Comprehensive Study Notes on the Actions and Days of Hajj

Core Vocabulary and Technical Terminology

  • Ifrād: Performing Hajj only, without performing 'Umrah, during a single journey.
  • Qiran: Combining both 'Umrah and Hajj in a single journey under a single state of Iḥrām.
  • Tamattu': Performing 'Umrah and Hajj in a single journey using two separate Iḥrāms (donning the first for 'Umrah, removing it upon completion, and donning a second for Hajj during the days of Hajj).
  • Wuquf: The mandatory act of standing or spending time at specific holy sites ('Arafah and Muzdalifah) during designated hours.
  • Jimār: The stone pillars/structures (Jamarāt) located in Minā representing Satan, which pilgrims pelt with pebbles.
  • Miqāt: The designated geographic boundaries surrounding Makkah beyond which pilgrims intending Hajj or 'Umrah must not pass without entering the state of Iḥrām.
  • Mufrid: A pilgrim who performs Ifrād Hajj.
  • Qārin: A pilgrim who performs Qiran Hajj.
  • Mutamatti': A pilgrim who performs Tamattu' Hajj.
  • Rami: The ritual action of pelting the Jamarāt with pebbles.
  • Widā': Farewell; refers to the final circumambulation of the Ka'bah performed prior to departing Makkah.
  • Āfāqī: A pilgrim whose permanent residence is located outside the Miqāt boundaries.

Categorization and Types of Hajj

When a person intends to perform Hajj, they have the option of selecting one of three distinct methods:

  • 1. Ifrād:

    • Description: Performing Hajj only, without 'Umrah, in a single journey.
    • Pilgrim Designation: Mufrid.
    • Dammus-Shukar Requirement: Mustaḥab (recommended, non-obligatory).

  • 2. Qiran:

    • Description: Performing 'Umrah and Hajj in one journey with a single Iḥrām.
    • Pilgrim Designation: Qārin.
    • Status: Recognized as the most superior type of Hajj.
    • Dammus-Shukar Requirement: Wājib (obligatory).

  • 3. Tamattu':

    • Description: Performing 'Umrah and Hajj in one journey with two separate Iḥrāms. The pilgrim dons one Iḥrām for 'Umrah, removes it after completing 'Umrah, and dons a second Iḥrām for Hajj during the days of Hajj.
    • Pilgrim Designation: Mutamatti'.
    • Status: The most commonly performed type of Hajj.
    • Dammus-Shukar Requirement: Wājib (obligatory).

Rules and Regulations of Iḥrām

Iḥrām in Hajj or 'Umrah signifies entering a sacred state wherein certain actions that are usually permissible become strictly impermissible.

  • Restrictions of Iḥrām:

    • Sexual intercourse and related physical intimacy.
    • Quarrelsome, abusive, or vulgar language.
    • Application of perfume or scented substances.
    • Cutting nails, removing body hair, or trimming hair.
    • Hunting wild animals.
    • Covering the head (specifically for males).

  • Duration of Prohibitions:

    • Restrictions begin immediately with the utterance of the Talbiyah.
    • Restrictions terminate upon performing Halaq or Qaşar (trimming or shaving the hair after completing the required rituals).

  • Step-by-Step Procedure for Entering Iḥrām:

    1. Perform Ghusal (full body ritual washing).
    2. Don the appropriate Iḥrām garments:
    • Male Attire: Two unsewn sheets—one covering the upper body and another covering the lower body. Footwear must leave the ankle and metatarsal bone completely open (the area where shoelaces are usually tied). No headgear is permitted.
    • Female Attire: Normal loose Islamic clothing. The facial veil must not touch the skin of the face (a cap with a flap or bill on the brim may be used to keep the veil structured away from the face).
    1. Perform two Rak'āt of Şalātul-Iḥrām. Men are permitted to cover their heads during the performance of this specific Şalāh.
    2. Remove headgear immediately after the completion of Şalātul-Iḥrām (for males).
    3. Formulate the Niyyah (intention), recite the Talbiyah, and make personal Du'ā'.

Structural Comparison Matrix of Hajj Types

Action / StatusIfrādQirānTamattu'
1st IḥrāmRequiredRequiredRequired
Ṭawāf QudūmRequiredRequiredNot performed
'UmrahNot performedRequiredRequired
2nd IḥrāmNot performedNot performedRequired
HajjRequiredRequiredRequired
Wājib Dammus-ShukarMustaḥabRequired (Wājib)Required (Wājib)
Pilgrim TitleMufridQārinMutamatti'

Essential Rituals: Fara'id and Wajibāt of Hajj

  • Fara'id (Obligatory Acts) of Hajj:

    • There are three Farḍ acts in Hajj. Omission of any Farḍ invalidates the Hajj entirely:
    1. Iḥrām: Making Niyyah for performing Hajj, reciting the Talbiyah, and donning the Iḥrām garments.
    2. Wuquf at 'Arafah: Spending time in 'Arafah on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah between Zawwal (solar noon) and Şubaḥ Ṣādiq (true dawn) of the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, even if the Wuquf is only for a single moment.
    3. Ṭawāfuz-Ziyārah: Also known as Ṭawāful-Ifāḍah. Must be performed after shaving/trimming the head on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah until sunset of the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah.

  • Wajibāt (Necessary Acts) of Hajj:

    • There are six Wājib acts in Hajj:
    1. Wuquf at Muzdalifah: Spending time in Muzdalifah on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah between Şubaḥ Ṣādiq and sunrise.
    2. Sa'ī: Walking seven times between Şafa and Marwah. This specifically refers to the Sa'ī performed after Ṭawāfuz-Ziyārah.
    3. Rami of the Jimār: Pelting the Jamarāt with pebbles.
    4. Damush-Shukar: Sacrificing an animal within the geographical boundaries of the Haram.
    5. Halaq or Qaşar: Shaving (Halaq) or trimming (Qaşar) the hair of the head.
    6. Ṭawāful-Widā': The Farewell Ṭawāf, required exclusively for an Āfāqī (a person residing outside the Miqāt boundaries).

Detailed Chronology of the Days of Hajj (8th–13th Dhul-Hijjah)

Pre-Hajj Preparation in Makkah

  • While residing in Makkah awaiting the commencement of the Hajj days, pilgrims must ensure time is spent in worship and proper preparation.
  • An Aalim should be consulted regarding any Masaa'il (legal guidelines) for the upcoming rituals that a pilgrim is unsure of.

The First Day of Hajj (8th Dhul-Hijjah)

  • Donning Iḥrām:
    • The Mutamatti' dons the second Iḥrām specifically for Hajjut-Tamattu' (the first Iḥrām was donned for 'Umrah upon arrival in Makkah).
    • It is recommended to enter the state of Iḥrām before the time of Fajr Şalāh on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah.
  • Movement to Minā:
    • After performing Fajr Şalāh, pilgrims proceed to Minā, aiming to arrive before the time of Dhuhar Şalāh.
  • Prayers and Spiritual Observances in Minā:
    • Pilgrims perform five consecutive Salawāt in Minā:
    1. Dhuhar (8th Dhul-Hijjah)
    2. 'Aşr (8th Dhul-Hijjah)
    3. Maghrib (8th Dhul-Hijjah)
    4. 'Isha' (8th Dhul-Hijjah)
    5. Fajr of the next day (9th Dhul-Hijjah)
    • Time in Minā should be dedicated to Dhikr, Nafl Şalāh, Durūd, Talbiyah, Tilāwah of the Holy Qur'an, and Du'ā'. Avoid wasting time or engaging in unnecessary secular activities.

The Second Day of Hajj (9th Dhul-Hijjah) – The Day of 'Arafah

  • Departure to 'Arafah:
    • Pilgrims leave Minā after sunrise to proceed to 'Arafah, an open plain situated approximately 14 km14\,\text{km} from Makkah.
    • If logistical authorities begin transporting pilgrims to 'Arafah before sunrise, this departure schedule does not nullify the Hajj.
  • Wuquf at 'Arafah:
    • Spending time at 'Arafah, even momentarily, is Farḍ. This is a crucial time when supplications are readily accepted and should be cherished; Allah forgives more people on this day than on any other.
    • The Wuquf at 'Arafah commences immediately after Zawwal and ends at sunset.
    • It is Sunnah to perform Ghusal just prior to Zawwal.
  • Proceedings at Masjidun-Namirah:
    • If possible, pilgrims proceed to Masjidun-Namirah on the plains of 'Arafah to listen to the Hajj sermon (Khutbah).
    • A pilgrim at Masjidun-Namirah combines Dhuhar and 'Aşr Şalāh at the time of Dhuhar, with one Adhān and two Iqāmah behind the Imam.
    • Pilgrims unable to attend the congregation at Masjidun-Namirah perform Dhuhar and 'Aşr separately within their respective prescribed times.
  • Recommended Recitation on 'Arafah:
    • Pilgrims continuously recite Talbiyah, make Dhikr, and read Durūd.
    • Nabi encouraged pilgrims to recite the following supplication:
    • Arabic: لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ المُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
    • Translation: "There is no Diety besides Allāh alone, He has no partners, to Him belongs the kingdom and to Him belongs all praise. He is powerful over everything"
    • Source: Sunanut-Tirmidhi (Volume 5, Page 572, Hadith number 3585).

Overnight Stay and Morning Rituals at Muzdalifah

  • Departure from 'Arafah:
    • After sunset on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims depart for Muzdalifah without performing Maghrib Şalāh at 'Arafah or on the journey.
  • Combination of Prayers:
    • Upon reaching Muzdalifah, pilgrims combine Maghrib and 'Isha' Şalāh during the time of 'Isha', using one Adhān and one Iqāmah.
  • Night Actions and Pebble Collection:
    • The night is spent in Ibadah, Talbiyah, Dhikr, Du'ā', Tilāwah, and Nafl Şalāh.
    • Spending the night after 'Isha' until Şubaḥ Ṣādiq in Muzdalifah is Sunnah.
    • The pilgrim collects 7070 pebbles in Muzdalifah for pelting the Jamarāt.
  • Wuquf at Muzdalifah:
    • Performing Wuquf in Muzdalifah is Wājib.
    • The time for Wuquf at Muzdalifah spans from Şubaḥ Ṣādiq on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah until just before sunrise.
    • Fajr Şalāh is performed immediately after Şubaḥ Ṣādiq, followed by Wuquf spent in Du'ā' and Ibadah before departing for Minā.
    • Restriction: Pilgrims must neither spend the night nor make Wuquf in the Valley of Muḥassar.

The Third Day of Hajj (10th Dhul-Hijjah)

Five key acts are performed on this day in the following precise sequence (note that steps 2, 3, and 4 may be delayed until the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah):

  1. Rami (Pelting the Jamarah):
    • Only the Jamarah known as Jamaratul-Ukhrā (also called the Big Jamarah or Jamarah 'Uqbā) is pelted with seven individual pebbles before sunset.
    • The recitation of Talbiyah ceases as soon as the first pebble is cast.
    • The Sunnah period for pelting is from sunrise until Zawwal; pelting after sunset is Makruh.
  2. Damush-Shukar (Sacrificing an Animal):
    • The Qārin or Mutamatti' slaughters an animal (a sheep or goat, or a single share representing 17\frac{1}{7} of a camel) as Damush-Shukar. This act is Mustaḥab for a Mufrid.
  3. Halaq or Qaşar:
    • Performed after the animal sacrifice. Shaving (Halaq) or trimming (Qaşar) the hair brings the state of Iḥrām to an end. All prohibitions are lifted except for sexual intercourse.
  4. Ṭawāfuz-Ziyārah and Sa'ī:
    • The pilgrim proceeds to Makkah to perform Ṭawāfuz-Ziyārah and the Sa'ī between Şafa and Marwah.
  5. Return to Minā:
    • Pilgrims return to Minā to stay overnight.

The Fourth Day of Hajj (11th Dhul-Hijjah) – Second Day at Minā

  • Rami of All Three Jamarāt:
    • All three Jamarāt must be pelted with seven pebbles each in sequential order:
    1. First: Jamarah Ūlā
    2. Second: Jamarah Wusta
    3. Third: Jamarah Ukhrā
    • Pelting on this day must occur after Zawwal and before sunset.
    • Du'ā' is made immediately after pelting the 1st (Jamarah Ūlā) and 2nd (Jamarah Wusta) Jamarah. No Du'ā' is made after pelting the 3rd (Jamarah Ukhrā).
  • Overnight Stay:
    • Spending this night in Minā is Sunnah.

The Fifth Day of Hajj (12th Dhul-Hijjah) – Third Day at Minā

  • Rami of All Three Jamarāt:
    • All three Jamarāt are pelted with seven pebbles each after Zawwal in the exact same sequence as the previous day (Jamarah Ūlā, then Jamarah Wusta, then Jamarah Ukhrā).
  • Departure Options:
    • After pelting, the pilgrim may return to Makkatul-Mukarramah before Maghrib.
    • If a pilgrim is unable to depart from Minā before sunset on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, they must remain in Minā until Fajr of the next day.

Optional Sixth Day (13th Dhul-Hijjah) – Fourth Day at Minā

  • If the pilgrim remained in Minā past sunset on the 12th, they must pelt all three Jamarāt in the morning before proceeding to Makkah.
  • This constitutes the 6th day overall (4th day at Minā) and is classified as Sunnah.

Conclusion of Hajj Rituals

  • Once pelting is finished, Hajj is complete. Pilgrims may reside in Makkah for as long as desired.
  • Ṭawāful-Widā':
    • Before departing Makkah permanently, Ṭawāful-Widā' (The Farewell Ṭawāf) must be performed.
    • This Ṭawāf is Wājib upon an Āfāqī (a non-resident of Makkah living outside the Miqāt).