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Hajj is a rehearsal of life in both this world and the next, a theater of all Islamic life based upon deep devotion to God and perception of one’s servanthood and God’s Divinity and Lordship. It consists of love, action, humility, God-consciousness, sacrifice, and dominion

Hajj is Obligatory Only Once. All Muslim scholars agree that Hajj is obligatory only once during a Muslim’s lifetime, unless someone vows to per-form an extra Hajj, in which case the vow must be fulfilled. Whatever is done over and above is supererogatory or optional. When Hajj

Ihram is the intention to perform Hajj or ‘Umra, either singly or together, and marks the beginning of either one, or both, if they are performed together. It also signifies making some things forbidden. Men wear a special attire of two white, unstitched, cloth sheets. One of th

Hajj or ihram is divided into three categories, each of which all scholars say are legitimate: Qiran (combining ‘Umra and Hajj in one state of ihram), Tamattu’ (combining Hajj and ‘Umra with a break in between), and Ifrad (Hajj only). Qiran. Here, pilgrims declare th

These are as follows: Sexual intercourse and all matters leading to it (e.g., kissing, touching, or talking to one’s wife about intercourse or related matters). Committing sins that cause deviation from the path of obeying God. ·  Disputing, arguing, or fighting with companions,

 The following violations must be paid for by sacrificing a sheep or a goat: Wearing perfume or similar things on any part of the body or henna on the head; wearing a stitched garment or covering one’s head (for men) for a day; shaving at least one-fourth of one’s head; cl

The Sacred Precincts of Makka include the area around Makka, which are marked by stones a meter high, on all roads leading to or from the city. In this area, killing game animals and cutting green trees are prohibited. On the northern side, Haram Makka extends to Tan’im, 6 kilom

In the Sacred Precincts of Madina, killing game animals and cutting trees also are prohibited, with the exception that Madina’s residents can use trees and grass for their animals. The sacred precincts of Madina extend from Eer to Thawr. Eer is a mountain at the miqat for Madina

The obligatory acts consist of staying for some time in ‘Arafat after noon on the eve of ‘Iyd al-Adha (Dhu’l-Hijja 9), and performing the obligatory circumambulation (tawaf) of visiting. Ihram is also essential for Hajj. The necessary acts for Hajj are as follows: Ge

Performing wudu’ or ghusl before putting on the Hajj attire to enter the state of ihram. Before wearing the Hajj attire, wearing permitted perfume. Offering two rak’ats of prayer as a sunna act of ihram, and reciting Surat al-Kafirun and Surat al-Ikhlas in each rak’a