be on the wall of the Ka’ba in
the same position as when one performs a Sajdah (prostration) during a
prayer. If it is not possible to kiss the Hajr-e-Aswad, it is permissible
just touch it with a hand and if that is not possible the just point to the
Hajr-e-Aswad and blow a kiss to it.

  F.   Tawaaf (Circling of ka’ba)

After performing Istlam (kissing the Hajr-e-Aswad) as described above, a
pilgrim should perform Tawaaf of Ka’ba. Tawaaf is performed by going around
Ka’ba seven times keeping the Ka’ba on left hand side (counter clock-wise).
Istlam should be performed during each circle. It is also permitted to
perform Istlam of Rukun-e-Yemeni (Pillar of Yemen). The seventh circle ends
at the Hajr-e-Aswad.

  G.   Nawafal at Muqam-e-Ibrahim

After completing the Tawaaf, the pilgrim should move to the Muqam-e-Ibrahim
(Place of Ibrahim. At this place one should offer two Rakats of prayer while
facing Ka’ba.

  H.   Sa’ee (Running between Safa’ and Marwah)

Allah the Exalted has said the Holy Quran:

“Surely, Al-Safa and Al-Marwah are among the Signs of Allah. It is,
therefore, no sin for him who is on pilgrimage to the House, or performs
Umra, to go round the two. And whoso does good beyond what is obligatory,
surely then, Allah is Appreciating, All-Knowing.” (2:159)

After praying two Rakats of prayer at Muqam-e-Ibrahim, the pilgrim then
moves to “Safa”. At this place, he should face towards Ka’ba and recite
Durood, Takbir and Talbiyah. The he should walk briskly towards Marwah and
recite the same at Marwah. This counts as one circuit. Now one should move
to Safa’ and repeat the prayers. One should complete seven circuits between
Safa’ and Marwah. These circuits are called Sa’ee.

After performing the circuits between Safa’ and Marwah, one is free to move
about and go to a resting place.

  I.   Arriving at Mina

On 8th day of Dul-Hajj the pilgrims reach at Mina early in the morning after
performing Tawaaf-Qudoom. A pilgrim offers Duhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha’
prayers at Mina and camp there for the night.

  J.   Arriving at Arafat

On 9th day of Dul-Hajj, after offering Fajr prayer, a pilgrim should move to
Arafat. Stay at Arafat is called Waqoof and is the most important part of
Hajj. Without this, Hajj cannot be considered complete. If someone misses
Waqoof, he should perform Hajj the following year. One listens to the sermon
at the plane of Arafat and offers combined Zuhr and Asr prayers. One should
stay at Arafat till sunset (Maghrib).

  K.   Arriving at Muzdalifah

One leaves Arafat after sunset and reaches Muzdalifah in the evening of 9th
Dul-Hajj. Combined Maghrib and Isha’ prayers are offered at Muzdalifah. The
pilgrims spend the night at Muzdalifah.

  L.   Departure from Muzdalifah

On the 10th day of Dul-Hajj the pilgrims offer their Fajr prayer as early in
the morning as possible. After the Fajr prayer a pilgrim leaves Muzdalifah
and arrive at Mina. On the way to Mina one should pick up seventy small
stones. As soon as he reaches Mina, he should cast seven stones at
Jumrah-tul-Aqba. This act of throwing stones is called Rami. With the
throwing of the first stone the requirement to repeatedly recite Talbiyah is
lifted. If the pilgrim intends to sacrifice an animal then he should do that
after casting stones ad Jumrah-tul-Aqba. After offering the sacrifices a
male pilgrim should have his head shaven and female pilgrims are required to
cut a small part of her hair. Femle pilgrims are not permitted to have their
heads shaven. After the hair cut one can remove the Ihram and may now wear
regular cloths.

  M.  Return to Mecca after sacrifice and hair cut. Perform Taawaf-e-Afaza

After the removal of Ihram the pilgrim is required to return to Mecca to
perform another circuit of the Ka’ba. This particular circuit is called
Tawaaf-e-Afaza (additional circuit) and is an essential part of the
pilgrimage. After this circuit a pilgrim is permitted to return to normal
life and all those lawful things that were forbidden are now allowed again.

  N.   Return to Mina after Tawaf-e-Afaza

After this additional circuit, the pilgrim should return to Mina and stay
there for three days. During the stay at Mina on 11th, 12th and 13th day of
Dul-Hajj the pilgrim cast seven stones on each of the Jumrah in the
following order: Jumrah-tul-Oola, Jamrah-tul-Wusta, and Juramh-tul-Aqba. It
is permitted not to cast stones on the third day.

  O.   Return to Ka’ba and Farewell

On the 12th or the 13th day of Dul-Hajj, the pilgrim returns to the Ka’ba
and perform a final circuit. This circuit is called Tawaf-al-Sadr or
Tawaf-al-Wida (parting or farewell circuit). After this last circuit, the
pilgrim should drink water from Zumzum, kiss the threshold of the door of
the Ka’ba, and pray to Allah for forgiveness. He should leave the Ka’ba
walking backwards, looking at it the last time, and saying farewell.

  7.   Prohibitions During the Pilgrimage

It is forbidden to have a hair cut during Hajj or to wear sewn clothes.
Pilgrims should offer Fidya (redemption) if he has to wear sewn clothes or
have to shave his head due to illness or lice.


  Hunting is forbidden during the pilgrimage days. If the pilgrim hunts
during these days then he has to offer the sacrifice of one animal. If he
has hunted deer then a lamb should be sacrificed and of ostrich is hunted
then camel should be sacrificed. If one cannot offer a sacrifice the he
should feed six poor people and if that is not possible the he should fast
for three days. Allah says in the Holy Quran:


   “O ye who believe! Kill not game while you are in a state of pilgrimage.
And whoso amongst you kills it intentionally, its compensation is a
quadruped like unto that which he has killed, as determined by two just men
from among you, the dame to be brought as an offering to the Ka’ba; or as an
expiation he shall have to feed a number of poor persons, or fast an
equivalent number of days, so that he may taste the penalty of his deed. As
for the past, Allah forgives it; but whoso reverts to it, Allah will punish
him for his offense. And Allah is Mighty, Lord of retribution.


The game of the sea and the eating thereof have been made lawful for you as
a provision for you and the travelers, but forbidden to you is the game of
land as long as you are in a state of pilgrimage. And fear Allah to Whom you
shall be gathered.

Allah has made the Ka’ba the inviolable House as a mean of support and
uplift of mankind, as also the Sacred Month and the offerings and the
animals with collars. That is so that you may know that Allah knows what is
in the heavens and what is in the earth, and that Allah knows all things
well.

Know that Allah is sever in punishment and that Allah is also Most
Forgiving, Merciful.” (5:95-98)

If the pilgrim has sexual intercourse with his/her spouse before the first
Tawaaf the Hajj will become invalid or unlawful. He/she should continue to
perform all the duties of the pilgrimage but he/she has to perform
pilgrimage again the next year. Moreover he/she has to sacrifice a camel at
Mina to atone the violation.

  8.   Ahsari

If some difficulty arises after entering the state of Ihram for the Hajj or
Umra (i.e., illness, resistance by enemy to prevent from reaching Mecca)
then the sacrifice of an animal should be offered and the Ihram removed. We
read in the Holy Quran: “ … but if you are kept back, then make whatever
offering is easily available; and do not shave your heads until the offering
reaches its destination … “ (2:197).

  9.  Umra

To simply circuit the Ka’ba and perform the seven circuits between Safa and
Marwah is called Umra. There is no fixed time for Umra and it can be
performed at any time during the year except between the 9th and the 13th of
Dul-Hajj (these days are only reserved for the full pilgrimage or Hajj).
Entering into the state of Ihram and removal of Ihram is carried out in the
same manner as for the full pilgrimage.

  10.  Types Of Hajj:

There are three types of Hajj:

  a.  Hajj Mufrad:

  All conditions of the Hajj Mufrad are same as described above. One enters
into the state of Ihram for Hajj only and no Umra is performed before Hajj.

  b.  Hajj Tamattu :

This is Hajj when Umra is performed before the Hajj. The pilgrim removes
Ihram for Umra on the 8th of Dul Hajj and re-enters into the state of Ihram
again for Hajj.

  c.   Hajj Qiran:

In this Hajj, the pilgrim enters into the state of Ihram for both Umra and
the Hajj at one time.


  11. Places of Hajj inside Mecca

  A.  Ka'aba:

The focus of the pilgrimage is Ka’ba which was rebuilt by Prophet Ibrahim
(peace be upon him) some 4000 years ago. Today, Ka’ba stands in the middle
of a large courtyard of Masjid-el-Haram or the sacred Mosque. The courtyard
of Masjid-el-Haram contains, besides Ka’ba, the Muqam-e-Ibrahim (place of
Ibrahim) and the fountain of Zumzum.


Ka’ba is the first house ever that was built for the worship of One and Only
God, Allah. It is also called “Bait-Ullah” (House of Allah), “Bait-ul-Ateeq”
(the Oldest House), and Baitul Ma’amoor (Inhabited House).


Muslims, all over the world, face towards Ka’ba to offer their prayers. This
house and the places around it have several signs that have been manifested
by Allah. Every inch of this land testifies to the fact that Allah never
destroys those who offer sacrifices. To commemorate Allah’s signs and to
enhance their faith that Allah truly fulfils His promise, Muslims have been
ordered to pay homage to the Ka’ba and these other Signs of Allah. Allah the
Exalted, says in the Holy Quran:



“Surely, the first House founded for mankind is that at Becca (the valley of
Mecca), abounding in blessings and a guidance for all peoples. In it are
manifest signs; it is the place of Abraham; and whoso enters it, enters
peace” (3:96-97)


Hadrat Ibrahim (peace be upon him) laid a foundation stone for a community
in a deserted place by the order of All-Mighty Allah. The he settled his
wife, Hajira, and his son, Ishmael, at this place. There was no water at
this place and it was not a part of any thoroughfare. The ultimate goal of
this unparalleled sacrifice was that his place should serve as a center of
universal guidance; that from the progeny of Hadrat Ishmael living in this
area would come the greatest prophet whose advent marked the sole cause for
the creation of this universe and who would be a mercy for all mankind. The
teaching that he brought down would be for the entire world and for all
times. In spite of having no sign of any provisions at this place, Hadrat
Ibrahim’s (peace be upon him) expectations were superceded. Allah made
provisions for water at that place. Slowly the place became populated and
was called Becca or Mecca. This was the place where Hadrat Ibrahim (peace be
upon him) found lost signs of the first House of Allah that was built for
His worship and re-built this house with the help of his son. He fervently
prayed to Allah to make this house the “Place for Humanity”.

  B.  Hajr-e-Aswad (The Black Stone)

There is a black stone in the north-eastern corner of the Ka’ba. This stone
is called Hajr-e-Aswad (Black Stone). This stone was probably part of a
meteoroid that fell near Mecca on a mountain called Abu Qubais. At the time
of construction of Ka’ba, Hadrat Ibrahim brought it down and placed in the
corner of the Ka’ba as a great sign and a monument. Anyone who performs
pilgrimage is expected to kiss this memorial stone. This stone is part of
Allah’s mark and is a sign of Him being the Supreme Being. One loves things
that belong to one’s beloved. The same philosophy exists behind kissing the
stone. This stone has no power and it provides neither benefit nor harm to
anyone.


  C.  Hateem

A short distance away from Ka’ba towards North there is an open space.The
place has small walls around it but there is no ceiling.There is a tradition
of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) that suggests that this place was
left without a roof because not enough wood was available to cover the
entire building.A pilgrim should keep this place inside the Tawaaf but it is
not right to face towards this place when offering prayers.

  D.  Multazam

The southern part of the wall between the door of the Ka’ba and the black
stone is called Multazam. At the completion of the pilgrimage the pilgrims
embrace this part of the wall. This is one way of saying good-bye and a way
of expression of extreme love for the House of Allah.

  E.  Rukun-e-Yemeni

The north-western corner of the Ka’ba faces towards Yemen and this is why it
is called Rukun-e-Yemeni (Yemen’s Pillar). It is not appropriate to touch or
kiss this part during making a circuit of the Holy Ka’ba.


  F.  Mutaaf


There is a circle of white stone around the Ka’ba. This is the place where
the circuit of the Holy Ka’ba is performed during the pilgrimage. The
circuit of the Holy Ka’ba is an integral part of the worship offered seven
times during Hajj.


  G.  Muqam-e-Ibrahim (Place of Ibrahim)

There is a small round-shaped building in front of the door of the Ka’ba and
the Multazam. This building has a stone that was used by Hadrat Ibrahim to
stand on to complete the walls of the Ka’ba. This is called Muqam-Ibrahim
(Place of Ibrahim). After completing the seventh circuit during the
pilgrimage, two Raka’t of prayer are offered. One gets more blessings if
these Raka’ts are offered at the Place of Ibrahim.


  H.  ZamZam


A small well is present on the left side of the Place of Ibrahim and to the
east of the Ka’ba. This well appeared as a sign when the child Ishmael
rubbed his heels on the ground due to his thirst. One drinks water from this
well facing the Ka’ba to get blessings.


  I.  Masjid-el-Haram


Around the Ka’ba is a mosque that has a rectangular shape with rounded
corners. Pilgrims offer prayers in this mosque by making circular rows and
face towards the Ka’ba.


  J.  Al-Safa and Al-Marwa


Two small hills in Mecca were located in the north of Masjid-el-Haram. Now
these hills have been flattened. Hadrat Hajirah ran seven times between
these two hills in search of food and water. Pilgrims are ordained to follow
her footsteps and go to these hills seven times.


  12.  Places Outside of Mecca

  A.  Mina


There is an open ground three miles to the east of Mecca called Mina. There
are three stone pillars in this ground that are called Jumrat representing
Satan. These stones are called Jumrah-tul-Oola, Jumrah-tul-Wusta, and
Jumrah-tul-Aqbah. During the last day of Hajj, the 10th Dul-Hajj and three
Tashriq days, pilgrims are required to cast stones at these Jumrah. This act
of casting stones at Jumrah is called Ramy al-jimar (throwing small stones).
Thousands of animals are sacrificed on this ground to commemorate the great
sacrifice of Hadrat Ibrahim and Hadrat Ishmael.


  B.  Arafat

On the 9th day of Dul Hajj pilgrims gather in a great ground that is located
about 9 miles to the southeast Mecca. This ground is called Arafat. Pilgrims
stay at this place from the time of Duhr prayer until Maghrib. Jabalu-Rahmat
is a small hill that also stands on this ground. A pilgrim is required to
stay at this ground for his/her pilgrimage to be acceptable.

  C.  Muzdalifah

This ground is located roughly three miles from Arafat towards Mina. A small
hill Mash’ar-al-Haraam is present in this field. Pilgrims spend the night of
9ht Dul Hajj in this field on their way back from Arafat. They offer Maghrib
and Isha prayers combined and then Fajr prayer on the morning of the 10th
day of Dul Hajj at this place. Pilgrims are commanded to remember Allah
after the Fajr prayer near the mountains of Mash’ar-ul-Haraam.

  D.  Muwaqiat

Muwaqiat is the plural of Miqat. This is the place where pilgrims enter into
the state of Ihram. It is forbidden to go any further from this place
without entering the state of Ihram. Ihram is not only wearing specific
clothing but it is also a sincere intention to perform the pilgrimage. There
are several placed to enter into the state of Ihram that are marked as Miqat
depending upon the route taken towards Mecca. Following are the well-known
places where the Pilgrims enter into the state of Ihram.


  a.  Mecca

Pilgrims who live in and around Mecca enter into the state of Ihram in their
homes. People can enter into the state of Ihram before leaving their homes.
It is not absolutely necessary for “local” pilgrims to enter into the state
of Ihram at the Mawaqit, however, it is forbidden to proceed any further
from these place without being in the state of Ihram for the people coming
from other locations.


  b.  Dul-Hulaifah:

Five miles from Madina towards Mecca is a small village. Pilgrims arriving
from Madina and from its surrounding areas are required to replace their
usual clothes with Ihram at this place


  c.  Juhfah

This place located about forty miles to the south of Mecca. Pilgrims
arriving from Egypt, Syria and Southern Africa are required to enter into
the state of Ihram at this place.


d.  Zaat-ul-Irq

Located about thirty miles from Mecca, the pilgrims coming from Iraq and by
land from the eastern side enter into the state of Ihram at this place.



  e.  Qarn-al-Manazil

Located about 40 miles to the east of Mecca, the Pilgrims arriving from
Yemen and by sea enter into the state of Ihram at this place.



  f.  Taneem

This place is near Mecca and acts as Miqat for people living in Mecca. If
someone is living in Mecca and wants to perform Umra then he should go to
this place, enter into the state of Ihram and then return to Mecca so that
the condition of traveling for the pilgrims is also fulfilled. The Holy
Prophet (peace be upon him) has said: “Part of the worship of Hajj and Umra
is to travel in the way of Allah and to go out of the city.”


  E.  Haram

Mecca and its surrounding areas are called Haram. Haram has different
boundaries. These boundaries extend to three miles on one side, seven on the
other and nine miles towards Jedda. Within these boundaries of Haram it is
forbidden to hunt, bother any animal, or to cut grass or trees. One is
permitted to kill dangerous animals like snakes, scorpions, rats or animals
with rabies (dogs, etc.)
Courtesy of the webmaster of Islam.com for making the literature available
to me.

For the different Du'aa in each stage of hajj,Please check the following
book on line:
http://www.qss.org/articles/hajjalb/rites.html

With the very best of good wishes,
Musa Amadu Pembo
Glasgow,
Scotland
UK.
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Da’wah is to convey the message with wisdom and with good words. We should
give the noble and positive message of Islam. We should try to emphasize
more commonalities and explain the difference without getting into
theological arguments and without claiming the superiority of one position
over the other. There is a great interest among the people to know about
Islam and we should do our best to give the right message.
May Allah,Subhana Wa Ta'Ala,guide us all to His Sirat Al-Mustaqim (Righteous
Path).May He protect us from the evils of this life and the hereafter.May
Allah,Subhana Wa Ta'Ala,grant us entrance to paradise .
We ask Allaah the Most High, the All-Powerful, to teach us that which will
benefit us, and to benefit us by that which we learn. May Allaah Subhanahu
Wa Ta'ala grant blessings and peace to our Prophet Muhammad and his family
and
companions..Amen.

_________________________________________________________________
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