The Basic Requirements for Obliging Hajj
The journey of Hajj comes with great preparations and teachings. It must be performed under a given set of protocols. All Muslims are encouraged to understand and practice these requirements to gain the greatest rewards from their Lord ALLAH SWT.
Before embarking on this holy journey. Muslims should obtain correct knowledge about the basic requirements of Hajj. And this has been outlined for your utmost benefit below.
A major component of the basic requirements for obliging Hajj is the Ihram
The Arabic term Ihram means ‘forbidden.’ Before embarking on this sacred journey. All Muslim believers must be in the state of Ihram. This comprises of a Niyyah (intention) as well as the recitation of the Talbiyah. This combined form of action is called the Ihram.
A glance at the procedure of Ihram
Preparation for Ihram:
Hair is neatly combed. Nails are trimmed, and beard and mustache are shaped with all unwanted body hair removed.
Purification:
Purify is done both externally via a shower or Wudu. Purify done internally is with the repentance of sins
Ihram Sheets
For Male pilgrims. A white colored sheet is wrapped around the waist while another one is used to cover the upper body area. Normal clothes are the Ihram for women.
Nafl Salah
Pilgrims must perform two Rakats of prayer called the Nafl with their heads covered with Ihram.
Intention and Talbiyah
Believers will now uncover their heads to make their intention. The Talbiyah is then recited thrice and as frequent as possible. Men recite out loud, while the women recite it softly.
“Labbayk, Allahumma Labbayk. Labbayk. La shareeka laka. Labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-n’imata laka wal-mulk. La shareeka lak.”
Duaa
Common supplications are also made as to the basic requirement for obliging Hajj. Believers must then recite the Darud Sharif and offer supplications to ALLAH.
Things that must be avoided during the state of Ihram
- Head covering for Men
- Face covering for Women
- Spraying perfume
- Cutting of nails
- Shaving or cutting of hair
- Wearing stitched garments for men
- The Hunting or killing of any species
- Indulging in the act of sexual activity
Journey to the Holy city of Makkah
Believers must recite the Talbiyah as they begin their journey. When they reach the sacred city of Makkah. Muslims must proceed to the holy valley of Mina to begin their Hajj pilgrimage.
Understanding the fixed Islamic dates is a basic requirement for obliging to Hajj
- 8th Zul Hijjah- First day of Hajj
- 9th Zul- Hijjah- Second day
- 10th Zul- Hijjah- Third day
- Tawaf e Ziarat is then performed from 10th to 12th Zul- Hijjah.
- Saiey is then performed
- Pilgrims can now come back to Mina and spend a night there
- 11th Zul- Hijjah- Fourth day
- 12th Zul- Hijjah- Fifth day
- Tawaf e Wida- Must be performed around the Kaaba before the Hajj Pilgrims leave the holy city of Makkah
The basic requirements for obliging Hajj are several in numbers but having them on your fingertips is what matters the most. After all, performing such sacred pilgrimages is a blessing for many.
