Perfecting The Journey of Hajj - Shaykh Hussain Sattar
Perfecting The Journey of Hajj - Shaykh Hussain Sattar
Perfecting The Journey of Hajj - Shaykh Hussain Sattar
Compiled by
SHAYKH HUSAIN ABDUL SATTAR
Sacred Learning NFP 2014
All rights reserved. Aside from fair use, meaning a few
pages or less for nonprofit educational purposes, review,
or scholarly citation, no part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in
any form or by any means without prior written permission
of the copyright owner.
Published by:
Sacred Learning NFP
Chicago, IL 60646
www.sacredlearning.org
Printed and bound in the United States of America.
CONTENTS
Introduction 1
General Considerations 2
Types of Hajj 4
1.0 The Umrah of Hajj Qiran 6
1.1 The Umrah of Hajj Tamattu 10
1.2 Tawaf Qudum of Hajj Ifrad 13
2 .0 Day One 8 Dhul Hijjah 14
3.0 Day Two 9 Dhul Hijjah 19
4.0 Day Three 10 Dhul Hijjah 22
5.0 Day Four 11 Dhul Hijjah 28
6.0 Day Five 12 Dhul Hijjah 30
7.0 Day Six 13 Dhul Hijjah 32
8.0 Farewell Tawaf 34
Appendix A Ihram 35
Appendix B Tawaf 45
Appendix C Saee 57
Appendix D Halaq/Qasr 65
INTRODUCTION
LEGAL RULING
In Islam, adulthood is defined by either the
attainment of puberty or age greater than 14 years
and 7 months (15 lunar years). An adult who can
afford Hajj must perform it at the first possible
opportunity. Delaying the Hajj is a sin. Anyone
who does so should seek forgiveness for delaying
this mandatory act.
LEGAL RULING
If a child performs Hajj, the legal requirement of
Hajj will not be uplifted. However, both the child
and the parents will be rewarded for their effort.
A woman presented a boy to the Prophet (peace
and blessings be upon him) asking if he would be
A Guidebook to Hajj 3
Spiritual Dimension
Allah (Glorious and Exalted) states in His Holy Book,
And complete Hajj and Umrah for Allah (Quran
2:196). This verse commands that Hajj and Umrah
should be performed solely for the pleasure of Allah
(Glorious and Exalted), and not as a vacation, a place
to go shopping, an opportunity to eat certain types of
food, or as a chance to show others how many times
we have performed Hajj.
1.0 THE UMRAH OF HAJJ QIRAN
Spiritual Dimension
The demeanor of an individual certainly changes if he
enters the court of a judge or the office of a respected
and powerful individual. Even more so, we should be
cognizant of our weakness and Allahs (Glorious and
Exalted) greatness when we enter His house. Allah
(Glorious and Exalted) states, It is not for them to
enter (the mosques of Allah) except in a state of fear
(Quran 2:114). Although this verse refers to unjust
individuals, it highlights the state of heart that should
be present when we enter Masjid al-Haram.
Spiritual Dimension
Scholars have suggested a variety of duas that can
be made when first seeing the Kabah. For example,
some have suggested asking for the Love of Allah
8 Perfecting the Journey
Umrah
Perform Umrah, which consists of a tawaf (seven circuits
around the Kabah) followed by a saee (seven circuits
between Safa and Marwah). Tawaf and saee are explained
in Appendix B and C, respectively.
LEGAL RULING
Tawaf Qudum must be completed before the
wuquf of Arafah, which occurs on the 9th of Dhul
Hijjah. If you intend to go to Mina on the 8th of
Dhul Hijjah (as is mustahabb) then Tawaf Qudum
will be performed before departing for Mina.
LEGAL RULING
If you cannot perform saee after Tawaf Qudum
(due to fatigue or other reasons), you may delay
the saee and instead perform it after Tawaf
Ziyarah of the Hajj.
Entering Ihram
Prior to crossing the miqat, enter into a state of ihram with
the intention of performing the Umrah of Hajj Tamattu.
Details on the miqat, entering ihram, and the rulings
related to ihram are covered in Appendix A.
Spiritual Dimension
The demeanor of an individual certainly changes if he
enters the court of a judge or the office of a respected
and powerful individual. Even more so, we should be
cognizant of our weakness and Allahs (Glorious and
Exalted) greatness when we enter His house. Allah
(Glorious and Exalted) states, It is not for them to
enter (the mosques of Allah) except in a state of fear
(Quran 2:114). Although this verse refers to unjust
individuals, it highlights the state of heart that should
be present when we enter Masjid al-Haram.
Spiritual Dimension
Scholars have suggested a variety of duas that should
be made when you first see the Kabah. For example,
some have suggested asking for the Love of Allah
12 Perfecting the Journey
Umrah
Perform Umrah, which consists of a tawaf (seven circuits
around the Kabah) followed by a saee (seven circuits
between Safa and Marwah). Tawaf and saee are explained
in Appendix B and C, respectively.
Exiting Ihram
After Umrah, you will have your hair cut (Appendix D)
and remove your ihram. It is best to either have another set
of ihram clothing available, or to have this set washed, for
use during Hajj.
1.2 TAWAF QUDUM OF HAJJ IFRAD
LEGAL RULING
Tawaf Qudum must be completed before the
wuquf of Arafah, which occurs on the 9th of Dhul
Hijjah. If you intend to go to Mina on the 8th of
Dhul Hijjah (as is mustahabb) then Tawaf Qudum
will be performed before departing for Mina.
LEGAL RULING
Immediately after Tawaf Qudum, you have
the option of also performing the saee of Hajj.
However, in the case of Hajj Ifrad it is more
meritorious to perform this saee after Tawaf
Ziyarah (the main tawaf performed later during
the Hajj).
2.0 DAY ONE 8 DHUL HIJJAH
LEGAL RULING
Although you are already in Makkah, you need not
exit the boundary of the miqat to re-enter ihram.
This ruling is particular to the ihram of Hajj (if you
wanted to enter ihram to do an additional Umrah,
for example, you would have to exit the boundary
of the miqat to re-enter ihram).
Arrival in Mina
The goal is to arrive in Mina sometime before Dhuhr.
However, hundreds of thousands of people are all trying to
reach Mina simultaneously. Therefore, be patient. Do not
worry about exactly when you will arrive in Mina. Instead,
focus on Allah (Glorious and Exalted). Remember that
we have been invited to Hajj to seek forgiveness for our
16 Perfecting the Journey
LEGAL RULING
If you are late in arriving to Mina, you should pray
your prayers wherever you might be. Ideally, you
would like to catch at least one or two prayers
in Mina. However, if this is not possible and you
cannot even arrive for Fajr on the 9th of Dhul
Hijjah, then you should head directly to Arafah.
Your Hajj will still remain valid and there is no
penalty for missing the stay in Mina. Praying five
prayers in Mina is mustahabb, but is not required.
Tent Assignment
Once you arrive in Mina, men and women will be shown
their respective tents. Be respectful of others by limiting
the amount of space that you use and by keeping the tent
clean and orderly. Remember, everyone present is a guest
of Allah (Glorious and Exalted)we should be mindful of
His guests.
Staying in Mina
It is mustahabb to perform five prayers (Dhuhr, Asr,
Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr) in Mina. Prayers will not be
combined, but they will be shortened. Therefore, each
prayer will be prayed at its proper time, but Dhuhr, Asr,
and Isha will be shortened from four rakah to two.
A Guidebook to Hajj 17
4 sunnah, 2 fard,
Dhuhr
2 sunnah, 2 nafl
Asr 4 sunnah, 2 fard
Maghrib 3 fard, 2 sunnah
Awwabeen (performed 6 rakah (in sets of two
immediately after Maghrib) rakah each)
4 sunnah, 2 fard,
Isha
2 sunnah, 2 nafl, 3 witr
48 rakah (in sets of two
Tahajjud
rakah each)
Fajr 2 sunnah, 2 fard
Ishraq (15 minutes after 2 sunnah followed by 2
sunrise) additional sunnah
Takbir at-Tashriq
Beginning from Fajr on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah (Day of
Arafah) and continuing through Asr on the 13th of Dhul
Hijjah, you will recite the Takbir at-Tashriq immediately
after each fard prayer that you have offered. Men must
recite the takbir aloud, while women will recite it softly.
Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest;
there is no god but Allah.
Indeed, Allah is the greatest, Allah is the
greatest and for Allah is all praise.
3.0 DAY TWO 9 DHUL HIJJAH
Departure
After sunrise, you will board your bus for departure to
Arafah. Due to traffic, the bus may be late. Be patient,
and wait for your group leader to tell you when the bus
will arrive. On the way, recite talbiyah, dua, and dhikr in
abundance.
After departing, you will not return to your tent in
Mina until the next morning. Again, you will need to
travel light. Most of your luggage will stay in Mina. Pack
only necessary items (e.g., a sleeping bag and pillow, a
towel, medications, and a copy of the Holy Quran) for this
next part of the journey.
Wuquf in Arafah
Once you arrive in Arafah, you will be assigned a tent.
Again, be mindful of others when settling down in your
tent. After settling down, you should do the following:
1. Perform wudu before the time for Dhuhr
begins.
2. Perform Dhuhr in congregation. Even if it is
Friday, Jumuah will not be offered. Instead the
group will pray Dhuhr. Also, Asr will not be
combined with Dhuhr.
3. Spend your time in ibadah (worship) and in the
remembrance of Allah (Glorious and Exalted).
This period of time (from Dhuhr to the
beginning of Maghrib) is known as the wuquf
20 Perfecting the Journey
Muzdalifah
While heading toward Muzdalifah (by bus), recite dhikr,
dua, and salawat. After arriving in Muzdalifah, the group
will wait for the time of Isha to enter. Then, perform the
following sequence:
1. Call the adhan and one iqamah.
2. Pray the 3 fard of Maghrib (as a group).
3. Pray the 2 fard of Isha (without a second
iqamah, as a group).
4. Pray the sunnah of Maghrib (individually).
5. Pray the sunnah of Isha (individually).
6. Pray Witr (individually).
The above sequence is usually performed in small groups
(due to space limitations). If you pray individually, however,
the above sequence will still be followed.
A Guidebook to Hajj 21
Wuquf of Muzdalifah
Perform Fajr at the beginning of its time, i.e., right after
dawn. Then make dhikr (talbiyah, tasbih, and dua) until
sunrise. This time is known as the wuquf of Muzdalifah.
It is necessary (wajib) to spend at least a moment in
Muzdalifah during this time. The sunnah, however, is to
perform wuquf from dawn to sunrise. Of note, the time
for Fajr in Muzdalifah is roughly the same as the time for
Fajr in Makkahbe careful not to perform Fajr too early.
LEGAL RULING
Although the wuquf of Muzdalifah is wajib, this
requirement is uplifted for the sick, elderly, and
women if they find it too difficult to remain in
Muzdalifah overnight.
Back to Mina
Just before sunrise, you will board a bus to return to Mina.
Recite talbiyah on the way back. Once in Mina you now
have four major responsibilities: (1) going to the Jamarat
(area of pelting) to pelt the large shaytan, (2) sacrificing
an animal, (3) shaving the head or cutting the hair, and
(4) performing Tawaf Ziyarah with saee. One, two, and
three must be performed in order. Tawaf Ziyarah may be
performed at any time in the sequence. Each of these acts
is described below.
Pelting
Stand in front of the wall that represents the large shaytan
and throw seven pebbles, one at a time, at this wall. Each
pebble should be held between the index finger and thumb
24 Perfecting the Journey
of the right hand and thrown, with your hand at the level of
your head, while reciting Bismillahi Allahu Akbar each
time. The pebbles must fall within the area surrounding
the stoning wall, even if the wall itself is not hit. After
pelting, you should re-gather with your group and then
proceed forward. No dua is made after this pelting. With
the throwing of the first stone, the talbiyah of Hajj ends.
Therefore, talbiyah will no longer be recited throughout
the remainder of the Hajj.
Qasr/Halaq
Once you have ascertained that your sacrifice is complete,
either shave your head (men only) or trim your hair (see
Appendix D). For men, there is greater reward in shaving
(women are not allowed to shave their heads). Trimming
requires clipping 1.5 inches from the hairs of the entire
head. If less than 1.5 inches of hair (or no hair) is present on
the head of a man then the head must be shaved. Barbers
are present in the Hajj camp and will cut your hair for a
small fee. If you desire, you can remain in ihram and wait
to have your hair cut at a barber shop the next time you are
in Makkah (for example, before or after Tawaf Ziyarah).
All of the restrictions of ihram end after your hair is
trimmed or shaved, except the restriction on romance and
A Guidebook to Hajj 25
LEGAL RULING
If the hair is cut or the head is shaved before
Tawaf Ziyarah, then all restrictions of ihram are
uplifted except the prohibition on romance. This
is uplifted only after Tawaf Ziyarah is completed.
As mentioned in the next section, you may also
perform Tawaf Ziyarah before your hair is cut or
your head is shaved. In this case, once the hair is
cut or the head is shaved, all of the restrictions of
ihram, including the prohibition on romance, are
uplifted simultaneously.
Tawaf Ziyarah
Tawaf Ziyarah is a mandatory component of Hajj. It is
performed in a manner similar to the tawaf performed for
Umrah and is followed by the saee of Hajj. Tawaf and saee
are covered in Appendix B and C, respectively.
Tawaf Ziyarah and the saee of Hajj can be performed
anytime from the beginning of the time of Fajr on the
10th of Dhul Hijjah until sunset on the 12th. They can
also be performed anywhere along the sequence of
pelting the large shaytan, animal sacrifice, and cutting
of the hair. For example, you may pelt the large shaytan,
perform Tawaf Ziyarah plus saee, and then continue
with the animal sacrifice and, finally, shave the head or
trim the hair.
26 Perfecting the Journey
LEGAL RULING
If you are performing Hajj Qiran, it is permitted
(and more meritorious) to perform the saee of
Hajj after Tawaf Qudum. If it was performed
at that time, then it will not be repeated again.
Instead, you will only perform Tawaf Ziyarah.
LEGAL RULING
If you are performing Hajj Ifrad, it is permitted
(but not more meritorious) to perform the saee
of Hajj after Tawaf Qudum. If it was performed
at that time, then it will not be repeated again.
Instead, you will only perform Tawaf Ziyarah.
LEGAL RULING
If you perform Tawaf Ziyarah in a state of ihram
and you intend to perform the saee of Hajj after,
then males should perform Idtiba (exposing the
right shoulder) throughout the tawaf and Ramal
(walking briskly in an upright posture) during its
first three rounds.
LEGAL RULING
A menstruating woman cannot perform tawaf.
Therefore, a woman in such a state will remain in
ihram until she attains a state of purity. She can,
however, pelt the shaytan and have an animal
sacrificed on her behalf.
A Guidebook to Hajj 27
Return to Mina
It is sunnah to spend at least some of the night of the 10th
of Dhul Hijjah in Mina. Therefore, once Tawaf Ziyarah is
complete, you should return to Mina. This sunnah should
be kept in mind when planning how you will complete the
above described acts.
5.0 DAY FOUR 11 DHUL HIJJAH
Pelting
The only new ritual to be performed on this day is the
pelting of the Jamarat. All three Jamarat will be pelted in
order (small, then middle, and then large).
Timings
The timings for this pelting are from the beginning of
Dhuhr on the 11th until just before dawn of the following
day. The ideal (sunnah) time is anywhere between the start
of Dhuhr and sunset on the 11th. You should select a time
that is safe and less crowded. Your guide will inform you
when the group will be going for pelting.
Return to Camp
Spend the remainder of the day and night in Mina. Fill
your free time with good deeds such as reciting the Holy
Quran, listening to the scheduled talks, etc.
6.0 DAY FIVE 12 DHUL HIJJAH
Pelting
The schedule for Day Five is essentially the same as that
for Day Four. The only new ritual performed on this day
is the pelting of the Jamarat. All three Jamarat will be
pelted in the prescribed order (small, then middle, and
then large).
Timings
The timing for this pelting is from the start of Dhuhr of
the 12th until just before dawn of the next day. The ideal
(sunnah) time is anywhere between the start of Dhuhr and
sunset on the 12th. Again, select a time which is safe and
less crowded.
Pelting
The only prescribed act for this day is pelting. All three
Jamarat will be pelted in the prescribed order (small, then
middle, and then large).
Timings
The timing for this pelting is from dawn to sunset. The
ideal (sunnah) time is anywhere between the start of
Dhuhr and sunset on the 13th.
Nafl Tawaf
If you happen to be staying in Makkah try to perform
extra tawafs, as this is one act of worship that cannot be
performed when you return home.
Nafl Umrah
After the 13th of Dhul Hijjah you can also perform
additional Umrahs, if you like. The state of ihram can be
entered by changing into the clothing of ihram in your
hotel room and then taking a 1520 minute taxi ride to
Masjid Aisha (located outside of the border of the Haram).
At Masjid Aisha you can pray the salah of entering ihram,
A Guidebook to Hajj 33
Spiritual Dimension
In a hadith it is stated that angels visit the house of
Allah regularly for tawaf and that once an angel visits
they never return. It is the great blessing of Allah
(Glorious and Exalted) that we are able to perform
tawaf over and over again.
8.0 FAREWELL TAWAF
Definition
Ihram refers to the state that you must enter prior to going
into the sacred precinct of Makkah for Umrah or Hajj.
While you are in this state certain acts become haram
hence the term ihram (literally, to make haram.)
Miqat
When traveling for the pilgrimage you must enter a state
of ihram prior to crossing particular boundaries. These
boundaries are established by the hadith of the Prophet
(peace and blessings be upon him) and are called miqat.
As a rule, if you intend to enter the sacred precinct of
Makkah you must enter a state of ihram before crossing
the miqat.
LEGAL RULING
Clothing or cloth that has been washed in scented
detergent may be worn as ihram prior to entering
the state of ihram. However, once the state
of ihram is entered, it is not permissible to use
scented clothing or cloth. Hence, if you change
into new clothing during the state of ihram, be
sure that the clothing has been washed in non-
scented detergent or does not have scent in it at
the time of changing.
LEGAL RULING
The slippers worn by men must keep the top
central bone (over the shoelace area) of the foot
uncovered. This can be achieved, for example, by
wearing flip-flops.
The ihram for women is their usual clothing
hijab, socks, shoes, etc. A noteworthy point is that it is
impermissible for cloth to touch the face while in ihram.
However, women are still encouraged to maintain strict
partition from non-mehram (non-related) males while in
a state of ihram. The Mother of the Believers Aisha (may
Allah be pleased with her) narrates, while in the state of
ihram, When they (non-related males) came opposite to
us or parallel to us (while traveling), we (the women) would
let down our veils from our heads over our faces. When
they passed us, we would then unveil them. Women may
wear a baseball cap or visor under their niqab so that the
cloth of the niqab does not make contact with the skin of
the face.
LEGAL RULING
The makruh times for prayer are immediately
after one has offered Fajr prayer until sunrise, and
immediately after one has offered Asr prayer until
sunset (Maghrib). The three prohibited times for
prayer are while the sun is rising (the 10 minutes
after the end of the time for Fajr), setting (the
10 minutes before the time of Maghrib), or at its
zenith (the 10 minutes before the start of the time
of Dhuhr).
LEGAL RULING
Men may cover their head with the upper cloth of
their ihram while making the prayer for entering
ihram. Since this prayer is offered before recitation
of the talbiyah (see below), the impermissibility of
covering the head due to the state of ihram is not
yet an issue.
O Allah, I intend Umrah.
Make it easy for me and accept it from me.
O Allah, I intend Hajj.
Make it easy for me and accept it from me.
(c) Hajj Qiran (i.e., both initial Umrah and subsequent Hajj
with a single ihram)
O Allah, I intend Hajj and Umrah.
Make them both easy for me
and accept them from me.
LEGAL RULING
The intention should be verbal, although if silent
it is still accepted. Also, the intention can be made
in your own language (i.e., it does not need to be
made in Arabic).
A Guidebook to Hajj 41
LEGAL RULING
If you are performing Hajj on behalf of someone
else (Hajj Badal), then the name of the individual
on whose behalf the Hajj is occurring should also
be included when making your intention.
Talbiyah
Next, recite the talbiyah three times (once is wajib, thrice is
sunnah) as listed below.
I am at Your service. O Allah! I am at Your service.
I am at Your service. You have no partner,
I am at Your service.
Surely, all praise and grace are for
You, as is dominion over the entire
universe. You have no partner.
LEGAL RULING
Talbiyah should be regularly recited throughout
the pilgrimage. Use changes in state, for example
42 Perfecting the Journey
Spiritual Dimension
It is reported that when Shaykh Ali Zainul Abidin
(may the mercy of Allah be upon him) used to
enter into ihram his face would become pale, his
body would shake, and he could not recite labbaik.
When asked why, he stated, I fear greatly that
in reply to my labbaik, a cry may come saying la
labbaik. Your presence here is not accepted. He
would then utter labbaik and fall off his camel
unconscious.
LEGAL RULING
If wudu (e.g. by using the washroom) or ghusl
breaks (e.g. by a wet dream), the state of ihram
44 Perfecting the Journey
Introduction
Tawaf legally refers to circling around the Kabah seven
times with an intention to perform the act. There are
several types of tawaf, including:
1. Tawaf of Umrah.
2. Tawaf Qudum of Hajjperformed before Hajj
Qiran or Hajj Ifrad.
3. Tawaf Ziyarah of Hajjperformed after
completing the wuquf in Arafah and
Muzdalifah.
4. Tawaf Wida of Hajjperformed after Hajj, but
before leaving Makkah.
5. Nafl Tawafperformed during ones free time
in Makkah.
Each type of tawaf is performed in a similar manner.
LEGAL RULING
Idtiba and Ramal are done only during that tawaf
which is to be followed by saee (seven circuits
between Safa and Marwah) and are done only
when wearing the clothing of ihram.
With the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest.
And to Allah belongs all praise.
LEGAL RULING
Ideally you should specify which type of tawaf you
are performing, but this is not mandatory. Simply
making the intention that you are performing
seven rounds of tawaf for the sake of Allah
(Glorious and Exalted) is sufficient.
With the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest.
Then return your palms toward your face, kiss your palms,
and then lower your arms to your side. This is called Istilam
and will be repeated each time you reach the Black Stone,
including when you finish your tawaf, for a total of 8 times.
Spiritual Dimension
Shaykh Zulfiqar (may Allah preserve him) states,
During tawaf many things can be recited, however,
it is best to make dua. If you have the habit of reciting
duas from a book then do so. However, the ideal is
to read your heart and ask for those duas that are
written there. These (duas) do not need to be in
Arabic. You can ask in your own language.
The next question is what to ask for. Keep in
mind one simple principle. Asking according to the
background and circumstance of the situation is
A Guidebook to Hajj 49
Spiritual Dimension
As a sign of the love and concentration of the heart
required during tawaf, circling is performed with the
heart (which is present on the left side of the chest)
being physically close to the structure of the Kabah.
Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is
good and in the Hereafter that which is good.
And save us from the torment of
the Fire! (Quran 2:201)
Spiritual Dimension
The Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) built Allahs
house. This deed was so beloved to Allah (Glorious
and Exalted) that the stone on which his feet stood
was made a place of prostration. Allah (Glorious and
Exalted) states, And take the Maqam of Ibrahim as a
place of prayer (Quran 2:125). This is a sign of the
A Guidebook to Hajj 53
O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that
is beneficial, provision that is plentiful
and a cure from all diseases.
54 Perfecting the Journey
Spiritual Dimension
Zamzam should be consumed abundantly while
visiting the Holy cities. In particular, one should take
a break to drink Zamzam after any tawaf. Remember
that the well of Zamzam played an integral role in the
establishment of the city of Makkah, which in turn
became the birthplace of the Prophet (peace and
blessings be upon him) and Islam. Therefore make
dua that just as Allah (Glorious and Exalted) made
Zamzam a source of spiritual revival for the world,
that He also make it a source of spiritual revival for
our hearts, and a physical revival for our relations
with our children, spouses, etc.
Additional Points
1. Perform all seven rounds together consec-
utively in a state of wudu. If your wudu
breaks before the completion of four rounds
then you must break your tawaf, make wudu
(facilities are located outside of the masjid),
and then start over. If your wudu breaks after
completing at least four rounds then you can
suspend your tawaf, make wudu, and resume
at the last complete round that you made.
For example, if you are working on your fifth
round when your wudu breaks, then leave the
gathering, remake wudu, and restart your
fifth round at the Hajar-ul Aswad imaginary
start line.
2. It is permissible to perform tawaf on the second
A Guidebook to Hajj 55
Introduction
Linguistically, saee means to run. Legally, it refers to
going between Safa and Marwah seven times with an
intention to perform the act. Saee is performed after
particular types of tawaf and is not an independent act of
worship. Therefore, a nafl saee, for example, does not exist.
Istilam
It is mustahabb to return to the general area of Hajar-ul
Aswad and perform Istilam before beginning saee. This
is done by standing at a distance from the Black Stone,
even if it is not clearly visible, stretching out your hands,
with palms facing forward and fingers facing up, and then
reciting, Bismillahi Allahu Akbar. The palms are then
brought toward the face and kissed.
Wudu
In contrast to tawaf, a state of wudu is not required for
saee. However, it is best to try to do saee in a state of wudu.
Approaching Safa
Saee begins at a small raised hill called Safa. From the
area of tawaf, Safa is in line with Hajar-ul Aswad (in the
direction of the green light) and is located toward the back
of the covered area of the masjid. While heading toward
Safa, you should recite:
58 Perfecting the Journey
I begin with what Allah began with.
Verily, Safa and Marwah are from
the signs of Allah (Quran 2:158).
Intention
After arriving at Safa, make an intention to perform seven
rounds of saee between Safa and Marwah. This intention
can be made in any language. One suggested way of
making the intention is the following:
O Allah verily I intend walking between Safa
and Marwah seven circuits for the sake of Allah,
so make it easy for me and accept it from me.
Spiritual Dimension
Shaykh Zulfiqar (may Allah preserve him) suggested the
following dua at this location, O Allah! Through the
running back and forth of Hajirah (may Allah be pleased
with her) You provided the well of Zamzam, which
resulted in civilization and Islam being established from
this barren land. So, O Allah! Through my running back
and forth between these two hills allow this religion
to be established in my barren heart and allow this
religion to be established in my spiritually barren home
and city. Shaykh Zulfiqar (may Allah preserve him) also
suggested the following dua, O Allah! At Darul Arqam
You gave the noble Companion Umar (may Allah be
pleased with him) the guidance to accept Your religion
and You made him so firm in his attachment to it. As I
pass by this area (Darul Arqam was located near Safa),
grant me the same fervor for Islam that You granted
the noble Companion Umar (may Allah be pleased with
him).
My Lord forgive and be merciful.
You are the most Mighty, the most Noble.
60 Perfecting the Journey
Spiritual Dimension
Saee is a time for making dua. Shaykh Zulfiqar (may
Allah preserve him) states, When making dua during
saee keep in mind the household of Prophet Ibrahim
(peace be upon them all). After all, it is because of the
running of Hajirah (may Allah be pleased with her)
between Safa and Marwah that these are included
among the signs of Allah (Quran 2:158). Some
examples of possible duas include,
1. O Allah (Glorious and Exalted), just as
You gave Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon
him) true tawhid, grant us such tawhid as
well.
2. O Allah (Glorious and Exalted), just as You
granted Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon
him) Your friendship and made him khalil-
ullah (the friend of Allah), also grant us the
benefit of such a relationship with You.
3. O Allah (Glorious and Exalted), just as
You granted Prophet Ibrahim (peace be
upon him) the characteristic of hosting
guests (Quran 11:69), also grant us this
characteristic.
4. O Allah (Glorious and Exalted) just as You
gave Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him)
a progeny with so many prophets, make us
fathers of a progeny of awliya (those close
to Allah). Just as You gave Prophet Ibrahim
a son like Ismail (peace be upon them both),
who was willing to sacrifice his life based
on his fathers dream (Quran 37:102), in
A Guidebook to Hajj 61
Upon Marwah
Upon arrival at Marwah, face the direction of the Kabah
(you may not be able to actually see it). Then perform the
following:
1. Recite, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illallah (recite
the entire phrase three times).
2. Make salawat on the Prophet (peace and
blessings be upon him), once.
3. Make dua (for a few minutes).
This completes the first round of saee.
Return to Safa
Head back to Safa to complete the second round.
Remember to run slowly (men) between the green lights.
Upon arriving at Safa, turn toward the Kabah, and make
dhikr and dua (as described above).
Completion of Saee
The seventh round of saee ends at Marwah. If you are
performing Umrah for Hajj Tamattu, then after saee you
must shave (halaq) or trim (qasr) your hair to exit ihram
(Appendix D). You will not cut your hair after the Umrah
of Hajj Qiran.
Additional Points
1. It is permissible to perform saee on the upper
levels of the masjid.
2. It is sunnah to perform all rounds of saee at one
64 Perfecting the Journey
Introduction
Cutting (qasr) or shaving (halaq) ones head is required
after Hajj or Umrah to release an individual from the
state of ihram. For men, shaving is more meritorious
than trimming. For women, trimming the hair is the only
option, as it is impermissible for women to shave their
head.
LEGAL RULING
Tawaf Ziyarah can be performed prior to exiting
ihram (section 4.0, subtitle Tawaf Ziyarah). If this
is the case, then all of the restrictions of ihram,
including romance, will be lifted once the hair is
shaved or trimmed.
NOTES
NOTES