Hajj & Umrah Handbook (2008) - Book 2 of 5: Preparing for Hajj & Umrah

Disclaimer: This compilation is based on the experiences, opinions and limitedknowledge of the editors and contributors. Please refer to your Ustaz/ah as yougo through this handbook.

BOOK 2 of 5: PREPARING FOR HAJJ/’UMRAH

Compiled and Edited byAsma Abdullah Ph.D and Azian Ali

October 2007

InsyaAllah this free handbook is updated yearly, so please e-mailyour suggestions/contributions [email protected] or [email protected]

Hajj/’Umrah Handbook 2008 Book 2 of 5: PREPARING FOR HAJJ/’UMRAH

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Part 1: Spiritual Preparation 41.1 Correct Intent 41.2 Purification 51.3 Improving Solat 71.4 Reading The Qur’an 81.5 Making Supplications 91.6 Practicing Modesty 12

Part 2: Mental Preparation 142.1 Mental Conditioning 142.2 Study & Research 15

Part 3: Physical Preparation 253.1 Get fit, stay well 253.2 Check Medical & Dental Health 26

3.3 Manage Menstrual Cycle 26

Part 4: Financials 30

Part 5: Logistics 315.1 Who Will Accompany You? 315.2 Timing 32

5.3 Travel Agents & Services 335.4 Accommodation 34

Part 6: Social Obligations 366.1 For those Who Need Extra Care 366.2 Involve Others 376.3 Performing Hajj on Behalf of The Deceased 37

Appendices1. So That Our HAJJ May Be Accepted 412. What To Do To Make Our HAJJ Be Accepted 423. Hajjee with No HAJJ 494. Ask Forgiveness from Your Lord 525. Supplications Before Departure for the Holy Land 626. A Quick Overview Checklist 647. Medical Preparation 668. Checklist for Packing/Purchasing 69


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Narrated Abu Huraira (May Allah be pleased with him): The

Prophet was asked, "Which is the best deed?" He said, "To

believe in Allah and His Apostle." He was then asked, "Which isthe next (in goodness)?" He said, "To participate in Jihad in

Allah 's Cause." He was then asked, "Which is the next?" Hesaid, "To perform Hajj-Mabrur. " (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book26, Number 594)

1276. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I said:"O Messenger of Allah! We consider Jihad as the best deed, should

we not then go for Jihad?'' The Messenger of Allah said, "Thebest Jihad for you women is Hajj Mabrur (i.e., one accepted byAllah).''[Al-Bukhari].

The call to visit the Holy Land was made by Prophet Abraham (peace

be upon him) when Allah commanded him to do so. The callreached all souls whether born or unborn. Not all, however,answered to the call. Those who did are then selected to visitMakkah, as many times as they had answered the call. The truth isthat those who are able to perform the Hajj or ‘Umrah are those

whom Allah has chosen to do so, whether they have the time,health or money. Many without the financial means have been ableto make it to Makkah, yet many with the means were not able to do


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so. Therefore, we need to beseech to Allah to permit us toperform this Hajj or ‘Umrah.

The essence of Hajj, and thereby ‘Umrah, is humility and piety,

which is what is required of a slave of Allah . As such, asMuslims, we need to pattern our lives after the model of the Hajj.

Apart from making du’a to make this significant journey, we can makethe necessary effort to prepare for the journey spiritually, mentally &physically. As we go through the preparation and performance ofHajj, find connections between the journey of Hajj and the journey oflife. InsyaAllah we can then gain a life-long vs. short term benefit ofour Hajj.

Source: To be identified


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PART 1: SPIRITUAL PREPARATION

1.1 Correct Intent

Narrated 'Umar bin Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him):

Allah's Apostle said, "The reward of deeds depends upon theintention and every person will get the reward according to what he

has intended. So whoever emigrated for Allah and His

Apostle , then his emigration was for Allah and His

Apostle . And whoever emigrated for worldly benefits or for awoman to marry, his emigration was for what he emigrated for."(Sahih Bukhari: Volume 1, Book 2, Number 51)

• Start with your intention (nawaitu) and constantly reaffirm it.

Remember that our goal is Allah ; everything and everyoneelse are a means towards Him. Be completely sincere (solely for

the sake of Allah ) about this. Check for sincerity every nowand then because Satan will find ways to divert our intention.

Hajj/’Umrah is a form of sacrifice – a sacrifice of material andemotions. The journey requires tolerance of less than comfortableconditions and patience with others, to name a few. As a result ofsuch hardship, we are able to gain feedback about ourselves andthus choose to improve. All this is to be done totally for the sakeof seeking Allah’s pleasure. Thus the intention for hajj or ‘Umrah isto perform it totally for the sake of Allah and none other.


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“Why I'm stressing on this point is because in a lot ofcircumstances, there's always a hidden agenda. For example, enroute to Europe for a holiday; there's a wedding ahead and there'ssome shopping to do (Makkah and Medinah are a shopping havenfor exquisite materials); to show off that we can afford the firstclass trip, to name a few.”

“My husband wanted our hajj to be a “honeymoon” and it was.Ironically, he who all these years has been strict in adhering tonon-mahram restrictions has become interested in another womanseveral months after the hajj. On hindsight, perhaps his intent forthe hajj was not appropriate.”

“This time I made it clear to myself that I wanted to purify myselfand get closer to God. AlhamdulIllah, what became apparent tome during my trip were the personal development areas I neededto improve in. Additionally, I am very grateful to Allah for grantingme the ability to have more faith and confidence in Him.SubhanAllah!”

1.2 Purification (please see Appendix 4)

• Learn how to purify yourself through istighfar, solat taubat, etc.from your Ustaz/ah.

• If we have declared our intention to perform Hajj or ‘Umrah, we

need to repent and ask Allah to forgive us beforeembarking on our journey.

Say: “O ‘Ibadi (My slaves) who have transgressed againstthemselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of theMercy of Allah: verily, Allah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Az Zumar: 53).


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• Call up or visit those you need to seek forgiveness from.

…and ask forgiveness for your sin, and also for (the sin of)believing men and believing women... (Muhammad: 19)

• IMPORTANT! Know how to perform istinja’ (cleansing self aftergoing to the water closet) and perform the purification bath (mandihadas besar) the proper way. Please note that if these are notdone properly, then the wudhu’ is not acceptable and as suchnone of the deeds thereafter may be acceptable, including solatand tawaf. If tawaf is unacceptable, then the Hajj or ‘Umrah isincomplete.

• Know how to perform ablution using a small cup of water and/orusing a spray bottle.

• “I filled the spray bottle with clean water (used Zam Zam inMakkah/Medinah) and carried it with me everywhere – veryuseful for ablution when there’s no tap conveniently available orwhen there’s shortage of water.”

• Note doa to preserve wudhu' found on the wall of one of thehotels in Medinah

Courtesy of Faziatone


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1.3 Improving Solat

• Seek the advice of your Ustaz/ah on how to atone and make upfor years of missed solat fardhu, if any.

• Know the many types of solat sunat: tahajjud, witir, taubat, hajat,tasbih, etc. Useful to bring a guidebook.

“I find the book by Mohd. Yusof Hj. Ismail, ‘Panduan LengkapSembahyang Sunat, published by Percetakan Putrajaya Sdn Bhd,extremely useful in guiding me to perform solat sunat especiallydhuha, tahajjud, taubat, hajat.”

“If we seldom perform solat tahajud, now is a good time topractise, in preparation for Hajj.. For me.. I started to talk a bit lessthan usual.. reduced loud laughter, did more of fasting, solat sunattaubat.. doa.. for Allah to purify my soul.. and of course read theQuran.. I’ve observed pilgrims not making the most & the best oftheir limited time in the Holy Lands. I think we should prepare forHajj as if we’re taking an exam.”

• Know how to perform solat on a moving vehicle (e.g. the planeand bus) or just about anywhere (we don’t know where we couldend up on transit), solat jama’/qasar, solat jemaah, solat jenazah,what to do when entering/leaving masjid.



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As the illustrations demonstrate, there is no excuse for notperforming solat anywhere, particularly so on the Hajj/’Umrahjourney.

“I noted that some of the male jemaah did not even solat in theplane, thus missing their solat fardhu.”

1.4 Reading The Qur’an

• Begin to read the Qur’an and if you haven’t already, learn thetajwid.

“This is the easiest act to do yet will bring great reward. If you arethe type who usually starts the Qur’an in Ramadan and then leaveit without “khatam”, try to make an effort to “khatam” before yougo. If not, try to khatam during pilgrimage. InsyaAllah, you maybe successful in continuing reading the Qur’an when you return toMalaysia, compared to continuing to go for solat jemaah in“suraus”.”

“I wasn’t so good at reading the Qur’an so I attempted to “khatam”the English translation. Speaking of which, I found THE NOBLEQUR’AN (available in the Masjids) very easy to read and helpedme tremendously in strengthening my faith and confidence inAllah, alhamdulIllah! It was also useful to have my own pocketsize copy which I could highlight and mark.”

“Reciting the Qur’an is a PLUS in ibadah especially if you are ableto read it in Masjidil Haram or Masjid Nabawi. Learning how toread it before embarking on the journey would help you not waste


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a single minute of your time in the holy lands so that you can fill itwith solat, reading the Qur’an and other ibadah. But if unable to,the supplications are provided with translation. Read the translatedpart. I personally read both not just because I can read the Qur’an,but because reading the translated version means more to me as Iunderstand every word that I am saying. Allah understands anylanguage we speak, even if it is in our heart.”

“It would be nice if we could learn to read Qur’an before we go asa spiritual preparation. Qur’an is NUR – a gift from Allah to us, apity if we do not read it in our daily lives especially if we are goingto visit His place. I remember Ustaz Harun Din saying, if we wantto attain Hajj Mabrur, it begins from home from the time weregister.”

1.5 Making Supplications (please see Appendix 5)

• Start to make supplications with istiqomah as early as wecan.

Narrated Abu Huraira (Radhi Allah Anhu): Allah's

Apostle as saying: "The supplication of one of you isgranted if he does not grow impatient and say - I supplicatedmy Lord but it was not granted." (Sahih Muslim: Book 35, BookName Kitab Al-Dhikr, Number 6594)


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• For protection (e.g. the memorizing and understanding of thepotent Ayatul Kursi, etc.) We need to safeguard ourselvesagainst jinns and humans.

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said," Whoever says:"La ilaha illal-lah wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahu-l-mulk wa lahu-l-hamd wa huwa 'ala kulli shai'in qadir," one hundred times willget the same reward as given for manumitting ten slaves; andone hundred good deeds will be written in his accounts, andone hundred sins will be deducted from his accounts, and it (hissaying) will be a shield for him from Satan on that day till night,and nobody will be able to do a better deed except the one whodoes more than he." (Bukhari, Book 8, Volume 75, Hadith 412)

Ùthman bin Àffan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

The Messenger of Allah said, "He who recites three timesevery morning and evening:Bismillahil-ladhi la yadurru maàs-mihi shai'unfil-ardi wa la fis-sama'i, wa Huwas-Samiùl-Àlim(In the Name of Allah with Whose Name there is protectionagainst every kind of harm in the earth or in the heaven, and Heis the All-Hearing and All-Knowing),nothing will harm him.'' (Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi)

• For ease of ibadah

“Make Du'a during every solat once we are confirmed for Hajj. Ialways made du'a to ask that Allah make the Hajj easy (mudah)and complete (sempurna) and alhamdulIllah my wish wasgranted.”

”My ustaz recommended reading the following supplication forquality and ease of ibadah” (The first one was taught byRasulullah (saw) to Muadh bin Jabal. You may want to read itwith istiqomah at least once after every solat fardh.)


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Courtesy of Fauziah Sanad

" Just speak in our own language. Remember we are talking toAllah. The supplications in the books are merely suggestedreadings. The danger is, you spend too much energy inmemorising, but lose the spiritual attainment which is moreimportant."


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Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) said that when the

Messenger of Allah was faced with a serious difficulty, hewould always supplicate,"Ya Hayyu, ya Qayyumu, bi-rahmatika astaghithu (O the Living, O the Eternal, I seek help in Your grace). (Tirmidhi)

1.6 Practising Modesty

• Learn how to cover our 'aurat properly and without tabarruj (i.e.wanton display, e.g. attracting attention, showing off or going“overboard” with colours, “frills”, accessories, etc.). It is imperativeto keep ‘aurat well covered especially while in ihram. We alsoneed to avoid clothes that look like those of the kuffaar or theopposite gender.

• Check on the transparency of our clothes. You can stand infront of a mirror with the sunlight behind you and ask a friend totell you. Ladies may want to bring loose camisoles and fullslips to wear underneath your garment. Note that ajubah/abaya is usually transparent – it is meant to be your“overcoat.”

“One thing that I observed to be very prevalent amongMalaysian female pilgrims was the use of very transparentpantyhose-like socks. Sometimes I cringed when I passedbehind a row of Malaysian ladies who were in the 'sujud'position as I could clearly see every single toe on their feetthrough the transparent socks.”

• Check on the tightness of our clothes. If wearing pants, is itloose enough not to reveal your body shape as you bend andprostrate? If need be, ensure the shirt/telekung is long enough.


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• For ladies, please check your sleeves to ensure that you arecovered all the way up to your wrist. Some sleeves tend to fallwhen we raise our hands or are just too short, so be sure towear arm gloves, as in the picture below.


• Those who are well endowed need to plan for better coverage.

“I saw one female jemaah’s assets moving underneath her‘telekung’ as she briskly walked down the steps. I thought tomyself that perhaps she needed a brassiere with better supportand/or a heavy outer garment”


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PART 2: MENTAL PREPARATION

2.1 Mental Conditioning

The journey to the Holy Land requires mental conditioning – it islikely that we will be given lessons before, during and even after the

journey, in becoming sincere "Abdullah" (Allah 's slaves).

We have to learn to control our tongues, suppress our egos andget rid of arrogance. We are not expected to see ourselves asbetter or having more than others, hence Hujjaj dress alike inIhram, regardless of who they might be in this world. All are slaves infront of Allah, be they royalty, corporate executives, the poor: beggingfor His mercy and forgiveness.

We will meet with people from various corners of the world, be inclose proximity with strangers 24/7, queue for food, transportation,restrooms and encounter other physical inconveniences. These havean impact on our mental well being. We must be prepared to“shrug off” these challenges and focus on completion of the rites tothe best of our ability. We need mental discipline and will power.

Hajj, in general, has become easier physically due to the variousmodern facilities and amenities. What is more elusive, however, is theattainment of spiritual enlightenment and inner peace.

To get the highest rewards from Allah SWT, we need to aim to do ourvery best and beseech Him to help us.

• Be prepared for challenges even before one reaches the HolyLand. While on Hajj, we need to consciously give up the usualpleasures and conveniences of life. We need to endure rigorousobligatory disciplines. The ultimate aim of all this is to attain andretain an intensified state of devotion (taqwa) to Allah.


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“We arrived at about 3 a.m at Jeddah airport and were still waitingto clear immigration 2 hours later which meant we needed to find aplace to solat Subuh ‘anywhere’. I was glad I had on coveredclogs so that it was easy for me to perform wudhu (did so at thewater cooler) and had my solat paraphernalia in my carry on.Bringing bathroom slippers in a carry on is also helpful if you'rewearing shoes on the journey. On hindsight, I wish I had mysejadah in my carry on, since I had to solat on the bare floor.”

“Pray for a smooth journey, accept rough moments with a smile.'

2.2 Study and Research

• It may be useful for you to make the following table as you gothrough your study and research:

Do’s Don’ts

• Attend regular classes on Fardhu ‘ain, i.e. Tauhid, Tasawwufand Fiqh so that you are familiar with what is rukun, wajib, sunat,harus, makruh. Should you feel overwhelmed at any point in time,you know what you MUST do and what you CAN omit. It isimperative that we study from a qualified and certified Ustaz/ahwhom we trust and have confidence in. If you have more thanone, better still, then you have resources to cross check teachings.If you don’t have your own, you may be confused by the differentinterpretations of the other pilgrims’ ustaz/ahs offering differentinstructions/opinions regarding the tasks involved.

“The Ustaz advised us to not simply follow what others are doingin Masjidil Haram – they may be following different mazhabs ordeviationist practice. I noticed that some were not even followingthe imam as we performed solat!”


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“Please use this opportunity to have most of your issuesaddressed, preferably, by the same ustaz (teacher). From my ownexperience, I tried to prepare myself as much as possible withUstaz A, then I use his information to proceed. This way, I avoidconfusion and minimize my doubts, uncertainties (“was-was”)when I get to Makkah, with others offering “advice” based on whatthey were taught. Nonetheless, we should not shut out others fromsharing with us what they have learned.”

• Attend specific classes provided by Tabung Haji/travelagent/organizer on the rituals and meaning of what we will beexperiencing. Do read the books they provide and ask friends to

relate their experiences. Find out in detail how Rasulullahperformed his Hajj -- check out books on “Manasik Haji.”Learn about Hajj Tamattu’, Ifrad and Qiran. Learn the do’s anddon’t’s when in ihram from your Ustaz/ah.

• Attend "Kursus Perdana Haji". Find out from Tabung Haji thedates. This one-day and one-night (subject to change)orientation cum simulation session can provide you with thephysical and mental readiness to begin your preparations forthe trip. If you are going with a group of 3-4 friends/relatives,this is a good time to get to know one another.

“You'd be surprised to hear some comments made...like "O..Iwas not informed of the condition in Arafah and Mina..I amshocked!!" Another is "had I known the Hajj was like this...Iwouldn’t have come!!"

• Check out current publications and media that carryarticles/features on Hajj and ‘Umrah.

• Video (Note: You can download videos from You Tube bypurchasing Tube Sock at USD15)


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• This one can get you in the mood for hajj. And if you watchwith an open heart, you can cry…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6t7_HLTRkk

• Join Yusuf Estes and Yvonne Ridley for a show which takesyou through different aspects of Hajj. Dec 12 & Dec 26, 2006www.islamchannel.tvhttp://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3580036049862740891http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6795542116368595950

• A national geographic documentary on reverts to Islam anda journey to Makkah for pilgrimage. This video can bedownloaded from the following linkhttp://www.megaupload.com/?d=75927WAT or viewed athttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuOjFjcWvM4

• Hajj seminar parts 1-4, by Abu Muneer Ismail Davids,Lecturer and author of the book "Getting the best out of Hajj"This one day seminar includes “everything you need to knowprepare, plan and perform your Hajj.”

Part 1http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6000419692844613048Part 2http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1476075363709640676Part 3http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2277664859440268146Part 4http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4435699266718715646

• This film, produced by the Ministry of Hajj, helps the pilgrimto perform the Hajj safely. It contains much useful adviceand explains the arrangements the Ministry has put in placefor the comfort and security of all pilgrims. It will also showyou the main rites and sites of the Hajj.

Hajj Safety - Part 1http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiqbQV4xejQHajj Safety - Part 2http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGNAUUcDrRA


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• Good tips in preparation for hajj. Also visuals of Raudhah aswell as significant places in Medinah.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An2c-7pDP5s

• Audio

Hajj & Umrah. This classroom is dedicated to lecturescovering both the inner and outer aspects of Hajj and Umrah,from waiting for the days of Hajj, to preparing for the Hajj andthe journey, to the Hajj itself, to carrying over the benefits ofHajj & Umrah in our lives. While these lectures were focused onHajj and Umrah, many of the lessons and principles discussedare relevant to everyday life. All lectures are in MP3 format.http://www.sacredlearning.org/classrooms/hajj/index.htm

“The CD by Ustaz Daud Che Ngah is very informative. I wentthrough the set for my preparation for Hajj 2002. I have found ithelpful as it explains the do's and don’ts.”

• Publications

• Ethics and Significance of Hajj -- excellent material whichincludes fatwa issued by the prominent Muslim scholarSheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi and quote from Ibn QudamahAl-Maqdisi’s book Mukhtasar Minhaj Al-Qasidinhttp://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?cid=1124781357691&pagename=IslamOnline-English-Hajj_Umra%2FHajjE%2FHajjE

• Hajj - Not a two-week vacationhttp://www.islamicity.com/articles/Articles.asp?ref=IC0612-3197

• An excerpt from 'Introduction to Islam' by Dr. M.Hamidullah. Short and punchy article – read with an openheart and let the points “hit home” http://muslim-canada.org/hajj.htm

• The Book of Hajj Parts 1-4 with over 230 hadeeths on thesubject of Hajj. A useful reference point for those wishing


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to return to the proofs for the Hajj rituals.

• Rites of Hajj and ‘Umrah From the book and Sunnah andNarrations from the Pious Predecessors. An excellentguide to Hajj and ‘Umrah. Concise and to the point withfull Arabic text of all supplicationshttp://sahihmuslim.com/sps/sp.cfm?secID=IBD&subsecID=IBD11&loadpage=displaysubsection.cfm

• “There is a set of books called FATAAWA ISLAMIYYAH,the publisher is Darussalaam. This set contains fataawasby the reknown late Grand Mufti of Saudi Sheikh AbdulAziz bin Baz, Sheikh Ibn Uthaimin, Sheikh Abdul RahmanAl Jibreen together with the Permanent Committee &Decision of the Fiqh Council Of Saudi. We suggest to buyat least volume 4 of the set. Volume 4 of FataawaIslamiyyah contains many questions and also it explains

in great detail about how our Rasullullah performedhis ‘Umrah & Hajj.

Another book that we’d like to suggest is the award-

winning book of the biography of Rasullullah . Thisbook gives a detailed account of the last 7 days of our

Rasullullah ’s life & his last words, last breath before

he returned to Allah . The book is THE SEALEDNECTAR ( AR – RAHEEQ AL MAKHTUM) by the latereknown Sheikh Safi-ur-Rahman Al- Mubarakpuri OfUniversity of Al Medinah Al Munawarah.This book also gives a brief account of The Farewell Hajjwhich is described on pages 538-546. It also has thesermon of Rasullullah sallahualayhiwassalam at Arafahand it is indeed heart warming to read it for it is an


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amanah to us. Do copy & read it when you are in Arafah.By the Grace of Allah, the Ustaz that led us for Hajj readthe sermon with utmost passion when we were in Arafahand it made grown macho men cry sobbing... This

chapter also mentions where & when Rasullullahshortened & combined (jama’ & qasar) his prayer whileperforming hajj and the night stay at Muzdalifah. Pleasedo not miss the overnight in Muzdalifah, it’s never thesame when one just stays for a few hours in the bus…theustaz that led us told us while in KL that we will sleepunder the “million star hotel”. Indeed it was a beautifulnight and to be there in Muzdalifah from Maghrib till Fajr –an unforgettable experience indeed.

Lastly, a pocket size book, HAJJ, UMRAH & ZIYARRAHin the Light of the Quraan & the Sunnah by His EminenceSheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz, the late GrandMufti Of Saudi.”

• “I wish I had read this EXCELLENT book FIRST: Hikmah& Fadhilat Haji Umrah & Ziarah, Muhammad Zakariya,Darul Nu’man ISBN 983-046-250-1”

• Hajj Pocket Guide by Dar Al Khair Publishing House.

• “Bought a very good book in Medinah which I would liketo recommend especially to those going for ‘Umrah thef i rs t t ime or the f i rs t t ime wi th k idsT itle: The Ultimate guide To ‘Umrah (based on thefamous book 'Getting The Best Out Of Hajj' With specialchapters on ‘Umrah in Ramadan and visiting Madinah.Author: Abu Muneer Ismail Davids

Darussalam International Publication Ltd 03-77109750 109A Jalan SS21/1A, Damansara Utama, 47400 PJ”

• Check out “Renungan Sebelum, Semasa Dan Selepas


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HAJI” by Hj Hanafi Hj Zainuddin & Lukmanul Hakim HjHanafi

• Browse the following websites for more information and thenrefer questions to your Ustaz/ah(s).

http://www.saudinf.com/main/b635.htmDefinitely worth exploring, for news, issues, facts, etc. on Kingdomof Saudi Arabia.

http://www.hajinformation.com/This website is designed to provide English-speaking Muslims withcomprehensive information about the Hajj, one of the five pillars ofIslam. Check out the FAQs for local info. There’s a flashp r e s e n t a t i o n o n H a j j d a y b y d a y a thttp://www.hajinformation.com/flashdaybyday.htm

http://www.islamonline.net/English/hajj/The newly revamped website containing a wealth of info related toHajj including news, fatwa, rulings, reflections, multimedia.

http://www.hajtips.com/A site worth exploring – abundant tips, well organized format.

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/saudi-arabia/sacred-sites.htmSacred Sites of Saudi Arabia – Lots of photos to accompany texton Makkah, Medinah, Hajj, ‘Umrah & more

http://www.dalil-alhaj.com/en/travel.htmWorth clicking on Preparing, Visiting Madina, Return Home,Advice, Photo Gallery.

http://www.pbs.org/muhammad/virtualhajj.shtmlA simplified overview of hajj logistics.

http://www.geocities.com/al_hajj/AlHajj.html


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A comprehensive. multimedia rich hajj & ‘Umrah info portal,offering downloadable items – worth exploring!

http://hajj.al-islam.com/Basic info, including those on the 2 Masjids, Also available invarious languages, including Bahasa Melayu. Includes details ofthe Farewell Hajj -- a map of the route taken and an account of

Rasulullah’s journey from Medinah to Makkah and then backto Medinah. Rich multimedia – picture album & videos

www.islamicity.com/mosque/hajj/IslamiCity.com - Hajj Information Center. Offers guides, articles,audio-visual resources, and accounts of the history of Hajj. Alsoincludes old photos of the Hajj sites to use as screensavers.

http://www.soundvision.com/info/hajj/The free Handbook of Umra & Hajj is definitely worth printing. Theflow diagram for Hajj within it received 5 star rating from variousparts of the world.

• To help internalize the hajj/’Umrah experience, read the stories

about Prophets Muhammad , Ibrahim (as), Ismail (as),Adam (as). You can obtain these from some of the websitesmentioned above.

• Obta in an unders tand ing o f how the

Prophet’s companions interacted with him and livedtheir lives from “Hayatu Sahabah” by Sheikh YusofQandalawi, available in English & Bahasa Malaysia.


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• Get Familiar With The Territory

It may be stressful to encounter differences in language, food, andsocial habits. In addition, attitudes of other hujjaj as well as officers,agents, taxi/bus drivers, hotel staff, etc. can cause major stress. Beprepared to face those who may be abrupt or commercial.

• To appreciate the Holy Lands, read about the history of Makkah& Medinah. You can obtain those published by DarussalamPublications for about SR20 each in Makkah.

• Ustaz Abdul Basit of Medinah has written two books:“Makkah Al-Mukarramah Kelebihan dan Sejarah” &“Medinah Munawwarah Kelebihan dan Sejarah”, inBahasa Malaysia. The publisher is Dar Al-Maathir.almaathir@yahoo,com, tel: 00 966 4828 3864. You can


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purchase them for SR15 each from the local bookstore oryour mutawif.

• In addition, you may want to look for these 2 books inMedinah: “The Prophet’s Masjid” by Khaled MuhammadHamed, and “Memories of the Luminous City”. Thesebooks contain colour pictures and are in Arabic & English.

• Learn at least some basic or conversational Arabic. Knowsome simple words in Arabic.


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PART 3: PHYSICAL PREPARATION

The duration of the Hajj, including its rites & rituals require muchstrenuous physical activity. Coupled with harsh desert climate, thisintense exertion can take a serious toll on the body.

3.1 Get fit, stay well

• Do regular stretching exercises for flexibility and regular aerobicexercises to build stamina. Develop your physical strength toperform all the rituals by starting a daily habit of brisk walking priorto departure. Seek professional advice if under medication ormedical treatment.

• Read “Getting Into Shape For Hajj” athttp://www.geocities.com/al_hajj/Hajj_Fitness.html“a simple regular training activity that will give all of thosecontemplating Hajj this year, an adequate level of fitness beforeyou embark on the Holy Pilgrimage” InsyaAllah.

• Seek prevention and prescription from a holistic perspective.Allah’s ‘ilm is not limited to the medical sciences. Check outvarious forms of alternative treatments (e.g. reflexology,acupressure, iridology) and alternative medicines.(e.g.homeopathy, herbal remedies, nutritional supplements).

“Contrary to what we were told, last year (2005) the immigrationwasn't strict about the medications we brought with us. They hadno problem with the panadols, cough and cold medications, gastricand diarrhea medications that I kept in the sling bag Tabung Hajihad given us. Although Tabung Haji medical teams are equippedwith all the necessary, up to date and expensive drugs, the lineyou have to put up with just to see the doctor can be verydiscouraging and exhausting. (I had to see the medical teambecause I did not bring antibiotics -- only over the counter drugs.)


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By the way, I found the vitamins at the pharmacies in Medinah andMakkah to be more expensive than those in Malaysia.”

3.2 Check Medical & Dental Health(for more details on medical health, please refer toAppendix 7)

• Obtain the Medical booklet from Tabung Haji and make sure tofollow up on issues per the compulsory medical check up requiredfor Hajj pilgrims.

• Visit your dentist three months before going.

3.3 Manage Menstrual Cycle

• Ladies need to know the do’s and don’ts of Hajj/’Umrah shouldmenstruation occur before or after passing the meeqat. It’s alsoimportant to learn how to stipulate a condition when entering ihramsuch that if something happens to prevent us from completingHajj/’Umrah, we can exit ihram without blame. Please review withcertainty the rules with your Ustaz/ah.

• For ladies, we must know how to handle our menstrual cycle anddo seek advice from the medical profession. Please note in somecases even after taking the prescribed medication, you may stillmenstruate. We make plans but Allah decides what is best for us.Discuss alternatives with your gynaecologist so that you can atleast PLAN to be able to perform your ‘Umrah/hajj in a state ofpurity.

“I was overconfident and paid dearly for it. I was on the pill thelast 3 times I visited the Holy Lands and had no problem. So thistime around I didn’t make extra effort to stock up on provera andwasn’t very conscientious about taking the pill on time everyday.At the same time, I verbalized to a friend that I had no problems sofar with the pill. To cut the story short, I was not able to solat forthe better half of my stay and needed to consult the mutawif todetermine which portion of the time was “istihadah” and whichportion was “haid.”


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“ I would like to share my experience on the payment of dam. Twoyears before performing the Hajj, my sister joined me on a special‘Umrah trip, which was meant to prepare me for my true journey.Even though we were both experiencing the onset of themenopausal period of our lives, we were hoping that we would beblessed with full dry season, to enable us to smoothly perform the‘Umrah. I had been more fortunate than my sister, whose anxietymay have caused the reverse effect, with the flow being erraticand uncontrollable.

When we were in Medinah, a kind soul offered her somemedication intended to temporarily halt the flow which allowed herto solat in the beautiful Masjidil Nabawi, the Prophet’s Masjid andresting place of our beloved prophet (saw). From Medinah weproceeded to the holy City of Makkah. Upon arrival and after ashort rest we visited Masjidil Haram and immediately after solat,performed the Tawaf, the Sa’ie the Tahallul, completing our 1st

‘Umrah. Unfortunately, the very next day her flow returned and Iguess with vengeance, as it was suppressed by the medication. Itwas quite a challenge to her, to keep on cleansing herself longenough to have a solat window in Masjidil Haram between theflow. One evening she was happy to note that the flow hadstopped and after performing the cleansing bath the next morningwe visited Miqat Al-Taneim, wearing our Ihram, with the objectiveof performing another ‘Umrah, the second for her. We returned tothe Masjidil Haram in time to hear the Iqamat to begin the dawnsolat. Hurriedly we found a space to join in and as I solat I waslooking forward to continue with the performance of the ‘Umrahimmediately after.

We then proceeded to Baitullah to perform the Tawaf. At the endof the 6th round of the Tawaf, my sister whispered to me that shewas feeling uncomfortable. Although she continued to accompanyme to complete the 7th round, she knew that her Tawaf had to beaborted. She waited for me to complete my Sa’ie and Tahallulbefore we returned to the Hotel. At the hotel she related hercondition to another pilgrim, who assured her not to worry and that


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she should wait a while, and when the flow stop to immediatelytake her bath and to revisit Baitullah to re-performed the Tawaf.This was exactly what she did and I accompanied her to completethe Tawaf. However, whilst performing the Sa’ie she experienceda slight flow but she was able to proceed and complete the Sa’ieand then the Tahallul. We were happy that she completed her 2nd

‘Umrah, and as the next day was time for us to leave for Malaysia,she once again cleansed herself and managed to perform theTawaf Wida’, to say goodbye and solat that one day we wouldreturn with better health. Regretfully the flow continued on theflight until she returned to Malaysia.

Even though she completed the ‘Umrah, both of us felt thatsomething was not right but we were not able to identify it. Beforemy departure for the Hajj, she visited me, and offered RM350.00 topay a Dam on her behalf. I could not accept the money as wewere both unsure what the payment was for. Dam could only bepaid for specific reason and infringement of the key rites.

During my recent Hajj trip I asked my pilgrim friend why she couldnot just take a bath and join us to solat and perform a mini Tawaf(tawaf sunat). She then told me that to perform a Tawaf sheshould wait for at least 24 hours after her flow had dried toascertain that it truly ended before taking the cleansing bath. Shecould solat in between but the waiting period is a condition forperforming the Tawaf. At that instance I thought of my sister andwhat happened during the ‘Umrah trip. I then consulted ourgroup’s Ustaz, who reluctantly opined that my sister may still be inher Ihram. He however advised me to seek the opinion of TabungHaji nearest to her home.

Upon my return to Malaysia, I immediately visited my sister in KotaBahru and related to her the doubt that was looming in me. Wewent to Tabung Haji’s office in Kota Bharu and as the Director hadsome doubt, he contacted the Mufti at Pusat Islam in KualaLumpur. Dato’ Mufti confirmed that she needed the 24 hourswaiting period for complete stop to the flow and given the account


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of her story, she was still in Ihram. Therefore, she needed toimmediately adhere to the rules of Ihram and to pay the Dam byslaughtering a full-mature goat. In addition she should, ifcircumstances allow, return to Makkah to complete the ‘Umrah.Fortunately, she is a widow, otherwise the Dam would have beena camel.

All this while, we did not know why we had the feelings ofuncertainty and doubt and Alhamdullillah, events happened toclear the air and release her from the serious weight of still beingin Ihram after leaving the Holy City of Makkah”.

• If and when you menstruate, all is not lost! Some of the ibadat youcan do when menstruating are as follows:o Read the translation of the Qur’an – this can have a powerful

effect on you – not to be underestimated!o Do dhikrullah, e.g. read up the 99 names of Allah and the

meaning of each name.o Find those deserving of charity and do sadaqah.o During Ramadhan, stand near the gate/door just before

adhan maghrib and hand out dates/rutob to those cominginto the masjid.

• Use Zam Zam as another means to manage your menses -- makesupplication regarding your period and ability to perform thenecessary rites without interruption when you drink Zam Zam.Face the qiblat when you drink Zam Zam.

“My period was due anytime around wuquf, so upon advice, I tooka miswak stick, broke it into pieces and soaked it in zam zam.I drank the water a few times daily, asking Allah to delay my perioduntil I’ve completed my tahallul. I repeated this when I went for‘Umrah later in the year. With Allah’s permission it worked bothtimes!”

Editor’s note: You can also do the above to shorten the durationof menstruation, InsyaAllah.


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PART 4: FINANCIALS

• Check and Cleanse Our Personal Assets

• Ensure that the money you use for this journey is HALAL!

• Settle the amount due for zakat, which can offset incometax. Pay all dues.

• Make adequate provision for the journey

• Ensure you have savings in Tabung Haji. Please notethat ONLY DURING THE HAJJ SEASON you canwithdraw from Tabung Haji in Makkah and Medinah. Whatyou withdraw in Saudi Arabia is transacted in SaudiRiyals. Usually there are Tabung Haji counters at varioushotels housing those on the Tabung Haji package ormuassasah.

• If you are coming for ‘Umrah, then bring adequate cashfor dam, sadaqah & small retail items

• Make adequate provision for the period of our absence

• Sort out all debts and clear them.

• Prearrange for payment of bills: electricity, water, internet,phone, house rent, school/tuition & related fees,groceries, healthcare.

• Prepare an Islamic will.


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PART 5: LOGISTICS

5.1 Who Will Accompany You?

• Decide who to go with as well as rooming arrangements (eg. 4 to aroom is less expensive than a suite of 2 rooms, 2 to a room).

“It is good to go with a group of friends. Try to listen to othersbefore deciding what you think is best for yourself. Please bear inmind that in Makkah, friends also need time to be alone and youcannot demand much from them. Spouse and children, however,have a direct obligation vis-à-vis the spouse or parent, so if youare traveling with close relatives, you are expected to be inter-dependable.”

• Plan for Male Mahrams. Obtain information from an establishedtravel agent specializing in ‘Umrah/hajj. Stay close to yourmahram, especially at Immigration.

“A single parent-female can perform ‘Umrah or Hajj ifaccompanied by 2 trusted female companions. In Saudi, theauthorities strictly adhere to this rule, as they do not wish a femalejema'ah to be stranded in Saudi. For ‘Umrah, however, travelagents normally arrange for someone within the group to act astemporary ‘Mahram’ to accompany the single female to enterMakkah. This is checked at Immigration point in Jeddah/Medinah”

“I learnt from a few Ustaz/ahs that it's okay to go with femalethiqah if you're going to perform hajj/’Umrah wajib; but forhajj/’Umrah sunat, you must have a male mahram accompanyingyou.”

“My girlfriend was my thiqah and I was hers when we performedour Hajj in 2003. We did, however, obtain the blessings andwritten approvals from our respective husbands for the journey.For ‘Umrah you need to be accompanied by a male Mahram.Personally I agree that we should plan our trip well to ensure that


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we have a true Mahram – as I feel that the temporary Mahram asassigned by the travel agents would cause us to start our journeyon the left foot. The reasoning given was that this is animmigration requirement….but still the willingness to perjureoneself on a holy journey may not be a good choice.

5.2 Timing

Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas: The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him)said: He who intends to perform hajj should hasten to do so.(Sunan Abu Dawud Book 10, Number 1728)

Narrated Abdullah Ibn Abbas: …..He said: She has also requested me to ask you: What is that actionwhich is equivalent to performing hajj with you?The Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) said: Convey mygreetings, the mercy of Allah and His blessings to her and tell her that‘Umrah during Ramadan is equivalent to performing hajj alongwith me. (Sunan Abu Dawud Book 10, Number 1985)

• Decide on the timing. If you’d like to stay in the Holy Lands for thewhole of Ramadhan, you may need to inform your travel agent 5months in advance.

“Going among the last flights for Hajj has its advantages:- We can perform Haji Ifrad (around 10 days in Ihram beforeTahallul Awal)- We don’t have to rush back to Makkah while in Mina since wehave many days more after 13th Zulhijjah in Makkah..

- Decrease in the volume of people (people leaving for home orpeople going to Medinah), we can perform tawaf ‘Umrah/sunat

and Sa’ie with ease. Even kissing HajarulAswad, insyaAllah.”

• Obtain information on weather conditions in Medinah and Makkah

“Weather will depend on which month you are performing your‘Umrah or Hajj. December & January are cold at night in Medinah


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and Makkah (including Mina and especially Muzdalifah). The hotseason starts in June and temperatures can exceed 40 deg C.During winter, the cold can sometimes go to negative degrees atnight. Bring along your cardigan & thick socks to wear during nightsolat.”

5.3 Travel Arrangements & Services

• Select your travel agent. Check with your family and friends theirexperience.

“An agent with 20 years of experience cannot guarantee that hewill deliver. Watch for signs. If you can, shop around for peoplewho make the promises with “InsyaAllah”. From my own personalexperience, my group had it tough without “InsyaAllah”.

• Choose the travel option that suits your needs. You may want toperform solat istikharah on this.

a. Muassasah (please refer to personal accounts in Book 5)

“You need to be more tolerant as it is often very cramped. But it isa good way to test your patience and you'll appreciate your hajjmore as you go through some "hardship". Amongst the hardshipis having to walk about 6 km to and fro passing through tunnels.You'll get to mix with people who are very old and who havenever traveled before, and often you end up taking them to clinics(which is a form of amal jariah).”

“Although I did not go under the package, I must admit that the"Maha Susah [Muassasah] was not necessarily “susah”. Foodwas always available. At Masjidil Haram, however, I met a fewteary-eyed ladies who claimed that when they went back to thehotel (NOT muassasah) a little late, there was no more food.”


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b. Package:

" This can be comfortable but it is not a guarantee for comfortduring ‘Umrah/Hajj. During my Hajj, I saw the happy faces of thepilgrims in their tents/open air abode by the streets in Mina, andthe less than happy faces of the pilgrims in what was then themost expensive package.”

• Decide on the carrier. Saudi Air operates the direct route. Checkwith your travel agent if any other carrier does the same.

• Check out your Mutawif (Guide) and their responsibilities:- What does a group Ustaz/ah do or is supposed to do?- Is he in the group with you i.e. in the same

apartment/hotel or do you have to get to him, i.e. he staysapart from the group?

“The travel agent will normally assign a Mutawif who can help youin performing your ‘Umrah//Hajj and serve as a resource for thingsyou need clarification on. During Hajj, a group of Ustaz/ah(s) isassigned at every Maktab to assist the jema'ah and they providetalks almost every night.”

5.4 Accommodation

• Select hotel/apartment and find out their proximity to which part ofthe Masjid – some parts are air-conditioned. Hotels or apartmentsnear the two Holy Masjids (Masjid Nabawi in Medinah and MasjidAl Haram Ash-Sharif in Makkah) are more expensive than thosefurther away. For the hotel in Makkah, ensure that there is littlegradient, if any, when you are bringing the elderly or children. It ispossible to stay at 4-star hotels at reasonable rates.

Please note, however, that the farther you have to walk to themasjid, the more pahala you get, insyaAllah. Every step you take,you gain reward and your sins are forgiven, insyaAllah.


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• If you are sharing more than 2 to a room, do find out thenumber of sinks or WCs available in the room. It may beworthwhile to pay more for convenience.

"Consider hotel distance to Masjidil Haram and Masjid Nabawi.We went with UTAS Travel & Tours, which to me, offered the mostreasonable rates. Their location is very near to Masjidil Haram.Although our hotel in Medinah was about 8-10 minutes fromMasjid Nabawi, we didn’t mind it because the length of stay inMedinah was only 9 days.

As Ustaz Hj Daud Che Ngah once mentioned "Expect the worst,hope for the best!!" My husband paid for a room for 4 persons.Instead he got the room to himself. That somewhat provided usthe privacy when we needed it and of course the space to put ourstuff. Which was also nice for me who paid for a 5-person room.And after Jema’ah on early flights left, we got a room for 2 with thebathroom all to ourselves. That was a blessing!!”

“In Makkah I stayed at Hilton Towers apartment three times and itwas very convenient for families.”

“What I like about Makkah Hilton is the glass bubble lifts – I get asense of security in case I end up to be the only female in the lift.”

"In Medinah, if you stay in a hotel of some distance the road islevel so walking is not much of a problem. The reason for getting ahotel near the Masjid is to allow you to go back after every solat torest or freshen up. If your hotel is far, it would be wiser to stay inthe masjid and the solat times are quite near to one another.”


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PART 6: SOCIAL OBLIGATIONS

6.1 For those who need extra care

• Children, the physically challenged, the elderly, those with heart,respiratory & other critical ailments will need able-bodied & healthycaretakers so as not to unnecessarily burden strangers.

• If you are accompanying any of the above, discuss this with yourtravel agent.

• Request for the following (it's better to pay more for convenience.)

A direct flight to Saudi Arabia, if possible, direct toMedinah. Make sure your travel agent does not arrangeyour flight through airlines which need to make stopoversand transits.

“Some agents simply go for whatever's cheaper in cost.They will only inform you of the details when things arealready confirmed. The group I went with recently had togo via Yemen Air, stopover in Dubai, transit at Sana’a,then only to Jeddah. There were many elderly people inour group. Needless to say, by the time we got toMakkah, most of them were too tired to immediatelycomplete their ‘Umrah.”

Travel from Medinah to Makkah by plane via Jeddah.From Jeddah, you will need to travel by road to Makkah,which takes about one hour.

Please note that many travel agents now arrange for bus-trips for the Medinah-Makkah route. This may take 6hours or even up to 8 hours during peak season. (If you'regoing for Hajj, most likely you will have to travel by bus).While the younger ones may not find this a problem, the


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elderly people may be too tired by the time they get totheir destination.

Alternatively, you could arrange to travel by GMC (an 8-cylinder, 4-wheel drive), which could get the trip reducedto about 4 hours. A GMC can seat up to 7 pax.

• Arrange for hotels near the two Masjids and convenient enough forelderly people/young children. There are hotels, which areconsiderably quite near but are built on hilly areas which may notbe too convenient for elderly people, especially those with back orknee problems.

6.2 Involve Others

• Inform family, relatives and friends and request for them tosupplicate to Allah for the journey.

• Offer to make supplications for family and friends, and if soentrusted and accepted, we need to perform and fulfill it.

• Anything in our possession that belongs to others or anything thathas been entrusted to us need to be returned to the rightfulowners.

6.3 Performing Hajj on Behalf of The Deceased

A Duty Owed To Allah — An Outstanding DebtCommentary by Adil Salahi — Arab Newshttp://ourdialogue.com/answers/articles.php?action=show&showarticle=1132 When the pilgrimage is mentioned in the Qur'an, it is described as aduty owed to God. Thus the relevant verse goes: "Pilgrimage to thisHouse is a duty owed to God by all people who are able toundertake it." (3: 97) This is a special form of phrase which is notassociated with any other act of worship, not even prayers which we


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offer everyday at specific times. Why is the pilgrimage given such astatus?

To start with, the pilgrimage is the fifth pillar of Islam. Thisapplies to all Muslims wherever they live, including the people ofMakkah who, needless to say, find it easier to perform thepilgrimage than all other Muslims. Nevertheless, when they offerthe pilgrimage, they receive its reward in full. We must not forgetthat a person may live in Makkah for 70 years and still not performthe pilgrimage once. Hence, a resident in Makkah who offers thepilgrimage acknowledges its status in Islam. People may suggest thata person who comes from a remote area spends more time andmoney in performing the pilgrimage: Will he receive the samereward? We can only say that God is the most just of judges. Whilethe basic reward for the pilgrimage is earned by all pilgrims, God maymultiply the reward of any one He chooses. None will be treatedunfairly.

Yet why is the pilgrimage owed to God? God gives His message inthe clearest of terms. He has described the pilgrimage in a way thatmakes it similar to a debt. Since the pilgrimage can be offered only ata particular time every year, a delay in offering it once it becomes aduty is similar to the delay in settling a debt when a person has themoney to repay it. The Prophet, peace be upon him, says:"Deliberate delay of settling debt by someone who has themeans is an act of injustice." Moreover, if one dies withoutoffering the pilgrimage when he has been able to do so in hislifetime, it remains outstanding in the same way as a loan givento the deceased which must be settled after his death. It is important to know first of all that once anyone is able toundertake the duty of pilgrimage, he or she must do it without delay.If, however, a person dies before he offers the pilgrimage whenthe conditions of ability have been met during his lifetime, thenbefore his estate is divided among his heirs and indeed beforethe execution of his will, if any, a portion of his money should beset aside which must be sufficient to meet the expenses of the


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pilgrimage and Umrah, so that someone else may do theseduties on his behalf. This applies whether the deceased had beentoo lax about the fulfillment of his duty or had every intention to fulfill itbut was prevented by circumstances or by an illness or some otherlegitimate reason. A person who offers the substitute pilgrimage on someoneelse's behalf should have already performed his own personalduty of pilgrimage. When the Prophet, peace be upon him, did hisown pilgrimage, he heard one of his companions saying that heintended the pilgrimage on behalf of Shibrimah. The Prophet, peacebe upon him, asked him who Shibrimah was? "A brother of mine," theman said. The Prophet, peace be upon him, asked him whether hehad already offered the pilgrimage on his own behalf. When the mananswered in the negative, the Prophet, peace be upon him, said:"Offer the pilgrimage for yourself first, then offer it again onbehalf of Shibrimah."

It is perfectly acceptable that a close relative, such as a brotheror a sister, does the pilgrimage on behalf of a deceased person,man or woman. It is also acceptable that someone is hired forthe purpose. Some scholars maintain that what should be paid to aperson who is doing a substitute pilgrimage is only the expensesincurred in doing so. He cannot have a fee for doing the pilgrimage.Yet, this is a point over which scholars have differed, with some ofthem maintaining that if a fee is paid, it is perfectly legitimate earning.On the other hand, if the relatives of the deceased tell the personundertaking the substitute pilgrimage that they will pay him an agreedamount of money to cover his expenses, but he is entitled to take forhimself what he saves of that amount by spending less. It is alsoperfectly acceptable that a man does the pilgrimage on behalf ofanother man, or on behalf of a woman. The opposite is also true: Awoman may do the pilgrimage on behalf of another woman or a man.

The pilgrimage is binding only on those who can afford it. If thedeceased was never able to pay for his pilgrimage throughouthis life, due to his poverty, then such a duty was not applicable


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to him. Nevertheless, if one of his children does the pilgrimage, orarranges with another person to do it on his behalf, it is perfectlyacceptable and greatly rewarding to that child of the deceased. Itcounts as an exceptional act of dutifulness to parents. It ensures thereward of the pilgrimage to the parent as well as a most gratifyingreward for the child. We often speak about substitute pilgrimage as undertaken by aclose relative on behalf of a deceased person. The questionarises whether we can do it on behalf of someone who isunrelated to us. The answer is that we can. We have already saidthat the relatives of the deceased may hire someone for the purpose.The person thus hired need not be a relative. Should someone who isunrelated to the deceased volunteer to do the substitute pilgrimage,this is perfectly acceptable. Someone wrote to me that his fiancée died and he wanted to do thepilgrimage on her behalf. No formal relationship existed between thetwo. There was only a firm declaration of intent to be married, madewith the consent of her family. The engagement is a real relationship,even though it was not formalized with a marriage contract. This wasthe next stage which the two would have reached had she remainedalive. There might have been much discussion between them abouttheir future and the family they would raise. Now that she is no longeralive, thinking of doing something to please God on her behalf andensure His forgiveness of her sins is highly commendable. If herfiancé does the pilgrimage or the Umrah, or give money in charity onher behalf, or pray for her to be admitted into heaven, God will acceptwhat he does and answer his prayers, if He so pleases. He will alsoreward him according to his intention.

When we undertake some act of worship on behalf of someoneelse, all we need to do is to declare at the beginning of theaction that we want it credited to that person. If it is a pilgrimageor Umrah, we declare it so at the time when we enter into the state ofconsecration, mentioning the name of the person on whose behalf itis intended. God will accept it that way and will credit it to that person.


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Appendix 1So That Our HAJJ May Be AcceptedBy Faysal bin ‘Ali Al-Ba’daniAl Bayan magazine, Translated by Islaam.com<http://www.islaam.com/>_______________________________________________________

Allah subhanahu wa taàla has assigned a great reward for HajjMabroor, as evidenced by the saying of the Messenger, sallallahuàlayhi wa sallam,

“…There is no reward for Hajj Mabroor except Paradise.” (1)

The meaning of birr (from which the word “mabroor” is derived)involves the following:

1. Good behaviour towards people, fulfilling one's duties towardsothers and giving them their rights. In the hadeeth, “Al Birr isgood behaviour.” (3) In the Musnad, from Jabir, marfoo`narration states, “They said: 'What makes Hajj mabroor, ORasulullah – sallallahu àlayhi wa sallam?' He said, 'Providingfood to people and spreading (the greeting of) salam'.” (4)

2. Doing much worship and the trait of taqwa, as opposed tosinfulness. Allah taàla says, “Do you order people towards al-birr (righteousness) while you forget (it) yourselves?” (2:44) Al-Qurtubi said, “Sayings mentioned in tafseer of this verse areclose in meaning, that is, (birr is) performance of Hajj in whichits rules are fulfilled and which is done in the most completemanner.”

Not everyone who makes Hajj will have his Hajj accepted. As IbnÙmar, radhiallahu ànhu, said to Mujahid, when he said, "How manyHujjaj", "How few. Rather say, how many riders." (6)


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Appendix 2What To Do To Make Our HAJJ Be AcceptedBy Faysal bin ‘Ali Al-Ba’daniAl Bayan magazine, Translated by Islaam.comhttp://www.islaam.com/_______________________________________________________

I will highlight here some matters that help one ensure that his or herHajj will be accepted, in shaa' Allah.First: Sincerity and Following of the Sunnah

Sincerity to Allah and seeking His reward and pleasure alone. Allahsays in the hadeeth qudsi, "Whoever does an action for other thanme, I will leave him and his shirk." (7) The Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhiwa sallam, supplicated, "Allahumma hajjatan la riyaa'a feeha wa lasumà" (O Allah, (enable me to make) hajj with no riya' (show-off inthe sense of desire that others witness one's good acts) or sumà(show-off related to desire that others hear about one's good acts) init." (8)

Following of the Messenger, sallallahu àlayhi wa sallam, in allmatters. He said, "Whoever does an action not in accordance withour matter (Deen), it will be rejected." (9) Also, “Take your rituals(from me), for I do not know whether I will perform Hajj after this one.”(10) The Sahaba, radhiallahu ànhum, comprehended this matterwell. Ùmar said when he kissed the black stone, "By Allah, I knowthat you are a stone, you neither bring harm nor benefit, and if I hadnot seen the Messenger of Allah - sallallahu àlayhi wa sallam, kissyou, I would not have kissed you.” (11)

Second: Preparation for Hajj

A servant's preparation for Hajj is one of the most important factors inhelping him perform the pilgrimage in the legislated manner andensuring that one's hajj is insyaa' Allah accepted. To prepare forHajj, emphasis is given to the following:


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a. Examining and rectifying one's relationship with Allah Ta`ala, bysincerely repenting and fulfilling the well-known conditions ofrepentance.

b. Seeking His help and guidance, manifesting one's need of Him,fear of Him and hope in His reward. This is most important, for it isnot permissible for a person to rely solely on his material means.

c. Relieving oneself of one's obligations towards others, one's trustsand debts.

d. Writing of one's will, as travel exposes one to various dangers.

e. Preparation of provisions for those the pilgrim is responsible foruntil he returns, advising them with good and appointing someone totake care of their matters, so that his concern and attention bedevoted to performance of the pilgrimage.

f. Taking a convenient journey and good, halal provision. Forprovision obtained through haram is from matters that cause one'sworship not to be accepted. It is related from At-Tabarani in a marfoo`tradition, “When a person leaves for Hajj with good provision, placeshis foot in the stirrup (of his mount) and calls, “Labbayka AllahummaLabbayk” Here I am at Your service, O Allah! Here I am at Yourservice], he is called from the heavens: “Labbayka wa Sa`dayk [mayyour call be replied and happiness be your reward], your sustenanceis halal, your journeying is halal, and your Hajj is accepted.” Andwhen he leaves with corrupt provisions and places his foot in thestirrup (of his mount) and says, “Labbayk”, he is called from theheavens, “La Labbayka wa la sa`dayk dayk [may your call not beresponded to and happiness not be your reward], your provision isharam, your sustenance is haram and your Hajj is not accepted.” (13)

Today we live at a time when haram earnings have becomewidespread, and when questionable wealth has increased, except forthose that Allah has mercy upon. So let every servant fear His Lord


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and remember his saying, “Allah is Good (Tayyib) and does notaccept except what is good.” (13)

It is recommended for a servant to increase one's halal provisionsaccording to his abilities, so that one does not depend on others andin order to show kindness to the weak (by giving money in charity).

g. Selection of a righteous company that will help one in moments ofweakness, remind him when he forgets, teach him when he does notknow, order him to good and forbid him from evil. So let the servantbe aware of the following two types of companies: a corrupt companythat leads to sinfulness and falsehood, and a company that spends itstime in what brings no benefit in the hereafter.

h. Learning rules of Hajj and its manners, as well as rules related totravel, including al qasr (shortening solat), al jam` (joining solat), attayammum, al mash (wiping) etc. The Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wasallam, said, “Whoever Allah wishes good, He gives himunderstanding of the Deen.” (14)

What helps a person in this is obtaining books and tapes by people ofknowledge, and accompanying them while performing pilgrimage.Likewise, accompanying people who are familiar with places andtimes of different Hajj rituals.

Third: Servant's awareness of the true reality of Hajj andwisdoms for which the Hajj rituals have been legislated.

This is similar to khushoo` (humble submission) in Solat, for whoeverhas greater khushoo`, chances of his solat being accepted aregreater. Likewise with Hajj, the more a person comprehends thereality and spirit of Hajj, the wisdom and goals for which it has beenlegislated, and takes that as a means of correcting one's creed andway, the more likely his Hajj is to be accepted and the greater hisreward. One will not be able to achieve this except by preparationand drowning in contemplation and research about true realities and


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wisdom of Hajj. As for one who is not like this, it is feared that hisaction is a mixture of tourism and hardship.

Fourth: Warning against sinfulness and falling into error

A servant does not earn Hajj Mabrur except by leaving sins. Whilefalling into sin is prohibited at all times, Allah taàla gives a specificorder to the pilgrims to leave sins. He says, “Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made hajj obligatory upon himselftherein [by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] nosexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during hajj.”(2:197) This is due to nobility of the time and greatness of the place.Allah taàla says, “Whoever intends [a deed] therein [i.e. in theHaram] of deviation [in religion] or wrongdoing – We will make himtaste of a painful punishment.” (22:25) How could there be reward forone who commits sins?!

Contemplation about the state of people during Hajj causes one torealize the many evil deeds and mistakes, which are the result of:weak fear of Allah, lack of consideration of the sacredness of the timeand place, ignorance of the Shariàh and following of customs.Perhaps from the most widespread evil actions and mistakes in Hajjare the following: intentionally committing prohibited acts while in thestate of ihram without a valid excuse, harming Muslims with one'ssayings and actions, leaving of mutual advising and ordering of goodand forbidding evil, delaying solat from its due time, backbiting,slander, vain talk, argumentation, hearsay, extravagance, miserlinessin spending, wasting food, bad behaviour towards others, negligencewith regards to sins, such as listening to what is not allowed,uncovering what is not allowed to be uncovered, hurry or delay inperformance of rituals, lack of observance of spatial limits which maynot be overstepped in performance of actions of Hajj, etc.

Who is more deprived than one who sacrifices his soul, his wealthand leaves his previous state and his adornment and then returnswith forbidden actions and the anger of the Merciful?


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A poet said,He went to Hajj so that Allah forgives his sinsAnd returned with even more sins

Fifth: Striving hard in obedience of Allah and proper useof time

In the verses about Hajj there are signs that exhort the servant tomake a lot of righteous actions while performing the pilgrimage. Fromit is the saying of Allah àzza wa jall, “And whatever good you do –Allah knows it.“ (2:197) Perhaps from the most important righteousactions which the servant should do plenty of and keep busy withwhile at Hajj are the following:

a) Actions of the heart

Sincerity, love of Allah, relying on Him, fear of Him, hoping in Hisreward, glorification and respect of Him, submission and surrender,expressing one's need of Him, truthfulness in supplication,repentance, patience, being pleased with Allah, tranquility etc. arefrom the most important actions of the heart that the servant shouldoccupy himself with in his Hajj, for Islam is centered around them. Ibnul Qayyim said, “Whoever contemplates the aims and means of theShareeàh will know the correlation between actions of the body andactions of the heart and (will understand) that the former are of nobenefit without the latter.” (19)

b) Recitation of the Qur'an, remembrance of Allah and seekingforgiveness

Allah has ordered the pilgrims in the verses about Hajj to engage inremembrance (dhikr) and seeking of forgiveness. It is related that theProphet, sallallahu àlayhi wa sallam, was asked, “What Hajj is thebest? He said, “That in which there is most dhikr (remembranceof Allah).” (20)

c) Goodness towards people


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In the hadeeth, “It was said, 'O Messenger of Allah, which peopleare dearest to Allah?' He said, 'Dearest people to Allah are thosewho are the most useful to (other) people.'”

d) Calling to Allah àzza wa jall

Ignorance, innovations, evil actions and mistakes have widely spreadamong the pilgrims, and from what is obligatory upon scholars andcallers is guiding and advising others, ordering them to good andforbidding them from evil with wisdom, good exhortation and arguingin a better way. Shuja` bin al Waleed said, “I was making Hajj withSufyan, and his tongue hardly ceased to enjoin good and forbid evil,both while going and coming back.” (21)

e) Supplicating to Allah and asking Him

Hajj is one of the great occasions to ask Allah Taàla and tosupplicate to Him, it is an occasion that requires usage of theopportunity and submissiveness before Allah. The Prophet, sallallahuàlayhi wa sallam, said, “The best supplication is supplication onÀrafat.” (22) “Those making Hajj and `’Umrah are delegates(guests) of Allah, He called them and they answered, they ask himand He gives them.” (23)

Sixth: Steadfastness…Steadfastness (after Hajj)

The evidence of Hajj Mabrur is steadfastness of the servant afterHajj, his practice of righteous acts and leaving of the sins. Al-Hasanal-Basri said, “Al-Hajj al-Mabrur is to return abstinent from this worldand desiring the hereafter. This is witnessed to in His saying, “Andthose who are guided – He increases them in guidance and givesthem their righteousness (taqwa, fearful awareness of Allah, care toavoid His displeasure).” (47:17)


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So beware, my brother, of destroying what you build, dispersing whatyou gather, eliminating what you gain, regressing after guidance, anddeterioration after refinement.

Remember that Hajj nullifies what precedes it from sins, and thatbecause of Hajj you return in a state like that on the day your motherbore you. So beware of opposing Allah with sins after this blessing.Open a new page in your life and fill it with righteous actions insteadfastness upon His Deen.

References:1. Al Bukhari, 17732. Lata'if al Maàrif, p 4103. Muslim, 25534. Fath al Bari 4/4465. Fath al Bari 3/4466. Musannaf Àbdur Razzaq 8836. See al Hajj by al Qari, p. 557. Muslim, 29858. Ibn Maajah, 2890. See Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah 17189. Muslim 171810. Muslim 129711. Al Bukhari 161012. Al Mu`jam al-Awsat by at-Tabarani 5224. Majma` az-Zawa'id, in itis Sulayman bin Dawud al-Yamami and he is Daèef, 10/29213. Muslim 2/70314. Al-Bukhari 7115. Al Bukhari 154916. Al Bukhari 167117. See Lataìf al-Maàrif, 41118. at-Tirmidhi, 90219. Badaaiùl Fawaa'id 3/33020. Al-Mu`jam al-Awsat by at-Tabarani, 7775; declared Hasan by al-Albani in Saheeh al Jaami` 556921. Siyar A`lam an-Nubala' 7/25922. At-Tirmidhi 3585; see Saheeh Sunan at-Tirmidhi, 837 and al-Jawab al-Kafi, p. 10123. See Saheeh al-Jaami`, 3173; al-Albani said: Hasan.


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Appendix 3Hajjee with No HAJJAl-Haramain Islamic Foundation_______________________________________________________

THE HAJJEE WITH NO HAJJ!!

That is the Hajjee who crossed the oases or the airspace or thewaters but did not purify his intentions to Allah azza wa jall. Insteadhe came either to be named Hajjee So and So or because hisacquaintances performed Hajj or to ask people for money or someworldly desire.

That is the Hajjee that called and sacrificed but whose funds wereharam in whole or in part or who did not avoid the questionable anddid not familiarise himself with those things which concern the pious.


That is the Hajjee who knows that the Prophet (Saw) said, "Take fromme your Hajj duties" but in reality did not require himself to follow theone who said that, 'alayhis-salaam, so he does not pursue his sunnahnor the characteristics of his Hajj but rather settles for what hiscompanions are familiar with, even if they are lay people, with noknowledge and perhaps even when a question arises he does notcarefully consider whom he asks about it. Some even will ask a goodperson, even if he does not possess the required knowledge, andAllah ta`ala says, "Ask those with knowledge if you do not know."


That is the one saying, "Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayk lashareeka laka labbayk." {Here I am at Your Service O lord, here I am.No partner do You have, Here I am}, however, despite that does notobserve His Oneness properly and is not moved to purify himselffrom misdeeds and perhaps he takes blessings from where they


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should not be taken or seeks refuge in a human when refuge must besought from its grantor, subhaanahu wa taàla, or he swears by otherthan Allah, taàla, as swearing by the Prophet (Saw) or swearing byother than Allah has been forbidden by the Prophet (saw) as he said,"Whoever swears by other than Allah has disbelieved or become amushrik, attributed partners to Allah, subhaanahu wa taàla".


That is the Hajjee who does not protect his Hajj from dirty, false, eviland vain talk and sexual desire and committing sins so he releaseshis tongue from its bridle and does not harness his eyes and does noteven give up any of the sinful acts that should be eliminated byperforming hajj.

That is the one who does not protect the Muslims from his shovingand aggression and perhaps even aggresses the rights of hisbrothers in their lodgings or their parking places, or aggresses withodours or garbage as if proper manners are not required at certaintimes or places.


That is the one who says There is no God but Allah and Muhammadis His Messenger, which requires him to worship Allah only by themeans revealed and by what the Prophet (Saw) has shown, but heworships Allah subhaanahu wa taàla by means not revealed:Perhaps he ascends the mountain in Arafat and tires himself thinkinghe is in worship is not the case, or perhaps he expends great effort instoning or used wood or his shoes to stone thinking he is doing theright thing whilst in fact he is abusing his worship and his brothers’rights.


That is the one in the state of ihram whose day of Hajj coincided withhis day of recreation and his day of ihram with his normal day and did


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not feel the worship and did not lower himself to Allah, subhaanahuwa ta`ala, and did not struggle to avoid even on the day of Arafatwhen Allah subhaanahu wa ta`ala approaches His creation in amanner which is worthy of His Highness and Greatness,subhaanahu, when He Boasts to the Angels and He Saves fromHellfire whomever He Wishes by His Grave and Generosity.


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Appendix 4Ask Forgiveness from Your LordShaykh Ibn Baaz, Majallat al-Buhooth, issue no. 34, p. 142From As-Sunnah Bimonthly Islamic Newsletter_______________________________________________________

Shaddaad Ibn Aws (radhi allahu anhu) reported: "The Messenger ofAllah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "The (Sayyid al-Istigfar)noblest and the most excellent manner of seeking forgiveness isthat the servant says:

"O Allah, You are my Lord. None has the right to be worshipedexcept You.You created me, and I am Your slave/worshipper.And I am faithful to my covenant and my promise, as far as I amable.I seek Your refuge from the evil of what I have done.I acknowledge before You all the favors that You have bestowedupon me.And I confess all my sins to You.So forgive me, since none can forgive sins except You."

The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "Whoever says it inthe day, with firm conviction in it, and dies in that day beforeevening then he is from the people of Paradise. Whoever says itin the night, with firm conviction in it, and he dies before themorning then he is from the people of Paradise." [Saheeh al-Bukhari]

The scholars count this hadeeth as a Dhikr (remembrance of Allah)that should be said in the day, as well as in the night; in the earlymorning between dawn and sunrise, and at the start of the evening.Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) records this Hadeeth in two differentplaces, once under the chapter: 'The most excellent manner ofseeking forgiveness' and 'What to say when one gets up (early) in themorning?' It is also reported in the Sunans, like Nisa'ee and at-Tirmidhi etc. with wordings which show the importance of learning


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this manner of seeking forgiveness, for example in the abovementioned Hadeeth the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) entitled it 'Sayyid al-Istigfar', which literally means, 'the Chiefof all Seeking Forgiveness.'

One of the most important aspects of a Muslim's life Is to seek al-Istagfar (ask forgiveness for one's sins) from Allah. Various texts ofthe Qur’an and the Sunnah command and encourage al-Istagfar,show its excellence and the excellence of those who are constant init, from them is the saying of Allah: "O My servants who havetransgressed greatly against themselves through sins! Do not despairof the Mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins to those whorepent. Indeed, He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful." [Soorahaz-Zumar (39): 54] Some pious predecessors commented on thisverse saying, this verse gives the most hope to the one who seeksforgiveness.

Allah encouraged seeking forgiveness and clarified its excellence andrewards in this worldly life and said: "Ask forgiveness from yourLord. Indeed, He is the Oft-Forgiving. He will send rain to you inabundance and He will give you increase in wealth and children,and bestow on you gardens and rivers." [(71): 10-12]

Thus, this verse promises numerous benefits for those who seekforgiveness constantly. In the Hereafter, the benefits are muchgreater. Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "Allahthe Most High says: 'O son of Adam! As long as you supplicateto Me and hope in Me, I will forgive you what you have done. Oson of Adam! If your sins were to reach the lofty regions of thesky, then you ask Me for forgiveness, I would forgive you. O sonof Adam! If you were to come to Me with enough sins to fill theearth, but you met Me not associating anything with Me I wouldbring you the like of it of forgiveness." [Saheeh al-Bukhari, vol: 8,no: 319]

The great importance of al-Istagfar is seen from the practice ofAllah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) that all his past and


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future sins were forgiven even though, he would make al-Istagfarmore than 70 times a day. Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu)reported: "The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said:"By the One in Whose Hands is my soul, I certainly askforgiveness more than a seventy times each day." [Saheeh al-Bukhari] Umar (radhi allahu anhu) said: "We used to count that in asingle gathering he (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) would say: 'I askAllah's forgiveness and I repent to Him', more than seventy times."[See as-Saheeh, no: 556] The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihiwa-sallam) said: "By Allah! If you did not commit sins, Allahwould have taken you away and brought a people who seekAllah's forgiveness and He would forgive them." [Saheeh Muslimvol: 4, no: 6522] This Hadeeth shows the extent to which Allah lovesthat His slaves ask forgiveness from Him and He loves those who askforgiveness from Him.

Allah loves that we call upon Him by His Beautiful Names Andworship Him by that which His Names demand: "And Allah has themost excellent and perfect names, so worship and invoke Himby them" [Soorah al-A'raaf (7): 180] The Messenger of Allah(sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "Allah has ninety-nine names, ahundred except one. Whoever memorizes and is mindful of them(ahsaaha) will enter Paradise." [Saheeh al-Bukhari and SaheehMuslim] Here, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam)uses the word 'ahsaaha' coming from the root-word 'ihsaa', whichdoes not only means to recite these names, as is the practice ofsome, Scholars have explained that 'ihsaa' of the names comprisesof three levels:• (A) The first is to memorize the Names of Allah.• (B) The second is to understand their meanings and• (C) The third is to call upon Allah by these names and act as they

demand.

Let us understand with an example, At-Tawwaab is from thenames of Allah, it means 'He who guides His servants to repent andaccepts their repentance.' Thus we understand that Allah accepts Hisservant's repentance, guides them to repent and grants forgiveness


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to them. We also understand that He Alone is the One to grantforgiveness. Having understood this, we act as the name demands byrepenting to Allah alone from all our sins. Similarly, the Names 'al-Ghafoor' - 'the Oft-Forgiving' and 'al-Afuww' - 'The One who pardons',demand that we should constantly turn to Allah in repentance. This ishow we should understand and memorize all the Names of Allah,away from the corrupted innovated ways.

Explanation of Sayyid al-Istagfar:The supplication starts with the word: "Allahumma..." means 'OAllah!', It is a word whose meaning is found frequently in both theQur’an and the Sunnah.

The scholars have explained that Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah)falls in two categories:• (a) Tawheed al-Ma'rifah wal-Ithbaat - To know and affirm the

Oneness of Allah and,• (b) Tawheed al-Iraadah wat-Talab - Establishing the Oneness of

Allah in one's intention and acts of worship.

The initial words of the supplication: "O Allah, You are my Lord.None has the right to be worshiped except You. You created me,and I am Your slave/worshiper", comprises both these meanings.Let us first analyze in brief the meaning of Tawheed al-Marifah wal-Ithbaat, it comprises of:

(a) Tawheed ar-Ruboobeyyah: The Oneness of Allah's Lordship. Itis to affirm that Allah is the Creator, the Provider, the One Who grantsall blessings and the One Who controls all affairs of His Creation.

(b) Tawheed al-Asma wa-Sifaat: The Oneness of Allah's Namesand Attributes. It is to affirm all the Names and Attributes of Allah asmentioned in the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

Thus, one must know and affirm that Allah is the Creator, theProvider, One Who grants all blessings, and the One Who controls allaffairs of the creation. One must know and affirm all the Names and


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Attributes of Allah mentioned in the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Thisknowledge and affirmation is illustrated in the saying: "O Allaah,You are my Lord…. You created me…"

The second aspect, Tawheed al-Iraadah wat-Talab, is the Onenessof Allah's Worship, which demands that all worship is performedsincerely and purely for Allah, the saying: "…None has the right tobe worshipped except You, You created me, and I am Yourslave/worshipper" proves the Oneness of Worship.

If the servant knows that Allah is the sole Creator, then it is bindingupon him to worship Him alone, this occurs in several Qur'aanicverses: "I am your Lord, therefore worship Me alone." [Soorah al-Ambiya (21): 92]

"O mankind! Worship your Lord (Allah), Who created you andthose who were before you so that you may become al-Mutaqoon. Who has made the earth a resting place for you, andthe sky as a canopy, and sent down water (rain) from the skyand brought forth therewith fruits as a provision for you. Thendo not set up rivals unto Allah (in worship) while you know."[Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 21-22] Ibn Abbas (radhi allahu anhu)commented on the last words of the verse: "…while you know.",saying: "So do not set up partner with Allah in your worshipwhile you know that you have no Creator other than Allah.", andthis defines the meaning of the supplication: "You created me,and I am Your slave/worshipper."

Thus, since Allah is the sole Creator, we do not direct any worship toanyone besides Him. We supplicate to Him alone. But today, we seesome who claim to be the followers Islam, and apparentlyacknowledge, "La ilaha illa Allah" (i.e. none is worthy of worshipexcept Allah) still to be found at the shrines and tombs, supplicatingand requesting the engraved to fulfill their needs. They worship thoseregarding whom Allah says: "Say (O Muhammad (sallallahu alaihiwa-sallam), to those who invoke those besides Allah): 'Call uponthose besides Him whom you pretend (to be gods). They have


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neither power to remove the adversity from you nor even to shiftit from you to another person." [Soorah al-Isra (17): 56] And: "Say(O Muhammad r): "Call upon those whom you assert (to beassociate gods) besides Allah, they possess not even the weightof an atom, - either in the Heavens or on the Earth, nor have theyany share in either; nor there is for Him any supporter fromamong them." [Soorah Saba (34): 23]

Thus, this declaration which is also the first pillar of Islam (La ilaha illaAllah - None has the right to be worshiped except Allah) comes at thebeginning of the supplication and states the purpose of the creation,which is servitude (Uboodiyyah), Allah says "I did not create Jinnand mankind except for my worship" [Soorah ad-Dhariyaat (51):56]

Servitude is also the right of Allah on His slaves, this affirmation ofAllah's right and that the creation is His slave is mentioned in thestatement, "You created me and I am Your slave/worshipper."

Servitude of the creation is of two types; servitude to Allah'sLordship and servitude in worship to him.

1 - Servitude of Lordship means that the whole creation is broughtinto existence by Allah alone; He created them and He provides themwith their needs, He causes life and death and none shares with Himany of His Dominion. Therefore, none in the creation can escape thisservitude of Allah, and Allah says: "All (Angels) in the Heavens,and all (men and Jinn) upon the Earth will come to the MostMerciful on the Day of Judgement as submissive slaves."[Soorah Maryam (19): 93]

2 - Servitude in Worship is something, which Allah has granted tosome of His creation in particular. They are those whom He hasguided to the obedience of His Commands, and upon whom He hasbestowed Eemaan. So these are slaves of Allah who worship Allah,obey Him, comply with what He has legislated, and carry out Hisorders and obey His Messenger… Therefore, Allah ascribed them to


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Himself, like His saying: "Ibaad ar-Rahmaan - the slaves of theMost Merciful…" [Soorah al-Furqaan (25): 63]

In this supplication, the servitude of Lordship was mentioned in theprevious statements: "O Allah, You are my Lord… You createdme."

"I am Your slave/worshipper", confirms the servitude of worshipmeaning; I am a worshipper of You, one who carries out YourCommands and one who complies with what You have legislated.Thus, the supplication commences with these great andcomprehensive matters pertaining to Tawheed.

"And I am faithful to my covenant (to You) and my promise (toYou) as far as I am able…",

By this statement, the servant makes a covenant with Allah to abideby everything he previously said (i.e. Tawheed) meaning he will trulybelieve and remain upright upon the obedience to Allah, just as hemakes a promise in every Rak'aah of his prayer saying, "You alonedo we worship, and You alone do we seek help"

The saying, "As far as I am able…" makes worship dependant uponthe slave's ability and this is from the Mercy of Allah to us. Somescholars explain that this statement is an acknowledgment of one'sweakness and deficiency, whose meaning is; 'I am not fully able tocomplete Eemaan and attain its highest level and most perfect form. Iacknowledge my weakness and shortcomings, I am not able, so donot hold me to account for my weakness, deficiency andshortcomings' and Allah says in His Book: "Allah does not place aburden on any soul greater than it can bear." [Soorah al-Baqarah(2): 286] And it occurs in a Hadeeth of Allah's Messenger (sallallahualaihi wa-sallam): "If I command you with something then do asmuch of it as you can, and whatever I forbid you then leave it(altogether)." [Saheeh al-Bukhari, vol: 9, no: 391] Here, the scholarsexplain that when he (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) mentioned thecommand (al-Amr), he made it dependant upon the ability, since


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there may be some commands that a person may not be able to carryout, or which he may not be able to carry out fully. So, theperformance of the command is made dependant upon the ability.Therefore, the supplication is: "As far as I am able…"

However, when he (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) mentioned theforbiddance, he said: "… and what I have forbidden you from,then leave it (altogether)." He did not say "…as far as you areable" and as the scholars say, forbiddance means to refrain fromdoing something and it is within the ability of everyone. Everyone isable to refrain from fornication, theft, murder and all matters, whichAllah has forbidden. Therefore, leaving forbidden matters are notmade conditional on one's ability.

Next the saying, "I acknowledge before You all the favours thatYou have bestowed upon me. And I confess all my sins to You" ,is both affirmation and confession, "I acknowledge…", here thestatement is not restricted to any specific favor of Allah, rather, it isleft unrestricted meaning, I acknowledge and affirm all favors withwhich You have blessed me with, the blessing of Eemaan, theblessings of health and children, the blessings of crops, the blessingsof house - all blessings. He, the Perfect and the Most High, is theOne Who grants and bestows them: "Whatever blessings youhave are from Allah." [Soorah an-Nahl (16): 3]

After having acknowledged the blessings, it is necessary for theservant to give thanks to Allah for them by his heart, his tongue andhis actions : "And remember when Your Lord proclaimed, 'If yougive thanks, I will give you increase in blessings, but if you denythe favors and are thankless, then I shall punish you severely."[Soorah al-Ibrahim (14): 7]

Then the supplication mentions, "I confess all my sins to You…"This sentence, since it immediately follows, "I acknowledge beforeYou all the favours that You have bestowed upon me.", it means,'I admit that I fall short in giving thanks to Your Favors.' Somescholars explain saying, "I confess all my sins unrestrictedly, that is


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all my acts of disobedience and every sin that I have committed" Bythis admission, the servant acknowledges that he has fallen shortwith regard to Allah's Right upon him, which is 'worship' Thisacknowledgment of the servant is the beginning of the road torepentance. However, if he commits acts of disobedience and yetdoes not feel that he is a sinner, then repentance is something faraway from him. Thus, the servant's being sinned must lead him toseeking forgiveness and this is the core of the meaning of theHadeeth.

The pattern of the statements, "I acknowledge before You all thefavors that You have bestowed upon me. And I confess all my sins toYou", indicate to another wisdom; it is that the servant, in this lifecontinuously passes back and forth throughout the day between twoaffairs; these are either blessings granted to him by Allah, whichrequire that he gives thanks to Allah, or he falls into a sin and thisrequires him to repent and to seek forgiveness. Therefore, some ofthe Salaf used to say, 'I enter the morning in between blessings andsins, so I want to put forth thanks for the blessings and seekforgiveness for the sins.'

Another point which is manifest from this Hadeeth is that, whateversin the servant committed, if he acknowledges the fact that he hassinned and then truly repents, Allah accepts his repentance, whateverhis sin may be, and forgives him.

The supplication ends with, "none can forgive sins except You",indicating that Allah alone is the Forgiver. Therefore, the servantturns to Allah in repentance, obedience and seeks His forgiveness.

Explanation and clarification of this Hadeeth testify that Tawheed andal-Istagfar are from the most important aspects of a Muslim's life.These two matter are combined in a number of Qur'aanic verses andthe Sunnah of Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam), Allahsays: "Then know that none deserves the right to be worshipedexcept Allah, and ask for forgiveness for your sins and also forbelieving men and believing women, for Allah knows well your


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actions whilst awake and whilst in your places of sleep." [SoorahMuhammad (47): 19]

Likewise, it is mentioned: "None has the right to be worshiped butYou (Allah), far removed are You from imperfection! I have beenone of those who have wronged themselves!" [Soorah al-Ambiya(21): 87] "So make your worship purely for Allah and seek Hisforgiveness for your sins." [Soorah Fussilat (41): 6]

To Summarize

The supplication comprises of:(1) Knowing Allah's Lordship and His sole right to be worshiped.(2) Affirmation that Allah is the sole Creator and thus He alonedeserves to be worshipped(3) The hope for Allah's Mercy(4) Seeking refuge with Allah from being transgressed(5) Attributing all blessings to Allah alone and(6) Attributing all sins and mistakes to one's oneself(7) And this supplication contains the slave's desire for forgivenessand his acknowledgment that none can forgive except Allah.


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Appendix 5Supplications Before Departure for the Holy LandBy Ustazah Maimun Ali_______________________________________________________

Start your supplications with the praises to Allah & RasulullahSAW in Arabic

Segala pujian bagi Allah, Tuhan semesta alam kerana diabanyak mengurniakan ni'mat dan membalas baik lebih daripadakadar amal yang dikerjakan.Ya Allah kami datang kepadamu dengan tangan-tangan yangpenuh dosa, hati yang berbolak balik, amal yang sedikit,kealpaan, kejahilan yang banyak, namun kami sesungguhnyamenggantungkan sepenuh harapan dengan segala keikhlasankepada rahmah, maghfirah kasih sayangMu memohon Engkaumenerima taubat nasuha kami, mengampunkan segala dosadan kesalahan kami yang terdahulu dan yang terkemudian,yang nyata dan yg kami sembunyikan serta yang kami tidaktahu.

Ya Allah tiada Tuhan melainkanMu yang Terawal & Terakirsesungguhnya kami sentiasa menzalimi diri dengan dosa yangbanyak, ampunilah kami kerana tiadalah pengampun selainEngkau, kurniakanlah maghfirah dari sisiMu dan rahmatilahkami wahai Yang Maha Mengasihani lagi Maha Penyayang.

Ya Allah kami mensyukuri ni'mat terpilih menjadi tetamu MukeBaitullah dan kami memohon kepada Tuhan yang Mahalemah lembut, lemah lembutlah kepada kami denganperjalanan yang mudah dan sejahtera, pekerjaan serta akhlaqHaji yang sempurna yang melayakkaan kami menerima Hajiyang Mabrur, Dosa yang diampuni, usaha yang disyukuri danperniagaan yang tidak rugi.


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Ya Allah sesungguhnya aku memohon kepadamu diadakanperjalanan kami kepadamu, hidayah yang berterusan sertatakwa penuh keimanan dah adalah yang diredhai.

Ya Allah jadikan perjalanan ini mudah seolah-olah satuperjalanan yang dekat dan menyenangkan.

Kaulah teman diperjalanan dan wakil yang memelihara sertamelindungi anak-anak, harta dan kaum keluarga. Ya Allahcukuplah bagi kami Kau sebagai Penyaksi, Penolong,Pemelihara dan Yang Maha Mengetahui yang terbaik bagikami. Sesungguhnya kami redha Engkau sebagai Tuhan kamidan kami berserah diri kepadaMuYa Allah. Semoga Allah merahmati kita semua, salaam dando'a.

A shorter version………

Ya Allah Ya Tuhan!

Limpahkanlah rahmat dan kesejahteraan keatas junjunganKami Nabi Muhammad (saw)

Rahmat yang dengan Nya menyampaikan Hajat Kamimenunaikan Haji kerumahmu BaitulHaram dan mengunjungiMakam kekasih mu junjungan Kami Nabi Muhammad. (saw)

Kepada Nya dipohonkan kelimpahan rahmat dan sejahterasemoga Kami dikekalkan didalam sihat walafiat, selamat danlemah lembut serta kesopanan segala hajat kami dankurniakanlah rahmat dan sejahtera keatas keluarga sertasahabat sahabat Baginda


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Appendix 6A Quick Overview Checklist(please see attached mind map)By Haizara Ismail_______________________________________________________

Below is a short checklist you may want to use for your trip

Set Date:Set package…..Set budget

Spiritual Literature:Read anything…….read on rituals…...read on history so as to betterappreciate the historical sites

Physical:Workout and exercise to be fit before trip

Medical:Check menstrual cycle… timing………Prepare oneself withvitamins….bring ample supplements and medication

Vaccinations:Menses…influenza (get advice from doctor)

Visa:Have agent in charge to obtain photos…ladies only with black tudungand males no headgear in photo……ensure the size of photo is inaccordance with Saudi Govt regulations……..Tabung Haji will issueletter…..Tabung Haji will prepare HAJJ visa. For ‘UMRAH can useinternational passport and Visa done by agent.

Toiletries/Medication:Get panadol…..medicinal oils…..Band aids…..Vitamin C for childrenmedications…..Toothpaste…..Brush…..Shampoo…..Soap…..Deodorant…..Cream……Face cream….. Pumice stone……Ladies mayrequire period pills…..Keep calendar handy


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Clothing for ladies:Jubah(3)…..s leeping at t i re(2)…..Cot ton Long pants(3)…..Undergarments(3)Socks (3)…..Shoe bag/pouch …..See through bags…..Telekong and mini telekong (2/2)…..Gloves and halfgloves…..Towel (2)…..Batik sarong(1)…..Underwear…..Panty liner (1small box)…..Pads (1 box)…..hair accessories (1 pack)…..Smallmirror/brush to bring everywhere to ensure aurat fully covered.

Men:Ihram cloth…..…unsewn pulicat ….. Shaver

Food:Rendang…..3 in one Milo, Cocoa, Nescafe …..Plastic mugs…..Buythermos if needed

ToiletriesDetergent powder…..Plastic string with hooks at the end for clothesline/hangers…..brush for washing clothes……Rubber slippers formasjid, the ones that are easy to slide …..Small airspray……Hairdryer…..Hair Brush…..ShaverNail clippers…..Small scissors…..Chapstick…..Alarm clock…..Smallface mirror…..Small packs of tissue to bring to masjid for sneezesand nose bleeds due to dry weather

Miscellaneous:Sunglasses with string for convenience…..Sewing kit (small traveltype)…..Charger…..Notebook/post it notes…..Pens…’Umrah Doabook…..Marker/masking tape…..String to wrap stuff…..Plastic bag tobring everywhere -- it comes in handy…..Small Tupperware for drinkswith compartments for food and meal times when there are a lot ofpeople…..Plastic for food…..Tissue paper/toilet paper…..Smallpadlock and key…..Umbrella optional…..Clear plastic bag which iseasy to see when entering masjid to facilitate door inspection…..Money change in Malaysia…Bring small change, more convenient


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Appendix 7Medical PreparationBy Dr. Tg. Zurina Binti Tg. Ubaidillah_______________________________________________________

1. For ‘Umrah (10-14 days except Ramadhan maybe more than 2 weeks)

Recommended vaccination:a. Quadrivalent Meningococcal vaccination (ACYW-135)b. One dose for either adult or child (above 2 years of age) Provides period of immunity between 2-3 years(Mencevax by GlaxoSmithKline vs. Menomune by AventisPasteur)

2. For Hajj (duration of stay is usually longer than 2 weeks)

Recommended vaccinations:a. Meningococcal ACYW -135 vaccination (see notes above)b. Influenza vaccination (VAXIGRIP)For high risk individuals: above 60 years of age, other chronic/longterm medical illnesses, lower immune status (body resistance)Provides period of immunity of only 1 yearc. Pneumococcal vaccination (PNEUMOVAX 23)For high risk individuals (see notes above)Provides period of immunity for 5 years

Tabung Haji provides medical booklets for pilgrims wanting toperform their Hajj. They are required to undergo a medicalexamination and to record their medical information systematically. Itwould also be useful for those who intend to perform ‘Umrah to do thesame especially if they have significant medical conditions.

A family GP/friendly physician or a medical officer in a governmentmedical outpatient clinic would be able to assist you with the medical


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examinations, your needed vaccinations or fill in a prescription notefor you.

Medical Drugs/Supplements

All pilgrims are advised to bring their prescribed drugs for theirpresent medical condition. Always bring extra supply/and or aprescription note for refills. They can also get other extra drugs fromtheir regular doctor.

Condition Suggested cures• Fever Paracetomol (Panadol/Dumin/Uphamol,

etc.)• Flu Non sedative antihistamines e.g.

Clarinase/ Cirrhus, Clarityne/Zyrtec• Cough Kistures are usually for a dry (no phlegm) or wet (with phlegm) cough• Stomach upsets Antacids for gastric e.g. Gelusil, Maalox,

MMT• Antidiarrhoea Imodium, Lomotil• Gas & nausea Maxalon• Constipation Dulcolax, etc.• Travel sickness/giddiness Stemetil• For pain (musculo-skeletal)NSAIDS e.g. Ponstan Voltaren, Brufen,

Feldene, Mobic, Vioxx, etc.

Also bring:- Ointments for rubs, plasters & bandages/guards may also be useful- Rehydration salts/Lozenges/Gargles- ANTIBIOTICS: Please get your regular doctor to advise youon this as it proves to be useful and usually necessary. It wouldhelp you save time and money as it can be very costly to get themin Makkah and Medinah.

Although there are many pharmacies (APOTEK) available at everycorner from your place of stay, the cost of drugs is not cheap.


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TABUNG Haji clinics, though easily accessible, are usuallycrowded and they have a limited supply of drugs.

Please remember your drug allergies before consuming a new orunfamiliar drug.

Special Notes for Women

There are usually various categories of women involved when itcomes to our menstrual cycle. If we choose to especially be freeof any menstruation during critical periods of our Hajj/’Umrahrituals, the safest guide is to consult your own doctor orgynaecologist.

However, these general principles apply if you have decided tocommit to the prescription:

a. You are best advised to take progestogen only pills asopposed to the combined pill (oral contraceptive pill)

b. Never MISS your pills………..danger is there will bebreakthrough bleeding, do not panic. When you remember,take them; then do it immediately. If not, take double thedose. You maintain this until your critical time is over.

Remember, we can only plan but our destiny is determined by ourAlmighty God, Allah SWT.


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Appendix 8Checklist for Packing and Purchasing_______________________________________________________

Caveat: Please note that the top priority is to prepare yourselfinwardly and spiritually for Hajj/’Umrah, for “the best provision istaqwa.” The following items do not make the real equipment forHajj/’Umrah. The real equipment lies in getting oneself ready with allthe information needed to perform the rites and in the acquisition ofinner fitness which insyaAllah facilitates one to receive the richspiritual benefits accruing from the Hajj/’Umrah.

Travel documents Tickets (ALWAYS keep in a safe place – hotel better than on

your person) Passport or Hajj passport, if performing hajj (if in your

possession, keep at the hotel, unless you are travelling toJeddah, Medinah, etc.)

Health booklet (meningitis shot, etc.)

Financial documents(please check on foreign currency limits with your bank)

Saudi Riyal – have at least SR650 to pay for ‘dam’ and qurban,several hundred for wheelchair service, and enough cash ifcoming during other than hajj months

Some Malaysian Ringgit (money changers are plentiful inMakkah & Medinah)

Charge/credit cards “I find card with VISA sign as the most reliable because I caneasily obtain Saudi Riyals from Cashpoint ATMs”

Tabung Haji savings book

Communications Paraphernalia Hand phone with new battery (arrange for international

roaming)


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NOTE: Hand phone with camera may be confiscated if youbring into the Holy Masjid, especially Masjid Nabawi. Thefemale guard may do a body search.

Hand phone charger with 2-prong adapter (Saudi Arabia usessame voltage as that in Malaysia. You can also purchase acharger locally for SR5.)

Extra battery Telekom’s Ring Ring or iTalk card Address book containing contact numbers/e-mails Notepad/post it notes Pen Business/personal contact cards

Medication/Supplements (please see Appendix 7)Check with Tabung Haji for their panel doctor list, as some doctorsdo provide a medicinal package, depending on your needs andailments.“I bring a lot of medicine not so much for myself but to dispense towhoever around me who seem to need it. The VICKS inhaler isvery rare in Makkah, so I bring extra to give to people who sufferfrom flu.” Prescription items (bring more than actually required in case of

flight delays.) Doctor’s Prescription note, in case you need refills Vitamins and supplements you normally take, especially

Vitamin C. Paracetamol or other pain/fever medication Dehydration tablet/salts Small first aid kit including plasters and bandages “minyak angin” or your regular rubbing ointments for aches and

pains, muscle cramps Cream for skin irritation eye drops Anti-bacteria lozenges, e.g. Diflam for sore throat (some people

use raw honey and apple cider vinegar, others tamarind andsugar).

Small container of salt for gurgling and prevention of sore throat


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Fisherman’s Friend. “Price rather steep but by far the bestcough tablets. Share in the masjid and maktab. InsyaAllah youyourself would not be needing it.”

Cough syrup Something for purging/vomiting Surgical masks if you are allergic to dust – also available in the

pharmacies in Makkah/Medinah Diarrhea tabletsEditor’s note: You can reduce items to pack by gettinghabbatussauda oil, easily obtainable in Makkah & Medinah,insyaAllah, which can be used internally for general health & torelieve other ailments. It can also be used externally forheadaches, sinus, skin disorders.

Solat/’Umrah/Hajj Paraphernalia spray bottle to take wudhu’ on plane or where place for wudhu’

is inconvenient telekong (at least 2, labeled Malaysia if available, and

preferably with a colored ribbon tied at the back of the head sothat family/group members can spot you)

opaque socks, especially if you intend not to wear the sarong,i.e. wear telekong with jubah"The airline socks are good"

Small mirror (for ladies) to check if any hair is showing throughthe “telekong” especially when in solat, tawaf & ihram." May be confiscated if you bring to Masjidil Haram or MasjidNabawi, unless part of your powder compact.”

Face towel/small towel, preferably white. Carry it wherever yougo. It comes in handy for catching drips when performingwudhu’ on the plane, bus, at your solat area." My Ustaz said it’s sunat to sujud on plain white material. Inaddition, my doctor advised to sujud on a damp towel toprevent inhalation of dust. So I brought along a small whitetowel everywhere.”

Solat mat, the one with plastic lining. Some prefer a smallsejadah or thin cotton sejadah – one that is convenient to washand dry easily and does not take too much space in your bag.


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Counter/tasbeeh Qiblat compass (in case you get stranded where there is no

direction given for Qiblat) Small pocket size Qur’an (you can purchase this in

Makkah/Medinah) Regular supplications, surahs, dhikr Book on solat sunat Ihram cloth, at least 2 sets Ihram belt Hajj/’Umrah guidebooks to read on the plane Foldable scissors for tahallul (in luggage and not carry on) Tote bag. “Very handy to carry all sorts of things to and from

masjid.” Small packs of non-perfumed tissue – “handy to bring to

masjid”

Clothing"Whatever clothing you bring make sure it is light and easy to wash,crease-free, 'airy' and hassle free when taking ablutions/wudhu"

Jacket/sweater/cardigan to wear on the plane, air-conditionedtent at Mina and if the weather is cold. “You may never knowwhen it gets cold. If you do not need to use it, it can always befolded up to be used as pillow in Mina. You can get a goodjacket at the 'bundles'.”

Change of clothes including undergarments Maxi/abaya/jubah/baju kurung (sufficient quantity in white,

sunnah to wear white in ihram). Note that you can buymaxis/abayas in Makkah & Medinah for as low as SR30 or less,fancy ones for about SR70 or more.“I went to Munawarah, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail (TTDI), to checkout what they have and was pleasantly surprised that theyreally have some good designs. Also good quality arm gloves”

Long cotton pants with preferably zippered pockets to wearunderneath jubah/abaya (plentiful in Medinah & Makkah,insyaAllah)

Cotton t-shirts with zippered pocket in front to keep cash andcards (available in Klang Valley shops selling ‘Umrah/hajj wear)


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Long shirts and pants for men 2 Batik/pulicat sarongs (for the men, at least one unsewn) 1 for

hand carry. “Can be used in place of all sorts of thing – pillow,mat, blanket. Can also be worn to masjid.”"The batik sarong plays a very important part when we needsomething to cover our modesty when we change and also totake in the water sprays when we go to the toilet".

Nightwear/pyjamas bathrobe

Undergarments Suspenders/boxers 3 Brassieres or “3 vests instead of bras – keeps you

comfortable and can be slipped on and off more easily, canalso sleep in them.”

Knickers“ Bring plenty of cheap cotton panties (12). Watch out for offersat Makro, Giant or Carrefour. These sometimes cost less thandisposables. They can, however, still be washed and re-used ifnecessary and can also be disposed of since they are cheap.”

Camisoles to reduce transparency of clothes 2 Full length slips/ petticoats to reduce transparency of clothes Disposables (available in pharmacies)

Accessories Sunglasses Reading glasses (if necessary and also available in

Makkah/Medinah for SR5-10) Mini telekong/large scarves Skull cap/’serkop’ Serban/songkok/kopiah hair tie-backs (also available in the “2 Riyal” outlets) comfortable scarf to wear indoors Arm gloves for women (good ones at Munawarah, TTDI)

"Make sure they are of cotton material to avoid itchiness" Watch, preferably waterproof, so that you do not need to

remove when performing wudhu’


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Minimum jewellery (remember ultimate intent of the journey) “Iremoved all forms of jewellery before going.”

6 pairs of 100% cotton sports socks and not the thin, slipperykind (thick socks if going during winter)"I find that wearing an extra pair of dark coloured socks over mywhite socks when doing tawaf, etc. keeps my white socks cleanfor solat"

Sandals (preferably “well worn”, without straps, for ease of wearand preferably waterproof so that you can use them whenperforming wudhu’)

comfortable walking shoes (especially helpful in Mina andcrowded areas) - Covered Bata canvas shoes arerecommended so that your feet/socks do not get dirty/dusty

Toiletries/hygiene items(Remember to bring unscented items, such as “Simple” brand. Labelyour toiletries.)

Small holder with hook to place your toiletries in thebathroom/over the toilet door"Check out the Deuter toiletry case – it’s compact, has manycompartments and comes with a hook for hanging – I boughtmine from a shop selling backpacks in KLCC."

Something to wear while bathing/in the shower, e.g. a mini slip. Non-perfumed tissues - the ones in other countries may be

rough Wet wipes “Handy for Mina when you cannot take a bath.” Towel, if not provided by the hotel or if you want to take with

you to Arafah, Muzdalifah, Mina. Alternatively, Cheap towels (3for RM10) that can be washed and dried easily.

Shaver (do shave body hair just before you don your ihram) Non-perfumed soap (liquid soap may be convenient to bring

around.) Non-perfumed body lotion. “Use daily to avoid drying up.” Cotton puffs Cotton buds Shower cap (especially useful to keep head covered when

going to the toilet)


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Shampoo Comb/hair brush Moisturiser (get the water soluble kind so that you can easily

remove it for wudhu’) Cleanser

"I find those baby wipes very useful in removing make-up.Check out those that are alcohol free and unscented."

Powder Facial blotter (especially useful if you don’t want to use powder) Non-perfumed water based sunscreen Floss Toothbrush (alternatively, you can use miswak – fresh ones

about SR2 in blister pack at bookstores, department stores,some retail shops; dry ones much cheaper and sold on thestreet outside the Masjids)NOTE: MISWAAK - twigs of certain trees that are used on aregular basis by Muslims for centuries (and all Prophets, PeaceBe upon Them) to maintain oral hygiene and gain the pleasureof Allah SWT. It is a "natural toothbrush." Not only does itprovide spiritual benefits, but it is also beneficial to the everydaymaintenance of one's mouth, gums, and teeth. Seehttp://www.islam.tc/Miswaak/

Toothpaste (make sure you are confident the brand is HALAL) Non-perfumed chapstick Non-perfumed deodorant Nail clipper, nail file Waterless non-perfumed hand wash liquid Sanitary pads/panty liners Toilet tissue* Small “gayong” or large plastic mug to wash oneself in WC Bathroom slippers (soles at least 1 inch thick, to protect feet

from najis) or wooden clogsEditor’s note: You can reduce items to pack by gettinghabbatussauda oil, easily obtainable in Makkah & Medinah,insyaAllah, which can be used for external application asmoisturiser for face & body.


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Foodstuff & Paraphernalia(Food is normally easily available around the masjids)

Water bottle carrier and plastic cup/small bottle (e.g. 500ml or375ml) of water for drinking, to be taken with you everywhere.(It is better to sip 1000x rather than have a big glass and thenneeding to go to the washroom often.)

Plastic tumbler to store Zam Zam water and take back to hoteldaily

Water flask if you want to keep drinks hot/cold. “serunding”, “sambal ikan bilis”, bread, etc. Biscuits, nuts, chocolates, goat milk tablets, drinks, etc. Plastic bowl with lid, spoon, fork Small electric kettle, cup, teaspoon, coffee, especially for those

who need a hot drink before Subuh."We stayed at 5-star hotels, yet there was no hot drink makingfacility"

Fruits, etc. to purchase locally to take to Arafah, Muzdalifah,Mina

Ziploc bags to store leftovers, etc. Plastic bag for trash Small knife (with cover/case, or the “Swiss Army” type) to cut

fruits (knife to be packed in luggage for checking in) Water jug. “In Mina I used this (a large Tupperware actually) to

get hot water for tea in the morning and midday. Saveseveryone, especially senior citizens, from collecting hot waterindividually. Can scald them.”

Miscellany Wish list of what you would like to ask Allah for Small backpack (check out the foldable Travelpak brand) for

solat mat, snacks, tumbler, shoe bag to take to the masjid(leaves arms free)

Ear plugs"I find these very helpful when I want to go into retreat andsilence and need full khusyu' They are also helpful when thereare uncontrollable crowds, fighting, swearing, etc at Arafah,Mina and the Jamrahs."


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Shoe bag (preferably waterproof and flexible. Some prefer batikdesign for ease of recognition). If performing Hajj, your shoebag will probably be given by the sponsors. Otherwise, checkout the Travelpak brand.

Highlighter, if you wish to highlight items in the books youpurchase.

Post-it bookmarks, if you wish to mark your books. Paper to line shelves in cupboard Small torch light, especially useful for picking pebbles Small pouch for pebbles at Muzdalifah & Mina Umbrella Camera + film + battery (keep this out of the 2 Holy Masjids) House key Alarm clock, alternatively “Can also set your hand-phone.” (Or

you can purchase the “Al Fajr” alarm clock in Makkah orMedinah.)

Straw mat, in case you need to need to sit/lie down on theground at Mina & Muzdalifah. You can also purchase plastic“hajj mats” in Makkah/Medinah

Small folding chair with back (SR15-20) for those who are notused to sitting a long time on the floor.

Needles and thread of a few colours (Never know when yourbuttons might snap). You can also get them from the “2 Riyal”shops.

battery-operated personal fan Note book.

Laundry(please note that you can opt to send your clothes to the smalllaundry shops located among the regular retail shops inMakkah/Medinah)

String for tying things/hanging clothes Small umbrella-like hanger with clips for hanging clothes Foldable hangers* (very useful for drying clothes in your room) 'clippies' to dry your socks and underwear. Travel iron, if preferred


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Washing detergent (you can also buy this at the 2 RIYAL shopor local minimarket.)

Small pail/basin (you can get this in Makkah) or get a strongplastic bag to soak dirty clothes.

LuggageIdentify Luggage Clearly -- label all on the inside and outside withyour name and contact number

Courtesy of FaziatoneHow our bags are stacked every time we move

“Most of the time we won't be able to hold on to our bags when wemove from one place to another. To make it easier and faster for theworkers to send the bags to our rooms and faster for us to retrievethem, have rolls of masking tape ready with you, The tapes are soeasy to stick on your bags and can be labelled with a pen or marker.This is especially convenient for the bags that Tabung Haji gave us --everybody had one, exactly the same colour and design!!!!”

Luggage bag, preferably with rollers and one that is flat and canbe easily opened up for Customs inspection. Luggage withrollers would be most helpful when you need to walk to findyour camp in Arafat & Mina.


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Luggage label – you can print your name, etc. in BOLD in A4size paper and laminate or add plastic cover.

Colourful/luminous luggage labels or ribbons, for ease ofidentification. Useful to tag your boxes and Zam Zam waterwith the same type and colour too.

Luggage key/combination locks Hand luggage (Note: Tabung Haji normally provides a good

size hand luggage. Be sure to clearly mark your hand luggage -something not too big but visible from far because everyoneelse will be using the same looking bag -- suggest luminousribbons or tags.

Permanent marker for marking items/luggage Masking tape for labeling items/luggage Extra empty bag or two for your souvenirs. Note that luggage is

low priced there. Alternatively, you can obtain boxes, tie withstring and at the airport get them safety wrapped.

Camping Paraphernalia* Tent that can be easily set up and put away* Sleeping bag* Pillow camp stool

Linens Light cotton sheet/rug rather than plastic mat (sweat sticks on

your back) Blanket (may be applicable to all if using air conditioned tents)* Towels* Small/neck pillow Pillow cases*

* Needed if you are going under muassasah. Please check withTabung Haji if there’s anything else to pack

Note:1. Items UNDERLINED are recommended for hand carry. Note

that you may not reach your ultimate destination as scheduled.


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Do carry an extra set of clothing. Be prepared to solatANYWHERE appropriate.

2. Bring as few pieces of clothing as possible because you canpurchase them relatively inexpensively in Medinah/Makkah,insyaAllah.

Source; http://www.jannah.org/hajj/

Hajj & Umrah Handbook (2008) - Book 2 of 5: Preparing for Hajj & Umrah

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Transcript of Hajj & Umrah Handbook (2008) - Book 2 of 5: Preparing for Hajj & Umrah