Practical Hajj Guide

Arkaan (Pillars) of ‘Umrah

1.Ihraam
2.Tawaaf
3.S’ay (walking between as-Safaa and al-Marwah).

Waajibaat (Obligations) of ‘Umrah

1.Ihraam from the meeqaat.
2.Shaving or trimming (the hair of the head).

Arkaan (Pillars) of Hajj

1.Ihraam
2.Tawaaf al-Ifaadhah
3.Woqoof (standing) in ‘Arafah
4.S’ay between as-Safaa and al-Marwah

Waajibaat (Obligations) of Hajj

1.Ihraam from the meeqaat.
2.Remaining at ‘Arafah till sunset for those who are there by day.
3.Remaining at Muzdalifah till Fajr until the horizon becomes clear (i.e. brightens), except for the weak/excused who may leave after half the night has passed.
4.Spending the nights in Minaa during the days of tashreeq (11th, 12th and 13th of Thul Hijjah)
5.Pelting the big jamarah (stone pillar) in addition to the others on the days of tashreeq
6.Shaving or trimming (the hair).
7.The farewell tawaaf.

Important Note:

Dear reader, in what follows you will find some simple symbols indicating what is a rukn (pillar), a waajib or a sunnah. These symbols are as follows: (***) for rukn, (**) for waajib, (*) for sunnah. Be aware that whoever leaves out something which is a rukn, their Hajj is incomplete and cannot be compensated for unless that rukn is done. And whoever leaves out a waajib, they will have to expiate for it.