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One must begin tawaf (circumambulation) with one’s right shoulder un-covered, the Ka’ba on the left, and, while facing the Black Stone, kissing it (if possible), or touching it with one’s hand, or pointing in its direction. Jogging lightly through the first three cir

Pilgrims, whether they are performing Hajj or ‘Umra perform sa’y after tawaf. Sa’y means running from Safa to Marwa four times and the other way three times. The Qur’an stresses that each person meets that for whatever one strives or endeavors (53:39). Sa’

The word ‘umra is derived from al-i’timar, which means “to visit.” In this context, it means visiting the Ka’ba, performing tawaf, walking between Safa and Marwa seven times, and then shaving one’s head or cutting one’s hair short. It is a sun

People who intend to perform Hajj must ensure that all of the money to be spent during Hajj was earned in Islamically lawful ways. Debts must be paid off, and everyone who has rights upon the intending pilgrim must be asked to suspend those rights. In addition, the intending pilgrims

If the pilgrims intended to perform either Hajj or ‘Umra but were prevented from approaching the House of God, they must sacrifice whatever animal they can afford (e.g., a sheep or a larger animal) within Makka’s sacred precincts. After this, they can leave the state of ih

Offering a sacrifice (a sheep, a goat, and for seven people a camel, a cow, or an ox) is incumbent (wajib) upon every adult Muslim who has the nisab amount of wealth. The difference between having to pay zakat and sacrificing is that zakat must be paid on it if the person has had it f

Going to Madina and visiting the Prophet’s Mosque and tomb is sunna and brings great reward. God’s Messenger gave the glad tiding that visiting him after his death is like visiting him while he was alive. This visit may be made be-fore or after Hajj. He also said: “T

God’s Messenger, upon him be peace and blessings, used to go to Quba, riding or on foot, every Saturday and offer a two-rak’at prayer. He advised others to do the same: “Whoever makes ablutions at home and then goes and prays in the Quba Mosque will have a reward lik

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

People with no inner spiritual life sometimes ask: If God created everything, who created God? The Prophet said that some people would ask this very question: “A day will certainly come when some people will sit with their legs crossed and ask: ‘If God created everything,