Hajj Preeminent pilgrimage in Islam, to Makkah, compulsory for Muslims in good health and with sufficient funds to make the journey. The length of the obligatory rituals with the hajj covers about 6 days, but which are the core rituals is a matter of definitions, and maybe set as low as covering 3 days. The hajj is the foremost of all Muslim rituals, even if less than 10% of all Muslims ever manage to complete it.
In modern times about 2.5 million Muslims fulfill the hajj every year, and this number seems to be fairly close to the recorded maximum. Saudi authorities now regulate how many may come from each country, requiring pilgrims to file requests, many of which are declined. A person performing, and having performed the hajj, is called hajji. Many hajjis add ‘Hajj’ or ‘Hajji’ to their name after returning from Makkah. Hajj Registration deadline will be on 30th April 2019.
The following are not obliged to perform hajj: Those who are mentally ill, slaves, women without traveling companions (like close relative or husband), and people without the necessary funds.
Pillars of Hajj
Ihram (Niya)
Tawaf
Sa’ayi
Standing at arafa
Three ways to perform Hajj
Tamattu` means performing `Umrah during the Hajj season, and on the Day of Tarwiah a pilgrim gets into the state of Ihram for Hajj. Anyone intending to perform a Tamattu` Hajj should on approaching the Miqat make intention for Umrah. After fulfilling the Hajj rituals, one should offer a sacrificial animal
Qiran means to combine Hajj and ‘Umrah. This means that the pilgrim should declare the intention to perform both Hajj and `Umrah together, “Labbayk-Allahumma labbayka bi-Hajjin wa-‘Umrah!” or “Labbayka Hajjan wa ‘Umratan!” “O, Allah! I answer Your call to perform Hajj and ‘Umrah!” In this kind of Hajj, it is not allowed for the pilgrim to end the state of Ihraam after Sa’ay. The pilgrim will not have to perform after the Ifadah Tawaaf on the 10th of dhil Hijjah the Sa’y because it is already performed for both Hajj and `Umrah. The pilgrim is supposed to bring his sacrificial animal with him as the Prophet (S) did. This must be done because the rituals of Hajj and `Umrah were joined together.
Ifraad means that the pilgrim declares his intention for Hajj only. ” Labbayk-Allahumma labbayka bi-Hajj!” or ” Labbayka Hajjan” “O Allah! I answer Your call to perform Hajj.” The pilgrim maintains his Ihraam up to the Day of Sacrifice. No animal sacrifice offering is required from him.