While the compulsory Hajj according to Sheikh Sa’id in the Book of Busyral Karim, there are six points of mandatory Hajj, including:
1. Mabit in Muzdalifah
2. Throw jumrah aqabah seven times
3. Throw three jumrah on the day of tasyriq (11, 12, and 13 Zul-Hijah)
4. Mabit on the night of tasyriq
5. Ihram of miqat
6. Tawaf wada
Although compulsory Hajj does not affect the validity of Hajj, those who leave it intentionally without any age will have sinned for their negligence. Wallahu a’lam. May we all be able to perform Hajj in harmony and obligatory Hajj perfectly.
Ihram
ihram, sacred state into which a Muslim must enter in order to perform the hajj (major pilgrimage) or the ʿumrah (minor pilgrimage). At the beginning of a pilgrimage, the Muslim stops at a designated station to perform certain ritual cleansing ceremonies; each male shaves his head, cuts his nails, and trims his beard before donning a white, seamless, two-piece garment. Women also wear white; although no particular dress is prescribed, by tradition they wear long robes. During the period of sanctification, sexual activity, shaving, and cutting one’s nails all are forbidden in accordance with the pilgrim’s special relationship to God during the ihram.
Types of Ihram
Hajj or ihram is divided into three categories, each of which all scholars say are legitimate: Qiran (combining ‘Umra and Hajj in one state of ihram), Tamattu’ (combining Hajj and ‘Umra with a break in between), and Ifrad (Hajj only).
Qiran. Here, pilgrims declare their intention to perform both Hajj and ‘Umra together, and say when doing talbiya: “Labbayk bil-hajj wa’l-umra (O God, I answer your call to perform Hajj and ‘Umra.”) [Talbiya is: Labbayk, Al-lahumma labbayk; labbayk la sharika laka; inna’l-hamda wa’l-minnata laka wa’l-mulk, la sharika lak. (Here I am, my God, here I am at Your service. Here I am at Your service. You have no partner. Assuredly, all praise and gratitude are for You, and all dominion. You have no partner.)] Such pilgrims must re-main in the state of ihram until they have performed all the rites of ‘Umra and Hajj.
Tamattu’. In this case, pilgrims perform ‘Umra during the Hajj season and then perform Hajj. It is called tamattu’ (enjoyment) because these pilgrims have the added advantage of performing Hajj and ‘Umra together without having to go back home, and also because after performing ‘Umra they can wear their usual clothes, apply perfume, and do other things until they have to put on their attire for Hajj.
Anyone intending to do tamattu’ should, on approaching the miqat, make the intention for ‘Umra. While uttering talbiya, they should say: Labbayk bil ‘Umra (O God, I answer Your call to perform ‘Umra). They should wear their Hajj attire (women have no special Hajj attire) until they circumambulate the Ka’ba, walk between Safa and Marwa to perform sa’y, and then cut off a little of their hair or shave it off altogether (men only). After that, they may wear their usual clothes and do all that is permissible but that is prohibited while in the state of ihram. On Dhu’l-Hijja 8, they must declare their intention to per-form Hajj, re-enter the state of ihram, and put on their special attire from Makka.
Ifrad. Ifrad means that pilgrims intending to perform Hajj only should only make the intention for Hajj while at the miqat. While saying talbiya, they should say: Labbayk bi-hajj (O God, I answer your call to perform Hajj) and wear their Hajj attire until all the rites of Hajj are completed. After that, they can make ‘Umra if they so desire.
Obligatory Acts of Ihram (Fard)
The obligations (Farz) of Ihram are as follows:
1. Making the intention (Niyyat): It is mandatory to make a firm intention for Ihram.
2. Reciting Talbiyah: Saying "Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik..." is essential.
If the intention is not expressed clearly, merely having the internal intention for Umrah or Hajj is sufficient. For Arabs, verbal declaration of the intention is not obligatory, as a mental resolution alone is considered adequate.
Sunnah acts of Ihram:
Assuming Ihram from Miqat: It is mandatory to bind Ihram from Miqat. If someone crosses Miqat without assuming Ihram, it will not be valid.
Specific attire requirements: For men, wearing unstitched clothing is obligatory, while women must not wear gloves or cover their faces with a niqab. This falls under the obligations of Ihram.
Adhering to prohibitions: From the time Ihram is assumed until it is released, one must fully adhere to the prohibitions associated with it. A crucial point is to strictly avoid all prohibited actions.
Specifying the intention: While in the state of Ihram, one must clearly specify whether it is for Umrah, Hajj, or any other act of worship.
Sunnah acts of Ihram:
Ihram must be assumed during the following months:
1. Shawwal
2. Dhul Qa'dah (Jilkhad)
3. Dhul Hijjah (Zilha)
Wearing unstitched white sheets for men:
One for the lower body (lungi-style) and one for the upper body.
Performing two rak'ahs of nafl (voluntary) prayer:
Before assuming Ihram.
Reciting Talbiyah loudly:
For men, this should be done in a raised voice.
Recommended (Mustahab) Acts of Ihram
Kharijah ibn Zayd ibn Thabit (RA) narrated from his father that he saw the Messenger of Allah (SAW) removing his clothes and performing ghusl for Ihram. (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim).
Maintaining Cleanliness
Applying Perfume
However, he did not apply perfume to his clothing because he said, "Do not wear any garment touched by saffron or wars (a fragrant plant used as perfume)."
Clothing Requirements for Men:
Men should abandon stitched clothing before entering Ihram.
They should wear an unstitched lower garment (lungi), an upper garment (sheet), and sandals.
The Prophet (SAW) said, "Wear an unstitched lower garment, an upper garment, and a pair of sandals. If sandals are not available, wear leather socks and cut them so they reach below the ankles." (Narrated by Ahmad)
Clothing for Women:
Women can wear any modest clothing for Ihram without any specific color requirement.
However, they must avoid dressing in a way that resembles men or displays adornment.
Women should not wear niqab (face veils) or gloves during Ihram.
Clothing for Ihram:
- For Men
1. Unstitched Clothing: A lower garment (Izar or Lungi) and an upper garment (Rida) — both unstitched white cloths. Stitched or tailored clothing (like shirts or pants) is prohibited.
2. Footwear: Sandals that leave the ankle and the tops of the feet exposed are preferred. If sandals are unavailable, leather socks can be worn after cutting them below the ankle.
3. Perfume-Free: The garments must be clean and free of any applied perfume or scent.
For Women:
1. Any Modest Clothing: There are no specific restrictions on the type or color of women's Ihram clothing. Women can wear stitched garments such as abayas.
2. Face and Hand Covering: Women should not wear niqab (face veil) or gloves during Ihram. If necessary, they may cover their faces with a cloth without tying it directly.
General Guidelines:
Clothing should be simple, clean, and free of elaborate designs.
Avoid clothes with fragrances or stains.
Both men and women must maintain humility and purity in their attire during Ihram.
Rules for Assuming Ihram
1. Making Intention (Niyyah)
One must make a clear intention for Hajj or Umrah.The intention should be made in the heart, expressing the purpose of worshiping Allah by performing Hajj or Umrah.
2. Performing Ghusl or Wudu (Purification)
Rules of Wearing Ihram:
Obligation to Wear Ihram Before Crossing Miqat. Pilgrims intending to perform Hajj or Umrah must wear the Ihram before crossing the designated boundary called Miqat. It is not permissible to cross the Miqat without wearing the Ihram. The Shariah has designated five Miqat points for pilgrims coming from different directions of the world.
Ihram Clothing :
For Men: Pilgrims performing Hajj or Umrah wear two unstitched white garments. This clothing is called Ihram.
For Women: Women wear their normal modest clothing. For women, their everyday clothing serves as Ihram.
Aisha (RA) said, "Women can wear clothing of their choice in the state of Ihram."(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hadith No. 1443).
Women's Use of Shoes and Socks in Ihram
Women are allowed to wear shoes and socks during Ihram. This is permissible according to Shariah.
Abdullah Ibn Umar (RA) allowed women to wear leather socks and trousers in Ihram. He said that Safiyyah (RA) used to wear leather socks that reached up to her knees.(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hadith No. 15969)
Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) stated that women can wear gloves and trousers during Ihram.
(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hadith No. 14440)
Qasim Ibn Muhammad (RA) said, "A woman in Ihram should wear gloves and trousers and cover her face completely."
(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hadith No. 15968)
Note: Due to differing scholarly opinions about gloves, some scholars recommend not wearing them. (Al-Istizkar 11/30, Sunan Abu Dawood 2/254, Ilaaus Sunan 10/48, Badai 2/410)
Covering the Face in Front of Non-Mahram Men
Even in the state of Ihram, women are prohibited from exposing their faces in front of non-Mahram men. The face should be covered without the cloth touching the skin. Special caps are available that help maintain this modesty.
Aisha (RA) said, "We were in Ihram with the Prophet (SAW). When male pilgrims would pass by us, we would lower our veils from our heads to cover our faces. Once they passed, we lifted the veils."
(Abu Dawood, Vol. 1, Page 254)
Use of Niqab in Ihram
Ali (RA) forbade women from wearing niqab during Ihram but instructed them to hang a cloth over their faces.
(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hadith No. 14539)
Ghusl for Women Before Wearing Ihram
It is recommended for menstruating women to perform ghusl before assuming Ihram.(Ghuniyatun Nasik, Page 69).
Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said, "If a woman reaches Miqat in the state of menstruation or postnatal bleeding, she should perform ghusl and wear Ihram but refrain from performing Tawaf."(Abu Dawood 1/243)
Reciting Talbiyah and Ihram During Special Conditions
Even if a woman is experiencing menstruation or postnatal bleeding, she may recite Talbiyah and wear Ihram. She can also perform other Hajj rituals but must refrain from Tawaf and Salah.
Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said, "If a woman reaches Miqat while menstruating or experiencing postnatal bleeding, she should perform ghusl and wear Ihram. She should complete all Hajj rituals but should not perform Tawaf."
(Abu Dawood 1/243)