Actions that Nullify Ihram

Ihram is the sacred state which a pilgrim has to attain before entering the Miqat for the purpose of Hajj. A pilgrim has to make sure that he does not get involved in any such act which results in nullifying his Ihram. Allah Almighty said:
“Let there be neither obscenity nor wickedness nor wrangling in the Hajj” (Qur’an 2:197).
Listed below are the acts that consequently invalidate the Ihram of a pilgrim:

  • One should not engage in any sort of wrongdoing, transgression or immoral activity while in state of ihram.
  • The male pilgrim is not allowed to wear any kind of sewed clothes nor any perfume while in the state of Ihram. Ibn ‘Umar narrated that Allah’s Apostle (PBUH) said: “A person in a state of ihram is not allowed to wear a sewn shirt, a turban, a hooded robe, underpants, a cloth that has been dyed with sweet smelling fragrance (such as saffron), shoes or sewn slippers, unless one is unable to find regular un-sewn slippers, then one may wear his shoes provided one cuts them down to the ankles.”
  • The female pilgrim should not cover her face with a veil in the state of Ihram.
  • The males must not cover their head.
  • One is not permitted to cut hair or nails after acquiring Ihram. Allah says: “And do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice.” (Qur’an 2:196)
  • The pilgrims must realize that being involved in any kind of sexual activity like kissing or touching the spouse to provoke sexual desire will nullify the ihram.
  • It is not permissible for a pilgrim to propose marriage during the sacred state of ihram.
  • The pilgrims cannot use any scented soaps or shampoo during the state of ihram.
  • A pilgrim is not allowed to quarrel or fight with anyone as it counts as disrespect of ihram.
  • One cannot kill an insect on anyone’s body.
  • Cutting or planting a tree is not allowed.
  • No animal hunting is permissible while in the condition of Ihram. The Qur’an says: “Lawful to you is the pursuit of water game and its use for food – for the benefit of yourselves and those who travel; but forbidden is the pursuit of the land game – as long as you are in the Sacred Precincts or in pilgrim garb.” (Qur’an 5:96)
  • The pilgrim is not permitted to apply oil on the body.

Anyone who performs any such act that nullifies his ihram has to pay the penalty as prescribed by Allah Almighty.

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About Hajj and `Umrah

hajj-umrah
1. What are Hajj and`Umrah and what are the differences between them?

Hajj and `Umrah are the pilgrimages of Islam. Hajj is usually referred to as the major pilgrimage or the Pilgrimage, and `Umrah as the lesser one. Both Hajj and `Umrah consist of a journey to Makkah that involves certain rituals such as ihram, circumambulating the Ka`bah, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah, and shaving or cutting the hair. The above are the basic rituals of `Umrah while Hajj has these and additional rituals, including spending days and nights in `Arafah, Mina, and Muzdalifah – areas neighboring the city of Makkah. Another difference between the major and minor pilgrimages is that there is a prescribed time for Hajj whereas `Umrah can be performed at any time in the year. In addition, Hajj and `Umrah differ regarding the ruling of each of them, as discussed below.

2. What is the ruling of Hajj and `Umrah?

Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam. Allah says in the Qur’an [And pilgrimage to the House is a duty unto Allah for mankind, for him who can find a way thither] (Aal `Imran 3:97). `Abdullah ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying “Islam has been built on five [pillars]: testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammed is the Messenger of Allah, performing the prayers, paying the zakah, making the pilgrimage to the House, and fasting in Ramadan.”

So Muslim scholars are unanimously agreed that Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime for those eligible. What makes people eligible is discussed below.

As for `Umrah, Muslim scholars disagree whether it is obligatory or merely a recommended Sunnah. However, it is better to perform it in order to be on the safe side. You can choose the mode of Hajj known as tamatu` in which both `Umrah and Hajj are performed. More information on tamatu` and the other modes of Hajj are provided later in this article.

3. Who is eligible to perform Hajj?

Hajj is obligatory on male and female Muslims who meet the following conditions:

a. Are Muslim 

The acts of worship are accepted only from Muslims. If non-Muslims pray, fast, or perform Hajj or `Umrah, their acts will never be accepted since the first and foremost requirement, that of being a Muslim, is absent.

b. Have reached puberty

Attaining the age of puberty is the second condition. Little boys and girls are not required to do Hajj or `Umrah. It is acceptable and rewardable to let them participate with their families in performing Hajj and `Umrah, but they are still required to do Hajj and `Umrah again when they reach the age of puberty, which can be verified by meeting one of the following criteria:

1. Having a wet dream

2. Ejaculating semen

3. Reaching the age of 15

4. Growing pubic hair

5. Menstruating

c. Are sane

Insane people are not required to perform the acts of worship until they regain their sanity.

d. Have the ability

As it is clear from the above verse, Hajj is only required from those able to do it. The ability mentioned here is in terms of three things:

1. Health

People who are ill and are not expected to recover or to be able to perform Hajj in the future, or who are too old to perform Hajj are excused from Hajj. However, if they are financially able, they have to send another person to perform Hajj on their behalf.

2. Financial ability

People should also be able to afford the costs of Hajj and to leave enough money for these they are responsible for. Muslims are not required to take loans to perform Hajj or `Umrah. Actually, Hajj is not obligatory on those who are in debt.

However, if someone has a long-term loan and they are required to pay only a certain amount each month, then their debt is only that which is due each month. If they pay off all the debt and then nothing is left with them to make Hajj, then Hajj is not obligatory on them. But if they only pay their monthly dues and then have enough money to make Hajj, then they should make Hajj because it is obligatory on them.

If someone is in debt and their creditor allows them to go for Hajj, then they can perform Hajj. If someone takes a loan (of course, without interest) to perform Hajj and makes Hajj, their Hajj is valid, although they were not required to perform it and Hajj was not obligatory on them.

3. Safety

If traveling to Hajj would risk someone’s life, such as if there were a war or the like, they are not required to perform Hajj because they are unable to do so safely.

4. What are the modes of Hajj?

There are three modes of Hajj: ifrad, tamatu` and qiran.

a. Ifrad involves performing the rituals of Hajj only.

b. Tamatu` involves a complete `Umrah and a complete Hajj, each separated from the other. This means that the `Umrah is performed first in the months of Hajj and after completing it, one goes out of the state of ihram. Afterwards, on Dhul-Hijjah 8, one initiates ihram once again for performing Hajj.

c. Qiran is a combination of `Umrah and Hajj, performed with no break between them. After performing `Umrah, one remains in the state of ihram until starting the rituals of Hajj on Dhul-Hijjah 8.

Being free from sin through Hajj

Abu Hurayrah radhiyallahu anhu reports that Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said “Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of pleasing Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor commits any evil deed, shall return from it as free from sin as the day on which his mother gave birth to him.”
When a child is ushered into this world, it enters this life without any blemish and is free from any form of sin. Now, when the Hajj has been performed with utmost sincerity for Allah’s sake, the pilgrim returns to that sinless state.
When we speak of forgiveness of sins as in the Hadeeth mentioned above, we actually refer to minor sins. However, the contents of this Hadeeth have been noted in such numerous Ahaadeeth that some learned Ulaamaa is of the opinion that minor, as well as major sins, are included in this pardon from Allah.
In this Hadeeth under discussion, three things are mentioned. In the first place we read that Hajj should be for Allah’s sake and that there should be no worldly object and no ulterior motive prompting this holy deed, neither should it be for the show of things, nor for personal fame. Many people proceed to Makkah for the sake of personal honor and show. Such people have indeed wasted whatever they have spent by way of wealth, health and energy. For them, there shall be no reward. We admit that when a person has performed his Hajj even for the sake of showing others, his obligation has been carried out. But how foolish it is indeed that a person should deny himself such great virtue and reward (in the form of Allah’s great pardon) merely because of his desire to be noted among some people.
Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam once said, “Near the time of Qiyaamah the rich ones from amongst my Ummah will perform Hajj for the sake of travel and holiday; (like having a holiday in Hijaaz instead of one in London or Paris). The middle class will perform Hajj for commercial purposes, thereby transporting goods from here to there while bringing commercial goods from there to here. The Ulamaa will perform Hajj for the sake of show and fame; (to outdo and surpass Maulana so and so, or any rival shaykh who had performed Hajj a certain number of times). The poor will perform Hajj for the purpose of begging.” (Kanzul Ummaal)
The Ulamaa have stated that should a person perform a “Hajje Badal” on behalf of someone else for a specific price, so that he derives worldly benefit from such a Hajj, he too is included among those who perform Hajj for commercial purposes.
In another Hadeeth, we read “that the kings and rulers will perform Hajj for the sake of having pleasurable holidays; the wealthy ones for the sake of business; the poor ones for the sake of begging; while the learned ones will come for Hajj for the sake of the show.” (It’haaf)
In the first of these two Traditions, we read that the wealthy ones will perform Hajj for the sake of having a tour and a holiday. In the second Hadeeth we read again that they will do so for the sake of business. In actual fact, there is no contradiction here even though it apparently seems so. In the former case, those mentioned as wealthy ones are actually those very rich ones who in the second Hadeeth are called sultaans or rulers. In actual fact, they are slightly lower than the rulers. For this reason they are also called the middle class.
Once Umar radhiyallahu anhu was standing between Mount Safaa and Marwah. A group of people came along, alighted from their camels and proceeded to perform tawaaf around Ka’bah. They then came for the sa’ee between Safaa and Marwah. Umar radhiyallahu anhu inquired from them as to who they were. They replied that they were from Iraq. When Umar radhiyallahu anhu inquired as to whether they perhaps had any other intention, e.g. to claim an inheritance, to reclaim a debt to them, or for any other business purpose. They replied: “No”. Then Umar radhiyallahu anhu said: “In that case restart your deeds (like people who have done no evil deeds)”.
What Umar radhiyallahu anhu implied was that having come to the Holy House solely for Allah’s sake, their previous evil deeds were forgiven. They can now start anew. The second point that becomes clear from the Hadeeth under discussion is that no evil word shall be spoken. The Ulamaa have explained that the word “rafath” (evil speech) includes every single form of words which are unseemly, nonsensical and unnecessary to such an extent that even the mention of sexual relations with one’s wife is also included. To indicate or insinuate such actions with hand signs or the eyes should be refrained from. All such actions and others which stir passions and lust are condemned.
The third point towards which attention is drawn is “fusooq”, which here signifies every single form of disobedience to Allah’s will. One should especially avoid any form of argument and dispute. In one Hadeeth our Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam has said: “The beauty of Hajj is attained by speaking amicably with others and to feed them.” To argue with fellow Hujjaaj and to fight with them is the opposite of amicable speech. Hence it is the duty of a Haajji not to criticize his fellow Hujjaaj, to meet everyone with love, humility, and humbleness, and to deal with them in a most friendly manner. Some Ulamaa has explained that to meet others in a friendly manner does not only mean that one should not hurt or trouble one’s fellow men. It means that one should (without retaliation) bear and pardons the hurt that comes from their side to you.
The word safar (a journey) means in actual fact “to expose”, “to make clear”. The Ulamaa informs us that a journey is called safar in Arabic because on a journey one’s character is exposed and becomes clear.
Once Umar radhiyallahu anhu asked a man whether he knew a certain person to which the man said that he knew him. Then Umar radhiyallahu anhu inquired, whether the man had been on a journey with that person, to which the man said that he had not. Then Umar radhiyallahu anhu said: “You do not know him.” In one Hadeeth it is stated that a person praised another in the presence of Umar radhiyallahu anhu. Umar radhiyallahu anhu asked: “Did you travel with him?” He replied: “I did not travel with him.” Umar radhiyallahu anhu asked: “Did you have any dealings with him ?” He answered: “No, I had no dealings with him.” Umar radhiyallahu anhu then said: “You do not know that person.” (It’haaf).
There can be no doubt about it that only after having been with a person in similar cases can one truly know a person’s character and his reactions to situations. On a journey, there is always a certain amount of inconvenience which inevitably leads to arguments and it is for this reason that the Qur’an especially mentions: “And let there be no arguments in Hajj.”

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 source: muslimvillage.com

The Rewards of Hajj

Hajj the fifth pillar of Islam is not just a religious duty, but it is also a rewarding journey for any Muslim, who has performed all its rights in properly. One of these rewards is that Allah will write off all our past sins that will eventually pave our way to Paradise in eternal life. You can learn more about the rewards of Hajj from the following Ahadith in which our beloved Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said that “He who came to this House (the Ka’bah) (with the intention in performing Hajj) without speaking or committing indecencies, would return (free from sin) as on the day his mother bore him.” (Muslim, 2/3129)

Another hadith reveals that “From one ‘Umrah to another is expiation for what is between them and Hajj Mabrûr has no reward except Paradise.” (Bukhari and Muslim). It means that the everlasting reward of major pilgrimage is nothing but Paradise. Where, we will experience a life that will be full of happiness, prosperity and peace. The Quran says, “But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness. We shall soon admit them to Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath, to dwell therein forever. Allâh’s promise is the truth, and whose word can be truer than Allâh’s?” (Qur’an 4:122)
That’s not all our prayers are also accepted as a reward for performing Hajj properly. So Hajj is the best time to ask for forgiveness of Allah, as he responds to our prayers. As it is mentioned in the following Hadith, Abu Hurayrah (r.a., radhiallahu anhu) relates that Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “Those who perform the Hajj and those who perform the umrah are people who have come to visit Allah. If they supplicate Him He will respond to them, and if they ask Him for forgiveness He will forgive them.” (Tirmidhi 2536 and Ibn Majah)

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Since Allah listen and responds to pilgrims’ supplications therefore it is the best time to ask for his blessings both in this world and the life after it. Pilgrims can make such a prayer when they are performing the Tawaaf of Khana Kaaba and are between Yamini corner and Hajr e Aswad (black stone) based on this Ahdith: ‘Abdullah bin As-Sa’ib narrated: “I heard Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.) say between the two corners, ‘O Allah, bring us a blessing in this world and a blessing in the next and guard us from punishment of Hell.’” (Abu Dawud 1887)
Besides eternal benefits, Hajj Mabrûr also enables pilgrims to enjoy great rewards in world too. Economic wealth is one of these worldly benefits. Allah says in his last book that “It is no crime in you if you seek of the bounty of your Rabb (during pilgrimage). Then when you pour down from (Mount) Arafat, celebrate the praises of Allah at the Sacred Monument, and celebrate His praises as He has directed you even though before this you went astray.” (Qur’an, 2:198)

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Above all, performing Hajj increases your imaan and at the same time it improves your physical fitness too, as the holy journey demands lot of walking and running. Thus, one has to take good care of themselves if they really want to complete this journey. And the best way to do it is by performing regular exercise and eating good food.

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