EiD-UL-AZHA
Eid-ul-Azha Day 1 in Pakistan. Eid al-Adha is an Islamic festival to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim (also known as Abraham) to follow Allah's (God's) command to sacrifice his son Ishmael. Muslims around the world observe this event.
| Tue | Sep 13 | 2016 | Eid-ul-Azha Day 1 | Public Holiday |
Observances: Sacrifice of a sheep, cow, goat, buffalo or camel, Eid prayers
The Hajj Process
This is one of the mains parts of Hajj
Before the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, a person who wants to perform
pilgrimage (Hajj) pronounces the intention to perform Umrah while approaching
the Miqat. A second intention for the actual Hajj is pronounced at a later
period. There are several rites to properly complete the Hajj and Umrah.
The rites of Umrah and Hajj may include but are not limited
to:
Putting Ihram, performing supererogatory (Sunnah) prayers, making several types of Tawaf, reciting Talbiyah, doing Sa’ee between Safa and Marwah, trimming and/or cutting hair, praying and staying in Mina, praying and standing in Arafah, praying and staying in Muzdalifah, throwing pebbles in three Jamrahs, sacrificing an animal, praying behind Maqam Ibrahim, and drinking from the well of ZamZam.
Putting Ihram, performing supererogatory (Sunnah) prayers, making several types of Tawaf, reciting Talbiyah, doing Sa’ee between Safa and Marwah, trimming and/or cutting hair, praying and staying in Mina, praying and standing in Arafah, praying and staying in Muzdalifah, throwing pebbles in three Jamrahs, sacrificing an animal, praying behind Maqam Ibrahim, and drinking from the well of ZamZam.
In the case of Hajj at-Tamattu, after completing the Umrah,
the pilgrim trims his/her hair, showers, and changes into everyday clothes.
These steps complete the Umrah portion. All restrictions of the Ihram are
temporarily lifted. The pilgrim waits until the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah to start the
rites of Hajj.
On the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, the pilgrim pronounces a new
niyyah at the place to perform Hajj. There is no need to go to Miqat for this.
The pilgrim changes into Ihram in the prescribed manner and proceeds to Mina
soon after the Fajr Prayers.
All acts of worship are preceded by an appropriate
proclamation of Niyyah.
Niyyah for Hajj
O Allah! I intend to perform Hajj. Make it easy for me and
accept it from me. I make the niyyah for Hajj and enter into the state of Ihram
for the sake of Allah alone, the Most High.
The distinctive garb of the male pilgrim worn during Hajj or
Umrah. It consists of two pieces of white, un-sewn and plain cloth. One of the
pieces is wrapped around the midriff to cover his body from just above his
navel to his ankles, and the other is draped around his shoulders to cover the
upper body. For ladies, their ordinary and unpretentious clothes of everyday
wear constitute their Ihram.
An imaginary boundary around Makkah. A prospective pilgrim
cannot cross this boundary without first changing into Ihram. The pilgrim
changes into Ihram at Miqat and pronounces the intention to perform Hajj or
Umrah.
The Miqat boundary is anchored by different townships and
locations in different directions around the Kaabah. They are a-Thul-Halaifa in
the North, b-Yalamlam in the South-East, c-That ' Irq in the North-East, d-al-
Juhfah in the North-West, e-Qarn al-Manazil in the East. For people living
inside the Miqat area permanently, their place of residence is their Miqat.
Making Tawaf
The devotional act of circumambulating (i.e. walking around)
the Ka'bah while reciting prayers and supplications. One complete circuit
around the Ka'bah constitutes a shawt (pl. ashwat), and seven ashwat complete one
Tawaf.
During Tawaf (circumambulating), the pilgrim cannot enter
the Ka'bah nor stop anywhere around it. He/she must enter into and disappear
from the crowd, getting drawn into the roaring river of people who are
circumambulating. This is the collective invitation to whoever wants to come to
this house. Everyone is dressed in one color and pattern. There is no
distinction nor personal promotion: true totality and universality is
demonstrated.
Performing Sa'ee
The devotional act of walking seven times between the knolls
of Safa and Marwah. This act retraces the footsteps of Hajar, wife of Prophet
Ibrahim (pbuh), during her desperate search for water for her infant son Ismail
(pbuh) after they were left in the desert by Prophet Ibrahim in response to a
Divine vision.
Safa:
A small knoll approximately 200 yards from the Ka'bah inside
the Masjid Al-Haram
Marwah:
A small knoll (i.e., hillock) located approximately one
hundred and fifty yards from the Ka'bah.
Reciting Talbiya
A devotional recital of the following words by the piligrim
during Hajj and Umrah
Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik. Labbaik La Sharika Laka Labbaik.
Innal-Hamda, Wan-Ni'mata Laka wal-Mulk. La Sharika Lak.
Here I am at Thy service O Lord, here I am, Here I am at Thy
service and Thou hast no partner. Thine alone is all Praise and All Bounty, and
Thine alone is the Sovereignty. Thou hast no partner.
The Talbiyah is a prayer as well as an assertion of the
pilgrim's conviction that he/she intends to perform Hajj only for the glory of
Allah. The pilgrim starts the recital upon changing into the Ihram, and
continues to recite it frequently throughout Hajj. Male pilgrims are required
to recite the Talbiyah loudly whereas female pilgrims are required to recite it
in low voice.
Going to Mina
The Pilgrim goes to Mina on the 8th of Thul-Hijjah anytime
after Fajr prayer but before Zuhr.
Mina is a desert location approximately three miles from
Makkah where several Hajj rites are performed.
Praying in Mina
The pilgrim must perform the daily prayers in Mina starting
with Zuhur Prayer.
These rituals are part of the first day of Hajj, also known
as the Day of Tarwiyah. The 4 Rak'ahs prayers must be shortened to 2 Rak'ahs
but must not be combined together.
Staying Overnight in Mina
The pilgrim must stay overnight in Mina, perform the Fajr
prayer and leave after sunrise on the 9th of Thul-Hijjah.
Prayer upon Departing
from Mina:
O Allah! To You I turn, praying to approach Your Bounteous
Countenance. Let my sins be forgiven and Hajj be acceptable, and have Mercy on
me. Allow me not to be disappointed, for You have power over all things.
Going to Arafah
After leaving Mina, the pilgrim heads toward Arafah.
Arafah is a desert location approximately nine miles from
Makkah. Pilgrims don't have to get crowded on the Mount of Rahmah (Mountain of
Mercy). They can stay in any place WITHIN the boundaries of Arafah.
Prayer Upon Entering
Arafah
O Allah! Forgive my sins, help me repent to you, and grant
me all that I beseech of You. Whenever I turn, let me see goodness. Allah be
praised! All Praise is due to Allah! There is no deity except Allah! And Allah
is The Most Great.
Praying in Arafah
After settling down in the tents at Arafah, the pilgrim
offers the Zuhur and Asr prayers in qasr (shortened) and Jam' (combined) modes,
that is, 2 rak'ats each prayer instead of 4 rak'ats, and the two prayers are
offered at the same time, with one adhan and two separate Iqamahs, one each for
Zuhur and Asr.
Once in Arafah, the pilgrim should spend as much time in
prayer and remembrance of Allah as possible. This is a very special day and the
pilgrim may never see it again. Everyone must make the most of out it.
No Nafl or any other prayers are performed, either before or
after the obligatory prayers.
Staying in Arafah
The pilgrim stays in Arafah until sunset. It is recommended
to spend the entire time reading the Quran, reciting the Talbiyah, offering
supplications, and repenting to Allah.
Standing in Arafah
In the late afternoon just before sunset, the pilgrims may
stand outside the tent facing the Qiblah, and raise their hands supplicating to
Allah. There are no prescribed prayers for Wuquf (standing) Arafah. During
these sacred moments, the pilgrim is alone with Allah, praying to have his/her
sins and lifelong shortcomings get forgiven. Communication with Allah in any
language is acceptable.
Leaving to Muzdalifah
After sunset, the pilgrim departs for Muzdalifah quietly,
always reciting the Talbiyah and other prayers.
Muzdalifah is a desert location approximately midway between
Mina and Arafah. The pilgrim spends the night of the 10th of Thul-Hijjah here.
Toilets and ablution facilities are available. Naturally,
they are very crowded at all times. The pilgrims must be patient, courteous,
and understanding to other fellow pilgrims.
Offering Prayers in Muzdalifah
The pilgrim offers Maghrib and Isha prayers combining them
and shortening the Isha. Thus, after the adhan is called, three rak'ahs of
Maghrib are offered following the usual iqamah. Another iqamah (but not adhan)
is called and then two rak'ahs of Isha are offered.
The pilgrim stays under the sky at Muzdalifah. No tents or
other lodging facilities are available.
Collecting Pebbles
The pilgrim then walks to the foot of nearby hills, and
collects about 70 pea-size pebbles for throwing.
It is a good idea to collect additional pebbles to make up
for accidental losses. The pebbles lying around the bathrooms facilities should
not be collected. No one should leave Muzdalifah before Fajr without a
legitimate excuse: only women, elderly, and weak people can leave after
midnight.
Completion of Second
Day
The pilgrim spends the night at Muzdalifah and offers Fajr
there. Before sunrise, the pilgrim leaves for Mina on the morning of the 10th
of Thul-Hijjah.
After Fajr prayer, the pilgrim goes through the al-Mash'ar
al-Haram and makes du'a until brightness of the sun is widespread. The pilgrim
must speed up the walk when passing by the Muhasir valley.
Going to Mina
Due to the large crowd going to Mina, the pilgrim must
remain calm, avoid pushing people, and must be respectful to others.
Weak and sick people can appoint others to throw stones at
the Jamrahs in Mina on behalf of them.
Throwing Pebbles
The pilgrim stones the Jamrat al-Kubra (Jamrat al-Aqabah)
only, preferably before midday. Stoning the pillar symbolizes stoning the
devil. the pebbles must touch the inside of the Jamrat's fence.
The Jamrat al-Kubra is the closest to Makkah. While throwing
the stones, the pilgrim recites Bismillah, Allah-u-Akbar with each pebble. The
size of the pebbles should not be big: anywhere between 1-1.5 cm. The pilgrim
may throw either from under the bridge or from over it.
Sacrificing an Animal
A sacrifice is now required for the pilgrim performing Hajj
al-Tamattu or Hajj al-Qiran. The choice of the animal is either a sheep, or
1/7th of a cow or a camel shared with other people.
For the pilgrim performing Hajj al-Ifrad, sacrificing the
animal is recommended but not required.
The pilgrim should always choose the best animal and avoid
animals which don't look healthy or have defects. The pilgrim can slaughter
him/herself or appoint someone to do it on his/her behalf.
One third of the meat can be consumed, one third offered as
a gift and one third distributed to the poor people. The sacrifice can be
performed between the 10th and the 13th of Thul-Hijjah but not after the 13th.
Cutting Hair
The pilgrim may now shave/trim the hair, shower, and change
into everyday clothes. The hair may be shaved or trimmed for men. It is
recommended to start from the right side. For women, trimming only a finger
tip's length is required.
Sacrificing an animal, cutting hair, and performing Tawaf
al-Ifadah are alternate rituals. There is no specific order to perform them.
All ritual places must be kept clean.
At this point in time, the regulations for Ihram no longer
apply except that the pilgrim can not have conjugal relations with his/her
spouse until after Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa'ee. This is known as at-Tahalul
al-Asghar, or a partial ending of the state of Ihram.
Going to Makkah
The pilgrim proceeds to al-Masjid al-Haram in Makkah for
Tawaf al-Ifadah.
The pilgrim has the option to postpone Tawaf al-Ifadah to a
later time. Menstruating women should not make tawaf until their period stops.
If the pilgrim selected Hajj Ifrad or Qiran and has already made Sa'ee with the
first Tawaf (the visiting Tawaf), there is no need to make Sa'ee again.
The pilgrim performs the Tawaf al-Ifadah after taking off
the Ihram and changing into everyday clothes and before returning to Mina for
pebble throwing.
Ihram, Idtiba and Ramal are not required in this Tawaf.
However, Sa'ee is required of a Mutamatti, but is not required for Qarin or a
Mufrid.
The step-stone used by the Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) during the
original construction of the Ka'bah.
The stone carries the imprints of his feet, and is housed in
a glass enclosure on the North side of the Ka'bah.
After completing the Tawaf, it is good to pray 2 rak'ahs
behind Maqam Ibrahim, if possible.
Prayer at Maqam
Ibrahim
O Allah! You know that which I keep secret and that which I
disclose. Grant me Your pardon. You know my needs; grant me my wishes. You know
that which is in my breast; forgive me my sins. O Allah! I seek from You a
Faith that will saturate my heart, and a true conviction that will make me
realize that naught can befall me except what You have decreed for me, and that
I may find contentment in whatever You have given me. You are my patron in this
world and the Hereafter. Allow me to die in a state of Islam and to be counted
among the righteous. O Allah! On this occasion of our presence in this place,
let not any of our sins go unforgiven, nor any of our worries undispelled, nor
any of our needs unfulfilled or unfacilitated by You. And let all our tasks be
made easy, and our minds relieved, and our hearts illuminated and our actions
judged as pious. O Allah! Allow us to die as Muslims and to join the ranks of
the virtuous without any distress. Amen, O Lord of the Universe.
Drinking from Zamzam
After completing the prayer at Maqam Ibrahim, the pilgrim
may visit the Zamzam area and drink from the water.
Prayer at ZamZam
O Allah! I seek from You profitable knowledge and bounteous
sustenance and a cure from all ailments through Your Mercy, O Most Merciful of
the mercifuls!
Performing Sa'ee
Saee needs to be performed again, this time for hajj.
Returning to Mina
The pilgrim returns to Mina and stays there until the 12th
or 13th of Thul-Hijjah for throwing the pebbles.
Performing Prayers in Mina
Back in Mina, the pilgrim performs all of the daily prayers,
shortening the 4 Rak'ats prayers to 2 Rak'ats, but without combinig them.
The minimum stay in Mina should exceed most of the night.
Otherwise, the pilgrim is required to make a sacrifice. This is one of the best
opportunities to acquire knowledge from the scholars on duty.
Stoning the Jamrahs
The pilgrim stones the The first Jamrah, then the Middle,
and finally the Big one in the same consecutive order, after midday on all
three days.
Throwing on the 13th of Thul-Hijjah is optional. The pilgrim
may return to Makkah after throwing pebbles on the 12th of Thul-Hijjah to
perform Tawaf al-Wada (farewell circumambulation).
Staying in Mina
The pilgrim should stay in Mina minimum from Fajr until
Midnight.
Extending the Stay
For the pilgrims who intend to stay only two days, they must
leave before Maghrib.
Stoning the Jamrahs
On the 12th of Thul-Hijjah, the same procedures as the 11th
take place. The pilgrim stones the The first Jamrah, then the Middle, and
finally the Big one in the same consecutive order, after midday on all three
days.
Throwing on the 13th of Thul-Hijjah is optional. The pilgrim
may return to Makkah after throwing pebbles on the 12th of Thul-Hijjah to
perform Tawaf al-Wada (farewell circumambulation).
Returning to Makkah
Pilgrims return to Makkah before Maghrib time after
completing the stoning to perform Tawaf al-Wada.
At this point, the crowd is very large and pilgrims should
not push, but instead be courteous and offer help to those who need it.
Tawaf al-Wada
This is the farewell Tawaf that a pilgrim performs just
before leaving Makkah for other destinations. It is the same as other Tawaf,
going in 7 circuits, starting from the black stone line. After completing the
Tawaf, it is good but not required to pray 2 Rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim, or,
if not possible, to pray any other 2 Rak'ahs facing the Kaabah.
Though it is neither obligatory nor related to Hajj, it is
recommended for a pilgrim to visit Prophet Muhammad's mosque in Madinah. This
could be done before or after performing Hajj.
Departing from Makkah
This completes the Hajj journey. It is recommended to leave
Makkah as soon as the pilgrim completes the pilgrimage. The pilgrim also asks
Allah to accept the rituals and promises to abide by the divine commands.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: "Whoever goes to Hajj
without obscenity he or she will be forgiven as a new-born."
Another Hadith
states:
"A Sound Hajj has no reward except Paradise"
